Get Local: Your daily rundown for Monday, May 19th!
We've got a special look at a local institution building the healthcare workforce, updates from Cayuga Co. and Victor, as well as a fun story from Keuka College's recent graduation ceremony!
GET LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Building the region’s healthcare workforce—one nurse at a time
The Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing is quietly shaping the future of local healthcare. Dean Kathleen Mills says the programs—offering both LPN and RN pathways—are built to serve the community, support working adults, and create clear, affordable routes into the nursing profession.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Cool week.
The Finger Lakes will see sunshine through Tuesday with highs in the upper 50s and overnight lows dipping into the 30s and 40s. Rain moves in Wednesday afternoon and continues through the weekend, with the heaviest precipitation expected Wednesday night into Thursday. Temperatures will stay cool, with highs mostly in the mid to upper 50s and frequent chances for showers through Sunday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Watkins Glen hosted more than 100 Corvettes over the weekend during the annual “Corvette Thunder in the Glen” festival, drawing crowds to Franklin Street and Clute Park. The event celebrated the Corvette’s 72-year legacy, including its historic ties to local racing. Drivers wrapped up the festivities with laps on the original road course and Watkins Glen International, with plans already underway to expand the event next year.
The Victor Planning Board approved a Verizon Wireless antenna upgrade at Fishers Station and held hearings on two other projects: A Route 96 auto sales facility and a revised Blazey Road subdivision impacted by new wetlands regulations. Board members and the public raised concerns about drainage, property conditions, and environmental compliance, prompting continued review. Four additional projects—including a Chick-fil-A proposal—were postponed to the May 28 meeting.
A second arrest has been made in the case of a disabled 18-year-old girl found alone on the roadside in Macedon in late April. Scott Parsons, 45, was charged with endangering the welfare of a disabled person after allegedly leaving the teen without any way to call for help. The teen’s mother, Tiffany Matteson, was previously charged with two counts related to neglect and failure to provide proper care.
A surprise reunion between Keuka College graduate Elizabeth Stewart and her brother, Airman First Class Thomas Smith, stunned the crowd during the college’s 116th Commencement ceremony. The emotional moment capped a day of celebration, speeches, and honors recognizing over 350 graduates. Highlights included a keynote from President Amy Storey, awards for faculty excellence, and a Doctor of Humane Letters degree presented to Board Chair Dr. Crystal Gips.
Cayuga County’s Public Works and Judicial & Public Safety Committees advanced several initiatives, including a new snow removal contract with Onondaga County and emergency staffing upgrades for the 911 Center. The District Attorney announced a new welfare fraud task force, while storm response efforts and public safety training were also detailed. Additionally, the county is exploring a partnership to provide legal services to Seneca County and continued its DWI outreach with upcoming community events.
USPS releases stamps for Army, Navy, Marine Corps 250th anniversaries
The U.S. Postal Service has launched a new series of commemorative Forever stamps celebrating the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The release honors the founding of these military branches in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War.