Get Local: Your daily rundown for Saturday, May 31st!
Cayuga sheriff sounds off over hiring freeze and budget crisis, Yates officials dispute sanctuary claims by federal government, update on missing Victor man, and Bath man charged with arson.
Cayuga County Sheriff sounds off over hiring freeze amid budget crisis
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck warned that a new county-wide hiring freeze will significantly impact public safety services amid an ongoing budget crisis. The freeze, enacted by the legislature on May 27, affects all departments, including the already strained sheriffâs office. An amendment to the resolution now allows hiring of both custody and road patrol deputies, the latter of which are not state-mandated but deemed essential by Schenck. As 2026 budget planning begins, he urged collaboration and community input to maintain services with limited resources.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Cool, but improving conditions.
Cloudy skies and scattered showers are expected today with highs around 56°F and a brisk northwest breeze. The weekend will remain cool, with a chance of afternoon showers on Sunday and overnight lows in the mid-40s. Conditions improve early next week, with sunny skies and warming temperaturesâreaching 82°F by Tuesday and near 88°F on Wednesday. Rain chances return Thursday and Friday, with scattered showers and highs falling back into the upper 70s.
Fast 5: Whatâs happening in the Finger Lakes?
A judge has denied most defense motions in the murder case involving seven individuals accused of torturing and killing Sam Nordquist. The defendants allegedly held Nordquist captive for over a month before his body was discovered in February. Judge Kristina Karle rejected motions to dismiss charges, impose sanctions, or change venue, citing the caseâs complexity. The trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on September 2, with pretrial hearings planned throughout the summer.
Michael Eldridge, 28, of Hornell, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for causing a fatal 2023 crash in Avoca while driving under the influence of marijuana. Prosecutors said Eldridge was traveling 87 mph on Route 415 when he veered into oncoming traffic, killing Michael Hinrich and injuring two others. He was convicted on assault and multiple manslaughter charges. Eldridge will also serve five years of post-release supervision following his prison term.
Yates County officials are disputing a recent Department of Homeland Security report that labeled the county as a sanctuary jurisdiction. Sheriff Frank Ryan said the county was unaware of the designation and is seeking immediate clarification and removal from the list. Officials pointed to a 2019 resolution opposing sanctuary policies as evidence of the countyâs stance. County leaders have begun outreach to federal authorities and expect the issue to be resolved soon.
The remains of 83-year-old Reginald Vardon, who went missing in July 2024, were found May 27 in a remote area of Victor near Mud Creek. A person fishing discovered the remains, which were later identified through dental X-rays. Authorities believe Vardon may have been swept away by rising creek waters during a storm the day he disappeared. While the exact cause of death may never be known, officials say the discovery brings closure to his family.
A Steuben County man has been charged with third-degree arson following a February house fire in the town of Bath. Timothy S. DeWolf, 47, was arrested on May 28 after a months-long investigation determined the fire was suspicious. The blaze occurred on February 6 at a home on State Route 415, which was unoccupied at the time. DeWolf was arraigned in Steuben County and is being held pending further legal proceedings.
