Get Local: Your daily rundown for Thursday, June 5th!
Exclusive conversation with Canandaigua business owner. Plus, update on Ontario Co. fire, Canandaigua city decisions earlier this week, and Yates Community Center fundraiser.
GET LOCAL EXCLUSIVE: Chris Harris talks opening, reception to Practice Time Sports in Canandaigua
Chris Harris founded Practice Time Sports in Canandaigua to provide a space where families and young athletes can have fun, train, and reconnect. Inspired by his own experience at a now-closed driving range, Harris created an indoor facility that blends structured sports training with unstructured play. Since opening, the business has expanded to include batting cages, turf zones, and summer camps that expose kids to a variety of sports. Harris says the goal is to create a “third place” for the community — a welcoming, screen-free environment for connection and movement.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Staying mild, showers possible.
The Finger Lakes region faces an unsettled weather pattern over the next several days, with multiple chances for showers and thunderstorms. Rain is most likely this afternoon and Friday, with potential for thunderstorms and localized downpours. Temperatures will remain mild, with highs ranging from the low 70s to near 80. While some breaks in sunshine are expected over the weekend, scattered rain chances continue through early next week.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Yates County officials are raising concerns over proposed federal budget cuts that could reduce Medicaid and SNAP benefits for local residents. Social Services Commissioner Amy Miller warned that the changes would burden working families and complicate service delivery. The cuts would limit retroactive Medicaid coverage and impose stricter work requirements for SNAP recipients, potentially disrupting care at facilities like Soldiers and Sailors Hospital. With millions at risk of losing coverage nationwide, local leaders fear serious impacts on both residents and healthcare providers.
Terrance Hines, 45, of Auburn, was sentenced to 12 years in prison following his conviction on felony drug possession charges. A Cayuga County jury found him guilty in April of possessing more than one-eighth of an ounce of cocaine with intent to sell. Judge Thomas G. Leone imposed the maximum sentence allowed by law, with both prison terms running concurrently and followed by three years of post-release supervision. The case was prosecuted by special counsel Mark Moody from the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office.
The Yates Community Center has launched its “Raise the Roof” campaign to fund a new 35,000-square-foot facility in Penn Yan. With over $4.6 million already pledged, the center is seeking community support to complete the project, which will offer sports, wellness, and event spaces. Construction is set to begin this fall, with an expected opening in December 2026. To aid the campaign, a Casino Night fundraiser will be held August 16 at Seasons on Keuka Lake.
A garage fire broke out late Wednesday night at a home on Charing Cross in Canandaigua, prompting a swift multi-agency response. Firefighters arrived within four minutes and contained the flames to the garage, preventing spread to the rest of the house. Four residents and a dog safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The Ontario County Emergency Management Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
The City of Canandaigua’s Environmental and Ordinance Committees approved plans for a community pickleball fundraiser, a virtual museum exhibit at Kershaw Park, and infrastructure upgrades at the water treatment plant. The Dyls Pickleball Tournament, benefiting a local scholarship fund, was conditionally approved with rules to limit disruption. The virtual museum project will feature an interactive AR experience highlighting Canandaigua Lakefront’s history. Council also advanced a property agreement regarding a dumpster encroachment and continued discussions on clarifying written notice requirements for infrastructure issues.
FLX WEEKLY: Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake and Canandaigua Hotel
READER RUNDOWN: What else is happening in the Finger Lakes?
Micron’s environmental report delayed, public comment coming
Pete Alonso’s multi-homer night powers Mets past Dodgers (highlights)
Yankees offense stalls in shutout loss to Guardians (highlights)
Finger Lakes Premium Outlets expands savings event to four days
Thompson named one of the best workplaces in healthcare … again!