Get Local: Your daily rundown for Friday, May 30th!
Latest on crash that driver fled in Seneca Falls, standoff along the Thruway, Auburn's EMS contract with Owasco, new contaminants found in Cayuga Co. Office Building, and more on housing!
Rochester man arrested after armed standoff on Thruway
A Rochester man was arrested following an armed standoff with New York State Police on the Thruway in Pittsford early Thursday morning. Authorities say Anthony J. Caceres, 31, pointed a firearm at a Trooper after refusing to provide identification during a traffic stop. Troopers took cover and called for backup before Caceres eventually surrendered without incident. He was charged with weapon possession, menacing a police officer, and obstructing governmental administration.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Cool, wet weekend before warm-up next week.
The Finger Lakes region will see increasing clouds today with a high near 75 and a slight chance of showers by early Saturday morning. Thunderstorms are likely Saturday before tapering off in the afternoon, with cooler highs near 60. Sunday will bring partly sunny skies and a high around 62, followed by a warm and sunny Monday and Tuesday. Rain chances return midweek, with highs climbing into the low 80s by Wednesday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Seven suspects charged in the torture and murder of Sam Nordquist appeared in Ontario County Court as defense attorneys requested separate trials and a change of venue. Prosecutors argued the defendants should be tried together, describing the crime as a single, coordinated act. Nordquist, a transgender Black man, was allegedly held captive and abused for over a month before being found dead in Yates County. The judge will rule on motions regarding trial severance, evidence, and venue, with another hearing scheduled for September.
A rollover crash on State Route 414 in Seneca Falls occurred Thursday after a southbound vehicle failed to yield and fled the scene, according to police. The second vehicle rolled multiple times while trying to avoid the collision, resulting in minor injuries to the driver and a passenger. Emergency crews, including the Seneca Falls Fire Department and North Seneca Ambulance, responded quickly and temporarily closed the road. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Seneca Falls Police Department.
Auburn has extended its emergency medical services agreement with the town of Owasco for another year, including a $250,000 payment and a dedicated ambulance at the local firehouse for 12 hours daily. The partnership fills a critical gap left by the departure of private ambulance providers. Since June 2024, Auburn City Ambulance has responded to over 200 calls in Owasco, averaging just over eight minutes per response. Officials from both municipalities praised the deal as a smart, regional solution to growing EMS demands and staffing challenges.
Asbestos contamination has been confirmed in the basement of the Cayuga County Office Building, just a year after the facility was shut down due to vermiculite. The hazardous material was traced to deteriorating fireproof insulation above ceiling tiles, impacting critical systems like IT infrastructure and a backup 911 center. Lawmakers approved up to $150,000 for environmental services and hired a construction management firm to oversee remediation. Officials say total cleanup costs could surpass the building’s prior $52 million renovation estimate, with next steps still under evaluation.
The Finger Lakes Land Trust received a $100,000 Conservation Catalyst Grant from New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation, the largest awarded in the Finger Lakes region this year. The funding is part of the 2025 Conservation Partnership Program, which distributed over $3 million to land trusts statewide. The grant will support efforts to preserve open space, protect water quality, and expand public access to nature. Backed by the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, the program contributes to New York’s goal of conserving 30% of its lands and waters by 2030.
Ontario County grapples with housing crisis: Is zoning reform the answer?
Ontario County officials say restrictive zoning laws are a key barrier to addressing the region’s growing housing crisis. A recent editorial from the county’s Housing Ad Hoc Committee urges municipalities to reform outdated codes that prioritize single-family homes and discourage affordable options like townhomes and accessory apartments. The county’s 2022 Housing Needs Assessment found that high costs, aging rental stock, and limited housing diversity are straining residents—especially renters and first-time buyers. Officials are pushing for zoning changes, streamlined approvals, and design guidelines to support smart growth while preserving community character.