Get Local: Your morning newsletter for May 6th!
It's Tuesday here in the Finger Lakes and while it's going to be another murky weather day, we've got headlines from around the region to get you up-to-date before you head out-the-door!
City officials continue battling budget gap: What does city management think of it?
Auburn officials are working to close a $2.8 million budget gap ahead of the July 1 deadline, facing tough choices like early retirement incentives, service cuts, and steep fee increases. City Manager Jeff Dygert and Comptroller Mary Beth Gleason cited rising costs, aging infrastructure, and stagnant state aid as major challenges during a recent Inside Government interview. The City Council must decide whether to override the state’s tax cap, as they aim to finalize the 2025-26 budget by mid-June.
Finger Lakes Forecast: More showers and storms.
Rain and thunderstorms are expected today and tonight across the Finger Lakes, with heavy rainfall amounts between a quarter and one inch possible. Showers will linger through Wednesday and Thursday, with cooler temperatures in the low 50s before gradual clearing begins Friday. The weekend looks much brighter, with mostly sunny skies and highs around the mid-60s.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Geneva Police Officer Michael Tapscott has been placed on administrative leave under undisclosed circumstances, according to the Finger Lakes Times. Tapscott, a veteran of the department since 2012, previously received commendations for his service in 2023 and 2024. Police Chief Ron Eveland said no further details are available at this time, leaving the situation unclear for the community.
A Pulteney woman was arrested Saturday after allegedly stabbing a man with the intent to kill, according to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office. Annika M. Szathmary, 25, faces a second-degree attempted murder charge and is being held without bail after the victim suffered serious injuries and was transferred to a trauma center. Investigators recovered the suspected weapon through search warrants executed after the incident.
Auburn school board candidates outlined competing visions for taxes, leadership, and student achievement during a forum hosted by Inside Government at Cayuga Community College. Incumbents defended the proposed $107 million budget and facilities referendum, while challengers criticized the district’s reserve levels and administrative decisions. Voters will head to the polls on May 20 to decide on the budget, a $7.2 million infrastructure project, and three board seats.
Residents near the R.E. Ginna Clean Energy Center will hear a scheduled siren test today at 3 p.m., lasting about three to five minutes. All 96 sirens within a 10-mile radius will sound, but no public action is needed, as the test is only a drill. Officials remind residents that in a real emergency, the sirens would signal people to tune into Emergency Alert System broadcasts for instructions.
New York will erase over $6 billion in unemployment insurance debt through the new state budget, reversing earlier plans to pay only the interest. The debt, built up during the pandemic, had led to higher business taxes and reduced unemployment benefits. Business leaders and state officials say the move will stabilize the fund and support economic recovery efforts.
Wayne-Finger Lakes high school sports: May 5 scoreboard
Dominant pitching and big offensive performances highlighted Monday’s high school sports action across the Wayne-Finger Lakes region. In softball, Mynderse’s Mercedes Santana crushed a grand slam, and Dundee/Bradford’s Adalyn Tham threw a no-hitter, while Palmyra-Macedon and Penn Yan cruised to easy lacrosse wins.
Girls Lacrosse
Mexico 13, Marcus Whitman 9
Eastridge/Bishop Kearney 19, Gananda/Marion 1
Wayne 14, Mynderse/Romulus 9
Palmyra-Macedon 21, Aquinas 5
Waterloo 15, Gates Chili 5
Victor 9, Canandaigua 7
Boys Lacrosse
Geneva 9, Midlakes/Red Jacket 4
Waterloo 8, Batavia-Notre Dame 5
Penn Yan 19, Mynderse/Romulus 4
Softball
Our Lady of Mercy 20, Canandaigua 1
Lyons 20, Williamson 8
Mynderse 17, Newark 9
Dundee/Bradford 12, Marcus Whitman 0
Victor 15, Hilton 3
Baseball
Newark 8, Mynderse 6
Gananda 8, Clyde-Savannah 0
Williamson 13, Lyons 3
Sodus 12, Marion 0
North Rose-Wolcott 3, Red Creek 1 (Game 1)
North Rose-Wolcott 4, Red Creek 2 (Game 2)
Wayne 10, Palmyra-Macedon 9
Victor 6, Fairport 4
Flag Football
East High 12, Geneva 0
Wayne 38, Avon 0
Victor 12, Irondequoit 0