Get Local: Your Morning Newsletter for May 7th!
The middle of the week is here and so are the biggest headlines of the day! We have the latest on a big meeting in Canandaigua, two high-profile stories in Auburn, and your high school scoreboard!
Canandaigua officials discuss flooding solutions, fireworks, and new business licenses
The Canandaigua City Council’s Environmental and Ordinance Committees met May 5 to discuss flooding concerns, business development, and upcoming July 4 festivities. A study of the Sucker Brook watershed highlighted urgent stormwater infrastructure needs, prompting plans for grant funding and long-term flood mitigation strategies. Councilmembers also advanced a ventilation license for a new downtown pizzeria and backed a joint fireworks show with the Town of Canandaigua, supported by lakefront businesses. The Ordinance Committee reviewed potential dumpster time limits and a new written notice law to strengthen the city’s legal protections.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Heavy rain and flood threat continues
Heavy rain overnight has caused widespread flooding concerns across the Finger Lakes and Central New York, with flood watches and warnings remaining in effect this morning. The National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning for parts of Cayuga, Cortland, and Onondaga counties, while minor flooding was reported along Skaneateles Creek and the Owasco Inlet. Rain is expected to taper off later today, but localized flooding may continue in low-lying areas. Cooler, drier weather is forecast to arrive by Thursday following a cold front.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Auburn school officials are urging support for a $107 million budget and a $7.2 million HVAC referendum ahead of the May 20 vote, citing state aid uncertainty and aging infrastructure. Superintendent Dr. Misty Slavic and Business Manager Tessa Crawford outlined careful planning efforts, including using fund balances and managing rising costs, to avoid deeper cuts. The budget calls for a 2.8% spending increase and a 3.25% tax levy hike, both framed as necessary to sustain student programs and facility maintenance. If rejected, the district would face immediate $3 million cuts under a contingency plan.
Gardner, The Train Doctor and GarGraves Trackage Corporation in North Rose have been added to New York’s Historic Business Preservation Registry for their contributions to local history and craftsmanship. Assemblyman Brian Manktelow praised the businesses for their unique blend of retail and handcrafted manufacturing, noting their international reputation among model train enthusiasts. The registry honors businesses operating for at least 50 years that have had a lasting impact on their communities. Manktelow encouraged residents to nominate other longstanding businesses for this recognition.
Former Auburn Community Hospital employee Zachary Tabone was ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution after stealing medical supplies and selling them online, officials said. Tabone, 33, pleaded guilty to grand larceny and will serve one year of interim probation. He must repay the full amount by May 2026 to avoid prison time, having already returned $15,000. Investigators found he used the hospital’s UPS account to ship stolen items to eBay buyers between 2021 and 2023.
More than 175 Rite Aid stores across New York will close following the company’s latest bankruptcy filing, raising concerns about pharmacy deserts in rural areas. In places like Ransomville, residents could be left without nearby access to prescriptions, with local leaders voicing frustration over the situation. Experts warn that older adults will be hit hardest, often lacking easy alternatives for obtaining medication. Town officials are urgently seeking a replacement pharmacy to avoid deepening healthcare access issues.
Former Auburn Correctional Facility inmate Quincy Lundy pleaded not guilty Tuesday to assault charges stemming from a 2024 incident. Lundy, 32, is accused of punching a correction officer and faces two counts of second-degree assault, each carrying up to seven years in prison. He remains in custody at Upstate Correctional Facility and is scheduled to return to court on June 4. If convicted, any new sentence would be added to his existing prison term.
Wayne-Finger Lakes high school sports: May 7 scoreboard
Palmyra-Macedon and Canandaigua boys lacrosse teams remained unbeaten with dominant wins, while Geneva and Midlakes/Red Jacket delivered high-scoring performances led by standout individual efforts. In softball, Lyons extended its strong season behind Baylei Reed’s three hits and Keira Weber’s 12-strikeout pitching performance. Geneva baseball fell to East Rochester in a close game, while other baseball and softball contests saw incomplete score reporting. In flag football action, Gananda and Geneva picked up victories to continue their strong seasons.
OUT OF BOUNDS: Scottie dominates in Texas, as Bryson wins in Korea
READER RUNDOWN: What else is happening in the Finger Lakes?
Mets bats go quiet again in loss to Diamondbacks (highlights)
Watkins Glen school budget hearing held ahead of May 20 vote
Yankees use 10-run seventh to top Padres, end three-game skid (highlights)
Montezuma, Port Byron, and Weedsport selected for Empire State Trail Town program
Ontario County offers free virtual diabetes program starting June 2