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It's Thursday June 12th and we've got the latest on calls for highway safety updates, coverage of meetings in Canandaigua, Victor, and Seneca Co., as well as cleanup from major flooding.
Highway safety warning after NYSP and DOT workers hit in two crashes
New York State officials are urging drivers to follow highway safety laws after two separate crashes injured workers and damaged a police vehicle. In Steuben County, three DOT employees were hospitalized after being hit in an active work zone on Route 36. Later that day in Chemung County, a State Police vehicle was sideswiped while a trooper was clearing highway debris. Both incidents have renewed calls to obey the state’s “Move Over” law and stay alert in work zones.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Comfortable day on tap.
The Finger Lakes region will see mostly sunny skies and mild temperatures today with a high near 75. Clouds will return tonight and linger through the weekend, bringing a steady chance of showers from Friday night through Sunday. Highs will hover around 70 degrees, with rain chances at 40% each day. Next week begins with warmer temperatures and continued scattered showers, peaking near 84 by Wednesday with a higher chance of thunderstorms.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
At its June 10 meeting, the Seneca County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on a proposed 3% occupancy tax for short-term lodging, which closed without public comment. Tourism officials reported a decline in overnight stays but a rise in repeat visits, attributed to targeted marketing. The board approved multiple budget amendments, including funds for mental health costs, infrastructure projects, and bridge repairs. Policy updates included a revised travel reimbursement policy and the restructuring of a mental health position to improve recruitment and reduce costs.
Canandaigua’s Planning and Finance Committees met on June 9 to review updates to the city’s Comprehensive Plan, key infrastructure projects, and flood mitigation efforts. The plan update focuses on housing, transportation, zoning, and includes 15 strategic goals aimed at enhancing livability. Officials also discussed Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) proposals and a grant application for Sucker Brook flood resilience. The Finance Committee approved a parts contract for the city’s water and sewer systems, keeping expenditures within the approved budget.
Wayne County has been selected to join Harvard University's 2025-26 Institute for Success Planning, becoming one of six new communities in the nationwide initiative. Led by the EdRedesign Lab, the program connects local leaders with tools to support youth through personalized Success Planning and adult mentorship. Wayne County joins a 15-community cohort alongside places like Rochester and Salt Lake County, with participation spanning schools, government, and health agencies. The two-year program begins in July and will address challenges such as chronic absenteeism and housing insecurity.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is set to testify before Congress today in support of New York’s sanctuary state policies. During the House Oversight Committee hearing, she plans to share her grandparents’ immigration story to highlight the personal and human side of the issue. Hochul will appear alongside fellow Democratic governors Tim Walz of Minnesota and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois. The testimony comes amid heightened national scrutiny of state-level immigration protections.
Amy Sargent will be appointed to the Cayuga County Legislature’s District 10 seat during a special meeting on Thursday, following the April resignation of Stephanie DeVito. Sargent, a senior operations director and Auburn Planning Board member, will serve until a special election this fall. She and former candidate Michael Pettigrass are both running for the remainder of the term. The Legislature will also vote on a new buildings and grounds superintendent and move forward with a $26.1 million broadband expansion project.
Cleanup continues in Steuben and Yates after massive flooding
Severe storms on Monday night triggered flash flooding across Yates and Steuben counties, leading to road closures, property damage, and boating advisories. State Route 54 was temporarily shut down, and emergency crews responded to flooded basements and compromised retaining walls along East Lake Road. In Steuben County, major road damage on County Routes 87 and 16 prompted around-the-clock repair efforts and a State of Emergency in several towns. Although no injuries were reported, officials continue urging drivers and boaters to use caution as cleanup continues.