Get Local: Your top stories to start the day!
It's Friday, June 13th and we've got the rundown on everything happening in the Finger Lakes and beyond. Check it all out here with your exclusive morning connection to the region!
What happened in Cayuga Co. this week?
Cayuga County legislators held a series of committee meetings on June 10 and 11 to address urgent issues in public safety, infrastructure, and human services. Sheriff Brian Schenck warned of severe jail staffing shortages, while officials also discussed rising court costs and new hires at the 911 Center. Infrastructure updates included sewer expansion projects, highway repairs, and flood mitigation planning. Human services resolutions approved funding for youth employment, senior aide programs, and healthcare support for children and older adults.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Drier weekend finally here.
The Finger Lakes region will see a mix of sun and clouds today, with highs around 70 and light northeast winds. Showers and a few thunderstorms are possible late tonight into early Saturday, with rain chances lingering at a lower level through the weekend. Sunday and Monday will remain mostly cloudy with scattered afternoon showers and highs in the low-to-mid 70s. Warmer, more humid weather arrives by midweek, with highs in the 80s and increasing chances for thunderstorms through Juneteenth.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Blue Heron Golf Club in Walworth will shrink to nine holes next season, raising concerns among neighbors and longtime members. The new owner, Jason Calder, has not filed formal development plans, but a company tied to his family is marketing homes using images of the course. Residents fear losing scenic views and property value, with nearly 800 people signing a petition demanding transparency. Despite questions at recent meetings, no official proposal has been submitted to the town.
Canandaigua officials reviewed updates to the city's Comprehensive Plan this week, emphasizing goals like expanded housing, improved transportation, and historic preservation. City Manager John Goodwin outlined potential Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects, including street upgrades and public restrooms. Flood mitigation efforts for Sucker Brook and a new water and sewer parts contract were also discussed. The Planning Commission tabled a vinyl siding application for a City Pier boathouse, while the YMCA and E&J Gallo Winery received approvals for facility expansions.
A narcotics investigation in Cayuga County resulted in the arrest of an Auburn man and the seizure of over four ounces of cocaine, cash, and drug paraphernalia. Reynaldo A. Ratcliffe-Sierra, 29, was taken into custody after searches of a hotel room and rental vehicle uncovered evidence of drug trafficking. He was charged with multiple felony drug possession counts and was already on parole with two prior felony convictions. The Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office has requested that he be held in custody.
The Victor Planning Board approved fireworks tent permits, a residential fence, and a pole barn during its June 10 meeting, while also advancing discussions on a proposed solar energy project. Keystone and TNT Fireworks both received approvals to operate temporary sales tents for the July 4 holiday. The board reviewed updates to the 4.4 MW Norbut Solar Farm proposal, but delayed action pending further evaluation. Several larger projects, including a hotel, Chick-fil-A, and residential subdivision, were postponed to future meetings.
A proposal to allow wine sales in New York grocery stores has stalled for this legislative session, despite strong public support. Lawmakers instead advanced a smaller measure letting bars and restaurants buy limited liquor from local retailers to address supply issues. The compromise helped ease opposition from major distributor Empire Merchants, though Southern Glazer’s remains opposed. Lawmakers cited concerns about the impact on small liquor stores, but the issue may resurface in next year’s state budget talks.
Savona family seeks help after devastating storm damage
A Savona family is asking for community support after a powerful storm on June 9 severely damaged their home, leaving it uninhabitable. Heather Butler, who organized the fundraiser, says she brought her two children to her parents’ house that evening after spotting a funnel cloud forming over her own home. Soon after they arrived, heavy winds, rain, and hail struck—and a large tree fell directly onto the roof where they were sitting. “Thankfully, we were sitting under a steel beam and were physically unharmed,” Butler said.