Morning Edition: Friday, April 29th
Congressional district maps, reducing reps in Cayuga County, traveling through the Finger Lakes and more!
WEEKEND WEATHER: Things get more seasonable in the Finger Lakes with plenty of sunshine
This week has featured quiet, but cool weather for a big chunk of the Finger Lakes and Central New York. The Storm Trackers Team says temperatures will begin moderating this weekend- even becoming ‘seasonable’ by the end.
New York’s new district maps will be decided by state judge, independent expert
The state’s highest court tasked acting state Supreme Court Justice Patrick McAllister with job of drawing new maps. McAllister is the lower-court judge who initially declared the maps drawn by the Democrat-controlled Legislature unconstitutional.
If Kwik Fill gas is ‘American-made,’ why aren’t the prices lower?
That’s the question local residents are asking after a recent commercial from the company states, “Kwik Fill gasoline is made right here in America. United Refining Company who operates Kwik Fill, refines its gasoline from North American crude oil in Warren, Pennsylvania.”
No primary for Steuben County Coroner: One candidate off ballot after submitting nearly 300 invalid petition signatures
On April 8, the other candidate for Steuben County Coroner- current Corning City Police Chief Jess Spaulding- filed an objection to challenge the signatures on Resue’s petition, according to WETM. With only one Republican candidate left in the race, there will be no primary election for the position.
NYS: Gov. Hochul asks Legislature to pass law removing former Lt. Gov. Benjamin from primary ballot
Governor Kathy Hochul wants the Legislature’s help to remove former Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin’s name from the primary ballot. Benjamin resigned and suspended his campaign on April 12 after being arrested and indicted on federal fraud and bribery charges. Despite this, his name will still be on the ballot for the Democratic primary due to New York’s election laws.
U.S. Rep Katko’s bill to expand rural access to federal disaster aid moves closer to House vote
U.S. Rep. John Katko’s bill to secure federal disaster aid for rural communities is moving towards a House vote. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee pushed the legislation forward on Thursday, April 28. Katko’s bill aims improve access to federal disaster relief aid for rural areas.
Finger Lakes Travel: An afternoon in Skaneateles, Simple Roast and a Drive thru chicken BBQ
Check out where FingerLakes1.com has been the last several days in this weekly feature by Phoenix Martin.
Man dies after allergic reaction in Penn Yan
Police say they were called to a medical emergency call at the intersection of Monell and Lake streets in the village of Penn Yan on Wednesday. Around 12:30 p.m. first responders were called for an unconscious male in a vehicle. When they arrived- officers found the male- and forced entry into the truck to pull him from the vehicle.
Investigation into double fatal Mercy Flight crash will take months, says NTSB
Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) provided an update on Wednesday, April 28 on the Mercy Flight helicopter crash in Elba on Tuesday. New York State Police Major Eugene Staniszewski said the helicopter crashed into power lines as it went down. There were multiple witnesses to the incident. Weather is not considered a factor in the crash.
Auburn considering increased security measures at City Hall
In the wake of increasingly confrontational encounters between Auburn city employees and the public, the city is considering beefing up security at City Hall. Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason says City Manager Jeff Dygert and the City Council are looking at everything from high tech to additional manpower.
Cayuga County Legislature schedules public hearing on plan to cut membership from 15 to 11
The hearing will be Tuesday, May 24 at 6 p.m. The measure calling for the hearing passed 14-1, with only Hans Pecher opposed. He has come out against the redistricting plan. Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman says the proposal would leave each lawmaker representing about 7,000 residents.
Anti-Halftown faction asks Seneca County Supervisors for recognition as Cayuga Nation representatives
The Finger Lakes Times reports Chief Samuel George, representing the the Council of Chiefs and Clan Mothers, told the board it could contact him for any issue concerning the Cayugas. Halftown is recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Nation’s official federal representative. George called Halftown “a domestic terrorist,” citing incidents such as the demolition of Cayuga-owned businesses in Seneca Falls, his hiring of a Cayuga police force and the establishment of a tribal court.
Seneca County Health Department updates COVID case investigation process
Changes adopted by the county include “discontinuing case investigation for most individuals and continuing to focus efforts on vaccination and educational outreach,” according to a press release from the Seneca County Health Department. These changes will take effect on Friday, April 29, coinciding with the end of contact tracing by the state DOH.