Morning Edition: Wayne County ready to launch ambulance service + Thruway toll hike appears imminent!

Turnout has been minimal to public input sessions on the proposed rate hike along the New York State Thruway. We have what that means, as well as your daily top-10 and photo of the day!

Each day we bring you the biggest headlines and the stories that matter from the heart of the Finger Lakes. Our newsroom is locally owned-and-operated — keeping you informed and up-to-date every day of the year.

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Wayne County close to launching ambulance service.

Following approval by supervisors last year, Wayne County is set to launch a countywide ambulance service by July 1, addressing the concerning shortcomings of emergency medical services in the county, such as the unimproved average response times since 1999. After a two-phase implementation approved in August last year, the county officials have confirmed they’re on track for the service launch, despite many tasks still to be accomplished. At a recent meeting, the board adopted resolutions amending the county budget to account for operational and personnel costs as the service transitions into operational status.

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Public input on Thruway toll hike minimal so far: Does that mean it’s a guarantee?

The Thruway Authority’s proposal for a toll increase is inching closer to realization, with the fourth public hearing held on Monday night. The proposal intends to raise the current toll fee by 5% in 2024, followed by another 5% hike in 2027. If approved, drivers not using E-ZPass will experience a 75% surge in toll costs. Despite the potential implications for drivers, attendance at the public hearings has been scanty. Previous hearings in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rockland County saw only 15 attendees combined.

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Photo of the Day!

Peter OConnor captured this awesome shot over Sodus Point.

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More News For Thursday, May 18th!

1. State police overwhelmed by Red Flag Law requests

2. Woman attacks neighbor with baseball bat in Wayne County

3. Man assaults woman with 2×4 on CSX Railroad property in Wayne County

4. Restore NY grant will help rehabilitate Bombardier Plant

5. State cites Auburn nursing home for nurse sleeping on the job

6. New property assessments in Canandaigua expected to lower tax rates in Canandaigua

7. Group calls for overhaul of how schools are funded in New York

8. Steuben County seeks public input on comprehensive plan as process moves forward

9. Newark PD promotes officer to new role

10. HS Sectional Scoreboard: Baseball, Softball and Lacrosse (5/22)

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