Morning Edition: Wednesday, April 13th
Lt. Gov. Benjamin resigns, Waterloo man causes serious crash after theft in Geneva, and child care deserts.
Welcome to your Morning Edition!
After a day of bombshell news across New York State with the unexpected indictment and resignation of Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, our newsroom stayed on top of it all with major stories coming out of Ontario, Cayuga, and Seneca counties.
Lt. Governor Benjamin resigns after being indicted on federal bribery charges
Benjamin faces an array of charges related to a quid pro quo scheme. Prosecutors called it a ‘simple story of corruption’. The indictment accused him of concealing the entire situation while he was being vetted by officials to become lieutenant governor. The news introduces new issues into an already complex race for governor as Kathy Hochul seeks a full-term to lead New York.
Waterloo man causes two car crash fleeing deputies, faces larceny and assault charges
One person was taken into custody and another hospitalized after an alleged theft, search, and two-vehicle crash in Ontario County. The incident began at the Geneva Walmart, then ended in a violent two-car crash. One person was hospitalized — and the suspect driver was taken into custody on an array of charges.
Overhaul to 5&20 in Geneva set to begin later this month
Work will soon begin on Routes 5 & 20 in Geneva as the second phase of the city’s state-funded public works project kicks into gear. The project contractor Nardozzi Construction will begin the next phase of construction in roughly a week. That work includes reducing the highway from four lanes to two in the downtown area as part of an effort to provide better lakefront access for pedestrians.
Child care deserts: Billions will be spent to make access universal
Child care is expensive. Lawmakers at the state and federal level are trying to figure out the best ways to help parents afford child care, while giving providers the funds they need to keep doing the work. It’s a complex task, but one that the American Rescue Plan set out to achieve.
Ralph Lott, Ben Guthrie to serve on Seneca County IDA after supervisors approve appointment
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors appointed two new members to serve on the Board of Directors of the Seneca County Industrial Development Agency. Ralph Lott of Rodman Lott and Son Farms in Fayette and Ben Guthrie of Upstate Service Associates, a refrigeration company in Interlaken, will each serve a 6-year term on the IDA.
Antonio Varacalli award and essay contest winners announced
When Antonio Varacalli, an Italian immigrant working in Seneca Falls, saw a woman drowning in the Cayuga and Seneca Barge Canal one hundred and five years ago on April 12, 1917, he immediately jumped in to rescue her. Although Antonio saved her life, he drowned.
Savannah man arrested for DWI after motor vehicle crash
Following a motor vehicle accident on State Route 90 in the town of Montezuma, one person was taken into custody after refusing to submit a breath test and was also issued multiple traffic tickets.
INSIDE THE FLX: Thrive to Survive Middle Finger 5K is back on the Seneca Lakefront in Geneva May 14th
In this episode, we talk with Thrive to Survive co-founder Jen Harris about how her family’s experiences led her to start Thrive to Survive, a Geneva-based organization that provides resources to adults battling cancer and we preview the Middle Finger 5K on the Seneca Lakefront on May 14.