Your Morning Edition for Friday, April 25th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Get your day started with the biggest stories to wrap-up the week here in the Finger Lakes! We have you covered from county-to-county in our AM update!
Budget uncertainty hits local communities as state continues negotiations
Local officials say Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed $3 billion inflation rebate plan may be undermined by rising local taxes, which are being driven by stagnant state aid and outdated funding formulas. Leaders in cities like Buffalo, Watertown, and Auburn argue that direct investment in municipalities would provide more lasting relief. With eight counties already exceeding the state’s property tax cap, critics say one-time rebates won’t solve the long-term financial challenges facing local governments.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Rain and storms, then cooler this weekend
Rain and thunderstorms are expected to move into the Finger Lakes on Friday afternoon and continue through Saturday, with gusty winds and cooler temperatures by the weekend. Conditions will gradually improve Sunday into Monday, with sunshine returning and highs climbing back into the upper 60s. Another round of showers is possible Tuesday, followed by cooler, partly sunny weather midweek.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Volunteers are helping bring Dundee Fresh Grocery closer to opening, with the community-supported store expected to launch by late spring or early summer. Located on Union Street, the nonprofit market will offer fresh produce, local goods, and a space for neighbors to connect—filling a void left since the town’s last grocer closed in 2019. Born from a grassroots effort, the project highlights a growing movement to improve food access through community action.
Canandaigua City Council is considering a proposal to build 85 new homes on the city’s north end as part of the Waterchase Planned Unit Development. The project would rezone 27 acres for single-family homes and has cleared initial zoning reviews. Council members will continue deliberating in May, focusing on how the development could affect infrastructure, housing supply, and neighborhood character.
Trumansburg and Ulysses officials are joining growing calls for an investigation into NYSEG over sharp winter utility bill increases. U.S. Rep. Josh Riley has opened a congressional inquiry, while Tompkins County legislators want the Public Service Commission to examine billing errors and poor service. Critics say NYSEG’s explanations lack transparency, fueling concerns that customer payments may be benefiting foreign shareholders.
The Auburn school board approved a $107.3 million budget for 2025–26 with a 3.25% tax levy increase, staying within the state cap to maintain financial stability. The plan funds summer school, special education expansion, and a new part-time music teacher, while a separate $7.2 million ventilator project heads to voters on May 20. The board also appointed former president Ian Phillips to fill a temporary vacancy, though the decision drew some internal criticism.
A new poll shows most New Yorkers support green energy initiatives—but only if they don’t lead to higher utility costs. While 60% back emissions-reduction policies, nearly half said they’re unwilling to pay more than $10 extra per month, and few are familiar with the state’s climate law. The findings reveal a disconnect between environmental goals and financial tolerance, suggesting future climate policies will need to balance ambition with affordability.
AGAINST THE BOARDS: Interviews with the Amerks, Knighthawks head to Vancouver
Wayne-Finger Lakes high school sports: April 24 scoreboard
Penn Yan narrowly escaped with a one-goal win over Brighton in boys lacrosse to stay unbeaten, while Victor and Midlakes/Red Jacket rolled to dominant victories. In baseball, Cullen Herron starred for Mynderse in a win over Penn Yan, both on the mound and at the plate. On the softball field, Palmyra-Macedon survived a wild seventh inning to stay perfect, and Lyons kept its unbeaten streak alive behind another explosive offensive outing.
BOYS LACROSSE
Gananda 7, Wayne 15
Midlakes/Red Jacket 12, Livonia/Avon/Geneseo 4
Mynderse/Romulus 12, Haverling 9
Whitney Point 14, Waterloo 1
Brighton 10, Penn Yan 11
Victor 18, Webster Schroeder 5
BASEBALL
Wayne 6, Geneva 5
Bloomfield 6, East High 2
Red Creek 0, Sodus 11
Midlakes 13, Newark 10
Victor 3, Brighton 1
Mynderse 11, Penn Yan 2
Waterloo 5, Palmyra-Macedon 3
SOFTBALL
Dundee/Bradford 4, Waverly 9
CG Finney 3, Lyons 15
Midlakes 2, Newark 5
Mynderse 25, Penn Yan 3
Waterloo 12, Palmyra-Macedon 13
Wayne 2, Bloomfield 16
Canandaigua 16, Brockport 7
Red Jacket vs. East Rochester — No score reported
North Rose-Wolcott vs. Geneva — No score reported
FLAG FOOTBALL
Gananda 33, Williamson/Marion/Sodus 0