Your Morning Edition for Friday, April 11th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Latest on Ontario County investigation, settlement to former inmate at Auburn prison, Lyons CSD criminal investigation, and much more in today's newsletter!
Ontario County investigation alleges misconduct, alcohol use, and favoritism in DA’s Office
An internal investigation in Ontario County revealed that employees in the District Attorney’s Office consumed alcohol, dressed in inappropriate costumes, and decorated offices with provocative themes during a staff party on Election Day. The event, dubbed “Fall Fest,” violated county workplace conduct policies and prompted concerns about professionalism and favoritism. District Attorney Jim Ritts was found to have acted unprofessionally and failed to maintain confidentiality during the investigation. The report recommended formal counseling for Ritts and further inquiry into unresolved allegations, including discriminatory remarks.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Weekend is here!
The Finger Lakes region will see cloudy skies and occasional rain starting Friday, with highs in the mid-40s and showers continuing into Saturday morning. Conditions gradually improve by Saturday night, with only a slight chance of lingering showers and lows in the mid-30s. Sunday brings a break from the wet weather, with partly sunny skies and a high near 53.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The state of New York has agreed to pay a $1.2 million settlement to Matthew Raymond, who was violently assaulted by a prison guard at Auburn Correctional Facility in 2016 while handcuffed and defenseless. Raymond, then 28, suffered permanent injuries after being beaten by DOCCS Lieutenant Troy Mitchell. Mitchell has faced multiple prior allegations, costing taxpayers nearly $1 million in other settlements.
Village leaders in Aurora say the community may dissolve if the state doesn’t help cover skyrocketing costs tied to operating a water treatment plant previously owned by Wells College, according to a letter sent to Gov. Kathy Hochul. Since the college’s June closure, the village has run the plant, but the financial burden could nearly triple water rates and double sewer costs—unsustainable for the small, largely senior population. Without state aid, officials say the village faces a dire future.
A former staff member of the Lyons Central School District is under criminal investigation. The individual, whose name has not been released, resigned and was escorted from the high school by a school resource officer. While the nature of the allegations remains undisclosed, both the district and law enforcement confirmed an investigation is ongoing.
Cayuga County lawmakers advanced a series of public safety, infrastructure, and staffing initiatives during recent committee meetings, approving grant funding and program expansions across several departments. Highlights included an unprecedented response to 911 staffing recruitment, new DWI outreach partnerships, and a pilot schedule change for Sheriff’s Office road patrols. A resolution regarding flood mitigation equipment was tabled for further review due to concerns about long-term maintenance responsibilities.
A 27-year-old Wayne County man is in custody after a rape investigation in Yates County. Elijah Q. Vreeland, 27, of Savannah was arrested by Penn Yan Police after he was indicted by a Yates County Grand Jury on two counts of rape. It is alleged that on March 26, Vreeland drove from Wayne County to the Village of Penn Yan and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old female.
AGAINST THE BOARDS: Hobart Hockey Head Coach Mark Taylor
