Your Morning Edition for Friday, Dec. 27th presented by DiSanto Propane!
State funding boosts local projects, Geneva gears up for 2025 elections, and Yates County debates ambulance funding fairness. Also, weekend weather trend, Bristol Mountain update, and SU's bowl day!
Nearly $20M funding major projects in Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties
New York State has allocated nearly $20 million for economic and environmental projects in Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties. Funding supports sewer upgrades, flood mitigation, and conservation initiatives across multiple towns and villages. Key projects include $7.4 million for Interlaken’s wastewater treatment plant and $1.1 million for Yates Lakeshore Preserve. State officials emphasized the long-term benefits for sustainability and local growth.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Presented by Ciccinos Pizzeria & Restaurant!
WARMING TREND: HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
The Finger Lakes will experience a mix of sun and showers over the next few days, with temperatures gradually warming. Today brings partly sunny skies with a high near 38, followed by light overnight showers and lows around 34. Saturday will see a brief chance of morning showers before partly sunny skies return, with highs near 48. Heavier rain moves in on Sunday with highs near 55, tapering off into Monday with lingering showers and cooler highs around 48.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Geneva City Democratic Committee is actively seeking candidates for key positions in the 2025 elections, including mayor, city council, and city judge. Mayor Steve Valentino, despite being a Democrat, won on the Republican line in 2023 and is undecided about seeking re-election. Councilor Chris Lavin is rumored to be a potential mayoral candidate. The committee encourages interested Democrats to reach out as they survey priorities for the upcoming race.
Plans to build Auburn’s first Sonic Drive-In have been withdrawn after delays with the site plan application. The proposal included a drive-thru restaurant on Grant Avenue but was stalled due to a pending stormwater review and traffic study. No major issues were cited by officials, but the developer, Solar Restaurants II LLC, has not moved forward. The future of the project remains unclear.
Cayuga County officials are urging residents to take advantage of local and national mental health resources. Services include crisis hotlines, addiction recovery programs, and community therapy initiatives. Leaders emphasize the importance of seeking help without stigma, highlighting the availability of both immediate and long-term support. Residents can access comprehensive mental health resources through local agency websites and hotlines.
Tickets are now available for the 2025 Finger Lakes Country Music Festival on June 14 at Wayne County Fairgrounds. Headlined by Dustin Lynch, the event promises live music, food trucks, and craft beer. General admission starts at $55, with premium Party Pit tickets available for $85. Additional performers will be announced soon.
Bristol Mountain Ski Resort welcomed skiers on Christmas Day, offering fresh snow and festive cheer. Families and longtime visitors enjoyed the slopes, many testing out new ski gear they received as gifts. Resort officials noted strong attendance across all 40 open trails and highlighted a new beginner facility. The annual tradition continues to draw both locals and visitors.
ORANGE GAME DAY: Syracuse faces Washington State in DirecTV Holiday Bowl
Syracuse faces Washington State in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl tonight at 8 p.m. in San Diego. The Orange aim for their first bowl win since 2018, following a 9-3 season marked by victories over ranked opponents. Washington State, led by coach Jake Dickert, looks to recover from a late-season slump. The game will be broadcast on FOX with Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt on the call.
Yates County Legislature hears concern about ambulance service funding and taxation
The Yates County Legislature addressed concerns over ambulance service funding and taxation during its final meeting of 2024. Town of Potter Councilman Paul Moberg highlighted funding inequities, noting differing tax burdens for residents served by Penn Yan Ambulance and Middlesex Ambulance. Legislators acknowledged rising costs, volunteer shortages, and funding disparities but did not offer immediate solutions, suggesting further discussion in committee meetings. The session also included approval of financial audits, infrastructure updates, and resolutions on county contracts and employee salaries.