Your Morning Edition for Friday, Feb. 28th presented by DiSanto Propane!

Today we've got the latest on a reported deal to end the prison strike across the state, a new report out of Geneva by city officials, Canandaigua's emergency services crisis and Bath's state funding!

Feb 28, 2025

Deal to end prison strike apparently reached: Some details still unclear

New York correction officers and state officials are waiting on details of a tentative agreement reached after an 11-day strike over staffing shortages and long shifts. The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association did not authorize the strike, so officers will decide individually whether to accept the deal. A major demand remains the repeal of the HALT Act, which limits solitary confinement. State leaders, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, have opposed a repeal, despite officers blaming HALT for increased violence and recruitment struggles. Advocates argue the law has not been properly implemented and should remain in place.

What's inside the deal?

Finger Lakes Forecast: Rain, snow, and more.

We’ll see a mix of rain and snow showers this weekend, with temperatures gradually dropping. Friday brings a chance of light snow in the morning, transitioning to rain and snow later in the day, with highs near 38°F. Saturday turns breezy with snow showers possible and highs in the mid-30s before temperatures plummet to the teens overnight. Sunday remains cold and mostly cloudy, with a slight chance of snow and highs only reaching around 20°F.

FL1 Weather Center

Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?

Geneva city officials are facing significant challenges in infrastructure maintenance, staffing shortages, and budget constraints while working to sustain economic growth. Despite securing over $2.4 million in grants and making strides in public safety and business development, deferred maintenance and rising operational costs remain pressing concerns. Looking ahead to 2025, the city plans to prioritize infrastructure upgrades, expand business recruitment efforts, and enhance community engagement while navigating financial uncertainties.
The Village of Bath has received $4.5 million in NY Forward funding to revitalize its downtown, focusing on public spaces, amenities, and housing. Officials will develop a Strategic Investment Plan with input from a Local Planning Committee to prioritize projects that maximize the state's investment. Leaders hope the improvements will boost economic growth and strengthen Bath’s appeal as a gateway to Keuka Lake.
Canandaigua City Council approved a $52,115 budget amendment to cover a fire department overtime overage caused by staffing shortages and unexpected retirements. Fire Chief Frank Magnera defended the spending, emphasizing the need to maintain four-person crews for public safety, while some council members criticized the lack of early communication about the shortfall. The amendment passed, but officials have requested regular budget updates to prevent similar overruns in the future.
Cornell University has enacted a four-month hiring freeze and urged cost-cutting measures in response to potential federal research funding cuts and proposed tax increases on university endowments. Interim President Michael Kotlikoff warned that changes to NIH reimbursements and new taxes could significantly impact the university’s budget. While a committee will oversee hiring exceptions, Cornell is also challenging the proposed cuts through a lawsuit while aiming to minimize disruptions.
A house fire in Hopewell on Thursday afternoon left a home uninhabitable, but all occupants escaped safely. Multiple fire departments responded to the blaze on State Route 21, working to contain the flames while authorities temporarily closed the road. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

AGAINST THE BOARDS: Amerks extend league lead, Knighthawks win on the road

The good times continue to roll for the Amerks. Chamberlain Bauder recaps the homestands for Rochester which they saw their lead in the AHL grow. Devon Levi was named Player of the Week and spoke on how his playing and how the team stays hot as of late. Nicholas Aube-Kubel also spoke on how the guys are playing with each other on different lines. For the Knighthawks, they picked up a big win on the road in Calgary. Chamberlain recaps the game which wasn’t without some bumps in the road leading into this weekend’s game against Albany.

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AUBURN CITY COUNCIL: Infrastructure and utility concerns up at February meeting

The Auburn City Council met Thursday night to address key infrastructure and utility matters, including updates on water and sewer rates presented by Director of Municipal Utilities Seth Jensen. The council reviewed potential future rate increases to stabilize funding for utility services. Members also heard a report from the Plumbing Board, which outlined possible policy changes allowing homeowners to perform certain plumbing work. Additionally, the council approved a grant application for infrastructure funding that could support a proposed housing development. Other actions included budget transfers and discussion on expanding a community garden at Miles/Lepak Park. The meeting opened with a public comment period, allowing residents to voice their concerns.

Flood warning continues for Cayuga County due to worsening ice jam

The National Weather Service has continued a flood warning for Cayuga County as an ice jam on Great Gully Brook continues to cause rising waters and road flooding. The warning, issued yesterday, will remain in effect until 5:30 p.m. Friday. Local officials reported that the ice jam, which extends from the walking bridge to the mouth of the lake, has worsened, leading to ongoing flooding along Great Gully Creek. Efforts to mitigate the flooding are underway.