Your Morning Edition for Friday, July 26th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Auburn, Owasco leaders to hold press conference today. Plus, RRH breaks ground in Geneva, former Border City chief pleads guilty to theft, Yates legislators debate residency for job, and more!
Auburn, Owasco leaders fight back against NY health department’s move to halt Owasco Lake protections
Local leaders are set to hold a press conference at Emerson Park later today to denounce a recent decision by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to halt the process of updating Owasco Lake watershed regulations.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The announcement comes on the heels of the Cayuga County Health Department’s closure of a swimming beach at Camp Y-Owasco on July 22 due to harmful algal blooms.
“This decision is a blow to our community’s efforts to safeguard Owasco Lake,” said Mayor Giannettino. “On the very day children were at risk from HABs at Camp Y-Owasco, the state chose to step back from its responsibility to protect public health. This is unacceptable.”
In response to the NYSDOH’s decision, the City of Auburn, Town of Owasco, and the Owasco Watershed Lake Association have retained legal counsel from Earthjustice. The three entities are prepared to take legal action to ensure that local residents’ rights to clean water and a healthy environment are protected.
FLX Forecast: What to expect today?
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
GROUND BROKEN: Rochester Regional Health has broken ground on a new 58,000-square-foot medical campus in Geneva. The facility, located at 833 Canandaigua Rd., will centralize both new and existing practices in one location, offering nearly 90 exam rooms and multiple specialties. [READ MORE]
GUILTY PLEA: John Morabito, the former chief of the Border City Hose Company, has pleaded guilty to stealing $18,772 from the organization, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced Thursday. Morabito has repaid the stolen funds in full. [READ MORE]
CRASH UPDATE: A Clifton Springs woman was injured in a car crash at State Route 96 and Spring Run Drive in Manchester on Thursday. Helen Pearl, 71, was turning left in her 2017 Chevy Spark when she was rear-ended by a 2015 Ford truck driven by William Corino, 34, also from Clifton Springs. [READ MORE]
RESIDENCY DEBATE: The Yates County Legislature will convene a special meeting on August 5 to schedule a public hearing on a new residency requirement law for the county’s Public Defender position. The proposed legislation aims to override New York State Public Officers Law, allowing candidates from outside Yates County to apply for the Public Defender role. [READ MORE]
STATE MONEY INCOMING: Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that over two dozen health care facilities statewide will receive $22.5 million in training awards over the next year. The Increasing Training Capacity in Statewide Healthcare Facilities awards, administered by the State Health Department’s Office of Healthcare Workforce Innovation, will allocate up to $1 million annually for two years to 13 hospitals and 15 nursing homes. [READ MORE]
CONCRETE JUNGLE: Reacting to a Subway Series sweep for the Mets
MORE LOCAL HEADLINES: What Else Is Happening?
CNY man headed to federal prison after child porn sentencing
State expands overdose emergency kits, making them available for domestic violence programs
Skaneateles boat show returning this weekend: Organizers talk exhibits, schedule, and more!
Law enforcement seeks clarity on cannabis enforcement in New York
Sodus Point group works to protect water with regular testing
Southwest Airlines to End 50-Year Open-Boarding Tradition
Southwest Airlines announced Thursday it will end its unique open-boarding system, opting instead to assign seats to passengers like other major airlines. The change follows extensive testing and customer surveys, revealing that most travelers now prefer knowing their seat assignment before arriving at the airport.