Your Morning Edition for Friday, Mar. 21st presented by DiSanto Propane!
In-depth look at merger meeting earlier this week in Wayne Co. for two school districts. Plus, latest on Waterloo police debate, Moravia settlement, and Geneva manslaughter trial.
Community reaction mixed to merger talks in Marion, Williamson school districts
School boards from Marion and Williamson have unanimously approved a feasibility study exploring potential district reorganization, sparking mixed reactions among community members. While some residents voiced strong concerns over the impact on local identity and advocated for financial alternatives, others supported exploring the merger's potential educational and financial benefits. Both boards emphasized transparency and community involvement, clarifying that approving the study does not commit either district to an eventual merger.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Cooler but seasonal!
The Finger Lakes region will experience variable weather over the next several days, beginning with breezy, partly sunny conditions today and scattered showers turning briefly to snow showers on Saturday. Sunday will see clearer skies during the day, followed by rain and snow showers overnight. Early next week, conditions become milder, with a chance of showers Monday and temperatures gradually cooling into the mid-40s by Tuesday and Wednesday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Testimony continues today in the manslaughter trial of Jarrid Mix, accused in the 2022 death of two-year-old Parker Rivera. On Thursday, former Geneva Police Chief Matthew Colton described Mix's nervous demeanor and inability to explain Rivera's injuries, while pediatric surgeon Dr. Nicole Wilson testified the child's injuries indicated severe trauma. The defense maintains the toddler's cause of death is undetermined and suggests possible medical malpractice contributed to his death.
Debate over the potential dissolution of the nearly century-old Waterloo Police Department is intensifying, with village officials considering the option amid financial concerns, prompting alarm among officers and residents. Seneca County Sheriff Timothy J. Thompson Jr. and Seneca Falls Police Chief Timothy A. Snyder have publicly opposed eliminating the department, emphasizing the value of local policing and quick response times. Meanwhile, the Waterloo Policeman's Association has urged community members to advocate for preserving the department, though no official decision has been made yet.
Authorities are searching for a Rochester man who escaped after leading police on a dangerous pursuit through Canandaigua and Farmington Monday evening. The suspect, 26-year-old Jonathan J. Matthews, allegedly rammed an unmarked police vehicle and fled as officers attempted to arrest him on felony drug charges connected to a long-term investigation. Matthews, who remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous, faces multiple felony charges including criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance.
A Congressional proposal threatens to eliminate free school meals for over 2 million New York children by raising eligibility standards for the Community Eligibility Program. If approved, this would affect more than 900,000 students at 1,784 high-poverty schools across the state. Advocates warn that the proposed $12 billion in cuts would severely impact struggling families and reverse recent progress in combating food insecurity.
The Moravia Central School District has reached a confidential settlement with a former student who accused the district of failing to prevent sexual abuse by an elementary school principal in the early 1980s. Keith Blanchard alleged abuse by Principal John Hall, starting when Blanchard was six years old; the lawsuit, filed under New York's Child Victims Act, was settled just before closing arguments at trial. Hall, who was later convicted in a separate child pornography case, was not named as a defendant in this suit.
Historical Society launches $1.3M campaign for museum upgrades
The Schuyler County Historical Society has launched a capital campaign to raise $300,000 toward a planned $1.3 million renovation of the Brick Tavern Museum in Montour Falls. The upgrades will include installing an elevator, creating a handicapped-accessible restroom, updating exhibit and archive spaces, and improving parking facilities, with groundbreaking anticipated in November. The project, supported by a substantial state grant and community contributions, aims to enhance accessibility and preserve local history for future generations.
Seneca Falls downtown facade program moving forward
Seneca Falls is launching a Downtown Facade and Storefront Revitalization Program, funded by the Bonafiglia Family Foundation, to improve the aesthetic appeal and economic vitality of local businesses. An informational session detailing program guidelines and participation opportunities will be held Monday at 6 p.m. at the Seneca Falls Community Center. Local business owners and community members are encouraged to attend and explore ways to benefit from the initiative.
Finger Lakes parks and historic site get big funding
Finger Lakes parks and historic sites, including Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua, have received state Park and Trail Partnership Grants totaling $1.7 million, complemented by over $500,000 in private matching funds. Notable projects include strategic planning for the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, improvements to visitor facilities at Hamlin Beach State Park, and new interpretive signage at Sonnenberg Gardens to enhance visitor experiences. State officials emphasized that these grants are essential for maintaining public lands amid increasing visitor numbers and are part of broader efforts to sustain New York's outdoor recreation infrastructure.