Your Morning Edition for Monday, Dec. 23rd presented by DiSanto Propane!

From DEC’s extended comment period on Cargill’s salt mine permit to Seneca Meadows’ ongoing legal battle and holiday schedule updates in Geneva and Auburn, we’ve got you covered in today's newsletter!

Dec 23, 2024

DEC extends public comment period on Cargill Cayuga Lake salt mine permit as concerns linger

The New York State DEC has extended the public comment period for Cargill’s Cayuga Lake salt mine permit renewal and modification until January 19, 2025, as concerns over environmental safety and mine stability persist. Cargill seeks a five-year renewal and plans to use Level 6 for brine storage due to nearing capacity on Level 4. Advocacy group CLEAN continues to push for a $10 billion environmental bond and a full environmental impact statement, citing withheld consultant reports raising structural integrity concerns. Stakeholders can submit comments to Jonathan Stercho at 315-426-7438 or DCP.R7@dec.ny.gov.

COLD AND SNOWY START TO THE WEEK

Today will bring scattered flurries by afternoon with increasing clouds and a high near 29°F, though wind chills could drop as low as -5°F. Snow is expected tonight, with 1–2 inches of accumulation and lows around 26°F. Tuesday remains cloudy with lingering snow showers, a high near 35°F, and a slight chance of flurries into the evening. Christmas Day will be mostly cloudy with calm winds and a high near 30°F, followed by quieter weather through Friday, with partly sunny skies and highs in the low-to-mid 30s.

FL1 Weather Center

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

The legal battle over the future of Seneca Meadows landfill intensifies after an appellate court ruling reinstated Local Law No. 3, mandating closure by December 31, 2025. With the New York State DEC expected to rule on a proposed landfill expansion by mid-2025, Seneca Meadows, Inc. faces a choice between appealing to the state’s highest court or focusing on securing DEC approval. Environmental groups continue to press for adherence to the closure timeline, as legal, environmental, and political factors shape the landfill’s uncertain future.
State Senator Tom O’Mara urges New York leaders to prioritize regional needs, affordability, and economic revitalization as 2025 approaches. In his year-end column, O’Mara criticized Albany’s focus on downstate priorities and called for bipartisan cooperation to address public safety, healthcare, and infrastructure challenges. He emphasized the importance of amplifying local voices and adopting region-specific policies to better serve the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck and Heather Petrus of Cayuga Counseling showcased local reentry efforts at the national Second Chance Act Conference in Philadelphia. They highlighted collaborative programs aimed at reducing recidivism and preparing incarcerated individuals for successful reintegration into society. The panel emphasized the critical role of partnerships between corrections facilities and community organizations in achieving meaningful outcomes.
Geneva City Hall announces holiday closures for Christmas and New Year’s, with adjusted office hours for both celebrations. Offices will close at noon on December 24 and remain closed through December 26, resuming normal hours on December 27. For New Year’s, offices will close at noon on December 31 and reopen on January 2, with essential services operating uninterrupted throughout both periods.
Auburn announces changes to trash and recycling schedules for Christmas and New Year’s weeks. During both weeks, Tuesday pickups will move to Monday, and Wednesday pickups will shift to Tuesday, with no service on December 25 and January 1. Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and check their mail for the 2025 Streamline Recycling Calendar.

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Bills avoid upset with ugly home win over Patriots

It certainly wasn’t pretty, but the Buffalo Bills overcame an early 14-point deficit and held off the New England Patriots, 24-21, on a frigid Sunday evening at Highmark Stadium. With the win, Buffalo improved to 12-3 on the season, remained undefeated at home (7-0), and kept their hopes alive for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Watch the FL1 Sports team break down all the action from Sunday’s victory on Bills Weekly at 10 AM!

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Canandaigua firefighters donate $1,000 to support breast cancer organization

Canandaigua Professional Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 2098 recently delivered their annual $1,000 donation to Embrace Your Sisters (EYS), a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by breast cancer. The donation was presented to Krista Jackson and her team, who lead the organization in providing critical financial assistance and resources to those battling the disease.