Your Morning Edition for Monday, Mar. 3rd presented by DiSanto Propane!
Striking officers begin receiving termination letters, firefighters perform Canandaigua Lake rescue, Cato village elections outlined, and state leader visits Cayuga Community College in Auburn.
Termination letters go out for striking COs across New York
New York correction officers continue their strike despite state orders to return to work, leading to payroll suspensions, termination threats, and loss of health benefits. Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III has issued termination letters to officers absent for ten consecutive workdays, effectively ending their employment. The state is enforcing stricter measures, including the potential for arrests and evictions from state-owned housing, while union leaders accuse officials of refusing to negotiate in good faith. Many officers remain defiant, demanding reforms to address staffing shortages and rising violence within state prisons.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Flood threat elevated
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the Finger Lakes region from Tuesday through Thursday due to rapid snowmelt and incoming rainfall. Warmer temperatures in the 50s will accelerate snowpack melting, while a storm system is expected to bring about half an inch of rain. Ice jams may develop in partially frozen rivers and streams, increasing the risk of localized flooding. A cold front will move in Thursday, bringing a return to colder temperatures and possible snow showers.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Wayne Central School District is closed Monday due to a water main break in Ontario affecting all students and staff. A boil water advisory is in effect for areas west of Knickerbocker Road, with residents advised to boil tap water or use bottled water. The advisory follows a March 1 break that lowered water pressure, raising contamination concerns. Officials have not announced when schools will reopen and urge residents to check the town’s website for updates.
Firefighters in Canandaigua rescued an ice boat after it broke through the frozen lake near the city pier. Civilians attempted to recover the vessel themselves, but responders intervened to prevent potential danger. The boat was successfully retrieved and returned to shore, while officials warned against attempting ice rescues without proper training and equipment. Emergency crews emphasize that unstable ice poses serious risks and urge the public to call 911 for assistance.
Residents of the Village of Cato will vote on March 18 to elect a mayor and two Board of Trustees members. The election, held from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Village Office, features all write-in ballots, allowing any eligible voter to run. Interim Mayor Anna Owen and Trustee Dorothy Kraebel are vying for the mayoral seat, while five candidates compete for the two trustee positions. Voters unable to attend in person can request an absentee ballot from the village clerk.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. visited Cayuga Community College to highlight increased state funding for healthcare workforce training and mental health services. The $8 million boost in Direct State Tax Support, included in the 2024-25 state budget, aims to address healthcare workforce shortages and expand student mental health resources. Cayuga will use its share to create an Allied Health Pathways Specialist position, expand counseling services, and introduce a telehealth therapy program. Chancellor King also emphasized Governor Hochul’s free community college initiative and the expansion of SUNY’s student success programs.
New York’s Mobile ID (MiD) program allows residents to carry a secure digital version of their state-issued ID, now accepted at TSA checkpoints and some businesses for age verification. Enrolling is simple: users download the New York MiD app, scan their physical ID, take a selfie for verification, and wait for approval. While the MiD is convenient, a physical ID is still required in certain situations, and the app is only compatible with newer devices. With growing acceptance, the MiD is set to become a standard for digital identification across the state.
LIVE AT 5:45 PM: Marcus Whitman, Lyons headline Monday night B2 semifinal doubleheader
The first week of March begins with girls basketball in Section V taking centerstage. FL1 Radio is live from Canandaigua for the Class B2 semifinals doubleheader. Game one features the #2 seed Marcus Whitman Wildcats taking on the #3 seed Le Roy Oatkan Knights. Game two feature the top seeded Lyons Lions facing the #4 seed Canisteo-Greenwood Chargers. Paul Russo and Nate Sharman have the call, game one begins at 5:45 pm and game two begins at 7:45 pm.
HWS Athletics Day of Donors surpasses $1 million for third straight year
For the third consecutive year, the Athletics Day of Donors at Hobart and William Smith Colleges has shattered expectations, raising more than $1 million in just 24 hours. With 3,230 donors rallying behind the cause, the event brought in $1,011,430—soaring 161% past its initial goal of $625,000. This year’s top-earning William Smith teams included Soccer, which led with $154,736, followed by Field Hockey with $65,893 and Rowing at $39,242. On the Hobart side, Soccer raised $127,003, while Basketball and Lacrosse secured $101,080 and $68,912, respectively.
Rising grocery prices force Americans to adapt
With food prices up 2.5% from last year, many Americans are changing their shopping habits to cope with inflation. A LendingTree survey found that 88% of shoppers are making adjustments, such as buying generic brands and sticking to strict shopping lists. Inflation has also affected dining habits, with 59% of respondents cutting back on eating out. Among those who still dine out, many—especially Gen Z—are tipping less or not at all for takeout. The financial strain is causing anxiety for lower-income households, with 74% of those earning under $30,000 feeling stressed about grocery costs.
THE RUNDOWN: 10 MORE FROM AROUND THE FLX!
Wayne County receives state funding for industrial development
Waterloo man faces more charges in Tyre after burglary arrest
Canandaigua officer promoted to detective after five years of service
Macedon man cited after crashing into tree with child in vehicle
Study: Americans expect corporations, wealthy to gain influence under Trump
Canandaigua woman arrested on felony drug warrant, faces new charge
Canandaigua officer graduates from Rural Police Academy, joins middle school as SRO