Your Morning Edition for Saturday, Jan. 25th presented by DiSanto Propane!

Milo rejects land annexation for desperately needed housing project in Yates Co., fire damages Canandaigua home, and Ovid continues to look forward. Plus, high school basketball scores from Friday!

Jan 25, 2025

South Seneca prepares for life without a grocery store: Will it return?

The devastating fire that destroyed the Ovid Big M, the community’s only grocery store within 25 minutes, has left major questions unanswered. The fire also destroyed 11 apartments and six businesses, while leaving the cause undetermined. Rebuilding faces significant challenges, with estimates running into the millions and uncertainties around insurance and grant support, as community members rally to address the impact on the 60 people left jobless and displaced families.

Full Coverage

Finger Lakes Forecast: Presented by Finger Lakes Partners Insurance!

It’s going to be a quiet weekend across the Finger Lakes. Temperatures will remain around 30 both days with overnight lows dipping into the low 20s. No widespread snow is expected, though there could be some snow showers during the day. Looking ahead to Monday—things will get windy—with the National Weather Service watching for potential weather alerts. Even then though, temps will continue on the mild side through mid-week.

FL1 Weather Center

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

A fire on Cooley Road in Canandaigua caused significant damage to the living room of a home but resulted in no injuries. The fire, which originated in the fireplace and spread to kindling outside it, was contained quickly by the Cheshire and East Bloomfield fire departments. Authorities determined the blaze was not suspicious, and the resident, Ryan L. Havranek, escaped unharmed.
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors is prepared to discuss airport funding, health programs, and public safety grants at its January 28 committee meetings. Key agenda items included approving bids for a new T-hangar at the Finger Lakes Regional Airport, accepting a $20,286 health grant, and approving agreements for navigation law enforcement and court security services. Supervisors also considered workforce changes, such as creating a Senior Addiction Counselor position, alongside infrastructure upgrades and capital projects.
The Milo Town Council rejected a request to annex 70 acres of farmland for a proposed mixed-use housing and commercial project. The decision followed concerns over vague project plans, potential violations of the town’s Comprehensive Plan, and attempts to bypass zoning laws. The lack of an environmental impact statement further influenced the council’s denial, reflecting challenges in addressing local housing shortages.
The Waterloo village board delayed a vote on a new police union contract due to unresolved procedural wording. While Mayor Walt Bennett indicated that negotiations were complete, officials chose to wait for a finalized version before approval. The proposed contract includes retroactive salary increases, but the union has yet to ratify the agreement.
Rob and Ann Karofsky donated $1 million to Hobart and William Smith Colleges to support science education, advancing the institution’s Further Together campaign. The funds will enhance the integrated science center, focusing on critical fields like data science, artificial intelligence, and environmental studies. The Karofskys emphasized their confidence in the college’s leadership and their desire to equip students for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving global economy.

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FRIDAY HS BASKETBALL REPORT: Geneva boys outlast Mynderse for sixth straight win; Waterloo girls pull away late to top Palmyra-Macedon

Friday night in the Wayne-Finger Lakes region featured 21 high school basketball games, with standout performances by the Geneva boys and Waterloo girls. Geneva narrowly defeated Mynderse to secure their sixth straight win, while Waterloo overcame Palmyra-Macedon with a strong second-half effort. Other games showcased intense rivalries, buzzer-beating moments, and dominant wins across both boys' and girls' basketball.