Your Morning Edition for Saturday, Mar. 29th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Today we have the latest on a high-profile Ontario Co. Court case involving a toddler's death. Plus, news on Seneca's new water authority and push for state arterial funding in Auburn.
Geneva man cleared in toddler death trial
A Geneva man has been acquitted in the 2022 death of his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son. A jury found 25-year-old Jarrid Mix not guilty of manslaughter after hearing conflicting arguments about the cause of the child’s fatal injuries. While the defense suggested medical malpractice, the district attorney acknowledged the difficulty of securing convictions in complex child death cases.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Cool and damp.
The Finger Lakes will see a mostly cloudy Saturday with scattered showers and highs near 59. Rain becomes more likely Saturday night into Sunday, with cooler overnight lows around 38. Showers and a few possible thunderstorms continue Sunday into Sunday night, as temperatures climb to the mid-60s. Monday brings widespread rain and gusty winds, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and a chance for rain and snow showers overnight.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Seneca County’s new Water-Sewer Authority held its first meeting this week, launching a unified effort to strengthen regional infrastructure. Formed by the state Legislature after a county-commissioned study, the Authority aims to foster collaboration and support long-term development. The board appointed Daniel Schmalzel as interim executive director and plans to meet monthly, with early priorities including operating procedures and intermunicipal planning.
State Sen. Rachel May is pushing legislation to increase state highway maintenance aid for cities, marking the first potential funding boost since 1987. Her bill would raise the reimbursement rate from 85 cents to $2.47 per square yard and link future increases to inflation. Cities like Auburn, where pothole-ridden roads await delayed state repairs, stand to benefit significantly.
CMAC, the Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center, has been nominated for “Outdoor Venue of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music Awards. The Upstate New York venue is competing with top locations across the country for the national honor. Winners will be announced during the ACM Awards on May 8.
New York lawmakers are bracing for a late state budget as negotiations stall over proposed changes to criminal discovery laws. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s push to alter evidence standards has drawn criticism from legislators who say key details remain unclear and could undermine past reforms. While alternative proposals are being considered, little progress has been made with the budget deadline just days away.
Auburn school district residents will vote in May on a $7.2 million emergency project to upgrade ventilation systems in four elementary schools. The plan targets outdated unit ventilators and other equipment to improve classroom climate control and meet code standards. Funding will come from a mix of capital reserve and district funds, with the vote set for May 20.
FRESH TAKES: Previewing the 2025 baseball season
