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Latest on structure fire in Wayne Co. Plus, Honeoye heads to state final, FL Land Trust leader talks 2025, Seneca Co. preps for Tuesday meeting, and Ontario Co. Sheriff's Dept. mourns K9 passing.

Mar 22, 2025

Two structures destroyed after Rose fire: One person airlifted to Strong Hospital

A fire in the Town of Rose on Friday evening destroyed a mobile camper and a storage barn, according to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. One man was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and several local fire departments responded to the scene.

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Finger Lakes Forecast: Weekend weather outlook

Today brings a chance of showers after 10 a.m. with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 50, followed by gusty winds shifting from south to west. Tonight, temperatures will drop sharply to around 23 degrees under partly cloudy skies, with brisk northwest winds. Sunday will be mostly sunny but cool, with highs near 40 before rain and snow showers move in late Sunday night and continue into Monday.

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

Yates County Public Health officials are warning of an increased measles threat amid record-high national case counts and low local vaccination rates. Only 55.8% of children in the county have received the MMR vaccine, leaving the community at risk for an outbreak. Residents are urged to check their immunization status and consult with healthcare providers, as nearby cases have already been reported in surrounding states and provinces.
New York’s largest teachers union, NYSUT, is advocating for a statewide “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban in schools to improve student focus, mental health, and academic performance. In a letter to lawmakers, Finger Lakes union leaders backed Governor Hochul’s proposal, citing data showing dramatic drops in discipline issues and absenteeism where similar policies exist. NYSUT is urging lawmakers to include the measure in the state budget, with a rollout targeted for the 2025–2026 school year.
Senator Chuck Schumer is warning that a new executive order from former President Donald Trump threatens to eliminate the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, which has provided over $430 million to support small businesses and housing in the Finger Lakes and Central New York. Schumer says the move would devastate local economies by cutting off affordable loans for underserved communities. He is leading a bipartisan effort to preserve the fund, calling it a vital tool for expanding opportunity and investment in low-income areas.
Seneca County’s Board of Supervisors will hold a series of committee meetings on March 25 to address infrastructure, public health, legal, and tax matters. Key agenda items include a wastewater grant application, highway department purchases, opioid prevention funding, and a proposed extension of the county’s 1% sales tax. Other discussions will cover staffing changes, indigent defense funding, and revisions to the county’s hotel occupancy tax.
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of retired K9 Fennell, who passed away after a battle with cancer. Fennell served with distinction for over seven years, playing a key role in bomb threat responses, rescues, and criminal investigations alongside his partner, Sgt. Dana Egburtson. Remembered for his bravery and calm demeanor, Fennell’s legacy now continues through his younger brother, K9 Ernie.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Honeoye punches ticket to first-ever state final

Honeoye advanced to its first-ever state championship game with a 63-55 win over Moravia in the Class C semifinals on Friday. Sophomore Landon Washburn led the Bulldogs with 27 points, including 13 free throws, as Honeoye held off a late rally. The team will face undefeated Berne-Knox-Westerlo in the state final Saturday night.

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Finger Lakes Land Trust President Andy Zepp shares major regional update

Finger Lakes Land Trust President Andy Zepp shared a wide-ranging update on regional conservation efforts, highlighting new land acquisitions, habitat restoration projects, and expanded partnerships across 11 counties. Major initiatives include a 120-acre parcel near Naples, expanded preserves near Skaneateles and Honeoye Lakes, and ADA-accessible trails in Tompkins County. Zepp emphasized the urgency of continued conservation amid rising real estate prices and environmental challenges, while celebrating growing community support and a new lakeside park in Aurora.