Your Morning Edition for Saturday, Feb. 22nd presented by DiSanto Propane!

Latest on redevelopment of Butler prison, Auburn approves housing grant, Seneca Supervisors Chair declines stipend for county manager's job, and prison strikes continue. Plus, sectional brackets!

Feb 22, 2025

Wayne County IDA advances prison redevelopment plan, weighs workforce housing incentives

Wayne County seeks ideas for Butler Correctional Facility redevelopment | News | fltimes.com

The Wayne County Industrial Development Agency met earlier this month to discuss a range of economic development initiatives, including a multimodal transportation study, ongoing property transfers, and potential incentives for workforce housing. The board also discussed progress on the Wayne County Correctional Facility property transfer, a long-standing effort to repurpose the former prison site. IDA officials said all required documentation has been submitted to the state, and the matter is scheduled for review at the Empire State Development (ESD) board meeting in February.

Finger Lakes Forecast: Quieting down and warming up!

A weak cold front moving through the Finger Lakes this weekend will bring some scattered snow showers on Sunday. But otherwise, conditions will be breezy with temperatures rising from the upper 20s on Saturday to the mid-30s to wrap up the weekend. A warming trend continues into Monday, with highs reaching the upper 40s in parts of western New York, accompanied by increasing south-southwesterly winds.

FL1 Weather Center

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

Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of 24-year-old Sam Nordquist, whose remains were found in Yates County after months of alleged torture. New York State Police charged Kimberly Sochia and Thomas Eaves with second-degree murder, bringing the total number of suspects in the case to seven. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nordquist’s death, while Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered state agencies to assist in the case.
Seneca County Board of Supervisors Chair Mike Enslow has declined a proposed $2,500 biweekly stipend for assuming county manager duties, instead recommending the funds be used to hire a consulting firm to improve county operations. He believes outside expertise is necessary to address systemic challenges before appointing a new county manager. The stipend proposal remains under review, with discussions set to begin on February 25.
The Auburn City Council approved a resolution supporting a $1 million state grant application for a proposed 70-unit market-rate housing development on Dunning Avenue, aiming to attract professionals to the area. Council members also discussed budget transfers, highlighting increased police and fire overtime costs due to staffing shortages and emergency responses. Additional topics included updates on public works projects, amendments to procurement policies, and preparations for upcoming meetings on zoning and city priorities.
A driver was hospitalized after a rollover crash involving a Town of East Bloomfield highway truck early Friday morning on Oakmount Road. Authorities say the truck, driven by Sean K. Rubenstein, veered off the road, struck a utility pole, and overturned in a yard. Rubenstein sustained minor injuries and was transported to F.F. Thompson Hospital, while the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Assembly Republicans are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to repeal the HALT Act, blaming it for worsening violence and safety concerns in New York’s prisons. They argue that the law, which limits the use of solitary confinement, has contributed to a sharp rise in assaults and contraband, and they oppose Hochul’s plan to close additional prisons. Minority Leader Will Barclay criticized the governor’s approach, calling for immediate policy changes to protect correctional officers and inmates from deteriorating conditions.

BRACKETS: 2025 Section V Basketball Championships

The 2025 Section V Boys and Girls High School Basketball postseason is underway. Check out brackets from each of the 16 tournaments being conducted across all the classifications of Section V as area high school teams compete for a Sectional Championship. The brackets that appear below will be updated as the tournaments progress. Use the tabs at the bottom to switch between brackets for each classification.

Live Brackets Here!

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Arcadia man lied about his identity, obstructed officers after Wayne County crash

An Arcadia man was arrested after allegedly providing a false identity to deputies following a minor crash in Wayne County. Authorities say Michael W. Wilson initially identified himself as “William Wilson” but was later confronted by the same deputy after a dispute over the tow bill led to a second police response. Wilson was charged with criminal impersonation and obstructing governmental administration, released on an appearance ticket, and is set to appear in court on March 19.

Canandaigua police clarify phone line procedures after public confusion

The Canandaigua Police Department issued a public service announcement clarifying that all emergency and incident reports must be made through 911, as calls are dispatched by the Ontario County 911 Center. Administrative inquiries, such as records requests and complaints, should be directed to the department’s office during business hours, with after-hours calls forwarded to 911. The announcement aimed to address public confusion, including a recent case where a welfare check request was misdirected due to outdated contact information.