Your Morning Edition for Saturday, Dec. 21st presented by DiSanto Propane!

Today's newsletter covers a court ruling on Seneca Meadows, winter weather alerts, broadband expansion, community initiatives, and a full recap of last night's high school basketball action!

Dec 21, 2024

From a major court ruling on the Seneca Meadows landfill to winter weather alerts, expanded broadband access, and community initiatives, today’s newsletter covers the key stories shaping the Finger Lakes. Plus, local heroes emerge in conservation law enforcement, urgent blood donations are needed this holiday season, and high school basketball delivers thrilling matchups across the region.

Court reverses decision on Seneca Meadows landfill law; says company lacked standing for environmental claim

In a major reversal, an appellate court ruled that Seneca Meadows, Inc. lacks legal standing to challenge a Seneca Falls law mandating the landfill's closure by 2025. The court found that SMI’s claims of economic harm fall outside the environmental protections of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). This decision is a victory for local residents and environmental advocates who have long fought to end landfill operations due to pollution concerns.

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Finger Lakes Forecast: Presented by Finger Lakes Partners Insurance!

SNOWY AND COLD ACROSS THE FINGER LAKES

A winter weather advisory remains in effect for the Finger Lakes and Central New York, with lake-effect snow and frigid temperatures impacting travel conditions. Counties under the advisory, including Wayne, Cayuga, Ontario, and Seneca, are expected to see 2 to 5 inches of snow, with localized higher amounts possible. Gusty winds and wind chills as low as -15°F will add to the hazardous conditions, especially on untreated roads and open areas. While snowfall may ease by late Sunday, another weak storm system could bring light snow early next week.

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

More than 4,200 low-income households in the Finger Lakes region will gain access to affordable, high-speed internet through a $3.9 million grant from Governor Kathy Hochul’s Affordable Housing Connectivity Program. The initiative, part of the statewide ConnectALL program, will bring broadband infrastructure to 51 properties across Monroe and Ontario counties. Residents will have access to internet plans starting as low as $10 per month, with service expected by the end of 2026.
The Bonafiglia Family Foundation has expanded its impact in 2024, supporting 31 organizations and 33 initiatives across Seneca County. With a total contribution of $472,620 since its inception, the foundation focused on youth development, food insecurity, and local tourism. Key efforts included a $25,000 grant for literacy programs in Seneca Falls schools, $11,250 for food pantries, and $24,000 for community events like Canal Fests and the It’s A Wonderful Life Festival.
Two local recruits from Cayuga and Wayne counties have graduated from New York State’s 24th Basic School for Environmental Conservation Police Officers. Anna Heckler of Sodus and Juthamas Kraiprasert of Auburn will join the DEC’s specialized police force to protect natural resources, wildlife, and public health. After six months of intensive training, they are prepared to enforce environmental laws and address violations ranging from poaching to pollution.
Police are investigating a break-in at Hernandez Mexican Store in downtown Geneva after the glass front door was smashed overnight. The store owner reported the incident Friday morning, revealing cash was stolen from the register. Authorities are continuing their investigation, but no official updates have been released. Tap the link above to see the latest.
An urgent blood drive will be held on Christmas Eve at the Bath Ambulance Corps to address critical seasonal shortages. Scheduled for December 24 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., the event aims to boost blood supplies during a period when donations typically decline. Organizers encourage residents to schedule appointments or walk in to help support local healthcare needs during the holiday season.

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FRIDAY HS BASKETBALL REPORT:

Friday night featured an exciting slate of Wayne Finger-Lakes high school basketball games, with Wayne boys improving to 5-0 and Midlakes and Waterloo girls securing narrow one-point wins. The Wayne boys dominated Geneva, while the Waterloo boys edged Newark in a close matchup. On the girls' side, Midlakes held on against Mynderse, and Waterloo narrowly defeated Newark.

Boys Basketball Results

Wayne (5-0) 52, Geneva (3-3) 33
Waterloo (5-2) 61, Newark (2-2) 52
Marcus Whitman (3-1) 57, Batavia (2-2) 45
Mynderse (2-3) 66, Midlakes (2-5) 36
Palmyra-Macedon (4-1) 53, Penn Yan (0-5) 38
East Rochester (5-0) 59, Red Creek (5-1) 39
Red Jacket (2-1) 60, Bloomfield (2-3) 56
Dundee/Bradford (3-2) 48, Naples (0-4) 34
Victor (2-2) 69, Canandaigua (3-2) 62

Girls Basketball Results

Waterloo (4-1) 60, Newark (2-2) 59
York (5-1) 62, East Rochester (2-4) 32
Midlakes (2-2) 34, Mynderse (1-2) 33
Bloomfield (2-2) 74, Wayne (1-4) 32
Palmyra-Macedon (2-3) 45, Penn Yan (3-3) 29
Marcus Whitman (6-0) 48, Avon (0-5) 28
Dundee/Bradford (4-1) 54, Naples (1-3) 33
Clyde-Savannah (5-2) 62, Sodus (0-5) 20
Geneva (4-2) 45, Wilson/Early College (1-5) 33
Williamson/Marion (4-3) 44, North Rose-Wolcott (1-5) 26
Canandaigua (5-0) 55, Victor (2-2) 51

Next Slate of Games

South Seneca (3-0) vs. Sodus (2-3) – 1 p.m.
East Rochester (5-0) vs. York (3-1) – 2:30 p.m.
Gananda (4-0) vs. Mynderse (2-3) – 3:30 p.m.

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THE DEBRIEF: What were the biggest stories this year in the FLX?

On the final episode of The Debrief this year – Josh Durso and Jackie Augustine sit down to talk about the biggest stories of 2024. They run down their list of the five biggest stories of the year, and look ahead to 2025 – putting together predictions for what residents should keep an eye on.