Your Morning Edition for Saturday, Mar. 8th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Latest on strikes at Auburn and Five Points prisons, new report on NY's crumbling infrastructure, Honeoye rolls past South Seneca for sectional title, and Lyons dominates to win first since 2014.
Auburn, Five Points correction officers continue strike as union rejects deal
Correction officers at Auburn and Five Points correctional facilities are continuing their nearly three-week strike after union leaders rejected a state-brokered deal. The agreement, which aimed to address concerns over the HALT Act, contraband, and forced overtime, was reached without input from the officers' union, NYSCOPBA. While about 100 officers remain on strike, at least 50 have resigned, and the state warns there will be no renegotiation of the offer. Supporters are organizing a rally at Sampson State Park, as tensions persist over working conditions and job security.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Cool weekend, but mild next week!
Saturday will start mostly cloudy with a slight chance of morning snow showers before turning sunnier, though breezy, with a high near 32. Sunday will see mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance of rain and snow showers, warming to around 40 degrees. A warming trend begins Monday with mostly sunny skies and a high of 51, climbing to 63 on Tuesday with breezy conditions. Midweek turns cloudier, with highs in the upper 40s to mid-50s and a chance of showers on Thursday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
New York’s deteriorating roads and bridges are raising concerns among lawmakers, who warn that inadequate funding threatens safety and economic growth. Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay is calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to boost infrastructure investment, criticizing the state’s 45th-ranked road conditions and stagnant CHIPS funding for local repairs. Republican lawmakers are pushing for a $250 million increase to CHIPS, while Hochul has proposed an $800 million boost for the state’s CORE Road and Bridge Program. As budget negotiations continue, the level of investment could have lasting effects on transportation and economic competitiveness.
An Auburn woman was arrested on felony drug charges after allegedly concealing 21 grams of cocaine during a search last year. Police say 36-year-old Abby R. Smith was taken into custody and charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. The Finger Lakes Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at her home in May, where her partner, Seraphin Moniz, was also arrested and later sentenced to seven years in prison for possessing six ounces of cocaine. Authorities continue efforts to combat drug-related crimes in the region.
A Rochester man was arrested after allegedly pepper spraying an 84-year-old Macy’s employee while attempting to steal jackets from Eastview Mall. Police say 67-year-old Jack Miles used the spray on the worker before fleeing with six jackets on Tuesday. He was located the next day in a vehicle outside the mall and taken into custody by New York State Police. Miles is being held without bail and faces charges of assault, robbery, and grand larceny, with a preliminary hearing set for Tuesday.
The Alison Rose Foundation donated $10,000 to Finger Lakes Health to purchase two infant warmers for emergency departments at Geneva General Hospital and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital. Co-founder Amy Carey visited Geneva General to see the new equipment and meet with hospital staff, who expressed gratitude for the support. The foundation, created in memory of Carey’s daughter Ali, raises funds for Amniotic Fluid Embolism research and maternal-child healthcare. Most of the funding for this donation came from the foundation’s “Bike, Hike and BBQ” fundraiser held last June.
Geneva police arrested a 45-year-old woman Friday after an armed robbery at Saglimbeni Discount Liquor Store. The suspect allegedly displayed a handgun through her jacket pocket while stealing approximately $50 before fleeing the scene. Officers quickly located and detained April Lashay Patterson, a convicted felon, who was also linked to a prior theft at a local store. She faces charges of first-degree robbery and petit larceny and was taken to Ontario County Jail on an active parole violation warrant.
SECTIONAL SATURDAY DOUBLEHEADER: Waterloo vies for B1 title, Wayne looks to repeat as Class A champions
FL1 Radio is live from Blue Cross Arena for Sectional Final Saturday. Up first is the Class B1 final as the Waterloo Tigers search for their first sectional title since 1972 as they take on the World of Inquiry Griffins. Following that game, the Class A title game takes the floor as a rematch from the contest in 2024 decides who moves on as the Wayne Eagles take on the East High Eagles. Paul Russo and Nate Sharman have the call. Class B1 tips off at 11 am, and the Class A game begins at 1 pm.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Honeoye rolls past South Seneca to capture first sectional title in 28 years
Honeoye's boys basketball team claimed its first sectional title since 1997 with a commanding 54-27 victory over South Seneca in the Class C3 Final. The top-seeded Bulldogs took control early, leading 26-15 at halftime before outscoring the Falcons 28-12 in the second half. Sophomore Landon Washburn led Honeoye with 17 points, earning Class C3 MVP honors, while teammates Owen Cuba and Dylan Washburn also scored in double figures. South Seneca was paced by freshman Kyan Miller-Hopkins, who scored all 10 of his points after halftime.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Lyons uses dominant third quarter run to win first sectional title since 2014
Lyons captured its first sectional title since 2014 with a 55-46 win over Marcus Whitman in the Class B2 Championship. The Lions overcame an eight-point halftime deficit with a dominant 22-8 third-quarter run to take control of the game. Car’Mella Parker led Lyons with 19 points, while Jayla Bell added 18 and earned Class B2 MVP honors. Marcus Whitman was led by Lily Carroll’s 13 points, with Madison Daggett and Sophia Snyder each scoring 11.