Your Morning Edition for Saturday, Dec. 14th presented by Riccelli Northern!

Cayuga Co. passes tough 2025 budget, Williamson candy store earns state recognition, and local hoops deliver buzzer-beating excitement! Plus, road closures in SF, and SU-Georgetown rivalry renewed!

Dec 14, 2024

Cayuga County approves 2025 budget amid fiscal challenges

The Cayuga County Legislature approved the 2025 budget after contentious debates over spending priorities and staffing, culminating in a 4.19% tax levy increase and a $5.66 million fund balance draw. Notable changes included eliminating a Planning Department role and delaying the hiring of a new planner to cut costs. Concerns over public safety and staffing challenges, particularly in the DMV and Sheriff’s Office, remained unresolved. Despite fiscal pressures, the session also celebrated community contributions, declaring December 11 as Meg O’Connell Day for her dedication to early childhood development programs.

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Finger Lakes Forecast: Presented by Finger Lakes Partners Insurance!

COLD AND DRY, BUT MILDER AIR IS COMING

A cold but dry Saturday is in store for the region, with diminishing lake effect snow near Lake Ontario and temperatures reaching the upper 20s to low 30s. Cloud cover increases Saturday night as a new system approaches, keeping overnight lows slightly warmer, ranging from the upper teens to low 20s. Sunday afternoon brings unsettled weather, with light rain and possible mixed precipitation for areas south of I-90, while higher elevations may see up to an inch of snow. Expect milder temperatures Sunday, with highs in the upper 20s to mid-30s and potential rain continuing into the evening.

FL1 Weather Center

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

Two overnight fires caused extensive damage in Ontario County, though no injuries were reported. In Geneva, a blaze at 24 Bay View Terrace damaged a home, possibly due to an electrical power strip, while its two residents escaped unharmed. Hours earlier, a fire broke out at a vacant Bristol home on County Road 2, heavily damaging the structure; both incidents remain under investigation.
Walworth is poised for growth with new businesses like K2 Brothers Brewing’s taproom and a Byrne Dairy set to open next year. Town Supervisor Mike Donalty supports targeted development to expand the tax base while maintaining the town's rural character. Future plans for housing and industrial parks aim to balance growth with preserving the community’s agricultural heritage.
The Auburn City Council approved the sale of the former Polish Home at 197 State St. to Housing Visions for $1, paving the way for a $6 million affordable housing project. The plan includes demolishing the existing structure to build 26 one-bedroom apartments, with 12 units designated for chronically homeless individuals. The project is expected to close by April 2026, pending funding and approvals.
Seven correctional officers were injured in a series of violent incidents at Five Points Correctional Facility between November 9 and 22, highlighting safety concerns in New York’s maximum-security prisons. The incidents included inmate assaults, physical altercations, and degrading attacks involving feces and urine. Kenny Gold of NYSCOPBA criticized state officials for ignoring staff safety issues, citing short staffing and mandatory overtime as contributing factors to the ongoing violence.
Williamson’s Original Candy Kitchen, a beloved business since 1890, has been added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. Recognized for its rich legacy and role in the community, the diner and candy store has been run by four generations of the Boosalis family, now operated by Mary and Peter Anagnostopoulos. Senator Pam Helming praised the family's dedication to preserving tradition, calling the business a “living piece of history” that fosters community spirit and continuity.

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FRIDAY HS BASKETBALL REPORT: Palmyra-Macedon, Midlakes boys win on buzzer-beaters; Wayne holds off Mynderse in Blankenberg’s return

Friday night in Wayne Finger-Lakes high school basketball featured wild finishes, including buzzer-beater wins for the Palmyra-Macedon and Midlakes boys’ teams. Wayne held off Mynderse in a close matchup, with Cam Blankenberg scoring 26 points in his season debut. On the girls' side, Mynderse opened their season with a hard-fought road win over Wayne. The action-packed night showcased standout performances, tight contests, and more games scheduled for Saturday.

High School Basketball Scoreboard

ORANGE GAME DAY: Syracuse hosts longtime rival Georgetown

Syracuse (5-4) hosts longtime rival Georgetown (7-2) at the JMA Wireless Dome today, marking the 100th meeting between the two programs. The Orange lead the all-time series 54-45 and won last year’s matchup 80-68. Syracuse aims to stay unbeaten at home after a 102-85 victory over UAlbany, while Georgetown looks to rebound from a 73-60 loss to West Virginia. The game tips off at 2:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on the ACC Network.

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Road closures and traffic delays expected in Seneca Falls for “It’s a Wonderful Life” events

Seneca Falls will experience road closures and traffic delays this today due to the annual “It’s a Wonderful Life” Parade and the It’s a Wonderful Run 5K Race. The parade will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., while the 5K race will follow from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., affecting State Route 5 and nearby streets. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes and expect congestion, with police on-site to manage traffic and ensure safety. These events are part of the town's festive celebration of its connection to the classic 1946 holiday film.