Your Morning Edition for Saturday, April 5th presented by DiSanto Propane!
CMAC gets ready for huge 2025 lineup, Cayuga Co. Legislature approves $160,000 salary for CIO, Walworth Town Board supports sewer line update, and much more from all-around the Finger Lakes!
One rescued, two swim to shore after boat capsizes on Canandaigua Lake
A mechanical test on Canandaigua Lake turned into a water rescue Thursday afternoon when a boat carrying three men capsized, prompting an emergency response from multiple agencies. The man stranded in the water was Sam Brown, 25, who clung to the overturned hull about 200 yards from shore before a boat from Canandaigua Boatworks reached him. Brown was taken to FF Thompson Hospital for possible hypothermia.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Rainy and turning cool.
The Finger Lakes will see a soggy start to the weekend, with rain and possible thunderstorms on Saturday and Saturday night, accompanied by gusty winds and temperatures in the upper 50s. Showers taper off Sunday, but it will be noticeably cooler with highs in the low 40s and a chance of light precipitation. By Monday, skies begin to clear with more sunshine and highs climbing back toward the upper 40s.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Cayuga County Legislature approved a salary increase to $160,000 for its Chief Information Officer this week, anticipating an expanded role under a potential shared services agreement with the City of Auburn. The move, approved after a closed-door session, is part of a broader effort to streamline regional IT operations and cut costs through collaboration. Lawmakers said the partnership could lead to infrastructure upgrades, bulk purchasing savings, and new support positions within the county’s IT department.
The Walworth Town Board backed a proposed reroute of a failing sewer line along Sherburne Road, calling it the most efficient and least disruptive option. Board members also heard a contentious presentation on a 66-acre solar project that drew public concern over visual impacts and multiple zoning waiver requests. In other action, the board approved several resolutions, including a security system upgrade, and heard public comments on food insecurity and concerns about solar development.
A Cornell-led pilot program has helped farmers across 14 New York counties adopt regenerative practices on nearly 10,000 acres, cutting harmful runoff and sequestering thousands of tons of carbon. The New York Outcomes Fund provided upfront payments and technical support, making sustainable agriculture more accessible and economically viable. With strong demand and measurable environmental gains, organizers now aim to expand the model nationwide as a new approach to conservation finance.
Keuka College’s Dr. BettyLou Koffel ’74 Film Series returns April 8 with a screening of Grrrl Justice, a powerful film exploring how trauma and systemic injustice impact young women. Written and directed by Shontina Vernon, the film will be followed by a live Q&A with the filmmaker, who developed the project through the Right of Return Fellowship. Now in its third year, the series aims to foster dialogue on community and belonging through thought-provoking cinema.
CMAC is gearing up for a blockbuster 2025 season with a diverse lineup of major artists, including Kane Brown, James Taylor, The Killers, and The Black Keys. The summer schedule spans from May through August, blending country, rock, indie, and orchestral performances at the scenic Finger Lakes venue. Tickets are available now, with parking details, bag policies, and box office hours outlined at cmacevents.com.
Montezuma Winery unveils expanded tasting room
Montezuma Winery in Seneca Falls will unveil its newly expanded tasting room on April 12 with a day-long grand opening celebration. The 5,700-square-foot upgrade features a larger tasting bar, expanded seating, an enhanced gift shop, and a new kitchen offering gourmet food. Festivities will include live music, food trucks, and a ribbon-cutting, with future plans for an outdoor courtyard and cocktail lounge.
INSIDE GOVERNMENT: Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council leader talks threats
FRESH TAKES: Torpedo bats or pitching hacks
READER RUNDOWN: WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN THE FINGER LAKES?
Three arrested after Seneca Falls drug bust uncovers meth, heroin, and cash
Rochester man charged after child drinks alcohol in Lyons apartment
Two arrested on drug charges after traffic stop in Farmington
NYSEG and RG&E expand public outreach with events across Upstate New York
Ithaca College launches bold sustainability campaign to tackle climate challenges
Historian Sabine Cadeau to speak on 1937 Haitian Massacre at HWS