Your Morning Edition for Saturday, Mar. 1st presented by DiSanto Propane!
Today we have a deeper look at The Little Finger Lakes. Plus, a breakdown of two major Geneva housing proposals, Auburn CO's rejecting a deal to end strikes, and Friday Sectional tournament scores!
Rising from the hills: How the Little Finger Lakes are shaping a sustainable future
The Little Finger Lakes is embracing sustainability through community-driven initiatives that balance progress with environmental preservation. Local farmers, entrepreneurs, and activists are fostering a values-based economy, promoting small-scale tourism, and protecting the area's natural beauty from overdevelopment. With leaders like Jerry Elman guiding efforts, the region is proving that thoughtful, committed citizens can create a model for sustainable rural growth.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Colder and blustery.
The Finger Lakes will see cold and blustery conditions this weekend, with temperatures dropping into the teens and scattered snow showers bringing minor accumulations. Winds will be strong today, with gusts up to 40 mph, before gradually easing into Sunday. By Monday, skies will clear, and temperatures will begin a warming trend, reaching the low 30s.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Gov. Kathy Hochul brokered a deal to end the New York prison guard strike, but many corrections officers remain unsatisfied, particularly at Auburn Correctional Facility, where workers continue to protest. The agreement offers temporary overtime pay adjustments and a 90-day suspension of some HALT Act provisions, but it does not meet demands for a full repeal of the law limiting solitary confinement. With officers facing potential penalties for defying the return-to-work deadline, tensions remain high as calls for long-term safety reforms persist.
Geneva City Council is reviewing two housing proposals for city-owned properties, with discussions set for the March 5 meeting. Home Leasing proposes a 60-unit sustainable workforce housing development on Jackson Street, while Cook Properties aims to introduce modern manufactured homes on Middle Street as an affordable homeownership option. The council will hold a public hearing before deciding on property sales and moving forward with zoning and contract agreements.
Ontario County has received a Department of Environmental Conservation grant to implement new technology aimed at reducing road salt usage and protecting water quality. The funding supports live edge plow blades, salt application controls, and weather monitoring equipment to improve efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Local officials highlight the benefits for both municipalities and Rochester’s drinking water supply, with additional grant applications opening in mid-spring.
In response to the tragic death of Sam Nordquist, Canandaigua City Council passed a resolution reaffirming its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. The measure condemns hate and discrimination while pledging to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all. City leaders hope the resolution reinforces Canandaigua’s dedication to dignity, peace, and inclusivity in governance and community life.
Seneca County has created a countywide Water & Sewer Authority to improve efficiency and enhance access to grant funding. A nine-member board was appointed to oversee operations, with members serving staggered terms. Officials see the authority as a crucial step in streamlining water and sewer services for residents.
FRIDAY HS BASKETBALL SECTIONAL REPORT: Halsey joins 1000-point club as South Seneca moves on; Penn Yan girls stun Waterloo
The 2025 Section V boys’ and girls’ basketball quarterfinals saw several Wayne-Finger Lakes teams advance, while others had their seasons come to an end. South Seneca’s Kenny Halsey reached the 1,000-point milestone, scoring 17 points in a win over Northstar Christian, and the Penn Yan girls pulled off a major upset against Waterloo. Below are the results from Friday night’s action.
FRIDAY NIGHT RUNDOWN
BOYS SCOREBOARD
Wayne defeated Newark 66-53
Geneva defeated Greece Odyssey 80-68
Red Creek defeated Eugenio Maria DeHostos Charter 64-38
Gananda defeated Rochester Academy 60-55
Dundee/Bradford defeated Kendall 51-38
Bolivar-Richburg defeated Red Jacket 62-45
Honeoye defeated Mount Morris 67-48
South Seneca defeated Northstar Christian 47-36
GIRLS SCOREBOARD
Aquinas defeated Canandaigua 73-42
Mynderse defeated Young Women 61-55
Penn Yan defeated Waterloo 40-29
Lyons defeated Attica 58-37
Canisteo-Greenwood defeated Williamson/Marion 46-37
Marcus Whitman defeated Holley 58-34
TONIGHT’S GAMES
Class AA1: No. 5 Victor vs. No. 4 Irondequoit (5 p.m.)
Class B1: No. 7 Haverling vs. No. 2 Waterloo (6 p.m.)
Class B2: No. 5 Marcus Whitman vs. No. 4 Lyons (2 p.m.)
Class A Girls: No. 5 Palmyra-Macedon vs. No. 4 Pittsford Sutherland (2 p.m.)
Class C1 Girls: No. 11 East Rochester vs. No. 3 Bloomfield (2 p.m.)
Syracuse hits the road as the hoops season nears the end
Syracuse (12-16, 6-11 ACC) heads to Virginia Tech (12-16, 7-10 ACC) for a noon matchup in its final road trip of the season. The Orange enter on a high note after a 74-60 win over NC State, led by J.J. Starling’s 17 points and Eddie Lampkin Jr.’s double-double performance. Virginia Tech looks to bounce back after a close loss to Louisville, with Brandon Rechsteiner and Tobi Lawal leading the Hokies in scoring.
Kiwanis Club hosting event next weekend
The Kiwanis Club of Canandaigua will host its 11th annual Chef & Sip Challenge on Sunday, March 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hotel Canandaigua, offering attendees the chance to sample food and drinks from local chefs, bakers, and beverage producers. The event raises funds for community initiatives, including scholarships, the Inclusion in Motion Playground, and holiday programs. Guests can also participate in a silent auction and enter to win a seven-night luxury trip to the Bahamas.