Your Morning Edition for Saturday, Mar. 15th presented by DiSanto Propane!

Two Wayne Co. schools consider reorganizing, major redevelopment hoped for Manchester Roundhouse, new proposal for Wells College, and Canandaigua planning looks forward.

Mar 15, 2025

The Marion and Williamson Central School Districts are considering a potential reorganization with guidance from the New York State Education Department, aiming to enhance educational opportunities and maintain fiscal responsibility. A joint meeting on March 18 will allow board members to vote on commissioning a feasibility study, which would analyze enrollment, staffing, curriculum, and financial factors if approved. The process includes public engagement, potential state aid incentives, and a final vote by district residents following state-mandated procedures.

Finger Lakes Forecast: Stormy skies Sunday?

The Finger Lakes region will experience a mix of mild and stormy conditions over the next four days. Saturday will be mostly sunny and breezy, with highs in the mid-60s, before clouds increase at night with a slight chance of showers. Sunday brings widespread rain and possible thunderstorms, with gusty winds and highs near 69, followed by cooler temperatures and lingering showers overnight. Monday will be significantly colder, with a chance of early morning snow showers and highs in the mid-40s, but conditions will improve on Tuesday with mostly sunny skies and a return to milder temperatures near 61.

FL1 Weather Center

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

The Canandaigua City Planning Commission reviewed several proposals this week, including a rezoning request for a large-scale residential development, a seasonal fireworks tent application, and historic property alterations. The Waterchase Planned Unit Development, which seeks to build 79 single-family homes, drew discussion on stormwater management and zoning deviations before being recommended to the City Council for review. Other approvals included a fireworks tent permit with traffic-related conditions, a historic window replacement, and a business sign update, while a boutique signage request was postponed.
Ontario County has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to redevelop the historic Manchester Roundhouse site, with proposals due by June 2. Built in 1916 by the Lehigh Valley Railroad, the long-abandoned structure is a designated brownfield and has been recognized for its historical significance by preservation groups. Local officials see the project as a key economic revitalization effort, aiming to attract developers to remediate the site and restore its role as a community asset.
A new proposal aims to transform the historic Wells College campus into a multifaceted educational and residential community, incorporating an International Baccalaureate boarding school, an Indigenous college, and a senior living community. The plan, led by Summit World Schools, the Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge, and Grande Venues, seeks to preserve the financially struggling campus while fostering intergenerational learning and economic revitalization. With phased development beginning in 2025, the project’s success will depend on securing approvals, funding, and community support.
Wayne County Undersheriff Tammy Ryndock has been named the American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, recognizing her 25 years of service and dedication. Ryndock, the county’s first female undersheriff, received the award Tuesday at the Newark American Legion after being nominated by a local veteran. In addition to her law enforcement career, she actively supports community advocacy efforts, serving on boards that protect children and assist abuse survivors.
A 19-year-old fugitive wanted in South Carolina for burglary and kidnapping was arrested in Auburn on Thursday, police said. Officers from Auburn’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination team tracked Jamiah N. Franklin to a residence on Orchard Street, where he was taken into custody without incident. Franklin was wanted for a home invasion involving a firearm and now faces an additional fugitive charge.

Historic Steuben locomotive moves to Rochester museum

The 75-year-old diesel locomotive known as Engine 5 has been acquired by the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum for preservation. Previously serving Steuben County on the Bath & Hammondsport Railroad, the train played a key role in regional freight transport, including along the Finger Lakes’ “Champagne Route.”

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Walworth Town Board accepts supervisor’s resignation, reviews other issues

The Walworth Town Board discussed several key municipal issues at its March meeting, including personnel changes, infrastructure updates, and financial approvals. The most significant moment of the meeting came when the board formally accepted the resignation of Supervisor Mike Donalty. Donalty, who had served as supervisor for over three years, cited personal reasons for stepping down, saying he planned to return to law enforcement. Board members expressed their appreciation for his leadership, with one noting that he had been instrumental in organizing town administration and guiding Walworth through key developments.

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Barn fire in Yates County results in total loss

A barn on Prosser Road was destroyed in a fire Thursday afternoon, according to the Yates County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies and multiple fire departments responded to 3574 Prosser Road around 12:24 p.m. on March 13 after a delivery worker noticed the structure engulfed in flames and reported it to authorities. No one was on the property at the time of the fire.