Your Morning Edition for Sunday, August 4th presented by DiSanto Propane!
HABs overtake several Finger Lakes hot spots. Plus, local olympic update, Newark residents debate Wellness Center, Waterloo IDs DRI possibilities, and Cayuga Nation says Auburn sculpture missed mark.
HABs now widespread across Finger Lakes: State rejects proposed rules to protect Owasco Lake
The children waded waist-deep in green-tinged water at the Deep Run Beach on Canandaigua Lake on July 23 before lifeguards waved them out and closed the swimming area. Tests of water that day at Deep Run showed levels of chlorophyll A at more than six times the state’s threshold for a harmful algal bloom, or HAB.
KEY POINTS FROM EXCLUSIVE REPORTING
HABs, which are actually blooms of cyanobacteria, are health hazards that typically arrive later in the summer, peaking in September and early October. But this season blooms were reported across the Finger Lakes during the last week of July, especially on the warm, calm days of July 23 and July 29.
On July 23, two swimming areas on Owasco Lake were closed due to HABs — one day after the state Department of Health pulled the plug on the Auburn community’s arduous long-term effort to update 40-year-old rules to protect drinking water drawn from Owasco Lake.
In a one-paragraph letter, the Health Department informed Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino and Town of Owasco Supervisor Ed Wagner that their proposed rule amendments “are not necessary to (guarantee) potable water quality for the foreseeable future.”
FLX Forecast: What to expect today?
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
OLYMPIC UPDATE: Meghan Musnicki, Olivia Coffey, and the U.S. women’s 8 rowing team narrowly missed medaling in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The crew finished fourth with a time of 6:01.73, just two seconds behind bronze medalists Great Britain. Romania took gold, followed by Canada, at the Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium. [READ MORE]
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION: Waterloo has identified up to 15 projects for potential funding from its $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award announced in 2023. The projects, which include both public and private endeavors, were presented at a July 31 meeting and are now under review by consultants. Eligible projects will be submitted for state approval in October. [READ MORE]
SCULPTURE CONTROVERSY: The Cayuga Nation expressed strong objections to the new “Sky Woman” sculpture unveiled in downtown Auburn, stating it was not consulted about the project. The sculpture, created by Audrey Iwanicki and located at the corner of William and Lincoln streets, is meant to honor the Cayuga Nation and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. [READ MORE]
NEWARK HEALTH CENTER: Plans for the Newark Health and Wellness Center are facing opposition from a group called Newark Citizens for Responsible Development. Critics argue the financial estimates are overly optimistic and pose a risk to the village. [READ MORE]
DOG SAVED: The quick action of first responders in Cayuga County led to the safe return of a local dog, who fell into a septic tank on Route 90. The Cayuga/Seneca Fire Wire reported the incident around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, when Montezuma Fire Department was dispatched to a incident where a dog fell into a septic tank along Route 90 near Decker Road. [READ MORE]
Dwight Freeney to be inducted into football HOF
Dwight Freeney, former Syracuse University standout and NFL star, will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. As one of five modern-era selections for the Hall’s 2024 class, Freeney’s illustrious career is being celebrated in Canton, Ohio. His time at Syracuse included being named Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 and setting a school record with 50.5 tackles for loss.
MORE LOCAL HEADLINES: What Else Is Happening?
What’s next for this historic property in Ithaca? Mixed use eyed by developer
Falling tree kills one, injures another at Wyoming County AirBNB
Ithaca man arrested for burglary after being chased by homeowner
Police: Seneca Falls man arrested for assault and violating court order
Police: Seneca Falls man used fake $100 bill at local business
Seneca Falls man arrested for attempted theft of town property
Ithaca police use GPS to track stolen laptop, arrest man for burglary
Livingston County opens advanced fire training tower to boost emergency readiness
Rochester businessman pleads guilty to filling false tax returns
Troy man sentenced to 63 months in prison for ammunition possession
Truck slides off Rt. 38 in Conquest, sending one to hospital
Wayne County-based Optimax launches new space-focused venture
Tompkins Financial welcomes Eric Taylor as new head of financial advisors
New OSHA regs could threaten volunteer fire departments across the Finger Lakes
AROUND THE US & WORLD: Beyond the Finger Lakes
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Senate passes groundbreaking kids’ online safety bills: What impact will they have?
How to Improve Lending Decisions with Digital Footprint Analysis
Biden celebrates major US-Russia prisoner swap, 24 freed in landmark deal
Poll: VP contenders remain unknown as Harris prepares announcement
Public confidence in Secret Service crumbles after Trump assassination attempt
Senate blocks Child Tax Credit expansion amidst election-year tensions
US recognizes Venezuelan opposition victory amid controversy