Your Morning Edition for Sunday, Dec. 29th presented by DiSanto Propane!
From the Geneva YMCA's construction progress to Section V hoops report, plus updates on Lansing's push for nurses, Newfield's phone ban, Dryden's budget approval, and Big Lots survival plan.
Geneva YMCA’s “Building What Matters” project progresses despite winter weather
Despite winter weather challenges, the Geneva YMCA's “Building What Matters” project is making steady progress, with construction advancing on an 11,000-square-foot addition. The new space will include areas for fitness training, youth activities, senior programs, and educational classes. Work on phase four, including roof replacement and HVAC upgrades, is also underway, with temporary adjustments made for adult locker room access. With strong donor support and ongoing operations, the YMCA looks forward to completing these long-awaited enhancements in 2025.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Presented by Blush by CVDesigns!
MILD—AT TIMES RAINY—CONDITIONS ACROSS THE FINGER LAKES
The Finger Lakes region will experience mild temperatures and periods of rain through New Year’s Day, with gusty winds peaking at 37 mph tonight. Monday brings mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance of showers and temperatures in the mid-40s. Rain returns Tuesday afternoon and continues into the night, with steady precipitation expected. On New Year’s Day, rain transitions to snow by late afternoon as temperatures cool to the upper 30s.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Newfield Central School District reports positive results over a year after implementing a cell phone ban. The policy reduced classroom disruptions, improved student focus, and enhanced social interactions. Academic performance also saw significant gains, with math scores rising by 34% and English scores by 18%.
A Seneca Falls man was arrested after resisting police and injuring an officer during an altercation on Fall Street. Jonathon W. Kopetchny, 48, caused a public disturbance, fled into a local business, and resisted arrest despite repeated verbal commands. He now faces multiple charges, including felony assault and resisting arrest, and remains in custody awaiting arraignment.
A driver and passenger were arrested after a brief police pursuit along Route 14 in Lyons. Tevin Devante Bracey, 32, faces multiple charges, including felony aggravated unlicensed operation and reckless driving, while passenger Patience LaRock, 23, was charged with criminal impersonation and first-degree robbery. Both are scheduled to appear in court in January 2025.
Big Lots has secured a deal with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners to keep hundreds of stores and distribution centers open following its bankruptcy filing. Variety Wholesalers will acquire 200–400 stores and up to two distribution centers, maintaining operations under the Big Lots brand. CEO Bruce Thorn highlighted the agreement’s importance in preserving jobs and brand continuity.
Senator Tom O’Mara is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to address public safety, economic burdens, and government spending as top priorities for New York’s 2025 legislative session. He emphasized concerns over criminal justice reforms, the escalating migrant crisis, and high taxes impacting small businesses and family farms. O’Mara also called for action on energy policy, fentanyl prevention, and accountability in the state’s COVID-19 response.
Syracuse gets back to .500 with win over Bucknell
Syracuse closed out nonconference play with a 75-63 win over Bucknell, improving to 6-5 on the season. Eddie Lampkin Jr. and Donnie Freeman led the way with double-doubles, while a late first-half surge gave the Orange control. Kyle Cuffe Jr. and Lucas Taylor added key contributions, and Syracuse dominated the boards, outrebounding Bucknell 43-27. The win marks Syracuse's 11th victory in 12 matchups against Bucknell.
SATURDAY HS BASKETBALL REPORT: Marcus Whitman boys win at buzzer; Dundee/Bradford girls extend win streak to six
The Marcus Whitman boys secured a thrilling buzzer-beater win, and the Dundee/Bradford girls extended their win streak to six games in a busy day of Wayne Finger-Lakes high school basketball. Brody Royston’s last-second layup lifted Marcus Whitman over Rochester Prep, while Dundee/Bradford dominated North Penn-Mansfield. Both teams highlighted a day filled with competitive matchups across the region.
Boys Basketball Results
Wayne 75, Holland 27
Marcus Whitman 59, Rochester Prep 58
Penfield 81, Newark 44
Wayland-Cohocton 54, North Rose-Wolcott 43
Wheatland-Chili 60, Gananda 57
Dundee/Bradford 64, Hammondsport 36
Red Jacket 55, Clyde-Savannah 45
Bloomfield 57, Naples 50
Girls Basketball Results
Waterloo 55, Livonia 39
Cato-Meridian 40, North Rose-Wolcott 25
Spencer-Van Etten 45, South Seneca 26
Newark 59, Gates Chili 50
Watkins Glen 52, Mynderse 44
Dundee/Bradford 61, North Penn-Mansfield 38
Penn Yan 42, Haverling/Hammondsport 29
Bloomfield 67, Avon 32
Red Creek 55, Williamson/Marion 45
Hornell 57, Victor 41
Binghamton 54, Canandaigua 46
MORE FROM AROUND THE FLX
BILLS GAME DAY: Buffalo looks to lock up AFC’s No. 2 seed with win over Jets (preview)
Corning charity soccer tournament raises funds for children’s hospital
Life with an ostomy bag: Adjusting to a new normal after surgery
High-speed chase in Yates County ends with crash and arrest: Dundee man airlifted
Naples woman arrested for DWI after property damage crash in Ontario County
Two-car crash in Waterloo leads to patient extrication and EMS response
Significant damage after water flow incident at del Lago hotel (video)