Your Morning Edition for Sunday, Feb. 9th presented by DiSanto Propane!

Details of massive Ovid fire response released, Wells College sells golf course, Yates considers transit options, Auburn pushes housing, and Geneva discusses shrinking City Council. Plus much more!

Feb 09, 2025

The Ovid Fire Department has provided a detailed account of the emergency response to the recent Ovid Block fire, which drew a staggering 444 firefighters and EMS personnel from across seven counties. The incident saw participation from 59 total fire and EMS agencies, including all departments within Seneca County. The blaze required extensive resources: 16 engines, 38 tankers, and 6 aerial units were dispatched to the scene. Poplar Ridge Fire Department, located 41.4 miles away, was the farthest responder. Law enforcement, public sector entities, and private organizations also played crucial roles in managing the emergency.

Full Story: Ovid Fire By The Numbers

Finger Lakes Forecast: Snow tapers off for most as forecast quiets down

Presented by Blush by CVDesigns!

Snow showers likely, but tapering off by mid-morning. They could continue for communities along Lake Ontario. Temps will top out around freezing today with cloudy skies. We’ll start the new week with highs in the upper 20s and mostly sunny skies. We’ll be watching a couple larger systems that could bring area-wide snow back to the Finger Lakes later in the week.

FL1 Weather Center

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

Last week, Geneva’s City Council discussed the potential reduction of its membership as part of ongoing governance and efficiency debates. Supporters of downsizing argued it could streamline operations, while others emphasized the importance of maintaining broad representation. No formal proposals were made, though officials confirmed that the issue would remain a topic for future discussions.
Yates County legislators will hear a presentation from Yates Transit Service on Monday regarding expanded public transportation. Yates Transit Service has operated since 2017, providing eight limited-schedule routes without using taxpayer funding and supporting Mozaic's services for people with disabilities. Regional Transit Service (RTS) proposed longer hours, dial-a-ride, and e-ticketing but would require a new tax, sparking concerns over funding burdens; a decision is expected in March.
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors is set to meet on Tuesday, February 11, with several key resolutions on the agenda. Topics include purchasing a new wireless system for $27,547.75, buying a $39,283.05 Ford Explorer for Code Enforcement, and accepting a $20,286 grant for public health services. The board will also consider a $100,000 veterans' service contract, regional airport projects, and budget amendments, with the meeting streamed online for public access.
State Senator Tom O’Mara has renewed his criticism of Albany's unfunded mandates, focusing on a proposed sprinkler system requirement for new home construction. O’Mara warned the measure could increase construction costs by $30,000, further straining homebuyers, and pointed to U-Haul data showing New York's population loss. He criticized growing Medicaid costs, unfunded local mandates, and Governor Hochul's proposed budget increases, warning that without mandate relief, affordability issues will worsen.
The Auburn City Council meeting on Thursday featured debates on housing developments, property acquisitions, and the use of federal grant funds. Residents expressed concerns over a single investor purchasing multiple foreclosed properties and the spread of misinformation about a transitional housing project, while city officials emphasized continued oversight and neighborhood revitalization efforts, including approved sales of foreclosed properties for affordable housing. The council also reviewed a five-year Community Development Block Grant plan, highlighting over $4 million in past infrastructure and public service improvements, with further investments planned for sidewalks, parks, and small business support.

Tap here to start your 2025 today!

Syracuse outlasts Boston College in triple overtime

J.J. Starling led Syracuse with 28 points as the Orange (11-13, 5-8 ACC) secured a 95-86 victory over Boston College (10-13, 2-10 ACC) in a triple-overtime thriller on Saturday evening at the JMA Wireless Dome. Boston College rallied from an 11-point second-half deficit and forced overtime with a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer. The Eagles then built a seven-point lead in double overtime, but Syracuse responded and pushed the game to a third extra period.

Full Coverage

Learn More About Today's Sponsor!

Wayne County Sheriff’s Office offers safe boating courses for residents

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is rolling out its N.Y. State Safe Boating Course, aimed at ensuring residents can safely operate watercraft on New York’s waterways. The course is a legal requirement for individuals piloting Personal Water Craft (PWC) such as Jet Skis or Wave Runners, as well as other power-driven vessels. Participants must be at least 10 years old.

Italy Valley woman arrested twice in two days for domestic incidents

A 54-year-old Italy Valley woman was arrested twice in two days after separate domestic incidents in the Town of Italy. The first arrest occurred on February 8 when Yates County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report at Italy Valley Road at 6:39 p.m. Michelle A. Staccone was taken into custody after allegedly subjecting multiple individuals to unwanted physical contact in the presence of children.