Your Morning Edition for Sunday, Feb. 23rd presented by DiSanto Propane!

Walworth town supervisor resigns unexpectedly, sheriffs' in Ontario and Wayne talk impact of National Guard call-ups to state prisons, Cayuga Co. ends inmate work program, and your days biggest news!

Feb 23, 2025

Walworth town supervisor resigns, eyes return to law enforcement

Walworth Town Supervisor Michael Donalty has announced his resignation, set to take effect on March 22, as he prepares to transition back into law enforcement. On February 21, Donalty notified the Walworth Town Clerk and Town Board of his intent to step down, citing a new opportunity in the Public Safety Department administration at a local college. “I’ve been offered an opportunity to return to law enforcement, my first love,” Donalty said in a statement. “I would not be able to responsibly and effectively serve the community while juggling two full-time jobs and that’s not fair to the taxpayers.”

Finger Lakes Forecast: Getting milder by the day!

While there will be a threat of showers or snow showers each day over the next several—temperatures will be significantly warmer than in recent days. In fact, we should string together 2-4 days this week in the 40s. It starts tomorrow with highs in the mid-40s across much of the region. Today, we’ll see temps in the mid-30s with some snow showers along Lake Ontario. Elsewhere, mostly overcast skies throughout the day.

FL1 Weather Center

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

The deployment of National Guard members to prisons during a corrections officers' strike is straining law enforcement in Ontario and Wayne counties, as deputies who also serve in the Guard have been called to duty. Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby warned that losing a female corrections officer could increase costs by requiring the county to house female inmates elsewhere, while Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione noted deputies felt unprepared for prison work. Both sheriffs questioned the effectiveness of the deployment and urged state officials to resolve the strike quickly to avoid further disruptions.
Canandaigua City Council will meet Monday to discuss a proposed housing development, stormwater pollution regulations, and funding for park improvements. Key agenda items include a resolution advancing a 27-acre housing project, a public hearing on stormwater discharge regulations, and budget adjustments for fire department overtime. The council will also vote on mural designs for Kershaw Park, renovations to the Jefferson Park Community Building, and a resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to inclusivity.
The decision to end Cayuga County’s inmate work program due to staffing shortages has sparked debate among residents, with many lamenting the loss of its community benefits. While some questioned the ethics of inmate labor, others proposed solutions such as restructuring officer schedules to keep the program running. Sheriff Brian Schenck received both support and criticism as the county continues to navigate staffing challenges and broader discussions about the justice system.
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors will hold a series of committee meetings Tuesday evening, preceded by a special Public Safety and Criminal Justice session on ambulance services. Key agenda items include grant reviews for health programs, infrastructure projects such as a water interconnection and sewer rehabilitation, and funding for economic redevelopment in Ovid. A special board meeting will also take place to approve the purchase of two highway department vehicles and address any unfinished business.
The Cayuga County Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee discussed updates to the occupancy tax and short-term rental registry, aiming to ensure all rentals are properly registered and taxed. Other key topics included transitioning retirees to Medicare Advantage for cost savings, reviewing county sales tax revenue trends, and approving resolutions on public health funding, infrastructure projects, and sheriff’s department vehicle purchases. The committee also advanced measures for mental health services, respite care funding, and environmental monitoring, with final approvals set for an upcoming full legislature meeting.

BRACKETS: 2025 Section V Basketball Championships

The 2025 Section V Boys and Girls High School Basketball postseason is underway. Check out brackets from each of the 16 tournaments being conducted across all the classifications of Section V as area high school teams compete for a Sectional Championship. The brackets that appear below will be updated as the tournaments progress. Use the tabs at the bottom to switch between brackets for each classification.

Live Brackets Here!

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Hopewell resident remembered for years of service to the community

The Hopewell community is honoring the legacy of longtime volunteer firefighter Ronald “Ronnie” Severino, who passed away at 66 after a battle with cancer. A devoted first responder for nearly 43 years, Severino was also a fire training aide, helping shape future firefighters in Ontario County. His funeral was attended by fellow firefighters and community members, who remember him as a dedicated mentor, outdoorsman, and friend.

Hochul seeks power to shut down prisons amid CO strikes

Gov. Kathy Hochul is seeking the power to close up to five state prisons within a year while expanding oversight through mandatory inspections and body cameras for correction officers. Her proposal comes amid an ongoing prison strike and calls for greater accountability following an inmate death at Marcy Correctional Facility. While critics warn closures could exacerbate staffing issues, supporters argue the reforms are necessary to improve safety and oversight.