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

Waterloo mayor says police department not being dissolved. Plus, the biggest headlines to wrap up your weekend in the Finger Lakes!

Mar 23, 2025

Waterloo mayor says there’s no plan to dissolve the police department

Waterloo Mayor Walter Bennett says there are no plans to dissolve the village police department, following concerns raised by the officers’ union. He clarified that he only asked the Seneca County sheriff about potential policing costs as part of routine budget research. Bennett emphasized the village will continue to have 24/7 police coverage and is simply exploring ways to reduce expenses without increasing taxes.

Finger Lakes Forecast: Weekend ends cool.

The Finger Lakes will see a mix of sun and clouds through midweek, with highs ranging from the upper 30s to mid-50s. Light rain and snow showers are expected Sunday night into Tuesday, followed by drier but cooler conditions on Wednesday. Temperatures will begin to rebound by Thursday, with increasing chances for rain returning late in the week.

FL1 Weather Center

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

A 19-year-old Corning woman has been charged with assault and criminal mischief after an incident in Bath that injured a police officer and damaged property. Authorities say Ava Sitzer was receiving emergency medical care at the time when the alleged offenses occurred. She was arrested on a warrant, arraigned in court, and released on $1,000 bail.
New York’s budget talks opened with early disagreements over Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposals to restrict public mask use and ban cell phones in schools. The mask measure, intended to curb intimidation, has drawn criticism from progressives over civil liberties concerns. Lawmakers are also divided on the phone ban, but negotiations remain on track as both sides signal willingness to find compromise.
A Steuben County sheriff’s deputy has been arrested on federal charges of distributing and receiving child pornography following a national tip. Investigators say 34-year-old Stuart McHenry of Hornell was identified as the user who shared explicit content on the messaging app Kik. A search of his home and digital accounts uncovered additional illegal material, and he now faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison if convicted.
A man with homes in Phelps and Sodus Point has been charged after allegedly harassing a Sodus Point official and threatening judges in the Town of Walworth. Authorities say the harassment stemmed from a dispute over building violations and escalated to online threats. Guy C. Rykbost, 53, now faces two felony counts of aggravated harassment, and the case will be heard in Wayne County Court.
State Senator Pam Helming is speaking out against two parole reform bills she says could jeopardize public safety by allowing violent offenders early release. In a recent column, Helming criticized the Elder Parole and Second Look Act, arguing they prioritize criminals over victims and could free individuals convicted of serious crimes like murder. She also condemned plans to close more state prisons, urging lawmakers to refocus on justice for victims and long-term public safety.

Allergy season ramps up across the US with rising pollen and a surprise ‘dual peak’ in the forecast

Allergy season is ramping up across the U.S., with experts warning of high pollen levels and a rare “dual peak” in some regions. Tree and grass pollen are already surging in parts of the South and Pacific Northwest, with ragweed expected to bring a second wave later this summer. AccuWeather says millions of Americans could be affected, urging precautions like staying indoors in the morning and monitoring daily pollen forecasts.

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Second ‘Little Finger Lakes’ identity workshop set for April in Hemlock

A second public workshop aimed at defining and promoting the “Little Finger Lakes Region” will be held on Sunday, April 27 in Hemlock. Organizers plan to present a proposed name, tagline, mission, and vision, along with a draft regional outline and short-term projects. The session, open to all with RSVP, will take place both in person and via Zoom.