Your Morning Edition for Sunday, Mar. 30th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Today's newsletter takes a look at the Cayuga Museum expansion, housing initiatives in Seneca Co., traffic safety campaign in Cayuga Co., and a town board vacancy in Wayne Co. Read more here!
Cayuga Museum expands West End Arts Campus, showcases local history and emerging artists
The Cayuga Museum of History and Art continues to grow as a cultural hub in Auburn, highlighted by the completion of its West End Arts Campus, facility upgrades, and engaging new exhibits. Current offerings include "Making History," an exploration of Auburnâs industrial heritage, with future exhibits focusing on the Korean War and pivotal moments like the opening of the Erie Canal. The museum remains dedicated to community involvement, hosting events such as a spring fashion show, lectures, and exhibits supporting local artists.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Rainy today, but warmer days ahead!
The Finger Lakes will experience a mix of mild and unsettled weather over the next five days, starting with cloudy skies and rain showers Sunday into Monday, with temperatures peaking around 70°F. A sharp cooldown will follow, bringing possible snow showers Monday night into Tuesday morning, and daytime highs falling to the upper 30s. Conditions will rebound midweek with showers returning Wednesday and Thursday, as temperatures climb back into the upper 60s.
Fast 5: Whatâs happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office is reminding drivers to stay cautious as farm vehicles, horse-drawn buggies, and bicycles return to local roads with the arrival of spring. Authorities noted these slower-moving vehicles significantly increase during warmer months, creating higher risks for severe crashes. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, watch for slow-moving vehicle signs, and provide extra space, as part of the department's "#sharetheroadcayugacounty" safety campaign.
Seneca County officials are inviting community members to two open house events in early April to gather input on the county's future housing needs and strategies. These sessionsâscheduled for April 1 in Seneca Falls and April 2 in Ovidâare part of a broader initiative aimed at developing a Comprehensive Housing Strategy to address current housing challenges and guide future investments. Residents unable to attend in person can contribute online, as officials emphasize that local perspectives are crucial to creating effective, community-driven housing solutions.
The Walworth Town Board is seeking applicants to fill a vacant board seat for the remainder of this year, following recent leadership changes. The vacancy opened after former board member Rick Johnson was appointed Town Supervisor in March, replacing Mike Donalty, who resigned. Interested residents must submit resumes to the Walworth Town Clerk by April 18, with further details available on the townâs official website or by phone.
Seneca County officials are exploring the idea of creating a countywide assessor position to streamline property evaluations, improve consistency, and reduce costs, especially for smaller towns. Prompted by advice from consultant Ian Coyle, supervisors highlighted challenges in finding qualified local assessors and the financial burden of individual town assessments. Discussions remain preliminary, with supervisors advocating a gradual transition and specialized handling for complex properties, such as lakefront homes.
A community-driven effort is underway in Yates County to establish a Veterans Memorial Park honoring local service members, inspired by last year's successful visit from The Wall That Heals. Led by a committee that has transitioned into a nonprofit organization, the group is actively seeking land proposals for a visible and accessible location. Organizers are inviting public suggestions and financial support to help create a permanent memorial featuring landscaped installations and visitor amenities.
Breweries from Finger Lakes and Central New York earn awards at state contest
Breweries from the Finger Lakes and Central New York had an impressive showing at the New York State Craft Beer Competition, earning numerous medals and showcasing the region's growing craft beer reputation. Strangebird, Okay Beer, The Other Half, and Genesee Brew House secured gold medals, with Genesee also adding a bronze, while Prison City Brewing and Keuka Brewing each won two awards. Additional regional breweries such as Lunkenheimer, Skaneateles Brewery, Aurora Brewing, Birdhouse Brewing, Eli Fish, Liquid State, and New York Beer Project in Victor took home silver and bronze medals, further highlighting the area's brewing excellence.
How hot can the classroom get? New rules go into effect this fall
Starting September 1, a new state law will limit New York public school classroom temperatures to a maximum of 88 degrees, with temperatures of 82 degrees or higher considered "extreme heat," requiring immediate action from administrators. While the law mandates districts to develop heat response plans, it does not require air conditioning installations or HVAC upgrades, prompting concerns from administrators in older schools lacking cooling systems. Critics worry this regulation may restrict local decision-making, disrupt learning, and pose funding challenges as districts await potential financial support from the state budget.
READER RUNDOWN: 10 MOST READ STORIES THIS WEEK ON FL1
Editorâs Note: On Sundays, instead of sharing 10 new stories, we highlight the week's 10 most-read headlines as decided by you the reader.
K2 Brothers face lawsuits, tax debts before announcing Wayne Co. closure
Bloomfield man held on $75,000 bail after child abuse investigation
Keuka College offers no-cost grad degree to address health provider shortage
Rochester man sentenced to 10+ years for Seneca Falls stabbing
NYSEG faces customer frustration of soaring, inconsistent billing
Suspect pulled from freezing water after leading police on chase through Watkins Glen