Your Morning Edition for Sunday, Mar. 16th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Major fire devastates popular sports bar in Wayne County. Recaps from meetings this week in Auburn and Seneca County, and looks at bird counts in the US, as well as a new invasive weed in New York!
Popular Sodus bar and grill destroyed in overnight fire
A well-known Wayne County bar and grill was destroyed by an overnight fire between Friday and Saturday. Multiple departments from around Wayne County were called to the scene near the intersection of Ridge and North Centenary roads in Sodus. Intense flames engulfed Adam’s Rascals Bar and Grill, a popular stop in the Sodus area, after the fire broke out in the early morning hours. Strong winds caused the fire to spread quickly, leaving little chance of saving the structure.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Rain this afternoon, mild week ahead!
The Finger Lakes region will see a stormy and windy Sunday, with widespread showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, followed by cooler temperatures overnight as rain tapers off. Monday will be much colder with highs near 40 under mostly cloudy skies, but conditions improve Tuesday with sunshine and a rebound to around 60 degrees. Wednesday brings another warm day with highs in the upper 60s before clouds increase ahead of the next system. Rain chances return Thursday, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures with the possibility of rain and snow showers Thursday night into Friday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
A Cornell University study has confirmed the first case of glyphosate-resistant waterhemp in New York, posing a major challenge for the state’s farmers who rely on the herbicide for weed control. Researchers found that waterhemp populations in Seneca County soybean fields are five to 12 times more resistant to glyphosate and also show resistance to three additional herbicides. Experts warn that simply switching chemicals is not a sustainable solution and are urging farmers to adopt integrated weed management strategies, including cover crops, crop rotation, and equipment sanitation, to slow the spread of this highly invasive species.
The Auburn City Council reviewed infrastructure projects and financial strategies, focusing on road repairs, capital planning, and a key appointment to the Auburn Industrial Development Authority. Officials debated funding options for deteriorating streets, with Mayor James N. Giannettino Jr. advocating for more flexible state road repair grants, while also addressing a $23 million state-funded arterial roadway project set for 2026. The council also approved a new board member for the development authority, discussed debt reduction efforts, and announced upcoming community events, including an electronics recycling program.
The 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report reveals that a third of American bird species are at high or moderate risk, with populations of forest, grassland, and arid-land birds continuing to decline at alarming rates. While species like the greater prairie-chicken and tricolored blackbird face critically low numbers, conservation successes—such as the rebound of American oystercatchers—demonstrate that targeted efforts can reverse declines. Experts emphasize the importance of habitat protection and collaborative conservation strategies, not only for bird populations but also for broader ecological and economic benefits.
State Senator Tom O’Mara is criticizing New York’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) rule, arguing that the mandate for electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles imposes unrealistic costs on businesses and municipalities without sufficient infrastructure support. He warns that the policy could drive up costs for consumers, force businesses to relocate fleets out of state, and result in older, less efficient trucks remaining in use. With bipartisan legislation introduced to delay the rule until 2027, the debate underscores growing concerns over balancing climate goals with economic feasibility.
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors approved key resolutions supporting infrastructure upgrades, economic development, and public safety initiatives, including funding for water infrastructure improvements in Ovid to aid redevelopment efforts following a major fire. Housing projects advanced with support from the Finger Lakes Regional Land Bank, which outlined plans for new affordable units backed by county and state funding. The board also addressed budget amendments, law enforcement funding, and environmental concerns, including a request for state assistance in combating hydrilla in Cayuga Lake.
Cayuga Community College student honored with SUNY’s McConney Jr. Award
Cayuga Community College student Jorge Jimenez has been honored with the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence, recognizing his academic achievement and perseverance as part of SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Program. A Bronx native and Liberal Arts and Sciences major with a 3.67 GPA, Jimenez has been an active leader on campus, serving as a Student Services Center employee, Men’s Basketball team captain, and Phi Theta Kappa member. Grateful for the support of EOP staff, he plans to pursue a career in sports management and transfer to a four-year SUNY institution in 2025.
THE RUNDOWN: 10 MORE FROM AROUND THE FLX!
Inmate at Seneca County Jail arrested for possessing meth and fentanyl
Central New York launches inaugural 40 Over 40 Awards to honor regional leaders
Lyons man arrested in connection to November gas station robbery
Clyde woman arrested for DWI after vehicle leaves roadway in Sodus
Thompson Health names Susan Bezek director of cardiopulmonary services
HEAL dissolves after years of fighting opioid crisis in Cayuga County
Landmark Society’s ‘Five to Revive’ spotlights Wells College and Bellona Mill
Appeals court upholds convictions for attempted murder, robbery, and more in Cayuga County