Your Morning Edition for Thursday, Mar. 20th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Today we have a special look at the Seward House Museum after its reopening in Auburn. Plus, latest updates on village elections around the region, and Wayne Co.'s new interim administrator.
Seward House Museum reopens with new programs, Lafayette celebration planned
The Seward House Museum has reopened after a winter closure and is preparing for a busy year, including a major celebration of the bicentennial of Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Auburn. The museum is expanding its educational programs, digital outreach, and school partnerships, with a focus on bringing local history to more visitors. A highlight of the upcoming events is the June 8 Lafayette commemoration, featuring reenactments, historical readings, and collaborations with national heritage organizations.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Cooling off and getting a little busier after several nice days!
The Finger Lakes region will see showers today with highs near 56°F and strong winds, followed by overnight rain transitioning to snow with lows around 30°F. Friday will be breezy but dry, with clearing skies and a high near 46°F, while Saturday brings a chance of showers and highs in the upper 40s before turning colder overnight. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 40°F, but rain and snow showers return late into the night. Rain showers will continue into Monday morning, with temperatures rising to the low 50s before cooling down again midweek.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Potter residents voted to make the town clerk and highway superintendent appointed positions rather than elected ones, with both measures passing by significant margins. Town officials argued the change would ensure qualified candidates with the necessary expertise, aligning Potter with other municipalities moving away from elections for specialized roles. While supporters believe this will improve town management, some opponents expressed concerns about diminishing voter control over key positions.
Tickets are now on sale for the NJCAA Division III World Series, set to return to Falcon Park in Auburn over Memorial Day weekend. Hosted by Cayuga Community College in partnership with the City of Auburn, the tournament will feature eight teams from across the country competing for the national title from May 24-28 or May 29. Organizers anticipate strong local support, with discounted pre-sale tickets available until May 19 and a boost to area businesses from visiting teams and fans.
The Waterloo Policeman’s Association has raised concerns about a proposal being considered by village officials to dissolve the Waterloo Police Department, which has served the community for nearly a century. The union claims the plan was not discussed during recent contract negotiations and warns that eliminating the department could increase emergency response times for the village’s 4,700 residents. While no formal statements have been issued by village officials, the union is urging residents to voice their opposition.
The Wayne County Board of Supervisors has appointed Mark Humbert as interim county administrator, filling the role ahead of Rick House’s retirement on March 28. Humbert, a former college administrator and deputy director of the county’s Land Bank, has stated he does not seek the permanent position as the county continues its search for a full-time replacement. Board leaders praised his experience, expressing confidence in his ability to ensure a smooth transition.
As the state budget deadline nears, debate continues over Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $13.5 million proposal to ban cell phones in K-12 public schools. While the teachers' union supports a full ban, the State Senate favors allowing limited phone use between classes, with critics citing disciplinary concerns and parental opposition. If included in the budget, the ban would take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with enforcement left to individual districts.
DEBRIEF: What’s the role of local government?
Godley, Butlak elected to Waterloo village board; Roisen elected Ovid mayor—Wood wins trustee seat
Aaron Roisen won a full four-year term as Ovid mayor, defeating Ron Carmona 55-19 in this week’s village election. Kenneth Favreau and incumbent David Wood secured trustee seats, while write-in candidate James Rapalee will serve the remaining two years of Roisen’s original term. In Waterloo, former Police Chief Jason Godley and incumbent John Butlak won village board seats, continuing a mix of experienced and new leadership.
Discount retailers Ollies will take over former Big Lots stores in NY, but not all of them
As Big Lots navigates bankruptcy, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Ocean State Job Lot are acquiring four former locations in New York. Ollie’s will take over stores in Dansville and Liverpool, while Ocean State Job Lot will reopen locations in Palatine Bridge and Painted Post, with plans to hire up to 70 employees per store. While some Big Lots locations are being transferred to Variety Wholesalers, many remain up for sale.
Like your local coverage of what is going on. More follow-up stories would be nice. Like the Marion & Williamson merger study meeting of 3/18/25 that was voted on to move forward! The The citizen comments were recorded and should be published before the next joint meeting on 3/26/25 that needs to be even more well attended.