Your Morning Edition for Thursday, Mar. 27th presented by DiSanto Propane!
We have your biggest headlines of the day including a look at special recognition for Ontario Co. first responders, Geneva's comp plan review, Seneca supervisors committee meetings, and more!
Sheriff’s office members honored for life-saving actions at safety council awards
Fourteen members of the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office were honored for their life-saving actions during the 61st annual Ontario County Safety Council Awards Banquet this week. Among the recipients, Correction Officer Nicholas Natale received the Life-Saving Award for preventing an inmate suicide attempt, while Deputy Robert Duliba was named STOP DWI Officer of the Year for his efforts against impaired driving. Sheriff David J. Cirencione praised the honorees for their bravery, emphasizing the lasting impact of their quick responses in critical situations.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Cool and damp.
The Finger Lakes will see sunny and mild conditions Thursday, with highs near 50 before clouds move in at night with a slight chance of showers. Friday remains partly sunny with another chance of showers in the afternoon, followed by steady rain overnight. The weekend will be warmer, with highs in the 60s, but periods of showers are likely Saturday through Sunday. Rain chances continue into Monday before cooler, drier weather returns by Tuesday, with highs only reaching the upper 30s.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Cayuga County Legislature tackled infrastructure projects, budget adjustments, and public safety initiatives during its latest session. Key actions included approving a wastewater engineering grant, reallocating funds for social services, and debating a proposed motor vehicle tax to fund infrastructure improvements. Political tensions emerged as several legislators left the Democratic caucus, sparking a debate over party alignment and bipartisan cooperation.
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors addressed key financial, infrastructure, and public safety matters during its committee meetings this week. Major decisions included approving tax roll extensions, securing additional funding for indigent legal services, and advancing bridge repair projects. Supervisors also debated long-term fiscal oversight, workforce adjustments, and the feasibility of a countywide assessor’s office to improve efficiency and tax assessment consistency.
Geneva City Council met to discuss updating its comprehensive plan, though early confusion arose as some members had not thoroughly reviewed the existing document. Once discussions progressed, councilors said the 270-page plan, developed before COVID-19, no longer reflects the city’s economic and housing needs. They allocated $75,000 to hire a consultant, emphasizing priorities such as lakefront development, neighborhood revitalization, housing growth, and downtown investment, with zoning changes expected to play a key role.
Grande Venues and the Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge have submitted a $10.7 million bid to purchase the former Wells College campus in Aurora. Their revised proposal includes an Indigenous college and senior housing but excludes an earlier plan for an international boarding school. The Wells College board is reviewing bids, with regulatory approval required before any sale is finalized.
Fire destroys outbuilding in Fleming, no injuries reported
Firefighters responded to a structure fire during the overnight hours on White Road in Fleming after a newspaper delivery driver spotted flames. The fire, which started outside, spread to an outbuilding behind the residence but did not reach the main home. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and ensured the flames did not spread. All units cleared the scene by 3:15 a.m.
Suspect pulled from freezing waters after leading police on chase through Watkins Glen
A wanted man led police on a foot chase through Watkins Glen on Wednesday morning before jumping into a canal, where officers had to pull him from freezing waters to make an arrest. Authorities attempted to apprehend Xavier R. Beach, 24, around 9:15 a.m. after spotting him riding a bicycle near 2nd Street and North Decatur Street. Beach, wanted on a Schuyler County Court warrant for violating probation, abandoned the bicycle and ran behind multiple residences, prompting a coordinated search effort.