Your Morning Edition for Thursday, Dec. 12th presented by DiSanto Propane!

Everything you need to get ready for It's a Wonderful Life in SF! Plus, more on Canandaigua budget, $35M capital project in Midlakes, Clyde-Savannah book ban, and Cayuga Co. broadband expansion!

Dec 12, 2024

It’s a Wonderful Weekend in Seneca Falls!

The It’s A Wonderful Life Festival kicks off in Seneca Falls today and runs through the weekend which will see thousands of visitors flock to the town widely believed to be the inspiration for Frank Capra’s holiday classic movie. The biggest crowds will descend on Saturday for the the annual “It’s A Wonderful Life 5K”. Yesterday one of the founding race organizers, Kevin Korzeniewski, was in-studio discussing this year’s race!

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE WEEKEND: QUICK LINKS

Finger Lakes Forecast: Presented by Ciccinos Pizzeria & Restaurant!

COLD, GUSTY WINDS, AND LAKE EFFECT

Snow bands from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario will bring bursts of heavy snow, particularly in areas east of the lakes. Accumulations could reach 2-3 inches in the northern Finger Lakes, Onondaga County, and parts of Oneida County. Highs today will remain in the mid-to-upper 20s with gusty winds causing occasional blowing snow. Friday will continue the cold trend with temperatures staying in the 20s. Lake-effect snow showers will persist, primarily impacting areas east of Lake Ontario and gradually tapering off by evening. The coldest temperatures of the season are expected Friday night, with lows dropping into the teens and single digits in higher elevations.

7-Day Forecast

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

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a series of laws aimed at improving affordability and support for New York families by expanding access to child care, maternal health services, and dyslexia evaluations. The legislation includes a first-of-its-kind requirement for diaper ingredient labeling to enhance transparency and safety. These measures collectively aim to reduce costs, promote health equity, and ensure essential resources are readily available for parents and children. [MORE]
Canandaigua City Council approved the 2025 budget, a slight water rate increase, and measures supporting local development, including funding for the Canandaigua Local Development Corporation and Downtown Business Improvement District. The council also addressed handicapped parking concerns and environmental compliance for the city’s water treatment plant. [MORE]
Residents passed a $35 million capital project to upgrade school facilities, improve safety, and modernize classrooms, with no tax increase due to state reimbursements and reserve funds. Construction will begin after design approval, enhancing the educational experience for students. [MORE]
A legal challenge over returning five contested books to the Clyde-Savannah school library is set for February 14. The case, brought by Pastor Jacob Marchitell and Moms for Liberty, is opposed by the state teachers’ union, which condemns it as censorship. [MORE]
Cayuga County pledged $7 million toward a $36.2 million broadband expansion project funded through a state grant, extending 275 miles of network infrastructure. The project, set for completion by December 2026, aims to improve regional internet access and connectivity. [MORE]

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WEDNESDAY HS BASKETBALL REPORT: Sodus boys, Wayne girls pick up first wins

The Sodus boys and Wayne girls basketball teams picked up their first wins of the season on Wednesday night. Sodus defeated Clyde-Savannah 59-48 behind a 16-point performance from Evan Laird, while Wayne topped Geneva 44-34 with Sarah Cass leading the way with 13 points. Other notable victories included Lyons and Gananda, both maintaining undefeated records with dominant wins. Check out full scores, stats, and Thursday's upcoming matchups.

Section V Hoops HQ

DEC releases draft guidelines for projects to combat harmful algal blooms

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has released draft guidelines for allocating funds from the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act of 2022, focusing on projects combating harmful algal blooms (HABs). Eligible projects aim to protect drinking water by enhancing infrastructure, reducing nutrient pollution, and improving filtration systems. At least 35% of funds will go to disadvantaged communities. Public comments on the guidelines are open through January 10, 2025, via mail or email.