Your Morning Edition for Thursday, Dec. 19th presented by Canandaigua Dentistry!
Fire levels a Junius home, snow returns, and more: Auburn's Owasco court battle heats up, tax evasion, and big wins for nonprofits and high school hoops. Here's everything you need to start the day!
Junius home leveled after devastating fire
A devastating fire destroyed a home in Junius on Wednesday, prompting a multi-agency response from fire departments across three counties. Crews battled intense flames in a prolonged exterior firefight, with tanker trucks ensuring a steady water supply. Due to the severity of the fire, the structure was demolished to fully extinguish hot spots and prevent rekindling. No injuries were reported, but the home was declared a total loss, and the cause remains under investigation.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Presented by Generations Bank!
SNOW RETURNS TO THE FORECAST
The Finger Lakes region is bracing for a wintry stretch leading up to Christmas, with snow showers and frigid temperatures expected through the weekend. Thursday will see light snow and highs near 32°F, while a clipper system on Friday could bring 1-2 inches of snow and highs around 34°F. By Saturday, daytime highs will drop to 25°F with lake effect snow and nighttime lows near 11°F. The bitter cold continues into Sunday, with highs struggling to reach 18°F and wind chills in the single digits.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Casella Waste Systems acknowledged Ontario County's decision to close its landfill by 2028, marking the end of their 20-year partnership. The company thanked the county and underscored its efforts in waste reduction, recycling, and energy improvements. Casella reassured customers of continued service but did not elaborate on future plans.
A lawsuit has been filed against the New York Department of Health over its refusal to update watershed protections for Owasco Lake. The city of Auburn, the town of Owasco, and the Owasco Watershed Lake Association claim the state unjustifiably abandoned regulation updates, citing a lack of jurisdiction. The case will be heard on January 2nd in Cayuga County Court before Judge John Budelmann.
A Victor man faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion on more than $5 million in business revenue. Scott Reeves, owner of Fussy Contracting Inc., admitted to failing to file taxes between 2017 and 2022, resulting in a tax loss of $248,394. Sentencing is scheduled for March 3, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes has awarded over $6 million in multi-year grants to 89 local nonprofits. The funding, set to begin in January 2025, supports essential community services like youth development, housing, and legal aid. This initiative aims to provide long-term stability and amplify regional impact through sustained financial commitments.
Two Cayuga County hunters face multiple citations for illegal kills in separate wildlife enforcement incidents. Violations included the unlawful killing of protected songbirds and deer poaching, with charges ranging from hunting without a license to using unauthorized hunting implements. Penalties may include fines, jail time, and the loss of hunting privileges.
WEDNESDAY HS BASKETBALL REPORT: Clyde-Savannah girls edge Gananda on late jumper; Bloomfield girls roll past Mynderse
Wednesday night’s Wayne-Finger Lakes high school basketball action saw the Clyde-Savannah girls edge Gananda by a point on a clutch late jumper, handing the Panthers their first loss. Bloomfield girls also notched their first win of the season with a dominant victory over Mynderse.
Girls Basketball
Clyde-Savannah 49, Gananda 48
CS: Taylor Carnevale 22 pts
GAN: Avery Hoffmann 20 pts
Bloomfield 54, Mynderse 37
BLM: Calla McCombs 28 pts
MYN: Chelsea Korzeniewski 20 pts
Lyons 61, Williamson/Marion 33
LY: Jayla Bell 19 pts
East Rochester 66, Sodus 21
ER: Aniyah Eldridge 17 pts
Red Creek 52, North Rose-Wolcott 22
RC: Taylor Bailey 17 pts
Victor 64, Greece Arcadia/Olympia 29
VIC: Maia Pronti 19 pts
Boys Basketball
Palmyra-Macedon 46, Haverling 44
PM: Carter Young 11 pts
Red Creek 47, North Rose-Wolcott 37
Pittsford Mendon 64, Canandaigua 54
CAN: Connor Chapman 13 pts
ICYMI: Mulled wines and cookies for the holidays on FLX Weekly
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