Your Morning Edition for Thursday, Mar. 6th presented by DiSanto Propane!
SF vote invalidated after FL1 investigation, FL Land Trust tells NYS 'system is broken', Gorham barn destroyed and several animals lost, Geneva marina project on the rocks, and Sectional hoops update!
‘SYSTEM IS BROKEN’: Land conservation stalled in NY due to policy, bureaucratic backlog
Land conservation efforts in New York are stalled due to bureaucratic delays, with over $100 million in protected land awaiting state approval. Conservation groups blame the state’s strict “perfect title” requirement, which demands a flawless ownership record without title insurance, leading to costly and time-consuming legal reviews. Despite acknowledging the issue, state officials have yet to implement reforms, and Governor Hochul’s budget does not include concrete policy changes. Advocates warn that without action, New York risks falling behind on its goal to conserve 30% of its land and waters by 2030.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Getting cooler for the weekend
The Finger Lakes region will see a mix of rain and snow showers today, with temperatures falling from 39°F to around 30°F and gusty winds up to 41 mph. Friday will be partly sunny but breezy, with a slight chance of morning snow showers and a high near 39°F. Saturday remains chilly with a high of 32°F, but conditions improve by Sunday, reaching 40°F under mostly cloudy skies. A warming trend begins next week, with highs climbing to near 48°F on Monday and potentially reaching 61°F by Tuesday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
A procedural error invalidated a Seneca Falls Town Board vote on the Seneca Meadows Landfill’s operating permit and Host Community Agreement, preventing the measures from being officially considered. The mistake, discovered by the town clerk, means the board may need to reintroduce and vote on the resolutions at a future meeting. The landfill remains a divisive issue, with residents and environmental groups urging officials to reject the permit due to health and environmental concerns. While the landfill votes were nullified, other board actions, including support for the Harriet Tubman Scenic Byway and infrastructure purchases, remain valid.
Despite former President Donald Trump’s criticism of the CHIPS Act, New York officials remain confident it will not be repealed. The law has driven billions in semiconductor investments across the state, benefiting companies like Micron, GlobalFoundries, and IBM. While some Republicans seek to roll back regulations, local leaders argue the act is essential for economic growth and job creation. With strong Democratic support and previous bipartisan backing, officials believe CHIPS will endure political challenges and continue bolstering domestic semiconductor production.
Seven defendants have been indicted in the torture and murder of Sam Nordquist, with charges including first-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated sexual abuse. Prosecutors allege the group subjected Nordquist to extreme physical, sexual, and psychological abuse over a month before his death on February 2. Court documents reveal additional charges, including coercion for forcing two children to participate in the violence, and concealment of a human corpse for attempting to hide Nordquist’s body. The suspects remain in custody, with prosecutors vowing to seek the maximum penalties in what they describe as one of Ontario County’s most horrific cases.
A prison officers' strike in New York has entered its third week, with the union blaming poor staffing and safety conditions on state policies, including the HALT Act. Union leaders acknowledge losing members' confidence after rejecting a mediation deal, while striking officers now face lost health insurance and possible termination. Officials say staffing shortages date back to COVID-19 hiring freezes, exacerbating tensions within the correctional system. With the state unwilling to reopen negotiations, uncertainty looms as the standoff continues.
Geneva’s planned marina project is at risk after construction bids came in $4 million over budget, far exceeding available funds. The city received bids totaling $7.6 million, but only has $3.3 million on hand, making additional borrowing too costly for taxpayers. Rising costs and past delays have worsened the financial shortfall, with officials considering grants or private partnerships to close the gap. Without new funding, the project may be abandoned, leaving the marina plans stalled indefinitely.
WEDNESDAY HS BASKETBALL SECTIONAL REPORT: Bloomfield girls advance to finals; Dundee/Bradford girls fall short
The Bloomfield’s girls basketball team dominated Byron-Bergen to advance to the Class C1 finals, while Dundee/Bradford fell to York in the Class C2 semifinals. The Wayne-Finger Lakes region now turns its attention to upcoming sectional finals, with key matchups set for Friday and Saturday. Several local teams, including Marcus Whitman, Mynderse, and Newark, will compete for titles at Finger Lakes Community College and Blue Cross Arena. Below are the results from last night's games:
WEDNESDAY SCOREBOARD
Girls Basketball
Bloomfield 79 - Byron-Bergen 32
York 58 - Dundee/Bradford 39
Fire destroys barn in Gorham, several animals lost
A barn fire broke out Wednesday afternoon in the Town of Gorham, leaving the structure fully engulfed and resulting in the loss of several animals. Ontario County Sheriff’s deputies responded to 3762 Lake to Lake Road at approximately 3:09 p.m. after receiving reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, authorities confirmed that a barn on the property was completely ablaze. Firefighters from multiple departments worked to contain the flames, but the fire spread to a nearby home, causing exterior damage.
DEC and The Nature Conservancy announce 92-acre expansion of Owasco Flats Wildlife Management Area
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and The Nature Conservancy in New York have announced the addition of 92 acres to the Owasco Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Cayuga County. The acquisition more than doubles the size of the protected area, enhancing wildlife habitat conservation and expanding public recreation opportunities.