Your Morning Edition for Thursday, Mar. 13th presented by DiSanto Propane!
State releases report on Ontario Co. fatal officer-involved shooting, past assault resurfaces for one Nordquist murder suspect, Odessa mayor reflects on service, and Hochul-GOP spar over prisons.
NY AG’s office declines charges in fatal Canandaigua police shooting
The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation has declined to file charges in the fatal police shooting of Brandon Zurkan in Canandaigua, determining the officers’ actions were legally justified. Zurkan, who was armed, was shot after failing to comply with officers' commands and raising his firearm during a confrontation following a police pursuit on February 28, 2023. Investigators reviewed body camera footage, witness statements, and legal standards before concluding that prosecutors could not disprove justification beyond a reasonable doubt. Ontario County and Canandaigua law enforcement officials described the incident as tragic but defended the officers' actions as professional and in line with their training.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Mild long-term
The Finger Lakes will see mild and breezy conditions over the next five days, with temperatures climbing into the mid-60s and even reaching 70 on Sunday. Mostly sunny skies will prevail through Friday, but rain chances increase Saturday afternoon, with gusty winds up to 38 mph by Sunday as showers become widespread. A cooldown follows on Monday, with highs dipping to the mid-40s before rebounding to near 60 on Tuesday. Dry and partly sunny conditions are expected early next week, offering a break from the weekend rain.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
As his tenure nears its end, Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer recognized key village officials for their service and provided an update on the ongoing water project. He praised retiring Department of Public Works Supervisor Steve Siptrott for his decades of dedication and acknowledged three departing trustees for their contributions. Messmer announced that Phase 2 of the water project, including a new treatment plant, is set to begin on March 24, with completion expected in 18 months. He also encouraged residents to help maintain village green spaces and promised a final update after the elections.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a plan to reform New York’s correctional system following a 22-day illegal strike by state correction officers, focusing on prison safety, staff support, and recruitment. While she introduced measures to address officer concerns, including suspending parts of the HALT Act and reducing mandatory overtime, she also took a hardline stance by barring striking officers from future state employment. This move sparked backlash, with Congressman Nick Langworthy condemning the decision as “vindictive” and calling for a federal investigation. As the state ramps up recruitment efforts, the political and legal fallout from the mass terminations is expected to continue.
Two hikers were rescued from Conklin’s Gully in Naples on Tuesday after becoming stranded and unable to climb out. Emergency crews, including multiple fire departments and specialized rope rescue teams, responded to the call just before 5 p.m. The operation lasted about three hours, successfully bringing both hikers to safety without injuries. Authorities have not released further details on what led to their predicament.
Thomas Eaves, one of seven suspects charged in the murder of Sam Nordquist, has a history of violence, according to a mother whose son was previously assaulted by him. Shannon Davenport said Eaves attacked her autistic son, Caleb Francis, in 2022, leaving him unconscious on a trail in Newark. She expressed shock and sickness upon learning of Eaves’ murder charges, while Caleb was also stunned by the news.
Canandaigua police have identified two 16-year-old suspects in a string of garage and shed burglaries in the Wood Street and Gorham Street areas last month. The investigation revealed at least six properties were burglarized, with stolen items later appearing for sale online. Officers recovered additional stolen property, some of which remains unclaimed, and are urging residents to check for missing belongings. The suspects were issued appearance tickets and referred to Ontario County Probation.
Syracuse’s season ends in second round of ACC Tournament
The historically bad 2024-25 Syracuse men’s basketball season is finally over. On Wednesday night, the No. 14 seeded Orange (14-19) fell 73-53 to No. 6 seeded SMU (23-9) in the second round of the ACC Tournament at the Spectrum Center. J.J. Starling followed up his 27-point first-round performance with a team-high 16 points, while Jyare Davis added 14. Eddie Lampkin Jr. grabbed 10 rebounds, marking his 22nd double-digit rebounding game this season.
Geneva schools open preschool and kindergarten registration for next year
The Geneva City School District has opened registration for its preschool and kindergarten programs for the 2025-2026 school year. Grant-funded Head Start and Universal Pre-K programs are available for children who will be 3 or 4 years old by December 1, with limited spots at multiple locations. A Kindergarten Information Night is scheduled for March 18 at West Street School, where a translator will provide details in Spanish. Parents are encouraged to register early, as space is limited, with enrollment forms available on the district’s website.
Schumer warns of major weather service cuts impacting Upstate New York
Senator Chuck Schumer is calling for answers from NOAA after federal job cuts, linked to the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s ‘DOGE’ initiative, reduced storm tracking capabilities in Upstate New York. The layoffs have resulted in Albany suspending weather balloon launches, Great Lakes research offices shutting down, and concerns over diminished forecast accuracy. Schumer warned that these cuts jeopardize public safety, making emergency preparedness more difficult amid severe weather threats. He is demanding NOAA restore critical services and provide transparency on the staffing reductions, vowing to fight for funding to protect New Yorkers.
THE RUNDOWN: 10 MORE FROM AROUND THE FLX!
Patrick Van Durme honored as Livingston County Veteran of the Month
Free assistance available for New York shoreline erosion problems
Southern Tier mural initiative seeks artists for climate-themed projects
Keuka College faculty debate artificial intelligence’s role in education
Tenney introduces bill to boost tax-free benefits for volunteer firefighters amid NY shortage