Your Morning Edition for Tuesday, Feb. 18th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Exclusive look at new cancer treatment being worked on in NY, Canal Fest in SF gets canceled, criminal history of Nordquist murder suspects, Monday night hoops recap, and more to start your day!
EXCLUSIVE: NY doctors working on new, advanced cancer treatment
Doctors at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo are advancing CAR T-cell therapy, a treatment that genetically modifies a patient's T-cells to attack cancer, offering a more targeted approach with fewer severe side effects than chemotherapy. Dr. Renier Brentjens, who pioneered the therapy, is now exploring its potential to treat solid tumors beyond blood cancers. Patients like Chris Vogelsang, who has battled lymphoma for 14 years, have experienced improved outcomes, with CAR T-cell therapy significantly increasing survival rates for certain cancers from 10-15% to 40%.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Snow stays along shoreline
If you live away from Lake Ontario the amount of snow you see today will be minimal. Lake Effect Snow Warnings are still posted for counties along the lakeshore, but that activity will really be limited to communities in the northern half of Wayne and Cayuga counties. Cold Weather Advisories are still posted for the entire region this morning, but dangerous cold will move out by late-morning. Our next chance for an area-wide snowfall will come on Thursday. We’ll have updates for you in tomorrow’s newsletter, or anytime at all inside the FL1 Weather Center!
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Seneca Falls’ Canal Fest will not take place in 2025 due to ongoing canal and People’s Park revitalization efforts, with plans to return in 2026. Organizers explored alternative locations but determined that logistical challenges, including relocating key attractions like the Duck Race, made a temporary move impractical. While the cancellation is disappointing, organizers emphasize that the upgrades will enhance future festivals, and they encourage community members to stay involved with other local events.
Three of the five individuals arrested in connection with the murder of Sam Nordquist have prior criminal convictions, including sexual offenses involving minors and multiple misdemeanors. Kyle Sage and Patrick Goodwin were on parole at the time of their arrests, while Precious Arzuaga had a history of misdemeanor convictions. All five suspects face second-degree murder charges, with prosecutors calling the case one of the most brutal they have encountered.
The Phelps Planning Board has determined that the Crossroad Community Solar Project will not cause significant environmental harm, issuing a negative declaration under New York’s SEQRA process. The 3.4-megawatt facility, planned by TCTEC Solar LLC, will be built on 15 acres in Phelps and include solar panels, inverters, transformers, and a vegetative buffer. With environmental approval secured, the project can now move forward toward construction and grid connection.
The Penn Yan Village Board will meet tonight at 6 p.m. to vote on a proposed tax cap override, infrastructure improvements, and new public safety hires. The agenda includes contract approvals for wastewater and water treatment projects, a new fence for the impound lot, and updates on the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Additionally, the board will consider hiring a part-time police officer, appointing new fire department members, and adjusting qualifications for police officer positions.
The Aurora Village Board will hold a public hearing and regular meeting on Wednesday at 6 p.m., with key agenda items including landmark designations, zoning law amendments, and a request from the Aurora Farmers Market. The board will also consider a resolution related to Zoning Law Section 700, which could impact land use regulations in the village. Additionally, officials will revisit infrastructure improvements, including boiler quotes for the Firehouse.
MONDAY HS BASKETBALL REPORT: Landon Washburn drops 36 to lift Honeoye to 18th straight win; Dundee/Bradford girls complete season sweep of Marcus Whitman
The final week of the high school basketball regular season began with standout performances, including Honeoye’s 18th straight win led by Landon Washburn’s 36-point effort. The Dundee/Bradford girls secured a victory over Marcus Whitman, completing their season sweep. Several other teams across the Wayne-Finger Lakes region notched key wins as they approach postseason play.
MONDAY SCOREBOARD
Boys Basketball
Geneva 57 - Avon 49
Honeoye 73 - Wayland-Cohocton 33
Dundee/Bradford 60 - Eugenio Maria DeHostos Charter 35
East High 95 - Victor 78
Girls Basketball
Dundee/Bradford 56 - Marcus Whitman 47
Lyons 58 - Midlakes 29
Wayne 44 - Monroe 25
Bishop Kearney 52 - Victor 39
Delta Connection jet crash-lands in Toronto, was in Ithaca recently
A Delta Connection flight operated by Endeavor Air crash-landed and flipped upside-down Monday at Toronto Pearson International Airport, injuring 18 of the 76 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft, identified as N932XJ, had recently flown between Ithaca and JFK, as well as other cities like Detroit and Indianapolis. While Toronto Pearson resumed operations after three hours, Delta canceled its remaining flights to and from the airport for the evening.
Multiple-vehicle crash on Rt. 414 in Clyde leaves one injured
A chain-reaction crash involving eight vehicles shut down a stretch of Route 414 on Monday afternoon as whiteout conditions created treacherous driving conditions. At approximately 1 p.m., the Clyde Fire Department responded to reports of a multi-car collision between Maunder Road and Kelsey Road. Initial reports indicated zero visibility due to heavy snow drifts, with additional vehicles continuing to crash as they entered the area.