Your Morning Edition for Tuesday, Mar. 11th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Parties unify behind Geneva mayoral candidate, Hiawatha Institute submits bid for Wells College, 2,000 CO's fired after not returning to work, and preview of LIVE high school hoops tonight!
Geneva Republicans and Democrats both endorse Jim Cecere for mayor
Both the Geneva Republican and Democratic committees have endorsed Jim Cecere for mayor, highlighting his broad appeal and leadership qualities. Cecere, a registered Democrat, was first backed by his party before the city's Republicans also lent their support, citing shared priorities like public safety and fiscal responsibility. His bipartisan endorsement is seen as a unifying move in a politically divided era, positioning him as a strong contender in the upcoming election.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Spring-like rollercoaster
The Finger Lakes will see a mix of mild and fluctuating temperatures over the next five days, starting with a warm high of 65 today before dropping sharply to 27 overnight. Cooler weather continues midweek, with highs near 40 on Wednesday and a slight chance of showers, followed by gradual warming into the mid-50s on Thursday. By Friday and Saturday, temperatures climb back into the 60s, though increasing clouds and breezy conditions will bring a growing chance of rain. A rainy and breezy Sunday is expected, with showers likely persisting into Sunday night before cooler, partly sunny conditions return on Monday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge has submitted a bid to acquire the former Wells College campus in Aurora, New York, with plans to establish an Indigenous college focused on preserving and sharing Indigenous knowledge. The nonprofit emphasized its commitment to education and community integration, proposing long-term lease agreements to maintain existing institutions on the property. HIIK also clarified that it operates independently of any Indigenous nation and will not pursue gaming assets.
New York’s 22-day statewide correction officer strike has ended, but over 2,000 officers were terminated for failing to meet the return-to-work deadline. While state officials announced reforms to stabilize the prison system, staffing shortages remain critical at facilities like Auburn Correctional, where many officers resigned in protest. With a court hearing set to address attendance shortfalls, the Department of Corrections is focusing on recruitment to restore operations.
Firefighters from multiple departments battled a brush fire along Route 90 in Cayuga County after a controlled burn spread out of control, threatening a nearby apple orchard. The Aurora Volunteer Fire Department, with aid from King Ferry Fire Department and others, worked to contain the flames and prevent rekindling. Officials are urging residents to use caution with outdoor burns as dry conditions increase wildfire risks, with New York State’s annual burn ban set to take effect on March 16.
Residents in Sennett’s Water District 2 will experience a temporary water service shutdown today as crews repair a water main. The outage, starting at 10 a.m., will affect several streets, including North Hunter, South Hunter, Foxcroft, Walnut Street, and parts of East Genesee Street. Officials have not provided an estimated restoration time but appreciate residents’ patience during the repairs.
Billionaire and Cornell alumnus Dave Duffield has donated $100 million to expand Cornell’s Engineering College, the largest gift in the school’s history. The project, set for completion by 2027, will add over 130,000 square feet to Duffield Hall, replacing Phillips Hall and advancing research in AI, robotics, and semiconductors. University leaders praised Duffield’s generosity, calling him a visionary whose support has significantly shaped Cornell’s research and education.
LIVE AT 6:25 PM: Lyons takes on Hornell in girls Class B qualifier to Far West Regional
FL1 Radio is live for Tuesday’s Section V Class B Girls Basketball Playdown. Class B2 champions Lyons Lions head south to face the Class B1 champions Hornell Red Raiders. The winner moves on to the Far West Regional in the state tournament. Paul Russo and Nate Sharman have the call from Wayland-Cohocton High School, tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 pm with live coverage starting at 6:25 pm.
MORE SPORTS
Syracuse takes on Florida State in first round of ACC Tournament
Yankees’ Gerrit Cole to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery
Tage Thompson scores twice as Sabres end six-game losing streak
No. 8 Syracuse women’s lacrosse falls to No. 10 Johns Hopkins in overtime
Felony DWI cases reach conclusion in Cayuga County
Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci announced multiple DWI convictions from early 2025, including felony and misdemeanor cases across the county. Convictions stemmed from arrests in Auburn, Aurelius, Scipio, Weedsport, Locke, and other areas, with felony offenders facing up to seven years in prison. Antonacci reaffirmed her office’s commitment to prosecuting impaired driving cases to enhance road safety and accountability.
Water meter replacement underway in Canandaigua
The Town of Canandaigua Water Department has begun a water meter replacement project for residents and businesses at no cost to property owners. Notices will be mailed to those requiring an upgrade, with installations taking about 15-20 minutes and no disruption to service. Residents can schedule appointments Monday through Thursday by contacting the Water Department via email or phone.
THE RUNDOWN: 10 MORE FROM AROUND THE FLX!
Emergency crews respond to crash in Sennett, find unoccupied vehicle
Judge rules Central New York ski resort owner violated antitrust laws
Canandaigua man charged with drug possession after traffic stop
Auburn to host free community movie night and celebration event
Hochul and Schumer call on Trump to reverse energy tariffs, demand transparency on rising costs
Seneca Falls police search for wanted sex offender registry violator
Senator Helming honors 25 students with Youth Leadership Award
Hochul announces $30 million for hospital electrification upgrades across New York