Your Morning Edition for Tuesday, Feb. 4th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Ontario County's housing crisis deepens, Ovid community keeps rallying, Monday night hoops recap, Geneva and Auburn city council previews, and more of the day's biggest headlines!
Ontario County housing crisis threatens economic growth: Leader from Thompson Hospital speaks out
Ontario County is facing a severe housing shortage that threatens its economic growth and workforce stability. A county report reveals that many local renters and homeowners are cost-burdened, forcing workers to commute from neighboring counties and straining key sectors like healthcare and retail. Local officials and community leaders are advocating for strategies such as workforce housing development, zoning reform, and public-private partnerships to secure the county’s economic future.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Rollercoaster week of weather!
Presented by GoNetSpeed!
Over the next several days, the Finger Lakes region will see a shift from a brief period of cold, light lake effect snow showers following a cold front to a more active wintry mix later in the week. Tuesday’s cold air will bring temperatures in the 20s and wind chills in the teens with minor snow accumulations southeast of the lakes. Wednesday will remain mostly dry as high pressure builds overhead, though temperatures will dip significantly overnight, especially east of Lake Ontario. Then, late Wednesday night into Thursday, a low pressure system will usher in a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow—with some areas potentially accumulating 2 to 4 inches of snow and a light coating of ice—accompanied by gusty winds that may lead to localized hazards.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Ovid community is rallying in response to a devastating downtown fire that disrupted local businesses and displaced employees. A fundraiser held at the Ovid VFW raised over $20,000 to support recovery efforts, while local organizations and businesses stepped in with initiatives like pop‑up grocery stores and library services to aid affected residents. Community meetings and collaborative recovery efforts underscore the town’s determination to rebuild its identity and support its citizens.
The Geneva City Council is set to review a diverse agenda that includes tax incentives, traffic changes, and infrastructure projects. Public hearings will address grant applications, zoning modifications, and local infrastructure updates, while an executive session will tackle issues like collective bargaining and the sale of city‑owned property. These discussions are intended to streamline policies and stimulate economic growth in the city.
Auburn City Council is preparing to tackle several key issues in its upcoming meeting, including property sales and a Black History Month proclamation. The session will feature public hearings on Community Development Block Grant funding for housing and infrastructure, as well as ceremonial presentations recognizing Black History Month and the Zonta Club’s centennial. Additional resolutions will address the sale of city‑owned properties and other community initiatives, inviting public input throughout the meeting.
A West Virginia woman has been charged with multiple burglaries linked to a series of residential break‑ins in Yates County. Identified as 56‑year‑old Sheila E. Swarthout, she now faces charges including burglary, attempted burglary, petit larceny, and criminal trespass following a suspicious incident in Barrington. Swarthout was apprehended and processed for arraignment, and authorities continue to investigate her connection to earlier burglaries.
Newark has one of the region’s largest free-play arcades, and it’s called the Arcade Project. The 8,700‑square‑foot venue offers over 100 arcade and pinball games for unlimited play at a flat $15 entry fee, along with a full kitchen serving handcrafted menu items. This innovative entertainment center has quickly become a local favorite for events, birthday parties, and casual gaming.
One shed destroyed, another damaged after Seneca Falls blaze
A fire on Troy Street in Seneca Falls resulted in the complete destruction of one shed and minor damage to another. Emergency crews from Seneca Falls and neighboring departments swiftly contained the blaze before it could spread to nearby structures. An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway by the Seneca County Fire Investigation Team.
MONDAY HS BASKETBALL REPORT: Waterloo girls bounce back, hand Lyons second loss; Clyde-Savannah boys win in overtime
Monday night high school basketball delivered exciting contests across the Wayne‑Finger Lakes region, highlighted by key victories that shifted local season narratives. The Waterloo girls rebounded with a nine‑point win over Lyons, while the Clyde‑Savannah boys edged out their opponents in overtime to break a three‑game losing streak. Several other games showcased competitive matchups that contributed to a dynamic evening of basketball action.
MONDAY NIGHT SCOREBOARD
Girls
Waterloo 61, Lyons 52
Marcus Whitman 52, Geneva 31
Mynderse 43, Wayne 31
Midlakes 53, Williamson/Marion 38
Hannibal 45, Red Creek 35
Naples 37, Red Jacket 24
Boys
Gananda 85, Avoca‑Prattsburgh 43
East Rochester 62, North Rose‑Wolcott 49
South Seneca 82, Sodus 47
Bloomfield 61, HAC 50
Clyde‑Savannah 76 (OT), Eugenio Maria DeHostos Charter 73
Naples 74, Marion 31
Canandaigua 74, Greece Olympia 53
THE RUNDOWN: 10 MORE FROM AROUND THE FLX!
Union Springs girls basketball team honored for hurricane relief efforts
New York State honors 17 members of park police for extraordinary service
Yankees sign veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco to minor-league contract
Rochester man charged with grand larceny after theft at Eastview Mall
Sabres’ Tage Thompson named NHL’s Second Star of the Week