Your Morning Edition for Tuesday, April 8th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Gillibrand renews push to make Finger Lakes a National Heritage Area, Union Springs locked in gas well standoff, Bristol honors longtime volunteer, and Penn Yan woman sentenced for fatal hit-and-run.
Gillibrand renews push to designate Finger Lakes as a National Heritage Area
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has reintroduced legislation to designate the Finger Lakes as a National Heritage Area, aiming to boost tourism and preserve the region’s cultural and environmental legacy. The bipartisan bill, backed by Representative Claudia Tenney and regional leaders, would finalize a process that began in 2015 and spans 14 counties. If approved, the designation would bring federal support to promote sustainable tourism and honor the region’s historical significance.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Feeling like mid-winter
A surge of Arctic air is bringing snow showers, strong winds, and wind chills in the single digits across the Finger Lakes, with conditions remaining harsh through Tuesday evening. Wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible, prompting advisories and the risk of power outages across the region. While weather will ease slightly by midweek, a cool and unsettled pattern will persist into the weekend with rain, occasional snowflakes, and below-normal temperatures.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Odessa Village Board has appointed former trustee Kristine Gardner to fill a vacancy left by Alijia Bailey’s resignation. Mayor Dustin Carnes selected Gardner to serve the final year of the term, noting her prior experience and willingness to return during “challenging times.” She joins Pam Cicconi, Cindy Emerson, and William Horner on the board.
The Union Springs Central School District remains in a standoff with the Cayuga Nation over access to a natural gas well cut off in early 2024. The Nation claims the district used over $100,000 worth of gas annually without payment, while the district maintains it had a prior agreement. With no federal intervention yet, the district has been forced to seek alternative energy sources and adjust its budget.
High school spring sports action on Monday featured dominant wins in girls lacrosse by Geneva, Newark/Midlakes, and Waterloo, with standout performances from Makenna Harris and Maci Mueller. In boys lacrosse, Geneva rolled past Gates Chili 19-4, led by Ryland Dunham’s six goals, while Victor remained unbeaten. On the softball field, Lyons and Waterloo continued strong starts behind big offensive outings from Rylee Richardson and Maddie Westerman. Baseball saw Mynderse edge Geneva with a clutch hit and pitching effort from Alan Plummer, and Geneva’s flag football team shut out Le Roy with help from Zyla Reid’s two touchdowns.
A meth lab was dismantled in Schuyler County following a multi-agency raid led by New York State Police on April 3. Investigators seized meth, manufacturing materials, and an antique pistol from a residence in the town of Reading. Jeremy Wright, 44, a convicted felon, was arrested and faces multiple felony charges related to drug possession and meth production.
CMAC has added pop star Benson Boone and legendary band the Beach Boys to its 2025 summer concert lineup. Boone will perform on June 5, followed by the Beach Boys on July 6, with tickets for both shows going on sale April 11. The expanded lineup also features major acts like Hozier, The Killers, Brad Paisley, and Train.
What’s happening at tomorrow’s Phelps Village Board meeting?
The Phelps Board of Trustees will hold a meeting Wednesday to vote on the 2024–2025 budget, review a proposed sewer rate increase, and discuss several ongoing projects and grant opportunities. The agenda includes public hearings, departmental reports, and updates on key initiatives like the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Wheat Street Apartments. Officials will also consider technology purchases, debt management options, and approve more than $153,000 in vouchers.
Victor residents have chance to sound-off
The Victor Planning Board will hold a public hearing tonight to review four development proposals, including a commercial building expansion and new EV charging stations. Projects on the agenda include a 20,000-square-foot addition to the PMD South building, a residential subdivision on Fisher Road, a larger pole barn on Lane Road, and EV infrastructure at High Point Drive. Residents can attend in person at Victor Town Hall or watch the meeting live on YouTube via a link on the town’s website.