Your Morning Edition for Wednesday, Jan. 8th presented by DiSanto Propane!

Odessa’s dissolution paused, NYS takes aim at child care crisis, fundraiser for Keuka senior badly burned + criminal investigation, and Blankenberg sets Wayne’s all-time scoring record.

Jan 08, 2025

Odessa delays dissolution after interest in village board seats grows

The Odessa Village Board has delayed plans to dissolve the village government after a surge of resident interest in running for office. Mayor Gerry Messmer, who will not seek re-election, had warned of dissolution if key positions remained vacant after the March election. At Monday’s meeting, several attendees expressed interest in trustee and mayoral roles, with one resident officially confirming a mayoral run. The board will revisit the issue after the February nomination period concludes.

NWS: Snowy mid-week stretch for Finger Lakes

A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Cayuga, Seneca, Tompkins, and Wayne counties through Thursday afternoon as lake-effect snow continues. Snowfall totals between 3 to 9 inches are expected, with the heaviest accumulation forecasted tonight into Thursday morning. Winds gusting up to 35 mph may cause blowing and drifting snow, significantly reducing visibility on roadways. Officials urge caution while traveling, as hazardous conditions are expected to persist through the morning and evening commutes.

FL1 Weather Center

Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?

Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a $110 million Child Care Construction Fund to expand and renovate child care facilities across New York. The plan, part of her 2025 State of the State agenda, aims to address child care deserts, stabilize the workforce, and move toward universal child care access. Funding will support both nonprofit and for-profit providers, with a portion reserved for family-based centers, alongside technical assistance for efficient fund access.
The community is rallying around Keuka College senior MaKenna DeMoney, who suffered severe burns in a December 27 incident currently under criminal investigation. DeMoney, a catcher for the Wolves softball team, remains in intensive care at Upstate University Hospital. A GoFundMe campaign has raised $40,000 to support her recovery, with continued calls for donations and messages of encouragement. Her coach emphasized the team’s unwavering support during this difficult time.
Cayuga County is inviting visitors to embrace winter’s slower pace with its “Hibercation” initiative, running from January 15 through March 15. The program blends relaxation and adventure, offering cozy accommodations, hearty seasonal meals, and serene outdoor experiences. Guests can enjoy snow-covered trails, lakeside views, and exclusive discounts from participating businesses. Organized by the Cayuga County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the initiative aims to provide an authentic and tranquil winter retreat.
A 71-year-old Rochester man was hospitalized after his box truck overturned on State Route 247 in Ontario County amid strong winds and slippery roads. The truck was pushed off the roadway, struck a utility pole, and overturned, briefly trapping the driver inside. The road was temporarily closed as crews worked to clear the scene, and the driver is reported to be in stable condition.
Author Mary Rosenberger will discuss her memoir, Freedom Village: A Memoir, on Friday, January 10, at Ferris Hills in Canandaigua. The book recounts her upbringing in the controversial Freedom Village community on Seneca Lake, known for its troubled history of fiscal mismanagement and abuse allegations. Rosenberger provides a rare insider perspective on life within the isolated community and her eventual departure at age 24. Copies of the memoir will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

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TUESDAY HS BASKETBALL REPORT: Cam Blankenberg sets Wayne’s all-time scoring record; Clyde-Savannah girls extend win streak to five

Wayne’s Cam Blankenberg became the school’s all-time leading scorer during Tuesday night’s victory over Newark, while Clyde-Savannah girls extended their win streak to five. Blankenberg surpassed his brother Logan's record of 1,206 points, helping Wayne remain unbeaten at 9-0. South Seneca boys also improved to 9-0 with a win over Naples. Across the Wayne-Finger Lakes leagues, standout performances highlighted an action-packed night of basketball.

Tuesday Boys Basketball Results

Newark 54, Wayne 71
- Cam Blankenberg (WAY): 24 pts; Aidan Twist (WAY): 23 pts
Canisteo-Greenwood 54, Marcus Whitman 62
- Brody Royston (MW): 23 pts; Logan Storms (MW): 11 pts
Dundee/Bradford 54, Avoca-Prattsburgh 33
- Jeremy Stiles (DB): 11 pts; Chris Clancey (DB): 10 pts
Penn Yan 41, Geneva 66
- Kaden Larsen-Porter (GEN): 15 pts; DePatrick Overstreet (GEN): 14 pts
Palmyra-Macedon 63, Midlakes 21
Naples 35, South Seneca 51
- Taj Amisano (SS): 20 pts; Kenny Halsey (SS): 12 pts
Genesee Valley-Belfast 57, Honeoye 83
- Owen Cuba (HON): 29 pts; Owen Reynolds (HON): 14 pts
Gates Chili 58, Victor 76
- Griffen Hopkins (VIC): 26 pts; Brody Burgess (VIC): 11 pts

Tuesday Girls Basketball Results

Red Creek 50, Clyde-Savannah 63
Williamson/Marion 32, East Rochester 55
- Aniyah Eldridge (ER): 26 pts
Lyons 71, North Rose-Wolcott 27
- Jayla Bell (LY): 26 pts; Sariah Tindal (LY): 17 pts
Sodus 10, Gananda 68
Canandaigua 79, Monroe 29

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No injuries after Penn Yan bus slides off road in Rushville due to winter weather

A Penn Yan school bus carrying three students slid off State Route 247 in Rushville on Tuesday morning due to icy road conditions. The bus, driven by David R. Mulberger, veered into a field and struck multiple trees but no injuries were reported. The students, aged 12 to 17, were able to contact their parents, and deputies confirmed everyone was unharmed. Authorities have not filed any charges, and no other agencies were involved in the response.

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