Your Morning Edition for Wednesday, April 16th presented by DiSanto Propane!
What's the cost of crypto in the Finger Lakes? An exclusive feature takes a closer look at the issues around Seneca Lake. Plus, the biggest stories of the day to get yours started!
The Cost of Crypto: How a Quiet Finger Lakes Town Became Ground Zero in a National Energy Battle
An old coal plant in Dresden, NY was revived to power a Bitcoin mining operation, raising concerns about energy use and environmental damage. The Greenidge facility discharges heated water into Seneca Lake and emits air pollutants beyond permitted levels. Critics argue it brings minimal economic benefit while exploiting local resources for private gain.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Snow showers today.
Rain and snow showers are likely today in the Finger Lakes, with gusty winds and highs around 42 degrees. Skies will gradually clear tonight, setting up sunny weather Thursday with a high near 54. Showers return Friday through Saturday, followed by cooler, partly sunny conditions on Sunday and a chance of more rain early next week.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Terphane will shut down its Bloomfield polyester film plant by October 31, eliminating 49 jobs. The company, recently acquired by Oben Group, cited relocation as the reason for the closure. The plant was originally built by Eastman Kodak and reflects broader industrial shifts in the region.
Brandon Carlson of Seneca Falls received a two-year prison sentence for beating a woman’s dog to death in 2023. He pleaded guilty to aggravated cruelty to animals after trying to cover up the act by staging a fake accident. Prosecutors reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance on animal abuse.
Feral cats are surging in areas like Watkins Glen, but experts say sterilization, not adoption, is the answer. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs control populations by spaying, vaccinating, and returning cats to their colonies. Feeding alone can worsen the issue unless reproduction is also addressed.
Yates County lawmakers passed a resolution opposing proposed federal Medicaid cuts, warning they would harm access to care. Officials emphasized that one in three New Yorkers rely on Medicaid and urged Congress to protect funding. The county also approved health district formation and updated emergency plans.
CFCU Community Credit Union will become Beginnings Credit Union starting July 2025, aiming to better reflect its mission and growth. With 77,000 members and $1.4 billion in assets, the institution says the name change follows extensive research and feedback. Members can expect the same services, with only branding updates.
Wayne-Finger Lakes High School Sports: April 15 Scoreboard
Penn Yan and Canandaigua boys lacrosse teams remained undefeated with dominant wins. Newark snapped a losing streak in baseball, while East Rochester secured an easy victory. Girls lacrosse and softball teams across the region faced tough matchups in tournament and regular play.
Number of New York Educators Earning Over $200K Doubles Since 2019
New data shows over 1,600 New York educators earned more than $200,000 in 2023–24, more than double the number in 2019. Most high earners are located in Long Island and the Hudson Valley, where average salaries exceed $110,000. The figures reflect growing pay disparities across regions and are available on SeeThroughNY.net.
READER RUNDOWN: What else is happening in the Finger Lakes?
Canastota Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Drug Conspiracy and Firearm Offense
Scholarship Honors Beloved HWS Professor Iva Deutchman’s Life and Legacy
Hochul Launches Summer Cooling Aid for Vulnerable New Yorkers
FLCC Fundraiser Celebrates 10 Years With $90,000 Boost for Student Programs
Heastie Reaches Discovery Deal, But Hochul Holds Back and Mental Health Comes to Front
Law Enforcement Experts to Share Safety Tips at Auburn Seminar
Law Professor to Share Post-Holocaust Psalms in Public Reading at Cornell
Former Candor Mayor Sentenced to Jail for Stealing $23K in Village Funds