Your Morning Edition for Wednesday, October 9th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Toxins detected in Auburn/Owasco drinking water, NYS judge strikes down law to shift local elections, Cayuga Co. extends migrant emergency order, Mercy raises $200K, and unemployment crisis looms.
Low levels of algal toxins detected in Auburn and Owasco drinking water
Residents of Auburn and Owasco have been alerted to the presence of low levels of harmful algal bloom toxins in their drinking water, though officials confirm it remains safe to use. Samples taken on Tuesday, October 8, revealed microcystin levels of 0.23 micrograms per liter for Auburn and 0.26 micrograms per liter for Owasco. These amounts are below the EPA’s health advisory limit of 0.3 micrograms per liter.
Finger Lakes Weather Center: Showers, thunder, and breezy.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
A judge has ruled New York’s plan to align local elections with state and federal ones in even-numbered years unconstitutional, handing a victory to counties upholding their home-rule powers. The law, signed in December, intended to move local elections to even years starting in 2025. [Read More]
Cayuga County has extended an emergency order aimed at preventing outside municipalities from transporting homeless migrants or asylum seekers into the county without prior authorization. The order, signed by County Legislature Chair Aileen McNabb-Coleman on October 7, comes in response to the national immigration crisis, with concerns that cities are relocating migrants to upstate counties without proper coordination or planning. [Read More]
Local farms in Seneca County have been awarded $1.6 million in funding to implement soil health practices as part of New York’s CRF program. It will support the adoption of techniques aimed at improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating the effects of extreme weather events. [Read More]
Mercy Flight Central’s annual “Night of Flight” fundraiser proved to be a resounding success, raising more than $200,000 to support its mission of delivering critical air medical services across Upstate New York. Held on Sept. 28 at Mercy Flight Central’s headquarters, the event drew more than 120 attendees who participated in interactive demonstrations and simulations. [Read More]
New York’s small businesses are struggling, and experts say paying off a $6 billion unemployment insurance debt could be the key to reversing the trend. Lawmakers and business leaders are pressing state officials to address the pandemic-related debt, which they argue is burdening small enterprises. [Read More]
INSIDE THE FLX: Canandaigua’s downtown proposals, HABs outbreak, and budget talks
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Village of Cayuga seeks feedback on water and sewer debt billing proposal
As fall and winter approach, the Village of Cayuga is requesting input from residents regarding a potential shift in how water and sewer debt is billed. Mayor Don Wilson Jr. announced that the Village Board is considering moving the debt portion of water and sewer bills to the village tax bill. The idea has been discussed over the past decade and was recently affirmed as possible by the village’s new legal counsel.
MORE IN THE NEWS
Lawmakers urge New York to pay off $6 billion unemployment debt to aid small businesses
FLCC to hold public hearing on electric vehicle charging station proposal
Applications open for 2025 NYS Canal System tourism and event grants
Steuben County to host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 26
Attorney General James sues TikTok over youth mental health concerns