Weekly top reads: Dogs seized from Cayuga County home, officers attacked at Auburn prison
- 水果派AV staff
- 0
水果派AV's top 10 most-read stories of the week.听
- Christopher Malone
- Updated
A new cafe with a sweet concept is coming to Skaneateles.
Cream and Coffee is set to open in November in the former Hairtique salon at 20 E. Genesee St. in the village.
Opening the dessert-focused cafe is Amanda Hughes, owner of The Ice Cream Stand at Clinton Square in Syracuse.听
"People will think of us as a coffee shop and, I hope, certainly utilize us as one," Hughes told 水果派AV at the business. "It will only add to and enhance everything that exists (in Skaneateles)."
The Ice Cream Stand has been serving frozen treats ranging from scoops and floats to flurries and cakes for nine seasons. But unlike that business, which closes during the winter, Cream and Coffee will be open daily. Exact hours have not been set, Hughes said, but the Skaneateles business will be open from mornings to evenings.听
Hughes called the concept for the cafe an "elevated dessert experience."
"It's sophisticated, elegant and still a cozy space for the community to gather and linger," she added.听
Hughes hopes customers savor everything at Cream and Coffee, whether it's the food and beverages or the time spent relaxing or chatting with friends. She also plans to synergize her two businesses, serving frozen desserts from The Ice Cream Stand in Skaneateles. Other menu items will include parfaits, seasonal fruit desserts and puddings, and a core menu of breakfast and lunch items.听
"I鈥檓 just really excited to share this with everyone. It鈥檚 been almost a year now that I鈥檝e had to wait," Hughes said.
"I hope people enjoy it, and I hope they bring a sense of adventure, curiosity and playfulness to the space and experience."
听
- Cheryl Longyear, special to 水果派AV
- Updated
The Erie Canal was the longest human-made waterway and the greatest public works project in North America at the time it was built in the early 1820s. Now, as we approach the 200th year commemoration in 2025, its being recognized as an engineering marvel and one of the country鈥檚 greatest technological achievements. The canal was so busy that it had to be enlarged and refined in the middle 1800s. One of the enlargement engineering marvels was the Richmond or Seneca River Aqueduct in Montezuma. Construction on the structure began on Sept. 4, 1849, and it was in use by 1856. Now, 175 years later, it remains as a testament to the ingenuity and innovation called for to accommodate the growing needs of the canal and expansion of our country.
By 1820, the first section of the Erie Canal was completed from Utica to the Seneca River and Cayuga Marshes in Montezuma. As the canal was built west, the builders were challenged by finding a way through the vast wetlands at the head of Cayuga Lake. The canal was connected to the river by way of locks, and boats crossed over 2 miles of open waters and wetland before it reaching the other side. A wooden bridge 1,440 feet long was built that allowed the mules to continue pulling the boats across the river and wetlands. The problem with this crossing was that it flooded during wet seasons and became very shallow in dry seasons. In times of high water, the land and canal were under water, and during the dry months, boats had to be 鈥渓ightened up鈥 to make it across the river. The state faced this problem for over 30 years, but a solution was finally proposed to build a water bridge carrying the canal waters over the river along with the new enlargement.
Van Rensselaer Richmond, from Lyons, was the engineer in charge of the middle section of the canal. He made plans to radically change the canal by building a high embankment and aqueduct that would carry the canal over the river and wetlands, eliminating the troublesome crossing. The new embankment would raise the level of the canal to equal the elevation of the lock in Port Byron. This eliminated the need of four locks, saving time and construction dollars.
Engineer Richmond had to devise a method to support the heavy stone aqueduct where it crossed the river, as the bottom of the river was black muck. Wooden pilings were driven up to 90 feet deep in an attempt to reach solid ground. A wooden floor was built on top of these and then the stone masons built the stone arches, piers and towpath. The arches were 22 feet wide and 11 feet tall, and there were 31 in total crossing the river. Once the stonework was finished, the wooden trunk, containing over a million board feet of wood, was built. Engineer Richmond took what he learned on the canal and later went to work for the New York Central Railroad and built the railroad鈥檚 crossing of the marsh just north of the aqueduct at Fox Ridge. The building of the embankments, aqueduct and bridges greatly changed the environment of the wetlands.
Across the state, 32 aqueducts of various sizes were constructed. Richmond鈥檚 aqueduct was the second longest on the enlarged Erie Canal. Smaller aqueducts can be seen locally at Centerport, Jordan and Camillus, where you can take a boat ride and experience what it was like to float across a stream. Sadly, the fate of Richmond鈥檚 aqueduct was sealed when the state decided to use the Seneca River as the new canal route and the middle section of the structure was removed in the winter of 1917. This left seven arches on the east bank.
These remains can be seen in the Montezuma Heritage Park, along with over 160 acres of preserved, town-owned parkland. Come take a look while you enjoy the 11 nature trails, picnic areas and other interpreted historic sites that includes the three canal eras and the lateral Cayuga-Seneca Canal.
For over 25 years, volunteers of the former Montezuma Historical Society/Old Mentz Heritage Center have supported the town of Montezuma in helping to plan, develop, preserve and maintain the park. During the next year, the Old Mentz Heritage Center will be partnering with other Erie Canal sites along the middle canal region with a new guidebook to showcase and feature events to celebrate the canal鈥檚 legacy today as a designated a National Historic Landmark.
- Kelly Rocheleau
- Updated
An Auburn shelter is trying to find foster care for dogs after more than 30 were seized from a Cayuga County home, along with a goat, a peacock and several fish and ducks, by law enforcement.
The Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY said in a Facebook听听Friday that 32 dogs came into its custody that day, and any community members able to provide foster care were encouraged to contact the shelter.
On Saturday, SPCA Executive Director Nick Lapresi told 水果派AV that 24 of the dogs have already been placed in foster care.
He said law enforcement seized the dogs, along with the peacock, the goat, 30 koi fish and 10 ducks, from a "hoarding situation" at a residence in the town of Locke.
The animals were ordered to be removed from the property by Sept. 18 by Judge Jeffrey Saeli on Wednesday,听Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci told 水果派AV.
No charges have been filed,听Grome Antonacci added.
The district attorney's office and Cayuga County Sheriff's Office worked with the shelter to remove and transport the dogs. Lapresi said it was determined there were sufficient resources at the residence for the other animals to temporarily stay there under a shelter in place. The SPCA has reached out to other organizations that may be able to help get the animals out of the Locke property.
While the shelter could have provided adequate care to all 32 of the dogs, Lapresi said, it currently doesn't have the resources to give them the level of care it strives for.
It would be more beneficial to the dogs to be in home environments, he added.听
"We knew that we needed community support to help us house the dogs while we schedule spay-and-neuter surgeries for each one of them," he said.
Lapresi praised the district attorney's and sheriff's offices for their help, and encouraged anyone interested in fostering one of the eight remaining dogs to contact the shelter.
He said he was thrilled that so many people stepped up so soon to provide temporary care for the dogs.
"It is really humbling to see how the Cayuga County community supports the SPCA and supports each other," Lapresi said.
"That's really what gets me every time we're faced with a situation like this. When it comes to animal cruelty and neglect, the community bands together."
- Robert Harding
- Updated
The union representing state correction officers say women members are being targeted by incarcerated individuals at Auburn Correctional Facility.听
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association on Tuesday detailed two attacks on female correction officers that occurred within the last few weeks.听
In an incident on Wednesday, Sept. 4, NYSCOPBA said a female sergeant approached an incarcerated individual standing near a metal fence in the prison's south yard. Another incarcerated individual attacked the sergeant from behind, striking her in the head and causing her to fall into a metal fence post.听
The sergeant, who was knocked unconscious, was transported to SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse for treatment. She was diagnosed with a concussion and a fractured elbow.听
A separate attack was reported on Aug. 21, when a female officer was punched in the face by an incarcerated individual who assaulted staff while returning to a cell block.听
"The attacks and serious injuries, especially on our female members, continue to grow with no end in sight," said Kenny Gold, NYSCOPBA's western region president. "There is no deterrent anymore for bad behavior in our prison system and it cannot be any more evident than in unprovoked attacks like this."听
Seven other officers were injured in the attacks, according to the union. After the female sergeant was assaulted, officers responded and placed the incarcerated individual in a body hold. He was combative, but the union said officers were able to apply handcuffs.听
The incarcerated individual who attacked the female sergeant is serving 15 to 18 years in prison for burglary and sex abuse. He was transferred to Attica Correctional Facility after the incident.听
A second incarcerated individual attempted to approach the unconscious sergeant in the yard, but was ordered to back away. When he did not follow those commands, NYSCOPBA said "chemical agents" were used and the incarcerated individual was handcuffed.听
After being removed from the yard and taken to the infirmary for decontamination, the incarcerated individual was combative and headbutted an officer. The inmate was taken to the ground and placed in a body hold. According to the union, a search found a metal rod inside one of the inmate's socks.听
The incarcerated individual was placed in a special housing unit and is facing disciplinary charges.听
As officers responded in the south yard, incarcerated individuals in the main yard were directed to place their hands on the wall. One refused the order and was placed in a body hold, NYSCOPBA said. The inmate was being handcuffed when others began to advance toward staff, according to the union. Pepper spray was used to stop the inmates.听
Eight officers were injured in the incidents, including one who broke a bone in their hand. Most were transported to Auburn Community Hospital for treatment. Two officers, who had head, knee and shoulder injuries, were treated by the prison's medical staff.听
The attacks are examples of the increasingly violent environment in state prisons. According to the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, there have been 1,457 assaults on staff and 1,945 assaults on incarcerated individuals this year.听
The records for assaults on staff (1,671) and assaults on incarcerated individuals (2,107) were set in 2023.听
- Christopher Malone
- Updated
New pickleball courts in the Auburn area will give local players another place to enjoy the increasingly popular sport, and more are on the way.
The tennis court at Sawyer Park on Turnpike Road in Throop has recently been converted into three pickleball courts. Supervisor Eric Ridley told 水果派AV the town had to weigh demand between the two sports. Pickleball is the one in the U.S., while tennis is widely believed to be experiencing a decline in popularity as a result.听
Pickleball is similar to tennis, but with elements of badminton and table tennis. It can be played indoors or outdoors. Players wield a large paddle and hit a ball that looks and feels like a sturdier wiffle ball. Also like tennis, the game can be played in singles or doubles. Ridley said it's enjoyed by players of all ages, but its low-impact nature makes it ideal exercise for seniors.
"A lot of our senior residents are really good pickleball players," he said. "Some will show up and even give lessons to others."
The courts are part of a larger renovation of Sawyer Park that also includes a new playground, a resealed basketball court, improved drainage and expanded parking. Ridley said the already popular park has been seeing even more activity since the renovation. It was supported by a $55,000 state grant for the playground, with another $60,000 coming from the town.
"(Pickleball) has brought the community closer together," Ridley said.
The town is Sterling is looking to turn an aging tennis court into pickleball ones as well.
Supervisor Andrew Joyce told 水果派AV the new courts will be set up at what's called the Old Town Garage on Williams Road, down the road from where the town hall on Route 104A. The spot is already a destination with basketball courts and an empty lot where parents teach children to ride bicycles, he said, but it has the potential to become even more of a community space.
"It's a beautiful spot for residents," Joyce said. "There's green space and Sterling Creek runs alongside of it."
The pickleball courts will just need new pavement and painted lines, Joyce continued, before nets are installed this spring.
Pickleball courts in the Cayuga County area
Auburn YMCA-WEIU (three indoor courts)
WHEN: Open 5 to 11 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, 7 to 11 a.m. Sundays
WHERE: 27 William St., Auburn
INFO: Visit听听or call (315) 253-5304
Austin Park (four outdoor courts)
WHEN: Open 8 to 11 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays,听8 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays
WHERE:听1 E. Austin St., Skaneateles
INFO: Visit听听or call听(315) 685-3473
Casey Park (two outdoor courts, four indoor courts)
WHEN: Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
WHERE:听150 N. Division St., Auburn
INFO: Visit听听or call听(315) 255-4737
Cato-Meridian Community Recreation Center (indoor)
WHEN: Open 8 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7 to 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 7:30 to 10 a.m. Saturdays
WHERE:听2851 Route 370, Cato
INFO: Visit听听or call (315) 626-6735
Owasco playground area (four outdoor courts)
WHEN: Open play daily, weather permitting
WHERE:听6 Bristol Ave., Owasco
INFO: Visit听听or call听(315) 253-9021
Sawyer Park (three outdoor courts)
WHEN: Open play daily, weather permitting
WHERE: 2276 Turnpike Road, Throop
INFO: Visit听听or call (315)听252-7373
Skaneateles YMCA & Community Center (three indoor courts)
WHEN: Open 8 to 11 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays,听8 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays
WHERE:听97 State St., Skaneateles
INFO: Visit听听or call (315) 685-2266
For more information, visit听.
- Robert Harding
- Updated
An independent audit completed in October 2023 found Wells College had "significant operating losses" 鈥 more than $6 million over two years 鈥 before its sudden closure announcement in April.听
The audit, performed by The Bonadio Group in Syracuse, reveals Wells lost $4.9 million in 2023 and $1.2 million in 2022. Tax filings also showed the college's financial struggles, but the audit provides a more thorough accounting of the losses that contributed to the decision to close the Aurora institution after 156 years.听
Wells College's expenses totaled $25.6 million in 2023, while revenue was $20.7 million. The gap was smaller in 2022, with over $23 million in expenses and revenue totaling $21.8 million.听
At the time of the report, auditors noted that the college took action to improve its financial condition. Those efforts included working with a recruiting firm and adding academic programs.听
"Future financial stability of the college depends upon success of these actions," the auditors wrote.听
Six months later, Wells announced it would close at the end of the academic year in June. The college's leadership said it was determined they lacked "adequate financial resources to continue."听
Auditors noted that Wells borrowed against its endowment, which now totals more than $28 million, in 2010. The college received approval from a state Supreme Court judge to use certain funds 鈥 contributions from now-deceased donors 鈥 to support the institution's financial and strategic plans.听
According to the audit, the college borrowed $16.6 million from its endowment. It was required to repay $14.9 million, or the market value of the gifts.
As of June 30, 2023, the college owed $10.4 million.听
Wells' long-term debt totals nearly $5.3 million. This includes a $1.5 million loan in 2017 that was due to be paid on Oct. 1, 2021. However, the terms were amended and the new due date is Oct. 30, 2026.听
The college was scheduled to make annual payments on its long-term debt 鈥 $251,108 this year, $252,983 in 2025, $257,969 in 2026, $264,861 in 2027 and $252,050 in 2028. After that five-year period, the remaining principal would total over $4 million. It's unknown how the closure will affect the college's debt payments.听
Wells is winding down operations and must develop a plan for disposing of its remaining assets. That plan will be reviewed by the state attorney general's office and must be approved by a state Supreme Court judge.听
The college's assets totaled $69.1 million in 2023, according to the audit. The assets include more than $30 million in investments and $26.7 million in property, such as buildings and land.听
- David Wilcox
- Updated
Reporting on homelessness often lacks a very important voice: homeless people.
水果派AV has been no exception this year as we've reported on the effort to build a new shelter in Auburn in response to rising numbers of homeless people here. Our stories, and the dialogue they've generated, have included the developer, officials and community members both for and against the shelter. But we haven't included the thoughts of a single homeless person.
It's not because we don't want to include them. It's because the same terrible systemic forces that cause homelessness can also make their voices harder to hear. They don't attend planning and zoning board meetings. They don't register for accounts to comment on . They have bigger things to worry about than being interviewed by the local newspaper.
Still, we want to include the voices of homeless people in our reporting 鈥 now more than ever. I've lived in downtown Auburn for 13 years and I've never seen so many of them on the streets, lining up for food at the Salvation Army and gathering in Market Street Park. While some may see a problem to solve or even ignore, I see people with important stories to tell.
So I've been seeking those stories out.
For the past few weeks, I've been accompanying volunteers with the Safe and Warm program at Harriet Tubman Memorial AME Zion Church in Auburn to deliver meals and hygiene products to homeless people on Friday afternoons. We've knocked on the doors of people housed at the Auburn Inn and Cayuga Inn at the Finger Lakes, and visited people in Market Street and Buonocore parks.
All my introductions have been made by Eli Gansert, a cofounder of Safe and Warm who has been homeless himself. His rapport with the people in the hotels and parks is truly something to behold. With a grocery bag full of sandwiches in each hand he announces himself in a voice that booms down the halls, making sure no one misses their opportunity for a free meal. Children flock to him like he's the ice cream man, and adults share their latest trials and tribulations like he's their social worker. He's relentlessly attentive, and encouraging, to everyone who asks for his time.
Thanks to Eli, who's also been passing out my business cards when I'm not with him, I've spoken to a few homeless people in Auburn so far. The results of those interviews will appear in future reporting in 水果派AV and on . We've talked about how they became homeless, their experiences with the systems that exist to support them, and more.
For now, I can tell you a few things about the people I've interviewed, just to clear up some misconceptions I commonly see: They're from Auburn. They're not homeless because they want to be, or chose to be, but rather because of circumstances outside their control 鈥 circumstances that could befall any of us. And they're grateful for having their stories told.
Also, at least some of them do read the comments. Auburn's homeless people are aware of what's said about them on and social media, and it can hurt. That's because they're people, first and foremost, and we hope our reporting makes that abundantly clear as the dialogue about them continues. It certainly shouldn't continue without them.
If you're homeless and would like to share your story, or if you want to recommend someone who is, please call me at (315) 282-2245 or email me at david.wilcox@lee.net.
- Robert Harding
- Updated
A week after it was revealed that the Cayuga County Office Building will be closed for two years, county legislators criticized the lack of transparency about the facility's status and the decision to lease space for certain departments.听
Cayuga County Legislator Mark Strong, R-Moravia, raised concerns about the process during the county Legislature's Government Operations Committee meeting Wednesday. His questions followed a Sept. 3 special meeting, where legislators approved a lease for 63 Genesee St. 鈥 the former Lyons National Bank 鈥 that will house the county Department of Social Services and other agencies affected by the extended building closure.听
Strong responded to county Legislature Chairwoman Aileen McNabb-Coleman's comments during that meeting. McNabb-Coleman, D-Sennett, defended the county leadership's handling of the building situation after criticism from Legislator Hans Pecher, C-Genoa, who said lawmakers were not consulted during the closure.听
McNabb-Coleman told legislators that other sites were explored, but members of a resource group were "hard nos" on those options. Those comments appeared to be directed at unnamed legislators, but it was clarified at the committee meeting that McNabb-Coleman was the only legislator in the group. That has changed with the addition of Legislator Tom Winslow, a Weedsport Republican.听
"All I can say is when we discussed all these buildings and stuff, I don't believe there was any bipartisanship and there was no transparency," said Strong, who added that the matter was not discussed with the four-member GOP caucus before the first of two special meetings were held on Aug. 29.听
The county Legislature voted on the lease agreement because the office building, which has been closed since late May, will remain shuttered for two years. The building's closure is due to the discovery of asbestos-containing vermiculite throughout the facility.听
McNabb-Coleman previously said that she had "nothing to inform you with" until it was recently determined the building must remain closed for asbestos abatement.听
Although McNabb-Coleman wasn't at the committee meeting, Cayuga County Manager Steve Lynch explained that the resource group, which consists of certain department heads, looked at other buildings. But some "just did not fit" and they did not receive serious consideration, he said.听
Legislator Ben Vitale, I-Montezuma, sought to downplay concerns about transparency by telling his colleagues that the Legislature's focus is mostly on policy and the chair handles day-to-day county operations.听
"The rest of us should stay out of it," he said.听
But Strong wasn't the only legislator who spoke out about the lack of information about the building.听
Legislator Brian Muldrow, an Auburn Democrat who chairs the Government Operations Committee, said he did not have prior knowledge of the building's status before the special meeting.听
Muldrow joined the Democratic caucus in voting to lease 63 Genesee St., but acknowledged Wednesday that he wanted "a little bit more information" ahead of the vote.听
"I want to justify my yes," he said.听
Strong hopes bipartisanship among lawmakers will improve 鈥 Democrats hold seven of the 11 county Legislature seats 鈥 and there will be increased transparency about the county office building.听
For now, he says there isn't bipartisanship and transparency.听
"If that continues, we're going to have some issues," Strong said.听
- David Wilcox
- Updated
A local farmer has opened a new business in the food court of Fingerlakes Mall, offering cookies, pies, coffee and more.
Romulus-based farmer Tara Van Wormer and her niece Amanda Hathaway operate Violet Wednesday, which is now open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays in the mall's Cafe Square.
The business offers fresh, locally grown flowers, as well as a menu that includes baked goods like cookies, pies, tarts, muffins and cupcakes, and freshly brewed coffee.
"As an avid baker and passionate supporter of local agriculture, Tara Van Wormer has made it her priority to work with and support other local farms, ensuring that all ingredients used in her products are fresh and seasonal," the mall said in a news release. "Customers can expect a frequently changing menu that reflects the best of what local farms have to offer throughout the year."
Violet Wednesday is open to walk-up customers and accepts orders in advance both online and by phone.
"We're thrilled to bring our family's passion for farming and baking to the community," Van Wormer said in the news release.
"We hope to create a welcoming space where people can enjoy fresh, seasonal food and support local agriculture at the same time."
For more information about the business, call (770) 652-2282 or email vwfbakery@gmail.com.
- Dr. Misty Slavic, special to 水果派AV
- Updated
Dear Auburn Enlarged City School District community,
I hope this message finds you well and filled with excitement for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year! My name is Dr. Misty Slavic, and I am honored to introduce myself as the new superintendent of schools for our vibrant district. It is with great enthusiasm that I step into this role, ready to collaborate with each of you to create a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for our students.
This year promises to be one of growth, innovation and engagement, as we focus on providing enriching experiences that will ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning. Our dedicated teachers and staff are at the heart of our mission, and I am continuously inspired by their passion and commitment to excellence in education. They bring creativity and expertise into the classroom, ensuring that every student receives engaging instruction tailored to their unique needs and interests. Together, we will work to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
I am eager to partner with all of you 鈥 students, parents, community members and local organizations 鈥 to support our students' academic journeys. Your involvement is crucial to our success, and I encourage you to engage in our schools and participate in the many activities and events planned for this year.
Thank you for your warm welcome, and I look forward to getting to know each of you better in the months to come. Here鈥檚 to a fantastic school year ahead, filled with growth, achievement and joy!
More like this...
- Christopher Malone
A new cafe with a sweet concept is coming to Skaneateles.
Cream and Coffee is set to open in November in the former Hairtique salon at 20 E. Genesee St. in the village.
Opening the dessert-focused cafe is Amanda Hughes, owner of The Ice Cream Stand at Clinton Square in Syracuse.听
"People will think of us as a coffee shop and, I hope, certainly utilize us as one," Hughes told 水果派AV at the business. "It will only add to and enhance everything that exists (in Skaneateles)."
The Ice Cream Stand has been serving frozen treats ranging from scoops and floats to flurries and cakes for nine seasons. But unlike that business, which closes during the winter, Cream and Coffee will be open daily. Exact hours have not been set, Hughes said, but the Skaneateles business will be open from mornings to evenings.听
Hughes called the concept for the cafe an "elevated dessert experience."
"It's sophisticated, elegant and still a cozy space for the community to gather and linger," she added.听
Hughes hopes customers savor everything at Cream and Coffee, whether it's the food and beverages or the time spent relaxing or chatting with friends. She also plans to synergize her two businesses, serving frozen desserts from The Ice Cream Stand in Skaneateles. Other menu items will include parfaits, seasonal fruit desserts and puddings, and a core menu of breakfast and lunch items.听
"I鈥檓 just really excited to share this with everyone. It鈥檚 been almost a year now that I鈥檝e had to wait," Hughes said.
"I hope people enjoy it, and I hope they bring a sense of adventure, curiosity and playfulness to the space and experience."
听
- Cheryl Longyear, special to 水果派AV
The Erie Canal was the longest human-made waterway and the greatest public works project in North America at the time it was built in the early 1820s. Now, as we approach the 200th year commemoration in 2025, its being recognized as an engineering marvel and one of the country鈥檚 greatest technological achievements. The canal was so busy that it had to be enlarged and refined in the middle 1800s. One of the enlargement engineering marvels was the Richmond or Seneca River Aqueduct in Montezuma. Construction on the structure began on Sept. 4, 1849, and it was in use by 1856. Now, 175 years later, it remains as a testament to the ingenuity and innovation called for to accommodate the growing needs of the canal and expansion of our country.
By 1820, the first section of the Erie Canal was completed from Utica to the Seneca River and Cayuga Marshes in Montezuma. As the canal was built west, the builders were challenged by finding a way through the vast wetlands at the head of Cayuga Lake. The canal was connected to the river by way of locks, and boats crossed over 2 miles of open waters and wetland before it reaching the other side. A wooden bridge 1,440 feet long was built that allowed the mules to continue pulling the boats across the river and wetlands. The problem with this crossing was that it flooded during wet seasons and became very shallow in dry seasons. In times of high water, the land and canal were under water, and during the dry months, boats had to be 鈥渓ightened up鈥 to make it across the river. The state faced this problem for over 30 years, but a solution was finally proposed to build a water bridge carrying the canal waters over the river along with the new enlargement.
Van Rensselaer Richmond, from Lyons, was the engineer in charge of the middle section of the canal. He made plans to radically change the canal by building a high embankment and aqueduct that would carry the canal over the river and wetlands, eliminating the troublesome crossing. The new embankment would raise the level of the canal to equal the elevation of the lock in Port Byron. This eliminated the need of four locks, saving time and construction dollars.
Engineer Richmond had to devise a method to support the heavy stone aqueduct where it crossed the river, as the bottom of the river was black muck. Wooden pilings were driven up to 90 feet deep in an attempt to reach solid ground. A wooden floor was built on top of these and then the stone masons built the stone arches, piers and towpath. The arches were 22 feet wide and 11 feet tall, and there were 31 in total crossing the river. Once the stonework was finished, the wooden trunk, containing over a million board feet of wood, was built. Engineer Richmond took what he learned on the canal and later went to work for the New York Central Railroad and built the railroad鈥檚 crossing of the marsh just north of the aqueduct at Fox Ridge. The building of the embankments, aqueduct and bridges greatly changed the environment of the wetlands.
Across the state, 32 aqueducts of various sizes were constructed. Richmond鈥檚 aqueduct was the second longest on the enlarged Erie Canal. Smaller aqueducts can be seen locally at Centerport, Jordan and Camillus, where you can take a boat ride and experience what it was like to float across a stream. Sadly, the fate of Richmond鈥檚 aqueduct was sealed when the state decided to use the Seneca River as the new canal route and the middle section of the structure was removed in the winter of 1917. This left seven arches on the east bank.
These remains can be seen in the Montezuma Heritage Park, along with over 160 acres of preserved, town-owned parkland. Come take a look while you enjoy the 11 nature trails, picnic areas and other interpreted historic sites that includes the three canal eras and the lateral Cayuga-Seneca Canal.
For over 25 years, volunteers of the former Montezuma Historical Society/Old Mentz Heritage Center have supported the town of Montezuma in helping to plan, develop, preserve and maintain the park. During the next year, the Old Mentz Heritage Center will be partnering with other Erie Canal sites along the middle canal region with a new guidebook to showcase and feature events to celebrate the canal鈥檚 legacy today as a designated a National Historic Landmark.
- Kelly Rocheleau
An Auburn shelter is trying to find foster care for dogs after more than 30 were seized from a Cayuga County home, along with a goat, a peacock and several fish and ducks, by law enforcement.
The Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY said in a Facebook听听Friday that 32 dogs came into its custody that day, and any community members able to provide foster care were encouraged to contact the shelter.
On Saturday, SPCA Executive Director Nick Lapresi told 水果派AV that 24 of the dogs have already been placed in foster care.
He said law enforcement seized the dogs, along with the peacock, the goat, 30 koi fish and 10 ducks, from a "hoarding situation" at a residence in the town of Locke.
The animals were ordered to be removed from the property by Sept. 18 by Judge Jeffrey Saeli on Wednesday,听Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci told 水果派AV.
No charges have been filed,听Grome Antonacci added.
The district attorney's office and Cayuga County Sheriff's Office worked with the shelter to remove and transport the dogs. Lapresi said it was determined there were sufficient resources at the residence for the other animals to temporarily stay there under a shelter in place. The SPCA has reached out to other organizations that may be able to help get the animals out of the Locke property.
While the shelter could have provided adequate care to all 32 of the dogs, Lapresi said, it currently doesn't have the resources to give them the level of care it strives for.
It would be more beneficial to the dogs to be in home environments, he added.听
"We knew that we needed community support to help us house the dogs while we schedule spay-and-neuter surgeries for each one of them," he said.
Lapresi praised the district attorney's and sheriff's offices for their help, and encouraged anyone interested in fostering one of the eight remaining dogs to contact the shelter.
He said he was thrilled that so many people stepped up so soon to provide temporary care for the dogs.
"It is really humbling to see how the Cayuga County community supports the SPCA and supports each other," Lapresi said.
"That's really what gets me every time we're faced with a situation like this. When it comes to animal cruelty and neglect, the community bands together."
- Robert Harding
The union representing state correction officers say women members are being targeted by incarcerated individuals at Auburn Correctional Facility.听
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association on Tuesday detailed two attacks on female correction officers that occurred within the last few weeks.听
In an incident on Wednesday, Sept. 4, NYSCOPBA said a female sergeant approached an incarcerated individual standing near a metal fence in the prison's south yard. Another incarcerated individual attacked the sergeant from behind, striking her in the head and causing her to fall into a metal fence post.听
The sergeant, who was knocked unconscious, was transported to SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse for treatment. She was diagnosed with a concussion and a fractured elbow.听
A separate attack was reported on Aug. 21, when a female officer was punched in the face by an incarcerated individual who assaulted staff while returning to a cell block.听
"The attacks and serious injuries, especially on our female members, continue to grow with no end in sight," said Kenny Gold, NYSCOPBA's western region president. "There is no deterrent anymore for bad behavior in our prison system and it cannot be any more evident than in unprovoked attacks like this."听
Seven other officers were injured in the attacks, according to the union. After the female sergeant was assaulted, officers responded and placed the incarcerated individual in a body hold. He was combative, but the union said officers were able to apply handcuffs.听
The incarcerated individual who attacked the female sergeant is serving 15 to 18 years in prison for burglary and sex abuse. He was transferred to Attica Correctional Facility after the incident.听
A second incarcerated individual attempted to approach the unconscious sergeant in the yard, but was ordered to back away. When he did not follow those commands, NYSCOPBA said "chemical agents" were used and the incarcerated individual was handcuffed.听
After being removed from the yard and taken to the infirmary for decontamination, the incarcerated individual was combative and headbutted an officer. The inmate was taken to the ground and placed in a body hold. According to the union, a search found a metal rod inside one of the inmate's socks.听
The incarcerated individual was placed in a special housing unit and is facing disciplinary charges.听
As officers responded in the south yard, incarcerated individuals in the main yard were directed to place their hands on the wall. One refused the order and was placed in a body hold, NYSCOPBA said. The inmate was being handcuffed when others began to advance toward staff, according to the union. Pepper spray was used to stop the inmates.听
Eight officers were injured in the incidents, including one who broke a bone in their hand. Most were transported to Auburn Community Hospital for treatment. Two officers, who had head, knee and shoulder injuries, were treated by the prison's medical staff.听
The attacks are examples of the increasingly violent environment in state prisons. According to the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, there have been 1,457 assaults on staff and 1,945 assaults on incarcerated individuals this year.听
The records for assaults on staff (1,671) and assaults on incarcerated individuals (2,107) were set in 2023.听
- Christopher Malone
New pickleball courts in the Auburn area will give local players another place to enjoy the increasingly popular sport, and more are on the way.
The tennis court at Sawyer Park on Turnpike Road in Throop has recently been converted into three pickleball courts. Supervisor Eric Ridley told 水果派AV the town had to weigh demand between the two sports. Pickleball is the one in the U.S., while tennis is widely believed to be experiencing a decline in popularity as a result.听
Pickleball is similar to tennis, but with elements of badminton and table tennis. It can be played indoors or outdoors. Players wield a large paddle and hit a ball that looks and feels like a sturdier wiffle ball. Also like tennis, the game can be played in singles or doubles. Ridley said it's enjoyed by players of all ages, but its low-impact nature makes it ideal exercise for seniors.
"A lot of our senior residents are really good pickleball players," he said. "Some will show up and even give lessons to others."
The courts are part of a larger renovation of Sawyer Park that also includes a new playground, a resealed basketball court, improved drainage and expanded parking. Ridley said the already popular park has been seeing even more activity since the renovation. It was supported by a $55,000 state grant for the playground, with another $60,000 coming from the town.
"(Pickleball) has brought the community closer together," Ridley said.
The town is Sterling is looking to turn an aging tennis court into pickleball ones as well.
Supervisor Andrew Joyce told 水果派AV the new courts will be set up at what's called the Old Town Garage on Williams Road, down the road from where the town hall on Route 104A. The spot is already a destination with basketball courts and an empty lot where parents teach children to ride bicycles, he said, but it has the potential to become even more of a community space.
"It's a beautiful spot for residents," Joyce said. "There's green space and Sterling Creek runs alongside of it."
The pickleball courts will just need new pavement and painted lines, Joyce continued, before nets are installed this spring.
Pickleball courts in the Cayuga County area
Auburn YMCA-WEIU (three indoor courts)
WHEN: Open 5 to 11 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, 7 to 11 a.m. Sundays
WHERE: 27 William St., Auburn
INFO: Visit听听or call (315) 253-5304
Austin Park (four outdoor courts)
WHEN: Open 8 to 11 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays,听8 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays
WHERE:听1 E. Austin St., Skaneateles
INFO: Visit听听or call听(315) 685-3473
Casey Park (two outdoor courts, four indoor courts)
WHEN: Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
WHERE:听150 N. Division St., Auburn
INFO: Visit听听or call听(315) 255-4737
Cato-Meridian Community Recreation Center (indoor)
WHEN: Open 8 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7 to 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 7:30 to 10 a.m. Saturdays
WHERE:听2851 Route 370, Cato
INFO: Visit听听or call (315) 626-6735
Owasco playground area (four outdoor courts)
WHEN: Open play daily, weather permitting
WHERE:听6 Bristol Ave., Owasco
INFO: Visit听听or call听(315) 253-9021
Sawyer Park (three outdoor courts)
WHEN: Open play daily, weather permitting
WHERE: 2276 Turnpike Road, Throop
INFO: Visit听听or call (315)听252-7373
Skaneateles YMCA & Community Center (three indoor courts)
WHEN: Open 8 to 11 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays,听8 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays
WHERE:听97 State St., Skaneateles
INFO: Visit听听or call (315) 685-2266
For more information, visit听.
- Robert Harding
An independent audit completed in October 2023 found Wells College had "significant operating losses" 鈥 more than $6 million over two years 鈥 before its sudden closure announcement in April.听
The audit, performed by The Bonadio Group in Syracuse, reveals Wells lost $4.9 million in 2023 and $1.2 million in 2022. Tax filings also showed the college's financial struggles, but the audit provides a more thorough accounting of the losses that contributed to the decision to close the Aurora institution after 156 years.听
Wells College's expenses totaled $25.6 million in 2023, while revenue was $20.7 million. The gap was smaller in 2022, with over $23 million in expenses and revenue totaling $21.8 million.听
At the time of the report, auditors noted that the college took action to improve its financial condition. Those efforts included working with a recruiting firm and adding academic programs.听
"Future financial stability of the college depends upon success of these actions," the auditors wrote.听
Six months later, Wells announced it would close at the end of the academic year in June. The college's leadership said it was determined they lacked "adequate financial resources to continue."听
Auditors noted that Wells borrowed against its endowment, which now totals more than $28 million, in 2010. The college received approval from a state Supreme Court judge to use certain funds 鈥 contributions from now-deceased donors 鈥 to support the institution's financial and strategic plans.听
According to the audit, the college borrowed $16.6 million from its endowment. It was required to repay $14.9 million, or the market value of the gifts.
As of June 30, 2023, the college owed $10.4 million.听
Wells' long-term debt totals nearly $5.3 million. This includes a $1.5 million loan in 2017 that was due to be paid on Oct. 1, 2021. However, the terms were amended and the new due date is Oct. 30, 2026.听
The college was scheduled to make annual payments on its long-term debt 鈥 $251,108 this year, $252,983 in 2025, $257,969 in 2026, $264,861 in 2027 and $252,050 in 2028. After that five-year period, the remaining principal would total over $4 million. It's unknown how the closure will affect the college's debt payments.听
Wells is winding down operations and must develop a plan for disposing of its remaining assets. That plan will be reviewed by the state attorney general's office and must be approved by a state Supreme Court judge.听
The college's assets totaled $69.1 million in 2023, according to the audit. The assets include more than $30 million in investments and $26.7 million in property, such as buildings and land.听
- David Wilcox
Reporting on homelessness often lacks a very important voice: homeless people.
水果派AV has been no exception this year as we've reported on the effort to build a new shelter in Auburn in response to rising numbers of homeless people here. Our stories, and the dialogue they've generated, have included the developer, officials and community members both for and against the shelter. But we haven't included the thoughts of a single homeless person.
It's not because we don't want to include them. It's because the same terrible systemic forces that cause homelessness can also make their voices harder to hear. They don't attend planning and zoning board meetings. They don't register for accounts to comment on . They have bigger things to worry about than being interviewed by the local newspaper.
Still, we want to include the voices of homeless people in our reporting 鈥 now more than ever. I've lived in downtown Auburn for 13 years and I've never seen so many of them on the streets, lining up for food at the Salvation Army and gathering in Market Street Park. While some may see a problem to solve or even ignore, I see people with important stories to tell.
So I've been seeking those stories out.
For the past few weeks, I've been accompanying volunteers with the Safe and Warm program at Harriet Tubman Memorial AME Zion Church in Auburn to deliver meals and hygiene products to homeless people on Friday afternoons. We've knocked on the doors of people housed at the Auburn Inn and Cayuga Inn at the Finger Lakes, and visited people in Market Street and Buonocore parks.
All my introductions have been made by Eli Gansert, a cofounder of Safe and Warm who has been homeless himself. His rapport with the people in the hotels and parks is truly something to behold. With a grocery bag full of sandwiches in each hand he announces himself in a voice that booms down the halls, making sure no one misses their opportunity for a free meal. Children flock to him like he's the ice cream man, and adults share their latest trials and tribulations like he's their social worker. He's relentlessly attentive, and encouraging, to everyone who asks for his time.
Thanks to Eli, who's also been passing out my business cards when I'm not with him, I've spoken to a few homeless people in Auburn so far. The results of those interviews will appear in future reporting in 水果派AV and on . We've talked about how they became homeless, their experiences with the systems that exist to support them, and more.
For now, I can tell you a few things about the people I've interviewed, just to clear up some misconceptions I commonly see: They're from Auburn. They're not homeless because they want to be, or chose to be, but rather because of circumstances outside their control 鈥 circumstances that could befall any of us. And they're grateful for having their stories told.
Also, at least some of them do read the comments. Auburn's homeless people are aware of what's said about them on and social media, and it can hurt. That's because they're people, first and foremost, and we hope our reporting makes that abundantly clear as the dialogue about them continues. It certainly shouldn't continue without them.
If you're homeless and would like to share your story, or if you want to recommend someone who is, please call me at (315) 282-2245 or email me at david.wilcox@lee.net.
- Robert Harding
A week after it was revealed that the Cayuga County Office Building will be closed for two years, county legislators criticized the lack of transparency about the facility's status and the decision to lease space for certain departments.听
Cayuga County Legislator Mark Strong, R-Moravia, raised concerns about the process during the county Legislature's Government Operations Committee meeting Wednesday. His questions followed a Sept. 3 special meeting, where legislators approved a lease for 63 Genesee St. 鈥 the former Lyons National Bank 鈥 that will house the county Department of Social Services and other agencies affected by the extended building closure.听
Strong responded to county Legislature Chairwoman Aileen McNabb-Coleman's comments during that meeting. McNabb-Coleman, D-Sennett, defended the county leadership's handling of the building situation after criticism from Legislator Hans Pecher, C-Genoa, who said lawmakers were not consulted during the closure.听
McNabb-Coleman told legislators that other sites were explored, but members of a resource group were "hard nos" on those options. Those comments appeared to be directed at unnamed legislators, but it was clarified at the committee meeting that McNabb-Coleman was the only legislator in the group. That has changed with the addition of Legislator Tom Winslow, a Weedsport Republican.听
"All I can say is when we discussed all these buildings and stuff, I don't believe there was any bipartisanship and there was no transparency," said Strong, who added that the matter was not discussed with the four-member GOP caucus before the first of two special meetings were held on Aug. 29.听
The county Legislature voted on the lease agreement because the office building, which has been closed since late May, will remain shuttered for two years. The building's closure is due to the discovery of asbestos-containing vermiculite throughout the facility.听
McNabb-Coleman previously said that she had "nothing to inform you with" until it was recently determined the building must remain closed for asbestos abatement.听
Although McNabb-Coleman wasn't at the committee meeting, Cayuga County Manager Steve Lynch explained that the resource group, which consists of certain department heads, looked at other buildings. But some "just did not fit" and they did not receive serious consideration, he said.听
Legislator Ben Vitale, I-Montezuma, sought to downplay concerns about transparency by telling his colleagues that the Legislature's focus is mostly on policy and the chair handles day-to-day county operations.听
"The rest of us should stay out of it," he said.听
But Strong wasn't the only legislator who spoke out about the lack of information about the building.听
Legislator Brian Muldrow, an Auburn Democrat who chairs the Government Operations Committee, said he did not have prior knowledge of the building's status before the special meeting.听
Muldrow joined the Democratic caucus in voting to lease 63 Genesee St., but acknowledged Wednesday that he wanted "a little bit more information" ahead of the vote.听
"I want to justify my yes," he said.听
Strong hopes bipartisanship among lawmakers will improve 鈥 Democrats hold seven of the 11 county Legislature seats 鈥 and there will be increased transparency about the county office building.听
For now, he says there isn't bipartisanship and transparency.听
"If that continues, we're going to have some issues," Strong said.听
- David Wilcox
A local farmer has opened a new business in the food court of Fingerlakes Mall, offering cookies, pies, coffee and more.
Romulus-based farmer Tara Van Wormer and her niece Amanda Hathaway operate Violet Wednesday, which is now open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays in the mall's Cafe Square.
The business offers fresh, locally grown flowers, as well as a menu that includes baked goods like cookies, pies, tarts, muffins and cupcakes, and freshly brewed coffee.
"As an avid baker and passionate supporter of local agriculture, Tara Van Wormer has made it her priority to work with and support other local farms, ensuring that all ingredients used in her products are fresh and seasonal," the mall said in a news release. "Customers can expect a frequently changing menu that reflects the best of what local farms have to offer throughout the year."
Violet Wednesday is open to walk-up customers and accepts orders in advance both online and by phone.
"We're thrilled to bring our family's passion for farming and baking to the community," Van Wormer said in the news release.
"We hope to create a welcoming space where people can enjoy fresh, seasonal food and support local agriculture at the same time."
For more information about the business, call (770) 652-2282 or email vwfbakery@gmail.com.
- Dr. Misty Slavic, special to 水果派AV
Dear Auburn Enlarged City School District community,
I hope this message finds you well and filled with excitement for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year! My name is Dr. Misty Slavic, and I am honored to introduce myself as the new superintendent of schools for our vibrant district. It is with great enthusiasm that I step into this role, ready to collaborate with each of you to create a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for our students.
This year promises to be one of growth, innovation and engagement, as we focus on providing enriching experiences that will ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning. Our dedicated teachers and staff are at the heart of our mission, and I am continuously inspired by their passion and commitment to excellence in education. They bring creativity and expertise into the classroom, ensuring that every student receives engaging instruction tailored to their unique needs and interests. Together, we will work to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
I am eager to partner with all of you 鈥 students, parents, community members and local organizations 鈥 to support our students' academic journeys. Your involvement is crucial to our success, and I encourage you to engage in our schools and participate in the many activities and events planned for this year.
Thank you for your warm welcome, and I look forward to getting to know each of you better in the months to come. Here鈥檚 to a fantastic school year ahead, filled with growth, achievement and joy!
