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Because of the plea, the victim won't have to testify, Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said after court.

Woodman's agreed-upon sentence is seven years in state prison and 10 years of post-release supervision. During court, Judge Mark Fandrich asked Woodman to describe what he did and various questions related to his understanding of what he was agreeing to and what rights he was waiving.

Fandrich said if Woodman got into "more trouble" or is found to have been untruthful about not having any prior criminal convictions, Fandrich would not be bound by the sentencing agreement. Woodman is due to be sentenced Oct. 27.

"He has been cooperative," Budelmann said of Woodman after court. "He admitted from the interview on that he abused the child and accepted responsibility here."

When Woodman was arrested last fall, Auburn Deputy Police Chief Roger Anthony said the sexual conduct started in August 2014 when the girl was 9 and continued through August 2017. Police said Woodman was accused of sexually assaulting the girl "approximately twice a week" during that three-year period.

In a case filed July 29, a plaintiff identified as AB 509 Doe, said the school district was negligent in its handling of issues related to an aide named Mary Schoonmaker, who in 2003 pleaded guilty to rape and sodomy charges. She admitted in court that she had sexual relationships with two teenage boys, and a one-night sexual encounter with another teenager. The victims were 14 and 15, and she was in her mid-20s at the time. She was sentenced to probation with a period of homebound detention in 2003.

"Prior to the sexual abuse of the plaintiff, defendant Weedsport learned or should have learned that Schoonmaker was not fit to work with children," the complain states, saying the abuse took place in 2002 and 2003.

In a separate case filed Monday by a plaintiff identified as AL 540 Doe, the district is accused of negligence with respect to a former Boy Scout leader who ran the school district's audio-visual club in the late 1970s. The complaint said the alleged abuser, former village of Weedsport Mayor Victor Sine, abused the victim from 1975 to 1980.

Another Child Victims Lawsuit filed earlier this year by a plaintiff named Scott Gregory Coats also identifies Sine, who died in 2018, as a perpetrator of sexual abuse while serving in his roles with the Boy Scouts and AV club. Sine had also been the district's business manager, according to his obituary.

Coats' case initially named the Boy Scouts and the school district as co-defendants. That lawsuit has now been separated into two cases after Boy Scouts of American filed for bankruptcy protection, which shifts civil lawsuits under the purview of federal courts. The complaint against the school district remains in state court.

Signed into law in 2019, the Child Victims Act extended the statute of limitations for civil claims of child sexual abuse until victims turn 55 years old, or until they are 28 years old for felony child sex abuse charges.

The lawsuits filed against Weedsport this week came as the Child Victims Act look-back provision was set to expire in mid-August. However, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law on Monday a bill that extended that period for another year.

Weedsport school district officials could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

The health department noted in its situational update Monday that each of the cases has "multiple contacts," meaning that others may have been exposed to the virus. The number of people in mandatory quarantine, which is ordered for people who had direct contact with positive cases, increased from 23 to 30 since Friday. 

According to the department, the recent cases that have been confirmed over the past few weeks include people who traveled and returned to Cayuga County, teens who played in sporting events and individuals who attended gatherings. 

"This uptick in cases is a reminder that we must not get complacent about preventing COVID-19," the department said. "Activities we participate in during our free time and on weekends impacts our home life and our work life now more than ever. As contact tracing investigations have revealed, individuals and families can feel overwhelmed with the diagnosis of COVID-19. Equally as overwhelming to the diagnosis are the steps each contact needs to take in order to prevent further exposure." 

The department reminded the public to maintain social distancing while indoors and outdoors and wear a face covering when you can't stay six feet apart. Health officials also highlighted the increased risk of exposure as people attend more gatherings, children participate in more activities and residents make more trips to stores. 

For businesses, the health department repeated that gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited. Restaurants and houses of worship are subject to other regulations issued by the state. 

Face coverings are required for people over age 2 who are in public settings and can't maintain social distancing. 

"Business owners and operators are required to uphold these regulations or deny admittance to the business," the department said. "Enforcement action against violators has begun." The enforcement measures and the businesses that have violated the guidelines weren't disclosed. 

Cayuga County has reported 147 confirmed COVID-19 cases since mid-March, nine of which are active. One person is hospitalized. There have been 135 people discharged from mandatory isolation after recovering from their illness. 

There have been three COVID-19 deaths in the county. 

Today, the business is owned and operated by Peter Whiting, 55, at 9 N. Fulton St. It moved there in 1991 from 19 E. Genesee St. in the city's East Hill neighborhood, where Whiting's was opened by Peter's great-grandfather, William. It passed to Peter's grandfather, Frank, and then his father, William, before Peter bought it in 2001, making him a fourth-generation owner.

The brush will eventually pass to a fifth generation, too: Jacob Whiting, one of three sons, along with Matthew and Joshua, to Peter and his wife, Laurie. 

Much has changed at Whiting's between the times of William and Peter, and not just its location and look. 

Wallpaper was more popular in 1910, Peter said, though its use on home improvement shows has led to a small comeback lately. In its place, today, is a service William could barely have imagined: window automation. Peter installs shades that can be controlled vocally using smart technology like Amazon's Alexa or Google Home. He also more traditional custom window treatments.

Paint, meanwhile, has significantly changed, due in part to environmental laws. Contrary to popular belief, Whiting's still sells oil-based paints. But water-based paints have become a better alternative. In addition to being healthier than oil-based paints, with fewer volatile organic compounds, water-based paints are much more washable today than they were 50 years ago, Peter said.

They're much more colorful, too. What was a rack of a few hundred colors has become about 4,000, Peter said. Likewise, customers prefer color more these days, unlike the '80s or '90s, when 90% of Whiting's paint sales were the same dozen off-whites. And making those colors available, and helping customers choose from them, is the kind of adaptation it takes to stay in business 110 years.

"You gotta cater to your customers, and make things appealing," Peter said. "You can't go by the old ways forever. You gotta change with the times."

Today, the times are favorable to Whiting's.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted most industries due to the need for social distancing, but home improvement isn't one of them. On the contrary, many are taking the opportunity that is quarantine to get things done around the house, Peter said. They could be projects that have been put off, or ones that were thought of during all that time staring at the walls.

Either way, Peter's not only continued seeing the same regular customers as he did before the pandemic — even some whose parents and grandparents shopped at Whiting's — but also some new faces. His customer base reaches all over Cayuga County and a little outside it, he said. And they keep coming back, he believes, because they're treated well by him and his staff of four.

"Auburnians have really stepped up and tried to be local, and that's certainly helped us out quite a bit," he said. "I'm very thankful."

Whiting's has seen some supply chain delays of a week or two due to the pandemic, some related to the business's window services. But most of its inventory is made in America, he said. Peter also noted that he does not have any personal protective equipment available, such as masks or gloves, though people don't ask about that as much now as they did in March.

Like any other business owner, Peter was worried about Whiting's making it past 110 when the pandemic began that month in New York state. But now, he's too busy to worry.

"In the beginning, I wanted to make sure the business survived," he said. "But now I want to make sure I survive, because I'm working harder than I've ever worked."

State and local law enforcement agencies said they have spent the last two weeks attempting to identify an unknown male who was seen in unoccupied structures in and around Port Byron. Officials said they believe Wilkinson is the man they were seeking.

Wilkinson is currently in custody at the Cayuga County Jail on a state parole absconder warrant. He faces other charges, including first-degree rape in connection with a sexual assault complaint that occurred at the Grant Motel in Auburn on July 14, the press release said.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office charged Wilkinson with the felony of failure to report change of address as he is a level 1 sex offender (the lowest re-offense risk level in New York state).

State police filed a third-degree felony burglary charge against Wilkinson in connection with a burglary of the Port Byron First Methodist Church on July 26 and a second-degree burglary charge stemming from a break-in at a residence on Nauvoo Road in Mentz on Aug. 2.

The agencies involved in locating Wilkinson included the Auburn Police Department, Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, New York State Division of Parole, United States Marshall’s Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force.

The city, state and county law enforcement agencies thanked the other agencies as well as the members of the public for providing tips.

If residents have any additional information in regard to any of the investigations, they can contact the Auburn Police Department at (315) 253-3231, Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office at (315) 253-1222 or New York State Police (Auburn) at (315) 255-2766. Callers can remain anonymous.

Wilkinson pleaded guilty in 2017 to third-degree burglary for stealing items from a home on Grant Avenue. He served a little more than two years in prison and was released in April 2019, according to .

Prior to the burglary, Wilkinson was previously convicted of grand larceny and failure to register as a sex offender. He was incarcerated in Wyoming Correctional Facility for more than a year.

The beach hazards statement covers the beaches in Wayne, orthern Cayuga, Oswego and Jefferson counties.

"Stay out of the water to avoid dangerous swimming conditions," NWS said.

For the latest weather information, including live radar and short- and long-range forecasts, visit .

Longeill began giving hot air balloon rides after seeing the Jamesville Balloon Fest in 1981 with his wife, Jody. He flew his first balloon at the next year's festival, and will soon complete his 2,000th flight. He has a commercial license to fly balloons from the Federal Aviation Administration, and his balloons are inspected annually.

In 2014, the Longeills moved to Auburn from Fair Haven, and Dave continued giving rides in his new surroundings. He said he maps rides based on the wind: If it's blowing from the north, he'll launch near Weedsport, for instance, and if it's blowing from the east, he'll opt for Marcellus. Depending on the customer, he could even launch from their front lawn, as he recently did in New Hope. 

"The wind has to be just right," he said. "You can't always do that."

Longeill said it's difficult to say what effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on his business. He's been getting more attention thanks to a new website, , as well as the recent retirement of a couple of local pilots. But a lot of his recent customers have been buying gift certificates to use on rides later, he said.

Those who do want to socially distance skyward are welcome to rides, Longeill said — but even hundreds of feet in the air, face masks are still required.

For more information about Finger Lakes Ballooning, call (315) 252-2495 or visit .

According to Cayuga County property records, Tessy the portion of the 360 Grant Ave. property for $1 million in June. The property's 2020 assessed value was $943,800.

A representative of Tessy said that it purchased the building "to support our growing business." The representative declined further comment about the purchase, citing customer confidentiality.

Workers could be seen renovating the plaza building Friday morning.

The town of Sennett's code enforcement officer, Tom Passarello, said Tessy will be using the building as a quality control center for the COVID-19 test kits the company plans to begin manufacturing soon. The company's building permit was not made immediately available to Ë®¹ûÅÉAV, as Passarello requested that a Freedom of Information Law request be filed to obtain it, which was done Friday morning. Passarello added that Tessy did not need site plan approval for its renovation. is zoned for commercial use.

However Tessy uses the property, the company will be occupying the north end of the building, as well as the Vineyard Church space in the center.

The church's pastor, Jess McCray, told Ë®¹ûÅÉAV that it negotiated with Tessy to move out by Aug. 31, ahead of the end of its lease.

"The sooner the better was what they wanted," she said. 

The company's work on the building's air conditioning systems in July made the church unusable, McCray said, but Tessy forgave the church's rent for that month as a result.

An employee of Custom Business Solutions said Tessy has not told the business it will need to move out. A representative of State Farm did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Tessy's purchase comes as the company approaches the beginning of production of COVID-19 test kits in Auburn. That will take place at 4900 Tech Park Blvd. in the city, the former Daikin McQuay. In April, Tessy announced that the facility will be converted into class-eight cleanroom manufacturing space, where the company anticipates making 10 million COVID-19 test kits a month.

The project will cost $18 million and create 200 jobs, Tessy has said. It's partnering on the project with a medical company that it has declined to identify due to a non-disclosure agreement.

In May, Tessy obtained property and sales tax relief for the project from the Auburn Industrial Development Authority. The company will receive assessment exemptions of diminishing amounts through 2031 on the Tech Park property, and will be exempt from paying sales taxes on project material purchases worth about $720,000. 

At the time of the project's announcement, Tessy said it would take 15 weeks to convert the facility, which would mean the first week of August. 

Asked for an update on the company's production timeline, Tessy declined comment.

A consent order, according to Cuddy, is issued if there is a second complaint about a business violating the state guidelines. For the first complaint, she explained that the health department's goal is to "formalize our education." They have conversations with the owner or manager and remind them of the guidelines for their business. 

But for a repeat complaint, the health department will follow up to determine if there is a violation that requires further action. If they validate the complaint, the department sends a letter to the business. The letter, Cuddy said, gives the business an opportunity to sign a consent order. By signing the order, the business acknowledges they committed a violation and agree to pay a $50 fine. 

Cuddy noted that the Cayuga County Board of Health can adjust the fine because it's ultimately the board that has to accept the consent orders. 

If there are repeat offenses beyond the second violation, Cuddy said businesses will be summoned to a Cayuga County Board of Health hearing. At the hearing, the businesses can offer an explanation and the health department will present its evidence. A hearing officer will make a decision, the board will review it and then either accept it or make changes. 

Once the board issues an order, Cuddy said the business will face a "much greater" fine than the $50 charge for a second offense. 

The health department has received "dozens and dozens" of complaints and concerns from residents, Cuddy said. There are two main ways the department receives complaints: There's a state hotline that people can call at (833) 789-0470 and that information is relayed to local agencies, or residents will contact the county health department directly. 

At the health department, a spreadsheet has been created to track the complaints. That same spreadsheet will be used to record violations. 

For Cayuga County businesses, Cuddy reminded them to ensure employees are wearing face covers and to have customers wear face covers. She said restaurants have largely complied with the guidelines.

"I think the restaurants understand the importance of being able to stay open is contingent upon following the guidance," she said. "I'd like to think that everybody wants to see our disease rate stay low and this is one way to help provide that as well."

Alirio and Ishmial have a limited number of contacts in the Auburn area and may still be here or in the Syracuse area.

Callers are reminded they may remain anonymous and can contact the Auburn Police Department at (315) 253-3231 or Ofc. Frost at (315) 255-4702.