Latest News
January 1, 2026
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Federal Charges Dropped for Worker Detained in Cato Factory Immigration Raid: A federal judge has dismissed criminal charges against a worker who was detained during a September immigration raid at a factory in Cato, Cayuga County. Although the charges have been dropped, the individual's attorney reports that she still faces deportation proceedings. This development follows increased immigration enforcement operations in the region. The resolution of the criminal case does not affect her ongoing immigration status. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Jan 1)
December 31, 2025
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Cato-Meridian High School Shifts Weekly Forum Leadership to Student Council: Cato-Meridian Junior-Senior High School has transitioned its weekly forum to a student-led format, with the Student Council now managing both planning and facilitation. The forum, which began in 2022 to bring the school community together for updates and celebrations, previously operated under administrative guidance. This year, student leaders took charge, introducing interactive elements and student-centered discussions. The move aims to boost participation and foster a stronger sense of community. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 31)
December 22, 2025
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Federal Judge Finds Immigration Agents Exceeded Authority in Cato Factory Raid: A federal court has determined that immigration agents exceeded the boundaries of their search warrant during a raid at a nutrition bar manufacturing facility in Cato, located in Cayuga County. The ruling found that agents violated a worker’s constitutional rights while conducting their investigation. The decision was issued by Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes. This legal outcome may have implications for future enforcement actions in the region. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Dec 22)
December 18, 2025
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Records Indicate Cato Officials Sought Supervisor-Elect's Arrest Prior to Election: Documents reviewed by The Citizen show that Cato officials attempted to pursue legal action against supervisor-elect Jody Snyder two years before she secured her position through a write-in campaign in October. The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office investigated an incident involving Snyder prior to her election. The report provides insight into political dynamics in the Town of Cato ahead of its recent leadership change. Further details about the nature of the incident have not been publicly disclosed. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Dec 18)
December 17, 2025
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Cato Supervisor-Elect Faced Pre-Election Investigation Over Gravel Use: In Cato, local leaders attempted to have supervisor-elect Jody Snyder arrested prior to the election, following a 2023 incident involving town gravel. Surveillance footage showed her son, Allen Holdridge, using Snyder’s truck to collect gravel with assistance from town employees. Officials accused them of unauthorized removal, but the district attorney chose not to prosecute. Despite the controversy, Snyder later secured victory in a write-in campaign, replacing longtime Supervisor Charles Ray. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 17)
December 14, 2025
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Cayuga County Legislature Finalizes 2026 Budget and Tax Resolutions: The Cayuga County Legislature has completed its approval of budget measures and tax-related actions for the 2026 fiscal year. These measures include setting tax levies for towns and fire districts, levying county taxes against the City of Auburn, and authorizing the collection of delinquent school and village taxes. Over $3.2 million in returned school taxes will be relevied with penalties, impacting several local school districts. The process enables proper fiscal closure for 2025 and implementation of the 2026 tax plan. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 14)
December 10, 2025
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Cayuga County Residents Face Added Detours After Second Bridge Closure: Cayuga County drivers are navigating increased travel disruptions following the recent closure of a second bridge. After the State Route 34 bridge closed on December 1, the Bonta Bridge near Brutus and Cato also shut down on December 8 due to concerns over weight limits and snowplow safety. Local residents report unexpectedly lengthy detours impacting daily routines and errands. With the State Route 34 bridge not scheduled to reopen until late 2026, travel challenges are expected to persist this winter. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 10)
November 30, 2025
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Route 34 Bridge Closure to Begin in Cayuga County for Replacement Project: A bridge replacement project on State Route 34 in Cayuga County will lead to a long-term closure beginning at 7 a.m. on December 1. The bridge, located over the Erie/Barge Canal and Seneca River in the towns of Brutus and Cato, will remain closed through November 2026. Detours for both northbound and southbound traffic will redirect drivers via Routes 31, 38, and 370, and motorists are encouraged to plan for delays and extended travel times. Authorities also caution that speeding fines are doubled in construction zones. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 30)
November 29, 2025
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Federal Authorities Investigate Hiring of Undocumented Workers at Cato Factory: A factory in Cato, Cayuga County came under federal scrutiny following reports and surveillance indicating the employment of undocumented workers. Investigators discovered evidence such as pay stubs and counterfeit identification documents linking many employees to fraudulent Social Security numbers. Out of 224 workers, 134 were found using false credentials. No criminal charges have yet been filed, but the role of the Oswego County Sheriff's Office is under review for possible civil rights concerns. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 29)
November 22, 2025
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Cato Factory Raid Defendant Admits to Illegal Reentry in Federal Court: A Guatemalan national apprehended in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation at a Cato factory has pleaded guilty to illegal reentry into the United States. The defendant is among five individuals facing federal charges related to the September raid in Cayuga County. Authorities report that the man had previously been removed from the country before returning without authorization. Legal proceedings are ongoing for the remaining defendants. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 22)
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Cato Reminds Residents of Sidewalk Snow Removal Responsibilities for Winter: The Village of Cato has issued a reminder about local regulations requiring residents and property owners to clear sidewalks of snow, ice, and debris. Snow must be removed within 24 hours after a storm or within four hours of a village notice, with penalties including possible charges for municipal clean-up. Property owners are not permitted to push snow into streets or onto others' land without permission. The village emphasizes that sidewalk maintenance remains the responsibility of adjacent owners. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 22)
November 21, 2025
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Cato Man Charged After Reported Domestic Incident Involving Shotgun in Cayuga County: A 58-year-old man from Cato was taken into custody by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office after deputies responded to a domestic incident involving a firearm. Authorities allege the man threatened a woman with a shotgun at her home in Cato on November 14. The arrest took place the following day and the individual now faces related charges. Law enforcement continues to monitor the situation for the community's safety. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 21)
November 19, 2025
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Recount Upholds Outcomes in Five Cayuga County Town Elections: The Cayuga County Board of Elections has finished recounting votes in five town races, upholding the results initially reported. Each race saw the original winner affirmed following a careful review of ballots. In Cato, a write-in candidate successfully retained his position as highway superintendent. The recount process is now officially complete across the impacted towns. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 19)
November 17, 2025
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Cayuga County Lawmakers Discuss Tourism Tax, Immigration, and Lake Sewer Project: The Cayuga County Legislature recently held a session that featured heated public discussions on several pressing local issues. Officials gathered input on a proposed occupancy tax aimed at short-term rentals, with tourism advocates emphasizing its benefits for local funding and fair tax collection. Community members also called for the county to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement following a recent raid. Lawmakers further heard debates regarding the contentious Cayuga Lake Protection Project. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 30)
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Cato Woman Charged With DWI After Vehicle Discovered in Ditch on Route 34: A Victory resident was arrested in Cato after deputies found her walking near a car that had crashed into a ditch late at night. The incident occurred on Route 34 around 11 p.m., with the woman later identified as Erica A. Cardinale, 35. Authorities reported her blood alcohol content was 0.23%, nearly three times the legal limit. Cardinale faces charges including driving while intoxicated and felony aggravated unlicensed operation, and is set to appear in town court. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 10)
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Victory Woman Charged With Felony DWI After Crash on Route 34 in Cato: A 35-year-old woman from Victory is facing a felony charge following an alleged DWI incident in Cato. The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office reports the driver was arrested shortly before midnight after deputies found her walking near the scene of a crash on Route 34. Authorities determined she had been driving under the influence at the time of the accident. The suspect now faces felony-level legal consequences as the investigation continues. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 11)
November 15, 2025
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Sen. May Discusses Upcoming Budget Challenges, Healthcare, and Energy Issues: State Senator Rachel May has highlighted impending budget challenges for New York, citing expected cuts to federal Medicaid, education programs, and Affordable Care Act subsidies that could impact the 2026 fiscal cycle. May emphasized that reduced Medicaid funding could leave the state facing multibillion-dollar shortfalls, affecting core services and putting added strain on nonprofits and other organizations. She also warned that as many as 450,000 New Yorkers might lose access to the state's Essential Plan if federal support wanes. Pressure on rural hospitals is likely to increase if uninsured patient numbers grow. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 15)
November 11, 2025
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Cato Immigration Raid Faces Court Challenge Over Constitutionality: An immigration raid at a Cato factory is under judicial scrutiny after one of the workers detained, Argentina Juarez-Lopez, filed a federal lawsuit challenging the raid as a constitutional violation. She was among 57 Latino workers arrested during the September operation at Nutrition Bar Confectioners. Legal filings allege that agents relied on the wrong type of warrant, carried out aggressive tactics, and denied detainees proper legal access and privacy. This case may set an important precedent for immigration enforcement practices in New York. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 11)
November 10, 2025
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Cato Resident Charged After Assault With Butane Torch Leads to Arrest: A 56-year-old Cato man has been charged with assault and other felonies after allegedly striking a woman in the face with a butane torch tank during a domestic dispute in the Town of Cato. Deputies responded to the incident on November 6 and found the victim with facial injuries. Authorities say the suspect, Daniel J. Root, also damaged the victim’s phone as she attempted to call 911. Root was arrested at his home and remains in custody on $10,000 bail, awaiting a court appearance on November 12. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 10)
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Cato Man Charged After Reported Butane Torch Assault on Woman: A resident of Cato has been arrested following an incident in which he allegedly used a handheld butane torch to injure a woman. The suspect, identified as Daniel Root, is accused of striking the victim in the face and head, resulting in injuries. Authorities report that Root also damaged the woman's cell phone during the episode. The local sheriff's office is handling the investigation and Root remains in custody as the legal process continues. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 10)
October 24, 2025
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Assemblyman Lemondes Addresses Federal Shutdown, Energy Policies, and Congressional Run: Assemblyman John Lemondes recently appeared at Cayuga Community College to discuss ongoing developments in Albany and his campaign for Congress. He expressed concern that a prolonged federal government shutdown could disrupt essential services and increase health care costs for up to 1.5 million New Yorkers. Lemondes also criticized recent state climate legislation affecting local construction and schools. He emphasized finding bipartisan solutions to safeguard workers and state operations. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 23)