Latest News
January 2, 2026
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Phelps Lions Club Continues Tradition of Holiday Basket Assistance: In the Ontario County community of Phelps, the Lions Club has upheld a longstanding Christmas Basket Project, providing support and holiday cheer to local families in need. This annual initiative helps ensure that many area residents experience a brighter holiday season, reflecting the organization's commitment to service. Community involvement remains a key element of the program’s ongoing success. The project is widely recognized as a significant contribution to Phelps' holiday celebrations. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Jan 2)
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Charlie's Canine Camp Sees Strong Community Response in First Year: Charlie's Canine Camp, which opened in Phelps in January 2025, quickly became popular among local pet owners. The owners noted robust demand for their dog care services soon after launching, indicating a strong market for pet-related businesses in the area. The facility's success highlights the community's interest in quality pet care options. This growth points to a positive business climate for new ventures in the Finger Lakes region. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Jan 2)
January 1, 2026
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State Awards Fund Key Projects Across Finger Lakes Counties for 2025: The Finger Lakes region will benefit from millions in new state planning and development awards distributed under the 2025 Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Grant funding targets a variety of projects, such as waterfront revitalization, brownfield planning, and improvements to local infrastructure. Historic preservation, downtown reinvestment, tourism efforts, and water and sewer system enhancements are included in the allocations. Funding spans Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, Schuyler, Wayne, and Yates counties. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 1)
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Midlakes Students Engage in Felt Art Collaboration with Community Volunteer: At Midlakes elementary, a collaborative art project known as 'Felt Friends' allowed kindergarten students to transform their creative ideas into tangible felt creatures. The initiative paired students with community volunteers, including alumna Ellen Lincoln, who assisted the children in crafting their imaginative designs. The program aimed to foster creativity and intergenerational connections within the Phelps-Clifton Springs School District. The project concluded with the students proudly showcasing their handmade creations. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Jan 1)
December 24, 2025
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Finger Lakes Receives $42.6 Million in State Funding for Development Projects: The Finger Lakes region has been awarded $42.6 million by New York State to support 48 projects focused on economic development, housing, infrastructure, environment, and tourism. This funding comes from the 2025 Regional Economic Development Council initiative and the Pro-Housing Supply Fund, reflecting the state's commitment to addressing housing and infrastructure needs. The Village of Phelps is among the recipients, receiving nearly $3 million specifically for housing-related infrastructure. These investments target both growing areas and communities in need of revitalization. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 24)
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Phelps Housing Project Receives Significant State Economic Development Award: A major housing development in the village of Phelps has secured substantial financial support through New York State’s 2025 Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The funding was part of a statewide allocation announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, aimed at boosting local housing and economic growth. This investment is intended to address local housing needs and stimulate community development in the area. Project leaders expect this support to help advance construction plans significantly. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Dec 24)
December 12, 2025
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Phelps, Penn Yan, and Dresden Awarded State Funding for Water Infrastructure Upgrades: Three Finger Lakes communities—Phelps, Penn Yan, and Dresden—will undergo significant water and wastewater improvements following the approval of new state funding. The statewide initiative will use $269 million in grants and low-cost financing to address critical infrastructure needs. Phelps has secured $12.7 million to modernize its wastewater treatment plant, while Penn Yan and Dresden are receiving support for pump station and pipeline upgrades. These projects aim to enhance reliability and environmental protection. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 12)
December 11, 2025
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Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union Begins Construction on New Webster Branch: Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union has started construction on a new branch in Webster, with the facility set to open at 715 Ridge Road by fall 2026. This new building will replace the credit union’s existing leased location, where it has operated since 2004. Local leaders, board members, and executives gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking to celebrate the occasion. The project represents a long-term investment by the credit union to serve its growing membership in the Webster area. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 11)
November 27, 2025
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Traffic Signal to Be Installed at Noted Trouble Spot on Route 96 in Phelps: A new four-way traffic signal will soon be installed at the intersection of Route 96 and Townline Road, commonly known as Preemption Street, in Phelps. This location has seen frequent accidents and near-misses over the years, prompting calls for increased safety measures. The signal, aimed at protecting both daily commuters and commercial vehicles, is scheduled to become operational on Tuesday, December 2. The upgrade is expected to provide safer passage for drivers in the area. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 27)
November 26, 2025
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Midlakes High School Sophomore Recognized at Statewide Student Leadership Conference: Alivia DeJohn, a sophomore at Midlakes High School, received a Student Leadership Award during the 2025 New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities Conference in Niagara Falls. Representing the Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District, DeJohn participated in workshops on leadership, service, and mental health advocacy. Active both academically and athletically, she plays multiple varsity sports and has contributed to her teams' successes. Her leadership involvement spans both elementary and secondary school programs. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 26)
November 17, 2025
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Phelps Resident Faces Felony DWI Charges Following Seneca Falls Traffic Stop: A 44-year-old man from Phelps was arrested in Seneca Falls after a traffic stop resulted in felony drunken driving charges. Authorities allege he was operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit. Due to a previous DWI conviction, the latest charges were upgraded to felonies. The individual was released with a court appearance ticket and is scheduled to respond at a later date. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 16)
November 14, 2025
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Maestro Floriano to Conduct Rochester Philharmonic at Midlakes Holiday Concert: International conductor Gerard Floriano will lead the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in a holiday concert at Midlakes High School in Clifton Springs on December 3. The event, scheduled for 7 p.m., will feature performances by Midlakes students along with classical and seasonal music. Funding for the concert is provided by the G.W. Lisk Company, with support from the Clifton Springs Rotary Club, and proceeds will benefit Rotary initiatives. The concert marks a collaborative seasonal celebration for the local community. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 14)
November 13, 2025
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Phelps Resident Arrested in Penn Yan on Pennsylvania Fugitive Warrant: A 27-year-old man from Phelps was arrested by Penn Yan Police on October 27 due to a fugitive warrant originating from Pennsylvania. The individual, wanted in Gettysburg on charges related to drug paraphernalia, marijuana possession, and operating an unregistered vehicle, was arraigned in Yates County Court. He is currently being held at the Yates County Jail on $150 bail and must report to Pennsylvania authorities. Further proceedings in Yates County will depend on proof of compliance. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 13)
November 12, 2025
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Advance Tickets on Sale for Midlakes Theatre Experience's Fall Production: Advance tickets are now being offered for the Midlakes Theatre Experience's autumn presentation of "The Odd Couple (Female Version)." The production transforms the well-known comedic story by featuring Florence Unger and Olive Madison in the leading roles. Performances are slated to take place in Phelps and Clifton Springs, drawing attention from local theater enthusiasts. Community members are encouraged to secure seating in advance for this anticipated event. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Nov 12)
November 10, 2025
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Midlakes Theatre to Present Female Version of 'The Odd Couple' in Clifton Springs: Midlakes Theatre Experience will stage 'The Odd Couple (Female Version)' at the Black Box Theatre in Clifton Springs from November 13 to 16. The production offers a new perspective on Neil Simon's comedy, focusing on two women with contrasting personalities sharing an apartment. The cast and crew include current students and alumni, with performances scheduled for evening and matinee showings. The event is set to attract local interest and highlight community talent. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 10)
November 3, 2025
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Midlakes Theatre to Present Female Version of 'The Odd Couple' in November: The Midlakes Theatre Experience is set to stage 'The Odd Couple (Female Version)' this November at the Black Box Theatre in Midlakes High School. The production features Hayden Bump and Mackenzie Weitzel in lead roles and is directed by alum Marie Fischer, with a technical crew comprising former students. Performances will run from November 13 to 16, with tickets available for both evening and matinee shows. The play offers a unique twist on Neil Simon’s classic by swapping traditional character roles. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 3)
October 17, 2025
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Seneca County Traffic Stop Results in Drug Charges for Phelps Resident: A man from Phelps was arrested in Seneca County after deputies found fentanyl and crack cocaine during a traffic stop on October 2. Authorities say the drugs were packaged for sale. The individual faces multiple felony charges and was released following arraignment. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 3)