Latest News

April 16, 2026

  1. Two Shortsville Residents Arrested in Canandaigua Drug Investigation: Ontario County Sheriff's Deputies arrested two individuals from Shortsville during a drug investigation conducted on County Road 28 in the Town of Canandaigua. Heather White, age 41, faces two counts related to the criminal possession of controlled substances after deputies allege she had 21 pills identified as illicit drugs. The investigation resulted in formal charges for both residents. The case is proceeding through the Ontario County legal system. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Apr 16)

April 10, 2026

  1. Shortsville Wild Water Derby Canceled Due to High Water in Canandaigua Outlet: This year’s Shortsville Wild Water Derby has been canceled after elevated water levels and debris in the Canandaigua Outlet created unsafe conditions. Organizers noted that they cannot shut the outlet gates because Canandaigua Lake remains above normal levels. Event planners explained that rescheduling is not feasible due to the lengthy preparation process. The community is encouraged to remain engaged, with hopes that the event will return next year. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Apr 10)

April 9, 2026

  1. Shortsville Wild Water Derby Canceled Amid Unsafe Conditions in Canandaigua Outlet: The Shortsville–Manchester Chamber of Commerce has called off this year’s Wild Water Derby, originally planned for later in April, citing safety concerns. Organizers determined that high water levels and substantial debris in the Canandaigua Outlet made the conditions too hazardous for participants and spectators. The event, a longstanding tradition in the area, will not be rescheduled for the current year. Precautionary steps were taken to ensure community safety. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Apr 9)

March 25, 2026

  1. Ex-Treasurer Admits to Embezzling Nearly $75K from Shortsville Fire Company: A former treasurer of the Citizens Hose Fire Company in Shortsville has admitted in Canandaigua court to embezzling almost $75,000 from the organization over a span of four years. This case involves funds that were misappropriated while the individual held a position of financial responsibility within the fire company. Legal proceedings will determine the consequences following the guilty plea. The matter highlights the importance of oversight in local volunteer organizations. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Mar 25)

  2. Shortsville Fire Company Ex-Treasurer Admits to Stealing $75,000 in Ontario County: Jill Havens, former treasurer of the Citizens Hose Company in Shortsville, Ontario County, has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $75,000 during her tenure from 2018 to August 2022. Authorities determined Havens issued unauthorized checks and made personal purchases while concealing the transactions through altered records. The investigation began after reports of missing funds led to a joint probe by state and local agencies. Havens has repaid $40,000 and owes the remainder prior to sentencing. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Mar 25)

March 20, 2026

  1. Newly Elected Shortsville Trustee Proposes Expansion of Village Board: Matthew Schaertl, after winning a seat on the Shortsville Village Board, intends to advocate for increasing the number of board members from three to five. He believes that a larger board will offer broader perspectives and improve decision-making. If his proposal is advanced by the board, it could be presented to residents for a public vote. Schaertl also seeks to implement multi-year budgeting to enhance efficiency in equipment planning and village operations. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Mar 20)

March 10, 2026

  1. Additional Craft Breweries Close in Rochester and Finger Lakes Region: Copper Leaf Brewing Co. has reportedly closed its Pittsford and College Town locations, following a recent trend of craft brewery closures in the Rochester and Finger Lakes area. The Pittsburgh venue, which had reopened last year under new management, announced its closure on social media, while the Rochester branch also appears to have shut down. Other recent closures include Rebel Sailor Brewing in Shortsville and Triphammer Bierworks in Fairport. These developments reflect ongoing challenges for local craft breweries in the region. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Mar 10)

March 9, 2026

  1. Fire Destroys Hopewell Garage, Erasing Decades of Racing History and Family Events: A garage fire in Hopewell on Wednesday night destroyed a building that housed 40 years of race cars, trophies, and family memorabilia. The structure, which had also served as a venue for family celebrations such as weddings and graduations, was fully engulfed when fire crews responded. Homeowners Darryl and Wendy Ruggles were inside their home but escaped injury. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which has drawn community support for the affected family. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Mar 9)

  2. Newark Resident Taken Into Custody After Weapon Incident in Shortsville: A 20-year-old from Newark was arrested on Sunday after reports of a disturbance involving a weapon on West Main Street in Shortsville. Ontario County deputies and State Police responded to the scene to investigate an ongoing dispute between two groups. The authorities' investigation led to the arrest of the individual at the center of the incident. The case remains under review by law enforcement officials. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Mar 9)

March 6, 2026

  1. Authorities Investigate Garage Fire That Destroyed Structure in Hopewell: Ontario County officials are investigating a fire that destroyed a garage on Swamp Road in Hopewell on Wednesday night. Emergency crews responded to 3676 Swamp Road and found a garage fully engulfed in flames while the homeowners and guests were safely inside the adjacent residence. No injuries were reported, but the structure was a total loss and the house sustained minor exterior damage. The origin of the blaze is still under review by county authorities. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Mar 6)

March 4, 2026

  1. Man Charged With Assault After Deliberate Crash in Phelps Injures Passenger: A Brockport man was charged with first-degree assault after an intentional car crash in Phelps on February 20. Authorities allege the driver, Dane Cook, deliberately sped and failed to navigate a bend, resulting in the vehicle crashing through residential properties and causing serious injuries to a passenger. Emergency crews airlifted one person while another was taken to the hospital for treatment. Several fire departments and ambulance services responded to the incident, which also caused significant property damage. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Mar 4)

March 3, 2026

  1. Shortsville Man Charged Following Disturbance in Gorham: A 20-year-old Shortsville resident was charged with assault after deputies responded to a disturbance on County Road 18 in Gorham on Monday night. Authorities allege that Jordan E. Wicks caused physical injury to another individual during an altercation. Wicks was arrested, processed at Ontario County Jail, and later released with an appearance ticket. He is expected to appear in Gorham Town Court in the coming weeks. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Mar 3)

March 2, 2026

  1. Two Hospitalized After Head-On Collision on State Route 96 in Manchester: A head-on collision on State Route 96 at Kyte Road in Manchester led to serious injuries for an 85-year-old Shortsville resident and sent a second driver from Farmington to the hospital. The incident occurred on the evening of February 28, when one vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and struck another car. Emergency responders freed one driver who sustained multiple injuries, while the other reported neck and wrist pain. Citations were issued and a court appearance is pending. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Mar 2)

February 21, 2026

  1. Vehicle Crashes Into Yards and Homes on Route 488 in Clifton Springs: A car traveling at high speed on wet roads veered off State Route 488 near Waddell Road in Clifton Springs, crashing through two yards and colliding with a pool and a porch late Thursday afternoon. The driver and passenger, both from Brockport, sustained injuries and received medical attention, with one transported by Mercy Flight. The accident caused significant property damage. Authorities continue to investigate, and no citations have been issued so far. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 21)

February 11, 2026

  1. Rebel Sailor Brewing Co. in Shortsville Announces February Closure After Three Years: Rebel Sailor Brewing Co. and Kitchen in Shortsville will close its doors at the end of February, three years after opening. The brewery became popular at local events, offering seasonal beers and unique flavors, such as a honey-infused holiday brew. Special food, drinks, and merchandise will be featured throughout the month, with a farewell celebration scheduled for February 27 and 28. Owners expressed gratitude to patrons but suggested this may not be a permanent farewell. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 11)

February 2, 2026

  1. Newark Man Charged After Domestic Assault in Shortsville Leaves Woman Unconscious: Late Monday night, state troopers responded to a domestic violence incident at a residence on East Avenue in Shortsville. Investigators report that the altercation began after a couple had been drinking, resulting in the woman losing consciousness during the assault and sustaining injuries, including sore ribs and scratches. Zachery Vandenbuss, 47, of Newark, was arrested and charged with assault and criminal mischief. He was processed at the Ontario County Jail and later released pending a future court appearance. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 2)

January 30, 2026

  1. Three-Vehicle Crash Closes West Main Street in Clifton Springs: A three-vehicle collision on West Main Street in Clifton Springs led to the closure of the road Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred when a Suburban, driven by a Shortsville resident, struck a parked sedan, causing a chain reaction that impacted another parked vehicle. Emergency services responded, and one driver was taken to Clifton Springs Hospital with minor injuries. Authorities cited the driver for unsafe speed, and both lanes reopened after an hour. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 30)

  2. Three-Car Crash Temporarily Closes West Main Street in Clifton Springs: A traffic accident involving three vehicles led to the temporary closure of West Main Street in Clifton Springs on Thursday afternoon. The incident took place between Silver Street and Foster Avenue, prompting deputies to shut down the road for about an hour. Authorities reported that the crash involved a Suburban driven by a 20-year-old from Shortsville. The roadway was reopened after emergency response teams cleared the scene. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Jan 30)

January 27, 2026

  1. Fire Severely Damages Home on Route 21 in Palmyra; No Injuries Reported: A fire destroyed a home on State Route 21 in Palmyra on Monday afternoon, prompting a response from multiple fire departments and emergency crews after reports of a structure fire shortly before 1 p.m. The Manchester Fire Department led the effort, assisted by neighboring departments, while code enforcement and ambulance services also attended. Investigators suspect the blaze began near a wood stove. While no people were injured, a cat inside the home died. The investigation into the cause continues. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 27)

December 8, 2025

  1. Pickup Truck Rolls Over in Manchester Crash, Driver Rescued and Hospitalized: A pickup truck rolled over several times in Manchester after a collision at the intersection of Freshour Road and County Road 19. Authorities report that a driver failed to stop at a stop sign, striking another vehicle and causing it to leave the road. Emergency responders from Shortsville Fire Department rescued the trapped driver, who was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital with injuries. The driver who failed to stop received a citation for the violation. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 8)

December 4, 2025

  1. Salvation Army Requests Volunteers for Red Kettle Campaign in Canandaigua Region: The Salvation Army of Canandaigua is reaching out to residents in several local communities, including Gorham, Stanley, Manchester/Shortsville, Macedon, Farmington, and Bloomfield, to support its annual Red Kettle Campaign. Volunteers are needed to staff donation locations throughout the area, such as Tops Markets and Walmart stores. Participation helps raise funds for community assistance programs. The organization emphasizes the importance of local involvement in ensuring campaign success. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Dec 4)

  2. Finger Lakes Chamber Hosts Networking Mixer at AllClean Power Wash: The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce organized its November Business After Hours Networking Mixer at AllClean Power Wash in Shortsville on November 12. The event took place at 4330 Route 96, bringing together local business members for professional networking. This gathering was one of the final Business After Hours events for the year, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and share ideas. The initiative supports local businesses in the Finger Lakes region. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Dec 4)

November 25, 2025

  1. Wild Water Derby in Shortsville Faces Possible Relocation Amid Insurance Concerns: Organizers from the Shortsville-Manchester Chamber of Commerce are considering moving the annual Wild Water Derby out of the Village of Shortsville. The village has introduced significantly higher insurance requirements, prompting the Chamber to question whether it is financially feasible to continue hosting the event locally. This development could mark a substantial change for the community's longstanding tradition. Discussions about the derby's future location are ongoing. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 25)

November 20, 2025

  1. AllClean Power Wash Hosts November Mixer for Finger Lakes Chamber: AllClean Power Wash in Shortsville recently welcomed guests for the Finger Lakes Chamber’s November Business After Hours Mixer, marking one of the year's last major networking events. Attendees toured the facility, met with staff, and enjoyed refreshments provided by the family-owned business. Owner Luke Abbott discussed the company's expansion since its 2017 founding, highlighting growth in staff and facilities. Employees detailed services ranging from power washing to lighting installations. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 20)

October 24, 2025

  1. Finger Lakes Chamber Holds October Mixer at Finger Lakes Textiles in Waterloo: Business leaders from the Finger Lakes region convened at Finger Lakes Textiles in Waterloo on October 8 for the monthly Chamber of Commerce mixer. Attendees toured the 15,000-square-foot facility, learned about the company's expansion, and heard from Mozaic CEO Allen Connely, who highlighted both business achievements and inclusive hiring. The event introduced many guests to the site for the first time. The chamber's next mixer is scheduled for November 12 in Shortsville. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 23)