Headlines for December 12, 2022

Grassroots Festival Fined for Health Violations

The Tompkins County Board of Health has fined the Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance after discovering that the festival violated several standard event regulations and health codes before, during, and after its event in July. The Department found a total of 12 violations, including water systems issues, improperly labeling campsites, operating a campground without a permit, and operating without a mass gathering permit. According to the Ithaca Voice, Grassroots has been fined $62,000. However, the fine can be reduced by $40,000 if the organization properly creates detailed maps that outline the campground and mass gathering areas for its next festival, and creates a separate plan that ensures that interior roadways are “cleared and reversible.” 

Ithaca Grapples with Plow Driver Shortage

According to the Ithaca Voice, Ithaca is facing the worst shortage of snow plow drivers in nine years. Normally, the city would have 18 plow drivers, but six positions remain unfilled. Michael Thorne of the Department of Public Works, explained that the city’s wages are less appealing to those of nearby towns, causing qualified plow-drivers to find work elsewhere. What’s more, the union representing the plow drivers and other staff members of the DPW have not worked under a contract for almost two years. Thorne said that understaffed department will make due, but Ithacans should expect the possibility of snowier conditions this winter. 

Donating Blood Before the Holidays

The American Red Cross is asking for blood donations ahead of the upcoming holiday season. As more people begin traveling during the break, hospitals need to ensure that they have enough blood to support patients until the new year. Travel, winter weather, and seasonal illnesses can often make obtaining blood in the colder months more difficult; donation centers lose access to healthy patients, and potential-donors have increased difficulty reaching donation centers. To schedule an appointment to give blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org.