The future of the Cayuga Power Plant dovetails with that of Lansing taxpayers.  That future is being determined by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) as it is currently evaluating four proposals for updating the local plant and a NYSEG recommendation that the plant be shut down.  Plant Manager Jerry Goodenough discussed the plant's proposals to convert the coal-powered plant to natural gas Thursday at a meeting of the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council.

"We are starting to import more and more electricity into New York," Goodenough said.  "600 megawatts are being imported into the state from Pennsylvania.  We feel that generation within New York is a better alternative to that."

For the third year in a row the Lansing Community Council is sponsoring Independence Day fireworks on July 3rd at Myers Park.  As in past years the Council is providing music and food, as well as fireworks over Cayuga Lake.  Lansing Fireworks Chairman Dennis Griffin says this year's fireworks will not disappoint.

"I always like to see that it makes people happy," Griffin says.  "It brings the community together.  I've been told by several people they get to see someone they haven't seen all year.  All of a sudden they're sitting there enjoying the music and the fireworks. They've had a nice evening.  That's what I want - that everybody has fun and nobody gets hurt, and everybody goes away enjoying the evening."

Lansing School Superintendent Chris Pettograsso presented statistics on how school district voters might vote on a $10.8 million municipal sewer proposal next year.  The numbers came from an exit poll during the May 21 school budget vote.  53% of voters who filled out the exit poll said they would support a yes' vote on sewer. 

"People that tended to fill out the exit survey were people who voted positively for the budget," Pettograsso said.  "Typically if you are voting yes for the budget you are voting yes for the sewer."

Junior Dylan Bland, Soph Max Jordan, and Soph Hayley Wigsten competed in the pole vault at the state meet this past Saturday in Middletown, NY. Dylan Bland medalled with a 5th place finish in the State with a 13' 6" clearance. Max Jordan missed medalling by one place. He was 7th in the state with a 13' 0" clearance.

Hayley Wigsten medalled with 6th place in the girls competition with a height of 9' 0" which was a foot below her season's best. It was a great experience for all 3 athletes. We would like to thank the community and district for their support of Lansing athletics.

v9i22

Four Lansing Faculty members were granted tenure Monday by the Lansing Board of Education.  Elementary School Music Teacher Katie Howell, Elementary Education Teacher Kelly Bosch, Elementary School Teaching Assistant Stacy Stauffenecker were recommended by Acting Elementary School Principal Christine Rebera, and Middle School Science Teacher Ann Bronson was recommended by Middle School Principal Jamie Thomas.

"In the last few years tenure has kind of gotten a bad rap.  It's become more about job security," Said Superintendent Chris Pettograsso.  "But for us in Lansing I don't think it is bad because for us it's really about saying 'You;ve done a fabulous job and we want to continue to invest in you and we feel that you have shown the desire to continue to invest in us.'  So it really is a collaboration and a decision to continue that relationship."

Middle School Art Teacher Lee Iannone presented a plan to the Lansing Board of Education Monday to build a raised patio near the school auditorium.  The community-supported project is designed by students.  The  'Blooming Brick by Brick' project was first conceived by Iannone and the late Lansing Middle School teacher Lisa Topoleski.

"Our inspiration started in the 2010 when we were invited to see a visiting artist, Lilly Yeh," Iannone said.  "She is an international artist who works with communities to create community spaces.  Through creating the art and working together she creates a sense of community.  Lisa and I brought the middle school art club and Lisa brought the student council.  A couple of local artists and teachers came.  Lily challenged us to come back to our own communities and see where we could do a project to bring about change and a sense of belonging."