Friday News Brief

Senators Secure $10 Million for Genesee County Water Infrastructure

U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced yesterday they have secured ten million dollars in federal funding to upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Genesee County.
The funding, included in the pending Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill, would be used to build a new, larger water storage tank in Batavia, replacing the county’s aging 1.5 million gallon tank with a new two-and-a-half-million-gallon facility.
County officials say the project is critical as Genesee County continues to deal with drought conditions and low groundwater levels. In 2024, the USDA declared the county a drought disaster area, and emergency water restrictions have been imposed in recent years.
The new tank would supply roughly forty percent of the county’s drinking water and help protect residents, farms, and businesses during high-demand periods, water main breaks, and fire emergencies.
If approved by Congress, the funding would be delivered through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers later this year.

Water Shutoff Planned in Village of Attica

The Village of Attica Department of Public Works has announced a temporary water shutoff scheduled for Friday, January 9th.
Water service will be turned off between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to allow crews to replace a fire hydrant and valve near the park.
The shutoff will impact residents and businesses on Exchange Street, from house number 74 through 235. During that time, all running water will be unavailable.
Residents are asked to make sure faucets are turned off if they plan to leave their homes, to help prevent leaks when service is restored.
Anyone with questions can contact the Attica DPW at 585-815-3544.

Le Roy Man Charged with Felony DWI After Crash with Police Vehicle

A Le Roy man with two prior DWI convictions is facing felony charges after crashing into an on-duty village police detective Wednesday morning.
Le Roy Police Chief Greg Kellogg says the crash happened around 11:15 a.m. at Route 19 and Munson Street. Investigators say 29-year-old Daniel B. Hoehn was traveling north on Route 19 and failed to yield while attempting to turn, striking a patrol vehicle driven by Detective Kaden Vangalio, who was on duty at the time.
Both drivers were taken to United Memorial Medical Center for evaluation. Police say neither suffered serious injuries.
Chief Kellogg says Hoehn became uncooperative after the crash and additional charges stem from his behavior at the hospital. Investigators also reported finding several open beer cans inside his vehicle.
Hoehn was charged with felony DWI, refusing a breath test, failure to yield, drinking alcohol in a vehicle, and a seat belt violation. Additional charges are pending in Batavia.
Chief Kellogg said the incident underscores the dangers of impaired driving and credited the community for its support following the crash.

Le Roy’s Updated Comprehensive Plan Heads to County Review

An updated comprehensive plan for the Village of Le Roy was reviewed last night by the Genesee County Planning Board.
The plan, last updated in 2001, is designed to guide zoning, development, and long-term investment, with a stronger focus on action and accountability. It centers on three priorities: revitalizing downtown and neighborhoods, protecting natural resources like Oatka Creek, and keeping residents — especially seniors and young people — at the center of planning.
Village officials say the plan modernizes Le Roy’s direction using a smart-growth approach.

Senate Moves to Limit Trump’s Military Action in Venezuela

The U.S. Senate has advanced a resolution that would restrict President Donald Trump from carrying out additional military action against Venezuela without congressional approval.
The war powers resolution passed on a 52–47 vote, with Democrats joined by five Republicans, setting up a final Senate vote next week. While the measure has little chance of becoming law — since it would still need House approval and the president’s signature — it signals growing concern in Congress over the administration’s expanding actions in the Western Hemisphere.
The move comes days after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in a surprise raid. Lawmakers backing the resolution say decisions about further military involvement should rest with Congress, not the White House alone.
Administration officials continue to defend the operation, as debate intensifies over America’s role in Venezuela moving forward.

2026 Tax Filing Season Begins January 26

The IRS says the 2026 tax filing season officially begins January 26th, when the agency will start accepting and processing 2025 tax returns. The deadline to file and avoid penalties is April 15th.
Most taxpayers are required to file if they earned more than a minimum income threshold during the year. The IRS expects to receive about 164 million individual tax returns this season, similar to last year.
However, tax experts are warning the season could be challenging. The IRS workforce has dropped sharply after layoffs and buyouts, raising concerns about delays and customer service issues.
IRS CEO Frank Bisignano says the agency’s systems are updated and ready to handle returns, even as major tax law changes take effect retroactively for 2025.
Despite concerns, officials say the agency is prepared, and taxpayers are encouraged to file early.

Genesee County High School Basketball — Thursday Night

In boys basketball Thursday night, Notre Dame Batavia rolled past Attica Blue Devils 79–43.
Byron-Bergen Bees defeated Lyndonville Tigers 74–50.
Kendall Eagles edged Elba Lancers 60–53, and Pembroke Dragons beat Wheatland-Chili Wildcats 66–28.
In girls action, Notre Dame Batavia topped Pavilion Golden Gophers 63–22. Shirley Thompson led Notre Dame with 22 points, while Sofia Falleti added 18.
Also Thursday, Elba Lancers defeated Batavia Blue Devils 67–28 to win the 36th Annual Rotary Club Tournament at GCC. Lydia Ross was named tournament MVP.