Thursday News Brief

 

Le Roy Considers 10% Tax Increase at Public Hearing

Le Roy residents will have a chance to weigh in next week on a proposed tax increase that could impact village homeowners.
Village officials are considering a 10% hike in the tax rate, which would raise it from $7.99 to $8.80 per $1,000 of assessed property value. A public hearing is set for April 15 at Village Hall.
Mayor Gregory Rogers says the increase comes after several years of holding the line on taxes by using reserve funds to cover costs. He admits the village may have lowered the rate too aggressively in recent years, especially after property assessments jumped significantly.
Officials say inflation and rising expenses are now forcing a correction to avoid draining those reserves. The goal, according to the mayor, is to stabilize finances, maintain the village’s strong credit rating, and avoid bigger problems down the road.
The proposal will be discussed during the public hearing before any final decision is made.

 

 

Music of the Stars Returns to Batavia Downs Tonight

A popular tribute show is back in Batavia tonight as Music of the Stars returns to Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.
The high-energy performance takes the stage at the Park Place Event Center, with doors opening at 7 and music starting at 7:30.
The seven-piece band will cover legendary artists like Neil Diamond, Elvis, The Bee Gees, and The Beatles in a show that has sold out quickly in past years.
Tickets start at $15 and include $10 in free play, with packages also available through the hotel.
Organizers say fans are encouraged to arrive early and grab seats ahead of what’s expected to be another packed crowd.

 

 

 

Gilgo Beach Killer Pleads Guilty, Admits to 8 Murders

A man accused in one of the most notorious serial killer cases in New York has now admitted to the crimes.
Rex Heuermann, a Long Island architect, pleaded guilty to murdering seven women and also admitted to killing an eighth victim in connection to the Gilgo Beach killings.
Prosecutors say the victims were killed over a span of nearly two decades, with Heuermann admitting in court that he strangled the women and, in some cases, dismembered their bodies.
The case had remained unsolved for years before investigators tied him to the crimes using DNA evidence and phone records.
Heuermann now faces life in prison without parole, bringing a long-awaited sense of closure to victims’ families after more than a decade of uncertainty.

 

Alexander Among Most Financially Stressed Villages in New York

The village of Alexander is facing significant financial challenges, ranking among the most fiscally stressed municipalities in New York State.
According to a new report from the State Comptroller’s Office, Alexander scored 58.3 out of 100, placing it in the “moderate fiscal stress” category — and ranking worse than all but two other villages statewide.
The report points to troubling financial indicators, including a negative fund balance, meaning the village is spending more than it has available.
The Fiscal Stress Monitoring System evaluates factors like cash flow, operating deficits, and reliance on short-term debt to determine a municipality’s financial health.
Across the GLOW region, several other villages showed signs of stress, but none reached Alexander’s level.
Officials have not yet provided detailed public comment, as the village continues to deal with recent flooding and ongoing financial concerns.

 

YMCA Splash Week Draws Strong Turnout for Free Swim Lessons

The YMCA is celebrating another successful Splash Week, with more than 150 local residents signing up for free swim lessons focused on water safety.
The annual program is led by certified instructors who volunteer their time to teach essential swimming skills to children and families.
Organizers say the initiative is especially important, as drowning remains a leading cause of death for young children — and formal swim lessons can significantly reduce that risk.
Through its Safety Around Water program, the YMCA aims to give families the confidence and knowledge to stay safe in and around the water.
Officials say they plan to continue expanding access to these programs as community interest continues to grow.

 

Paramount President Jeff Shell Steps Down Amid Legal Battle

A major shakeup at Paramount, as company president Jeff Shell is stepping down while facing a growing legal dispute.
Paramount says Shell chose to leave his role to focus on ongoing litigation, even as the company’s board found no evidence he violated securities rules tied to recent allegations.
The lawsuit, filed by a former associate, claims Shell owed millions for unpaid services and improperly shared confidential company information — accusations Shell denies, calling them a “shakedown.”
The move comes at a critical time, as Paramount — now backed by Skydance — is pursuing a massive deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.
Shell’s departure adds another layer of uncertainty as the company navigates both legal challenges and a potential blockbuster merger that could reshape the media industry.

 

Alexander Shut Out in Season Opener as Beach Tosses No-Hitter

Alexander’s softball team couldn’t get anything going at the plate Wednesday, falling 12-0 to Caledonia-Mumford in five innings.
The Trojans were held hitless, with their only baserunners coming from a handful of walks and an error, as Cal-Mum’s Grace Beach dominated in the circle.
Alexander also fell behind early, surrendering seven runs in the first inning and never recovering.
Ella Kautz handled most of the work in the circle, with Paige Morton adding a scoreless inning in relief.
Alexander drops to 0-1 on the season and will look to bounce back in its next game down in Myrtle Beach.