Monday News Brief

Council House Road Fire Leaves Alabama Home a Total Loss

A Saturday morning fire destroyed a home on Council House Road in the Town of Alabama, though no one was inside at the time.
Fire crews were dispatched to the scene and found the house already heavily involved. Because of the intensity of the flames, firefighters focused on containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to nearby areas.
One firefighter experienced fatigue during the response and was evaluated by Mercy Ambulance. He was cleared and remained on scene.
The resident and his dog were both safely away from the home when the fire broke out. No civilian injuries were reported.
Mutual aid was requested, bringing in crews from multiple neighboring departments, including Oakfield, Pembroke, Corfu, Darien, Shelby, and the City of Batavia FAST Team.
Firefighters remained on scene late into the morning, checking for hot spots and ensuring the fire was fully extinguished.
The home was declared a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management.
The homeowner is staying with family, and the Red Cross was not requested.

Alexander Fire Department Honors Members at Annual Awards Program

The Alexander Fire Department held its annual awards and installation program recognizing service and dedication from its members.
President Sean McPhee served as master of ceremonies, with an invocation by Adam Meier and the introduction of distinguished guests by Chief James Burkhardt. Officers were installed by Genesee County Fire Coordinator Timothy Yaeger.
Nicholas Yackeren was named Firefighter of the Year, Adam Meier received the EMS Award, Nathan Fix earned the Chief’s Award, and Thomas Green was presented with the President’s Award.
The department responded to 243 calls in 2025. Nathan Fix was recognized as Top Responder with 171 calls, leading the department’s top ten.
Members were also honored for years of service, including Warren Grefrath for 60 years. A memorial service also recognized members lost in 2025.

U.S. Military Operation Captures Venezuela’s Former President

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife are in U.S. custody following a dramatic American military operation in Venezuela.
U.S. officials say the operation, carried out by Army Delta Force, led to Maduro’s capture in Caracas. He was flown to New York and is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Federal prosecutors say he faces charges tied to drug trafficking and working with groups designated as terrorist organizations — allegations Maduro denies.
Maduro and his wife are expected to appear in federal court Monday.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. would temporarily oversee Venezuela during a transition period, citing security and oil concerns.
The operation has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who questioned the legality of the action. Republican leaders, including Marco Rubio, say the president retains broad authority to respond to threats.
Tensions remain high as international reaction continues.

Batavia Wins Pete Arras Tournament Title at GCC

The Batavia Blue Devils are back on top of the Pete Arras Memorial Lions Club Tournament.
Batavia defeated cross-town rival Notre Dame Batavia 60–46 Friday night at Genesee Community College to win the championship of the 44th annual tournament. It marked the first title-game meeting between the rivals since 2017.
Grady Hemer and Gavin White led the way, combining for most of Batavia’s scoring surge in the middle quarters. White finished with a game-high 28 points and was named tournament MVP, while Hemer added 19 points and earned All-Tournament honors.
In the consolation game, Le Roy Oatkan Knights rallied late to defeat the Alexander Trojans 57–52. Matthew Hockey paced Le Roy with 20 points, while Kingston Woods led Alexander with 23.
Batavia improves to 5–1 on the season.

Rep. Claudia Tenney Prolific in Sponsoring Bills, but None Signed Into Law

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney ranks among the most active lawmakers in the U.S. House when it comes to introducing legislation — but none of the bills she has sponsored have become law.
Tenney, who represents New York’s 24th Congressional District, has introduced nearly 200 bills and resolutions during her four terms in Congress. This year alone, she sponsored 67 pieces of legislation, the fifth most of any House member.
Despite that volume, only a handful of her bills have passed the House, and none have cleared the Senate or been signed by a president. Political science experts say introducing a bill is relatively easy, but guiding it through committees, leadership priorities, and bipartisan negotiations is far more difficult.
Analysts also note that many lawmakers sponsor legislation to signal priorities, raise their profile, or appeal to voters back home — even if the bills have little chance of becoming law.
Tenney, a strong ally of President Donald Trump, says she remains focused on her work in Congress and is running for re-election next year.

One Injured in Head-On Crash in Village of Bergen

One person was taken to the hospital following a head-on crash late Friday night in the Village of Bergen.
The Bergen Fire Department says crews were dispatched just before 10 p.m. to the intersection of Route 19 and Hunter Street for a two-vehicle accident. Firefighters and EMS arrived within minutes and secured the vehicles while assessing both drivers.
One patient was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The condition of the second driver was not reported.
No further details were released.

Genesee County Girls Basketball Weekend Scores

In girls basketball Friday night, the Pavilion Golden Gophers came up just short against unbeaten Dansville Mustangs, falling 48–44.
Pavilion led by four at halftime after a strong defensive first half, but Dansville took control in the third quarter by allowing just two points. Samantha O’Connor led all scorers with 20 points as the Mustangs improved to 7–0. Emma Tillotson paced Pavilion with 12 points.
Also over the weekend, Elba Lancers defeated Wheatland-Chili Wildcats 56–48. Elba’s Lydia Ross and Wheatland-Chili’s Vanessa Guerrero were named to the All-Tournament Team.