Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on February 19, 2026
Four Arrested After Drug Raid on Bank Street in Batavia
Four people are facing felony drug charges following a search warrant on Bank Street in the City of Batavia.
The Genesee County Drug Task Force says investigators executed a warrant February 10th at 144 Bank Street, Apartment A, where they allegedly found fentanyl and cocaine. Four juveniles were also inside the residence at the time.
Arrested were 38-year-old Alexandra Roberts, 20-year-old Myleia Kennedy, 41-year-old Joseph Freeman, and 53-year-old Derrick Washington. All are charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Roberts and Kennedy were released under supervision. Freeman was held on bail, and Washington was held without bail.
In a separate incident, 35-year-old John Richard Kelly of Le Roy is charged with criminal mischief after allegedly damaging property at the Genesee County Jail.
Holland Land Office Museum Hosting War of 1812 Presentation
The Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia is kicking off its 2026 Guest Speaker Series Thursday night at 7 p.m.
Joe Buscaglia of Buffalo will present “Williamsville in the War of 1812,” highlighting new research on a major military encampment known as Cantonment Williams Ville. His work uncovers letters, legal battles with landowner Jonas Williams, and even a previously unknown War of 1812 burial ground.
The program runs from 7 to 8 p.m. at the museum on West Main Street. Admission is by suggested donation.
Eight Dead, One Missing After Deadly Sierra Avalanche
Authorities say eight backcountry skiers have been found dead and one remains missing after a massive avalanche near Lake Tahoe, marking the deadliest U.S. avalanche in nearly 45 years.
The group was on a guided, three-day trek in the Sierra Nevada when the slide struck as they were heading back to the trailhead. Six others survived and were rescued Tuesday, using emergency gear to stay warm in below-freezing temperatures.
Officials say the mission has now shifted from rescue to recovery. Three of the victims were guides. Dangerous conditions have delayed efforts to remove the bodies.
Forecasters warn avalanche danger in the region remains high.
Bergen Seeking Public Input on Robins Brook Park Improvements
The Town of Bergen is asking residents to weigh in on the future of Robins Brook Park.
Town officials have launched a community survey to gather feedback on how the 28-acre park on Townline Road is being used and what improvements residents would like to see. The park currently features soccer and baseball fields, a pavilion, walking trail, electric vehicle charging station, and a restroom that’s under construction.
Town leaders say survey results will help set funding priorities and support applications for state and federal grants.
The survey is available online or in paper form at Town Hall. Residents can return completed copies by mail or in the town drop box.
Supervisor Ernest Haywood says community input is vital to guiding the park’s future.
Nominations Open for 2025 Genean Awards
Nominations are due March 1 for the annual Genean Awards, hosted by GO ART!
The awards recognize outstanding artists and organizations in Genesee and Orleans counties for their 2025 accomplishments. Categories include Organization of the Year, Individual Artist of the Year, and Arts and Culture Supporter of the Year.
Executive Director Gregory Hallock says the “Genean” name reflects a unique, local version of the Oscars or Tonys — celebrating talent right here at home.
To submit a nomination, visit goart.org/genean.
Zuckerberg Testifies in Landmark Social Media Trial
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand Wednesday in a Los Angeles courtroom as part of a closely watched trial over whether Instagram harms young users.
The lawsuit was brought by a now 20-year-old woman who claims early social media use worsened her depression and suicidal thoughts. Attorneys argue Meta’s platforms are designed to be addictive. TikTok and Snap have settled similar claims, leaving Meta and Google’s YouTube as defendants.
On the stand, Zuckerberg rejected claims that the company preys on vulnerable users, saying a reasonable company should help the people who use its services. He also pushed back on suggestions he was coached to appear more “authentic” in public.
Meta denies the allegations, calling the case misguided.
