Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on September 10, 2026
FAILED CHIP SEAL CAUSES PROBLEMS ON ROUTE 262 IN BYRON
A road project on Route 262 in Byron caused headaches for motorists Wednesday after freshly applied chip seal failed to properly set.
Genesee County Public Works Commissioner Laura Wadhams says crews were installing a fiber mat treatment that normally becomes drivable within about an hour. Instead, the material remained sticky, attaching to vehicle tires rather than binding to the roadway.
The problem also complicated traffic around Byron-Bergen Central School, although school officials say students were transported safely and dismissal continued with some delays.
County crews added additional stone to stabilize the surface, and Route 262 has since reopened.
Officials say Midland Asphalt, the contractor involved with the project, is responsible for damage claims and is working with the county on a permanent solution.
Anyone whose vehicle was damaged by the road material can contact Midland Asphalt at 716-692-0730.
DRIVER IN FATAL PEMBROKE BUS CRASH SENTENCED
The driver involved in last year’s deadly Thruway bus crash in Pembroke will be released from jail after being sentenced Wednesday.
56-year-old Bin Shao of Queens received five years of probation and 500 hours of community service after previously pleading guilty to five felony counts of criminally negligent homicide.
The sentence included six months behind bars, but Shao received credit for the seven months he has already served since his February arrest.
Five people were killed and dozens more injured when Shao reached for a water bottle near the driver’s compartment, drifted from his lane and then overcorrected several times. The bus eventually rolled over while traveling 71 miles per hour.
Shao apologized to the victims and their families during Wednesday’s hearing.
Anyone affected by the crash has until October 9th to seek financial restitution through the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office.
WILLIAM MORGAN TRIVIA NIGHT SET FOR TONIGHT
Local history takes center stage tonight with the latest Trivia Night at the Museum.
The Holland Land Office Museum will host trivia beginning at 7 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Library on Ross Street in Batavia.
Tonight’s questions will focus on the William Morgan Affair, marking 200 years since Morgan’s disappearance.
Admission is five dollars, or three dollars for museum members.
Anyone planning to participate is asked to register with the Holland Land Office Museum.
BATAVIA BEGINS MAJOR TREE PROJECT
Tree work is getting underway across portions of the City of Batavia as part of a project aimed at improving the city’s tree canopy.
AJ’s Tree Service will begin trimming, maintaining and removing trees this month.
Once that work is completed, approximately 850 new trees will be planted by Cardinal Lawn and Landscaping and city crews.
Planting will take place in phases this fall and next spring.
The project is funded through a state Urban and Community Forestry grant.
APPLE UNVEILS FIRST FOLDABLE IPHONE
Apple is entering the foldable phone market with the iPhone Duo, unveiled Wednesday alongside the company’s new iPhone 18 lineup.
The Duo opens to a 7.6-inch display, about 80-percent larger than the iPhone 18 Pro, while still folding down to fit in a pocket. Users can run two apps side-by-side, and for the first time on an iPhone, the device will support the Apple Pencil.
The new phone carries a starting price of 1,999 dollars and will become available October 23rd.
Apple also introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, featuring improvements to battery life, cameras and performance.
Wednesday’s event was also the first major product launch under new Apple CEO John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook earlier this month.
GIRL SCOUTS ADD DOG TREATS AND ALLERGY-FRIENDLY COOKIE
Girl Scouts of the USA is expanding its cookie lineup in January with two unusual additions.
For the first time, the organization will sell cookies made for dogs. The blueberry muffin-flavored treats, called Patch Pals, were developed with Bark and will be available online only.
Girl Scouts are also introducing Sparkables, their first allergy-friendly cookie. The oatmeal cookie includes chocolate chips and sprinkles and is produced in a facility designed to avoid nine major allergens, including milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat and tree nuts.
Prices have not yet been announced.
The new products will join familiar favorites including Thin Mints, Samoas and Tagalongs during the upcoming cookie season.
GENESEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
In Genesee County high school boys soccer action, Avon picked up a 3-1 victory over Le Roy/Cal-Mum, while Letchworth/Warsaw also earned a 3-1 win over York/Pavilion.
And in girls volleyball, Alexander swept Attica in straight sets, three sets to none.
