Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on January 27, 2026
Alexander Launches Joint Comprehensive Plan, Seeks Public Input
The Town and Village of Alexander have launched a joint Comprehensive Plan to help guide future decisions on land use, housing, recreation, public services, infrastructure, economic development, and the overall character of the community. The plan is being developed with assistance from New York Green and LaBella Associates to support Alexander’s long-term growth and needs.
Officials are encouraging residents to take part in a public survey to share their experiences, priorities, and ideas. Community input will help identify needs, highlight opportunities, and guide future investments to support a strong and connected Alexander. The survey is open to all residents, quick, anonymous, and available online at surveymonkey.com/r/SurveyAlexander. Paper copies are also available at the Town Hall.
Additional opportunities for public involvement are planned, including a public workshop scheduled for February 2026. Funding for the project is provided by the New York State Department of State through the Environmental Protection Fund.
Desserts and Data Center Discussion Tonight in Oakfield
A community forum titled “Desserts and Data Center Discussion number two” is happening tonight from six to eight at The Goose Community Center on South Main Street in Oakfield. The free, public event will include desserts, coffee, and tea, along with an update on the proposed data center planned near local wetlands. Local speakers will share what has happened so far, what comes next, and how residents can get involved. The event is family-friendly and open to all.
Deadly Winter Storm Continues to Impact Northeast and South
More snow piled up across the U.S. Northeast Monday as the tail end of a massive winter storm stretched from Arkansas to New England. Officials say at least 25 deaths have been reported nationwide, linked to extreme cold, snowplows, sledding accidents, and exposure.
More than a foot of snow fell across a 1,300-mile swath, shutting down roads, canceling flights, and forcing widespread school closures. Parts of western Pennsylvania saw up to 20 inches of snow, with wind chills dropping as low as 25 below zero.
Meanwhile, freezing rain in the South knocked out power to more than 750,000 customers, with Mississippi and Tennessee among the hardest hit. Travel disruptions continued nationwide, with thousands of flight cancellations and delays reported as bitter cold followed the storm’s path.
Holland Land Office Museum Announces Full Slate of February Events
The Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia is bringing back its popular Night at the Museum on the first Wednesday of every month. The next event is set for Wednesday, February fourth, with extended hours from five to eight p.m., featuring a museum-wide scavenger hunt. Regular admission rates apply.
The museum will also host its next Trivia Night of 2026 on Thursday, February twelfth at seven p.m., with a special focus on George Washington in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Admission is five dollars, or three dollars for members.
The 2026 Guest Speaker Series continues Friday, February thirteenth, with Oakfield resident Dyder Smith sharing stories reflecting the perspective of a former enslaved person in the American South. Another speaker event follows on Thursday, February nineteenth, when Joe Buscaglia presents research on a War of 1812 encampment in Williamsville. Both talks are by suggested donation.
The month wraps up with Java with Joe E. on Thursday, February twenty-sixth at nine a.m., featuring curator Rachel Bellis discussing mourning traditions at the White House. Admission is free.
Southwest Airlines Ends Open Seating After 50 Years
Southwest Airlines passengers boarded for the final time under the carrier’s open-seating system Monday, as the airline prepares to move to assigned seating starting today. The change ends one of Southwest’s most recognizable features, in place for more than five decades.
Under the new system, passengers will be assigned seats and placed into one of eight boarding groups, with options to pay extra for preferred or extra-legroom seating. Boarding passes will now list seat assignments, and families booked together will be placed in the same group.
The airline says the change is aimed at meeting modern traveler preferences and improving profitability, as Southwest continues shifting its policies to more closely match other major U.S. carriers.
Nominations Open for Pavilion Alumni Hall of Fame
The Pavilion Central School Hall of Fame Selection Committee is now accepting nominations for the Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Since 2014, the Hall of Fame has honored graduates for career success, community contributions, and personal achievements.
Nominations can be submitted online at PCS Hall of Fame dot com, or by using printed applications available at several Pavilion locations, including the public library, local businesses, and Pavilion Central School offices.
All nominations must be submitted by March first, 2026.
