Tuesday News Brief

BB Gun Recovered After Ross Street Incidents

The stretch of Ross Street between the Middle School and the Richmond Memorial Library is now considered safe after Batavia Police recovered a BB gun tied to two weekend incidents.
Late Saturday night, a driver reported their vehicle window was shot out while traveling near 96 Ross Street. The caller drove to another location before contacting 911.
Then Sunday around 1:30 in the afternoon, a second vehicle was struck in the same area.
By late Sunday, investigators recovered the BB gun believed to have been used.
Police Chief Christopher Camp says both incidents are connected and involve a juvenile. Because of that, limited details are being released.
Authorities say only one person was involved, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Secash Named Firefighter of the Year in South Byron

Al Secash has been named Firefighter of the Year by the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company at its 51st annual banquet.
Fire Captain Chase Cone highlighted Secash’s response to a fully involved vehicle fire, where he arrived with limited manpower, set up the truck, deployed hose lines, and began knocking down flames until additional crews arrived. Secash also earned the department’s Top Responder award for answering the most calls in 2025.
Hayley Rimmer was named Member of the Year, and Matthew Dougherty received the Training Award.
The department also honored lifetime members, years of service milestones, unsung heroes, and remembered two longtime members during the evening ceremony.

Dozens Killed After Mexican Forces Take Down Cartel Leader “El Mencho”

At least 73 people are dead following Mexico’s operation to capture — and ultimately kill — notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”
Security officials say the death toll includes 25 National Guard troops, suspected cartel members, and other victims caught in the violence that followed.
Oseguera Cervantes led the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a major trafficker of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States. He was fatally wounded during a military firefight in Jalisco after authorities tracked him to a hideout.
In response, cartel members set up more than 250 roadblocks across 20 states, torched vehicles, and launched coordinated attacks.
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, while U.S. officials confirmed intelligence support for the operation.
Although authorities say roadblocks have been cleared, many fear further retaliation and instability in the days ahead.

OAE Boys Win Fifth Straight Sectional Title, Girls Finish Second

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba boys indoor track and field team captured its fifth consecutive Section V Class B4 championship Saturday at RIT, narrowly defeating Perry 77.5 to 73. Batavia Notre Dame placed third.
Landon Pangrazio led the way, winning both the shot put and weight throw. The boys also claimed the 3,200-meter relay title.
On the girls side, OAE finished second behind Perry. Gracie Smith won the high jump and helped the 800-meter relay team break its own school record with a first-place finish.
Several athletes posted top-three finishes and top-10 program marks as OAE continued its strong sectional run.

Byron-Bergen Students Donate 700+ Snacks to School Cupboard

In the week leading up to the 100th day of school, students at Byron-Bergen Elementary School once again took on their annual service challenge — collecting 100 items per grade level for a good cause.
This year, the student council chose to give back close to home.
On Feb. 13, students in grades UPK through 5 donated more than 700 snack items to the school’s own Snack Cupboard, including granola bars, applesauce pouches, crackers, fruit cups, and more.
The cupboard was launched in September by first-grade teacher Nicole Gayton, with support from Principal Kristin Loftus and community partners. It now distributes more than 200 snacks each month to students in need.
Student leaders tracked donations, and every grade met its 100-item goal — a show of generosity that school leaders say reflects the strong sense of care within the Byron-Bergen community.

Shop Fire Quickly Extinguished on Keeney Road in Le Roy

Fire crews responded Monday afternoon to a shop fire at 8680 Keeney Road in Le Roy.
According to Le Roy Fire’s 2nd Assistant Chief Chick, crews arrived around 1:35 p.m. and saw smoke coming from the eaves of the building. Interior firefighters located the fire inside a wall and were able to put it out quickly. Crews then checked for any extension.
The fire is believed to have started due to an electrical issue within the wall. The shop houses equipment and tractors.
A second alarm was requested, bringing in Le Roy Ambulance and National Grid. Keeney Road was temporarily closed between Quinlan and Randall roads but has since reopened.
No injuries were reported.

Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling

President Donald Trump is escalating his trade stance after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down many of his sweeping global tariffs.
In a Monday post, Trump warned that any country attempting to “play games” with the ruling would face even higher tariffs than previously agreed to. Over the weekend, he proposed raising a planned global tariff from 10% to 15%.
The court invalidated tariffs imposed under emergency powers, but Trump has already signed an executive order to reinstate a 10% tax on global imports starting Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are pushing legislation to refund an estimated $175 billion in tariff revenue to businesses and consumers, as financial markets and U.S. trading partners await the administration’s next move.