Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 21, 2026
ROUTE 19 IN LE ROY TO HONOR FALLEN VIETNAM HERO
A portion of State Route 19 in the Town of Le Roy will soon be known as the Lieutenant Gary A. Scott Memorial Highway after Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation creating the designation.
Scott, a Le Roy native and 1963 graduate of Le Roy High School, was a second lieutenant with the 101st Airborne Division who was killed in Vietnam in 1968 while shielding and protecting a wounded fellow soldier during an ambush. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his heroism.
The memorial highway will stretch along Route 19 between Lake Street Road and Lake Street. State transportation officials will install and maintain the signs, with a dedication ceremony planned when members of Scott’s family can attend.
Supporters say the designation is a lasting tribute to a hometown hero whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations in the Le Roy community.
GENESEE VALLEY BOCES NAMES NEW DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
Genesee Valley BOCES has selected Dr. Julie Donlon-Yates as its next district superintendent and chief executive officer, effective August 1st.
Donlon-Yates has spent more than 20 years with Genesee Valley BOCES and brings over 25 years of experience in public education. Most recently serving as deputy superintendent of human resources, she has also held leadership roles as assistant superintendent of instruction, director of instructional programs, principal of alternative education, and dean of students for career and technical education.
As district superintendent, Donlon-Yates will oversee services for the region’s 22 component school districts while also serving as the New York State Education Department’s representative for the supervisory district. During her tenure, she has helped secure more than $540,000 to expand agribusiness education, launched the Trauma, Illness and Grief Service, and strengthened partnerships between schools, businesses, and community organizations.
She succeeds Interim District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Putnam, who has led the organization since October following the retirement of former superintendent Kevin MacDonald. Donlon-Yates says she’s committed to expanding educational opportunities and preparing students across the Genesee Valley for college, careers, and life.
CREEK ROAD TO CLOSE FOR CULVERT REPLACEMENT
A portion of Creek Road in the Town of Batavia will close beginning the week of July 27th for a culvert replacement project.
The closure will affect Creek Road between Putnam and Brookville roads near Cook Road and is expected to last about three weeks. County crews will replace a deteriorated cross culvert that officials say has become a safety concern.
The road will be closed to all traffic, including emergency vehicles, and motorists are urged to use alternate routes. Officials say the schedule could change depending on weather and site conditions.
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT DEEPENS WITH NEW U.S., IRAN STRIKES
The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified again Monday as American forces launched another round of airstrikes and Iran retaliated with attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, both key U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf.
The Pentagon also confirmed the death of another U.S. service member in Iraq, bringing the American death toll in the conflict to 17. President Donald Trump vowed Iran would “pay many times over” for attacks on U.S. troops.
Meanwhile, shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted, driving oil prices above 86 dollars a barrel and pushing the national average price for gasoline to around four dollars a gallon. Despite the escalating violence, diplomatic talks are continuing in Pakistan, where Iranian officials are meeting with regional leaders in hopes of reviving a collapsed ceasefire agreement.
BRITAIN HAS A NEW PRIME MINISTER
Britain has a new prime minister after Andy Burnham officially took office Monday, becoming the country’s seventh leader since 2016.
After being appointed by King Charles III, Burnham promised a 10-year plan to restore political stability, tackle the cost-of-living crisis, strengthen public services and revive the British economy. He also pledged to shift more decision-making power away from London and into local communities.
Burnham replaces Keir Starmer, who stepped down after leading the Labour Party for two years in government. One of the new prime minister’s first tasks will be naming a new Cabinet as he faces ongoing challenges including inflation, sluggish economic growth, migration, and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
LIVE HARNESS RACING RETURNS TO BATAVIA DOWNS
Live harness racing returns to Batavia Downs Wednesday night as the 2026 summer and fall season gets underway.
The historic track will host 62 race cards over the next six months, featuring many of Western New York’s top Standardbred horses, drivers and trainers. Post time for opening night is 5 p.m., with the New York Sire Stakes also making its first stop of the season in Batavia.
Officials say the stable area is about 30 percent fuller than last year, setting the stage for a competitive season. Fans attending opening night will receive free printed racing programs, with additional promotions and special events planned throughout the meet.
