Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on December 31, 2025
Genesee County Travel Advisory Lifted, Caution Still Urged
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has cancelled the travel advisory for all of Genesee County as of 3 p.m. Tuesday.
However, Sheriff Joseph Graff says motorists should continue to use caution, as winter weather conditions are expected to impact travel throughout the rest of the week. Blowing and drifting snow may continue to create hazardous road conditions in some areas.
Genesee County remains under a winter weather advisory until 1 a.m. Thursday. The National Weather Service is forecasting three to five inches of snow today in areas with persistent lake-effect snow, with an additional two to four inches possible Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Winds are also expected to gust as high as 45 miles per hour.
Sheriff Graff reminds drivers to remain alert for emergency responders and utility crews working near roadways, and to treat any dark or non-functioning traffic signals as four-way stops.
Transformer Fire Knocked Down in Alexander
Alexander Fire responded to a transformer fire yesterday around 1 p.m. on Route 98 near Dodgeson Road.
Fire crews found three transformers and a utility pole on fire at the scene. The blaze was quickly brought under control, and no injuries were reported.
National Grid was requested to the scene, along with assistance from the Town of Batavia Fire Department. The fire has since been extinguished, and crews worked to secure the area and address utility issues.
Mother, Two Sons Charged After Armed Burglary on Rochester’s Northeast Side
A Rochester woman and her two adult sons are facing multiple felony charges following an armed burglary on the city’s northeast side.
Police say officers were called to Seventh Street Monday afternoon for a report of menacing. The victim told officers multiple suspects were inside her home and threatened her with guns before fleeing in a vehicle.
Police later stopped that vehicle on Orange Street, where officers arrested 18-year-old Gemarion Parson, who was found with a loaded handgun and an AR-style pistol. His brother, 22-year-old Tyrik Parson, was also taken into custody.
Their mother, 48-year-old Tamika Parson, later arrived at the police station and was arrested for her role in the incident.
All three were charged and taken to the Monroe County Jail.
Batavia Downs Hosting New Year’s Eve Casino Party Tonight
Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel is ringing in the New Year tonight with a casino-style celebration.
The New Year’s Eve Party runs from 5:30 to 11 p.m. at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel and features a dinner buffet, open bar, late-night snacks, and live music from Coupe de Villes. Fireworks are scheduled for 10:30.
Tickets are available for individuals or couples and include free casino play. The event is open to guests 21 and older and is billed as one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the area.
Le Roy Girls Holds Off Pembroke in Tight Home Win
The Le Roy Oatkan Knights survived a defensive battle Tuesday night, edging the Pembroke Dragons 35–32 at home.
Bailey Caton and Kylie Wilson paced Le Roy, combining for 18 points. Caton added seven rebounds and four steals, while Wilson finished with six steals as the Knights leaned on defense down the stretch.
Peyton Liss led Pembroke with 16 points in the loss.
The win improves Le Roy to 3-2 on the season. Pembroke drops to 3-3 and looks to bounce back in its next outing.
Hawley Praises New Gold Star Family License Plates
Assemblyman Steve Hawley is welcoming the state’s announcement of new Gold Star Family license plates, offering another way to honor families who have lost loved ones in military service.
The plates, unveiled by the Department of Motor Vehicles, will be available alongside the existing Gold Star Mothers plates. Hawley thanked DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder for helping make the plates available statewide.
Hawley says he plans to amend his legislation to ensure registration fees are waived for eligible Gold Star Family members who apply for the new plates.
Qualifying families can order the plates now through the DMV website.