Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on January 28, 2026
Alexander School Capital Project to Begin in 2027
Construction on a $16.18 million capital project at Alexander Central School District is expected to begin in summer 2027. Superintendent Jessica Torrey says bidding and contract awards are planned for spring 2027, with construction lasting 1 to 2 years.
District voters approved the project last week by a 57–14 margin. Torrey says turnout was similar to recent budget votes and noted the project will have no tax impact.
Planned upgrades include sidewalk and parking lot improvements, a secure middle and high school entrance with an elevator, gym floor upgrades, HVAC work, roof replacements, and masonry repairs.
The project will be funded largely through state building aid, covering about 88% of the cost, with the remainder coming from district capital reserves.
Multiple Arrests Reported in Genesee County
A Pavilion woman faces multiple felony charges following an incident January 23. Deputies say 28-year-old Megan Forder is charged with attempted assault, criminal mischief, menacing, weapon possession, and resisting arrest after allegedly trying to assault another person with a dangerous instrument and damaging property. She was held for CAP Court the following morning.
In a separate case, 38-year-old Justine Wood of Batavia was charged with felony weapon possession and drug possession after deputies say controlled substances, paraphernalia, and a stun gun were found during her arrest on January 13. She was later arraigned in CAP Court.
Also in Batavia, 36-year-old Jessica Culver was charged with harassment following a reported physical altercation January 20. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in court February 3.
Doomsday Clock Moved Closer to Midnight
A science advocacy group says the world is closer than ever to catastrophe. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has moved its Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest point since the clock was created in 1947.
The group cites rising risks from nuclear conflict, climate change, unchecked artificial intelligence, and the potential misuse of biotechnology. It also points to growing global tensions involving nuclear-armed nations and weakening international cooperation.
The bulletin says the clock could still be turned back if world leaders work together to reduce these existential threats.
Tenney Announces $10M for Batavia Water Tower Project
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced $10 million in Community Project Funding Tuesday for the Batavia Water Tower project. The funding will support upgrades to aging water infrastructure, aimed at improving long-term reliability and public safety for Genesee County residents.
Tenney says the project will modernize the county’s water system and reflects her push to secure federal dollars for local infrastructure projects across Upstate New York.
Border Patrol Shooting Leaves One Critical in Arizona
One person is in critical condition after being shot Tuesday in an incident involving Border Patrol agents near the U.S.-Mexico border in southern Arizona.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department says the FBI has requested the county lead the use-of-force investigation, which officials say is standard when a federal agency is involved in a shooting.
The FBI confirmed it is investigating an alleged assault on a federal officer near Arivaca, about 10 miles from the border, but has not said how that allegation relates to the shooting.
The Santa Rita Fire District says the wounded individual was taken into custody at the scene and flown by medical helicopter to a regional trauma center. No information has been released on the person’s identity or condition beyond being listed as critical.
Authorities have not released details about what led up to the shooting. The area is frequently patrolled due to drug smuggling and illegal border crossings.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Girls hoops finals from Genesee County… and Le Roy stays hot on the boys side.
Genesee County girls basketball finals from Tuesday night… Honeoye Falls–Lima topped Batavia 50–28, Oakfield-Alabama beat Kendall 47–25, and Elba rolled past Wheatland-Chili 76–44.
On the boys side, Le Roy stayed red-hot with a 70–58 win over Wayland-Cohocton. The Oatkan Knights pulled away with a big second half, led by Aidan Weaver’s 15 points. Matthew Hockey and Brayden Chase added 13 each, as Le Roy improved to 10-5 and prepares for a road test at Avon Friday night.
Pavilion also cruised past Mount Morris, 60–30.
