Rachel Niemi

2 months ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Rachel Niemi

A major donation is helping the Ovid community recover after a massive fire in January destroyed much of Main Street. More than 60 people were displaced and many are still working to get back on their feet. “They’re still looking for employment [and] many still need housing," Fire Chief Tim Westlake said. "They lost clothing and items you need to survive. All those had to be replaced."In the aftermath of the fire, the Ovid Fire Relief Fund was created.

2 months ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Rachel Niemi

ATTICA, N.Y. — Nine people were hospitalized after a series of incidents involving drugs at Attica Correctional Facility, according to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. DOCCS officials said the incidents started Sunday after an incarcerated person, who correction officers said seemed “off,” was searched by staff who found a piece of paper during the search.

2 months ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Rachel Niemi

The mood in the Ovid firehouse can be described as peaceful, despite what the town has been through. But for Chief Tim Westlake, there’s still a lot of work behind the scenes. One of the biggest issues he’s still working through is pushing for upgrades to Ovid’s water system. “It’s amazing how much people take for granted the water that comes out of their tap and how they get it," said Westlake.

Feb 4, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Rachel Niemi

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Cafeteria workers hear it all. For 25 years, Lisa Varley has kept generations of Spencerport students fed. “I like the idea of feeding kids, that’s what I do as a mom," said Varley. "You come to my house and I feed you.

Feb 4, 2025 | spectrumnews1.com | Rachel Niemi

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The life and music of Nina Simone are taking center stage at Geva Theatre. The show's name comes from the Simone song "Four Women." The play looks at Simone’s response to the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963 and her shift to civil rights activist. The show’s director says many of the issues Simone was fighting for are ones we still face today. New compositions of many of Simone’s songs were created for the show, allowing audiences to discover new meanings in their words.