Friday News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on April 25, 2025
Newly Updated Quilt Trail in Genesee County Looks to Bring in Tourists
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce has announced the release of a newly updated Barn Quilt Trail brochure and website, showcasing one of New York State’s largest collections of hand-painted barn quilts.
Created by LeRoy Historian Lynne Belluscio and the LeRoy Historical Society, the self-guided tour now features nearly 120 barn quilts across LeRoy and the surrounding countryside. The updated brochure and new website—LeRoyBarnQuilt.org—include full-color photos, quilt stories, and four scenic driving routes.
Belluscio says even longtime locals are rediscovering the trail thanks to the additions. A billboard on the Thruway invites travelers to take Exit 47 and enjoy the rural charm.
The trail began in 2011 as a bicentennial project and has grown into a beloved public art and tourism experience celebrating agriculture, heritage, and community.
Brochures are available at the Genesee County Visitor Center in Batavia and several locations around LeRoy.
Two Genesee County women are facing felony charges following separate welfare fraud investigations.
Nicole Granger, 34, of Batavia, is charged with Offering a False Instrument for Filing, Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree, and three counts of Forgery in the 1st Degree. Investigators allege Granger failed to report the father of her child was living in the home and earning wages, and that she submitted forged rental documents—resulting in over $6,400 in improper SNAP benefits.
In a separate case, Nicole Sprung, 39, of Le Roy, is charged with Forgery in the 1st Degree, Welfare Fraud in the 4th Degree, and Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree. Authorities say she also failed to report that the child’s father was living in the home and earning income, and forged a neighbor’s signature in the process—receiving over $2,600 in benefits she wasn’t entitled to.
Both women were arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on their own recognizance.
Anyone with information about suspected welfare fraud can contact the Genesee County DSS at 585-344-2580.
A Conservation Fair is set for this Saturday, April 27th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Godfrey’s Pond in Bergen, and it’s free and open to the public.
The event will feature workshops from the DEC and Soil & Water, kids’ activities, conservation exhibits, a tree seedling giveaway, and a raffle for a butterfly bush. Informational booths will cover everything from biodiversity to recycling and pond restoration.
Breakfast pizza and drinks will be available, with donations appreciated.
Batavia School District Looks Into Expanding Special Education
Joanne Beck with The Batavian reports, Mental health concerns, academic gaps, and rising behavioral needs are contributing to a growing number of students requiring special education services in Batavia City Schools.
Special Education Director Kellie Marciano told the school board this week that classified students have increased from 283 last year to 287 this year, with more expected before year’s end. That marks a jump from 13 to 14 percent of the student population.
Marciano cited the pandemic’s impact, learning loss, and a greater need for specialized instruction as factors. In response, the district has created a “Pupil Support Network” to better align special education services, support staff collaboration, and improve IEP development.
Other goals include growing the district’s preschool and work-study programs, building stronger post-secondary connections, and hosting a Special Olympics event at Van Detta Stadium this spring.
For the full report, visit the district website and the Batavian.
The Batavia Police Department is ramping up their monitoring of parking violiations in the city.
In an effort to improve traffic flow in the city, Residents and visitors are reminded that improperly parked vehicles can block traffic lanes and sidewalks, Hinder emergency response vehicles and have a negative impact on local businesses. Remember to follow Time restrictions on parking spaces and avoid parking in Fire lanes and posted no parking areas. The complete list of parking regulations can be found on in the Batavia Municipal Code
Batavia Downs Reports a Record Distribution to Municipalities
Howard Owens of the Batavaian Reports: Genesee County will receive Just over $61,000 as its share of a record distribution of profits for the first quarter by the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation. The distribution Across the 17 Municipalities that control the OTB was over 2.8 million, beating the previous record of 2.3 million. President and Byron Brown credits Marketing decisions and Quality of Staff for the Record breaking distribution
George Santos sentenced to 7 years in prison
Former New York Representative George Santos Was Sentenced to 87 months in prison for Wire Fraud and Identity Theft. The Former Rep Pled Guilty in 2024 in an attempt to avoid additional charges.
Tommy Parzymieso Helps Buffalo Announce it’s First round pick
The Buffalo Bills With the Help of Tommy Parzymieso and the make a wish foundation Selected Cornerback Maxwell Hairston out of Kentucky with their 30th overall pick last night. Hairston recorded the fastest 40 meter dash time in the combine and is praised for his closing speed. The Draft continues tonight at 7PM with rounds 2 and 3. The Bills select 56th and 62nd overall.
The Batavia City Counsel is meeting Monday April 28th at 7pm
The meeting will take place in the council board room on the second floor of the Batavia City Center and Is open to the public. Hot topics to be discussed are the Memorial Day parade, Go ARTS Juneteenth celebration, A USGS Aquifer study grant and a potential Change to Batavia’s Open container Law.
Stunt Pilot Rob Holland Dies in Crash Thursday
Joanne Beck Of the Batavian Reports: A popular Aerobatic Performer for the Geneseo and Batavia Airshows Crashed in an accident at Langley air force Base in Virginia and lost his life. The Announcement was made over a social media post on Holland’s Website. Holland Had 20 years of experience in freestyle experience and Numerous accolades to show for it. The Cause of the Crash is currently unknown but being investigated.
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Kiss This! Tribute band to perform at Batavia Downs This Saturday
Get your facepaint out of storage forAmerica’s premier tribute band Kiss This! As they perform live in the Park Place Events Center at 7:30PM tomorrow, with doors opening at 7pm. Tickets are on sale for 15$ on their website or at the Gift shop, and include a 10 dollar free play. This event will be standing room only, except for ada seating
Thursday Baseball Scores
Time for a look at Genesee County high school baseball scores from Thursday:
Elba came out on top over Alexander, 5 to 3.
Le Roy shut out Avon in a dominant 11-nothing win.
Oakfield-Alabama rolled past Attica, 12 to 2.
And in a tight game, Notre Dame edged Byron-Bergen, 3 to nothing.
That’s your local baseball roundup
Thursday Softball Scores
Here are your Genesee County high school softball scores from Thursday.
Oakfield-Alabama rolled past Attica, 9 to 1.
Alexander put up big numbers, beating Elba, 13 to 5.
Pembroke dominated Kendall, 17 to 3.
It was a close one as Le Roy edged Avon, 2 to 1.
And in a high-scoring matchup, Notre Dame Batavia topped Byron-Bergen, 15 to 10.
Stay tuned for more local sports updates throughout the week.
