Tuesday News Brief

Regional Transit Service Brings New Medical Service to Batavia

Regional Transit Service Genesee is launching a new express bus service in Batavia starting June 16th, making it easier for residents to access local medical care.
The service, developed in partnership with the University of Rochester Medical Center and Rochester Regional Health, will connect the URMC Batavia Multispecialty Building and the RRH Batavia Medical Campus, with stops at the City Centre hub for transfers.
This loop will run four times daily—and here’s the best part: it’s completely free to ride, thanks to full funding from URMC and RRH.
RTS CEO Miguel Velázquez says the new route reflects the agency’s commitment to improving access to vital health services in Genesee County.
Rochester Regional Health echoed that, saying transportation is often a barrier to care in rural communities—and this route helps remove that obstacle.
The full schedule is available now at myRTS.com, or you can call RTS Genesee at 585-343-3079 with questions.

Free Kids Soccer Program

Happening tonight in Batavia—Micro Kickers soccer is back at Grace Baptist Church from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
It’s a free program for kids ages 3 to 8, focused on teaching basic soccer skills, balance, coordination, and teamwork.
The evening includes both skill-building and fun scrimmages. No need for cleats or shin guards—just bring your energy and, if you can, a size 3 or 4 soccer ball.
Grace Baptist Church is located at 238 Vine Street. For more info, call 585-343-0729.

Police Investigating Suspicious Death in Rochester

13WHAM News reports, in Rochester, police are now treating a suspicious death on the city’s west side as a homicide.
Officers responded to a home on Costar Street around 1:45 p.m. Sunday, where they discovered the body of 65-year-old Israel Vega in an upstairs apartment of a two-family house.
The cause of death has not yet been released, and no arrests have been made. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Vega’s death is ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to call 911, the Major Crimes Unit at 585-428-7157, or Crime Stoppers at 585-423-9300. Anonymous tips can also be emailed to MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.

Spartans Come Up Short

A furious second-half comeback fell just short for the Genesee County Spartans Saturday night as they dropped a 31-26 thriller to the Watertown Red & Black at Van Detta Stadium.
Trailing by 24 in the third quarter, the Spartans rallied with three touchdowns behind QB Corey Turpin, who threw for 269 yards and two scores.
Running back Kareem Pryor added a rushing TD, and Deyonci Farley hauled in a late touchdown catch to pull Genesee County within five.
But Watertown’s quarterback Jason Williams was the difference, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for another to help seal the win.
The Spartans fall to 0-2 and travel to Ithaca to face the Warriors on June 14.

GCEDC Backs 2 New Projects

Two major development projects in Genesee County are expected to generate nearly $9 million in local benefits, according to the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
At its June 5 meeting, the GCEDC board advanced a resolution for a $25 million expansion by HP Hood at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. The project includes new raw milk silos, a truck testing lab, and increased production capacity.
HP Hood is seeking about $1.2 million in tax incentives. In return, the project is expected to generate $6.3 million in payroll and tax revenue—yielding a $10 local benefit for every $1 in incentives.
The board also approved final incentives for Ivy Village Corp.’s $3.5 million development of 20 market-rate patio homes in LeRoy—the first phase of a planned 60-unit project.
That project will receive just under $865,000 in tax breaks and is expected to deliver $2.7 million in economic impact—a $4 return for every $1 in support.
A public hearing for the HP Hood project will be held in the town of Batavia.

Hydrant Flushing

The Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation is flushing fire hydrants today—Tuesday, June 10—in Batavia’s north side.
You may notice temporary water discoloration or low pressure. If that happens, run a cold tap for five minutes or until the water clears.
Please avoid doing laundry until the water runs clear.
The City of Batavia thanks you for your patience and apologizes for any inconvenience.

Le Roy GOP Primary Heating Up

Mike Pettinella with Video News Service reports, with the Republican primary for Genesee County Legislature District 5 just 15 days away, candidates Rochelle Stein and Laurie Mancuso are making their case to voters in Le Roy.
Incumbent Stein, who’s served as legislature chair since 2020, faces political newcomer Mancuso in the June 24 primary. Early voting begins June 14.
Dr. George Vito recently exited the race and endorsed Mancuso, who also has the backing of the Le Roy Conservative Party.
Stein is running under the Responsible Government Party banner, while Mancuso is focusing her campaign on increasing communication and community connection.
Both candidates will appear on the November ballot, but only one will earn the Republican line.

Hawley Hosts O-A Students In Albany

Assemblyman Steve Hawley welcomed students from Oakfield-Alabama to the state Capitol yesterday for a presentation on mental health and substance abuse. Led by civics teacher Peter Beuler, the students spoke to several lawmakers, including Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey and Sen. George Borrello, about the connection between mental health struggles and addiction.
They proposed policy changes like raising mental health professional salaries and expanding access to recovery services. Hawley praised the group’s passion and insight, calling them a hopeful sign for New York’s future.