Wednesday News Brief

Sheriff’s Investigating Fatal Crash in Bethany

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred just after 10 p.m. on Monday, June 16th, on Route 63 in the Town of Bethany.
According to deputies, 27-year-old Marquel Kennedy, of Buffalo, was driving a 2008 Volvo SUV northbound when he attempted to pass two tractor trailers and a farm tractor. During that pass, Kennedy’s vehicle collided head-on with a 2017 Honda motorcycle that was traveling southbound, operated by 40-year-old Ryan A. Farley of Hemlock, New York.
Farley was pronounced dead at the scene, and Kennedy was transported by ambulance to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia for medical evaluation and observation. His condition has not been released.
Authorities say charges are pending as the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation. They are being assisted by the Genesee County Coroner’s Office, New York State Police, and the Bethany, Stafford, and Pavilion Fire Departments.
Officials are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information to contact the Sheriff’s Office as the investigation remains active.

Civil War Roundtable

The Genesee Valley Civil War Roundtable meets tonight, Wednesday, June 18th, at 7 p.m. at the Pavilion United Methodist Church, located at the corner of Route 63 and 19 in Pavilion.
This month’s presentation features Don Dwyer, who will perform and share the stories behind songs from the Civil War era. The event is open to the public and runs until 8:30 p.m. History enthusiasts are encouraged to attend and learn through music and storytelling.

Concerns Grow in Wyoming County

13WHAM News reports, concerns are mounting in Wyoming County over proposed federal Medicaid cuts that could threaten rural hospitals across New York. The American Hospital Association warns the cuts, part of President Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful bill,” could slash over $50 billion in rural hospital funding over the next decade.
In a letter to the president, Senate Democrats listed over 300 hospitals at risk, including Wyoming County Community Hospital, Geneva General, and Newark-Wayne.
Locals say closures or service reductions could leave them over 40 minutes from emergency care. EMS leaders and expecting mothers alike are sounding the alarm, saying every minute matters—especially in a crisis. The bill is still awaiting a U.S. Senate vote.

CEO at Oak Orchard Health Named Woman of Excellence

Albion native Karen Kinter has been named one of this year’s Women of Excellence by the Rochester Business Journal. The award honors 50 high-achieving women for leadership, career success, and mentorship. Kinter, who oversees Oak Orchard Health, leads care for 34,000 patients across nine sites including Batavia and Albion, New York. Under her leadership, the nonprofit has expanded access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services. She was celebrated at a May 8 ceremony at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

UMMC Welcomes in New CEO

Big news at United Memorial Medical Center: Jill Graziano, RN, BSN, MBA, has been named the new President & Chief Operating Officer, effective June 17, 2025.
Graziano brings more than a decade of leadership experience within Rochester Regional Health, where she has served as President & COO of Unity Hospital. Under her guidance, Unity has seen notable improvements in operational efficiency, financial stability, staff engagement, and quality of care. Prior to that, she held senior roles overseeing extended care, pharmacy, and care management.
Holding an MBA from University of Rochester’s Simon Business School and a nursing degree from SUNY Brockport, Graziano also has diverse experience outside of nursing, including strategic marketing leadership at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Colleagues describe her as innovative, collaborative, and deeply committed to mentoring and team development.
In her new role, she’ll manage operations at United Memorial while maintaining oversight at Unity, aiming to strengthen care coordination and patient-centered services across the GLOW region. Rochester Regional Health leadership says her dual-role will foster greater integration and shared best practices between facilities.
Healthcare professionals praised her expanded responsibilities, citing her ability to lead through complexity and deliver results.
Please join us in congratulating Jill Graziano—and stay tuned as she leads UMMC into its next chapter.

Quilting Class

Looking for a creative way to spend your morning? Head to the Office for the Aging at 2 Bank Street in Batavia today, June 18, for a quilting session from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and enjoy a relaxing, social environment. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just curious, all are welcome to join in the fun. Sessions continue every Wednesday through mid-July.

Rochester Immigrant Pleads Guilty

Wilson Oswaldo Galvan-Lopez, a 25-year-old Guatemalan man involved in a controversial immigration traffic stop, has pleaded guilty to illegal reentry.
He was taken into ICE custody during a March 24 stop on Whitney Street. Prosecutors say he had been deported in May 2023. The stop raised concerns after Rochester police aided federal agents, potentially violating the city’s sanctuary policies.
Galvan-Lopez was sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release. He will likely be deported again and cannot return without approval from Homeland Security.
His stepmother says Wilson is autistic and the family is praying as his father and brother, also detained, face uncertain futures.