Monday News Brief

Firing Pin Celebrates Grand Opening of New Facility

Howard Owens with the Batavian reports, The Firing Pin in Bergen had more than just liberty to celebrate during this year’s Freedom Weekend, marking a major milestone with the grand reopening of its renovated building—rebuilt after a devastating fire in March 2023.
Owner Brandon Lewis says the store received its certificate of occupancy just days before the event, allowing staff to move operations out of a garage and back into the new space at 8240 Buffalo Road. Lewis called the journey a long and stressful one, but worth it for what he now calls a “much nicer facility”—complete with indoor plumbing, which he humorously praised after 815 days of using a porta-john.
Freedom Weekend, which began as a grand opening in 2014, has become an annual celebration of liberty and customer appreciation. Lewis said it’s about reminding people that freedom is still worth celebrating, even in a state with restrictions.
He thanked his family, team, and customers for sticking by him through two years of rebuilding.

Free Music

Live music and smoky BBQ are on the menu this Monday night at the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant in Corfu.
The Hastings Duo will perform from 6 to 9 p.m., part of the venue’s weekly rain-or-shine summer series. Guests can enjoy live entertainment alongside mouthwatering BBQ specials cooked fresh on the outdoor smoker.

Spartans

It was a tough night for the Genesee County Spartans, who not only fell to the Upstate Predators 52-14 Saturday at Pembroke Town Park, but also lost starting quarterback Corey Turpin to a broken collarbone on the opening drive.
Already missing six starters, the Spartans cycled through four quarterbacks with little success. Their lone highlights came from special teams and defense, including a 70-yard kickoff return and a 100-yard pick-six.
The Predators, led by former UB receiver Billy Joiner, dominated on both sides of the ball. The Spartans drop to 1-3 and now face defending champs Lockport next week.

Byron-Bergen Celebrates Class of 2025 at Graduation

The Byron-Bergen Class of 2025 was celebrated Friday evening with heartfelt speeches and light-hearted memories during a graduation ceremony held on the school’s soccer field.
The night opened with “Pomp & Circumstance,” played by the senior high concert band, as graduates took their seats. Principal Paul Hazard shared reflections and humor, praising students like salutatorian Rose Wilson while recalling senior pranks and trips. He described the class as a “collective powerhouse destined for greatness.”
Superintendent Patrick McGee encouraged students to take action in life, simply saying, “Do the thing.”
Wilson reflected on lessons in faith, friendship, and perseverance, reading from a time capsule letter her parents wrote: “Don’t be afraid to fail. This will take both courage and humility.” She plans to attend Roberts Wesleyan for nursing.
Valedictorian Jackson Lundfelt urged classmates to embrace discomfort and growth. He’ll attend MIT to study mechanical engineering and business.
The ceremony also featured awards for academic excellence, leadership, and service. Scholarships honored students pursuing nursing, agriculture, military service, and community involvement. The evening closed with a senior performance and the school’s alma mater.

Borrello Defends Vote

State Senator George Borrello is explaining his vote against New York’s proposed medical aid-in-dying bill, citing serious concerns over patient safety and oversight.
Borrello said the bill lacks key safeguards—no waiting period, no in-person exam, and no requirement for a prior doctor-patient relationship. He also pointed to opposition from disability advocates, the American Medical Association, and his own constituents.
Borrello said, “We should focus on quality end-of-life care—not create a system that could be misused.”