Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 25, 2025
Genesee County Health Department Reminds Residents of Bat Season
It’s peak bat season in Western New York, and the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are urging residents to be alert — especially if a bat finds its way inside your home.
While bats are essential to the ecosystem, they can carry rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The danger? Their bites are tiny and often go unnoticed — especially if someone was sleeping, intoxicated, or unable to communicate.
If you find a bat indoors, safely capture it without using bare hands and contact your county health department immediately. Instructions and a short demo video are available at GOHealthNY.org.
GO Health is also offering free, drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics for pets in August and October in both counties. Keeping your dog, cat, or ferret up to date on shots helps protect your whole household.
And remember — don’t feed, pet, or handle stray or wild animals. When in doubt, call the health department. Quick action can prevent unnecessary panic — and save lives.
Open Mic Night
Tonight’s the night to step up to the mic at GO ART! in Batavia. The 4th Friday Open Mic Night kicks off at 7 p.m., with sign-ups starting at 6:30. Whether it’s comedy, poetry, music, or something new, all are welcome to perform. Grab a drink, bring some friends, and enjoy the show—hosted by Dave Mollahan. GO ART! is located at 201 East Main Street.
Hay Fire
Fire crews from Bethany and Alexander responded to multiple hay bales on fire Thursday afternoon at 10896 Marsh Road. The fire, reported around 4 p.m., was not near any structures and posed no immediate danger to nearby property. Crews were able to quickly contain and extinguish the blaze. Both departments have since returned to service.
Police Roundup
Three Genesee County residents are facing charges following separate incidents over the past week.
Thomas C. Brade, 47, of Batavia, was charged with DWI and aggravated DWI after a domestic incident at Darien Lake Theme Park following a Live Nation concert on July 19th. Deputies say Brade’s blood alcohol content was .18% or higher. He was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Darien Town Court on August 5th.
In Stafford, 37-year-old Dustin A. Goetze of Albion was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and several vehicle-related offenses after being found with an abandoned car on Clinton Street Road around 4 a.m. on July 18th. He was taken to Genesee County Jail and will appear in Stafford Town Court on August 18th.
And in Batavia, 39-year-old Rachelle N. Laney of Byron was charged with criminal contempt for allegedly violating an order of protection on July 23rd. The order had been issued by Pavilion Town Court. Laney was arraigned in CAP Court.
Motorcycle Ride
This Saturday marks the Inaugural Sgt. Sanfrantello Memorial Ride, starting at 9 a.m. at the Alexander Fireman’s Rec Hall on Alexander Road in Attica. All vehicles are welcome—bikes, cars, and trucks—and riders are encouraged to decorate, with no obscenities. Entry is a small unwrapped toy or donation. Proceeds benefit the Sgt. Thomas Sanfrantello Scholarship Fund and Genesee County’s Shop With a Cop program. Toys will go to Genesee County Social Services. More info at tinyurl.com/SgtSanfratelloRun.
