Monday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on August 4, 2025
Batavia Man Arrested Following Brutal Attack
A Batavia man has been arrested following a disturbing incident reported earlier this week.
According to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, 55-year-old Jimmie J. Priestley of West Main Street Road was taken into custody late Tuesday night and charged with first-degree rape and criminal obstruction of breathing.
Deputies responded to a sex offense report around 11:14 p.m. on July 30th. After investigating, they determined that Priestley allegedly forced vaginal sexual contact with the victim and applied pressure to the victim’s throat.
He was arrested at the scene, processed at the Genesee County Jail, and held pending arraignment in CAP Court the following morning.
The case was investigated by Deputy Travis Lambert and Deputy Jacob Kipler.
No further details about the victim or circumstances have been released at this time.
Live Music
Looking for great food and live tunes this Monday night? Head to the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant in Corfu for Savage Cabbage—playing live from 6 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy awesome BBQ specials and live music every Monday, rain or shine, at 1227 Gilmore Road.
Borrello Visits Pavilion
New York State Senator George Borrello, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is hosting an agriculture business roundtable this Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. at BW’s Restaurant on Perry Road in Pavilion.
The event is in partnership with SUNY Brockport’s Small Business Development Center and is free and open to farmers, ag entrepreneurs, and members of the public interested in rural economic development.
Attendees will hear from Borrello, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Genesee County Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein, and SBDC Regional Director Lindsay Ward.
Topics include state support for the agriculture sector, local priorities, and no-cost services available to help new and established ag-based businesses succeed. It’s a chance to connect, ask questions, and strengthen the backbone of our region’s economy.
Genesee County Park Dedication
On Friday, family and friends gathered at Genesee County Park & Forest to celebrate the work of students in Camp Hard-Hat, a week-long camp teaching building trades through community projects.
This year’s highlight: a new footbridge built by 29 students, dedicated to Rhonda Rittenhouse—a retired nurse and beloved camp volunteer who passed away in January.
Her daughter, Karyn Winters, says the surprise dedication was emotional and unforgettable. Organizers say the bridge honors Rhonda’s legacy of care, while giving students a lasting lesson in service and craftsmanship.
Youth Sports Funding
The Genesee County Youth Bureau is spreading the word about new state funding for youth sports programs for the 2025–2026 year.
Local nonprofits, community groups, and youth bureaus can apply for grants up to $50,000 through two funding streams—one for team sports and one for broader recreation programs.
The deadline to apply is August 8th. Visit geneseeny.gov/youth-sports-funding or call (585) 344-3960 for details and help with the application.
Batavia Downs
Lanjo Lee made a powerful statement in his second start back, winning the $13,500 Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs Saturday night.
Driven by Kyle Cummings, Lanjo Lee went gate to wire, holding off late challenges to win by a head in 1:55. It marked his fifth win of the year for owner Gordon Swift and trainer Jeff Sorenson.
In the $12,500 Open II, Villiam, driven and trained by Joe Chindano Jr., powered past the field and cruised home to his fifth win of the season in 1:55.1.
Drew Monti led all drivers with four wins on the night.
Live harness racing resumes Wednesday at Batavia Downs, post time 6 p.m.
ARC GLOW 5K
Arc GLOW’s 21st annual Friends & Family 5K and Fun Walk is set for Saturday, September 20th, and welcomes participants of all ages and abilities.
The event supports people with disabilities and includes the popular Taste of Country—a post-race display of fresh fruits and vegetables donated by local farmers.
Proceeds benefit Arc GLOW programs and the Mary Anne Graney Scholarship.
Register at ArcGLOW.org or call (585) 343-1123, ext. 1715.
Muckdogs
It was a heartbreaker at Dwyer Stadium on Sunday as the Batavia Muckdogs fell 10–6 in a 17-inning marathon to the Saugerties Stallions, who claimed the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League championship.
A crowd of 2,304 packed the stands hoping to see Batavia force a game three, and for hours, it looked possible. The Muckdogs led 5–3 after four innings, powered by early hits from Jacob Veczko, Tyler Castrataro, and Cooper Fesh. Starter Luc Rising went 6.2 strong innings, keeping the Stallions at bay.
But Saugerties tied it in the eighth, and from there, both bullpens traded zeros through eight extra innings.
The Stallions finally broke through in the 17th, scoring five runs off a flurry of hits and a costly Batavia error. Batavia scratched across one in the bottom half, but it wasn’t enough.
Saugerties stormed the field in celebration, while Batavia’s title hopes came to a crushing end.
