Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on September 23, 2025
Harvester Center Demolition Progress Reported in City Housing Court
Attorney Micheal Cole, representing Harvester Center LLC owners William Golden and John Wachter, updated City Housing Court Monday on demolition work at 56 Harvester Avenue.
As of Sept. 18, buildings 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 21, along with the elevator and sky bridge, have been demolished. Building 13 is nearly finished, and work on Building 20 has begun. Cole said site cleanup and debris removal should be completed by the end of September.
Remaining buildings include 1, 2, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 43, and 47. Fencing remains intact with no breaches reported.
Judge Durin Rogers scheduled a compliance date for Nov. 24, but City Attorney David Fitch agreed charges may be withdrawn off-calendar if demolition and cleanup stay on track, potentially eliminating the need for the hearing.
Dinner and a Bible Study Tonight at Emmanuel Baptist Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church invites the community to “Dinner and a Bible Study” tonight, Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 190 Oak St., Batavia. Guests will share a free meal, watch The Chosen: The Last Supper, and participate in a Bible study discussion. The series continues weekly through Nov. 11. For more information, call 585-343-4905.
Monday Night Genesee County High School Volleyball Scores
In local volleyball action Monday night, Le Roy defeated York 3 sets to 1. Notre Dame of Batavia also came out on top, sweeping Elba 3 sets to none.
Worthington Announces Candidacy for Stafford Town Board
Cathy Worthington has announced she is running for a seat on the Stafford Town Board this November. A Stafford resident for 28 years, Worthington says she is committed to transparent decision-making, accountability, and fair treatment for all residents.
With more than 40 years of experience in the tourism industry as both an employee and business owner, she believes her professional background has prepared her to effectively serve the community.
Worthington has launched a campaign Facebook page, “Vote Cathy 4 Town Board,” where residents can learn more about her goals and upcoming events. She can also be reached at votecathy4townboard@gmail.com.
She is asking for voter support in the election on November 4th.
Cole Road Bridge Closing for Culvert Project
The Genesee County Department of Public Works says Cole Road in Byron will be closed starting the week of September 22 for a culvert replacement project. The road will remain closed at the site for the duration of construction, with no traffic able to pass through. Work is expected to take about eight weeks, depending on weather and utility coordination. Officials say the project will replace an aging culvert to ensure safe travel and reliable drainage. Motorists are asked to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
St. James Episcopal Church Awards Community Grants
St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia has awarded grants to two local organizations as federal aid cuts impact not-for-profits. CASA for Children will use its grant to support advocacy efforts for kids during difficult times, while the YWCA of Genesee County will purchase laundry equipment for women and children in its domestic violence program. Church warden Jo-Ann Bestine said, “We can’t do it all, but God calls us to do what we can.” Funding came from the church and the George Rupprecht Fund.
