Thursday News Brief

Genesee County Rebranding Effort Nears Completion

Howard Owens with The Batavian reports, the push to give Genesee County a fresh identity is entering its final stage. On Tuesday night, tourism leaders wrapped up the public workshop phase of a year-long rebranding project with an event in downtown Batavia.
Tourism Director Kelly Rapone says the goal is to move past the old “between two big cities” pitch, and instead highlight what makes the county unique. Residents and business owners took part in hands-on activities, offering feedback on how the community should be represented.
That input will help shape a new logo, updated website, and even a five-year tourism plan, all aimed at boosting not just visitors, but also potential new residents and businesses.
Consultants are now compiling the results, with a final brand package expected by November, and a public launch set for spring of 2026.
More details are online at BrandGenesee.com.

Java with Joe E. continues this morning at the Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia.

Guest speaker Tyler Angora, curator at the LeRoy Historical Society, will present “The Holland Land Company and the Erie Canal” beginning at 9 a.m. Admission is free, with coffee and donuts provided.
If you’d like to attend, call 343-4727 or email hollandlandoffice@gmail.com

All URMC Patients from Pembroke Bus Crash Released

All six patients treated at the University of Rochester Medical Center after August’s deadly bus crash in Pembroke have now been released.
The I-90 crash left five people dead and 47 hospitalized across Rochester and Buffalo. The tour bus, carrying 54 passengers back to New York City from Niagara Falls, overturned on August 22.
The National Transportation Safety Board says all aspects of the crash remain under investigation.

Batavia Weighs Housing Development Support

Batavia officials are looking at a plan that could bring 30 new homes to the city. Developer Batavia Homes & Development wants to build market-rate houses off Northpointe Drive, with prices starting around three-hundred thousand dollars.
The catch is infrastructure, extending the road, water, and sewer service, plus upgrades to a nearby pump station. The total price tag is about $2.5 million. Genesee County has secured a $1 million state grant to help cover that cost, while the developer would pay the rest.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski says the project will add to the housing supply and the tax base, while City Council members noted it should also bring new families and spending power to Batavia.
If approved, the project would add a brand-new street and dozens of mid-sized homes aimed at middle-income buyers.

Try Hockey for Free Event Rescheduled

The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association is hosting a Try Hockey for Free event this Saturday at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Evans Street in Batavia. The session runs from noon to 1:30 and welcomes kids ages 4 to 9 to get on the ice, learn basic skating and stick skills, and even take shots on real goalies.
Equipment will be provided if needed, and every child gets a free jersey. Registration is open now at tryhockeyforfree.com, zip code 14020.