Monday News Brief

Attica Man Pleads Guilty in Genesee County Deer Poaching Case

A nearly two-year investigation into illegal deer poaching across Genesee and Wyoming counties has ended with a guilty plea and stiff penalties for a Wyoming County man.
Environmental Conservation Officers began their investigation in September 2023, after finding a headless deer in a Bethany field in Genesee County. The animal had been shot overnight with a small-caliber weapon.
The case led officers to 29-year-old Tyler Jennings of Attica, who admitted to illegally taking at least 15 antlered deer since 2019, often trespassing, hunting at night, and even tagging deer with expired permits. One of the poached animals was a large buck killed in Bethany out of season.
Jennings was arrested in February on multiple charges, including misdemeanors for illegally taking wildlife and felonies for criminal mischief. In July, he pleaded guilty, was ordered to pay $6,750 in fines and surcharges, and lost his hunting privileges for five years.
DEC officials credited tips from Genesee County residents as critical to cracking the case and reminded hunters that community cooperation is vital to protecting local wildlife.

Pavilion Students Honored with Horizon Organic Scholarships

Horizon Organic has announced the 2025 recipients of its HOPE Scholarships, which support the next generation of organic farmers. Among this year’s winners are Pavilion residents Macey Dahl and Zachary Tillotson of Cottonwood Farms LLC.
The program, now in its 18th year, has awarded more than $236,000 in scholarships to children and grandchildren of Horizon’s farmer partners nationwide. Horizon also recognized outstanding farmers with HOPE Awards and reaffirmed its commitment to family farms as a sponsor of Farm Aid 40.

Weekend Genesee County Volleyball Highlights

In girls volleyball this weekend, Warsaw topped Pavilion three sets to one. Byron-Bergen stayed unbeaten at 7-0 with a sweep over Wheatland-Chili.
Meanwhile, Le Roy improved to 11-0 and 2-0 in league play, defeating Geneseo in straight sets — 25-16, 25-16, and 25-17.
For the Knights, Evy Kanaley had 9 service points and 31 assists, Shea Williams led with 21 kills, Kylie Wilson added 14 digs, and Chloe Moran, Laney Christ, and Harper Holly all chipped in defensively and offensively to seal the win.

Genesee County Football Recap

Plenty of action across Genesee County on the gridiron Friday night.
Le Roy/Cal-Mum powered past East Rochester/Gananda 33-19. Quarterback Brady McClurg threw for 183 yards and two scores, while also rushing for 53 yards and two touchdowns. The Rivals’ defense was led by Dillon Alcott with eight tackles and a fumble recovery.
Batavia blanked Eastridge 22-0 behind a monster night from Maggio Buchholz, who rushed for 170 yards and three touchdowns, while also recording 13 tackles and two sacks on defense.
York/Pavilion stayed perfect at 4-0 with a 35-20 win over Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen. Quarterback Parker Bonefide totaled four touchdowns, while Johnny Ayers caught three passes for 83 yards and two scores. Defensively, Liam Campbell racked up 19 tackles.
Elsewhere, Canisteo-Greenwood edged Oakfield-Alabama/Elba 7-0 in a defensive slugfest, and Alexander/Pembroke rolled past Haverling 58-0.

Sold-Out Night of Champions Sets Record at Batavia Downs

Howard Owens with the Batavian reports, Western Regional Off-Track Betting’s sold-out New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions was a huge success, generating the largest wagering handle of the 2025 meet at more than $366,000.
The clubhouse hosted over 300 guests, with packed grandstands and restaurants. State racing officials praised the event, calling it the best Night of Champions ever staged.
Western Regional plans to apply to host again, while also reporting vendor fee revenues well ahead of projections, with more than $2 million expected to be distributed to member municipalities by year’s end.