Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on October 17, 2025
Alexander GOP Announces Endorsed Candidates
The Town of Alexander Republican Committee has announced its endorsements for the Nov. 4 general election.
For town clerk, the committee backs Shannon Bartholomew, who was appointed in February and has since implemented new cash management procedures, worked on water district projects, and revamped the town’s website and Facebook page.
For the two four-year town board seats, incumbents Laura Schmieder and Eric Wagner have received endorsements. Schmieder, a lifelong resident, has served on the board since 2020 and was town clerk for 12 years. Wagner, also a lifelong resident, was first elected in 2014 and says he’s committed to keeping Alexander a strong, close-knit community.
The committee also endorses Kevin Finnell for Genesee County District Attorney and Sandra Owen for County Coroner. Early voting begins Oct. 25 at the Genesee ARC Community Center in Batavia, with Election Day polling at the Alexander Firemen’s Recreation Hall.
Stafford Candidates Night Set for Oct. 27
The Stafford Preservation Group will host its 12th biennial Candidates Night on Monday, October 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Stafford Town Hall on Route 237.
Former WBTA owner Dan Fisher will moderate the event. Voters are invited to meet local candidates, submit questions, and enjoy some fall refreshments. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Arc GLOW Honors Achievements and Outlines Goals at Annual Awards Dinner
Over 300 people attended Arc GLOW’s 3rd Annual Awards Dinner and Meeting Wednesday night at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel. Local lawmakers Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey, along with representatives from Senators George Borrello and Rob Ortt’s offices, were on hand to present citations to honorees.
CEO Martin Miskell outlined major goals for the coming year, including opening training facilities in Mt. Morris and Batavia, phasing out subminimum wage programs, and investing in staff development, housing renovations, and community engagement.
Top honors included Wesley Munt for Community Services, Julie Johnston for Self-Advocacy, Richard Faery for Supported Employment, Katrina Pragle for Pre-Vocational, David Gonzalez for Day Habilitation, and Jennifer Waddington as Friend of Arc GLOW.
Additional awards recognized Geoffery Burnett, Dawn Ratigan, Megan Smith, Meredith Lindeman, Parkview Health Services, and Eric Parker for their outstanding contributions.
For more information, visit ArcGLOW.org.
Batavia High to Honor Distinguished Alumni at Musicians of Note Ceremony
Batavia High School will host its sixth annual Musicians of Note ceremony on Thursday, October 23 at 7 p.m. in the Frank E. Owen Auditorium. The program honors BHS graduates who have made significant contributions in music.
Honorees will be recognized with video presentations, live performances, and plaques displayed on the school’s Musicians of Note wall.
This year’s inductees are Carole Haber (Class of 1975), an acclaimed soprano and longtime New England Conservatory faculty member; Lila Ruth Dean Hamilton (Class of 1945), a beloved music teacher and choir director; Suzanne Leyden (Class of 1999), violinist and music educator; and Karl Leopold Reiss (Class of 1972), percussionist and arts administrator.
The event is free and open to the public.
Genesee County Soccer Scoreboard Thursday Night
In girls soccer, Byron-Bergen blanked Alexander 8–0, Haverling topped York/Pavilion 2–0, and Attica cruised past Medina 9–0.
On the boys side, Batavia fell to Greece Athena 5–3, while Pembroke rolled past Royalton-Hartland 7–1.
