Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on February 3, 2026
Police blotter: theft, DWI, and harassment charges filed
Several people are facing charges following recent incidents investigated by Genesee County Sheriff’s Department.
A Lockport man is accused of stealing a gas-powered miniature Jeep from Tractor Supply on Rumsey Road in the Town of Batavia. Thirty-nine-year-old Mason Fox is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny after the item, valued at more than one thousand dollars, was taken early December 22nd. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court February 3rd.
In Alexander, 55-year-old Colleen Gill is facing multiple felony charges following a traffic stop January 28th, including DWI with a prior conviction, aggravated DWI, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Police say her blood alcohol content was .18 percent or higher. She was held for CAP Court and appeared the following morning.
Also in the Town of Batavia, Steven Barraco, 56, of Alexander, is charged with second-degree aggravated harassment as a hate crime and trespass after a reported altercation January 27th. Police say racial slurs were used during the incident. He was held for CAP Court.
And a Stafford man, 23-year-old Kaiel Robinson, is charged with second-degree harassment following a domestic incident January 31st.
Reading Awareness Night set for tonight in Oakfield
Families are invited to the Haxton Memorial Public Library tonight for Reading Awareness Night in Oakfield.
The event begins at 6 o’clock and is sponsored by Oakfield-Alabama’s Seal of Civic Readiness class. Parents and children ages zero to seven are encouraged to attend for an evening of story time, crafts, and pizza.
The first 25 children will receive a free book, and several raffle prizes will also be given away.
Reading Awareness Night takes place at the Haxton Memorial Public Library on North Pearl Street.
Earthquake swarm shakes Bay Area again
A cluster of earthquakes shook the San Francisco Bay Area early Monday, continuing a stretch of heightened seismic activity in the region.
The strongest quake measured magnitude 4-point-2, striking just south of San Ramon shortly after 7 a.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. More than a dozen smaller earthquakes were also recorded in the same area, beginning around 6:30 a.m. and lasting for over an hour.
There were no immediate reports of serious damage, though Bay Area Rapid Transit warned of possible delays as trains slowed for routine safety inspections.
Shaking was felt more than 30 miles away, including in San Francisco and parts of the East Bay. Seismologists say the area has experienced repeated earthquake swarms in recent months, a pattern where multiple quakes strike without a single main shock.
Batavia Muckdogs release 2026 schedule
The defending West Division champion Batavia Muckdogs have officially released their 2026 schedule as the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League announced its slate for the upcoming season.
Batavia’s home opener is set for Saturday, May 30th, when the Muckdogs host the Elmira Pioneers at 6:35 p.m. at Dwyer Stadium, highlighted by postgame fireworks. Batavia will host a total of four fireworks nights during the 2026 season.
The PGCBL continues to expand, with the Olean Oilers joining the league in 2026. With Olean’s addition and the Niagara Canada Ironbacks entering last season, the league will grow to 16 teams.
The Muckdogs are coming off a strong 2025 campaign, finishing first in the West Division and winning the division championship for the second time in four years before falling short in the league finals.
Team owner Robbie Nichols credits the success to strong community support and leadership, pointing to manager Joey “Skip” Martinez and the organization’s deep ties to the Batavia area.
Season tickets start at 99 dollars, with full schedule details available at canusamuckdogs.com.
Suicide loss support teams planned for Genesee County
A new effort is underway to provide immediate support to families in Genesee County after a suicide.
Suicide LOSS teams are being formed to respond directly in the community, offering on-site emotional support and connections to resources for loved ones. The teams will include trained volunteers and clinicians, with referrals expected to come from law enforcement or coroners.
Advocates say Genesee County’s suicide rate is higher than the state average, and family members of those lost are at greater risk themselves, making early, in-person support critical.
Training for the teams is expected to begin this month. For more information, contact the Genesee County Mental Health Department.
Monday night boys basketball scores
In Genesee County boys basketball Monday night, Notre Dame jumped out early and cruised past Holley 82–56. Carter Suro led the Irish with 20 points, hitting six three-pointers, as Notre Dame built a 25-point halftime lead.
Pembroke stayed hot with a 73–48 win over Lyndonville, led by Lennox Kohorst and Nolan Peterson, who combined for 39 points. The Dragons improved to 11–2.
And Kendall pulled away from Attica for a 72–57 victory. Noah Sabatino paced Attica with 17 points in the loss.
