Monday News Brief

Genesee County hires lobbying firm to push back on large-scale solar projects

Genesee County officials are bringing in outside help as they push back against large solar projects approved at the state level.
With preliminary approval from the Ways and Means Committee, the county plans to hire the Martin Group of Buffalo for public relations and advocacy work tied to renewable energy siting. County Manager Matt Landers says the goal is to better communicate local concerns to both the public and state lawmakers in Albany.
Landers says the county wants changes to the Office of Renewable Energy Siting process, including requiring the state to consider how many large solar projects already exist in a community before approving new ones. While public input is required under current law, local governments do not have final approval authority.
A county search committee reviewed 6 proposals and unanimously selected the Martin Group, citing its experience, reputation, and media connections. The firm would advocate for Genesee County’s position as the state continues reviewing projects like the proposed Alabama Solar Park.
If approved by the full Legislature Feb. 11, the county will sign a 1-year contract at $160 an hour. The cost is already included in the 2026 budget.

STOP-DWI enforcement underway today

Today, Feb. 9, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Batavia Police Department are taking part in a coordinated STOP-DWI enforcement effort across the county.
The high-visibility campaign is focused on impaired driving awareness and includes increased patrols before, during, and after the big game.
Officials urge drivers to plan a safe ride home, use a taxi or ride service, or rely on a sober friend. If someone has been drinking or using drugs, do not let them drive.
Law enforcement says the message is simple: if you are drinking, do not drive.

Epstein probe found abuse but no trafficking ring

An Associated Press review of Justice Department records shows the FBI found extensive evidence that Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused underage girls, but little proof he ran a sex trafficking ring serving powerful men.
Investigators searched Epstein’s homes, reviewed bank records, seized videos and photos, and interviewed dozens of victims. Prosecutors said none of the evidence implicated other high-profile individuals, and no so-called “client list” was found.
Internal memos show some accusers alleged Epstein shared them with wealthy associates, but agents said those claims could not be confirmed and were not supported by other victims.
Authorities ultimately closed the investigation without additional federal charges, citing a lack of evidence beyond Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is now serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Genesee County boys basketball weekend recap

Genesee County boys basketball delivered big moments over the weekend. Pembroke won its 11th straight, edging Alexander 51-46 behind Nolan Peterson’s 25 points in a road showdown. Batavia rolled past Greece Olympia 72-46, led by 20 from Ty Gioia. Notre Dame cruised to an 81-44 win over Wheatland-Chili, while Elba handled Lyndonville 76-37. Byron-Bergen rallied from an early hole to beat Holley, and Early College topped Oakfield-Alabama 74-67.

Genesee County tourism sees growth in 2025

Despite a drop in Canadian visitors last year, tourism numbers in Genesee County were up in several key areas in 2025. Tourism Director Kelly Rapone says hotel sales increased 22% for the year, driven largely by strong lodging demand and the reopening of the Baymont by Wyndham at Darien Lake, which added 53 rooms back into the county’s inventory.
Overall lodging revenue is projected at $26 million in 2025, up from $24.5 million the year before. Other tourism-related spending also rose, including food and dining at $65 million, retail at $23 million, recreation and entertainment at $20 million, county taxes at $9 million, and state taxes at $8 million. Tourism payroll climbed to $48 million. Transportation was one of the few areas to dip, falling to $11 million.
Rapone says visitors spent nearly $136 million on goods and services, accounting for 45% of all card spending in the county. Most visitors came from New York State, with Rochester alone responsible for 40% of Visa spending. Canadian visitor spending dropped 32% due to tariffs and travel boycotts.
Looking ahead, the county plans to finalize its tourism brand, complete a 5-year strategic plan, and prepare for major events in 2026, including America 250 and the World Aerobatic Championships.

Hochul proposes ‘virtual power plant’ program for households

Governor Kathy Hochul wants New Yorkers to help ease strain on the electric grid by turning their homes into part of what’s called a “virtual power plant.”
Under the proposed Excelsior Power program, households could receive a $25 monthly credit for a year — $300 total — in exchange for allowing their utility to slightly adjust smart thermostats on days when electricity demand is highest, usually during summer heat waves.
The approach, known as demand response, is already used by large businesses and is now being expanded to residential customers. During last June’s heat wave, similar programs helped cut statewide demand enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes.
State regulators will now develop the rules for the program. Supporters say demand response is a faster, cheaper alternative to building new power plants, while critics caution it depends on voluntary participation.
If approved, the program would require a WiFi-enabled smart thermostat and could roll out statewide in the coming years.