Monday News Brief

County Planning Board Backs Expansion of Tracy B’s Farm Brewery

The Genesee County Planning Board is supporting a proposed expansion of Tracy B’s Market and Farm Brewery.
Owners James Barsaloux and Tracy Barsaloux plan to expand the brewery building by 30 feet in the front and 50 feet in the back, which would more than double the current brewing capacity. The project would also add indoor seating and additional space for flowers and hanging baskets.
The expansion is intended to strengthen the local agricultural economy and align with the Town of Le Roy’s comprehensive plan.
If approvals are granted, the owners hope to begin construction this summer with a goal of finishing before the end of the year. The project is expected to cost between $100,000 and $200,000.
Next, the proposal will go before the Le Roy Town/Village Planning Board on Tuesday, followed by a hearing with the Le Roy Zoning Board of Appeals on March 24 to request a setback variance.

RTS Link Ride Service Launches in Batavia

Regional Transit Service is launching its new ride-share style service in Batavia beginning today.
The new RTS Link program offers curb-to-curb transportation Monday through Friday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Riders can travel anywhere within Batavia for $5 per trip using ADA-accessible vehicles operated by RTS Genesee.
Trips can be booked through the Pingo app or by calling RTS during business hours, with rides available on demand or scheduled up to 24 hours in advance.
Officials say the service offers a flexible and affordable transportation option for evening travel around the city.

Taiwan Reports Increase in Chinese Military Flights Near Island

Taiwan reported a new surge in Chinese military activity near the island over the weekend.
According to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, 26 aircraft from People’s Liberation Army were detected Saturday, with 16 entering Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. Seven Chinese naval ships were also spotted operating nearby.
The increase follows a notable slowdown in flights over the past two weeks, when few or no Chinese aircraft were reported near the island.
Analysts say the earlier drop may have been linked to China’s annual legislative meeting or an effort by China to ease tensions ahead of a planned visit by Donald Trump later this month.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to bring the island under its control, by force if necessary.

Proposed Senior Housing Project in Batavia Draws Neighborhood Concerns

A proposed redevelopment project at 235 State Street in Batavia is drawing concern from nearby residents as the plan moves forward for city review.
Developer Scott Procious is seeking a zoning change to allow a large mixed-use senior housing development at the six-acre site, formerly home to the New York State Armory.
Plans submitted by Passero Associates outline a four-story building with up to 113 residential units, along with parking, utilities and stormwater improvements. Two existing buildings would also be renovated into a community center and a medical or wellness facility.
To proceed, the property would need to be rezoned from residential to a planned development district allowing mixed-use development.
Some nearby residents, including Jim Sweeney and Joanne Sheelar, have begun circulating information in surrounding neighborhoods raising concerns about traffic, noise and lighting impacts.
The proposal is scheduled to be reviewed by Batavia’s Planning and Development Committee Tuesday at City Hall. A public hearing will be held later before the Batavia City Council considers whether to approve the zoning change.

Local Police Taking Part in St. Patrick’s Day STOP-DWI Crackdown

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Batavia Police Department are joining statewide impaired-driving enforcement efforts through Wednesday, March 18.
The campaign is part of New York State STOP-DWI Program and comes during the busy St. Patrick’s Day weekend, when alcohol-related crashes historically increase.
Authorities say patrols and checkpoints will be increased across New York as law enforcement agencies work to prevent impaired driving and reduce injuries and fatalities.
Officials are reminding drivers to make a plan for a safe ride home if they plan to drink.

Trump Faces Political Pressure as Iran Conflict Continues

Two weeks after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, Donald Trump is facing growing political pressure over the conflict.
Rising oil prices, falling financial markets and American casualties have raised concerns among voters and lawmakers, while some of Trump’s supporters have begun questioning the administration’s strategy.
The conflict has also had global economic effects. The U.S. recently eased some sanctions on Russian oil shipments, a move critics say could benefit Vladimir Putin as Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions threaten a major portion of the world’s oil supply.
With the conflict ongoing and energy prices rising, the situation is expected to remain a major political issue heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Notre Dame Tops Sherman, Advances to State Final Four

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are headed to the state Final Four after a 47–40 win over the Sherman Wildcats in the NYSPHSAA Far West Regional.
Sofia Falleti led the Irish with a game-high 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Quinn Boardman added 10 points and eight rebounds.
Notre Dame built a halftime lead and held off several Sherman comeback attempts before an and-one from Boardman sealed the win late.
With the victory, Notre Dame advances to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class D semifinals Thursday at Hudson Valley Community College.