Friday News Brief

Residents Push Back on Proposed West Main Street Gas Station

A proposed gas station on West Main Street in Batavia is facing growing opposition from nearby residents concerned about safety and quality of life.
During a recent Planning and Development Committee meeting, neighbors spoke out against plans for a six-pump Sunoco station at the former Timebuyer site, citing concerns over increased traffic, potential fumes, and declining property values.
Residents say the already narrow and busy Montclair Avenue could become more dangerous, especially for children and school bus stops, while others raised concerns about environmental impacts and long-term effects on the neighborhood.
The project’s developer says a newly completed traffic study shows only a minimal increase in traffic and believes the station would be a positive addition to the area.
City officials have not made a final decision, with the proposal set to be revisited at the next committee meeting in May.

 

Batavia Hosting Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday

The Batavia Police Department and the DEA are hosting a Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents can safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications at a drop-off site on Alva Place near the Bank of America ATM. The service is free, anonymous, and no questions will be asked.
Officials say the event helps prevent drug misuse, theft, and accidental overdoses by removing potentially dangerous medications from homes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ceasefire Extended as Tensions Escalate in Middle East

President Donald Trump says Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire with Hezbollah by three weeks following talks at the White House.
The extension comes as tensions remain high across the region. The U.S. has also escalated its stance against Iran, with Trump ordering military forces to take aggressive action against Iranian boats deploying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military has seized another tanker tied to Iranian oil smuggling, while Iran has responded with attacks on cargo ships in the region, further raising concerns about global shipping and energy supplies.
Despite the ceasefire extension, violence has continued, highlighting the fragile nature of the agreement as diplomatic efforts move forward.

 

 

 

 

Four Candidates, Budget Vote Set for Richmond Library

Batavia voters will have decisions to make next month as four candidates compete for two open seats on the Richmond Memorial Library Board of Trustees.
The race includes incumbent Richard Beatty and newcomers Mary Burns, Emily Insinna, and Kimberly Laird, with terms running through 2029.
Voters will also weigh in on the library’s proposed $1.85 million budget, which includes a 2% tax levy increase. For most homeowners, that would mean just over $4 more per year on a $200,000 home.
Library officials say the budget is designed to remain conservative while still maintaining services, even as personnel and operational costs continue to rise.
The vote is scheduled for May 7 at Richmond Memorial Library.

 

Byron Man Arrested After Another Police Chase Ends in Crash

A Byron man is facing charges after being involved in another police pursuit that ended in a crash.
Greece Police say officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle Monday night after it was flagged by a license plate reader. The driver fled, leading officers into Rochester before crashing into another vehicle at Driving Park Avenue and Ramona Street.
Two men — 32-year-old Ronald Paniccia of Rochester and 31-year-old Alexander Scheg of Byron — were taken into custody. Authorities say fentanyl was found inside the stolen car.
Both men are now facing multiple charges, including drug possession, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, and obstruction.
No injuries were reported.
Police note Scheg was also involved in a separate high-speed chase in 2021 that ended in a crash across Genesee and Orleans counties.

 

 

 

New Law Opens Door for Millions of Americans to Claim Canadian Citizenship

A recent change to Canada’s citizenship laws is sparking a surge of interest from Americans looking to claim dual citizenship.
Under the new rules, citizenship can now be passed down beyond just one generation — meaning people with a Canadian parent, grandparent, or even more distant ancestor may already qualify.
Immigration attorneys say they’ve been flooded with inquiries since the law took effect, with some firms handling dozens of consultations a day.
Motivations vary, from job opportunities to political concerns, but experts say millions of Americans could be eligible under the updated policy.
Applicants must still provide documentation to prove their ancestry, and processing times can take several months.

 

 

Elba Cruises, Notre Dame Stays Perfect in Full Baseball Roundup

Elba put together a complete performance Thursday, rolling past Letchworth 12-2 behind a big offensive night from Alex Rascoe, who had three hits, two doubles, and three RBIs. Brendan Porey and Mark Caparco each added two hits, while Ryan Marsceill earned the win on the mound with five strong innings.
Notre Dame stayed unbeaten at 5-0 with an 11-6 win over Attica. Eli Grice powered the offense with a home run and five RBIs, while Chase Antinore added three hits and Evan Fitzpatrick chipped in with a double and three runs scored.
Kendall remained perfect as well, dominating Byron-Bergen 19-0. Vinnie D’Agostino and Jacob Abrams each drove in four runs, and Jonny Conte racked up four hits in the blowout.
Alexander shut out Wheatland-Chili 12-0 behind a strong outing from Leo Egloff, and Pembroke capped the night with an 8-0 win over Oakfield-Alabama, fueled by a dominant 16-strikeout performance on the mound.