Monday News Brief

NEW BATAVIA POLICE STATION OFFICIALLY OPENS

Batavia’s long-awaited new police headquarters is now officially open — and city leaders say it’s about more than just a building.
During Friday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony at Alva Place and Bank Street, community leaders, law enforcement, and elected officials gathered to celebrate the $15.5 million project, replacing the city’s previous station that was more than 170 years old.
Pastor Don Shirk emphasized the deeper meaning behind the facility, saying the station represents “hearts and souls” dedicated to protecting the community. City officials echoed that sentiment, calling the new space a modern, ADA-compliant hub designed to better serve both officers and residents.
City Council President Eugene Jankowski highlighted the need for updated resources, while Congresswoman Claudia Tenney praised the project as a major investment in public safety and the future of Genesee County.
The 19,000-square-foot building includes updated interview rooms, evidence processing areas, and community-friendly spaces — along with a 24/7 accessible vestibule for emergency assistance.
Funding for the project includes a $13 million USDA loan and a $2.5 million federal grant secured with help from Chuck Schumer.
Officials say the new station is built to serve Batavia for generations to come.

 

MERCY FLIGHT CALLED TO PAVILION MOTOCROSS INJURY

Emergency crews were called to the Pavilion Motocross track on Taylor Road Sunday around noon for a serious injury.
Pavilion Fire and Medic 83 responded to the scene, where a rider suffered a broken femur. Mercy Flight was requested out of Wellsville with an estimated 26-minute response time.
Racing was paused as the helicopter landed directly on the roadway to load the patient.
Mercy Flight then transported the individual to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment.

 

 

 

CARGO SHIP ATTACKED NEAR STRAIT OF HORMUZ

A cargo ship traveling near the Strait of Hormuz was attacked Sunday by multiple small boats, according to British military officials.
The vessel, sailing northbound near Iran, was approached by several fast-moving craft in what marks at least two dozen similar incidents since the conflict in the region began.
All crew members were reported safe, and no group has claimed responsibility.
The attack comes as tensions remain high despite a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States, with Tehran continuing to assert control over the strategic waterway.
Meanwhile, Iran says it is reviewing a new U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war, though officials stress negotiations are not focused on nuclear issues at this time.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route, carrying roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, and any disruption continues to raise concerns about global markets and energy prices.

 

 

WEEKEND LOCAL SCORES ROUNDUP

In softball, Our Lady of Mercy rolled past Le Roy 13-2 behind a huge day from Brenna Ray, who had three hits including a home run and four RBIs.
Pembroke picked up an 8-4 win over Notre Dame, powered by Jayden Hootman — seven strikeouts in the circle and a double at the plate.
On the baseball side, Maxwell Marsocci dominated for Byron-Bergen, tossing a five-inning, one-hit shutout with 13 strikeouts in a 13-0 win over Wheatland-Chili.
And on Friday, Notre Dame stayed unbeaten with a 15-2 victory over Byron-Bergen, led by Chase Antinore’s three-hit, three-RBI performance.
That’s your weekend local scores recap.

 

 

HODGINS ENGRAVING REOPENS AFTER DEVASTATING FIRE

Nearly one year after a massive fire destroyed its facility, Hodgins Engraving in Batavia is back in business.
Owner Becky Almeter and employees gathered with community leaders to cut the ribbon on their new location on East Main Street Road, marking a remarkable comeback after the 2025 blaze left the future of the company uncertain.
Almeter says in the days after the fire, she believed the business might be lost for good, with more than 100 thousand dollars in orders affected. But support from customers, employees, and other businesses helped keep operations alive, even without a physical workspace.
Crews worked out of temporary offices while salvaging data, securing equipment, and rebuilding from the ground up.
Almeter credited first responders, local partners, and her staff for never giving up during the process.
Community leaders say the reopening highlights resilience and the strength of local partnerships, turning what could have been a tragedy into a story of recovery.
Hodgins was able to relocate and resume operations in less than a year.

 

BYRON-BERGEN HOSTS ANNUAL CAREER DAY

Byron-Bergen Junior-Senior High School welcomed dozens of professionals to campus last month for its annual Career Day and Opportunity Fair.
More than 80 speakers took part, giving students exposure to a wide range of career paths — from trades and law enforcement to business, healthcare, and even artificial intelligence.
Students in grades six through 12 attended presentations, panels, and hands-on sessions, including a special look at college life from current students.
The event also featured more than 40 organizations set up in the gym, offering information on careers, education, and volunteer opportunities.
School officials say the goal is to help students start thinking about their future — while connecting them with real-world experiences and members of their own community.

 

SPIRIT AIRLINES SHUTS DOWN AFTER 34 YEARS

Budget carrier Spirit Airlines has shut down operations after 34 years in business.
The airline announced it is immediately winding down, canceling all flights and ending customer service, leaving passengers stranded at airports across the country.
Company officials say rising fuel costs — tied in part to the conflict involving Iran — made it impossible to continue operations, despite previous bankruptcy attempts to stay afloat.
About 17,000 employees are now out of work, while other major airlines are stepping in with limited discounted fares for stranded travelers.
Federal officials say refunds will be available for customers who booked directly through the airline, but those who used third-party services may face a more complicated process.
Once known for its ultra-low fares and no-frills model, Spirit’s sudden closure marks a major shakeup in the airline industry.