Friday News Brief

WROTB MEETING FOCUSES ON WORKPLACE MISCONDUCT CLAIMS

The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation held a lengthy closed-door meeting Wednesday tied to allegations of workplace misconduct involving a high-ranking employee.
Board members spent more than four hours in executive session but released little information afterward.
The meeting comes amid growing tension inside the organization, including a lawsuit filed by former employee David Hughson, who claims workers tied to previous leadership were pushed aside under the current administration led by former Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.
Former WROTB President Henry Wojtaszek is also calling for the release of an outside investigative report tied to the allegations, arguing the public and board members deserve transparency.
Meanwhile, debate continues over legal fees connected to the investigation and questions surrounding leadership and oversight at Batavia Downs and WROTB operations.

ARC GLOW PROMOTES LYNN FLEMING TO COO

Arc GLOW has promoted Lynn Fleming to Chief Operating Officer while she continues serving as Chief Financial Officer.
Fleming joined the organization in 2019 and says her expanded role will focus on improving operations, strengthening current services, and developing new programs for individuals supported by Arc GLOW.
Organization leaders praised her financial leadership and operational knowledge, saying she has played a major role in the agency’s growth and long-term planning.
Arc GLOW serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

HEALTH OFFICIALS TRACK PASSENGERS AFTER DEADLY CRUISE SHIP OUTBREAK

Health officials across multiple countries are working to track passengers from a cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak.
Three people have died, including a Dutch couple and a German passenger, while several others have become ill after traveling aboard the ship.
Authorities say dozens of passengers left the vessel before the virus was officially identified, prompting contact tracing efforts across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.
The outbreak is believed to involve the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is rare because it may spread between people.
The World Health Organization says the risk to the general public remains low, but passengers and contacts are now being monitored and tested.
Investigators believe the virus may have originated during a bird-watching trip in South America before the cruise began.

BATAVIA SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES TO MEET COMMUNITY

The Batavia City School District will host a “Meet the Candidates” forum Tuesday, May 12 at 6 p.m. at Batavia Middle School.
Residents will hear from the three candidates running for two open seats on the Board of Education — Catrina DeJaneiro-Hansen, Zach Korzelius, and Matt Warren.
Former WBTA owner Dan Fischer will moderate the discussion, followed by a public question-and-answer session.
The event comes ahead of the May 19 school budget and board election, where voters will also decide on the district’s proposed 2026-27 budget.
Current board members Alice Ann Benedict and Barbara Bowman are not seeking reelection, guaranteeing at least two new members on the board this year.
Polls on election day will be open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. at designated voting locations across the city.

BERGEN MAN CHARGED WITH RAPE

A Bergen man is facing multiple felony rape charges following a joint investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police.
Authorities say James Gamble was arrested Sunday night on a Superior Court warrant. Investigators allege the incidents involved two separate victims and occurred between 2024 and 2025.
Gamble is charged with first-degree rape and third-degree rape.
He was arraigned Tuesday in Genesee County Court and ordered held on 50-thousand dollars cash bail, 200-thousand dollar bond, or a 400-thousand dollar partially secured bond.
Officials say if released, Gamble would be supervised by Genesee Justice.
He is scheduled to return to Genesee County Court later this month.

TORNADOES RIP THROUGH MISSISSIPPI

At least three tornadoes tore through parts of Mississippi Wednesday night, damaging hundreds of homes and injuring at least 17 people.
Emergency officials say around 500 homes were impacted across several counties, with some of the worst damage reported in Lincoln County, where a trailer park was devastated by the storms.
Authorities say 12 people were taken to hospitals from that area alone.
Residents described terrifying moments as homes were tossed through the air. One woman said she and several family members, including newborn babies, grabbed a Bible and sheltered in a hallway before their trailer flipped apart.
Despite the widespread destruction, no deaths have been reported.
State officials say roads remain blocked in some areas as crews continue cleanup and damage assessments.
Forecasters warn more severe weather — including possible tornadoes — could impact parts of the Southeast again today.

THURSDAY LOCAL SCORES

In softball, Notre Dame Batavia exploded for a 21-1 win over Byron-Bergen.
Alexander knocked off Elba 8-2, while Oakfield-Alabama stayed rolling with a 15-2 victory over Attica.
York/Pavilion also picked up a road win, beating Keshequa 8-6.
On the baseball side, Wayland-Cohocton defeated Le Roy 13-7.
And Notre Dame Batavia topped Alexander 16-5.