Thursday News Brief

STOLEN CALVES RETURNED SAFELY TO OAKFIELD FARM

There’s a happy ending in the case of the 17 calves stolen earlier this week from Lamb Farms in Oakfield.
Farm officials confirmed Wednesday that all 17 of the missing five-month-old Holstein heifers were safely returned to the farm after being located out of state.
Kendra Lamb says investigators believed they had found the animals Tuesday night and worked to confirm the calves belonged to Lamb Farms before arrangements were made to transport them home.
Lamb says the calves appeared to be in good condition and were quickly checked over, fed, and allowed to rest once they returned.
The farm had asked neighbors and community members earlier this week to review security camera footage for suspicious truck and trailer activity after the animals disappeared sometime early Sunday morning.
Lamb credited the local community and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for helping locate the animals, saying tips from the public played a major role in bringing the calves home safely.
The Sheriff’s Office investigation into the theft remains ongoing.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE WARNS OF PHONE SCAMMERS IMPERSONATING POLICE

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a surge in phone scams involving callers pretending to be local police officers and deputies.
Officials say scammers are using spoofing technology to make caller IDs appear as real law enforcement phone numbers.
Victims are being told they missed jury duty, have warrants, or owe legal fees, and are threatened with arrest unless they immediately send money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps.
The Sheriff’s Office says real law enforcement agencies will never call demanding money to avoid arrest.
Residents are urged to hang up, verify information directly with local police agencies, and never give out personal or banking information over the phone.

 

 

 

SEARCH CONTINUES AFTER DEADLY PAPER MILL CHEMICAL TANK RUPTURE

Crews in Longview, Washington resumed searching Wednesday for nine workers presumed dead after a catastrophic chemical tank rupture at a paper mill operated by Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co..
Authorities say the likely death toll has now climbed to 11 after another injured worker died following Tuesday’s explosion and tank collapse.
Officials say more than 500-thousand gallons of a highly corrosive paper-making chemical known as “white liquor” spilled during the incident. Eight other people were injured, including a firefighter.
Search efforts had temporarily paused over concerns the damaged tank could collapse further, but crews later determined conditions were stable enough to continue recovery operations.
The accident is now considered one of the deadliest workplace disasters in the United States in recent years.
Investigators say the cause of the rupture remains unknown. Federal safety officials have launched an investigation as the community mourns workers still missing after the tragedy.

WOJTASZEK WITHDRAWS FROM WROTB BOARD BID

Former Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek has officially withdrawn from consideration for Niagara County’s open seat on the WROTB Board of Directors.
Wojtaszek announced the decision Wednesday during board committee meetings at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, saying it was unfair for Niagara County to continue without full voting representation while his gaming license remained unresolved with the New York State Gaming Commission.
Wojtaszek had been appointed to the board last September but was never officially seated after failing to secure the required gaming license.
He said recent proposed state legislation creating a 10-year waiting period before former WROTB board members or executives can return to the organization also played a role in the decision.
Despite stepping away, Wojtaszek said he was proud of the work accomplished during his time with the organization, including efforts involving hotel expansion, winter racing, and the Summer Concert Series.
Current WROTB President and CEO Byron Brown denied any involvement by the current administration in Wojtaszek’s licensing issues.

STATE GRANT TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES GROW IN BATAVIA

The Batavia Development Corporation has received a 300-thousand-dollar grant from New York State to support small business growth through its new Microenterprise Assistance Program.
The program will provide grants to startup and existing businesses in Batavia with five or fewer employees that are looking to expand and create jobs.
Applications open May 25th and will be accepted through July 3rd through the Batavia Development Corporation website.
Businesses selected for the program will also complete entrepreneurial training courses.
Officials say women-owned, veteran-owned, and minority-owned businesses are especially encouraged to apply.

 

 

 

PACKERS STAR JOSH JACOBS RELEASED AS INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Josh Jacobs was released from a Wisconsin jail Wednesday as authorities continue investigating domestic abuse allegations involving the Green Bay Packers running back.
Jacobs was arrested Tuesday in Brown County on allegations including strangulation and suffocation tied to an incident over the weekend. Prosecutors say no formal charges have been filed yet as investigators continue gathering evidence.
Jacobs’ attorneys say he denies any wrongdoing and remain confident charges ultimately will not be filed.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur declined to comment extensively on the situation Wednesday, saying the organization will allow the legal process to play out.
Jacobs rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns for Green Bay last season and is considered the team’s top returning running back heading into the 2026 NFL season.

 

 

 

 

ALMEKINDER HITS 400 STRIKEOUTS AS BATAVIA ADVANCES TO CLASS A FINAL

Batavia softball is headed to the Section V Class A championship game after a dramatic 3-2 semifinal win over Honeoye Falls-Lima Wednesday night.
Ace pitcher Arianna Almekinder reached a major milestone in the victory, recording her 400th career strikeout while punching out 14 batters in the complete-game performance.
The Blue Devils now advance to Saturday’s sectional final against Our Lady of Mercy with first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m.
Meanwhile in baseball, Elba saw its season come to an end with a 9-3 loss to Fillmore in the Section V Class D semifinals.