Friday News Brief

OAKFIELD-ALABAMA NAMES NEW SUPERINTENDENT

The Oakfield-Alabama Central School District has selected Loran Carter as its next superintendent.
The appointment was approved during a special Board of Education meeting Wednesday, and Carter is scheduled to officially begin her new role on July 6th.
Carter brings extensive educational leadership experience to the district, having served as a classroom teacher, curriculum director, mathematics coordinator, Universal Pre-K director, and most recently as acting elementary principal in the Eden Central School District.
School officials say Carter’s focus on student achievement, strong community relationships, and support for students’ academic and social-emotional needs helped her emerge from a competitive field of candidates.
Board President Justin Staebell called the search process thorough and extensive, thanking community stakeholders for their input.
Carter will work alongside Interim Superintendent Tim Banzer in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition before taking over leadership of the district this summer.

CITY CONSIDERS EXPANDING BENEFITS FOR NONUNION EMPLOYEES

The Batavia City Council is considering changes to benefits for nonunion city employees that could increase annual sick time buyouts and raise payments for workers who opt out of the city’s health insurance plan.
Under the proposal, eligible employees could cash out up to 20 unused sick days per year instead of the current 10. The city is also considering increasing payments from 2-thousand to 5-thousand dollars annually for employees who choose coverage through a spouse’s health insurance plan.
Supporters say the changes could help encourage employees to move into leadership positions without losing valuable benefits, while critics question whether the proposal is necessary and what impact it could have on city finances.
City officials say additional discussions and possible resolutions are expected in the coming weeks.

FIRST WOMAN ELECTED TO LEAD WROTB BOARD

The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation has a new board chair, and she’s making history. Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney was unanimously elected Thursday as the first woman to lead the WROTB Board of Directors in the organization’s 50-year history.
Rodriguez-Dabney, who represents the City of Buffalo on the board, said she’s honored by the board’s confidence and plans to focus on growth, accountability, and strengthening Batavia Downs and WROTB’s regional impact.
She pointed to the organization’s record-setting success over the past year and says priorities moving forward include reviewing WROTB’s strategic plan, evaluating branch operations across the region, and continuing discussions on a proposed hotel expansion at Batavia Downs.
Rodriguez-Dabney has served on the board since 2024 and currently works as senior vice president and chief employee advocacy and fairness officer at Roswell Park Cancer Center. She says being the first woman to hold the position is meaningful, but her focus remains on the work ahead.

IRAN CEASEFIRE TALKS ADVANCE AS TRUMP REVIEWS PROPOSED DEAL

A tentative agreement has reportedly been reached between the United States and Iran that would extend the current ceasefire for 60 days and begin negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, though President Donald Trump has not yet signed off on the proposal.
The development comes after days of renewed tensions, including reports that Iran launched missiles toward Kuwait and accusations from both sides of ceasefire violations. Despite the ongoing negotiations, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales Thursday.
Vice President JD Vance says negotiators are still working through disagreements involving Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and future nuclear enrichment activities.
Officials say the framework for a deal exists, but final approval rests with the president as diplomatic efforts continue amid a fragile ceasefire in the region.

BYRON-BERGEN HOSTS ANNUAL AG DAY

Students at Byron-Bergen got a hands-on look at agriculture and conservation during the district’s annual Ag Day. The event brought together local farmers, FFA members, entrepreneurs, a beekeeper, DEC representatives, and law enforcement officers for a day of learning.
Students met a variety of farm animals, learned about forestry, tree care, first aid, and beekeeping, and even participated in a pedal tractor pull and chocolate milk taste test.
Organizers say the event continues to grow each year while helping students explore careers and opportunities connected to agriculture and natural resources.

NHL GREAT CLAUDE LEMIEUX DIES AT 60

The hockey world is mourning the loss of four-time Stanley Cup champion Claude Lemieux, who has died at the age of 60. Authorities in Florida say Lemieux died by suicide after being found early Thursday morning at his family’s furniture store.
Lemieux was one of the NHL’s most accomplished and controversial players, known for his physical style, clutch playoff performances, and fierce competitiveness. Over a 21-year NHL career, he won Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1995.
Lemieux scored nearly 400 career goals and ranks among the NHL’s all-time playoff scoring leaders. Just days ago, he served as the Canadiens’ ceremonial torch bearer before a playoff game in Montreal.
Tributes have poured in from across the hockey community, with former teammates and opponents remembering both his championship pedigree and his impact on the game.
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Photo Courtesy of Jordyn Tobolski

LOCAL TEAMS CHASING SECTIONAL TITLES FRIDAY NIGHT

Friday will be a championship day for a pair of local programs as Notre Dame baseball and Oakfield-Alabama softball each take the field with Section V titles on the line.
In Class C1 baseball, No. 2 Notre Dame will face No. 1 Gananda at 5:30 p.m. in Newark. The Irish enter the title game at 20-1 and have reached another milestone-filled season under head coach Rick Rapone. Notre Dame has been powered by standout seasons from Chase Antinore and Evan Fitzpatrick, while Adyn Horzempa and Drew Beachel have helped anchor one of the area’s most productive lineups. The Irish are seeking what would be the program’s 12th sectional championship.
Meanwhile in Class D1 softball, No. 2 Oakfield-Alabama will take on defending sectional champion Fillmore at 5 p.m. in Livonia. The Hornets bring a 17-1 record into the championship game and have dominated opponents all season, averaging nearly 14 runs per contest.
Oakfield-Alabama is led offensively by Chloe Lamb, Raine Denny, Emma Thompson and Allison Harkness, while ace Savannah Durham has been dominant in the circle with a 10-1 record, a microscopic ERA, and well over 100 strikeouts.
Both teams will be looking to cap off outstanding seasons by bringing another sectional title back to Genesee County Friday night.