Monday News Brief

TWO CHARGED IN OAKFIELD CALF THEFT CASE

Two Lockport residents are facing felony charges after investigators say they stole 17 Holstein heifer calves from Lamb Farms in the Town of Oakfield.
Twenty-five-year-old Torrence Schmitt and 26-year-old Kerisa Schmitt were arrested June 3 in Jamestown with assistance from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and were arraigned in Genesee County CAP Court the following day.
Investigators say the calves were taken overnight on May 24 and were valued at more than $41,000. Authorities also allege the pair removed identification tags from 16 of the animals in an effort to conceal evidence, resulting in additional charges.
Both defendants are charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree grand larceny, tampering with evidence, and first-degree falsifying business records.
The Schmitts were released under Genesee Justice supervision and are scheduled to appear in Genesee County Court at a later date.

 

PHELPS OUT AS BATAVIA DPW DIRECTOR

Tom Phelps will not be returning as director of the City of Batavia’s Department of Public Works.
Phelps and city officials allegedly have entered into a separation agreement following his placement on administrative leave earlier this year for undisclosed reasons.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski and Assistant City Manager Shawn Heubusch are reportedly overseeing DPW operations in the interim. City officials have declined to comment, citing personnel matters.
Phelps confirmed in May that he had been placed on administrative leave and said at the time that he could not comment while an investigation was ongoing.
Phelps joined the City of Batavia in 2019 and was promoted to DPW director in October of 2024. No further details regarding the separation agreement or investigation have been released.

 

 

ROBERT MORRIS SIGN REMOVED AFTER INSTALLATION ISSUE

A new digital sign installed outside Robert Morris Elementary School in Batavia has been temporarily removed after concerns were raised about its placement near the intersection of Richmond and Vernon avenues.
School Superintendent Jason Smith says the sign was part of the district’s 2020 Reimagined Capital Project and was intended to better identify the school for families and visitors.
However, after complaints from nearby residents that the sign partially obstructed the intersection, the district worked with city officials, architects, and construction managers to remove it. The sign will be relocated farther back from the roadway and reinstalled later this summer or early fall.
District officials say the cost of moving and reinstalling the sign will be covered entirely by the project’s architects. The digital sign itself carries a price tag of approximately $56,000.

 

 

GCC STUDENT EARNS STATEWIDE SUNY HONOR

Genesee Community College student Said Adam has been named a recipient of the 2026 Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Student Excellence.
The award, presented by the SUNY Board of Trustees and Chancellor John King, recognizes outstanding students in the Educational Opportunity Program for academic achievement and perseverance.
Adam was one of just 49 EOP students honored statewide this year.
GCC officials praised Adam’s dedication and success, saying he exemplifies the mission of the Educational Opportunity Program, which provides academic and financial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

 

 

IRAN FIRES MISSILES AT ISRAEL AS CEASEFIRE FACES NEW TEST

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran is under renewed strain after Israel says Iran launched missiles into the country Sunday, marking the first such attack since the truce took effect in April.
Air raid sirens sounded across parts of northern Israel as the military worked to intercept the incoming missiles. Iranian state media confirmed the launches.
The exchange follows an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs that killed two people and wounded 20 others. Iran had warned that any new attack on Lebanon could reignite broader fighting across the Middle East.
Diplomatic efforts to secure a wider agreement continue, with Pakistan, Egypt, and Qatar all involved in discussions aimed at reducing tensions. However, the latest violence highlights the challenges facing negotiators as they work to prevent the conflict from escalating once again.

 

 

 

12 WOUNDED IN SHOOTING AT OHIO STREET FESTIVAL

Police in Toledo, Ohio, continue searching for suspects after a shooting near the Old West End Festival left 12 people injured Saturday.
Authorities say at least two individuals appeared to be shooting at each other in a crowded area near the festival, sending hundreds of attendees running for cover. Victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, with two people reported in critical condition.
Investigators have not announced any arrests and are asking anyone with photos or video from the scene to come forward.
The annual festival, one of Toledo’s largest community events, was canceled for Sunday following the violence. Officials called the shooting a tragedy and vowed to hold those responsible accountable as the investigation continues.

 

OAKFIELD-ALABAMA PUNCHES TICKET TO FINAL FOUR

For the first time in program history, the Oakfield-Alabama Hornets are headed to the New York State Class D Softball Semifinals after a 6-1 victory over Section VI champion Forestville in the Far West Regional.
The Hornets were led by Raine Denny, who broke out in a big way with two home runs, three RBIs, and three runs scored. Savannah Durham was dominant in the circle, striking out 11 and allowing just one run in a complete-game effort.
Chloe Lamb added two doubles, Emma Thompson had two hits and an RBI, and Allison Harkness and Allie Williams also drove in runs as Oakfield-Alabama improved to 20-and-1 on the season.
The Hornets will now face undefeated Section III champion Cincinnatus in the state semifinals Friday at 11:30 a.m. A win would send Oakfield-Alabama to the state championship game on Saturday.