Wednesday News Brief

OPEN MEETINGS LAW DISPUTE RETURNS TO BATAVIA CITY COUNCIL

Questions about executive sessions and New York’s Open Meetings Law were back before Batavia City Council Monday night.
Batavian publisher Howard Owens again challenged the city’s handling of executive sessions, arguing that council may have violated state law by improperly entering closed-door meetings and discussing matters that should have been handled publicly.
Owens urged Council President Eugene Jankowski to seek a formal legal analysis from City Attorney George Van Nest rather than relying on what he described as a dismissive response to concerns previously raised.
Jankowski did not respond during the meeting. Van Nest said any response would need to occur privately under attorney-client privilege rather than in an open public discussion.
The disagreement centers on how executive sessions are scheduled and conducted, with Owens contending the issue is about legal compliance, not the number of closed-door meetings held by the council.

EMBROIDERY 101 COMING TO BERGEN

Looking to learn a new creative skill? Roots and Branches in Bergen is hosting Embroidery 101 Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The beginner-friendly class will introduce participants to the basics of embroidery, including several foundational stitching techniques. Students will put their new skills to work by creating a felt needle book to take home.
The workshop will be held at Roots and Branches, located at 12 South Lake Avenue in Bergen. The cost is just over $23 per person.
Organizers say the class is perfect for anyone interested in learning embroidery in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

 

 

 

 

STAFFORD RESIDENT PROPOSES NEW YOUTH BALLFIELD

A Stafford resident is hoping to bring a new youth baseball and softball field to the town.

Kimberly Torrey presented a proposal to the Stafford Town Board Monday night for a multi-use field behind Emery Park, saying it would provide a safe outdoor space for children while supporting local families and businesses.

The project would include a graded infield, fencing, benches, and a portable pitching mound, with an estimated first-phase cost of about $56,000. Torrey said grants, sponsorships, volunteer labor, and community partnerships could help reduce costs.

Town officials responded positively to the proposal and discussed potential funding opportunities, parking considerations, and future planning. If funding can be secured, Torrey hopes construction could begin this fall with the field opening in time for the 2027 youth baseball and softball season.

NOTRE DAME STATE CHAMPIONS HONORED BY STATE LEGISLATORS

The 2025-26 Notre Dame Fighting Irish girls basketball team was honored Monday by State Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Steven Hawley with a joint legislative proclamation recognizing its state championship season.
The Irish captured the NYSPHSAA Class D state title on March 20 with a 65-49 victory over Chateaugay, finishing off a memorable season defined by hard work, determination, and teamwork.
The proclamation notes that the championship marks the third state title in program history and celebrates the accomplishments of players Sofia Falleti, Gianna Falleti, Shirley Thompson, Quinn Boardman, Clairissa Milliman, Penny Jo Thompson, Emma Fitch, Riley Yunker, Harper Ferris, Lillian Thompson, Layla Vasciannie, Lucia Fiorentino, and Madelyn Casey.
The recognition adds another honor to a historic season for Notre Dame girls basketball.

 

U.S. HELICOPTER INCIDENT RAISES TENSIONS IN IRAN CONFLICT

Tensions in the Middle East escalated Tuesday after President Donald Trump accused Iran of shooting down a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
The two crew members aboard the aircraft were safely rescued in what military officials say was the first-ever U.S. drone boat rescue at sea. Both aviators were uninjured.
Trump vowed the United States would respond to the attack, while Iran denied responsibility. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that foreign military forces operating near Iranian territory remain at risk and suggested they leave the region.
The incident further strains an already fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Despite the heightened tensions, Trump said he remains optimistic that a broader agreement with Iran could still be reached in the coming days.

 

 

 

WALL STREET SWINGS AS AI STOCKS STUMBLE AGAIN

Another volatile day for artificial intelligence stocks sent Wall Street on a roller coaster Tuesday.
The Nasdaq fell about one percent as major AI-related companies erased early gains and finished lower. Chipmakers and technology firms tied to the AI boom, including Micron, Marvell, and AMD, all saw sharp swings throughout the trading day.
Investors continue debating whether the recent pullback is simply a correction after massive gains or the beginning of a longer downturn for the sector.
Meanwhile, falling oil prices helped airline stocks move higher, while investors also kept a close eye on inflation data and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The Dow Jones Industrial Average managed a modest gain, but concerns over AI stocks once again dominated the market’s attention.

 

STALLIONS SHUT OUT SPARTANS IN SEASON OPENER

The Genesee County Spartans dropped a 23-0 decision to the Southern Tier Stallions Saturday afternoon in Northeastern Football Alliance action at Pembroke Town Park.
The Stallions scored in every quarter and capitalized on seven Spartans turnovers to improve to 2-0 on the season. Southern Tier was led by Illya Watson, who rushed for a touchdown, while Lester Owens added a punt return score and Deavonte Jones hauled in a 74-yard touchdown reception.
The Spartans struggled offensively, throwing five interceptions and losing two other turnovers. Despite the setback, head coach Jermaine Henderson praised his team’s effort and expressed confidence that the Spartans have the talent and leadership to bounce back.
Genesee County will look for its first win of the season next Saturday when the Spartans travel to Ithaca to face the Warriors.