Monday News Brief

BATAVIA FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTES HERBERGER TO DEPUTY CHIEF

The City of Batavia Fire Department has promoted Dan Herberger to Deputy Fire Chief, effective Sunday.
Herberger brings more than two decades of experience to the role, beginning his career with the department in 2002 as a paramedic before advancing through the ranks to firefighter, lieutenant, captain, and now deputy chief.
Fire Chief Joshua Graham praised Herberger’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to the community, noting that he has twice served as the department’s interim chief. In his new position, Herberger will help oversee department operations, training, personnel development, and emergency response activities.
Officials say the promotion reflects the department’s commitment to developing leadership from within while continuing to provide high-quality fire and emergency services to Batavia residents.

GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORTS SERIES OF ARRESTS

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is reporting several recent arrests across the county.
Among the most notable, Joseph Penzella of the Bronx was charged after investigators say 22 counterfeit one-hundred-dollar bills were used at a Batavia department store. Deputies allege more than $2,000 in merchandise was purchased using the forged currency.
In a separate case, Tyshon Hawkins of New Jersey faces multiple charges after deputies say he stole merchandise from Dick’s Sporting Goods, fled from law enforcement, and struck another vehicle during a pursuit before being taken into custody.
Deputies also arrested Scott Lazarony of Batavia, who is accused of possessing an illegal handgun and attempting to discard the weapon during a police investigation.
Meanwhile, Diamond Stewart and Christina Trotter were charged after deputies responded to a reported larceny in progress at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Investigators say the pair allegedly removed security sensors from merchandise while accompanied by two children.
Several other arrests were also reported involving assault, DWI, controlled substances, welfare fraud, and criminal mischief. All charges are accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

ROAD CLOSURE PLANNED FOR WATER LINE REPAIR IN EAST PEMBROKE

The Town of Batavia Water Department will be repairing a water service line on Read Road in East Pembroke on Monday.
The work will take place between Angling Road and Route 5 from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. During that time, Read Road will be closed in the construction area, and motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes.
Water officials also advise residents that temporary discoloration may occur once service is restored. Residents are asked to avoid doing laundry until the water runs clear.
Town officials apologize for the inconvenience and thank residents for their patience during the repair work.

TRUMP URGES RESTRAINT AS ISRAEL STRIKES BEIRUT, THREATENING IRAN DEAL

President Donald Trump is urging all sides to avoid further attacks after Israeli airstrikes in Beirut raised concerns about a broader conflict in the Middle East.
Israeli officials say the strikes targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon following reported attacks on northern Israel. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says at least three people were killed and 16 others wounded in the strikes.
Trump took to social media Sunday, saying a deal with Iran that could bring peace to the region is close and warning, “Let’s not blow it.” He later said he still expects an agreement with Iran could be finalized soon and plans to urge Tehran not to retaliate.
Iran has warned a military response is coming, while United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for maximum restraint. The latest violence threatens ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending hostilities and reopening key shipping routes that have disrupted global markets.

12 KILLED IN MISSOURI SKYDIVING PLANE CRASH

Federal investigators are working to determine what caused a skydiving plane carrying 12 people to crash and burst into flames Sunday in Missouri, killing everyone on board.
Authorities say the single-engine aircraft had just taken off from Butler Memorial Airport when it went down in a nearby field around 11:30 Sunday morning. The victims included the pilot and 11 passengers on a skydiving outing.
Bates County officials say some family members witnessed the crash, and counselors and clergy were brought to the scene to assist loved ones. Emergency crews quickly extinguished the fire, but there were no survivors.
The aircraft was operated by Skydive Kansas City and was commonly used for skydiving flights. Investigators with the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are now examining the wreckage and reviewing what caused the aircraft to lose altitude shortly after takeoff.
Authorities say the crash appears to be accidental, and the investigation is expected to continue for several days.

Photo Courtesy of Jordyn Tobolski

OAKFIELD-ALABAMA WINS FIRST STATE TITLE IN SCHOOL HISTORY

History belongs to Oakfield-Alabama.
The Hornets captured the first state championship in school history Saturday, defeating Windham-Ashland-Jewett 4-1 to win the New York State Class D softball title.
Emma Thompson drove in two runs, while Allison Harkness collected three hits, including an inside-the-park home run and two RBIs. In the circle, sophomore Savannah Durham was dominant once again, allowing just one run and striking out ten in a complete-game victory.
The Hornets finish a remarkable season at 22-and-1 and were also presented with the New York State Class D Sportsmanship Award. For longtime head coach Jeff Schlagenhauf, it marks the culmination of a dream decades in the making for the Oakfield-Alabama community.