Friday News Brief

SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORTS WEAPONS, DRUG AND CONCERT TRESPASS ARRESTS

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has announced several recent arrests.
Thirty-five-year-old Nathaniel Wood of Batavia is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, and endangering the welfare of a child. Deputies say Wood allegedly pointed what appeared to be a firearm at several people following a verbal dispute on West Main Street in the Town of Batavia. He was held pending arraignment.
In a separate case, 39-year-old Jesse Repass of Oakfield is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child after deputies say he was found in possession of cocaine while his child was in the vehicle during an incident in Oakfield.
And 45-year-old Joseph Phillips of Little Valley is charged with criminal trespass after deputies say he attempted to re-enter the Darien Lake Amphitheater after being ejected during the Machine Gun Kelly concert. He was released on an appearance ticket.

 

 

 

BATAVIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES TWO PROMOTIONS

The City of Batavia Fire Department has announced two promotions within its ranks.
Lieutenant Zach Gowanlock has been promoted to captain, and Firefighter Christina Marinaccio has been promoted to lieutenant. Both promotions take effect July 5.
Gowanlock joined the department in 2014 and most recently served as lieutenant of the Third Platoon. In addition to emergency response, he has overseen the department’s EMS quality assurance program, health and safety initiatives, policy development, and helped establish the department’s Peer Support Team.
Marinaccio joined the department in 2013 and has earned certifications as a fire investigator, fire instructor, EMT, building safety inspector, and technical rescue specialist. She has also played a major role in training firefighters and mentoring newer members of the department.
Fire Chief Josh Graham said both have consistently demonstrated the leadership, professionalism, and dedication needed to help guide the department into the future.

 

 

THE SPINNERS HEADLINE ROCKIN’ THE DOWNS TONIGHT

The 2026 Rockin’ the Downs Summer Concert Series continues tonight at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel with legendary soul group The Spinners taking the stage.
Gates open at 4 p.m. at the outdoor Trackside venue. Local artist Will Holton opens the show, followed by Stealin’, before The Spinners perform their classic hits including I’ll Be Around, The Rubberband Man, and Could It Be I’m Falling in Love.
General admission tickets are $20, VIP tickets are $30, with premium reserved seating also available. The concert is open to all ages, and general admission guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site.
The Rockin’ the Downs concert takes place rain or shine, with music beginning around 5:30 and the headlining performance expected around 8 o’clock tonight.

 

 

HAWLEY HONORS STATE CHAMPION OAKFIELD-ALABAMA SOFTBALL TEAM

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley has honored the Oakfield-Alabama varsity softball team with an official New York State Assembly proclamation celebrating the program’s historic Class D state championship.
The Hornets captured the first team state championship in school history with a 4-1 victory over Windham-Ashland-Jewett in the state final earlier this month in Binghamton.
Hawley praised the players, coaches and supporters, saying the team’s hard work, perseverance and sportsmanship made the championship possible and gave the Oakfield-Alabama community something to celebrate for generations to come.

 

 

 

 

REFLECTING POOL VANDALISM UNDER INVESTIGATION AS REPAIRS PLANNED

New details have been released about damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., as federal officials investigate what they believe was vandalism.
The National Park Service says a foam sealant installed during a $16 million renovation was cut with a sharp knife or razor, and about 70 fence post tops were also thrown into the pool. Officials say the damage was first reported June 9, though it’s unclear exactly when it occurred.
The Interior Department says there have now been seven arrests, seven federal citations and 18 police reports connected to damage at the site. The Reflecting Pool was recently renovated as part of a project ordered by President Donald Trump ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations, but the project has also faced issues with algae and sections of the new liner peeling away.
The Park Service plans to drain the Reflecting Pool after the July Fourth holiday to inspect the damage and complete repairs.

 

SUPREME COURT ALLOWS END TO SOME IMMIGRATION PROTECTIONS

The U.S. Supreme Court handed the Trump administration a pair of major immigration victories Thursday.
In a six-to-three decision, the justices cleared the way for the administration to end Temporary Protected Status for migrants from Haiti and Syria, potentially exposing hundreds of thousands of people to deportation. The administration argued the protections were always intended to be temporary.
The court also allowed the administration to potentially revive a policy limiting the number of migrants who can apply for asylum each day at the U.S.-Mexico border, overturning a lower court ruling that had blocked the practice.
In a separate development, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the closure of the immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” saying more permanent federal detention facilities are now available.

 

MUCKDOGS ERUPT FOR 15 RUNS, RETURN HOME TONIGHT

The Batavia Muckdogs bounced back in a big way Thursday night, rolling past the Jamestown Tarp Skunks 15-5 to improve to 13-5 on the season.
Batavia’s offense exploded for 15 runs as the Muckdogs cruised to their 13th win of the year. The victory came one night after a tough one-run loss to the Niagara Ironbacks.
The Muckdogs return home tonight to host the Buffalo Diesel at Dwyer Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30.