Monday News Brief

TACO BELL EYES LE ROY LOCATION, COULD OPEN NEXT YEAR

A Taco Bell could soon be coming to Le Roy.
Representatives from Indus Hospitality Group appeared before the Le Roy Town Board this week to discuss plans for a new 40-seat restaurant with a drive-thru at 7185 West Main Road. The proposal includes 20 parking spaces, and developers say they expect to meet all town requirements without needing any variances.
The project is still in the approval process. Developers have the property under contract pending municipal approvals and say the proposal will move through county and town planning reviews before returning to the Town Board for final approval.
Indus officials say they chose Le Roy based on traffic and market studies, noting the success of other fast-food restaurants already in the area. They also said the project will not seek tax abatements or public incentives.
If approvals move forward as planned, construction could begin later this year, with the restaurant opening during the second quarter of next year.
Also at Thursday’s meeting, town officials said drainage problems at the splash park have been resolved after grass was removed from clogged drains. The pool also opens this weekend with supervised recreation.

 

NTSB: DRIVER REACHED FOR WATER BOTTLE BEFORE FATAL THRUWAY BUS CRASH

Newly released federal documents are shedding light on what led to last August’s deadly tour bus crash on the New York State Thruway in Pembroke.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the driver told investigators he bent down to pick up a water bottle that had rolled to his feet. He said the bottle bounced out of the trash can when he tried to throw it away, and he lost control of the bus.
The crash killed five people and injured dozens more. Investigators also found the bus had only 59 seat belts for its 61 passenger seats, and several passengers said no pre-trip safety briefing or seat belt instructions were given.
The driver, 56-year-old Bin Shao, has been charged with five counts each of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.

 

 

 

 

BATAVIA POLICE BLOTTER: BURGLARY, DWI, DRUG AND CONTEMPT CHARGES HIGHLIGHT RECENT ARRESTS

Police in Batavia made a series of arrests over the past two weeks, including burglary, drug possession, DWI, criminal contempt, trespassing and other charges.
Daniel Frey of Batavia is charged with second-degree burglary, petit larceny and falsely reporting an incident after police say he broke into a vacant Porter Avenue home, stole firearm ammunition and then gave officers false information about how he obtained it.
Other arrests include Paul Zeches for allegedly failing to report a change of address as a registered sex offender, Rosemary Waters for alleged drug possession and resisting arrest, Richard Mattice on a DWI charge, and multiple individuals facing controlled substance charges following separate traffic stops.
Police also charged Jennifer Button with criminal contempt, resisting arrest and harassment after an alleged order of protection violation, while Shawn Gaylord and Cody Resch each face criminal mischief charges in separate incidents. All charges are accusations, and those arrested are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

 

 

 

CITY TO FLUSH FIRE HYDRANTS TODAY IN SOUTHWEST BATAVIA

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants today from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the area south of West Main Street and west of Jackson Street.
Residents and businesses in the area may notice temporary water discoloration during the flushing. If your water appears discolored, avoid washing laundry and run cold water for about five minutes, or until it runs clear.
Fire officials say the annual hydrant flushing helps maintain the city’s fire protection system, checks the health of the water system, removes sediment from water lines, and ensures hydrants are ready for emergency use.
For more information or to report a hydrant in need of repair, call the City of Batavia Fire Department at 585-345-6375.

 

 

 

 

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY AFTER REMAINS OF MORE THAN 100 DOGS FOUND AT CALIFORNIA SHELTER

Authorities in Northern California are investigating after the remains of at least 117 dogs were discovered on the grounds of a self-described no-kill animal shelter.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office says investigators also found 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones, and an area inside a barn where they believe dogs were likely killed. More than 600 dog collars were recovered nearby, and X-rays of many of the remains showed evidence of gunshot wounds.
The investigation began after authorities received allegations of animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy. No charges have been filed.
The shelter’s founder says the organization does not euthanize animals to make space, but says euthanasia may be used in rare cases involving terminal illness or dangerous animals. Sheriff’s officials say the investigation is ongoing, with more evidence and witness interviews still to be completed.

IRAN LAUNCHES NEW ATTACKS AS TENSIONS ESCALATE IN GULF

Fighting between the United States and Iran intensified again Sunday as Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait following new U.S. airstrikes.
Kuwait says its air defenses intercepted two ballistic missiles and several drones, while Bahrain reported damage to a residential building near its international airport. No deaths were reported in either country.
The attacks come as negotiations over a temporary ceasefire remain in jeopardy. Iran warned it could halt talks entirely if U.S. military action continues and renewed its demand to control access through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil supplies.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating the ceasefire and warned of additional military action if attacks continue. U.S. officials say recent airstrikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure after a merchant ship in the region was attacked.
The latest violence also threatens efforts to reach a broader agreement over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security.

 

 

 

SPARTANS EARN FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

The Genesee County Spartans are in the win column.
The Spartans rolled past the Charlotte Colonials 20-8 on Saturday to earn their first victory of the season and improve to 1-and-3.
It was also the first win for new head coach Mike Williams, whose team controlled the game from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.
The Spartans will look to build on the momentum when they return home on July 11 to host the Lake Erie Power Pines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MUCKDOGS WIN THREE OF FOUR, STAY ATOP DIVISION AHEAD OF HOME MATCHUP WITH SYRACUSE

The Batavia Muckdogs turned in another strong weekend, winning three of four games to improve to 15-6 on the season and remain in first place in their division.

Batavia opened the weekend Friday night with a 4-3 exhibition victory over the Buffalo Diesel. On Saturday, the Muckdogs swept a doubleheader against the Niagara Ironbacks at Dwyer Stadium, cruising to a 12-0 shutout in the opener before holding on for a 6-5 win in game two.

The weekend concluded Sunday with a 15-8 loss on the road to the Newark Pilots.

The Muckdogs will look to keep their division lead intact tonight when they return home to host the Syracuse Salt Cats. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Dwyer Stadium.