Wednesday News Brief

TOWN TO HOLD WATER DISTRICT INFORMATION MEETING

The Batavia Town Board is inviting residents to an informational meeting on August 12 to discuss plans for a new water district and the consolidation of the town’s existing 18 water districts into one townwide system. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Genesee Community College’s Conable Technology Building.
The proposed expansion would extend public water service to portions of Galloway, Slusser, Harloff, Stegman and Miller roads, adding about six-and-a-half miles of water main and leaving just two-and-a-half miles of town roads without public water. Town officials say the project would improve reliability and provide safe drinking water to additional residents.
Officials will also explain a proposal to combine all 18 water districts into a single townwide district. They say the move would spread construction debt more evenly, simplify financial reporting, and help control future maintenance and water system costs. Residents unable to attend can find presentation materials afterward on the Town of Batavia’s website.

 

THREE-ALARM BARN FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION

Fire investigators are working to determine what sparked a massive three-alarm barn fire Tuesday morning in the Town of Byron. The blaze broke out just before noon at a three-barn complex on Ivison Road, sending flames three stories into the air and thick black smoke that could be seen from miles away, including in Batavia.
The fast-moving fire spread from the barns into nearby dry brush and crops, and also ignited the roof of an adjacent brick silo. Firefighters from numerous departments across the region responded, but the barns were heavily engulfed before crews arrived and eventually collapsed. A burned-out SUV was also left in the debris.
No injuries were reported, although it was not immediately known whether any animals were inside the barns at the time of the fire. Officials have not yet determined the cause of the blaze, and the investigation remains ongoing. The property is owned by Joshua Kent.

 

SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATING ATTEMPTED ROBBERY

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help after an attempted purse snatching early Sunday morning in the Village of Oakfield. Deputies say a disabled individual was walking near 15 South Main Street when she was approached by an unknown man who tried to rob her.
The suspect is described as a white male in his early 20s, about six feet tall with a slender build, brown hair, and wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has surveillance footage from the area during the early morning hours of August 2 is asked to contact the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at 585-343-5000.

 

 

 

LOCAL VOLUNTEER HONORED FOR DECADES OF SERVICE

A Genesee County woman is being recognized by the New York State Office for the Aging for nearly 30 years of volunteer service. Basom resident Linda Richter received the statewide honor after being nominated by Catholic Charities for her work supporting older adults, children and families throughout the county.
Richter has logged more than 8,300 volunteer hours through Genesee County’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program since 2001. Her service has included Meals on Wheels, Crossroads House, Catholic Charities, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, and helping establish Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Genesee County. Residents interested in volunteer opportunities through the RSVP program can contact the Genesee County Office for the Aging.

 

 

TRUMP MEMORIAL ARCH FACES NEW HURDLE

A proposed 250-foot memorial arch backed by President Donald Trump is facing new scrutiny after a National Park Service assessment concluded the project could disrupt the historic character of dozens of landmarks in Washington, D.C. The report says the massive structure would alter key sightlines between landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, Memorial Bridge and Arlington House.
The Park Service says those visual connections were intentionally designed to symbolize the nation’s unity following the Civil War. The proposed arch has already received preliminary approval from federal planning commissions, but critics argue it would permanently change one of the country’s most historic landscapes.
The White House says it will comply with all legal requirements as the project moves forward, while opponents have filed a lawsuit claiming congressional approval is required before construction can begin.

 

 

DROUGHT REVEALS WORLD WAR II SHIPWRECKS IN DANUBE

Record-low water levels along the Danube River are revealing dozens of World War II-era German warships that have been submerged for more than 80 years. The vessels are emerging near the Serbian port of Prahovo as severe drought and extreme summer heat continue across Central and Eastern Europe.
Historians say as many as 200 German ships were deliberately sunk in the Danube in September of 1944 as Nazi forces retreated from advancing Soviet troops. Many of the wrecks were never removed because they remained loaded with weapons and explosives.
The historic discovery comes as dangerously low water levels create much larger problems across the region. Shipping traffic on parts of the Danube has nearly stopped, while some power plants are approaching the point where they may have to shut down. Governments are now taking steps to conserve electricity as drought conditions continue.

 

MUCKDOGS EARN TOP LEAGUE HONORS

Fresh off winning the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League championship, the Batavia Muckdogs continue to rack up postseason honors. The league has named manager Joey “Skip” Martinez and his staff the PGCBL West Division Coaching Staff of the Year after leading Batavia to a 29-10-and-1 regular season record and the franchise’s first-ever league championship.
The honors didn’t stop there. Veteran right-hander Eric Woodley was named the PGCBL Pitcher of the Year after posting a 5-and-1 record with a 1.67 earned run average, five saves and 39 strikeouts in just over 32 innings. Woodley also closed out all three of Batavia’s playoff victories, including the championship-clinching win over Utica. It’s the second time a Muckdogs pitcher has earned the league’s top pitching honor and caps a historic season for the champions.