Wednesday News Brief

BERGEN MAN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON ON MACHINE GUN CHARGES

A Bergen man will spend more than three years in federal prison after being sentenced on illegal machine gun charges. Thirty-seven-year-old Peter Celentano received a 41-month prison sentence after admitting to possessing machine guns.
Authorities say a 2024 search of his Bergen home uncovered 3D-printed firearm frames, gun parts, ammunition reloading equipment and two machine gun conversion devices. Additional searches in Lyndonville and Medina led to the seizure of more than 200 firearms connected to the investigation.
Investigators also found Celentano had provided another person with modified AR-style lower receivers classified as machine guns. Those firearms were later thrown into the Erie Canal, where a State Police dive team recovered a box containing receivers, an unmarked handgun, magazines and other firearm parts.
The case was investigated by the New York State Police, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

 

CITY CENTRE BATHROOM PROJECT HITS DELAY AFTER BIDS COME IN TOO HIGH

Plans for new accessible bathrooms at Batavia City Centre are being reconsidered after every construction bid came in well above what city officials expected.
City Council unanimously rejected three bids Monday, ranging from about 468-thousand dollars to nearly 700-thousand. City Manager Rachael Tabelski says the proposals were roughly 50 to 60 percent higher than anticipated. The bathrooms are part of a larger 1.4-million-dollar renovation of the mall concourse, but must be bid separately because the city purchased a storefront for the project.
Officials will now consider reducing the project’s scope, finding additional funding or putting the work back out to bid.
Council also approved 330-thousand dollars for security and audiovisual upgrades at City Hall, including new cameras, electronic key fobs and updated equipment in council chambers. Councilman-at-Large Nick Lord cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing portions of the project are unnecessary and the money could be better spent elsewhere.

 

TOWN OF BATAVIA RESIDENTS MAY NOTICE TEMPORARY WATER DISCOLORATION

The Town of Batavia Water Department says some residents may notice temporary water discoloration following a water main break in the neighboring Monroe County Water Authority system.
Because the two systems are interconnected, officials say harmless sediment may have entered Batavia’s water lines during the repair. Residents who notice discolored water are advised to run their cold water taps for several minutes until the water runs clear.
The town says it continues to monitor water quality and that all health and safety standards are being met. Meanwhile, City Manager Rachael Tabelski says the City of Batavia’s water system was not affected by the Monroe County water main break.

 

 

STRAIGHT OUT THE BOOT HOSTS WEEKLY CAR CRUISE TONIGHT

Classic cars, motorcycles and custom rides will fill the parking lot tonight as Straight Out the Boot in Oakfield hosts its weekly Wednesday Night Car Cruise.
The event runs from 5 until 8 p.m. at the restaurant on Lewiston Road and welcomes all types of vehicles, including race cars and off-road builds. Visitors can also enjoy live music or a DJ, weekly giveaways, freebies and a 50/50 raffle.
For more information, call Straight Out the Boot or visit the event page online.

 

 

 

ICE PLANS TO BUY ELECTRIC SHOCK GLOVES FOR AGENTS

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is preparing to purchase thousands of electric shock gloves designed to help officers gain compliance from combative individuals. The Department of Homeland Security says it could spend up to 20 million dollars on the devices by next March.
The gloves function like standard patrol gloves until activated, delivering a brief electric shock when they make direct contact with a person’s skin. Supporters say the devices can quickly end physical confrontations and reduce injuries to officers.
Civil rights advocates, however, are raising concerns about oversight and the potential for misuse, questioning whether the gloves are appropriate for civil immigration enforcement. The manufacturer says officers must complete specialized training and the devices are not intended for punishment or use against vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women and the elderly.

 

FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP ELECTION ORDER AHEAD OF MIDTERMS

A federal judge has permanently blocked key parts of President Donald Trump’s executive order that would have created a federal voter list and expanded the U.S. Postal Service’s role in handling mail ballots.
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled the executive branch does not have the authority to regulate elections and said changing election rules with less than 90 days before the November midterms could create confusion. The decision follows an earlier injunction that had already prevented the order from taking effect.
The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn lower court rulings blocking the order. Supporters say the proposal would strengthen election security, while opponents argue states and Congress not the president have the constitutional authority to set election rules.

 

 

 

 

NEW YORK SIRE STAKES RETURN TO BATAVIA DOWNS TONIGHT

The New York Sire Stakes return to Batavia Downs tonight for the fourth consecutive week, with eight two-year-old pacing colts and geldings competing for a 110-thousand-200-dollar purse. Trainer Travis Alexander brings three contenders, led by Primacy Station, who has three wins in five starts and nearly 96-thousand dollars in earnings. Alexander will also send out Bastonata Bluechip and newly acquired My Body Guard. Two 20-thousand-dollar Excelsior Series races are also scheduled on tonight’s card. The Sire Stakes feature is race five, with an estimated post time of 6:20. Live racing begins at Batavia Downs at 5 o’clock tonight.