Thursday News Brief

DAHLIE TAKES OVER AS BATAVIA’S NEW ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER

The City of Batavia has a new assistant city manager, with Julie Dahlie officially taking office Tuesday.
Dahlie has worked for the city since 2023 and most recently served as grant and compliance officer. City Manager Rachael Tabelski says Dahlie has played a major role in organizing the city’s grants and capital projects, launching a new city website and helping pursue state funding and development programs.
As assistant city manager, Dahlie will oversee several major initiatives, including the ongoing City Centre concourse renovations, new citizen and internal policy software, insurance matters and information technology. She’ll also lead projects within the Department of Public Works while the department remains without a permanent head.
Dahlie will earn a salary of 105-thousand dollars. Tabelski says her organizational skills and ability to take on complex projects made her a strong choice for the position.

 

CINQUINO’S EXPANDS BATAVIA RESTAURANT

Cinquino’s Pizza has completed a major expansion of its Ellicott Street restaurant in Batavia, giving customers significantly more room to dine in.
The project became possible after the neighboring Pitch ’N Hit Apparel moved out, allowing owner Angela Cinquino to take over the additional space. Construction began in May, with the restaurant closing for several days in late July before the expanded dining area opened August 5th.
The added space includes three smaller private seating areas and a separate party room expected to accommodate around 40 guests. Some furniture is still on the way, along with new fountain drink equipment.
The expansion could eventually mean some changes in the kitchen as well. Cinquino plans to introduce additional food options once employees have had time to adjust to serving the larger restaurant. Stuffed shells were recently tested as one possible addition after proving popular with customers.

 

GOODBYE SUMMER FEST COMING TO BATAVIA

Batavia’s Williams Park will host a free Goodbye Summer Fest on Labor Day, September 7th.
Organizer Ray Williams says the event is designed to bring the community together, with live music, a car show, kids activities, free back-to-school haircuts and a three-on-three basketball tournament.
The festival runs from 1 to 6 p.m., with several local bands and DJ Ty Movez providing entertainment throughout the afternoon.

 

 

ELLICOTT TRIVIA NIGHT SET FOR TONIGHT

Local history will take center stage tonight with a special Trivia Night focusing on the Ellicott family and their role in Batavia’s history.
The Holland Land Office Museum is hosting the event in recognition of the 200th anniversary of Joseph Ellicott’s death. Trivia begins at 7 tonight at Richmond Memorial Library on Ross Street.
Admission is five dollars, or three dollars for museum members. Anyone planning to participate is encouraged to register with the Holland Land Office Museum.

 

 

WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY KAROLINE LEAVITT TO STEP DOWN

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave the Trump administration at the end of this month.
President Donald Trump announced the departure Wednesday, saying Leavitt wants to spend more time with her family following the birth of her second child in May. The 28-year-old recently returned to the White House following maternity leave.
Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in American history when Trump returned to office. She previously worked as a press aide during his first administration and became one of his most visible spokespeople during his second term.
Trump says Leavitt will remain involved as an outside adviser and Republican political voice heading into the midterm elections. The White House has not yet announced who will replace her as press secretary.

 

 

 

 

DEFENSE SEEKS TO BLOCK DEATH PENALTY IN CHARLIE KIRK KILLING

Attorneys for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk are arguing the case should not carry the death penalty.
Tyler Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Kirk from a rooftop during an event at Utah Valley University last September. His attorneys contend the shot traveled above the crowd and prosecutors have not shown Robinson knowingly endangered anyone besides Kirk — an aggravating factor that could make the case eligible for capital punishment.
The defense is also challenging prosecutors’ claim that Robinson targeted Kirk because of his political views.
Prosecutors say DNA evidence links Robinson to the suspected murder weapon and that he made statements admitting to the killing. Robinson has not yet entered a plea.
Closing arguments in his preliminary hearing are scheduled for September 1st, when a judge will determine whether the case moves toward trial and on what charges.

ELBA GRAD RECEIVES REGIONAL HONOR

An Elba Central School graduate is being recognized for his accomplishments in and outside the classroom.
Bing Zuber has been selected to receive a scholarship from the Genesee Valley Chief School Officers Association. Regional school superintendents chose Zuber for the award following a competitive application process.
The scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated strong character while taking active roles in their schools and communities.