Friday News Brief

BATAVIA DOWNS CONSIDERS NEW DEAL WITH THURMAN THOMAS

Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas could remain the face of Batavia Downs through 2029 under a new three-year contract being considered by Western Regional Off-Track Betting.
The proposed deal would pay Thomas 12-thousand dollars per month, up from 10-thousand, while increasing his required appearances from 12 to at least 14 each year. He could also earn four percent of annual gross sales above two-million dollars at the 34 Rush sports bar.
Most board members praised Thomas for his drawing power and longtime connection to Western New York. Erie County representative Tim Callan opposed advancing the agreement, questioning whether officials had demonstrated its financial return.
The proposal now moves to the full WROTB board for consideration.

BATAVIA TOWN BOARD BANS LARGE BATTERY STORAGE SYSTEMS

The Town of Batavia is banning large-scale battery energy storage systems, citing concerns over public safety.
The Town Board approved a new local law Wednesday that limits battery storage installations to smaller Tier One systems, generally those under 600 kilowatt-hours.
Town Supervisor Greg Post says emergency responders have raised concerns about the equipment, staffing and resources needed to handle fires at larger facilities.
Post also pointed to battery storage fires elsewhere that have required evacuations extending as far as two miles, saying an incident of that size could severely disrupt traffic, businesses and nearby residents.
The town also has concerns about who would ultimately be responsible for cleanup following a major incident.
Officials say the law could be reconsidered in the future as battery technology and safety measures improve.

STAFFORD HOSTING FIRST-EVER CAR CRUISE AND VENDOR SHOW

The Betterment Committee of Stafford is hosting its first-ever Car Cruise and Vendor Show this Sunday at Emery Park on Main Street.
The event runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature a car cruise, more than 60 vendors and live music from the Gingerwood Duo.
Food and drinks will also be available for purchase, including barbecue from Jim’s Smokin’ BBQ.
The event will be held rain or shine, and organizers are asking visitors to leave pets at home.

GENESEE COUNTY CAREER CENTER HOSTING JOB FAIR

Job seekers will have a chance to connect directly with local employers at an upcoming job fair in Batavia.
The Genesee County Career Center will host the event Tuesday, September 1st, from 10 a.m. until noon at its East Main Street location.
Employers from healthcare, manufacturing, education, transportation, retail, hospitality and several other industries are expected to participate.
The event is open to job seekers of all experience levels, including recent high school graduates exploring their next step.
For more information, contact the Genesee County Career Center at 585-344-2042.

MANITOBA PREMIER BLASTS TRUMP AS U.S.-CANADA TRADE TALKS CONTINUE

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is sharply criticizing President Donald Trump as Canada weighs concessions aimed at reaching a new trade agreement with the United States.
Kinew called Trump “erratic” and “not to be trusted,” arguing Canada should continue pushing back rather than rush into a deal.
His comments come as Canadian officials say the two countries are close to an agreement that could prevent threatened 50-percent U.S. tariffs.
One issue involves Canadian provinces potentially restoring sales of American alcohol, which many restricted in retaliation for earlier tariffs.
Kinew says Manitoba may cooperate with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s request to restore those sales, but he’s urging Canadians to continue buying domestic products.
U.S. tariffs on roughly 20-billion dollars in Canadian imports have been postponed until early Saturday.

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON ARRIVES IN MIDDLE EAST

The USS George Washington is now operating in the Middle East, replacing the USS Abraham Lincoln after an unusually long deployment.
The Lincoln has spent more than 250 consecutive days at sea while supporting U.S. operations in the Iran war. Reports of crew stress, mental health concerns and shortages of some food and hygiene supplies have prompted questions from lawmakers, although Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has disputed those reports.
The George Washington now joins the USS George H.W. Bush in the region as the Navy continues enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports.
The move temporarily leaves the U.S. without an aircraft carrier strike group in the Pacific amid continued tensions with China.

ANNIE O, HUNTSVILLE HONEY WIN SIRE STAKES AT BATAVIA DOWNS

A pair of two-year-old pacing fillies picked up New York Sire Stakes victories Wednesday night at Batavia Downs.
Annie O dominated the first division, leading from start to finish before pulling away to win by nearly seven lengths in one-fifty-five-and-one. It was her third consecutive victory.
Huntsville Honey captured the second division, making a late move and edging Maxmina by a quarter-length in one-fifty-six-and-three.
The two Sire Stakes divisions featured a combined purse of 104-thousand dollars.
Live racing returns to Batavia Downs Saturday at 5 p.m.