Monday News Brief

BATAVIA TO HOLD MEETING ON VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM

The Town of Batavia will hold an informational meeting tonight on a proposal designed to help recruit and retain volunteer firefighters.
The meeting runs from 7 until 8 p.m. at the Town Court Facility on West Main Street Road and comes ahead of a public vote scheduled for October 19th.
The town is considering a Length of Service Award Program, which would provide pension-like benefits to qualifying volunteer firefighters.
Under the proposal, 1,200 dollars would be added to a firefighter’s account for each year they meet participation requirements, including responding to calls, attending drills and completing training.
Firefighters would become vested after five years, with benefits generally paid after age 62.
Based on the department’s current roster, town officials estimate the program could cost taxpayers about 38-thousand dollars annually.
Eligible residents within the Batavia Fire Protection District will vote on the proposal October 19th.

 

GENESEE 2050 SETS PRIORITIES FOR COUNTY’S FUTURE

Genesee County’s long-range comprehensive planning effort is moving forward with a new set of priorities for 2026.
The Genesee 2050 Steering Committee is recommending continued investment in the countywide water system, along with development of a transportation plan focused on walking, biking, public transit and other ways of getting around the county.
Other recommendations include creating a centralized directory connecting residents with volunteer opportunities and finding ways to improve access to mental health services for local students.
Public safety priorities include maintaining staffing and communications infrastructure, while local fire departments continue exploring partnerships and consolidations to address declining volunteer numbers.
The county is also being encouraged to address vacant commercial properties, protect agricultural land and develop a broader economic and workforce development plan.
County lawmakers will now consider which recommendations could receive funding in the 2027 budget.

 

GENESEE ABATE SUPPORTS FIRST WESTERN NEW YORK RED STAR RIDE

Nearly 50 motorcycles took part in the first official Western New York Red Star Ride Saturday morning.
Genesee County ABATE organized the 75-mile ride, which began at Stan’s Harley-Davidson in Batavia and finished with a picnic at Akron Park.
The event raised money and awareness for the Red Star Foundation, which supports military members, veterans, first responders and families affected by suicide.
Organizers hope the ride will become an annual event in Western New York.

 

 

CORFU FIREFIGHTERS HOLD 9/11 MEMORIAL WALK

Members of the Corfu Volunteer Fire Department took to Main Street Friday evening to honor those killed in the September 11th terrorist attacks 25 years ago.
Firefighters and their families completed a roughly two-mile memorial walk, continuing a department tradition that began several years ago.
A department vehicle also carried a tribute to New York City’s Squad 41, which responded to the World Trade Center and lost its members in the attacks.
Department members say the annual walk is about ensuring the sacrifices of the 343 firefighters and all 2,977 victims are never forgotten.

 

 

IRANIAN CARGO SHIP STRUCK IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ

An Iranian cargo ship was struck by a projectile early Sunday near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured.
Iranian state media reported the attack, while a British maritime monitoring agency separately said a vessel was hit while traveling through the strait. A fire broke out aboard the ship, prompting an evacuation. It remains unclear who carried out the attack.
The incident comes as commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains sharply reduced amid the continuing conflict and threats to shipping.
Iran is expected to meet with regional countries Monday to discuss its efforts with Oman to manage shipping through the critical waterway.

 

 

ANTHROPIC CEO CALLS FOR SLOWDOWN IN AI DEVELOPMENT

The head of artificial intelligence company Anthropic is calling on the industry to slow development of its most powerful systems while safety measures catch up.
CEO Dario Amodei warned Saturday that AI capabilities are advancing quickly enough that, within six to 12 months, systems could potentially coordinate large numbers of AI agents across the internet.
Amodei is proposing greater independent oversight of leading AI companies and increased cooperation between the industry and governments. Anthropic says it plans to provide outside safety evaluators ongoing access to its operations.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also says his company will delay plans to go public this year while focusing on AI safety and alignment.

 

GENESEE COUNTY FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

Several Genesee County football teams improved to 2-and-0 with victories Friday night.
Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen went on the road and defeated Canisteo-Greenwood 18-7. Chase Antinore accounted for two touchdowns, while Parker Moore rushed for 113 yards and led the defense with 11 tackles and an interception.
Alexander/Pembroke won its rematch of last year’s Class C championship, beating Letchworth/Perry/Warsaw 36-16. Ryder Reichert rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns, while Mason Weatherbee had 116 receiving yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba also moved to 2-and-0 with a 28-6 win over Geneseo/Mount Morris.
Le Roy/Cal-Mum remained unbeaten with a 19-12 victory over Bath-Haverling behind 153 rushing yards and two scores from Brady McClurg.
York/Pavilion edged Attica 21-14 on Trent Englert’s touchdown with 24 seconds remaining.
And Canandaigua shut out Batavia, 46-0.