Monday News Brief

BATAVIA DOWNS UNION CONTRACT TALKS REMAIN UNRESOLVED

Contract negotiations between Western Regional Off-Track Betting and the union representing 174 workers at Batavia Downs remain unresolved following mediation Thursday.
The United Public Service Employees Union says another session with the mediator will be scheduled after the two sides failed to reach an agreement.
The union declared an impasse in July after 11 negotiating sessions and later held an informational picket outside Batavia Downs.
A major sticking point remains wages. The union rejected WROTB’s offer of three-and-a-half-percent raises in each of the next three years, arguing employees should receive more following a state tax reduction that increased revenue for the corporation.
WROTB says its proposal also includes increased gaming bonuses, lower employee contributions toward some health insurance plans, additional paid time off and other benefits.
Both sides say they will continue participating in mediation.

ALABAMA MAN ACCUSED OF TRYING TO SUFFOCATE INFANT

A Genesee County man is facing attempted murder and several other felony charges after deputies say he tried to suffocate his six-month-old child.
The investigation began Thursday when deputies responded to Macomber and Towline Roads in the Town of Alabama for a report of a man jumping from a moving vehicle.
Deputies identified the man as 31-year-old Colton Arlington-Mark Martin and determined the incident allegedly stemmed from an earlier confrontation at a Judge Road residence.
Martin is charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree strangulation and endangering the welfare of a child.
He was arraigned and jailed on 150-thousand dollars cash bail.
The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing and the incident is believed to be isolated.

ALEXANDER MAN CHARGED WITH FELONY CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

A 40-year-old Alexander man is facing a felony charge after allegedly causing thousands of dollars in damage to a Perry apartment complex.
Perry Police say Eric Motzer, a Level Three registered sex offender, intentionally caused more than 35-hundred dollars in damage, with most of it allegedly resulting from water being left running inside an apartment.
Motzer is charged with second-degree criminal mischief.
He was arraigned and remanded to the Wyoming County Jail, with his next court appearance scheduled for October 6th.

RISING GAS PRICES ADD TO VOTERS’ ECONOMIC CONCERNS

Rising gasoline prices are putting additional pressure on household budgets as the November midterm elections approach.
AAA says the national average reached about $4.47 a gallon Friday, more than a dollar higher than a year ago. The organization says elevated crude oil prices and continued volatility around the Strait of Hormuz are contributing to higher prices.
The increase comes as voters continue to identify affordability as a major concern. A new Fox News poll found 61 percent of registered voters consider gasoline prices a major problem for their household.
The Associated Press found frustration among voters from both parties, although those interviewed differed over whether higher prices would affect their votes this fall.

UKRAINE LAUNCHES MASSIVE DRONE ATTACK ON RUSSIA

Ukraine launched more than one-thousand drones at Russia overnight, including hundreds aimed at Moscow, in what the city’s mayor called the largest drone attack ever against the Russian capital.
Russian officials say two people were killed and 20 others wounded across the Moscow region. The attack also damaged the Moscow Oil Refinery and a residential building.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the operation used both drones and missiles to target Russian oil and logistics infrastructure.
Russia’s Defense Ministry says more than 11-hundred drones were shot down across Russia, occupied Crimea and the Black Sea.
The attack came as Russia concluded three days of parliamentary elections.

GENESEE COUNTY FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

Three Genesee County teams remain unbeaten following Friday night’s high school football action.
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba improved to 3-and-0 with a 20-14 win over Attica. Alex Ohlson rushed for 155 yards, while Brady Werth caught seven passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
Alexander/Pembroke also moved to 3-and-0, rolling past Livonia 41-8. Pierce Dinkins scored twice and intercepted two passes, while Ryder Reichert added two rushing touchdowns.
Le Roy/Cal-Mum remained perfect with a 47-32 victory over Hornell/Arkport-Canaseraga. Quarterback Brady McClurg ran for 155 yards and five touchdowns as the Rivals piled up more than 300 yards on the ground.
Batavia fell to 0-and-3 following a 34-0 loss to Eastridge.
Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen improved to 3-and-0 after receiving a forfeit victory over Holley/Lyndonville.