Wednesday News Brief

WROTB CONSIDERS EXTENDING STRATEGIC PLANNING CONSULTANT CONTRACT

Western Regional Off-Track Betting could spend up to another 108-thousand dollars on consulting services as it moves from developing a new strategic plan to putting it into action.
A resolution headed to WROTB meetings this week would allow the corporation to continue working with Webster-based True North Executive Solutions for as long as 12 months, at no more than nine-thousand dollars per month.
WROTB previously paid the firm 60-thousand dollars to help develop a one-page strategic framework.
Schuyler County representative Paul Bartow says directors will consider three different service levels and called it very unlikely the board chooses the most expensive option.
True North will make a presentation during Wednesday’s committee meetings before the full board meets Thursday at Batavia Downs.
The board is also expected to vote on the strategic framework itself, which focuses on financial growth, market expansion and guest experience, workplace culture and operational improvements.

 

FORMER BATAVIA SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER RAISES BULLYING CONCERNS

Former Batavia school board member Barbara Bowman says concerns about student bullying played a role in her decision to leave the board after nine years.
Speaking at Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Bowman recalled her own experience as a 14-year-old Batavia student, when she says classmates humiliated her while a teacher failed to intervene.
Bowman said she later discovered a much different environment at Genesee Community College, but nearly four decades later, she continues hearing from Batavia parents who say their children do not feel safe at school.
Bowman called the lack of progress unacceptable and challenged Superintendent Jason Smith and board members to make student safety and belonging a priority.
Board President John Reigle thanked Bowman for raising the issue and invited her to remain involved, suggesting the district could potentially form a committee to address the concerns.

 

LETCHWORTH STATE PARK FEATURED IN BATAVIA SPEAKER SERIES

The Holland Land Office Museum’s Guest Speaker Series continues tonight with a visual journey through the history of Letchworth State Park.
Park educator Jules Hoepting will present “Then & Now,” using images to show how Letchworth’s landscapes have changed over time.
The program begins at 7 tonight at GO ART! at 201 East Main Street in Batavia and is scheduled to run about an hour.
Admission is by suggested donation, and anyone planning to attend is encouraged to contact the Holland Land Office Museum.

 

 

 

BATAVIA FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFERS FREE CAR SEAT CHECKS

The City of Batavia Fire Department is offering free child car seat safety checks this weekend as part of Child Passenger Safety Week.
Certified technicians will be at Fire Headquarters Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to inspect car seats, make sure children are using the appropriate seat and show parents how to properly install them.
Federal officials say nearly half of car seats are either installed incorrectly or are not appropriate for the child.
Anyone unable to attend Saturday can contact the Batavia Fire Department to schedule an appointment.

 

 

U.S., DENMARK AND GREENLAND SIGN NEW ARCTIC SECURITY DEAL

President Donald Trump has signed a new security agreement with Denmark and Greenland that will significantly expand the American military presence on the Arctic island.
The deal allows the United States to expand operations at its existing Pituffik Space Base and establish new defense areas in southern and eastern Greenland. Additional military sites could also be added in the future.
The agreement keeps Greenland under Danish control and would remain in effect even if Greenland eventually becomes independent.
Trump says the expanded presence is intended to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen says the agreement protects Greenland’s rights while giving the territory a greater role in international decisions affecting its future.

 

HURRICANE POLO REACHES CATEGORY FIVE OFF MEXICO

Hurricane Polo has strengthened into a powerful Category Five storm as it remains just off Mexico’s Pacific coast.
The National Hurricane Center says Polo is packing maximum sustained winds of 165 miles per hour and was centered about 205 miles south of Zihuatanejo Tuesday afternoon.
Forecasters expect the hurricane to remain offshore, but parts of southwestern Mexico could still see dangerous conditions.
Three to six inches of rain are possible across Guerrero and Michoacán, raising concerns about flash flooding and mudslides. Tropical-storm-force winds and dangerous surf are also possible along the coast.
Mexican officials have suspended classes in some coastal communities as residents prepare for the storm’s effects.

 

GENESEE COUNTY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP

In Genesee County high school girls volleyball action, Alexander swept Kendall 3-0, while Le Roy also earned a straight-set victory over Geneseo.
Keshequa needed all five sets to defeat Pavilion 3-2, and Pembroke swept Wheatland-Chili 3-0.
Elba remained unbeaten, improving to 5-0 with a 3-0 victory over previously unbeaten Notre Dame. The Lancers won by scores of 25-20, 25-19 and 25-21.
Maggie Caparco led Elba with 14 assists and three aces, Vivian Hilchey recorded eight kills, six digs and three aces, and Brynn Stackhouse added seven kills.
Notre Dame falls to 6-1. Quinn Boardman and Lillian Thompson each finished with four kills for the Irish.