Monday News Brief

GENESEE COUNTY UNEMPLOYMENT REMAINS BELOW STATE AVERAGE

Genesee County’s unemployment rate stood at 3-point-3 percent in September, according to the latest update from the Genesee County Career Center.
That’s more than a full percentage point below New York’s statewide rate of 4-point-5 percent.
The county reported about 29-thousand-900 people employed and roughly one-thousand unemployed. Wyoming and Yates counties posted the lowest unemployment rates in the state at 2-point-9 percent.
As of November 5th, the State Department of Labor listed 614 job openings in Genesee County, including more than 90 each in manufacturing and retail, and 88 in healthcare.
The Career Center also reports continued demand for workforce programs. Eight people were approved for training or supportive-service funding, while several young adults are entering or applying for workforce development programs.
The center logged 468 visitors during October and more than 55-hundred so far this year.
Officials are also looking for employers willing to participate in youth work-experience programs, with the county covering associated costs.
Unemployment insurance services are temporarily unavailable statewide while New York transitions to a new system.

21-YEAR-OLD CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER IN BATAVIA E-BIKE CRASH

A 21-year-old is facing an attempted murder charge after Batavia Police say Thursday morning’s collision involving an electric bicycle was intentional.
Police responded around 6:30 a.m. to the area of North Spruce and North streets for a crash involving a vehicle and an e-bike.
Investigators say the driver left the scene, while the e-bike rider suffered serious injuries.
After what police describe as an extensive investigation, officers located the vehicle and determined the collision was not accidental.
Halley Mclane was arrested and charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon, leaving the scene of a serious-injury accident and additional traffic violations.
Mclane was arraigned Friday in Batavia City Court before Judge Rogers and was held on 100-thousand dollars cash bail.
Mclane is scheduled to return to City Court on November 24th.
Police have not released additional details about what investigators believe led to the incident.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

TOWN OF BATAVIA SEEKS RESIDENTS FOR PLANNING AND ZONING BOARDS

The Town of Batavia is looking for residents interested in serving on its Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
Planning Board members help review issues involving development, housing, transportation, economic development and zoning.
The Zoning Board of Appeals handles public hearings involving special permits, variances and appeals.
Town officials say both positions offer residents a chance to become more involved in shaping future development.
Anyone interested can submit a letter of interest to the Town of Batavia Human Resources Department.

BATAVIA DOWNS HOSTS BILLS-VIKINGS WATCH PARTY MONDAY NIGHT

Batavia Downs is inviting Bills fans to 34 Rush Monday night as Buffalo hits the road for a prime-time matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m., with the game shown inside 34 Rush at Batavia Downs on Park Road.
The Bills and Vikings will meet in Minnesota as Buffalo continues its push through the second half of the regular season.
Fans looking to catch the Monday night matchup can head to Batavia Downs ahead of kickoff, with food and drinks available at 34 Rush.

VOTERS PUT ECONOMY FRONT AND CENTER AFTER MIDTERM ELECTIONS

With Democrats set to take control of Congress, voters are sending Washington a clear message: bring down the cost of living.
Inflation remains elevated at 3-point-7 percent, while interest rates, housing costs and everyday expenses continue squeezing household budgets. An Associated Press voter survey found economic frustration was a major factor in Tuesday’s elections.
President Donald Trump says he is willing to work with the incoming Democratic majority, although major disagreements remain over spending, taxes, healthcare and tariffs.
Congress will also face a federal budget deficit approaching 2-trillion dollars annually and growing pressure to address Social Security, which could be unable to pay full benefits by the end of 2032.
Artificial intelligence and data-center investment remain potential sources of economic growth, but lawmakers are also confronting concerns over jobs, energy use and regulation.

POLAND BEGINS NATIONAL MOURNING AFTER KRAKOW MASS SHOOTING

Poland has begun two days of national mourning after a mass shooting in Krakow left six people dead and 15 others wounded.
Authorities say a 24-year-old man drove into the city’s busy Main Square Saturday and opened fire before being shot and critically wounded by police. Prosecutors are investigating the attack as a terrorist offense, while officials say the suspect held radical far-right and ultranationalist views.
Four of those killed were Polish citizens. A British man and an Austrian woman were also among the victims.
Police later found the suspect’s parents and sister dead at the family home, apparently from gunshot wounds.
Two officers who confronted the gunman remain hospitalized.
The attack has shocked Poland, where mass shootings are rare, and prompted memorials across Krakow’s Old Town.

THREE LOCAL TEAMS PUNCH TICKETS TO SECTIONAL FOOTBALL FINALS

In Section V football semifinal action Friday, sixth-seeded Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen upset second-seeded Attica 28-21 in Class D.
Chase Antinore rushed for 140 yards and three touchdowns, then sealed the win with a late interception. The Irish advance to face top-seeded York/Pavilion, which edged Canisteo-Greenwood 7-5 behind another dominant defensive effort.
In Class C, Le Roy/Cal-Mum avenged its regular-season loss to Alexander/Pembroke with a 20-nothing shutout.
Brady McClurg ran for 117 yards and all three Rivals touchdowns, while the defense came up with four fourth-down stops.
Le Roy/Cal-Mum will face top-seeded Hornell/Arkport-Canaseraga for the Class C title Saturday at noon.
The Class D championship between Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen and York/Pavilion is Friday at 5 p.m. at St. John Fisher.