WBTA

Pete Zehler

June 25, 2026

Thursday News Brief

GAMING COMMISSION REVIEW COULD LEAD TO $5 MILLION UPGRADE AT BATAVIA DOWNS The New York State Gaming Commission is reviewing safety standards at harness racing facilities following last week's devastating barn fire at Saratoga Harness Track that killed 17 horses. Batavia Downs officials say the review could result in a...

Pete Zehler

June 24, 2026

Wednesday News Brief

CITY EXTENDS ICE ARENA LEASE THROUGH 2033 The City of Batavia has approved a five-year lease extension with Batavia Sports Management, keeping the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena under local management through July of 2033. City officials say the extension will help Batavia Sports Management secure a longer-term beer...

Pete Zehler

June 23, 2026

Tuesday News Brief

COUNTY SEEKING CONTRACTORS FOR $2.5 MILLION HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM Genesee County is looking for contractors to help bring vacant housing units back to life through its new Vacant Rental Program. County officials are seeking qualified contractors to perform rehabilitation and construction work on vacant rental properties and underused spaces that...

Pete Zehler

June 22, 2026

Monday News Brief

BATAVIA MAN KILLED IN PEMBROKE ATV CRASH A 23-year-old Batavia man died Saturday evening after the ATV he was operating struck a tree in the Town of Pembroke. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office says emergency crews were dispatched to the area of 9281 Ellinwood Road shortly after 7 p.m. for...

Pete Zehler

June 19, 2026

Friday News Brief

BCSD APPROVES CONTRACTS, SALARY INCREASES AND BENEFIT CHANGES The Batavia City School District Board of Education approved a series of contract renewals and compensation agreements this week affecting district administrators, staff and substitute employees. Among the changes, Superintendent Jason Smith's contract was amended to provide an $8,000 annual health insurance...

Pete Zehler

June 18, 2026

Thursday News Brief

OAKFIELD AWARDED $1 MILLION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES The Village of Oakfield is receiving a major boost for future growth after being awarded a $1 million grant through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Catalyst Program. The funding will help replace aging clay sewer mains, century-old water lines, and reconstruct streets in...