Friday News Brief

BERGEN OFFICIALS LOOK INTO TRAFFIC STUDY NEAR OXBO, LIBERTY PUMPS

Village officials in Bergen are exploring the possibility of a traffic study for Apple Tree Avenue following growing safety concerns near Route 33 and Route 19.
Mayor Michael Fleming says traffic in the area has noticeably increased following the opening of Oxbo International’s new facility, along with ongoing activity near Liberty Pumps.
Officials say the area becomes especially congested during morning and afternoon shift changes, with concerns focused on drivers attempting left-hand turns across busy traffic near the Thruway interchange.
State officials have previously rejected requests for a traffic light and other changes to Route 33, saying studies did not support them.
Now, village and town leaders are discussing possible local solutions involving Apple Tree Avenue, including making the road one-way, closing it entirely, or leaving traffic patterns unchanged.
The Village Board approved a motion this week allowing officials to begin exploring options for a formal traffic study before making any future decisions.

SUMMER JOB PROGRAM AVAILABLE FOR GENESSEE COUNTY YOUTH

Genesee County youth looking for summer work may qualify for the Summer Youth Employment Program.
The program gives eligible residents ages 14 to 20 a chance to earn a paycheck while gaining job experience and workplace skills.
Participants are matched with local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and government agencies for summer employment opportunities.
Applicants must live in Genesee County and meet income eligibility requirements.
County officials say jobs can include clerical work, camps, food service, maintenance, childcare, and retail positions.
More information is available through the Genesee County Job Development Bureau or online at geneseeny-dot-gov-slash-S-Y-E-P.

U.S. BORDER PATROL CHIEF RESIGNS

The head of the United States Border Patrol is stepping down amid ongoing changes within President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement team.
Michael Banks announced his resignation Thursday after leading the agency during a period of heightened border security and expanded immigration operations across several American cities.
Banks said it was simply “time” after 37 years in law enforcement, adding that he believes the border is now the “most secure” it has ever been.
His departure comes as the Trump administration continues reshaping immigration leadership, with changes also underway at ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.
Border Patrol has played a major role in recent federal immigration crackdowns and large-scale enforcement operations ordered by the administration.

DEMOLITION UNDERWAY AT FORMER YMCA IN BATAVIA

A longtime piece of Batavia history is beginning to come down as demolition work officially gets underway at the former Genesee County YMCA on East Main Street.
Excavators began tearing into portions of the nearly 50-year-old building this week after YMCA operations moved into the new Healthy Living Campus next door earlier this year.
The former Y opened in 1977 and served generations of local families through youth sports, daycare programs, swimming, fitness classes, birthday parties, and community events.
Once demolition is complete, part of the property will become additional parking for the Healthy Living Campus, while another section near Main Street will be turned into green space.
The work is also temporarily impacting the nearby Genesee County Office for the Aging building, which has closed during demolition operations.
County officials say walk-in services are still available at the new YMCA campus, while senior programming is expected to resume at alternate locations in the coming weeks.

HAWLEY BACKS TAX CREDITS FOR VOLUNTEER FIRST RESPONDERS

Steve Hawley voiced support today for legislation that would provide tax credits to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers across New York State.
Hawley says the bill is designed to help volunteers facing rising costs during what he called an affordability crisis in New York.
The Batavia-area assemblyman, who is also a life member of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, praised volunteers for the sacrifices they make protecting local communities.
Hawley noted the proposal originally included an additional 900 dollars in funding before portions of the legislation were held in committee earlier this week.

BATAVIA OPENS SECTIONALS WITH SHUTOUT WIN

Batavia opened Section Five Class C-1 sectional play Thursday night with a dominant 18-0 shutout victory over Geneva.
Violet Lopez threw three touchdown passes for the Blue Devils, including two scoring connections with Kaylynn Peyman.
Peyman hauled in touchdown catches of 14 and 32 yards as Batavia built a 12-0 lead before halftime. Lopez also connected with Ava Darling for a touchdown pass in the closing seconds of the second quarter.
Batavia’s defense was strong throughout the night, led by Peyman’s seven flag pulls and a sack.
The seventh-seeded Blue Devils now advance to the Class C-1 quarterfinals Tuesday night against second-seeded Aquinas.