Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on June 19, 2026
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 buyout during retirement if he declines district-provided retiree health coverage.
The board also approved a new agreement for School Business Administrator Andy Lang through 2030. Lang’s salary will increase from $155,000 next school year to $169,000 by 2029, with additional longevity and tenure-based increases. The agreement also includes insurance benefits, a potential $6,000 annual insurance buyout and a $15,000 retirement incentive after ten years of service.
A separate agreement raises the District Treasurer’s salary from just under $86,000 to $95,000 next year, reaching $105,000 by 2028-29, while also providing a CPA stipend and reduced summer work hours.
The board also approved a new agreement with substitute teachers and aides that increases daily pay rates by five dollars across all tiers beginning next school year.
DJ JICKSTER RETURNS TO 34 RUSH TONIGHT
Looking for some late-night entertainment? Head to 34 Rush at Batavia Downs tonight as DJ Jickster returns to keep the party going.
The popular local DJ takes over beginning at 9:30 p.m., spinning your favorite hits and dance music throughout the evening. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy food and drinks before the show begins.
34 Rush is located inside Batavia Downs on Park Road in Batavia. Admission information and event details are available through Batavia Downs, and organizers note that times and details are subject to change.
If you’re looking for a fun night out, DJ Jickster will be ready to help you dance the night away tonight at 34 Rush.
POST OFFICES CLOSED TODAY FOR JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY
If you’re planning a trip to the post office today, you’ll need to wait until tomorrow.
U.S. Postal Service locations across the country are closed today, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth, the nation’s newest federal holiday. There will also be no regular mail delivery.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free — more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The day became a federal holiday in 2021.
While post offices are closed and regular mail service is suspended today, Priority Mail Express service remains available. Post offices and normal mail delivery operations are scheduled to resume tomorrow.
Customers are encouraged to check with their local post office for specific Saturday hours and services.
CREAMERY ROAD TO CLOSE FOR CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Drivers in the Town of Bergen should plan for detours beginning next week as a portion of Creamery Road will be closed for approximately two weeks starting the week of June 22.
The Genesee County Department of Public Works says Creamery Road will be closed between West Sweden Road and Route 19 for a culvert replacement project. The closure will affect all traffic, including emergency vehicles.
Drivers approaching from the west will not be able to travel beyond house number 7922, while those approaching from the east will be stopped at house number 7933.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use alternate routes while work is underway. Officials note that the schedule could change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.
SUPREME COURT RULES AGAINST BROAD GUN BAN FOR MARIJUANA USERS
The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the federal government cannot broadly prohibit all marijuana users from owning firearms simply because they use cannabis.
The case involved a Texas man who challenged a federal law that bars gun ownership by anyone who regularly uses illegal drugs. Writing for the court, Justice Neil Gorsuch said the government cannot assume that millions of marijuana users are automatically dangerous, especially as cannabis use has become legal or widely accepted in many states.
The ruling does not eliminate all restrictions. The court noted that people who are addicted to drugs, intoxicated, or shown to be dangerous could still face firearm prohibitions under certain circumstances.
The decision marks another significant Second Amendment ruling from a Supreme Court that has repeatedly expanded gun rights in recent years and could have broad implications for gun laws involving marijuana users nationwide.
MUCKDOGS BLANK AUBURN, DOUBLEHEADER WASHED OUT
The Batavia Muckdogs picked up another victory Wednesday night, but rain put a stop to Thursday’s plans.
A scheduled doubleheader against the Olean Oilers was canceled because of poor field conditions following heavy rainfall. A makeup date has not yet been announced.
Before the weather moved in, Batavia rolled past the Auburn Doubledays 6-0 behind a dominant performance from Evan Brock. Brock went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a triple and five RBIs, extending his hitting streak to nine games.
Gavin Chandler earned his third win of the season, tossing seven scoreless innings while striking out five. Garrett Beaver closed the door to secure the shutout and collect his second save.
The Muckdogs, now 8-2 on the season, return to Dwyer Stadium tonight at 6:30 to host the Niagara Falls Americans. Postgame fireworks are also scheduled following the game.
