Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 17, 2026
NEW DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT NAMED FOR GENESEE VALLEY BOCES
Genesee Valley BOCES has a new district superintendent.
The Board of Education has appointed Dr. Julie Donlon-Yates to lead the organization, effective August 1st, following approval from State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa.
Donlon-Yates brings more than 25 years of experience in public education, including over two decades with Genesee Valley BOCES. Most recently, she served as deputy superintendent for human resources, helping oversee operations and support the region’s 22 component school districts.
During her career, she’s held several leadership roles within BOCES, helped launch the Trauma, Illness and Grief support program, secured more than $540,000 to expand agribusiness education, and developed partnerships connecting schools, businesses and community organizations.
As district superintendent, Donlon-Yates will serve as the chief executive officer of Genesee Valley BOCES and work with school districts across the region to expand educational opportunities and strengthen services for students.
BATAVIA TOWN BOARD MOVES TO BAN LARGE BATTERY STORAGE PROJECTS
The Town of Batavia is moving to prohibit large-scale battery energy storage systems.
Town Board members have introduced a local law that would ban battery storage facilities with a capacity greater than 600 kilowatt-hours. The proposal amends the battery storage law adopted earlier this year. A public hearing on the measure is scheduled for August 19th at 7 p.m. at Batavia Town Court before the board’s regular monthly meeting.
The Town Board also approved changes to the 2026 budget ahead of Friday’s closing on the purchase of a 5.4-acre property in front of Town Hall. The town will spend up to $1.368 million from its general fund balance to acquire the former Hodgins Engraving property.
Officials say the site will be used to relocate the town’s fuel farm, provide additional Department of Public Works storage, and create a second entrance to both the DPW facility and Town Hall from West Main Street Road.
VILLAGE PEOPLE TAKE THE STAGE TONIGHT AT BATAVIA DOWNS
The Village People headline tonight’s Rockin’ the Downs Summer Concert Series at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.
The evening gets underway at 5:30 with Savage Cabbage, followed by JB Aaron at 7, before the Village People take the stage at 8:30.
The legendary disco group, known for hits including Y.M.C.A., Macho Man, In the Navy, and Go West, has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and continues to perform to sold-out crowds. Tickets are still available online at BataviaConcerts.com or at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop inside Batavia Downs. Doors open this evening, and concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early.
M-POWER AGENCY OPENS NEW BATAVIA OFFICE
An Albion-based health insurance brokerage is expanding into Batavia.
M-Power Agency officially opened its new office Wednesday at the Crickler Executive Business Center on West Main Street. The company specializes in health insurance and Medicare and now serves more than 6,000 clients across western New York.
President Jamie Radder says the goal is to help people navigate the often confusing world of health insurance by acting as an advocate and helping them find the plan that best fits their doctors, medications and lifestyle.
The Batavia office will be staffed by two insurance brokers and marks the company’s third location as it continues to grow.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION RACES TO KEEP TARIFFS IN PLACE
The Trump administration is working to keep billions of dollars in tariff revenue flowing after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the president’s broad import tariffs earlier this year.
The White House is now racing to replace temporary tariffs that expire July 24th with new, longer-lasting tariffs under a different section of federal trade law. Officials say the move would preserve import taxes on dozens of countries, with new tariffs already announced on some Brazilian goods and more expected in the coming weeks.
The administration says the tariffs are aimed at protecting American industries from unfair trade practices, while critics argue the strategy could face new legal challenges and continue creating uncertainty for businesses and consumers.
FDA PROPOSES EASIER ACCESS TO TESTOSTERONE THERAPY
The Trump administration is moving to make testosterone therapy more accessible for men with age-related symptoms such as low sex drive and erectile dysfunction.
The Food and Drug Administration has proposed updating prescribing guidelines that currently limit testosterone to men with certain medical conditions. The change follows recent research showing the hormone can improve sexual health, while easing earlier concerns about heart risks.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have backed the effort, with the military announcing plans to screen troops for low testosterone.
Medical experts caution that testosterone isn’t a cure-all, saying evidence shows little benefit for fatigue or memory, and the treatment isn’t recommended for men trying to have children or those with certain prostate cancer risks.
OFFICE FOR THE AGING RECEIVES $422,000 GRANT
The Genesee County Office for the Aging has been awarded a three-year AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant worth more than $422,000 to expand services for older adults.
The county will receive nearly $141,000 each year to launch its Healthy Futures initiative, which will recruit more than 200 volunteers to provide transportation, wellness programs, meal delivery, companionship, grocery assistance and other support to help seniors remain independent.
Office for the Aging Director Jessica Riley says the program will help combat social isolation while strengthening services for older residents throughout Genesee County.
Residents age 55 and older interested in volunteering can contact the Genesee County Office for the Aging for more information.
