Friday News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on May 9, 2025
The Late Sgt. Sanfratello Was Honored in Albany
In Albany, a solemn tribute was held Wednesday to honor fallen law enforcement officers, including Genesee County Sheriff’s Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, at the New York State Police Officers Memorial.
Sanfratello lost his life in March 2024 while attempting to make an arrest at Batavia Downs. A man has since been sentenced for aggravated manslaughter, and a woman for assault in connection with his death.
During the ceremony, 68 officers were memorialized. The monument now displays nearly 2,000 names of those who gave their lives in the line of duty.
Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the crowd, saying, “The numbers on the wall, the names on the wall, they represent real people. People who walked this earth. People who perhaps, and were very likely, raised in a household by parents who instilled in them a sense of patriotism, of love of country, love of community, and service.”
Hochul also proclaimed May 6 as Police Memorial Day across New York State, honoring the service and sacrifice of officers statewide.
Rollerskating is Back in Batavia
Get ready to roll! Public roller skating is back at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena in Batavia. Join the fun Friday and Saturday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. with party lights, great music, and plenty of energy!
Admission is just 8 dollars, and skate rentals are available for 3. Bring a friend and enjoy a night of fun on wheels! The rink is located at 22 Evans Street. For more info, call 585-250-4040.
New Pope Installed
History was made Thursday in Vatican City, as Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected the next pope—becoming the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church in its 2,000-year history.
Prevost, 69, will now be known as Pope Leo the Fourteenth. A former missionary who spent much of his career in Peru, he was brought to the Vatican in 2023 by Pope Francis to lead the influential office that oversees bishop appointments worldwide.
White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney just after noon, signaling that the 133 cardinals gathered behind closed doors had made their decision. The conclave, which began Wednesday, concluded on its second day—after multiple rounds of voting.
Pope Francis’s successor steps into a role marked by great spiritual authority and global attention. During a Mass ahead of the conclave, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re urged unity, praying that the new pope would be “he whom the Church and humanity need at this difficult, complex, and troubled turning point in history.”
Batavia Kiwanis Club Awards
Thursday at the Batavia Country Club, the Kiwanis Club of Batavia honored outstanding public servants at its 2025 Criminal Justice Awards luncheon.
Among the recipients was Sergeant Mathew Clor of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, recognized for his leadership, courage during a shooting incident, and guidance through the tragic loss of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.
Correction Officer Jared Swimline was praised for his integrity, empathy, and leadership at the Genesee County Jail.
Dispatcher Beth Miller was honored for her life-saving work, training leadership, and excellence in emergency communications.
Officer Connor Borchert, School Resource Officer for the City of Batavia Police Department, was recognized for bridging law enforcement and youth through mentorship, education, and crisis response.
The Charles L. Mancuso Mock Trial Award went to the Batavia High School Mock Trial Team for their regional victory in the GLOW District.
Also honored were Judges Jeffrey Tauscher, Andrew Young, and Thomas Graham, receiving leadership and service awards from the Genesee County Magistrates’ and Court Clerks’ Association.
Trivia Night at GO ART
Think you know your rock history? Test your knowledge at Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll Trivia—Friday, May 9th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at GO ART!, 201 East Main Street in Batavia.
It’s a 21+ night of music-themed trivia, drinks, laughs, and the chance to win big—all for just $2. Round up your crew, grab a drink, and prove you’ve got what it takes to rule the trivia stage!
Measles Case Confirmed in GLOW Region
Orleans County Public Health has confirmed a case of measles in a local resident who became ill in late March after being exposed outside the United States.
Officials say the individual has fully recovered, and there’s no current risk to the public. Quick action by the family—including home isolation and up-to-date vaccinations—likely prevented the virus from spreading further.
This comes as measles cases surge nationally, with the CDC reporting 935 cases in the U.S. so far this year—more than double the total in all of 2024.
Health experts continue to stress the importance of vaccination, as measles—once declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000—has been making a troubling comeback.
Thursday Sports Scores
Here are Thursday’s high school baseball scores from around Genesee County:
Alexander defeated Byron-Bergen 11–6.
Oakfield-Alabama shut out Lyndonville 11–0.
Pembroke took down Attica 12–1.
Notre Dame beat Akron 7–0.
Le Roy triumphed over Caledonia-Mumford with a dominant 23–2 win.
