Friday News Brief
Written by Mitch Ernst on May 29, 2025
Pavilion Alumni Hall of Fame Inducts Three New Members
The Pavilion Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is happening today, Friday, May 30th, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Pavilion Junior-Senior High School Auditorium—and the public is welcome to attend.
This year’s honorees are:
Terri Donegan Sanchez, Class of 1985—an all-star five-sport athlete who earned state honors in Volleyball and Track. She now works in education as a Business and Marketing teacher and Clinical Educator.
Marirose Torcello Ethington, Class of 1982—active in clubs and student government at Pavilion, she went on to teach science at both Camden High School and Genesee Community College, all while raising a family and staying involved in the community.
And Linda J. “Linn” Tytler, Class of 1965—who advanced from business school to working with Congress, the U.S. Senate, and even on President Gerald Ford’s campaign. She later served in the New Mexico House of Representatives.
Come out and celebrate these exceptional alumni today at Pavilion!
McCarthy Ice Arena Roller Skating
Looking for something fun this weekend? Head over to the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena at 22 Evans Street in Batavia for public roller skating every Friday and Saturday night from 7:30 to 9:00!
Admission is just $8, with skate rentals available for $3. Enjoy party lights, great music, and plenty of fun—bring a friend and roll into the weekend right!
Call 585-250-4040 for more info.
Thruway Standoff
13WHAM News reports, in Pittsford, a man is facing multiple charges after a standoff early Thursday morning shut down a stretch of the New York State Thruway.
State Police responded around 2:45 a.m. to a report of a car off the road on I-90 near Mendon Center Road. Troopers say the driver—31-year-old Anthony Caceres of Rochester—refused to cooperate and became verbally combative.
When officers approached again, a trooper saw what appeared to be the barrel of a gun pointed at him through the car window. Troopers took cover and called for backup.
After a brief standoff, Caceres was taken into custody without further incident. He’s now charged with criminal possession of a weapon, menacing a police officer, and obstruction.
The Thruway reopened shortly after 7 a.m. The investigation is ongoing.
United Way Giving Back to Genesee County
The United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes is investing $45,500 to support two summer programs right here in Genesee County—a boost in support compared to last year.
The 2025 grant recipients are the Gillam Grant Community Center’s Summer Day Camp and the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council’s “Explore Art! for Kids” program. These initiatives offer safe, enriching spaces where youth can thrive, stay engaged, and grow socially, emotionally, and academically during the summer months.
Robert De Leon, United Way’s Director of Community Impact, said, “When our youth have the opportunities to thrive, we thrive as a community.”
Programs were chosen based on their excellence in areas like academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, arts and recreation, safety, and inclusivity.
The funding comes from United Way’s Community Impact Fund, which supports nonprofits and vital services all year long.
To donate or learn more, visit unitedwayrocflx.org.
Flea Market
Don’t miss the Inclusive Market Fair this Sunday,from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena in Batavia.
It’s a free event featuring a unique mix of vintage finds, handmade goods, collectibles, and creations from local artists, pickers, and makers.
Come shop, explore, and enjoy a fun day out—there’s something for everyone! For more info, call 585-250-4040.
Pawn Shop Stealing Scheme
In Rochester, the owner of a Greece pawn shop has pleaded guilty in a multi-year scheme involving more than $1 million in stolen goods.
Dominic Sprague, 41, owner of New York Diamond Pawn Shop on Stone Road, admitted to conspiring with four others to buy and resell stolen merchandise between December 2021 and October 2024.
Prosecutors say the stolen items—nearly 38,000 in total—were sold to the shop for a fraction of their value and then flipped for profit on eBay. The scheme caused more than $1.1 million in losses to retailers.
Sprague now faces up to six years in prison, with sentencing set for September 23rd. His co-defendants have all been convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
Sports Scores
The Batavia flag football team’s impressive season came to a heartbreaking close Wednesday night in the Section V Class C championship, falling to C.G. Finney 7-0. It marks the third straight sectional final loss for the Blue Devils.
Batavia’s defense put on a strong performance—Kylee Brennan led the way with 14 flag pulls, seven for a loss. Alyssa Turner and Nicole Doeringer combined for nine more, while Libby Grazioplene grabbed two interceptions. Offensively, Jaimin Macdonald had 51 yards rushing and snagged a key interception late in the second half, but Batavia couldn’t convert and turned the ball over on downs with just over a minute left.
The Blue Devils end another solid season with a 9-4-1 record.
Le Roy Baseball is heading back to the Section V Class B Championship after a thrilling 3-2 win over Wayland-Cohocton in the semifinals.
The Knights will look to capture their 6th sectional title—and first since 2019—when they take on top-seeded, defending champion Wellsville this Saturday.
Wellsville is chasing a record 16th title, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
The Oakfield-Alabama Hornets are heading to the Section V Class C2 softball championship after a commanding 9-0 victory over third-seeded Genesee Valley/Belfast in the semifinals.
The Hornets will face the winner of today’s semifinal between top-seeded Dundee/Bradford and seventh-seeded Bolivar-Richburg.
Oakfield-Alabama is aiming to capture their second sectional title in four seasons, having last won the Class C2 championship in 2022 .