Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on August 22, 2025
CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is set for a major transition in leadership. Sheriff Joseph Graff announced today that Investigator Ryan DeLong has been appointed undersheriff, replacing longtime deputy and undersheriff Brad Mazur, who is retiring after 26 years of service.
DeLong, a 2004 Batavia High School graduate, has been with the sheriff’s office since 2015. He served five years on road patrol before being promoted to investigator in 2020. Sheriff Graff praised DeLong as a trusted professional who “always goes over and beyond anything he’s asked to do.”
DeLong said he’s ready for the challenge of stepping into administration, and looks forward to working with Graff to guide the agency into the future — with an emphasis on technology, investigation, and community partnerships.
As for Mazur, he reflected on his decades of service and the strong cooperation among Genesee County agencies. He says it was the right time to step away, and plans to spend time with family before considering future work.
DeLong will officially be sworn in as undersheriff Monday afternoon at the Old County Courthouse.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOD TRUCK RODEO RETURNS TO BATAVIA
The Friday Night Food Truck Rodeo is back at the Genesee County Fairgrounds tonight, August 22nd, from 4 to 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy some of Western New York’s most popular food trucks with free admission and free parking. The event is cash-only, held rain or shine, with plenty of indoor dining space or the option to bring lawn chairs. The final rodeo of the season will be held on Friday, September 12th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds. Sponsored by the Genesee County Agricultural Society.
Captain Albano, Desperate Man Headline $100,000 Kane Memorial at Batavia Downs
On Saturday, August 23, Batavia Downs will host the 19th Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace, featuring one of the deepest fields in the race’s history. Leading the way are millionaire pacers Captain Albano and Desperate Man. Captain Albano, a two-time Dan Patch Award winner, comes in with over $1.7 million in earnings and a 1:48.1 mark, while defending champion Desperate Man has banked more than $1.75 million and won last year’s Kane in 1:51.3. They’ll be joined by Buzzsaw Russ, Birthday, Blazing Home N, and a strong supporting cast. The $100,000 Kane Memorial goes as Race 10 at 9 p.m. Post time for Saturday’s 13-race card is 6 p.m. with total purses exceeding $468,000.
Genesee Community College has announced new leadership on its Board of Trustees.
At the annual meeting on July 14, the board elected Mary Alice Panek as Chair. Panek, a GCC alumna and longtime educator, has served as a trustee since 2019 and is active in community service in Stafford.
Sarah Noble-Moag was elected Vice Chair. She joined the board in 2017 and is co-owner of Noblehurst Farms in Linwood, where she has championed agricultural education across the region.
Phillip DiMartino, a Batavia native and independent insurance broker, was elected Secretary. He has served on the board since 2019 and brings national business and nonprofit leadership experience.
GCC President Dr. Craig Lamb praised the officers’ commitment to students and the community, saying their leadership will help guide the college into an exciting future.
For more information, visit genesee.edu.
The LeRoy Farmers Market continues this Saturday at Trigon Park.
From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., shoppers can browse fresh local produce, baked goods, and crafts while enjoying live music. Saturday’s entertainment features Bryan Dwyer, performing acoustic rock.
The market runs rain or shine and is a weekly Saturday tradition through early October.
