Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on September 5, 2025
ECMC Provides Update on Thruway Bus Crash Victims
Erie County Medical Center says four patients remain hospitalized following the deadly tour bus crash on the Thruway near Pembroke nearly two weeks ago. The hospital reports 17 others have been released, including five discharged on Wednesday.
In all, 21 people were brought to ECMC after the August 22nd rollover crash, which killed five passengers and injured many more. The bus, carrying more than 50 people from Niagara Falls to New York City, was traveling with tourists from the Philippines, China, and India.
The victims who died have been identified as Shankar Kumar Jha of India, Pinki Changrani of New Jersey, Jian Mingli and Zhang Xiaolan of Jersey City, and Xie Hongzhuo of Beijing.
The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate, focusing on driver performance, passenger safety, highway signage, and seatbelt use. While a new state law now requires seatbelts on newer charter buses, the vehicle involved was built in 2005 and not subject to the rule.
Jack Fire Live at Smokin’ Eagle BBQ
Get ready for a high-energy night in Le Roy — Jack Fire takes the stage this Saturday, September 6th, at 9 p.m. at Smokin’ Eagle BBQ on Main Street. The trio — Mike Kasprzyk on drums and vocals, Dylan Kasprzyk on lead vocals and guitar, and Mark Acquard on bass — brings years of experience from bands like West of the Mark and Alibi. Expect a powerful mix of country, alternative, rock, and Top 40 hits, all with a stage presence guaranteed to keep the crowd moving.
Hawley Urges Governor to Halt Genesee County Solar Projects
Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to stop two large-scale solar projects planned for Genesee County. In a letter sent to the governor, Hawley voiced strong opposition to the $950 million Cider Solar project and the $345 million Excelsior Solar project, which together would cover nearly 6,000 acres of productive farmland.
Hawley points out that Genesee County is one of New York’s leading agricultural regions, yet the state has been losing farmland at an alarming rate — with 14 percent of farms and more than 9 percent of farmland lost between 2021 and 2022.
He invited Governor Hochul and her administration to visit the district to hear from residents whose livelihoods are at stake. Hawley says, “While farmers across Western New York are struggling to keep the lights on, Governor Hochul is busy taking away thousands of acres of vital farmlands to advance her radical climate agenda. It’s time to protect our farms, not put them out of business.”
Pollinator Meadow Mingle at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
This Saturday, September 6th, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge invites you to the Pollinator Meadow Mingle at the Cayuga Overlook in Basom. Hosted with the Eastern Monarch Butterfly Farm and Friends of Iroquois NWR, the event offers a chance to explore the growing pollinator meadow, enjoy mocktails, and take part in crafts and family-friendly activities. No registration is required — just stop by and celebrate nature’s pollinators. For details, call 948-5445.
Genesee County High School Volleyball Scores
In girls volleyball Thursday, Le Roy improved to 2–0 with a sweep over Dansville, winning in straight sets 25-21, 25-10, and 25-9. The Knights were led by Laney Christ with 8 assists and 4 aces, while Kylie Wilson added 8 service points. Le Roy travels to Greece Arcadia Saturday at 1:30.
Elba also scored a dominant 3–0 victory over Eugenio Maria DeHostos Charter, taking sets of 25-8, 25-15, and 25-4. Madison Marks led with 7 kills and 7 aces, while Madilyn Marks chipped in 6 aces of her own.
