Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on October 24, 2025
Lack of Quorum Halts Western OTB Board Business
The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation board was unable to conduct business Thursday morning in Batavia, falling short of a quorum.
Board Chair Dennis Bassett of Rochester called it “disappointing” but said there was nothing the group could do.
Three board seats are currently inactive , including vacant or ineligible members from Wayne, Niagara, and Livingston counties, bringing the total voting strength to 87. That means 44 and a half votes are needed for a quorum.
With key directors from Erie, Monroe, and Oswego counties absent, only 39 votes were represented ,leaving the board short.
As a result, several resolutions were postponed until November, including energy contracts for Batavia Downs Gaming and its facilities.
Genesee County Director Charles Zambito voiced frustration with the state-imposed weighted voting system, saying it puts control in the hands of just a few members and has made it harder for the board to get things done.
Car Crashes Through Wall at Maurices on Lewiston Road
Batavia City Fire and Mercy EMS responded around 1:30 Thursday afternoon to Maurices at 8351 Lewiston Road for a car that went through a wall.
The driver suffered only a minor injury and was seen walking into another store before police arrived. One patient signed off at the scene, and the incident was turned over to the City Codes Department.
Genesee and Orleans Counties Mark National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
October 19th through the 25th is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week — a time to raise awareness about the dangers of lead exposure and how to keep children safe.
Orleans County recognized the week with a proclamation on September 23rd, followed by Genesee County on October 22nd.
Lead exposure can cause serious learning and developmental problems in children, especially those under six. Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, says young children are most at risk because their bodies are still developing.
Public Health Director Paul Pettit adds that nearly three-quarters of homes in the GLOW region were built before 1978, when lead paint was banned — making testing critical.
GO Health urges families to get the facts, test their homes, and make sure children are tested for lead.
For more information or help through local lead prevention programs, visit GOHealthNY.org.
Batavia Rotary Hosts 7th Annual Trick or Trot 5K This Saturday
The Rotary Club of Batavia will host its 7th annual Trick or Trot 5K and Fun Run this Saturday at Dewitt Park.
This year’s event is USATF certified for the first time, with electronic chip timing and new age group categories. The Free Kids Fun Run starts at 4 p.m., followed by registration at 4:15 and the 5K race at 5:15.
Runners are encouraged to wear costumes as the course winds through St. Joseph’s and Elmwood Cemeteries.
Proceeds support Rotary projects, and donations of toiletries, winter clothing, and food for Eagle Star Housing will also be collected.
For details or registration, visit BataviaRotaryClub.org.
Thursday Night Genesee County Volleyball Scores
In girls volleyball Thursday, Alexander swept Kendall three sets to none in Class C2 action.
Elba also won in straight sets — 25-23, 25-17, and 25-21 — improving to 12 and 5 on the season.
Jada Fite led the Lady Lancers with 3 kills, 9 assists, a block, 7 digs, and 3 aces.
Brooklyn Jachimowicz added 20 digs, and Madison Marks chipped in 6 kills and 5 aces.
Elegant Woman A Dominates at Batavia Downs
At Batavia Downs Wednesday night, Aussie pacing mare Elegant Woman A continued her rise with an impressive win in the $11,500 AA-Open Handicap for fillies and mares.
Driven by Drew Monti, Elegant Woman A surged past Delta Three N on the final turn and pulled away to win by four and a half lengths in 1:55.4 — her seventh victory of the year.
Rightfully Mine, driven by Kyle Swift, also took the $8,800 Class-A pace in 1:57.4.Monti, Dave McNeight III, and trainer Chris Petrelli each notched three wins on the night.
Live racing returns Friday at 6 p.m., with a $7,000 Jackpot Super Hi-5 carryover in Race 13.
