Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on November 14, 2025
NFL Slots Make Their Debut at Batavia Downs
Football fans have something new to cheer about at Batavia Downs. The Park Road casino has rolled out nine brand-new NFL Triple Score slot machines, bringing the excitement of the National Football League right to the gaming floor.
Vice President of Operations Sean Schiano says Batavia Downs has been working for two years to land the NFL games — and they finally went live Wednesday afternoon.
Players can pick their favorite team, and even watch video highlights while they spin. Schiano says he’s expecting plenty of Buffalo Bills fans to jump in.
Batavia Downs is the first casino in Western New York to feature the NFL Slots games.
In total, Batavia Downs now has 943 machines, with the newest nine decked out for football season.
Batavia Vigil Honors Lives Lost to Anti-Transgender Violence
The annual Transgender Day of Remembrance will be observed Thursday, November 20, at 6 p.m. outside the Batavia First Presbyterian Church on East Main Street.
The vigil, hosted by GLOW OUT! and SUNY Brockport’s Pride Association, will honor those lost to anti-transgender violence over the past year — including Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old Black trans man from Canandaigua whose death drew national attention.
Organizers say the event is about both mourning and prevention, reminding the community that love, respect, and support can save lives. Light refreshments will follow the ceremony.
Le Roy Set for State Volleyball Clash with Top-Ranked Portville
After a thrilling comeback win over Bloomfield, the Le Roy girls volleyball team heads to Wayne High School Saturday for the Class C Far West Regional at 1:30 p.m.
Le Roy, ranked fifth in the state at 23–1, will take on second-ranked Portville, the four-time defending state champion that hasn’t dropped a set this postseason.
Le Roy is led by Shea Williams, Evy Kanaley, Chloe Moran, and Kylie Wilson, who have powered the Knights through an incredible run.
It’ll take their best performance yet, but after Tuesday’s comeback, this team has proven — never count them out.
WBTA to Broadcast Alexander/Pembroke and Notre Dame Sectional Title Games
Two local football teams take center stage this weekend — and both games can be heard live on WBTA.
In Class C, Alexander/Pembroke, undefeated in its first year as a merged program, faces Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry for the sectional title Saturday at noon at Rush-Henrietta. The Defenders enter 9-0 and ranked No. 9 in the state, while the Dawgs are 8-2 and ranked No. 13. Alexander/Pembroke has outscored its postseason opponents 65-0, led by Ryder Reichert, Mason Snyder, and Brody Heckman.
Then Friday night in Class D, Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen looks to finish its Cinderella run against defending champ Avon. The Fighting Bees are fresh off an upset of top-seed Pavilion/York and aim for their first title since 2019.
Kickoff for the Class D final is 7 p.m. today at SUNY Brockport, followed by the Class C title at noon Saturday — both live on WBTA.
Genesee County Career Center Hosting Fall Job Fair
The Genesee County Career Center will host its Fall Job Fair Tuesday, November 18th, from 10 a.m. to nsectionoon at 587 East Main Street in Batavia.
More than a dozen employers will be on hand, offering opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, trades, and civil service. Job seekers can meet hiring managers, learn about training programs, and even interview on the spot.
For more information, contact the Career Center at 585-344-2042.
SUNY Reconnect Helps 113 Adults Enroll at GCC
Genesee Community College says 113 adult learners enrolled this semester through the SUNY Reconnect program, receiving more than $164,000 in tuition support. The initiative offers free community college for New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 completing their first degree.
GCC’s Cybersecurity and Health Studies programs saw the highest Reconnect enrollment, aligning with local workforce needs. President Dr. Craig Lamb says the program gives adult learners a path back to opportunity and success.
Spring registration is now open. More information is available at genesee.edu.
