Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on December 12, 2025
GV BOCES Expands Electro-Mechanical Trades Program with $677K State Grant
Genesee Valley BOCES has been awarded $677,000 through the New York Power Authority’s Clean Energy Workforce Training Initiative to expand Career and Technical Education opportunities and strengthen training in high-demand skilled trades.
The funding will bring the Electro-Mechanical Trades Program to the Mount Morris CTE Center next fall. Currently offered only in Batavia, the expansion will increase access for students across the region and support careers tied to New York’s growing clean-energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.
BOCES leaders say the program gives students hands-on experience with the electrical and mechanical systems that power homes, businesses, industry, and automation. Students learn electrical theory, blueprint reading, troubleshooting, and safe field practices—skills that prepare them for jobs in maintenance, building systems, robotics, and technical trades.
Administrators note the expansion also strengthens collaboration with other CTE programs, such as Building Trades, giving students opportunities to work together on large-scale projects like the house build. Regional workforce partners continue to emphasize the need for graduates with strong foundational skills who can adapt as technology evolves.
BOCES officials say this investment will help build a stronger local talent pipeline while keeping students connected to careers in their own communities.
Main St. 56 Theater Presents It’s a Wonderful Life
The Batavia Players will bring the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play to the stage this weekend at Main St. 56 Theater in the Batavia City Centre. Performances are set for December 12th and 13th at 7:30 p.m., and December 14th at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $22 online for adults, $20 for students and seniors, and $24 at the door. This festive production, directed by Patrick D. Burk with music direction by Kathy White, transforms the beloved story into a nostalgic radio-play experience.
More info and tickets at bataviaplayers.org.
Gray Repeats as NYS Class C Player of the Year
Byron-Bergen senior Mia Gray has been named the Class C Player of the Year for the second straight season by NYSSCOGS. Gray scored 46 goals with 26 assists, leading the Bees to their fifth consecutive sectional title and another trip to the state semifinals.
The University of Florida commit also becomes the first known Section V girls soccer player to earn five First Team All-State honors. Teammates Grace DiQuattro (First Team) and Elizabeth Starowitz (Second Team) were also recognized.
Winter Racing at Batavia Downs Officially Set for January
Winter racing at Batavia Downs is officially returning in 2026. WROTB President and CEO Byron Brown confirmed Thursday that an agreement has been reached with the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association, clearing the way for an eight-date meet beginning January 13.
The WROTB board authorized Brown to finalize the deal after what he described as smooth, cooperative negotiations. Last year’s frequent weather-related cancellations had management reconsidering winter racing, but Brown said the new agreement addresses staffing and operational concerns.
The horsemen’s association will reimburse WROTB for all winter racing expenses. In 2025, the group covered $409,000 for 15 dates; 2026 costs will be billed as needed.
Winter cards will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. through February 5, shifting away from Monday racing to allow staff more preparation time during winter storms.
Batavia Downs still has three race dates remaining this season: December 13th, 17th and 20th, all with a 5 p.m. post time.
Missing Dog Spotted in Town of Batavia
A larger black dog has been seen repeatedly over the past few weeks in the wooded area behind South Main Street near Pearl Street Road in the Town of Batavia.
If you are missing a dog matching that description, residents are asked to contact Video News Service via Facebook Messenger.
