Friday News Brief

LAPP Insulators Recognized as Historic New York Business

LAPP Insulators is celebrating more than a century of manufacturing in Le Roy while also looking toward the future.
The company was formally recognized Wednesday by Assemblyman Steve Hawley as a Historic New York Business, marking 110 years in operation since being founded in 1916. To qualify for the designation, a business must operate for at least 50 years and be nominated by a public official.
Company leaders reflected on the challenges and successes of more than a century in business, noting LAPP’s long-standing role as a major local employer. While workforce retention has become a more recent challenge, leadership and employees expressed confidence in the company’s direction.
Community leaders also praised LAPP for its continued support of local charities, schools, and organizations, calling the recognition a well-earned milestone for a business deeply rooted in Le Roy.

Holiday Concert Tonight at Holland Land Office Museum

The Holland Land Office Museum continues its Holiday Concert Series tonight with a performance by the Refoundry Strings String Duo.
The concert runs from 7 to 8 p.m. at the museum on West Main Street in Batavia and will feature classic holiday favorites.
Seating is limited. Admission is five dollars, or three dollars for museum members. Those planning to attend are encouraged to contact the museum at 585-343-4727 to reserve a seat.

Chindano Reaches 1,000 Career Wins at Batavia Downs

Joe Chindano Jr. reached a major milestone Wednesday night at Batavia Downs, recording the 1,000th driving win of his career.
Chindano hit the mark by winning the seventh race with Mr. Cool Seaeyre N, part of a four-win night for the longtime Western New York driver. He was introduced to harness racing by his parents and earned his first career win at Goshen in 2012 at just 13 years old.
Since then, Chindano has driven at tracks across New York and beyond, becoming a regular standout at Batavia Downs. Since 2023 alone, he has earned more than 1.8 million dollars in purses at the local track.
Chindano also captured the featured Class-A fillies and mares pace Wednesday with Major Megan, completing a grand slam on the card.
Live racing returns to Batavia Downs Saturday at 5 p.m. for the final night of the season, featuring two ten-thousand-dollar guaranteed “must-pay” wagering pools.

Town of Batavia Approves Increase in Fire Protection Funding

The Town of Batavia Fire Department will receive an increase in funding next year under a newly approved fire protection contract.
Town Board members approved a contract totaling just over one-point-five million dollars, an increase of about forty-eight thousand dollars from this year. Town Supervisor Gregory Post said the agreement includes new benchmarks and policies aimed at improving collaboration and ensuring efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Post added the department continues to meet or exceed expectations for a rural volunteer fire department, while the town’s tax rate will remain unchanged for the fourteenth straight year.
The increase is tied to higher assessed property values, not a rate hike.

Genesee County Boys Basketball Scores — Thursday

In boys high school basketball Thursday night, Pembroke picked up a 55–33 win over Alden.
Elba stayed strong at home, defeating Early College 74–50. Byron-Bergen earned a road win, knocking off Holley 52–36.
Notre Dame Batavia rounded out the night with a dominant 88–24 victory over Wheatland-Chili.