Elba and Oakfield Officials to Oversee $950 Million Cider Solar Project

Code enforcement officers in Elba and Oakfield could each earn up to $22,500 as independent contractors during construction of the $950 million Cider Solar Project — the largest solar development under New York’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting.
A draft escrow agreement between both towns and Hecate Energy outlines up to $145,000 in funds to monitor compliance with state and local building codes. The project spans roughly 2,000 acres north of the villages of Elba and Oakfield.
Grasby Consulting of Mount Morris will serve as compliance monitor and town representative, supervising Elba’s Mike Morris and Oakfield’s Mark Mikolajczyk in part-time “solar coordinator” roles.
The work is expected to continue through 2026, with Elba serving as escrow agent for payments managed by Knauf Shaw LLP of Rochester.

Batavia Fire Department Announces Coloring Contest Winners

The City of Batavia Fire Department has announced the winners of its 2025 Fire Prevention Coloring Contest. More than 400 students from Batavia schools took part, showing creativity and enthusiasm for fire safety. Top honors went to Ronin Dix of St. Paul Lutheran in Grades K through 1, Ruby Oshlag-Conklin of John Kennedy for Grades 2 and 3, and Elizabeth Colantonio, also of John Kennedy, for Grades 4 and 5. An awards luncheon for winners and their families will be held Saturday, October 25th, from 11:30 to 1 at the Batavia Fire Station on Evans Street.

$80,000 Winner Highlights Big Weekend at Batavia Downs

It was another big weekend at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, where several players hit major jackpots — including one lucky guest who took home more than $80,000. On just a $2.25 bet, a player identified as “Anette” won $80,072 while playing the Money Link slot game Sunday night.
Batavia Downs President Byron Brown said he loves seeing patrons win big, noting guests have already won more than $204 million this year. Vice President Ryan Hasenauer added that the Money Link machines have become some of the casino’s most popular and profitable.
In addition to the $80,000 jackpot, three other players won more than $20,000, and two others claimed over $10,000 each. Batavia Downs features 943 gaming machines, including the newly added Monopoly Express Games.

Louis “Grizz” Scafetta Memorial Fundraiser This Saturday

Friends, family, and the community are invited to the Polish Falcons Nest in Batavia this Saturday for the Louis “Grizz” Scafetta Memorial Scholarship Basket Raffle Fundraiser. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features themed baskets, gift cards, 50/50s, and a wagon of booze.
Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund supporting New York high school seniors pursuing studies in conservation and environmental science — honoring Scafetta’s lifelong love of nature. Drawings begin at 2 p.m.

Genesee County Volleyball Monday Results

Byron-Bergen swept Alexander in straight sets, while Elba topped Lyndonville 3–1 behind a strong all-around performance from Jada Fite, who tallied six kills, nine assists, and four aces. Brynn Stackhouse added eight kills for the Lancers, who improved to 11–5.
For Lyndonville, Emily Dill led with 16 digs and four aces. The Tigers finish their regular season at 4–14, while Elba hosts Notre Dame Tuesday and Cal-Mum Thursday. Le Roy also earned a 3–0 win over Geneseo.

Public Invited to Weigh In on Genesee County’s Smart Growth Plan

Genesee County is inviting residents to review and comment on its Draft 2025 Smart Growth Plan, which lays out where and how development should happen in the county over the next several years — while protecting farmland, infrastructure, and natural resources.
The Smart Growth Plan was first adopted in 2001 to guide responsible growth alongside the county’s water project. It designates specific areas where development can happen based on things like transportation access, existing infrastructure, and agricultural protection. By law, the plan must be reviewed and updated every three years.
The county’s Planning Department will hold a public meeting on Thursday, November 6th at 7 p.m. in the large conference room at County Building 2, West Main Street Road in Batavia. Residents can attend in person or on Zoom.
One hour of land use training credit is available for planning and zoning board members.
This year’s review focuses on proposed changes to development area boundaries in the Town of Batavia. The public is encouraged to give feedback before the County Legislature considers final updates.
The full draft plan is available at GeneseeNY.gov/SmartGrowth, and registration information for the meeting can be found there as well.

Batavia Woman Charged in Eye-Poking Assault

A Batavia woman is facing charges after an alleged assault late Wednesday night. Deputies say Molly A. Chatley, 38, is accused of intentionally poking another person in the eye, causing injury.
The incident happened just before midnight on West Main Street Road in Batavia. Chatley was arrested and charged with Assault in the Third Degree. She was taken to the Genesee County Jail and held for arraignment in CAP Court Friday morning.

Weekend High School Volleyball

Pavilion defeated Wayland-Cohocton 3 sets to 1 in Class D1 action.
Batavia also picked up a 3-1 victory over Greece Olympia Odyssey. Mollie Banford and Meg Gahagan each tallied four kills and three aces to pace the Blue Devils. Lilly Gray added four kills, four aces, and ten digs, while Violet Lopez dished out seven assists. Miyah Manuel anchored the defense with 14 digs as Batavia closed out the match in four sets.

Byron-Bergen Teacher Honored with National Unity Award

Byron-Bergen High School social studies teacher Nick Muhlenkamp recently traveled to Mount Vernon to accept the inaugural George Washington Unity Award on behalf of the Genesee Valley BOCES Civi Coalition. The coalition was one of just five organizations nationwide to receive the honor, recognizing its work to bridge divides and strengthen democracy.
The next day, Muhlenkamp and coalition leaders presented their efforts at the Bridging Divides national summit, highlighting monthly professional development sessions and student civic engagement initiatives like the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.
Muhlenkamp also spotlighted student Samuel Hersom, whose senior project advocating for epilepsy awareness reached lawmakers in Albany. Principal Paul Hazard praised Muhlenkamp’s leadership, calling the award “incredibly appropriate.”

Genesee County High School Football Roundup

It was a big weekend on the gridiron.
Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry edged Le Roy/Cal-Mum 16-14, with Caden Sumeriski and Maddox Kelly leading the way. Quarterback Brady McClurg kept the Knights close with a touchdown pass and a 41-yard scoring run.
In Class D, York/Pavilion made a statement, rolling past defending champ Avon 42-21. Senior Parker Bonefede scored five total touchdowns — four rushing and one on an 80-yard pick-six.
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba picked up its first win of the season, dominating CG Finney 47-6 behind nearly 500 rushing yards. Noah Lyons ran for 163, and freshman Jayden Blew added 89 with two scores.
Elsewhere: Monroe stayed unbeaten, routing Batavia 50-0. Attica fell to Canisteo-Greenwood 7-6. Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen rolled past Geneseo/Mount Morris 28-16 behind a strong night from Parker Lazarony and Chase Antinore. And Alexander/Pembroke topped Hornell/Arkport-Canaseraga 50-7.

Batavia Downs Harness Racing Recap

A pair of $12,500 Open events headlined Saturday night at Batavia Downs, with both winners coming from off the pace. Valentine Express surged late to take the trot in 1:56.1, his eighth win of the year. On the pace, Melanion N made a strong mid-race move and held off challengers to win in a season-best 1:53.1. Drew Monti and Joe Chindano Jr. each notched driving hat tricks on the night.

Alexander GOP Announces Endorsed Candidates

The Town of Alexander Republican Committee has announced its endorsements for the Nov. 4 general election.
For town clerk, the committee backs Shannon Bartholomew, who was appointed in February and has since implemented new cash management procedures, worked on water district projects, and revamped the town’s website and Facebook page.
For the two four-year town board seats, incumbents Laura Schmieder and Eric Wagner have received endorsements. Schmieder, a lifelong resident, has served on the board since 2020 and was town clerk for 12 years. Wagner, also a lifelong resident, was first elected in 2014 and says he’s committed to keeping Alexander a strong, close-knit community.
The committee also endorses Kevin Finnell for Genesee County District Attorney and Sandra Owen for County Coroner. Early voting begins Oct. 25 at the Genesee ARC Community Center in Batavia, with Election Day polling at the Alexander Firemen’s Recreation Hall.

Stafford Candidates Night Set for Oct. 27

The Stafford Preservation Group will host its 12th biennial Candidates Night on Monday, October 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Stafford Town Hall on Route 237.
Former WBTA owner Dan Fisher will moderate the event. Voters are invited to meet local candidates, submit questions, and enjoy some fall refreshments. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Arc GLOW Honors Achievements and Outlines Goals at Annual Awards Dinner

Over 300 people attended Arc GLOW’s 3rd Annual Awards Dinner and Meeting Wednesday night at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel. Local lawmakers Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey, along with representatives from Senators George Borrello and Rob Ortt’s offices, were on hand to present citations to honorees.
CEO Martin Miskell outlined major goals for the coming year, including opening training facilities in Mt. Morris and Batavia, phasing out subminimum wage programs, and investing in staff development, housing renovations, and community engagement.
Top honors included Wesley Munt for Community Services, Julie Johnston for Self-Advocacy, Richard Faery for Supported Employment, Katrina Pragle for Pre-Vocational, David Gonzalez for Day Habilitation, and Jennifer Waddington as Friend of Arc GLOW.
Additional awards recognized Geoffery Burnett, Dawn Ratigan, Megan Smith, Meredith Lindeman, Parkview Health Services, and Eric Parker for their outstanding contributions.
For more information, visit ArcGLOW.org.

Batavia High to Honor Distinguished Alumni at Musicians of Note Ceremony

Batavia High School will host its sixth annual Musicians of Note ceremony on Thursday, October 23 at 7 p.m. in the Frank E. Owen Auditorium. The program honors BHS graduates who have made significant contributions in music.
Honorees will be recognized with video presentations, live performances, and plaques displayed on the school’s Musicians of Note wall.
This year’s inductees are Carole Haber (Class of 1975), an acclaimed soprano and longtime New England Conservatory faculty member; Lila Ruth Dean Hamilton (Class of 1945), a beloved music teacher and choir director; Suzanne Leyden (Class of 1999), violinist and music educator; and Karl Leopold Reiss (Class of 1972), percussionist and arts administrator.
The event is free and open to the public.

Genesee County Soccer Scoreboard Thursday Night

In girls soccer, Byron-Bergen blanked Alexander 8–0, Haverling topped York/Pavilion 2–0, and Attica cruised past Medina 9–0.
On the boys side, Batavia fell to Greece Athena 5–3, while Pembroke rolled past Royalton-Hartland 7–1.

Pavilion Eyes Stafford Court Space as Town Board Reviews Contract

The Stafford Town Board is signaling support for allowing the Town of Pavilion to use Stafford’s town court building on Route 237. Pavilion Supervisor James Thater told board members Monday that Pavilion’s agreement with Le Roy has ended, leaving the town without adequate court space and roughly $40–50,000 in the red.
Le Roy raised costs in 2024 to cover new staffing, which Pavilion couldn’t afford. Thater said Pavilion’s current court space is outdated, and both judges prefer a new location. Stafford Town Justice Robert Mattice said he sees no downside to sharing the facility, as Pavilion’s court nights don’t conflict with Stafford’s schedule.
The tentative contract would charge Pavilion $250 per night. Stafford’s attorney suggested clearer language and annual cost increases. The board agreed to move forward once revisions are made, with a review set for July 2026.
In other action, the board approved special use permits for two Catalyze solar projects on Batavia Stafford Townline Road, moving them to the planning board.
And the tentative 2026 tax rate is set at $2.02 per $1,000, up from $1.83, but still among the county’s lowest. Public hearings on the tax cap and budget are scheduled for November 10.

LeRoy Meet the Candidates Event Set for Oct. 17

LeRoy voters are invited to meet two local candidates running this fall. Nikki Calhoun, candidate for Genesee County Legislature District 5, and Bill Lambert, candidate for LeRoy Town Council, will host a community Meet the Candidates event Friday, October 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Trigon Park.
The casual gathering will feature hot cider and donuts, and give residents a chance to ask questions and hear directly from the candidates about their priorities for the community. More information is available at geneseenydemocrats.org.

Genesee County Urges Water Conservation Amid Severe Drought

Genesee County officials are urging residents to conserve water as the region faces an ongoing severe drought. County water sources are running low, putting extra strain on the system as more water is pulled from Tonawanda Creek and other surface sources.
Officials say residents may notice temporary changes in taste or odor, caused by naturally occurring compounds during drought conditions. Those changes are harmless.
The entire GLOW region entered a severe drought October 7th, followed by a state drought warning for Genesee and Orleans counties. That’s the second of four drought advisory levels, and calls for intensified voluntary conservation.
State officials are asking all New Yorkers to limit nonessential water use. In a severe drought, crop loss is likely, water shortages are common, and restrictions are often imposed.
A statewide burn ban also remains in effect, with the GLOW region at moderate risk for outdoor fires.

Downtown Batavia Trick-or-Treat Time Pushed Back

Ghosts and goblins heading downtown Batavia for Halloween fun this weekend will need to adjust their plans. City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. announced the annual downtown trick-or-treating has been moved from 1–3 p.m. to 2–4 p.m. Saturday.
The Business Improvement District’s event was likely shifted to avoid overlapping with a scheduled protest set to end at 2 p.m. Families are encouraged to enjoy the extra hour, then hit the streets for candy and festivities throughout downtown.

LeRoy, Batavia Pick Up Wins on the Court Wednesday Night

LeRoy improved to 17–1 on the season with a straight-set win over Midlakes, 25-23, 25-19, 25-18. Evy Kanaley led with 29 assists, while Shea Williams added 16 kills and 4 aces. Wednesday was also LeRoy’s annual Dig for Pink game — the team raised $2,260 for Genesee Cancer Assistance through donations collected this week.
Batavia also swept HFL, 25-16, 25-12, 25-18. Lilly Gray served up 12 aces, while Violet Lopez tallied 18 assists.

Wednesday Night Genesee County Soccer Scoreboard

In boys soccer, Pavilion/York fell to Keshequa 1–0.
On the girls’ side, Hornell shut out LeRoy 5–0, Kendall cruised past Attica 9–0, and Batavia dropped a 4–1 decision to Our Lady of Mercy.

Pontillo Seeks Fine Waiver From Stafford Town Board

James Pontillo made his case to the Stafford Town Board Monday night, asking members to waive a $2,285 fine for missing a court-ordered repair deadline on the former Stafford Trading Post building. Pontillo said circumstances beyond his control caused the 16-day delay past the September 15th deadline and indicated he’s willing to take the matter to court if necessary.
Two residents supported Pontillo, urging the board to resolve the long-running dispute, noting the town has spent over $8,000 in legal fees this year on the issue.
Board members acknowledged the improvements to the building but raised concerns about setting a precedent by waiving the fine. Deputy Supervisor Ronald Panek said compliance with state building codes is ultimately Pontillo’s responsibility.
The board did not make a decision Monday but will consult with the town attorney before taking further action.

SMASHTOBER Set for Saturday at Genesee County Fairgrounds

SMASHTOBER returns to the Genesee County Fairgrounds in Batavia this Saturday, October 18th. The fall motorsports event will feature a 100-lap Enduro race, a demolition derby, and family activities including a kids’ costume contest, trick-or-treating, and chicken BBQ by the East Pembroke Fire Department.
Gates open at 1 p.m. with racing beginning at 3. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 4 to 10, and free for children 3 and under. Full details and rules are available at TheDirtTrackatGenesee.com.

Erie Canal Lecture at Holland Land Office Museum

The Holland Land Office Museum will host the next installment of its Guest Speaker Series on today at 7 p.m. Derrick Pratt from the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse will present “The Conception of the Erie Canal,” exploring the century-long political and planning process that led to the canal’s creation. Admission is $5, or $3 for museum members. The museum is located at 131 West Main Street in Batavia. For more information, call 585-343-4727 or email hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

Tuesday Genesee County Volleyball Scores

In local high school volleyball Tuesday, Elba swept Wheatland-Chili 3–0, and Byron-Bergen defeated Holley 3–0. Le Roy improved to 16–1 overall and 6–0 in league play with a straight-set win over Avon — 25–17, 27–25, and 25–15.
Evy Kanaley led Le Roy with 12 service points, 24 assists, and 5 digs. Shea Williams added 5 aces, 16 kills, and 8 digs. Kylie Wilson tallied 17 digs, Chloe Moran had 7 service points and 4 kills, while Harper Holly and Suri Woods combined for 10 kills and 4 blocks.

Austin Park Playground Project Finally Moves Forward

Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, A long-discussed playground project in Batavia is finally moving forward.
More than a year and a half after plans were first outlined, the bid to install an inclusive playground at Austin Park is heading back to City Council this week. Six companies submitted proposals, and Valley View Enterprise of Hamburg came in lowest at just over $637,000. The bid was paused when officials noticed the company used a different manufacturer than what was specified, but engineers have since confirmed the equipment meets requirements.
Council will vote Tuesday night on awarding the $637,500 bid, plus a $60,000 contingency — bringing the total project cost to nearly $698,000. Funding includes a $500,000 grant and city reserves.
The project covers a new rubber mat and playground system behind the post office on Jefferson Avenue.
Also Tuesday, council will consider using $100,000 in reserve funds to buy a Bobcat and attachments. The business meeting follows a 7 p.m. conference session at City Hall, and the public is welcome to comment.

YWCA Ribbon Display Honors Survivors

The YWCA of Genesee County has placed 1,579 purple ribbons near the Upton Monument in Downtown Batavia for the month of October. Each ribbon represents a service provided to a survivor in 2024, highlighting the agency’s work to support victims of domestic violence. The display serves as a visual reminder during Domestic Violence Awareness Month of the impact and ongoing need for community support.

Spartans Name All-Stars, Announce New Head Coach

The Genesee County Spartans wrapped up their third semipro football season with a banquet at TF Brown’s in Batavia. Seven players were named to the Northeastern Football Alliance All-Star Team, including Jzhon Henderson, Cody Wenner, Corey Turpin, Deyonci Farley, Ty Woods, Logan Pike and Ryley Elliott.
The team also announced Batavia native Jermaine Henderson as its new head coach, replacing Harry Rascoe, who led the team for three seasons and will remain on staff. The Spartans finished 3–6 this year, falling in the playoff semifinals to Buffalo.

Multiple Arrests Reported Across Genesee County

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports several recent arrests.
28-year-old Megan Forder of Pavilion faces multiple charges, including second-degree assault and menacing with a weapon. Deputies say she was arrested October 1st on an unrelated warrant while allegedly stalking someone with a knife. She resisted arrest and injured a deputy during the struggle.
On October 6th, 20-year-old Josia Culver of Batavia was charged with second-degree assault while confined at the Genesee County Jail, after allegedly punching a corrections officer.
30-year-old Jarrod Fotiathis, also of Batavia, faces third-degree criminal mischief for allegedly breaking a cell window at the jail following an outburst.
Meanwhile, 32-year-old Ivan Borgyan of Oakfield is charged with a sex offender registry violation for allegedly failing to report a change of address.
And 38-year-old Tricia Blatt, who is homeless, is charged with third-degree burglary after deputies say she tried to enter a home she no longer owns in Byron.
All suspects were held for CAP Court arraignments.

Stafford Betterment Committee Preps for Fall Events

The rain held off Saturday as the Stafford Betterment Committee decorated the “Welcome to Stafford” signs for fall. The group thanked Branton Farms for cornstalks, Donna Voorhees for hay bales, and Nate and Shawna Merritt for pumpkins and mums, along with a team of local decorators.
Next up is Halloween Family Fun on Saturday, October 25th from 2 to 4 p.m., and a food drive running October 20th through November 4th. The committee also welcomed two new members, Maggie Meisner and Deb Smith.

John Kennedy Intermediate Honored for Collaborative Excellence

The Batavia City School District is celebrating a major achievement — John Kennedy Intermediate has been recognized by Solution Tree as a Promising Practices Professional Learning Community at Work School for its success in strengthening teaching and learning through collaboration.
PLCs are schools where educators work together to improve student outcomes through shared goals, teamwork, and evidence-driven instruction. John Kennedy earned this recognition by building a strong foundation around these principles and showing measurable progress in student achievement.
Principal Paul Kesler praised the staff’s dedication to creating a collaborative learning environment, while district leaders highlighted how the work at John Kennedy reflects the district’s broader strategic priorities.
Solution Tree commended the school’s mission, vision, and alignment of essential standards across grade levels. John Kennedy Intermediate is now listed on AllThingsPLC.info, sharing its successful practices with schools nationwide.

Oakfield-Alabama Elementary Celebrates NY Farm Week

Oakfield-Alabama Elementary students marked New York Farm Week on Friday with a hands-on celebration of the state’s agricultural heritage. School food service manager Mary DellaPenna highlighted New York’s role as a top apple producer and emphasized the importance of teaching kids where their food comes from.
Local farms supplied ingredients, and the event featured props like cows and a bee costume to bring agriculture to life. It also kicks off School Lunch Week, and the school is entering a statewide photo competition for a $1,000 agriculture grant.

Natameri Battles Through Slop to Win Batavia Open Handicap Pace

Despite sloppy conditions and tough competition, Natameri rose to the challenge Saturday at Batavia Downs, winning the $12,500 Open Handicap Pace by a half-length in 1:55.3. Driven by Kevin Cummings, Natameri fought off Melanion N and held off a late surge from I Ain’t No Mack to notch his fifth win in seven starts.
Cummings finished the night with three driving wins. Lip Reader A and Gone Crazee also scored strong victories in their respective $11,400 Open II races. Live racing resumes Wednesday, October 15, with a $3,679 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5.

Alexander/Pembroke Stays Perfect; York/Pavilion, Le Roy Roll in Week 6

It was a packed weekend of Genesee County high school football, highlighted by a statement win for Alexander/Pembroke. The Defenders celebrated Senior Night and Homecoming at Pembroke with a dominant 32-0 shutout over East Rochester, improving to 5-0 on the season. Jacob Johnson opened the scoring with a safety in the first quarter, followed by a 37-yard touchdown strike from Brody Heckman to Duke Snyder. Ryder Reichert and Sean Pietrzykowski added rushing touchdowns, and Heckman capped the night with a 4-yard score behind a dominant offensive line. Reichert led the ground game with 140 yards on 23 carries.
York/Pavilion flexed its muscles with a 41-7 win over Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, while Le Roy/Cal-Mum leaned on its running attack to knock off Wellsville/Genesee Valley-Belfast 30-13. Brennan Weber led the charge with 123 yards and two touchdowns.
Avon improved to 5-1 with a big 48-20 home win over Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen. Quarterback Evan Blye threw for 251 yards and four touchdowns, while James Chase added three rushing scores and a sack on defense.
Batavia, meanwhile, came up short against East/WOI, falling 34-12.

Genesee County Seeking Foster Parents

Genesee County is actively seeking individuals and families to open their homes and make a difference in the lives of local children. The county is looking for both traditional foster parents, who provide temporary care and support for children in need, and “kinship foster parents,” which allows relatives or close family friends to step in and provide care while maintaining family connections.
Foster parents play a critical role in providing stability, guidance, and a safe environment for children during challenging times. Anyone interested in learning more or beginning the application process is encouraged to call (585) 344-2580 ext. 6414.

Turning Point USA Event Coming to Cornerstone Church

Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, Pastor Paul Doyle says he’ll be learning alongside attendees when Cornerstone Church in Batavia hosts a Turning Point USA event on October 18.
Doyle says a Rochester group approached the church about holding the gathering, and when no one else stepped in to organize, Cornerstone agreed to underwrite and host the program.
The free event runs from 2 to 5 p.m. and will feature speakers from Turning Point USA’s Club America chapters, Turning Point Action and Faith, and Project Civica, which focuses on voter integrity in New York. Keynote speaker will be Michelle Erdt, a leader within Club America.
The program will include information on how to get involved with Turning Point at the high school, college, and church levels, along with music, videos, and light refreshments.
Security will be in place, with doors opening at 12:30 for checks. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed. Registration is available at cornerstonebatavia.org.

West Side Ghost Walks Return to Batavia

The Holland Land Office Museum is bringing back its popular West Side Ghost Walks this month. Tours will be held today and October 24, starting at 7 and 7:30 p.m. Led by Connie Boyd, the walks explore Batavia’s darker past, including murders, hangings, grave robbing, and ghost stories tied to figures like Joseph Ellicott and E. N. Rowell.
Tickets are $15, or $10 for museum members, and reservations are required. Tours are limited to 25 people and last about two hours. More details are available on the museum’s website.

Kyle Swift Scores Big at Batavia Downs

It was a night of longshots Wednesday at Batavia Downs, but none bigger than the driving double by 20-year-old Kyle Swift. Swift won back-to-back races with Filet Mignon, paying $55.70, and KB Mac, returning $40.36. The Swift–Swift daily double hit for a whopping $3,653.38.
Swift now has 34 wins this meet, ranking seventh among drivers. In the night’s $12,500 Open Handicap, Gia’s Surreal surged late to win by a nose, her 44th career victory.

Ambulance Involved in Crash in Batavia

An ambulance and a car collided in Batavia yesterday morning around 8:30 a.m.. City Fire responded to the intersection of Liberty Street and East Main Street, where the crash occurred.
Officials say Mercy ALS 7 was on the way to a call at 102 Cedar Street for a reported smell of gas inside a building when the accident happened.
Police on scene reported minor injuries to members of the ambulance crew. Another unit, Mercy Medic 2, was called in to respond to the original gas odor call.
Traffic in the area was briefly impacted as crews worked the scene, and both City Fire and Batavia Police remained on site to assist.

Luminary Walk Set for Tomorrow at Iroquois Refuge

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Basom is hosting its Luminary Walk tomorrow evening, Saturday, October 11, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided walk along a one-mile illuminated trail, with glowing luminaries creating a magical nighttime pathway through the wilderness.
The Visitor Center and Flyway Nature Store will be open, with hot drinks and snacks available. The event is free and open to all, but registration is required. You can sign up online at signup.com/go/YALbJWx.

The Buffalo Sabres opened the 2025–26 season on home ice Thursday night in front of a loud, near sellout crowd at KeyBank Center. But when the final horn sounded, it was the visiting New York Rangers celebrating. Behind a rock-solid performance from Igor Shesterkin, New York took advantage of its chances and handed Buffalo a 4–0 loss to start the season.

The Rangers came in looking to bounce back from an opening-night shutout against Pittsburgh, while this was Buffalo’s first game of the year. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen remained sidelined with no clear timeline, so veteran Alex Lyon got the nod in net.

Lyon has spent most of his career bouncing between the AHL and NHL, carving out opportunities with Philadelphia, Carolina, and Detroit. Buffalo hoped its upgraded defense could help ease him in, and the energy inside KeyBank Center reflected a fan base eager to see that hope turn into progress. The Sabres haven’t made the playoffs since 2011, and there was a familiar hopeful buzz as the puck dropped.

First Period: Buffalo Comes Out Flat

Lyon was tested immediately, flashing the glove just 10 seconds into the game. Both teams looked a little rusty early, but the Rangers carried the play, hemming Buffalo in its own zone for long stretches.

The Sabres killed off an early penalty thanks to strong work from Justin Danforth, but their struggles breaking out of the zone eventually cost them. Alexis Lafrenière buried a loose puck at the net to give New York a 1–0 lead. Buffalo’s best chance came late in the frame on a look from McLeod, but they couldn’t tie it. The Rangers took a 1–0 lead to the locker room, outshooting Buffalo 16–11. Lyon’s steady play kept it close.

Second Period: Power Play Woes Add Up

Buffalo came out with more jump in the second and immediately went to work on the power play. They generated a few good looks but couldn’t crack Shesterkin. A second man advantage produced more of the same—Tage Thompson fired a handful of dangerous one-timers, but New York’s goalie was dialed in.

The game got chippy midway through when Braden Schneider and Jason Zucker nearly dropped the gloves, earning matching roughing minors. In the 4-on-4 stretch, Alex Tuch had perhaps Buffalo’s best chance of the night, but Shesterkin sprawled out with his paddle to rob him blind.

Buffalo finished the period outshooting New York 13–5 and controlling much of the play. Still, they went to the second intermission down 1–0, with missed opportunities piling up.

Third Period: Collapse at the End

An early high-sticking call on Thompson put Buffalo on the penalty kill to start the third, but they killed it off cleanly. Their fourth power play of the night came midway through the period and ended up being their sloppiest—zone entries broke down and turnovers killed any momentum.

Lyon continued to give Buffalo a chance, holding the deficit at one deep into the third. But with just over five minutes left, Matt Rempe buried a rebound to make it 2–0. J.T. Miller added a slapshot goal moments later, and an empty-netter sealed the 4–0 final.

To make matters worse, Josh Norris left the game late with an undisclosed injury. There was no immediate update postgame.

Key Takeaways

• Power Play Problems – Buffalo went 0-for-4 on the man advantage. It was an issue last season, and it popped up again right away. Thompson and Tuch had the best looks but couldn’t cash in.
• Lyon Held His Own – The veteran goalkeeper stopped 29 of 32 shots and was one of Buffalo’s bright spots.
• Improved Defense – The penalty kill was a perfect 3-for-3, and the defensive structure looked solid.
• Finishing Touch Missing – The Sabres played better as the game went on but couldn’t solve Shesterkin, who was brilliant.

“We Played a Winning Brand of Hockey”

Despite the result, Alex Lyon struck an optimistic tone afterward.

“I think honestly we played a winning brand of hockey,” Lyon said. “We have 81 more games to play.”

It wasn’t the start Buffalo wanted on the scoreboard, but the effort and defensive commitment were clear. If the Sabres can clean up their special teams and capitalize on their chances, they’ll give themselves a chance to build on Thursdays performance.

What’s Next

Buffalo (0–1–0) heads to Boston on Saturday to face the Bruins, looking to get into the win column. The Rangers (1–1–0) continue their early road swing riding the momentum of their first win.

🎯 Game Thread: New York Rangers (0-1-0) @ Buffalo Sabres (0-0-0)
📅 October 9, 2025 | 🏒 Season Opener for Buffalo
📍 KeyBank Center – Buffalo, NY | 🕖 Puck Drop: 7:00 PM ET

🔥 Pregame Summary:

The New York Rangers roll into Buffalo tonight looking to bounce back after a tough 3–0 shutout loss to Pittsburgh on opening night. The Rangers come into the season with modest expectations—most analysts peg them as a fringe playoff team with something to prove after last year’s disappointing finish.

The Sabres, meanwhile, are hitting the ice for the first time this season and hope to start strong in front of what should be a near sellout crowd at KeyBank Center. Buffalo’s defensive corps could quietly be one of the league’s best if they stay healthy.

In net, the Sabres will turn to journeyman Alex Lyon, who gets the start with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (UPL) unavailable and no timetable yet for his return. Lyon has bounced around the NHL and AHL with stops in Philly, Carolina, and most recently Detroit, where he showed flashes of competency in a backup role. The hope is that Buffalo’s D can limit quality chances and keep the pressure off Lyon.

Offensively, all eyes are on Buffalo’s young core to take the next step. They’ll need to create scoring chances early and often to set the tone—not just for tonight, but for the season ahead.

The Sabres haven’t made the playoffs since 2011, but there’s a cautious optimism in the air. Tonight marks the first step in proving to fans that this season can be different.

1st Period: 

20:00 – Rangers win the faceoff and the 2025-26 season is underway.

17:27 – Both teams have possessed the puck equally, both teams have been sloppy with it.

15:00 – Rangers have had multiple good looks on net, but Lyon has stood strong. Sabres still searching for their first shot on goal.

12:46 – First penalty of the game is against Buffalo’s Mason Geertsen for tripping. We’ll get our first look of the year at the Sabres penalty kill.

10:46 – New York applied a lot of pressure, but Buffalo succeeded in their first penalty kill of the year. Really nice job by Justin Danforth getting the puck out of the zone twice.

9:43 – Halfway through the period and the Sabres have been outplayed. Need to clean up their passes, cannot string together passes in the offensive zone. Defensively Buffalo is playing acceptably, but if they keep letting New York knock on the door they will score on Lyon.

8:17 – Rangers score, Alexis LaFreniere puts one in net after a scrum in the blue paint. Rangers lead 1-0

5:38 – Sabres had a few good looks before a media timeout, but still having a hard time keeping the puck in the offensive zone. Being outshot 14-6.

2:21 – Ryan McLeod  gets Buffalo’s best look of the night thus far and  can’t  convert.

0:00 – End of period Rangers lead 1-0.

Period Summary – Sabres were outshot 16-11 in the period but it felt worse. Buffalo had a hard time maintaining possession of the puck and keeping New York out of their zone. In the second period Buffalo will have to pass the puck with more precision if the want to stay in this game. Despite this, Lyon played solid in net, made several quality saves. Still, Buffalo shouldn’t ask him to do the same in the second if they wish to win.

2nd Period:

19:32- 2nd period is underway and Sabres are instantly into the powerplay after New York’s Will Cuylle gets called for tripping.

17:32 – Sabres put up 3 shots on goal in a relatively uneventful power play, New York’s penalty kill stands tall. One shot Tage would love to have back.

15:00 – 5 minutes into the period and Buffalo has looked better, a lot more possession of the puck.

13:38 – Urho Vaakanainen for the Rangers called for interference, we’ll get a second look at the Sabres power play after the media timeout.

11:38 – Buffalo got Tage several solid looks with the one timer, but couldn’t find the back of the net. New York’s penalty kill prevails again.

9:37 – Halfway through the period, the Sabres offense is moving the puck much better than the first period. Still, they can’t find the back of the net despite several good looks.

5:32 – Almost had our first fight of the season, Braden Schneider and Jason Zucker dropped the gloves. But were stopped before anything came of it. Both penalized for roughing.

3:32 – Nothing comes of the 4v4, back to 5v5.

2:02 – Zucker drops the gloves again after Will Borgen grabs him around the neck, a scrum breaks out following the incident. Borgen penalized 2 minutes for roughing after removing Zucker’s helmet. Buffalo will have a power play to end the period.

0:00 – Sabres cannot convert their 3rd power play of the period. Kulich wiffs a slap shot with 2 seconds left. We go to the third with New York leading 1-0.

2nd period summary – The Sabres played much better this period out shooting New York 13-5. Solid effort on the defensive end and had several really good looks at Shesterkin. Feel very confident if Buffalo plays similarly in the third they will put one in net. Have to find a way to start converting on these power plays though, was a problem last season and remains one here.

3rd Period:

20:00 – Sabres win the faceoff and the 3rd period is underway. Instantly Tage is penalized for high sticking, we will get our 2nd look at the Buffalo penalty kill.

17:56 – Buffalo successfully kills the New York Penalty, never gave up a solid shot.

15:00 – 5 minutes in and both teams have equally possessed the puck, no phenomenal looks for either side.

13:06 – Will Cuylle is penalized for tripping, we’ll get our 4th look at Buffalo’s power play of the evening.

11:06 – Awful power play for Buffalo, barely could keep the puck in the offensive zone with unforced turnovers.

10:36 – Justin Danforth penalized for roughing, we’ll get another look at the Buffalo penalty kill.

8:36 – Successful penalty kill. Back to full strength.

8:12 – Alex Lyon deserves his props, if you told me pregame he would have only given up one goal at this point I’d have been thrilled. Unfortunately the offense cannot convert any opportunities for him thus far.

5:14 – Matt Rempe scores for New York, Rangers lead 2-0. Sabres had been getting good looks in New Yorks zone just before the goal.

2:49 – J.T. Miller finds the back of the net for the Rangers on a slapshot. Sabres can warm up the coffee in the locker room. Rangers lead 3-0

2:35 – Rangers score on an empty net. Check the website later for a postgame write up. Rangers lead 4-0