Monday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on October 19, 2025
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.
