Monday News Brief

Batavia Opens New State-of-the-Art Police Headquarters on Bank Street

The City of Batavia is officially opening its new, state-of-the-art police station today, capping just over 18 months of construction on the 20,000-square-foot, $15 million facility at 31 Bank Street, at the corner of Bank and Alva Place behind the City Centre.
All police operations move into the new headquarters at 7 a.m. on December 8th, with the public lobby open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The department’s non-emergency phone number remains 585-345-6350, and as always, residents should dial 911 in an emergency. Parking for visitors is available on Bank Street and in the adjacent mall lot, though Alva Place will stay closed from Bank to the mall entrance while final site work wraps up.
The new building replaces the long-time headquarters in the historic Brisbane Mansion on West Main, giving officers modern space, technology, and accessibility as part of the city’s broader effort to upgrade downtown public facilities. A ribbon cutting and public open house will be scheduled at a later date.

Batavia Train Show Relocates to Rochester, Rebranded as Greater Rochester Train Fest

The longtime Batavia Train Show is officially moving out of Batavia and will debut as the Greater Rochester Train Fest on March 1, 2026. The Genesee Society of Model Engineers is launching the new event at Minette Hall inside the Dome Arena in Henrietta, featuring more than 100 vendors, modeling demos, portable layouts, food trucks, and free parking.
The show runs 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with admission set at $7 for adults, $3 for ages 13–17, and free for kids under 13. The organizing group, founded in Batavia and now based in Oakfield, says the move allows the festival to expand while continuing its 50-year tradition of promoting model railroading in Western New York.

Genesee County High School Basketball from the Weekend

In boys action, Wayland-Cohocton defeated Elba 48–39. Pavilion beat Warsaw 51–35, while Fillmore topped Byron-Bergen 68–37. Notre Dame earned a 66–56 win over Barker.
In girls play, Byron-Bergen edged Pavilion in a tight 33–32 finish, and Elba fell to Canisteo-Greenwood 59–31.

Kevin Cummings Earns 5,000th Career Driving Win at Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs fans witnessed history Saturday night as veteran reinsman Kevin Cummings scored the 5,000th win of his 36-year career, guiding Tymal Envoy to victory in 1:58. Cummings, part of a multigenerational Western New York harness racing family, has been a top driver since debuting at age 19 in 1989. He’s won multiple Downs driving titles, handled elite New York Sire Stakes horses, and even piloted the legendary Foiled Again to a Kane Memorial win. Now 55, Cummings sits at 5,001 lifetime wins and nearly $27 million in earnings, with 80 wins so far this meet.
Saturday was big for others as well: leading driver Drew Monti exploded for six wins, pushing his meet total to 105 — 25 ahead of Cummings. Trainer Sam Smith extended his lead with five wins on the card, including several paired with Monti and Cummings’ milestone drive.
In feature action, Livonjaxandqueens captured the $12,500 Open Pace in 1:55, while Dougadougadew surged up the passing lane to take the $12,500 Open Trot in 1:58.4.
Live racing returns Wednesday, Dec. 10, with a new post time of 5 p.m. and a $1,590 Jackpot Super Hi-5 carryover in race 13.

Mancusos Honored With Jerome Foundation Health & Humanitarian Award

Rick and Julie Mancuso were recognized Friday with the 40th Jerome Foundation Health and Humanitarian Award for more than three decades of quiet, impactful service in Genesee County. The Batavia couple is best known for starting Christmas morning at 5:30 a.m. to prepare a holiday meal for hundreds at T.F. Brown’s — a tradition nearing 35 years.
Speakers highlighted Rick’s decades of coaching, board service, and community leadership, and Julie’s compassionate work with Crossroads House as a caregiver and end-of-life doula. Their family, friends, and community leaders praised the couple’s lifelong commitment to giving, calling their service the true spirit of Christmas.

Batavia/Notre Dame United Falls to 1–3 After Back-to-Back Losses

Batavia/Notre Dame United dropped to 1–3 on the season after a pair of tough games this weekend. B/ND fell to Niagara-Wheatfield on Friday despite a stellar 37-save effort from goalie Blake Laney, who has allowed just seven goals through three games. Head coach Marc Staley says the team needs to generate more offense and play faster as new players settle into larger roles.
On Saturday, B/ND battled No. 1–ranked West Seneca West, losing 6–4. Laney made another 37 saves, while Will Stevens, Dominic Viele, Maggio Buchholz, and Dylan D’Alba scored. Staley says he welcomes the challenging schedule, believing it will make the team stronger.