Monday News Brief

Flu Cases Surge Across GLOW Region as New York Sets Weekly Record

Flu cases are surging across the GLOW region, with new data showing infections nearly doubled in just one week.
Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties reported 370 lab-confirmed flu cases for the week ending December 20th, bringing the regional total to 782 cases — a 47 percent increase from the prior week. Livingston County leads the region with 329 cases so far this season.
Statewide, New York recorded more than 71-thousand flu cases in a single week, the highest number ever reported since tracking began in 2004. Hospitalizations also jumped sharply, up more than 60 percent statewide.
Health officials say this flu season is far ahead of last year and urge residents to get vaccinated. Doctors note it’s not too late — though it takes about two weeks for full immunity after a flu shot.
Officials also recommend good hygiene and staying home when sick to help slow the spread.

Oakfield Committee Seeks Help After Winter Wonderland Vandalism

The Oakfield Betterment Committee is asking for the public’s help following vandalism at Memorial Park earlier this month.
The committee says Winter Wonderland was damaged sometime between December 7th and the 14th, with power cords cut to several new animatronic displays, including Rudolph, Hermie, and Bumble. A police report has been filed, and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating and reviewing available video footage.
Committee members say the free holiday display is made possible through fundraising, sponsors, and weeks of volunteer work. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakfield Betterment Committee or the Sheriff’s Office.

Genesee County Boys Basketball: Le Roy Picks Up Weekend Wins

Here are Genesee County boys basketball scores from over the weekend.
Letchworth earned its first win of the season Saturday night, knocking off Oakfield-Alabama 69–63. Brody Beachel poured in a game-high 32 points as the Legends improved to 1-5.
Le Roy bounced back at the Greg Martin Christmas Tournament, rallying late to beat South Park 76–68. Grady Gilligan led the Oatkan Knights with a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double as Le Roy improved to 5-2.
Friday night, Le Roy fell to Iroquois 72–38 in tournament play.

Batavia Players Spotlight a Standout Season with 2025 Harvie Award Nominations

Batavia’s theater scene is taking a bow as Batavia Players announced the nominees for the 2025 Harvie Awards, honoring a season packed with creativity, range, and community spirit.
From classic dramas like The Mousetrap and Waiting for Godot to crowd-pleasing musicals including Jesus Christ Superstar, Be More Chill, and It’s A Wonderful Life, the nominations reflect a year where performers of all ages shared the spotlight. Cabarets and staged mysteries also earned major recognition, highlighting the company’s willingness to experiment and entertain.
Beyond performances, the Harvies celebrate the behind-the-scenes magic — choreography, design, and collaborative artistry that bring each show to life. Batavia Players President Patrick Burk says the awards are about more than trophies, calling them a celebration of the passion and teamwork that make live theater thrive locally.
Winners will be revealed at the 2026 Harvie Awards Gala, capping another memorable year on the Main Street stage.

Bethany Sets Groundbreaking for Water District Project

With work already underway on Bethany’s $21.6 million dollar water service project, town officials will hold a formal groundbreaking next month.
Town Supervisor Carl Hyde Junior says the ceremony is set for 10 a.m. January 6th at the Bethany Center job site. Project leaders and town representatives will be on hand to answer questions about Water District Number Five.
The project will bring municipal water to nearly 475 homes, farms, and businesses. Crews have already begun cutting trees and installing pipe under roadways as part of Phase One, which includes a new water tower and five miles of piping.
Officials say the project addresses long-standing water shortages in the town.

Oakfield-Alabama Hands Letchworth First Loss in Defensive Battle

A clash of unbeaten Class C girls basketball teams lived up to the hype Saturday night, as Oakfield-Alabama used a lockdown defensive effort to knock off Letchworth 52–40 on its home floor.
After falling behind early, the Hornets flipped the game in the second quarter with pressure defense and strong rebounding, taking control by halftime and never letting go. Allie Williams led Oakfield-Alabama with 14 points, while Alexa Clark and Hadley Hicks added double figures.
The win moves the Hornets to 5-0 on the season. Letchworth, now 6-1, suffered its first loss despite a strong start.
Oakfield-Alabama hosts Perry Tuesday night.