Monday News Brief

Public to Weigh In on Proposed City Budget

City residents will get their chance to speak Monday night on a proposed 42-million-dollar budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The plan calls for pay raises for nonunion employees, a new assistant deputy fire chief position, and continued investment in infrastructure — while slightly lowering the property tax rate.
Under the proposal, the tax rate would drop by 12 cents per thousand dollars of assessed value. At the same time, water bills would see a modest increase, with rates rising about three percent to help cover higher operating and debt costs.
Spending priorities include more than a million dollars for road and sidewalk improvements, upgrades to public facilities, and replacing the city’s aging ladder truck — a vehicle officials say has become unreliable and costly to maintain.
Council will also review short-term borrowing for arena improvements and renovations at City Centre.
The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, with a vote expected afterward.

Petitioning Season Begins

Petitioning season starts February 24th in Genesee County.
Volunteers with the local Democratic committee will begin going door-to-door collecting signatures required for candidates to appear on the November ballot.
Under New York law, candidates must gather signatures from voters registered in their own party to qualify for a primary. Signing a petition is not a vote — it simply allows that candidate to be listed on the ballot.
Voters can only sign one petition per office. With multiple Democrats running for Congress, a primary is possible if more than one candidate qualifies.
Residents interested in signing or volunteering can reach out through the county Democratic committee’s website.

Armed Intruder Shot Outside Mar-a-Lago

An armed man was shot and killed early Sunday after driving into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.
According to the U.S. Secret Service, the suspect — identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina — entered through a gate as another vehicle was exiting.
Authorities say he was carrying a shotgun and a gas can. Agents ordered him to drop the weapons. When he raised the shotgun, officers opened fire.
Martin had been reported missing by his family days earlier. Investigators believe he traveled south and obtained the gun along the way.
President Trump and the First Lady were in Washington at the time.
The FBI is leading the investigation. A motive has not yet been released.

Batavia Sweeps Section V Class B1 Indoor Titles

The Batavia Blue Devils dominated the Section V Class B1 Championships at Nazareth University, sweeping both the girls and boys indoor track and field titles.
The girls piled up 184 points, led by Mallory Boyce, who was named Most Outstanding Track Athlete after winning the 1000- and 1500-meter races and placing second in the 3000. Drew Stevens earned Most Outstanding Field Athlete honors, winning both the shot put and weight throw. Batavia also captured multiple relay and individual sprint titles.
The boys secured the championship with 161 points. E’Nhazje Carter and Nate Kinsley earned distance wins, while Karvel Martino and Brock Bigsby claimed victories in the shot put and weight throw.
The sweep adds to Batavia’s growing legacy, marking 50 total indoor and outdoor sectional titles. Head coach Nick Burk praised his team’s toughness and balanced effort, while emphasizing the work continues as the Blue Devils prepare for state competition.

Genesee County Continues Search for Housing Development Officer

Genesee County is continuing recruitment for a new housing development officer, though no hiring timeline has been announced.
County Manager Matt Landers says the position reflects the growing link between housing availability and economic development. As the county works to attract new investment and support business growth, he says communities must be ready to accommodate new residents.
The officer will serve as a resource for municipalities and developers, help identify funding opportunities, and guide housing construction and rehabilitation efforts countywide — not just in the City of Batavia.
Landers says the focus is on finding a well-qualified candidate with the right experience, rather than rushing to meet a deadline.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center supports the move, calling expanded housing a key tool in strengthening the local workforce and long-term economic stability.

Batavia Farm Named 2025 Conservation Farm of the Year

Robert and Michelle Wood of Batavia have been named the 2025 Conservation Farm of the Year by the Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District.
The Woods operate about 415 acres in the Black Creek Watershed. Since starting conservation efforts in the early 1980s, they’ve implemented practices to protect soil and water quality, including cover crops, nutrient management systems, and livestock stream exclusion.
The farm, established in 1978, began as a dairy and continues raising calves and growing forage and grain.
The Woods will receive the award March 14 at the Celebrate Agriculture Dinner in Alexander.

U.S. Tops Canada in Overtime to Win Olympic Gold

Forty-six years after the “Miracle on Ice,” the U.S. men’s hockey team has another golden chapter, beating Canada 2-1 in overtime to capture its first Olympic gold since 1980.
Jack Hughes ended it less than three minutes into three-on-three overtime, snapping home the winner to silence Canada.
The Americans got there thanks to Connor Hellebuyck, who turned aside 41 of 42 shots under relentless Canadian pressure, including multiple breakaways and a lengthy five-on-three penalty kill.
Matt Boldy opened the scoring in the first before Canada answered in the second, setting up a tense third period packed with chances at both ends.
But Hellebuyck held firm, Hughes delivered the dagger, and the U.S. ends its gold-medal drought.