Monday News Brief

County Planning Board Opposes Batavia Gas Station Proposal

A proposed gas station and convenience store project in the City of Batavia is facing pushback from county officials.
The Genesee County Planning Board voted to recommend disapproval of the plan for the former Timebuyer property on West Main Street, citing concerns over the number of variances required and a lack of traffic impact data.
Board members said the scope of the proposal — which includes fuel pumps, renovations, and updated parking — may not be suitable for the size and location of the parcel.
Concerns were also raised about traffic flow, particularly a one-way driveway design that officials say could create safety issues.
The property owner says the project would revitalize a vacant building and create jobs, while engineers indicated a traffic study could still be completed.
Despite the county’s recommendation, the final decision now rests with the City of Batavia, which could still approve the project with additional votes later this month.

 

Water Repairs Set for Today at Country Meadows Mobile Home Park

Repairs are scheduled for today following a water break at the Country Meadows Mobile Home Park in the Town of Batavia.
Officials say crews held off on shutting down water over the weekend to avoid impacting the entire park, but a full shutdown is expected this morning as repairs begin.
About nine residents were without water as of Sunday, after the issue was first discovered Saturday around 11 a.m.
Redwood Drive remains closed between Shady Lane and Overlook Drive while crews work to fix the problem.
Residents are being advised to prepare for temporary service interruptions during the repair process today.

 

 

Trump Orders Naval Blockade After Iran Talks Collapse

Tensions are escalating overseas after President Donald Trump announced a major military move following failed talks with Iran.
Trump says the U.S. Navy will begin an immediate blockade of ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz — a key global oil route — after ceasefire negotiations broke down without a deal.
The waterway is critical to global energy supply, and the move could further shake oil markets already reacting to the ongoing conflict.
Trump says the goal is to prevent vessels from paying what he called illegal tolls to Iran, warning that ships doing so would not have safe passage.
Iran responded by saying the strait remains under its control, raising concerns about potential further escalation as the ceasefire deadline approaches later this month.

 

 

 

 

DWI Crash on Thruway Leaves One Dead in Genesee County

A Churchville man is facing charges after a deadly crash Friday night on the New York State Thruway in Genesee County.
State Police say 67-year-old Patrick Hastings was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI following the 9 p.m. collision in the eastbound lanes.
Investigators say Hastings, driving a BMW, rear-ended a pickup truck, causing it to overturn. The driver of that truck, 56-year-old Scott Berberian of Syracuse, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.
Troopers say Hastings showed signs of impairment, failed field sobriety tests, and later recorded a blood alcohol level at the legal limit of .08.
The crash remains under investigation, and State Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage to come forward.

 

Protest Held in Batavia After Refugee’s Death

Protesters gathered in Batavia over the weekend, calling for accountability following the death of a refugee.
Members of the Handmaid Army of New York held a memorial outside a federal detention facility for Nurul Amin Shah Alam, who was found dead days after being released from Border Patrol custody.
Demonstrators say the event was meant to honor his life while also raising concerns about how vulnerable individuals are treated both during and after detention.
Organizers emphasized the need for prevention, saying they want to ensure similar situations do not happen again.
The group is now urging broader changes and increased oversight moving forward.

 

New Study Challenges Timeline of First Americans

A major scientific debate is brewing over when humans first arrived in the Americas.
For decades, the Monte Verde site in Chile has been considered key evidence, suggesting human activity dating back about 14,500 years.
But a new study argues the site may be far younger — possibly around 8,200 years old — based on new geological analysis, including a layer of volcanic ash that researchers say reshapes the timeline.
Not everyone is convinced. Other scientists say the new findings don’t fully explain artifacts that have already been dated to much earlier periods, including tools and remains tied to ancient human activity.
The debate could have major implications for how and when humans first reached the Americas — and whether long-held theories about early migration need to be reconsidered.

 

Hootman Dominates as Pembroke Tops Newfane

Pembroke softball picked up a solid road win over the weekend, knocking off Newfane 8-4 behind a standout performance from Jayden Hootman.
Hootman was dominant in the circle, striking out 10 over a complete-game effort while allowing just two walks. She also led the way at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a single, and a walk.
Taylor Bischoff added to the offensive push, finishing 3-for-4 with a double and two singles.
Pembroke improves to 1-1 on the season and will hit the road again Monday for a 5 p.m. matchup against Holley.