Monday News Brief

BATAVIA MAN KILLED IN PEMBROKE ATV CRASH

A 23-year-old Batavia man died Saturday evening after the ATV he was operating struck a tree in the Town of Pembroke.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office says emergency crews were dispatched to the area of 9281 Ellinwood Road shortly after 7 p.m. for a reported personal injury accident.
Deputies say Michael Wittmeyer was traveling northbound on Ellinwood Road when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing the Yamaha ATV to leave the roadway and collide with a tree. Wittmeyer, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was ejected from the ATV.
Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures at the scene, but Wittmeyer was pronounced dead by the Genesee County Coroner’s Office.
The crash remains under investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Assisting at the scene were the Corfu Police Department, Corfu Fire Department, Mercy EMS, the Genesee County Coroner’s Office, and additional volunteer fire personnel.

 

MULTIPLE DWI ARRESTS HIGHLIGHT BUSY WEEK FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

Several arrests highlighted the latest activity report from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, including multiple DWI cases, child endangerment charges, and an investigation into stolen property that was allegedly pawned in Batavia.
Deputies say Patricia McDonald and Charles Stevens are accused of stealing tools from a residence on Overlook Drive and pawning them at Pawn King. Investigators allege McDonald also used another person’s identification during the transaction. Both face larceny and conspiracy charges, while McDonald also faces identity theft and falsifying business records charges.
Among several impaired driving arrests, Jared Flaming of Darien was charged with aggravated DWI and other offenses after deputies say he was operating an ATV on a public highway in Corfu. Jennifer Bueg of Holley, Jamie Peters of Albion, and Blake Snyder of Bergen also face DWI-related charges in separate incidents. Snyder is additionally charged with endangering the welfare of a child after deputies reported a child under 16 was a passenger in the vehicle.
Also arrested was Justin Bailey of Darien, who faces three counts of endangering the welfare of a child following an incident on June 13. Bailey was held pending arraignment. All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

 

CITY REMINDS RESIDENTS OF GRASS AND WEED ORDINANCE

The City of Batavia is reminding property owners and tenants to keep lawns, weeds, and vegetation properly maintained as summer gets underway.
Under city code, grass, weeds, and other non-ornamental vegetation must be kept below eight inches in height on residential, commercial, vacant, and occupied properties. The ordinance also applies to areas along sidewalks, streets, alleys, and public rights-of-way.
City officials say overgrown vegetation can create safety hazards by reducing visibility, attracting pests, increasing fire risks, and spreading harmful plants such as ragweed and poison ivy.
Residents are also encouraged to trim trees and shrubs, remove dead vegetation, and prevent noxious weeds from spreading onto neighboring properties or public spaces.
For questions about the ordinance, contact the City of Batavia Code Enforcement Office at 585-345-6347.

 

COUNTY TO HOST INFORMATION SESSION ON $2.5 MILLION RENTAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Genesee County property owners will have an opportunity to learn about funding available to renovate vacant rental units during an informational session Wednesday evening.
The county recently received $2.5 million through New York State’s Vacant Rental Rehabilitation Program, which is designed to help bring unused housing units back onto the market.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the large conference room of Genesee County Building Two on West Main Street Road in Batavia. Officials will explain eligibility requirements, the application process, and how approved renovation costs may be covered through the program.
Property owners, landlords, and contractors interested in participating are encouraged to attend. No pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Genesee County Housing Development Officer Paul Osborn or visit the county’s Vacant Rental Program website.

 

WILDFIRES FORCE EVACUATIONS AS EXTREME HEAT GRIPS THE WEST

Extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds are fueling dangerous wildfire activity across the western United States.
In Utah, the Iron Fire has burned more than 34 square miles and forced the evacuation of the town of Eureka, southwest of Salt Lake City. Fire officials say the blaze was caused by human activity and remains completely uncontained. Crews have successfully protected homes so far, but drought conditions continue to make firefighting difficult.
Meanwhile, a wildfire near Sedona, Arizona has also prompted evacuations and remains uncontained after burning hundreds of acres in rugged terrain.
Forecasters warn the wildfire threat could worsen as temperatures continue to climb across the region. Much of Utah, Arizona, and Colorado remains under drought conditions, with some areas expected to see temperatures above 100 degrees this week.
Officials are urging residents to stay alert and avoid activities that could spark new fires as extreme weather conditions persist across the West.

 

U.S.-IRAN TALKS HIT TURBULENCE AS TRUMP, TEHRAN TRADE WARNINGS

High-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran got off to a rocky start Sunday in Switzerland as both sides exchanged sharp rhetoric while trying to hammer out details of a proposed agreement aimed at ending the conflict.
President Donald Trump warned Iran against supporting attacks by proxy groups in Lebanon and threatened further military action if tensions continue to escalate. Iranian officials quickly pushed back, saying their military is prepared to respond if necessary.
Despite the heated exchange, negotiators from both countries remained engaged in talks focused on key issues including Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and regional security concerns.
The discussions come as mediators from Pakistan and Qatar work to keep both sides at the table. While officials described the talks as difficult, both governments continue to express hope that a broader agreement can be reached in the coming weeks.
Financial markets are closely watching the negotiations, with oil prices and global economic concerns tied directly to the outcome of the talks.

 

 

 

MUCKDOGS SWEEP OILERS IN SUNDAY DOUBLEHEADER

The Batavia Muckdogs capped off a strong weekend Sunday by sweeping a doubleheader from the Olean Oilers.
Batavia edged Olean 3-2 in the opener before completing the sweep with a 7-2 victory in game two. The pair of wins continues the Muckdogs’ strong start to the season as they remain near the top of the league standings.
The Muckdogs have now won four straight games and continue to build momentum heading into another busy week of action.
Batavia returns to the diamond Tuesday night when they travel to Auburn to take on the Doubledays. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. as the Muckdogs look to keep their winning streak alive.