Monday News Brief

YWCA ANNOUNCES MOVE TO NEW DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY CENTER

The YWCA of Genesee County is moving to a new home in downtown Batavia, announcing plans to relocate to 85 Main Street as part of a major expansion of services.
The new community center will feature expanded domestic violence advocacy, private counseling offices, housing assistance programs, My Sister’s Pantry and My Sister’s Closet, along with a new Family Play Café and flexible space for workshops, support groups and community events.
Executive Director Jamie Beedham-Rada says the move is an investment in the future, allowing the YWCA to better serve thousands of women, children and families across Genesee County each year.
The organization has launched a capital campaign to help complete renovations and prepare the building for its grand opening. More information on tours, volunteer opportunities and ways to support the project will be announced in the coming months.

 

MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN OAKFIELD CRASH

A Genesee County man is dead following a two-vehicle crash Wednesday night on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office says 52-year-old James Emery of Oakfield was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle when it collided with a Nissan Versa around 9:30. Emery was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Nissan, 21-year-old Mariano Cecala of Chili, and passenger MeKenzie Mitchell of Stafford were not injured.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Sheriff’s investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or has security or dash camera footage from the area, to contact Investigator David Moore through the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Oakfield and East Pembroke firefighters, along with the Genesee County Coroner’s Office, assisted at the scene.

 

 

BATAVIA GROUP DONATES HANDMADE HATS TO CANCER PATIENTS

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club has donated more than 100 handmade hats to patients at Rochester Regional’s Lipson Cancer Institute.
The project began after club member Vicki Wolak noticed the cancer center was running low on hats for patients undergoing chemotherapy. She reached out to fellow members and the community, and within two months volunteers crocheted, knitted and sewed more than 100 hats.
Hospital staff say the hats provide warmth, comfort and protection for patients experiencing hair loss during treatment. One of the volunteers, Diane Fiorentino, recently completed her own cancer treatments, making the donation especially meaningful.

 

LE ROY EDUCATOR HONORED FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

Le Roy Central School District’s Director of Special Education and Student Services, Dr. Rae Lynn Helman, has been named New York’s Special Education Administrator of the Year by the New York Council of Administrators of Special Education.
Helman, who has more than 30 years of experience in special education, is being recognized for her leadership and advocacy for students with disabilities. She’ll receive the award this week at the NYCASE Summer Institute in Syracuse.
Helman says her perspective changed forever after her own son was diagnosed with autism, giving her firsthand experience as both an educator and a parent. She says every decision she makes is guided by ensuring all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Superintendent Merritt Holly congratulated Helman, calling the honor a proud moment for the Le Roy Central School District.

 

 

U.S., IRAN EXCHANGE NEW STRIKES AS HORMUZ TENSIONS ESCALATE

The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified again over the weekend, with both sides launching new attacks after an Iranian strike on a commercial container ship in the Strait of Hormuz left the vessel on fire and one crew member missing.
The U.S. military carried out multiple waves of airstrikes targeting Iranian missile sites, air defenses and Revolutionary Guard positions, saying the operation was intended to protect commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
Iran responded with attacks targeting U.S.-allied nations including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Oman, while continuing to insist it has the authority to control traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The renewed fighting has pushed negotiations over a permanent end to the conflict to the brink, with the United Nations warning that a return to full-scale war could have catastrophic consequences for the region and the global economy.

 

 

 

NATO SUMMIT FOCUSES ON TRUMP, DEFENSE SPENDING AND ALLIANCE UNITY

NATO leaders are gathering in Turkey this week with the alliance’s future and its relationship with President Donald Trump taking center stage.
Secretary-General Mark Rutte is working to keep the United States fully committed to NATO after allies agreed last year to significantly increase defense spending. The focus has now shifted from spending more money to building stronger military capabilities as concerns over Russia continue to grow.
Despite those commitments, Trump has continued pressing allies, saying he wants greater loyalty after criticizing some NATO members for not supporting recent U.S. military action against Iran.
The summit is expected to focus on strengthening the alliance, supporting Ukraine, and addressing security challenges from Russia, while leaders work to keep NATO united amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

 

MUCKDOGS WEEKEND ROUNDUP

The Batavia Muckdogs remain in first place after an eventful weekend on the diamond.
Friday night, Batavia battled the Jamestown Tarp Skunks to a wild 12-12 tie. The Muckdogs appeared to be in control with a four-run ninth inning, but Jamestown answered to force the deadlock before the game ended with the bases loaded.
On Saturday, Batavia returned home for Free T-Shirt Night and thrilled the Dwyer Stadium crowd with a walk-off victory over the Elmira Pioneers in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Then on Sunday, the Muckdogs traveled north of the border and knocked off the Niagara Ironbacks 6-2.
Batavia now sits atop the standings and returns to Dwyer Stadium tonight for a first-place showdown against the Jamestown Tarp Skunks. First pitch is set for 6:30.