Monday News Brief

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Secures Lower Tax Rate

Big news out of Batavia—the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation is celebrating a major win for local communities, employees, and taxpayers.
Thanks to a provision in the newly passed New York State Budget, WROTBC’s tax rate on net gaming revenues from Batavia Downs Gaming is dropping from 49 to 44 percent. That 5% cut means millions of more dollars will now flow to WROTBC’s 17 member municipalities, including Genesee, Erie, Monroe, and Niagara counties, as well as cities like Buffalo and Rochester.
Officials say the extra funding will support employee raises, reduce family healthcare costs, and help hold the line on local taxes.
WROTBC President Byron Brown and Board Chair Dennis Bassett thanked Governor Hochul, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, and state lawmakers for making it happen.
The union representing WROTBC employees also hailed the move as a “win-win” for workers and communities alike.

Teen Bingo

Teens, get ready for BINGO at the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia! Head to the Teen Corner today, Monday, May 19th, from 3 to 4 p.m. for an hour of fun, games, and prizes.
It’s usually the last Monday of the month, but it’s been moved up due to Memorial Day. No registration needed—just drop in and play!
That’s today at 19 Ross Street, right in the heart of Batavia.

Police Aim Gun at Child

13WHAM News reports, An Irondequoit police officer mistakenly pointed his gun at a 13-year-old boy during a stolen vehicle chase on Wednesday.
Police say four suspects tried to steal a Kia from a Helendale Road parking lot. They fled in a stolen Hyundai, which later crashed in Rochester. While searching nearby backyards, an officer saw a boy matching the suspect description and, for safety, drew his weapon and ordered the teen to the ground.
The 13-year-old complied and was immediately cleared when the officer realized he was not involved. Police later spoke with the teen’s family and witnesses.
Three actual suspects—ages 12, 16, and 18—were arrested and face charges for criminal possession of stolen property, with more charges expected.

Assemblyman Hawley Opens New Office in Batavia

Howard Owens with the Batavian reports, Assemblyman Steve Hawley has opened a new district office in Batavia, aiming to improve accessibility for residents in Genesee and Monroe counties.
The office is located at 420 East Main Street inside the Cornell Cooperative Extension building. Hawley says the move makes sense, noting that many constituents had to travel to Albion — his current official district office in Orleans County.
After discussing the idea with Extension Director Jocelyn Sikorski, a ground-floor space with handicap accessibility was offered — at no additional cost to taxpayers.
Hawley emphasized that the new office won’t replace the existing one but will provide easier in-person access, especially for residents from places like Scottsville and Sweden.
The Batavia office will be staffed every Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m., with more hours added if needed.
He says the goal is simple: “We need to be visible and accessible.”
Hawley represents the 139th Assembly District, which includes parts of Genesee, Orleans, and Monroe counties.

Protest on Saturday

Despite thunder and rain, about 40 people gathered Saturday afternoon in downtown Batavia for a Hands Off! protest focused on women’s rights and other humanitarian issues.
Organizer Sarah Wolcott said the event came together in just two weeks through the Women’s March network.
Protesters rallied outside City Hall, advocating for causes including Black Lives Matter, immigration rights, and due process.
Wolcott said she didn’t expect the larger April 5 turnout, but stood committed “rain or shine.”

Batavia Music Department Wins Award

The Batavia City School District has once again been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. This marks the second consecutive year BCSD has earned the national honor, which recognizes school districts that show outstanding commitment to providing access to quality music education for all students.
Superintendent Jason Smith and Music Department Chair Melzie Case both praised the hard work of students, educators, and the community in building a strong, diverse program—from elementary music classes to high school ensembles and theater productions.
More than 1,000 districts and schools across the country were honored this year for their dedication to music education.

Sports Scores

Here are your Genesee County high school softball scores from the weekend:

Le Roy slipped past Letchworth, 4 to 3, in a solid showing.
Caledonia-Mumford edged Pavilion, 7 to 6, in a back-and-forth battle.
Pittsford Sutherland topped Batavia, 10 to 5, pulling away late.
Oakfield-Alabama dominated Notre Dame-Batavia, 17 to 3, with strong offense.
Pembroke rolled over Holley, 14 to 1, behind steady pitching and big bats.
Alexander outpaced Attica, 12 to 7, in a high-scoring game.
Le Roy handled Irondequoit, 7 to 1, picking up another solid win.
Barker held off Elba, 7 to 5, in a competitive matchup.
Oakfield-Alabama beat Lyndonville, 6 to 1, behind clean defense and timely hits.
Lyndonville bounced back to defeat Elba, 17 to 11, in a slugfest.
And Barker edged Oakfield-Alabama, 5 to 3, to cap off the weekend action.
That wraps up a busy weekend of softball across Genesee County.

Here are your Genesee County high school baseball scores from the weekend:

Geneseo got past Le Roy, 5 to 3, in a close contest.
Brockport edged Batavia, 4 to 3, in a tight non-league matchup.
Elba took down Oakfield-Alabama, 7 to 3, behind a strong outing.
Pembroke put up big numbers to roll over Attica, 17 to 3.
Pavilion/York squeaked by Notre Dame-Batavia, 5 to 4, in a nail-biter.
Elba notched another win, topping Lyndonville, 7 to 2.
Pavilion/York also cruised past Keshequa, 15 to 7, in a high-scoring affair.
Kendall came out swinging, defeating Alexander, 16 to 3.
Oakfield-Alabama rebounded with a 7 to 6 win over Perry.
Le Roy capped off the weekend with a big 12 to 2 victory over Waterloo.
And Northstar Christian slipped past Notre Dame-Batavia, 3 to 1, in a low-scoring battle.