Monday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on June 30, 2025
Stein Drops Out of Le Roy Legislature Race
Rochelle “Shelley” Stein, longtime Chair of the Genesee County Legislature and representative of District 5 in Le Roy, announced today she will not seek re-election on the Responsible Government Line, following her recent primary defeat.
Stein has served on the Legislature for 14 years—six as Chair—and has over 20 years of public service in Genesee County. Her leadership saw the county through the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction of a new jail, expanded broadband access, and key investments in emergency services.
She’s also active in regional and state-level initiatives, including the Genesee Finger Lakes Planning Council, the GLOW Workforce Board, and NYSAC’s Rural and Agriculture Committee. Outside government, she helps run her family’s multigenerational farm in Le Roy.
Stein reflected on her tenure, saying, “I’m proud of what our Legislature has accomplished together… and excited to explore new ways to contribute to our community’s future.”
Free Music
Happening tonight—Monday, June 30th—head to the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant in Corfu for live music with Jeremy Keyes from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy the sounds rain or shine, along with delicious BBQ specials fresh off the outdoor smoker. That’s at 1227 Gilmore Road in Corfu. A perfect way to kick off your week!
Broken Water Main Sunday
The City of Batavia Water Department successfully completed emergency repairs on River Street between Pearl and South Main yesterday. The water main was shut down temporarily, but service has since been restored. Residents may have noticed some discoloration—officials recommend running water until it clears before doing laundry. The city thanks everyone for their patience during the repair.
Over 200 Seniors Graduated from Batavia on Friday
Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, it was a night of perseverance, pride, and poignant memories as nearly 200 Batavia High School seniors celebrated graduation Friday night at Van Detta Stadium. With stormy skies threatening the event, a one-hour delay worked in their favor—allowing the Class of 2025 to cross the stage in blue and white caps and gowns.
Superintendent Jason Smith encouraged students to “shake it off,” sharing a parable about persistence: a donkey escaping a well by shaking off dirt and stepping up. “Challenges,” he told graduates, “are stepping stones to growth.”
Co-Mayors Ava Anderson and Matt Wittmeyer added humor and heart, recalling inside jokes, hard-won victories, and lessons learned—including not to eat dried crickets in class.
Summa cum laude speaker Cameron Garofalo thanked teachers and peers, sharing his music teacher’s words: “Above all, I just want you to leave here as good people.”
A moment of silence honored classmates Dillon Hale and Madeline Bartz, with diplomas presented to their families.
Principal Jennifer Wesp reminded graduates: “No matter where life takes you, you will always be a Blue Devil—and this community will always be cheering you on.”
Le Roy Project Concerns
Concerns over a plan to reroute Mud Creek dominated Thursday night’s Le Roy Town Board meeting. Local airport owner Ray Detor warned the proposed change by Dolomite Corporation could cause flooding and damage at the airport, which serves as an emergency landing site. Detor noted $14 million in FAA and state investments could be jeopardized. Town Supervisor Jim Farnholz echoed the concern, saying the board lacks the expertise to decide. With no clear direction from the DEC, the board chose to delay action pending further expert review.
Muckdogs
The Batavia Muckdogs had a strong weekend, going 3-1 to improve to 15-8 and take sole possession of first place in the West Division. On Friday, they fell just short on the road, losing 6-5 to the Auburn Doubledays. But they bounced back Saturday with a 10-5 win at home over the Elmira Pioneers. Then on Sunday, the Muckdogs swept a doubleheader against the Niagara Ironbacks, winning 2-1 and 6-3.
