Monday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on August 11, 2025
Fatal Crash in Bergen Under Investigation
A fatal head-on crash on Route 33 in Bergen Friday afternoon claimed the life of a Batavia man and sent four others to the hospital.
Genesee County Sheriff Joseph Graff says the crash happened just before 12:30 p.m., when a 2013 Ford Focus, driven by 32-year-old Joseph M. Meli, attempted to pass another vehicle in a newly opened passing zone. Meli collided head-on with a westbound 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5, driven by 32-year-old Mari Hamilton of North Chili.
Hamilton and her husband, 35-year-old Paul Hamilton, both suffered serious injuries and were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. Two children in the back seat sustained minor injuries and were also hospitalized.
Sheriff Graff says aggressive driving remains a concern on local roads, and the department’s crash reconstruction team continues to investigate.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including New York State Police, several local fire departments, and Mercy EMS.
Live Music
Tonight, enjoy live music from the Dave Viterna Group at the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant in Corfu. The show runs from 6 to 9 p.m., rain or shine, at 1227 Gilmore Road. It’s part of the venue’s weekly live music series—so grab some dinner, relax, and enjoy an evening of great tunes in a beautiful setting.
Batavia Downs
At Batavia Downs Saturday night, driver Drew Monti and trainer Maria Rice swept the evening’s top features. Melanion N went gate-to-wire to win the $13,500 Open Handicap pace in 1:53.2, his fourth victory of the year. In the $12,500 Open II, Lip Reader A came from last with a powerful stretch drive to win in 1:54.4. Monti and Jim Morrill Jr. each had three wins on the card. Live racing returns Wednesday at 6 p.m.
$11 Million Batavia Distribution Center Proposal Moves to Public Hearing
A proposed 165,000-square-foot distribution center at the Gateway II Corporate Park in the Town of Batavia—estimated to bring $18.7 million in community benefits—is moving forward to a public hearing.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center board advanced an initial resolution Thursday for Mega Properties, Inc.’s $11 million project, which is expected to create 28 full-time equivalent jobs.
The company is seeking a $523,000 sales tax exemption, an $80,000 mortgage tax exemption, and a $1.5 million property tax abatement. In return, the project is projected to generate $17.5 million in new payroll and $1.2 million in future tax revenue—an estimated $11 local benefit for every $1 in incentives.
A public hearing on the project agreements will be scheduled in the Town of Batavia, with details to be announced.
Traffic Delays
In Batavia, motorists should expect traffic delays today, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the City Centre West parking lot near TVFCU and Dan’s Tire due to paving operations. Patrons and employees are asked not to park in coned-off areas and to use alternate parking. The work is weather-dependent and may continue the next business day. For questions, contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400, option 1.
NASCAR in WNY
Shane Van Gisbergen continued his dominance on NASCAR road courses Sunday, winning the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen by more than 11 seconds over Christopher Bell. The 36-year-old New Zealander led 38 of 90 laps, including the final 17, to claim his fourth road course victory of the season—and his second win by double-digit seconds.
The Trackhouse Racing driver, in his first full-time NASCAR season, now ties Denny Hamlin for most Cup Series wins this year. All four of his victories—at Mexico City, Chicago, Sonoma, and now Watkins Glen—have come on road courses, putting him alongside Dan Gurney as the only drivers to win their first five Cup races on this style of track.
Chris Buescher finished third, securing valuable points to hold the final playoff spot—34 ahead of teammate Ryan Preece—with just two regular-season races left at Richmond and Daytona. William Byron finished fourth, extending his championship points lead to 42 over Chase Elliott, who placed 26th. Chase Briscoe rounded out the top five.
Thirteen drivers have clinched playoff berths with wins. Reddick, Bowman, and Buescher currently fill the final three spots, while Preece and Kyle Busch are just below the cutoff, making the last two races critical for postseason hopes.
