Monday News Brief

LeRoy Teacher Placed on Leave Over Social Media Posts After Charlie Kirk Assassination

A teacher in the LeRoy Central School District has been placed on administrative leave over social media comments made following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Superintendent Merritt Holly said the district was made aware of the posts Thursday, calling them “inappropriate” and “disparaging” toward Kirk’s supporters. Holly emphasized that while opinions may differ on Kirk’s beliefs, the district cannot condone violent rhetoric and must model civil dialogue.
The teacher, who has not been identified, has since deleted their social media account, expressed regret, and issued a written apology to families. In the letter, they admitted their posts were inflammatory and offensive, saying they fell short of their responsibility as a role model and are committed to regaining the community’s trust.
Holly said the district will handle any further actions internally, in accordance with policy.

Batavia Academy and CTE Open House & Career Fair Set for Oct. 9

Students, parents, guardians, and community members are invited to explore Batavia Academy and Career and Technical Education programs during an Open House and Career Fair on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the GV BOCES Batavia Campus on State Street Road. Families can tour classrooms, meet instructors, and learn about student opportunities, while connecting with local agencies and industry partners. Batavia Academy highlights small class sizes, individualized instruction, and social-emotional support, while CTE programs showcase career pathways in trades, healthcare, technology, and culinary arts, preparing students for college, careers, and life.

Monti, McDonough Shine in Big Weekend at Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs saw stellar performances Friday as driver Drew Monti and trainer Shawn McDonough each won four races on the card. In the $11,000 feature, Crazy Ritz cruised to his third win of the year with a dominant stretch drive. Technical Wow and Northernchancellor also took conditioned trots, while McDonough and Monti added multiple victories across the night. Saturday’s $12,800 Opens went to Davey Day Trader, who went gate-to-wire in 1:54.3, and Treasured Tee, who closed strong in 1:56.4. Monti finished the weekend as top driver with seven wins across both nights.

Genesee 2050 Study Calls for Trail Expansion, Housing and Volunteer Corps

Joanne Beck with The Batavian reports,ayearlong study about Genesee County wrapped up this week with a series of wide-ranging recommendations.
Ten focus groups — made up of more than 180 people — spent 52 weeks looking at issues from water and farmland protection, to housing, law enforcement, recycling and recreation.
Among the key takeaways: members want to see the popular Ellicott Trail stretched out beyond Batavia, with possible connections to Monroe and Erie counties. The committee also suggested forming a nonprofit “Friends of the Ellicott Trail” to help secure grants and keep the project moving.
Volunteering was another focus. The group said nonprofits across Genesee County struggle to attract and keep helpers. A countywide volunteer corps, or even a development director, could help connect willing residents with organizations in need.
Housing also made the list. The study recommends hiring a county housing development officer — sometimes called a housing czar — to coordinate projects, chase grant funding, and increase supply and variety across the county.
And finally, law enforcement and emergency services remain a concern. Leaders say there are fewer applicants for police jobs, fewer volunteers in fire halls, and more pressure on local EMS. One option would be adding regional staff and standardizing training to ease the burden.
Officials say these ideas will now be considered as part of long-term planning for Genesee County.

Smoke-Filled Apartment on Chestnut Street

A woman was evaluated by medics after city firefighters responded to a smoke-filled apartment at 7 Chestnut Street just before noon Saturday. Crews found heavy smoke from food left unattended on a stove. The resident was located in a bedroom behind a closed door, which kept smoke from reaching her. She walked out on her own and was checked at the scene. No flames were reported, and firefighters ventilated the 1894 multi-unit building.

High School Football Scores in Genesee County

In Section V action Friday night, Geneseo/Mount Morris blanked Oakfield-Alabama/Elba 26-0. Alexander/Pembroke powered past Letchworth/Perry/Warsaw 36-7 behind Kingston Woods’ 138 yards rushing. Batavia ran wild over Greece Athena 41-13, with three Blue Devils topping 100 yards on the ground. York/Pavilion rolled Attica 35-6 as Parker Bonefede accounted for four touchdowns. Le Roy/Cal-Mum stayed unbeaten with a 38-8 win over Bath-Haverling. And Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen fell to Canisteo-Greenwood 34-12.