Monday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on September 22, 2025
Elmore Seeks Late Appeal in Sanfratello Death Case
Howard Owens with the Batavian reports, the man sentenced to 20 years for the death of Sheriff’s Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello appeared in court as his lawyer argued for a late appeal.
Michael Elmore, convicted of first-degree aggravated manslaughter last December, missed the 30-day appeal deadline. His attorney, Joseph Lobosco, told Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini that neither Elmore nor his family contacted him until months later, creating what he called a “communication breakdown.”
Prosecutor William Zickl opposed, saying the law requires proof of an actual inability to communicate ,not just a failure to do so. He cited past cases where late appeals were denied.
The appellate court ordered Thursday’s hearing to gather a record before ruling. Elmore’s case stems from a 2024 disturbance at Batavia Downs where Sergeant Sanfratello , a 32-year veteran ,suffered a fatal medical emergency during a struggle.
The court’s decision on Elmore’s late appeal request will come at a later date.
Toys for Tommy Ride Honors Sgt. Sanfratello
Genesee County ABATE held its first-ever Toys for Tommy Ride on Saturday, collecting new toys and donations in honor of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello. Riders donated either an unwrapped toy or $20 before taking off from GCC for a 65-mile loop around the county, finishing back at campus with food trucks waiting.
ABATE President Eric Morton said Sgt. Sanfratello was passionate about programs like Toys for Tots and Shop with a Cop. He added the ride shows the strong bond between bikers and law enforcement, noting many members are current or former officers.
The next ABATE ride is set for October 4th at Stan’s Harley-Davidson in Batavia to support Breast Cancer Awareness.
Runaway Winners Dominate Batavia Co-Features
El Toro Loco went gate-to-wire in the $12,800 Open Handicap trot, cruising to victory in 1:56.2 for trainer Sam Smith and driver Kevin Cummings. In the $12,800 Open Handicap pace, Jim Morrill Jr. guided Mirragon A first-over to take command and draw clear in 1:52.4 for trainer-owner Mike Deters.
Cummings, Morrill, and Drew Monti each notched three driving wins on the card. Live racing returns Wednesday at Batavia Downs with a $7,500 guaranteed Pick-5 pool.
Genesee County Football Roundup: Batavia, Alexander/Pembroke, and Notre Dame Roll
Batavia (2-1) stormed past Cleveland Hill 54-6 in its homecoming game behind a sharp performance from quarterback Will Stevens, who threw for 132 yards and three touchdowns on just four passes, while also contributing on the ground and with conversions. Tre Shine (105 yards, 2 TDs) and Maggio Buchholz (116 rushing yards, 1 TD, 11 tackles) fueled the effort.
Alexander/Pembroke (2-0) shut out Livonia 40-0 on Friday, scoring in all three phases. Kingston Woods (91 yards, 1 TD), Brody Heckman, and Brett Maloney paced the offense, while Sean Pietrzkowski and Pierce Dinkins turned turnovers into points.
LeRoy/Cal-Mum (2-1) was edged 21-18 by Hornell/Arkport/Canaseraga despite two long touchdowns by Brady McClurg, who finished with 128 yards passing and two scores.
Attica mounted a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat Oakfield-Alabama/Elba 15-14. O-A/E’s Noah Lyons carried 29 times for 170 yards and a touchdown, while Landon Smith anchored the defense with eight tackles and a sack.
York/Pavilion (3-0) stayed perfect with a 27-6 win over Canisteo-Greenwood, sparked by an 80-yard kick return score from Yeriel Diaz-Pena and two rushing touchdowns from Parker Bonefede. Liam Campbell added a touchdown and 18 tackles on defense.
Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen (1-2) routed Holley/Lyndonville 55-0 on Saturday.
Health Department Seeks Dog, Owner After Bite at Austin Park
The Genesee County Health Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a dog and its owner after a teenager was bitten Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 17, at Austin Park in Batavia.
The dog is described as a dark-colored, short-haired pit bull mix wearing a thick dark collar with tags, and was on a leash with a short-statured adult male. Officials say locating the dog is necessary to confirm its health status and avoid unnecessary rabies treatment.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555.
Arc GLOW 5K Draws 200+ Runners, Walkers in Support of Scholarship, Programs
More than 200 participants turned out Saturday for the Arc GLOW Friends & Family 5K, supporting the Mary Anne Graney Scholarship and Arc programs for children with disabilities across four counties.
Families, teachers, and longtime supporters joined the event, which began and ended at Elba Day Hab, celebrating Graney’s legacy and the mission she believed in. Despite lower turnout than last year, organizers said the community spirit and support remained strong.
