Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on October 16, 2025
Pavilion Eyes Stafford Court Space as Town Board Reviews Contract
The Stafford Town Board is signaling support for allowing the Town of Pavilion to use Stafford’s town court building on Route 237. Pavilion Supervisor James Thater told board members Monday that Pavilion’s agreement with Le Roy has ended, leaving the town without adequate court space and roughly $40–50,000 in the red.
Le Roy raised costs in 2024 to cover new staffing, which Pavilion couldn’t afford. Thater said Pavilion’s current court space is outdated, and both judges prefer a new location. Stafford Town Justice Robert Mattice said he sees no downside to sharing the facility, as Pavilion’s court nights don’t conflict with Stafford’s schedule.
The tentative contract would charge Pavilion $250 per night. Stafford’s attorney suggested clearer language and annual cost increases. The board agreed to move forward once revisions are made, with a review set for July 2026.
In other action, the board approved special use permits for two Catalyze solar projects on Batavia Stafford Townline Road, moving them to the planning board.
And the tentative 2026 tax rate is set at $2.02 per $1,000, up from $1.83, but still among the county’s lowest. Public hearings on the tax cap and budget are scheduled for November 10.
LeRoy Meet the Candidates Event Set for Oct. 17
LeRoy voters are invited to meet two local candidates running this fall. Nikki Calhoun, candidate for Genesee County Legislature District 5, and Bill Lambert, candidate for LeRoy Town Council, will host a community Meet the Candidates event Friday, October 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Trigon Park.
The casual gathering will feature hot cider and donuts, and give residents a chance to ask questions and hear directly from the candidates about their priorities for the community. More information is available at geneseenydemocrats.org.
Genesee County Urges Water Conservation Amid Severe Drought
Genesee County officials are urging residents to conserve water as the region faces an ongoing severe drought. County water sources are running low, putting extra strain on the system as more water is pulled from Tonawanda Creek and other surface sources.
Officials say residents may notice temporary changes in taste or odor, caused by naturally occurring compounds during drought conditions. Those changes are harmless.
The entire GLOW region entered a severe drought October 7th, followed by a state drought warning for Genesee and Orleans counties. That’s the second of four drought advisory levels, and calls for intensified voluntary conservation.
State officials are asking all New Yorkers to limit nonessential water use. In a severe drought, crop loss is likely, water shortages are common, and restrictions are often imposed.
A statewide burn ban also remains in effect, with the GLOW region at moderate risk for outdoor fires.
Downtown Batavia Trick-or-Treat Time Pushed Back
Ghosts and goblins heading downtown Batavia for Halloween fun this weekend will need to adjust their plans. City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. announced the annual downtown trick-or-treating has been moved from 1–3 p.m. to 2–4 p.m. Saturday.
The Business Improvement District’s event was likely shifted to avoid overlapping with a scheduled protest set to end at 2 p.m. Families are encouraged to enjoy the extra hour, then hit the streets for candy and festivities throughout downtown.
LeRoy, Batavia Pick Up Wins on the Court Wednesday Night
LeRoy improved to 17–1 on the season with a straight-set win over Midlakes, 25-23, 25-19, 25-18. Evy Kanaley led with 29 assists, while Shea Williams added 16 kills and 4 aces. Wednesday was also LeRoy’s annual Dig for Pink game — the team raised $2,260 for Genesee Cancer Assistance through donations collected this week.
Batavia also swept HFL, 25-16, 25-12, 25-18. Lilly Gray served up 12 aces, while Violet Lopez tallied 18 assists.
Wednesday Night Genesee County Soccer Scoreboard
In boys soccer, Pavilion/York fell to Keshequa 1–0.
On the girls’ side, Hornell shut out LeRoy 5–0, Kendall cruised past Attica 9–0, and Batavia dropped a 4–1 decision to Our Lady of Mercy.
