Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on January 15, 2026
Batavia & Genesee County Police Blotter
Batavia Police arrested Edward J. White, 30, of Rochester, after a Dec. 2 traffic stop on Ellicott Street turned into a foot chase. Police say White fled after a K-9 alert, was caught near Tim Hortons on Main Street, and was found with a loaded handgun and a large quantity of narcotics. He faces multiple felony weapons and drug charges and was remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail.
In another serious case, Cameron J. Sokolowski, 33, of Batavia, is charged with assault and weapons possession after police say he slammed a door into an officer during an arrest attempt on Dellinger Avenue, sending the officer’s arms through glass. The officer suffered cuts. Sokolowski was jailed without bail.
Police also report Kevin Q. Thomas, 62, of Batavia, was arrested twice in 2 days after allegedly violating an order of protection by returning to a Hall Street residence. He now faces burglary and criminal contempt charges and was remanded to jail.
Several DWI arrests were reported across Batavia and the county, including crashes on Hyde Park and East Main Street. No life-threatening injuries were reported.
All charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent pending court proceedings.
Free Tax Filing Help Offered at Richmond Memorial Library
Richmond Memorial Library is partnering with volunteers from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance to offer free, in-person help with filing taxes online this season.
Residents who earned $89,000 or less in 2025 qualify. Appointments are available Thursdays from Feb. 5 through April 9, with multiple time slots each day.
To schedule, call 585-343-9550 ext. 3 or stop by the reference desk.
State Department to Suspend Immigrant Visas from 75 Countries
The U.S. State Department says it will suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, starting Jan. 21, under new rules tied to public assistance concerns.
The move, ordered under the administration of Donald Trump and carried out by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, targets countries whose applicants are deemed more likely to require public benefits while living in the U.S. The list includes Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Somalia, and several nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The suspension applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect tourist or business visas, which officials expect to increase ahead of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
The State Department says the pause allows time to reassess screening procedures to prevent abuse of public benefits. Critics warn the move could sharply reduce legal immigration options for many families.
Court Hears Progress Update on Ellicott Station Projects
An update on Batavia’s Ellicott Station redevelopment was given Monday afternoon in City Housing Court at the Genesee County Courthouse.
Developer Sam Savarino and his attorney told Judge Durin Rogers that the residential portion of the project on Ellicott Street is nearing completion. Of the 12 code issues previously cited by the city, only 2 remain, and those are expected to be resolved once the building is occupied. City Attorney David Fitch said the city plans to withdraw those remaining violations.
The residential project is now targeting a substantial completion date of March 20, 2026, weather permitting.
Progress was also discussed on the commercial building, the former Della Penna property. City officials told the court the site is secure and does not pose any immediate safety concerns. Updated plans and a new application are expected later this year, with attorneys saying occupancy could begin by April 2026, and full completion by the end of the year.
Judge Rogers adjourned the matter until April 20 for a status check.
Genesee County Students Chosen for Empire Girls State
Three Genesee County students have been selected to attend Empire Girls State this summer, sponsored by local units of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Carolyn Wujcik of Le Roy, Brielle Ricks of Notre Dame Batavia, and Emma Matthews of Byron-Bergen will take part in the weeklong, nonpartisan leadership program from June 30 through July 6 in Brockport. Five alternates were also selected from across the county.
Empire Girls State gives students hands-on experience in government, leadership, and civic engagement.
Hochul Outlines Priorities in 2026 State of the State
Kathy Hochul delivered her 2026 State of the State address Tuesday afternoon at The Egg in Albany, laying out a wide-ranging agenda that now heads to the state Legislature for debate.
Among the key proposals: new online safety rules for children that would require age verification and stronger privacy protections, along with a ban on certain addictive chatbot features for minors. Hochul also called for tougher regulations on 3D-printed firearms and expanded penalties tied to ghost gun production.
The governor renewed her push for universal childcare and pre-K, proposed measures aimed at lowering utility bills, and announced additional funding to build affordable housing statewide. Other initiatives include labeling requirements for AI-generated content, eliminating state taxes on up to $25,000 in tips, and investments in clean energy, environmental protection, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Lawmakers will now review the proposals as part of the upcoming budget process.
Genesee County High School Basketball — Wednesday
In boys basketball, Elba Lancers cruised to an 81–47 win over Lyndonville Tigers, powered by double-doubles from Nick Scott and Ryan Marsceill.
Attica Blue Devils edged Oakfield-Alabama Hornets 55–48, while Pembroke Dragons topped Alexander Trojans 60–37. Batavia Blue Devils dropped a tight one, falling 67–60 to Pittsford Mendon.
In girls action, Letchworth Legends snapped Le Roy Oatkan Knights’s 3-game win streak with a defensive 26–20 road victory, improving to 9–1 on the season.
