Thursday News Brief

Multiple Felony Arrests Reported in Batavia Police Blotter

Several felony-level arrests highlighted recent activity in Batavia.
On February 3rd, 46-year-old George Budzinack was charged with Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree and Failure to Register an Address as a Sex Offender after allegedly listing a false residence. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded without bail to the Genesee County Jail.
Police also arrested 19-year-old Gage Wetmore on attempted burglary and related charges after he allegedly tried to break into a building on Alva Place.
In a separate case, 23-year-old Hailey Nickerson of Arkport was charged with Burglary in the Second Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child following a reported domestic incident on Swan Street.
And 24-year-old Thomas Hofmeier faces weapon and menacing charges after allegedly threatening someone with a knife during an altercation on Ellicott Street.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Zac Brown Tribute Band Takes Stage Tonight at Batavia Downs

It’s concert night in Batavia as the Zac Brown Tribute Band returns to Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel for the Thursday Night Concert Series.
The show kicks off at 7 p.m. inside the Park Place Event Center, with doors opening at 6:30. General admission tickets are $20 and include $15 in free play, redeemable at the Player’s Club.
Organizers remind guests this is a standing-room-only show, with seating available only for those requiring ADA accommodations. The band promises a full lineup of Zac Brown favorites and country-rock hits.

Trump Paints Optimistic Economy in Lengthy State of the Union

President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to promote what he called a “roaring” U.S. economy, pointing to lower gas prices, easing mortgage rates and a strong stock market.
But that upbeat message contrasts with public sentiment. Recent polling shows just 39 percent of Americans approve of his handling of the economy.
The president honored the gold medal-winning U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team and a World War II veteran before turning sharply partisan, blaming Democrats for high health care costs and affordability issues.
Trump also criticized a recent Supreme Court of the United States ruling against his tariff policy, renewed claims of election “cheating,” and warned Iran he would not allow it to obtain a nuclear weapon.
The speech lasted nearly one hour and 48 minutes — the longest State of the Union on record.

Le Roy Senior Wins Princeton Prize in Race Relations

A senior at Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School is headed to Princeton University after earning a major regional honor.
Elise Fisher was named the 2026 Rochester Region winner of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations, recognizing high school students who advance racial equity and understanding. Fisher competed against six other finalists from across the Rochester and Finger Lakes region.
Her winning presentation highlighted her leadership in Le Roy’s MOSAIC Club — Making Our School an Informed Community — organizing events like Appetite for Culture and Holidays Around the World to promote inclusion.
Superintendent Merritt Holly called her presentation outstanding, while advisor Nicole Bradley praised Fisher’s lasting impact on the school community.
Fisher receives a $2,500 scholarship and will attend the Princeton Prize Symposium in New Jersey next month, joining student leaders from across the country.

Sinkhole Swallows Two Vehicles at Busy Omaha Intersection

Surveillance video captured the moment a sinkhole suddenly opened beneath two vehicles at a busy intersection in Omaha Tuesday afternoon.
An SUV and a pickup truck were stopped at a traffic light when the pavement gave way, dropping both vehicles several feet into the hole. Police said neither driver was injured.
The pickup driver was able to climb out and, along with bystanders, helped the SUV driver to safety. Omaha police thanked those who quickly stepped in to assist.
The intersection is near the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a popular entertainment district. City officials say the sinkhole was caused by a water main break.

Elba Rolls, Geneseo Advances in Section V Openers

Section V girls basketball tipped off with strong performances Wednesday night.
In Class D, No. 5 Elba cruised past Friendship-Scio 85-24. Ava Buczek led with 24 points and six assists, while Brea Smith added 18 points and 14 rebounds. The Lancers advance to face Jasper-Troupsburg in the quarterfinals.
In Class C1, No. 7 Geneseo edged No. 10 Pembroke 52-44. Sierra Whitney hit a clutch three-pointer late, and freshman Paige Rossborough sealed it at the line. Geneseo now moves on to face defending champion Bloomfield on Saturday.