Thursday News Brief

STAFFING SHORTAGES CONTINUE FOR GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Staffing remains a major concern for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Joseph Graff during his annual report to county legislators.
Graff says there are currently 4 road patrol vacancies, soon to be 5, along with openings for dispatchers and 8 correction officers at the jail—creating added strain on existing staff and driving up overtime costs.
The department is actively trying to recruit, even bringing a “road show” to local schools like Byron-Bergen to generate interest in law enforcement careers.
Meanwhile, calls for service are up nearly 7% so far this year, including a jump in police-related calls, adding even more pressure to fill those roles.
Graff says while hiring is a priority, the department is committed to maintaining standards, even as challenges in recruitment continue.

 

 

 

HOLLAND LAND OFFICE HOSTS CIVIL WAR TALK TONIGHT

A piece of local and national history takes center stage tonight in Batavia. The Holland Land Office Museum is hosting its latest Guest Speaker Series event at 7 pm.
Richard Chamberlain will present on his second great uncle, John Newton Chamberlain—a Civil War captain who rose from farm life in central New York to lead troops in the United States Colored Infantry. His story is told through detailed letters and diary entries from his time serving in places like Pensacola and New Orleans.
Admission is by suggested donation, and organizers ask that you call ahead if you plan to attend.

 

 

FDA TO REVIEW RESTRICTIONS ON POPULAR PEPTIDE INJECTIONS

The Food and Drug Administration will hold a meeting this July to consider easing restrictions on several peptide injections that have surged in popularity online.
The therapies—often promoted by fitness influencers and wellness personalities—are marketed for muscle growth, injury recovery, and anti-aging, but most have not been approved or thoroughly tested for safety.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has voiced support for loosening regulations, and the FDA will ask an advisory panel to review seven peptides, including BPC-157 and TB-500, to determine if they should be more widely available through compounding pharmacies.
Critics warn the move could pose serious health risks, noting past concerns tied to cancer and organ damage, while supporters argue current restrictions have fueled a growing black market.

 

LE ROY SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSES $32.8 MILLION BUDGET
The Le Roy Central School District has approved a $32.8 million budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year, with a public hearing set for May 12.
The plan includes a tax levy increase of 1.81%, which meets the state’s allowable cap, along with just a modest 1% increase in state aid.
District leaders say the budget reflects declining enrollment and rising costs—especially a 30% spike in health insurance, adding roughly $570,000 to expenses.
To offset that, the district will eliminate an administrative position and 7 teaching positions through retirements and attrition, though officials say no teachers are being cut directly because of the budget.
Superintendent Merritt Holly says larger class sizes are expected as resources are redistributed, with final staffing decisions coming after the budget vote on May 19.
Voting will run noon to 8 pm at Wolcott Street School.

 

FREE CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES TONIGHT IN LE ROY

Live music returns to Le Roy tonight as “Music at St. Mark’s” takes place at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church starting at 7 pm.
Tonight’s program, “Gracias a la Vida: Music and Poetry of Chile,” features tenor Pablo Willey-Bustos and pianist Priscilla Yuen. The performance will include both classic and contemporary pieces, along with commentary throughout the evening.
Both musicians are graduates of the Eastman School of Music and currently teach at Rochester-area universities.
The concert is free to attend and is part of a monthly series supported in part by GO ART!

 

 

 

STOCKS PUSH TOWARD RECORD HIGHS AMID CALMER GLOBAL OUTLOOK

U.S. stocks are hovering near record territory today as markets react to easing tensions in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.
The S&P 500 rose 0.3% and is on track to surpass its all-time high set earlier this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped slightly, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed nearly 1%.
Investors are encouraged by signs that a ceasefire could be extended and negotiations may resume, which could stabilize oil markets and the broader global economy.
After falling into correction territory in March, the S&P 500 has now rebounded 10% over the past two weeks.
Earnings are also helping drive optimism, with companies like Bank of America and Morgan Stanley reporting stronger-than-expected results, pointing to continued strength in the U.S. economy.
Still, analysts warn uncertainty remains, especially if geopolitical tensions flare back up.

 

 

SPORTS ROUNDUP

Oakfield-Alabama left no doubt Wednesday night, rolling to a 17-0 shutout win over Notre Dame in softball.
The Hornets scored in every inning, piling up runs with a balanced attack as 9 hitters reached base. Emma Thompson led the way with a double, triple, and 4 RBIs, while Savannah Durham added 3 hits, including a 3-run inside-the-park homer.
Chloe Lamb and Allie Williams each had 3 hits and 2 RBIs, and Allison Harkness dominated in the circle—5 shutout innings, 2 hits allowed, and 8 strikeouts.
Notre Dame managed just 2 hits from Guinn Clark in the loss.
Elsewhere, Pembroke beat Alexander 7-5, Avon topped York/Pavilion 9-2, and Keshequa defeated Le Roy 7-2.
On the baseball side, Elba beat Oakfield-Alabama 7-1, Notre Dame crushed Lyndonville 26-2, Pembroke shut out Byron-Bergen 13-0, and Le Roy edged Keshequa 5-4.