Thursday News Brief

Town of Alexander Seeking Grants for Continued Flooding Problems

Howard Owens with the Batavian reports, for the fourth time in 2025, Tonawanda Creek overflowed on Tuesday, flooding roads and farmland in the Town of Alexander—most notably Peaviner Road. Highway Superintendent Brian Farnsworth says the repeated flooding is caused by fallen trees creating natural dams further upstream, leading to water backups that rush north and swamp local roads.
Farnsworth is pushing for grant funding to support annual cleanups of the creek. He says erosion is constantly knocking big trees into the water, and without regular maintenance, the damage will continue.
The flooding is more than just an inconvenience—it’s costing taxpayers. Roads like Cookson and Peaviner need repeated repairs, and local farmers lose out when fields are left under water. There are also safety risks, as some motorists try to drive through floodwaters, putting pressure on first responders.
Peaviner Road is now clear, and Cookson Road is expected to be open by early Thursday afternoon.

Barrel Racing Tonight

It’s Thursday night, and that means barrel racing in Attica!
Tonight marks the second round of the 2025 Attica Barrel Racing Series, happening at 230 Exchange Street. Sign-ups start at 6:00 p.m., and the action runs well into the evening.
There are divisions for Open, Youth, Novice Youth, and Lead Line riders — with affordable entry fees, no arena fee, and payouts in every class. It’s a family-friendly event and a great way to support local riders!
Spectators welcome, so come enjoy the speed and excitement of Thursday night barrel racing in Attica!

Geneva Police Officer Accused of Selling Drugs

13WHAM News Reports, a Geneva police officer is facing serious charges tonight following an undercover investigation by the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say 41-year-old Michael Tapscott, a 13-year veteran of the Geneva Police Department, was arrested Wednesday and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance and official misconduct after allegedly selling a single Adderall pill—a Schedule II drug—to another man while in uniform and on duty.
The alleged deal happened April 21st outside Geneva Foreign & Sports, a car dealership on Route 14.
Sheriff David Cirencione says the evidence includes multiple search warrants and eyewitness accounts, calling the case “a top priority” for investigators.
Tapscott, who once served as a DARE officer, has been placed on administrative leave. Geneva Police Chief Ronald Eveland called the allegations “very serious” and says the department is cooperating fully.
Tapscott was arraigned and released on his own recognizance. The investigation remains active.

Road Work Could Slow Traffic in Batavia

Heads up for drivers in Batavia — resurfacing work is set for this Monday, May 12th, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it could impact your morning or afternoon commute.
The Town of Batavia Highway Department will be resurfacing Stegman Road from Miller to Powers Road, Barrett Road from Route 5 to the end near Kistner Concrete, and the access road to the Town Hall and Genesee County Building 2 — including the Highway Garage and Animal Shelter.
During this time, through traffic should avoid these roads as short-term closures and delays are expected throughout the day. Residents and local businesses on the affected roads will still have access, but some brief delays are possible.
Emergency services will be permitted through at all times. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the work will be rescheduled for the next available dry day.
For more information, contact the Town of Batavia Highway Department at (585) 343-1729, extension 218.
Please plan ahead and thank you for your patience as crews work to improve the roads.

Batavia Wants Your Opinion

The New York State DEC is seeking public comments on a proposed brownfield cleanup at 26 and 60 Evans Street in Batavia, known as the Batavia Creek Park Development.
Documents are available online or at Richmond Memorial Library, and comments can be submitted by June 6th to Project Manager Mackenzie Rees by email at mackenzie.rees@dec.ny.gov or by calling 585-226-5409.
Help shape the future of this site—your input counts!

Two Genesee County Women Charged with Fraud

Two Batavia residents have been charged with welfare fraud following investigations by Genesee County Social Services.
61-year-old Cheryl Ditzel is accused of failing to report funds deposited into a bank account she had access to, resulting in $2,435 in unentitled SNAP benefits.
44-year-old Jacqueline Sogunro-Pitan allegedly did not disclose wages earned from employment at Walmart, leading to $2,304 in improper SNAP benefits.
Both individuals were arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on their own recognizance pending future court dates.
To report suspected welfare fraud in Genesee County, contact the Department of Social Services Investigations Unit at (585) 344-2580, extensions 6417 or 6541.

Sports Scores

Here’s a roundup of Genesee County high school baseball and softball scores from Wednesday, May 7th:

Baseball:
Eastridge (Class A) defeated Batavia (Class A) with a score of 8–0.
Oakfield-Alabama (Class C2) edged out Alexander (Class C2) in a close game, 12–11.
Elba (Class D) secured a 6–1 victory over Jasper-Troupsburg (Class D).
Notre Dame Batavia (Class C1) narrowly beat Avon (Class B), 3–2.

Softball:
Le Roy (Class B2) triumphed over Warsaw (Class C1) with an 11–7 win.
Pembroke Central (Class C1) shut out Attica Central (Class B2), 6–0.
Oakfield-Alabama Central (Class C2) dominated Kendall Central (Class C2), 14–2.
Lyndonville Central (Class D) overcame Notre Dame Batavia (Class D) with a 4–1 victory.