Thursday News Brief

Missing Woman in Batavia Found Safely

The City of Batavia Police Department reports that Catherine Chudoba, a 35-year-old vulnerable adult who had been reported missing earlier this week, has been safely located.
Chudoba was last seen in the area of South Jackson Street wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. Authorities say she was found on Wednesday afternoon and is now receiving the appropriate medical attention she may need.
Police thanked the public for their help and vigilance, as well as the local agencies that assisted in the search.
The Batavia Police Department reminds the community that if you ever see or know the whereabouts of a missing or vulnerable person, contact 911 or their non-emergency line at 585-345-6350.

WBTA Legend Passes

We remember a WBTA Legend today.
Charles “Chuck” Malcom Platt passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25th, 2025. He was 88 years old.
Born in Batavia, New York on March 26th, 1937, Chuck’s love for radio began early. As a child, he rigged up a tiny transmitter to share classical music with a neighbor. That passion turned into a lifelong career.
He got his start as a teen on-air at WBTA in Batavia. He became known for hosting record hops and calling local high school sports. In 1962, he joined WHAM radio in Rochester, where he covered local and national politics. Later, he transitioned to television at WOKR Channel 13.
In 1979, Chuck returned to his hometown to teach the next generation of broadcasters at Genesee Community College. He helped launch the college’s FM radio station and left a lasting legacy in education and communication.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary, his daughter Katie, son-in-law Dan, grandchildren Allie and Jacob, his brother Chet, and many other loving family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 7th at 11 a.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, with visitation beginning one hour prior. There will also be a livestream available through the funeral home’s website.
Chuck never liked wearing a tie—and he’d want you to come dressed casually to honor his memory.
Charles “Chuck” Platt—broadcaster, educator, and beloved family man—will be dearly missed.

Speaker at HLOM

The Holland Land Office Museum invites the public to its next Guest Speaker Series event today, May 29th at 7 p.m.
Award-winning historian Vic Vignola will present on his book “Contrasts in Command: The Battle of Fair Oaks,” highlighting key leadership decisions during the Civil War battle of Seven Pines.
Admission is $5, or $3 for members. To RSVP, contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or email hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

GM Lays Off Rochester Workers

13WHAM News reports, dozens of layoffs have hit the General Motors plant on Lexington Avenue in Rochester. According to UAW Local 1097, 74 employees were laid off Monday, with union leaders citing low demand for electric vehicles as the cause.
The plant now employs around 525 workers, down from the 6,500 once on site. GM says the layoffs are meant to align with customer demand and that affected workers may qualify for positions at nearby GM facilities.
Some employees could also transfer to GM’s Lockport plant, which currently has 59 openings. Union President Dan Maloney says he’s hopeful future projects in 2026 may bring some workers back.

Batavia Social Security Office Closed Today and Tomorrow

The Batavia Social Security office, located at 571 East Main Street, will be temporarily closed this Thursday and Friday, May 29th and 30th. The office is scheduled to reopen Monday, June 2nd, at 9 a.m.
Local phone service will remain available during the closure at 1-866-931-7103. Nearby offices in Rochester—at 4050 West Ridge Road and 200 East Main Street—remain open from 9 to 4, Monday through Friday.
Social Security now allows appointments for all services, which helps reduce wait times. Walk-ins are still accepted, especially for vulnerable individuals needing immediate assistance.
To schedule an appointment, call your local office or 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
Many services—including direct deposit updates, benefit verification, and card replacement—can be accessed online at ssa.gov.

Weaving Class at GO ART

There’s still time to grab tickets for tonight’s Beginner Weaving Workshop, happening Thursday, May 29 from 6:30 to 9 PM.
In this 2.5-hour hands-on class, you’ll learn the basics of weaving—including warping, materials, and techniques—and leave with your own completed fiber art piece.
No loom needed—tools and materials are provided. Cost is $56, and space is still available.

Hilton Teen Accused of Armed Robbery

13WHAM News reports, a 17-year-old from Hilton is facing multiple charges following an armed robbery at a vape shop last Thursday that triggered school lockouts.
Monroe County deputies say the teen entered Vape King on Main Street around 11 a.m., wearing a mask and displaying a gun while demanding cash and merchandise.
The suspect fled the scene, prompting lockouts at Quest Elementary and Hilton High School, as well as a lockdown at the Hilton Village Community Center.
He was found and arrested Friday. The teen is charged with first-degree robbery, criminal use of a firearm, and petit larceny. He’s being held at the Monroe County Children’s Detention Center on $10,000 bail or $25,000 bond.

Sports Scores

In Section V Class C1 baseball, top-seeded Sodus punched their ticket to the championship game with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Pavilion/York. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Pavilion/York wraps up a remarkable 16-5 season — one of the best in program history. A tough ending, but a year to be proud of for the Golden Gophers.

Kendall defeated Oakfield-Alabama 3-2 in the Section V Class C2 semifinals, advancing to the title game. The Hornets’ bid for an 11th sectional crown came up just short, as their season ends with a 12-9 record. Despite the loss, Oakfield-Alabama capped off a strong campaign, while Kendall rides the momentum into the championship round.