Thursday News Brief

Fatal Crash in Elba Claims Le Roy Residents Life

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash involving a tractor-trailer that occurred late Wednesday morning in the Town of Elba.
Deputies responded to Arnold Road around 11:18 a.m. after a 9-1-1 call reported a rollover crash. When first responders arrived, they found a tractor-trailer overturned in a ditch, with the driver trapped inside.
Authorities say the 2015 Freightliner, hauling liquid manure, was heading southbound and negotiating a curve when it rolled and landed on its roof. The driver, 62-year-old Joseph Merica of LeRoy, was pronounced dead at the scene by county coroners.
Multiple fire departments, Genesee County Emergency Management, Mercy EMS, and Batavia Police assisted at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Deputy Jon Dimmig at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at 585-345-3000, extension 3243.

Music at the Downs

Tonight at Batavia Downs, catch Dave Stayner live for his monthly performance inside Club Bud Light at 34 Rush. The show starts at 6:30 p.m., and guests are encouraged to come early to enjoy food and drinks before the music begins.
It’s all happening at 8315 Park Road in Batavia.
For more details, visit bataviadownsgaming.com.

No Charges in Roller Rink Fire

13WHAM News reports, in Warsaw, Wyoming County Sheriff David Linder says no charges will be filed in the fire that destroyed the former High Roller Skating Rink in Pike last month.
The building on Route 39 went up in flames the morning of May 18. Investigators now believe the fire started outside, likely from a campfire that wasn’t properly extinguished.
Sheriff Linder said the fire spread through nearby vegetation before igniting the building’s exterior. He described the incident as a “careless mistake,” not arson.

Batavia PD Warns Against Fraud

The Batavia Police Department is warning residents about a rise in local fraud cases and urging the public to stay alert.
Scams can come in many forms—phone calls, emails, or fake messages—often aimed at stealing personal or financial information. Police stress the importance of being cautious with unsolicited contact and never sharing sensitive details like your Social Security number or banking info.
If you believe you’ve been targeted or have information about a scam, report it to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at tax.ny.gov.
Stay vigilant—if you see something, say something.

GO ART Looking to Fund Local Art Projects

GO ART! is now accepting applications for the second round of the Statewide Community Regrant Program, or SCR, offering funding for arts-related projects in Genesee and Orleans Counties.
SCR is a New York State Council on the Arts initiative, created in 1977 to bring cultural funding to every corner of the state through a local peer review process. In 2025, GO ART! will regrant $385,000 to artists and nonprofits.
Applicants can request up to $5,000 for Community Arts or Arts Education projects, or $3,000 for individual artist commissions. Categories include: Reach for community engagement projects, Ripple for artist-led initiatives, and Spark for educational arts programming for youth or seniors.
The first round saw 46 projects funded; the second round is open now through June 20.
To apply or learn more, visit goart.org/grants or email Jodi Fisher at jfisher@goart.org. These grants are made possible through NYSCA with support from the Governor and State Legislature.

Trivia Night

Get ready to boogie down at the Holland Land Office Museum’s Trivia Night tonight at 7 p.m.! This month’s theme is all about the 1970s—so dust off your disco moves and test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to politics.
Admission is $5, or just $3 for museum members. To reserve your spot, call 585-343-4727 or email hollandlandoffice@gmail.com. It all happens at 131 West Main Street in Batavia.

Body Found in Burnt Car in Rochester

Rochester police are investigating after a person was found dead inside a burning vehicle early Sunday morning. Officers responded to Exchange Street around 1:45 a.m. after receiving reports of a car fully engulfed in flames.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze and discovered an adult deceased inside the vehicle. Investigators say the car was parked before the fire started, and at this point, there are no signs of criminal activity.
No other injuries were reported, and no other vehicles were involved. The cause of death remains unclear. Authorities are working with the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office to identify the victim.

Assisted Suicide Bill Passes in NY

In a landmark move, New York lawmakers have passed a bill legalizing physician-assisted suicide, referred to as “medical aid in dying.” The bill allows terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to request life-ending medication from a doctor. Safeguards include a written and witnessed request and optional mental health evaluations.
Opponents, including the New York State Catholic Conference and Sen. George Borrello, cite a lack of protections for vulnerable populations. The bill now awaits action from Governor Kathy Hochul.