Thursday News Brief

Voters in Oakfield Vote Down School Budget a 2nd Time

For the second time, voters in the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District have rejected a $25.5 million budget proposal. Tuesday’s revote failed 286 to 335 — a wider turnout, but the same result as May 21, when the budget was voted down 171 to 198.
Now, the Board of Education must adopt a contingency budget, which includes nearly $1 million in cuts. Eliminated will be $450,000 in bus purchases, a $270,000 capital transfer, $100,000 in capital outlay, and $133,000 for equipment. Community groups will likely also face new facility use fees.
The budget required a tax cap override due to a state formula impacted by PILOT agreements from major development at the WNY STAMP site. Officials argued the override was necessary to maintain programs and plan for mandates like electric buses.
While some residents expressed concern over rising taxes, others emphasized protecting opportunities for students. Despite revisions and outreach, the unchanged budget failed again — and cuts are now imminent.

Free Music

Tonight at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, enjoy “Music at St. Mark’s,” a free concert featuring The Rochester Bagpiper, Jake Kwiatkowski. The evening includes performance, education, and some humor, with a special mini concert outside the church before the main event begins at 7 p.m.

BCSD Creates New Position

Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, the Batavia City School Board made several personnel moves during Monday’s meeting, including creating a new assistant director of special education position, with a salary between $75,000 and $80,000 plus benefits. The role, reporting to the director, will support special education programs and services across the district.
The board also approved a four-year contract for incoming district clerk Carla Cole, starting at $62,000 on July 1, with scheduled annual raises and longevity incentives.
Additionally, the board renewed a contract for communications and marketing specialist Emily Benedict, approving a $3,000 raise, bringing her salary to $63,000 per year.

Gopher 5k

The Pavilion Central School District is bringing back a community favorite with the 2nd Annual Gopher 5K on Saturday, June 21.
The scenic run and walk takes participants along the Pavilion Walking Trail, offering a mix of fun and fitness for all ages. Runners will be timed and prizes awarded in multiple divisions.
The trail, created through a community partnership and state grant funding, promotes health and wellness across the district.
To register, visit runsignup.com and search “Gopher 5K.”

Oakfield Man Charged With Forcible Touching of a Child

A disturbing case out of Oakfield—44-year-old Daryl A. Leach has been arrested and charged with forcible touching, endangering the welfare of a child, and torturing or injuring animals in connection with an incident from April 20th. According to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Leach allegedly forcibly touched a juvenile under the age of 17 and cruelly beat and injured an animal without justification. He was taken into custody on June 9th and held at the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.
In other crime news, 39-year-old Chad M. Johnson of Batavia has been charged with second-degree assault while confined to a correctional facility. The charge stems from an incident at the Genesee County Jail on June 15th. Johnson was arraigned the following day.
And in Bethany, 35-year-old David R. Elliott of Pavilion faces multiple charges including reckless endangerment and child endangerment following a May 29th crash. Deputies say Elliott was driving recklessly with a juvenile passenger when the crash caused damage to several vehicles and properties. Both he and the child were hospitalized. Elliott was arrested on June 16th and held for court the next morning.

Batavia Graduate Receives Prestigious Scholarship

The William F. Brown, Jr. Scholarship, awarded annually by The Jerome Foundation, honors the late local journalist and WBTA owner’s legacy. The $1,000-per-year award goes to a Genesee County graduating senior pursuing journalism, marketing, communications, or public relations. This year’s recipient is Ava Anderson of Batavia High School, who will attend Siena College to study journalism. She received the scholarship from Jerome Foundation President Robert Balbick during the school’s Senior Awards Night.

Hawley Takes Elba Elementary Students to the State Capital

Assemblyman Steve Hawley welcomed a special group of fourth graders from Elba Central School to the Assembly Chamber this week. The students were joined by teachers and parents, including Molly Torrey — who made the same trip as a student years ago and was introduced back then by Hawley’s father, former Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley.
Hawley says it’s always a highlight to host students from his district and give them a behind-the-scenes look at state government. He called the visit a privilege and said he looks forward to the positive impact these young students may one day have as future leaders of New York.

Muckdogs

The Batavia Muckdogs defeated the Newark Pilots 8–4 Tuesday night, improving their record to 8–5 on the season. They’ll look to keep the momentum going tomorrow when they take on the Niagara Ironbacks.