Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on June 26, 2025
The Results are in for Genesee County Local Elections
In Genesee County, Laurie Mancuso claimed victory in the District 5 Legislature Republican Primary, defeating longtime incumbent Shelley Stein by more than 200 votes. Unofficial results from Tuesday night show Mancuso with 340 votes to Stein’s 121. George Vito received just two.
Mancuso credits her door-to-door, grassroots campaigning for the win, saying she connected with 83% of registered Republicans in the district. She says voters told her they were ready for change and felt disconnected from current leadership.
In Batavia’s District 9, City Council member Bob Bialkowski beat fellow council member Kathy Briggs, 78 to 34. Bialkowski says he’s not a career politician—just someone committed to helping his community, especially seniors and veterans.
And in Byron, voters chose Jeffrey Thompson over incumbent Candace Hensel for town supervisor, and David Leaton Jr. won the highway superintendent race, defeating George Heins.
Free Coffee
Happening this morning at the Holland Land Office Museum—Java with Joe E. starts at 9 a.m. Author and former Air Force dog handler Russ Benzin shares stories from his new book, The Amazing Skipper, about his Vietnam service and his bond with his K9 partner. Admission is free, with coffee and donuts provided. The museum is at 131 West Main Street in Batavia.
Batavia Concert Series Returns
The Batavia Concert Band is back for its 101st season of free Wednesday night concerts in Centennial Park, starting July 2 and running through August 13 at 7 p.m. Bring a chair and enjoy everything from Big Band and rock to classical and movie hits. If it rains, head to the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College. Concerts feature guest conductors, a special guest artist, and the talented Cadet Band. Details at bataviaconcertband.net—see you in the park!
Edward Dunn has Been Found Guilty of Murder
Camryn Brookhart with the Batavian reports, Edward Dunn has been found guilty of murder in the 2024 killing of Michael Poole. A Genesee County jury delivered the verdict Wednesday morning, convicting Dunn on all four counts after nearly two weeks of testimony.
Poole’s body was discovered in the bed of his own pickup truck in Alabama, although the murder occurred in Niagara County. The cross-county element gave Genesee County jurisdiction.
District Attorney Kevin Finnell says sentencing is set for September 16 at 1:30 p.m., with a possible range of 15 years to life, up to 25 to life. Dunn’s own words played a key role in his conviction—statements made in jailhouse phone calls and a letter to Kathryn Henry were interpreted by prosecutors as admissions of guilt.
Finnell credited the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for its tireless investigative work, specifically Investigator Kevin Forsyth and now-Sheriff Joseph Graff. He also praised the jury’s dedication, saying they took their role seriously and carefully weighed the evidence.
Free Meals for Kids
The Batavia City School District’s free summer meal program kicks off Monday, July 7, and runs through August 15. All kids 18 and under can enjoy free breakfast and lunch at several local sites—no registration needed. Plus, new this year: families can register for weekend meal kits, available Fridays starting July 11. Meals must be eaten on-site, and registration is required for weekend kits. For full details and to sign up, visit bataviacsd.org or call (585) 343-2480, ext. 1007.
Muckdogs
The Batavia Muckdogs pulled off a dramatic walk-off win at home, edging out longtime rival and league-leading Auburn Doubledays 6-5. The victory came in the bottom of the 9th and moves Batavia to 12-7 on the season. A big win for the Muckdogs in front of a fired-up home crowd!
