Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 24, 2025
Demolition Again Delayed on Decaying Harvester Center Building
Mike Pettinella with Video News Service reports, there’s tension between the City of Batavia and the Harvester Center over the delayed demolition of Building 8, which partially collapsed back in May. City Code Enforcement Officer Doug Randall says the structure has been approved for removal since the collapse and questions why the property owners haven’t moved faster.
But attorney Michael Cole, representing the Harvester Center, says demolition is being held up by pending city inspections of water and sewer cut-offs. Cole says crews are ready and waiting to begin once those final inspections are completed.
Randall insists the owners already received a waiver from the Department of Labor and have no reason to delay. Building 8 is one of six vacant structures at the Harvester deemed unsafe and slated for demolition.
Both sides appeared in court Monday. A status hearing is set for August 25th, with a possible trial in September if progress stalls.
Dewey at the Fair
Head to the Genesee County Fair today between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and visit the Official Media Center booth of WBTA and The Batavian. Meet Muckdogs mascot Dewey and a few players for photos and autographs! While you’re there, enter to win tickets to the Muckdogs’ final regular-season game this Sunday against the Jamestown Tarp Skunks. Just join the Eagle Drawing Contest or sign up for The Batavian’s email newsletter between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. No purchase necessary—winners will be chosen at random.
Music
National recording artist Alyssa Trahan brings her high-energy mix of country, rock, and pop to the Genesee County Fair this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the yellow entertainment tent. A Rochester native now based in Nashville, Trahan credits her father—now her bandmate—for inspiring her musical journey. Expect hits from Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Dolly Parton, and more. Trahan says her best advice to young artists is to “be yourself—on purpose.” Admission is free with fair entry.
Batavia Downs Set for Season Opener
Batavia Downs kicks off its 2025 summer/fall harness racing season this Saturday, July 26th, and celebrates 85 years since hosting its first race back in 1940.
The track has undergone major upgrades, including a newly resurfaced oval and $300,000 in off-season improvements—all part of a push under new leadership to enhance the fan experience. Nicole Fortes, the new Director of Live Racing, says the season aims to draw longtime racegoers and a new generation of fans alike.
Opening night features a $103,000 New York Sire Stakes race for 3-year-old pacing fillies, plus a big wagering opportunity: a $4,250 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 with a guaranteed $7,500 payout.
On-track giveaways include cash vouchers, Stay & Play packages, and free printed programs.
Post times are 6 p.m. on race days, except for a special 1:15 p.m. Labor Day matinee. Racing continues through December.
For full schedules, free racing programs, and livestreaming, visit bataviadownsgaming.com.
HLOM Programming
Join the Holland Land Office Museum this Thursday morning at 9 a.m. for “Java with Joe E.” Director Ryan Duffy will present Hangings of Genesee County, sharing the stories behind the county’s seven executions between 1807 and 1881. Admission is free and includes coffee and donuts, courtesy of Tim Horton’s of Batavia. The event runs until 10:30 a.m. at 131 West Main Street in Batavia.
