Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on September 4, 2025
Former WBTA Owner Dan Fischer to Be Inducted into Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame
Dan Fischer, longtime broadcaster and former owner of WBTA in Batavia, will be inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame on Sept. 10. He becomes the first-ever inductee in the new Western New York Broadcaster category, created this year to honor broadcasters outside the Buffalo metro area.
Fischer’s career began in 1969 and spanned more than five decades, from Jamestown to Batavia, where he and his wife Debbie purchased WBTA in 2004. Under their leadership, the station became a community cornerstone, recognized for its commitment to local news, business coverage, and civic involvement.
Throughout his career, Fischer earned awards from the New York State Broadcasters Association, United Press International, and the National Headliners Club. In Batavia, he and Debbie were honored for their local contributions by organizations including the Genesee Chamber of Commerce and Genesee ARC.
Tickets for the induction ceremony, which will be held at Samuels Grande Manor in Williamsville, are still available at $150. The event runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Friends of the Library Monthly Book Sale Returns This Week
The Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library will hold their monthly book sale today starting at 9 a.m. at the library on Ross Street in Batavia. The sale happens the first Thursday of each month, with future dates set for October 2nd, November 6th, and December 4th. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library in support of Richmond Memorial Library programs and services. The sale takes place in the Wilber-Fox Room, with elevator access available. For more details, call 343-9550.
Law Street Closure Scheduled in Batavia
The City of Batavia is advising residents that Law Street will be closed on Monday, September 8th, from 6:30 a.m. until about 5 p.m. Crews will be working on the installation of a new water main. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes to help reduce traffic congestion. City officials apologize for any inconvenience and thank the public for their patience and cooperation during this project.
Fields Drawn for $2.4 Million Night of Champions at Batavia Downs
The fields are set for the $2.4 million New York Sire Stakes finals at Batavia Downs. A total of 61 of the top two and three-year-old trotters and pacers in New York will compete this Saturday, September 6th, with eight divisions going for $300,000 each. Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.
Some of the sport’s top young stars will be on display, including Sharp Seven, Titans Mischief, Fragment, My Debt Collector, Variegated, The Last Martini, and Dandy Ideal — all ranked among the best in North America this season. Last year’s two-year-old champions, including The Last Martini and Variegated, return to chase sophomore titles.
The event will also feature leading trainers Jared Bako, Marcus Melander, Ron Burke, and Ray Schnittker, along with top drivers like Tyler Buter, Jason Bartlett, Matt Kakaley, and Mark MacDonald. National names such as Yannick Gingras, Tim Tetrick, and Scott Zeron are also expected.
The New York Sire Stake finals run in races two through eleven, and Batavia Downs is offering two guaranteed $7,500 Pick-4 pools on the night. Live streaming will be available on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel.
Karaoke Night at GO ART! Tonight
Get ready to sing your heart out — Karaoke Night is happening tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at Tavern 2.o.1 inside GO ART! on East Main Street in Batavia. The open mic event takes center stage, with plenty of drinks and fun to go around. Bring your friends, or make new ones while you’re there. Don’t miss this chance to step up to the mic and enjoy a lively night of music and community at GO ART!
Genesee County High School Sports Roundup
In boys soccer, Perry defeated Attica/Alexander 4 to 1, while Greece Athena edged Le Roy/Cal-Mum 2 to 1.
On the volleyball court, Le Roy opened their season with a hard-fought 3–1 win over Spencerport. The Oatkan Knights took sets of 25–17, 25–16, and 26–24, with Spencerport grabbing the third 25–17.
Le Roy was led by Evy Kanaley with 26 assists and 8 digs, Shea Williams with 16 kills and 5 aces, and Kylie Wilson with 18 digs. Spencerport’s Paige Jackson had 18 digs and 9 kills in the effort.
Le Roy returns to action tonight night at home against Dansville at 6 o’clock.
