Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 14, 2026
BATAVIA POLICE BLOTTER
Batavia Police report several arrests over the past week, including a Batavia man accused of violating an order of protection by entering a residence. Fifty-nine-year-old James Wroten is charged with second-degree burglary and first-degree criminal contempt. He was arraigned in CAP Court.
Forty-year-old Rosemary Waters of Batavia was arrested on a warrant charging promoting prison contraband and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Police say she was located on Ellicott Street and allegedly found with cocaine during her arrest, resulting in an additional drug possession charge.
In another case, 56-year-old Krista Radford of Holley is charged with attempted second-degree assault and reckless driving after police say she attempted to run another person over with her vehicle during an altercation in the Tops parking lot on West Main Street. She was arraigned in CAP Court.
Police also report numerous other arrests on charges including drug possession, criminal contempt, harassment, criminal trespass, petit larceny, endangering the welfare of a child, obstructing governmental administration and aggravated harassment. All charges are allegations, and those charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
NEW LEADERS INSTALLED AT BATAVIA SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army in Batavia has officially welcomed its new leaders.
Lieutenants Zachary and Caitlin Lyle-DeLong were installed during a special ceremony led by retired Salvation Army Majors Dave and Eunice Champlin.
The couple says they both come from multi-generation Salvation Army families and first met as children through Camp Sabago before reconnecting years later. They now have a young son, Ezra.
During the service, Caitlin Lyle-DeLong told the congregation they plan to lead with love, integrity and a strong commitment to serving the community, while continuing the mission of the Salvation Army in Batavia.
BYRON-BERGEN SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM OFF TO STRONG START
More than 2,500 meals were served during the first week of Byron-Bergen Central School’s Summer Food Service Program.
The district provides free meals to several local summer programs and has added a new grab-and-go meal pickup option on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Superintendent Pat McGee says the new service is helping reach even more children across the community.
Food Service Director Mary Della Penna says more than 1,000 meals were handed out in just 45 minutes during one pickup day. The free program is available to anyone 18 and under with no paperwork or residency requirements and runs through August 13.
STATES SUE TO BLOCK PARAMOUNT-WARNER MERGER
A coalition of 12 states is suing to stop Paramount’s proposed $81 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the merger would reduce competition, cost jobs and lead to higher prices and fewer entertainment choices for consumers.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta says the deal would concentrate too much power in the media industry and is asking a court to block the merger while the case moves forward.
Paramount disputes the claims, saying the merger would create a stronger competitor to major streaming and technology companies and has vowed to fight the lawsuit. The companies had hoped to complete the merger later this year.
TRUMP REINSTATES IRAN BLOCKADE AS U.S. STRIKES CONTINUE
The conflict between the United States and Iran escalated again Monday as President Donald Trump announced the U.S. is reinstating a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes. Under the plan, Iranian ships and vessels carrying Iranian cargo will be barred from the waterway, while all other ships will be allowed to pass after paying a 20 percent U.S. security toll.
The announcement came as U.S. forces launched another wave of strikes on more than 140 Iranian military targets following recent attacks on commercial shipping in the strait. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Oman.
The renewed fighting has cast serious doubt on peace negotiations, with the United Nations warning that a return to full-scale war could have catastrophic consequences for the Middle East and the global economy.
MUCKDOGS FALL IN FIRST-PLACE SHOWDOWN
The Batavia Muckdogs came up just short in a battle for first place Monday night, falling to the Jamestown Tarp Skunks 6-5 at Dwyer Stadium.
Batavia mounted a late comeback, cutting into the deficit in the closing innings, but couldn’t push across the tying run.
The loss drops the Muckdogs to 24-7 on the season.
Batavia will look to bounce back tonight as it opens a four-game road trip against the Niagara Falls Americans. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30.
