Tuesday News Brief

Notre Dame’s Lady Irish Hosting Annual Golisano Toy Drive

For the third consecutive year, the Lady Irish Basketball team at Notre Dame High School is hosting their Golisano Toy Drive.

The drive has already begun and donations are being accepted at Notre Dame’s main office during normal school hours. Donations will be accepted until December 12th when the Lady Irish face off against Oakfield-Alabama. At the game, there will be basket raffles and a 50/50 which all proceeds will benefit the toy drive.

This drive is a great way to help out children who are in the hospital and cannot be home with their families for the holidays.

Man Arrested Following High-Speed Chase in Oakfield

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Department reports, that Shawn O’Conner was arrested after being involved in a high-speed chase over the weekend.

Friday evening, deputies attempted to stop O’Conner for traffic violations in Batavia. Once the deputies turned on their lights, O’Conner fled up Route 63 towards Oakfield. O’Conner led deputies to the Oakfield Central School where he crashed his vehicle after hitting a patrol vehicle in the parking lot. At this point, O’Conner surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody without incident. O’Conner caused damage to the Oakfield Central School District, striking several objects with his vehicle.

O’Conner was taken to the Genesee County Jail where he is being held awaiting his arraignment. O’Conner faces charges of Criminal Mischief in the 2nd degree, Unlawful Fleeing in the 3rd degree, Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd degree, and 17 traffic tickets. More charges are expected to be filed once the investigation concludes.

Genesee Speedway Announces Major Moves in 2025

Genesee Speedway in Batavia announced they are making major changes in 2025 which will be spearheaded by newly appointed track promoter James Gayton.

Gayton has been a familiar face at the speedway over the last decade and was awarded a three-year contract by the Genesee County Fair Board. Gayton’s first move was to rebrand the track, changing the name from “Genesee Speedway” to “The Dirt Track at Genesee” and accompanying the new name with a new modern logo. Gayton also plans to reopen the kart track on Friday nights after a year and a half-break. Upgrades to the big track will include over 100 loads of new clay, constructing a new tower, adding live timing and scoring, renovating the bathrooms, accepting credit and debit cards, and launching a new modern website.

With the changes Gayton has planned, The Dirt Track at Genesee could become a significant track in the dirt racing world.