Tuesday News Brief

GCEDC Changes Plans for STAMP Wastewater Project

In Batavia, the Genesee County Economic Development Center has announced it’s giving up permits from the New York State DEC for wetland impacts related to a previously planned wastewater pipeline at the STAMP site.
The permits were tied to a proposed force main running from STAMP to Oak Orchard Creek in Shelby. But now, GCEDC and the STAMP Sewer Works Corporation are partnering with the Village of Oakfield to take the project in a new direction.
The updated plan involves building a new force main, including sewer lines, pump stations, and metering equipment, to send non-industrial wastewater from STAMP to Oakfield’s treatment facility—eliminating the need for DEC wetland permits.
GCEDC President and CEO Mark Masse says the change streamlines the project and brings in a willing, supportive local partner. Work continues with local and state agencies to move infrastructure forward and support future investment and job creation at the STAMP site.

Adult Painting at the Library

Looking to get creative? Join the Adult Painting Night tonight at 7 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross Street in Batavia.
It’s a fun, relaxing evening just for adults—no experience needed!
Registration is required at batavialibrary.org. Come paint, unwind, and enjoy a night out at the library!

Tenney Unveils Voting Plan

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has announced her 2025 “Make Voting Great Again” plan, aimed at restoring voter confidence and strengthening election security.
As Chair of the House Election Integrity Caucus, Tenney introduced legislation to ban private partisan funding for elections, stop taxpayer-funded federal voter drives, and ensure only U.S. citizens can vote.
She says the goal is to implement commonsense reforms that boost transparency and trust in the democratic process.

Hawley Slams Free Prison Calls Policy

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is criticizing a new policy from the New York State Department of Corrections that will give state inmates free phone calls starting August 1st. The change eliminates per-minute fees for all calls from facility phones or tablets.
Previously, inmates received three free 15-minute calls per week, with additional calls costing about 2.4 cents per minute.
Hawley says the move is part of a troubling trend under Governor Hochul’s administration. He cited recent concerns, including the firing of over 2,000 correctional officers and a DOCCS memo allowing early release for inmates with less than 110 days left on their sentence.
“This is a slap in the face to victims,” said Hawley. “Taxpayers shouldn’t be footing phone bills for convicted criminals.”
He argues the policy sends the wrong message about accountability and further weakens public safety across the state.

Rescue at Buttermilk Falls

Emergency crews responded to Buttermilk Falls in Le Roy around 6:30 p.m. Monday for a male stuck between ledges.
The man, who arrived by bike with a friend who later left, was holding himself up by his arms to avoid falling. He was about 1,000 feet from the falls.
A passerby reached him and helped him to safety. Le Roy Fire remained on the scene briefly as a precaution.

Muckdogs Playoff Game Tuesday

The Batavia Muckdogs are back in the playoffs—Western Division champs for the fourth straight season!
They’ll face the Auburn Doubledays this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Dwyer Stadium, and the game will be broadcast by Pete Zehler on WBTA.
Playoff ticket packages start at just $32. Get yours now before they sell out! For group outings, contact GM Marc Witt at mwitt.canusa@gmail.com.
Let’s pack the park and support the Muckdogs!