Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on August 19, 2025
Arrests in Genesee County: Sex Offender Back in Jail, Concert Chaos, and Local Harassment Cases
From a sex offender back in custody to a concert confrontation at Darien Lake, deputies in Genesee County have had a busy week.
52-year-old Reginald Wilson of Batavia, a registered level three sex offender, is accused of failing to report his change of address within 10 days of his release from jail. Wilson has a prior conviction and remains behind bars after appearing in CAP Court earlier this month.
At Darien Lake, deputies say 32-year-old Michael Baker of the Bronx tried to sneak into a Live Nation concert without a ticket. After repeatedly refusing to leave, Baker allegedly became combative with deputies. He was taken into custody after a brief struggle, processed at the Genesee County Jail, and released with appearance tickets.
Two local residents are also facing harassment charges. 35-year-old Jamie Bauer of Elba is accused of striking another person in the face during a late-night altercation. And 19-year-old Logan Mitchum of Batavia allegedly subjected someone to unwanted physical contact during a domestic dispute. Both were issued appearance tickets and will answer the charges in court later this month.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Returns to Batavia
The Holland Land Office Museum invites you to another Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre on Saturday, October 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Batavia Country Club.
Guests will enjoy dinner from The Lodge and a live performance by WNY Improv in “A Murder Most Illuminating,” set at the 1901 Pan Am Exhibit with suspects ranging from Nikola Tesla to Teddy Roosevelt.
Tickets are $75 and include your meal and dessert, with entrée options from stuffed chicken to crab-stuffed fish or pasta primavera. A cash bar will also be available.
Tickets can be purchased at hollandlandoffice.com.
Truck Crashes into Tree in Byron
At 9 a.m. Monday, fire crews responded to a pickup truck into a tree at 6664 Townline Road in Byron. Byron and South Byron Fire were on scene, along with Mercy Ambulance, which was called in non-emergency.
One person was transported to Strong Hospital for treatment.
Rose Road Bridge Replacement Begins August 25th
The Genesee County Department of Public Works has announced that Rose Road in the Town of Batavia will close on Monday, August 25th for a major bridge replacement project.
The work is expected to take about three months, with completion scheduled by the end of November. Crews will remove the existing bridge and install a new precast three-sided concrete frame structure on cast-in-place footings.
During construction, Rose Road will be closed to all traffic. A posted detour will guide drivers: eastbound traffic will head north on Upton Road, east on Route 33, and south on Wortendyke Road back to Rose Road. Westbound traffic will follow the reverse.
Public Works officials thank residents for their patience and cooperation as this critical infrastructure project is completed.
Stafford Residents Form Betterment Committee
About a dozen Stafford residents met Sunday at Emery Park to launch the Betterment Committee of Stafford, a new group aimed at creating more community events.
Organizers say they plan to file for nonprofit status and already have a Facebook page to keep residents updated. Their first event, Music in the Park, is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16th at Emery Park, hosted with support from Red Osier Landmark Restaurant.
Future plans include a Trunk or Treat in October and a Christmas celebration on December 1st. Committee members say their goal is to bring people together and create traditions, much like Oakfield’s Labor Daze festival.
The group will meet again on August 23rd at Emery Park to continue planning events.
