Tuesday News Brief

Sidewalk, Milling Work Underway at Alva Lot

Construction crews began work today on sidewalk removal and repairs in the Alva Parking Lot. The project, which includes sections along Bank Street and both pedestrian entrances, is expected to take five to seven working days to complete, depending on the weather. Vehicle lanes into the lot remain open, but pedestrians are advised to follow posted detours and use the alternate routes provided to avoid the work zones.
In addition to the sidewalk project, a full lot closure is planned for next Wednesday, September 24. From 6:30 until about 10:30 a.m., the Alva Lot will be completely inaccessible to allow milling operations. During that time, contractors will also begin removing the temporary fencing that has surrounded the construction area.
City officials say the improvements are part of ongoing efforts to upgrade pedestrian safety and accessibility downtown. They’re asking residents, business patrons, and visitors to allow extra time, use caution around the site, and remain patient as the upgrades are finished.

Loose Materials Prompt Police Response

At around 11 a.m. Monday, state transportation officials called Genesee County dispatch after spotting roadways littered with materials that reportedly fell from a local company’s trucks. According to the DOT, the business refused to clean up the mess, creating safety concerns for drivers. Law enforcement was called in to respond, and officials say the company could face citations and liability if the debris causes accidents. Crews were monitoring the situation to make sure the roads were cleared and safe for traffic.

Batavia Lions Club Collects Glasses and Hearing Aids to Change Lives

The Batavia Lions Club is once again putting vision and hearing at the forefront of its mission. Throughout the year, Lions and volunteers collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids, giving them new life for people who otherwise couldn’t afford them.
This fall, 13 cartons of donated eyeglasses will be shipped to regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers, where they’ll be cleaned, repaired, and sorted by prescription before being sent to low- and middle-income communities around the world. Even glasses that can’t be reused are recycled for materials like paint and metal salvage.
Hearing aids are also accepted, with one donated device often making the difference between a child excelling in school or an adult securing a better job.
The program is simple, but its impact is profound—restoring sight, sound, and opportunity for people everywhere. Donations can be dropped in Batavia Lions-sponsored collection boxes across the community.

Accident

Emergency crews were called out just after 8 a.m. Monday for a two-vehicle crash at Route 98 and Lockport Road in Elba. Elba Fire responded with backup from Town of Batavia and Barre, though additional crews were later told to remain in quarters. One driver was initially unable to get out of their vehicle, but all occupants were safely assisted out and only minor injuries were reported. Fire police were requested to manage traffic while the scene was cleared.

Sports

In high school volleyball Monday night, Le Roy stayed perfect at 6-0, sweeping Wellsville in straight sets, 25-8, 25-15, 25-18. Bryar Biracree led the Oatkan Knights with 11 service points and 6 assists, while Laney Christ added 5 kills and 4 assists. Kylie Wilson chipped in 8 digs and 4 aces.
Meanwhile, Batavia battled past Honeoye Falls–Lima in four sets, 26-24, 25-11, 23-25, 25-10. The Blue Devils improved to 3-2 behind big nights from Lilly Gray with 13 kills, Karisma Wescott with 11 kills, and setter Violet Lopez with 24 assists.

In girls soccer action, Oakfield-Alabama/Elba shut out Attica 2-0, with Maddison Lowe scoring off a corner from Ava Harkness, and Ava Buczek adding the second from Alahna Chatt’s assist. Lydia Ross made 11 saves in net for Attica.
Batavia and Greece Olympia battled to a 4-4 draw, while Alexander fell to Williamson 5-0. Byron-Bergen rolled past Pembroke 10-0, and Wheatland-Chili topped Notre Dame 4-2 in the nightcap.