Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on October 14, 2025
Austin Park Playground Project Finally Moves Forward
Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, A long-discussed playground project in Batavia is finally moving forward.
More than a year and a half after plans were first outlined, the bid to install an inclusive playground at Austin Park is heading back to City Council this week. Six companies submitted proposals, and Valley View Enterprise of Hamburg came in lowest at just over $637,000. The bid was paused when officials noticed the company used a different manufacturer than what was specified, but engineers have since confirmed the equipment meets requirements.
Council will vote Tuesday night on awarding the $637,500 bid, plus a $60,000 contingency — bringing the total project cost to nearly $698,000. Funding includes a $500,000 grant and city reserves.
The project covers a new rubber mat and playground system behind the post office on Jefferson Avenue.
Also Tuesday, council will consider using $100,000 in reserve funds to buy a Bobcat and attachments. The business meeting follows a 7 p.m. conference session at City Hall, and the public is welcome to comment.
YWCA Ribbon Display Honors Survivors
The YWCA of Genesee County has placed 1,579 purple ribbons near the Upton Monument in Downtown Batavia for the month of October. Each ribbon represents a service provided to a survivor in 2024, highlighting the agency’s work to support victims of domestic violence. The display serves as a visual reminder during Domestic Violence Awareness Month of the impact and ongoing need for community support.
Spartans Name All-Stars, Announce New Head Coach
The Genesee County Spartans wrapped up their third semipro football season with a banquet at TF Brown’s in Batavia. Seven players were named to the Northeastern Football Alliance All-Star Team, including Jzhon Henderson, Cody Wenner, Corey Turpin, Deyonci Farley, Ty Woods, Logan Pike and Ryley Elliott.
The team also announced Batavia native Jermaine Henderson as its new head coach, replacing Harry Rascoe, who led the team for three seasons and will remain on staff. The Spartans finished 3–6 this year, falling in the playoff semifinals to Buffalo.
Multiple Arrests Reported Across Genesee County
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports several recent arrests.
28-year-old Megan Forder of Pavilion faces multiple charges, including second-degree assault and menacing with a weapon. Deputies say she was arrested October 1st on an unrelated warrant while allegedly stalking someone with a knife. She resisted arrest and injured a deputy during the struggle.
On October 6th, 20-year-old Josia Culver of Batavia was charged with second-degree assault while confined at the Genesee County Jail, after allegedly punching a corrections officer.
30-year-old Jarrod Fotiathis, also of Batavia, faces third-degree criminal mischief for allegedly breaking a cell window at the jail following an outburst.
Meanwhile, 32-year-old Ivan Borgyan of Oakfield is charged with a sex offender registry violation for allegedly failing to report a change of address.
And 38-year-old Tricia Blatt, who is homeless, is charged with third-degree burglary after deputies say she tried to enter a home she no longer owns in Byron.
All suspects were held for CAP Court arraignments.
Stafford Betterment Committee Preps for Fall Events
The rain held off Saturday as the Stafford Betterment Committee decorated the “Welcome to Stafford” signs for fall. The group thanked Branton Farms for cornstalks, Donna Voorhees for hay bales, and Nate and Shawna Merritt for pumpkins and mums, along with a team of local decorators.
Next up is Halloween Family Fun on Saturday, October 25th from 2 to 4 p.m., and a food drive running October 20th through November 4th. The committee also welcomed two new members, Maggie Meisner and Deb Smith.
