Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on October 7, 2025
Nick Lord Enters Batavia City Council Race
Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, Nick Lord, a 29-year-old Batavia native and 2014 Batavia High School graduate, is one of three Republican candidates running for City Council at-large seats this November. Endorsed by the city GOP alongside incumbents Richard Richmond and Eugene Jankowski Jr., Lord says his youth and community roots offer a fresh perspective.
After living in Hamburg for a decade, Lord moved back to Batavia with his wife and three children, citing the city’s revitalized Main Street, growing number of young families, and small-town feel.
Professionally, he’s a health care facilities director and adjunct professor. His priorities include city transparency through public open houses at facilities, partnerships with schools to get students involved in local trades, tree planting along city streets, infrastructure improvements, and maintaining low taxes through responsible budgeting.
Lord plans to host a meet-and-greet later this month.
Crash in Alabama
A serious two-vehicle crash happened just after noon Tuesday at Route 77 and Ledge Road in Alabama. One vehicle rolled over and another was smoking, though there was no active fire. All occupants were out of the vehicles and evaluated at the scene. A county coroner reported one person had passed out. Ledge Road was shut down at Bloomingdale and Route 77 as State Police investigated, with Alabama and Oakfield fire crews assisting. Multiple ambulances responded, one patient was taken to ECMC, another to Rochester General, and a pediatric patient was transported to Oishei Children’s Hospital.
Oakfield Community Rallies for Fire Victims
Two and a half weeks after a September 17th fire displaced the Bradt family and sent Assistant Fire Chief Chad Hilchey to the hospital, the Oakfield community came together Sunday for a benefit at the Oakfield Fire Department.
Joe Bradt said community support has been constant from the moment fire trucks arrived, and his family is preparing to move into a nearby rental home this week as they plan to rebuild their Farnsworth Avenue house, a process that could take a year or more.
Hilchey, who was hospitalized with throat injuries, has returned to work and the fire department in a limited capacity. He called the turnout “overwhelming,” praising the community’s response.
Fire Department President Joel D’Alba estimated around 200 people attended, with raffles, silent auctions, and donations from local businesses. Those wishing to help can still send donations to the Oakfield Fire Department at P.O. Box 184, Oakfield, NY 14125.
Batavia Launches New Website
The City of Batavia launched its new website today at cityofbataviany.gov. Typing in the old address, batavianewyork.com, will automatically redirect users. The updated site features a mobile-friendly design and allows residents to pay bills online, access permits and forms, view City Council agendas and minutes, get project and roadwork updates, check community events, and find parks and recreation information. City officials say the new .gov domain reflects their commitment to secure, trusted public service.
Law Street Closed Wednesday for Water Main Installation
The City of Batavia is notifying residents and drivers that Law Street will be closed today from 8 a.m. until approximately 2:30 p.m. Crews will be working throughout the day to install a new water main, which is part of ongoing infrastructure improvements in the city.
During this time, no through traffic will be allowed on Law Street, and motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes to help minimize congestion in the surrounding neighborhoods.
City officials say they appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while this important work is completed, and they apologize for any inconvenience the closure may cause.
Bailey Groth, Superintendent of Water and Wastewater, says the city is committed to making necessary upgrades to keep Batavia’s water system running efficiently and reliably.
Lollypop Farm Waives Cat Adoption Fees Thursday
Lollypop Farm is waiving cat adoption fees this Thursday for its special Free Cat Day event. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., with adoptions starting at 10, at both Lollypop’s main location in Perinton and the adoption center at Greece Ridge Mall. Kittens will be half off.
Lollypop Farm President and CEO Alice Calabrese says events like this help find loving homes for hundreds of cats while freeing up space for others in need.
The event runs until 5 p.m. or until the line reaches capacity. Potential adopters are asked to bring a cat carrier.
Tuesday Night Genesee County Volleyball Scores
In high school volleyball Tuesday night, Elba Central swept Eugenio Maria DeHostos Charter, winning in three straight sets.
Batavia also picked up a sweep over Brockport, taking the match by scores of 25–16, 25–14, and 25–22.
For Batavia, Mollie Banford tallied 8 digs, Lilly Gray added 8 kills and 3 aces, Karisma Wescott had 7 kills and 7 aces, Violet Lopez handed out 16 assists, Addie DeWitt chipped in 4 assists, and Miyah Manuel recorded 11 digs.
Tuesday Night High School Soccer Scores
In boys soccer Tuesday, Hornell shut out Le Roy/Caledonia-Mumford 3–0 in a Class B matchup.
On the girls side, Wheatland-Chili edged Notre Dame 2–1 in a tight contest.
