Tuesday News Brief

Elba and Oakfield Officials to Oversee $950 Million Cider Solar Project

Code enforcement officers in Elba and Oakfield could each earn up to $22,500 as independent contractors during construction of the $950 million Cider Solar Project — the largest solar development under New York’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting.
A draft escrow agreement between both towns and Hecate Energy outlines up to $145,000 in funds to monitor compliance with state and local building codes. The project spans roughly 2,000 acres north of the villages of Elba and Oakfield.
Grasby Consulting of Mount Morris will serve as compliance monitor and town representative, supervising Elba’s Mike Morris and Oakfield’s Mark Mikolajczyk in part-time “solar coordinator” roles.
The work is expected to continue through 2026, with Elba serving as escrow agent for payments managed by Knauf Shaw LLP of Rochester.

Batavia Fire Department Announces Coloring Contest Winners

The City of Batavia Fire Department has announced the winners of its 2025 Fire Prevention Coloring Contest. More than 400 students from Batavia schools took part, showing creativity and enthusiasm for fire safety. Top honors went to Ronin Dix of St. Paul Lutheran in Grades K through 1, Ruby Oshlag-Conklin of John Kennedy for Grades 2 and 3, and Elizabeth Colantonio, also of John Kennedy, for Grades 4 and 5. An awards luncheon for winners and their families will be held Saturday, October 25th, from 11:30 to 1 at the Batavia Fire Station on Evans Street.

$80,000 Winner Highlights Big Weekend at Batavia Downs

It was another big weekend at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, where several players hit major jackpots — including one lucky guest who took home more than $80,000. On just a $2.25 bet, a player identified as “Anette” won $80,072 while playing the Money Link slot game Sunday night.
Batavia Downs President Byron Brown said he loves seeing patrons win big, noting guests have already won more than $204 million this year. Vice President Ryan Hasenauer added that the Money Link machines have become some of the casino’s most popular and profitable.
In addition to the $80,000 jackpot, three other players won more than $20,000, and two others claimed over $10,000 each. Batavia Downs features 943 gaming machines, including the newly added Monopoly Express Games.

Louis “Grizz” Scafetta Memorial Fundraiser This Saturday

Friends, family, and the community are invited to the Polish Falcons Nest in Batavia this Saturday for the Louis “Grizz” Scafetta Memorial Scholarship Basket Raffle Fundraiser. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features themed baskets, gift cards, 50/50s, and a wagon of booze.
Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund supporting New York high school seniors pursuing studies in conservation and environmental science — honoring Scafetta’s lifelong love of nature. Drawings begin at 2 p.m.

Genesee County Volleyball Monday Results

Byron-Bergen swept Alexander in straight sets, while Elba topped Lyndonville 3–1 behind a strong all-around performance from Jada Fite, who tallied six kills, nine assists, and four aces. Brynn Stackhouse added eight kills for the Lancers, who improved to 11–5.
For Lyndonville, Emily Dill led with 16 digs and four aces. The Tigers finish their regular season at 4–14, while Elba hosts Notre Dame Tuesday and Cal-Mum Thursday. Le Roy also earned a 3–0 win over Geneseo.