Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on October 15, 2025
Pontillo Seeks Fine Waiver From Stafford Town Board
James Pontillo made his case to the Stafford Town Board Monday night, asking members to waive a $2,285 fine for missing a court-ordered repair deadline on the former Stafford Trading Post building. Pontillo said circumstances beyond his control caused the 16-day delay past the September 15th deadline and indicated he’s willing to take the matter to court if necessary.
Two residents supported Pontillo, urging the board to resolve the long-running dispute, noting the town has spent over $8,000 in legal fees this year on the issue.
Board members acknowledged the improvements to the building but raised concerns about setting a precedent by waiving the fine. Deputy Supervisor Ronald Panek said compliance with state building codes is ultimately Pontillo’s responsibility.
The board did not make a decision Monday but will consult with the town attorney before taking further action.
SMASHTOBER Set for Saturday at Genesee County Fairgrounds
SMASHTOBER returns to the Genesee County Fairgrounds in Batavia this Saturday, October 18th. The fall motorsports event will feature a 100-lap Enduro race, a demolition derby, and family activities including a kids’ costume contest, trick-or-treating, and chicken BBQ by the East Pembroke Fire Department.
Gates open at 1 p.m. with racing beginning at 3. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 4 to 10, and free for children 3 and under. Full details and rules are available at TheDirtTrackatGenesee.com.
Erie Canal Lecture at Holland Land Office Museum
The Holland Land Office Museum will host the next installment of its Guest Speaker Series on today at 7 p.m. Derrick Pratt from the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse will present “The Conception of the Erie Canal,” exploring the century-long political and planning process that led to the canal’s creation. Admission is $5, or $3 for museum members. The museum is located at 131 West Main Street in Batavia. For more information, call 585-343-4727 or email hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
Tuesday Genesee County Volleyball Scores
In local high school volleyball Tuesday, Elba swept Wheatland-Chili 3–0, and Byron-Bergen defeated Holley 3–0. Le Roy improved to 16–1 overall and 6–0 in league play with a straight-set win over Avon — 25–17, 27–25, and 25–15.
Evy Kanaley led Le Roy with 12 service points, 24 assists, and 5 digs. Shea Williams added 5 aces, 16 kills, and 8 digs. Kylie Wilson tallied 17 digs, Chloe Moran had 7 service points and 4 kills, while Harper Holly and Suri Woods combined for 10 kills and 4 blocks.
