Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on October 29, 2025
Batavia Police Investigate Shots Fired on Liberty and Sumner Streets
Batavia Police are investigating a shots fired incident that happened Sunday night near Liberty and Sumner Streets.
Around 7:20 p.m., the Genesee County 911 Center received several calls reporting multiple gunshots in the area. Officers responded immediately and confirmed that several shots had indeed been fired.
Police say no injuries were reported, and the suspect or suspects fled the scene in a vehicle.
Investigators believe this was an isolated and targeted incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Anyone with information or surveillance video from the area is asked to contact the City of Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350 or use the department’s confidential tip line.
Batavia High to Honor Local Veterans with Annual Ceremony November 10th
Batavia High School will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, November 10th at 8:15 a.m. in the school auditorium, followed by a reception.
The event will include music, guest speakers, and recognition of local veterans for their service.
Veterans interested in taking part can register or contact Jane Haggett at JHaggett@bataviacsd.orgfor more information.
Genesee Valley BOCES Outlines $40 Million, Two-Campus Capital Project
Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, a long-anticipated Genesee Valley BOCES capital project—about 20 years in the making—is taking shape, with plans to upgrade facilities, add student spaces, and improve safety across two campuses.
District Superintendent Kevin MacDonald presented the $40 million proposal during Monday’s Batavia City School Board meeting, noting that many of the current buildings and systems are nearing the end of their lifespan.
At the State Street campus in Batavia, plans include a new three-bay diesel maintenance facility, major roof and mechanical replacements, auto mechanic lab upgrades, and a redesigned parking lot to improve safety and traffic flow.
The May Center in Mount Morris would see expansions to metal trades and new programs focused on power sports and robotics technology.
MacDonald said the cost will be shared among BOCES’ 22 component districts, with Batavia’s portion totaling about $4.2 million, 76% of which will be reimbursed through state aid.
A referendum vote on the project is expected to be held in March 2026.
Trick-or-Treat Night Brings Halloween Fun to Batavia Downs
It’s Trick-or-Treat Night at the Track at Batavia Downs! From 5 to 6:30 pm, kids can stop by Park Place, the Grandstands, and the Winner’s Circle for candy, plus enjoy the coloring corner inside Park Place. After the first race, meet TiKo the outrider horse, and don’t miss the costume contest after Race Two — with prizes for the top three costumes, including Buffalo-themed goodies from Batavia Downs!
Pig Chase Reported at Bergen Truck Stop
Around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, law enforcement responded to the 490 Truck Stop on South Lake Road in Bergen after a caller reported being chased by a pig. The caller was described as highly upset during the incident. Video News Service first reported the story.
Soccer
In Genesee County sectional soccer action — the Byron-Bergen girls are headed to the Class C2 championship, blanking Bloomfield 3–0 in the semifinals behind a dominant performance to set up a title rematch with top-seeded Kendall.
On the boys side, the Batavia Blue Devils’ postseason run came to an end in the Class A semifinals, falling 4–0 to Pittsford Sutherland.
