Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on November 5, 2025
Genesee County launches Threat Assessment Committee
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has announced the creation of the Genesee County Threat Assessment Committee, or GENTAC, a multi-agency partnership aimed at identifying and preventing acts of targeted violence such as school shootings, workplace attacks, and domestic terrorism.
The committee includes law enforcement, mental health professionals, social services, schools, and emergency management officials — all working together to assess potential threats and intervene before violence occurs.
Sheriff William Sheron is urging the public to report suspicious or concerning behavior, saying community awareness and cooperation are key to preventing tragedy.
Reports can be made anonymously at gentac.org or by calling 585-483-3090. For any imminent threats, residents should call 911 immediately.
Again, that’s the Genesee County Threat Assessment Committee — working to keep the community safe through awareness, prevention, and support.
Free Community Resource Fair in Batavia
Independent Living of the Genesee Region is hosting Pathways to Stability, a free community resource fair on Friday, November 14th, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia.
The event connects residents with local programs offering free clothing, nutrition resources, and direct assistance. Gen Mobile will also be on-site providing free smartphones and SIM cards for eligible individuals.
For more information or to request accommodations, contact Rebecca Batt at 585-815-8501, extension 417.
Genesee County to Celebrate 250 Years of American Independence
Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, although Genesee County wasn’t officially established until 1802, it will take part in New York State’s 250th anniversary celebrations next year, recognizing the area’s deep roots in the Revolutionary War.
County Historian Michael Eula says nearly 200 Revolutionary War veterans and their families later settled in what became Genesee County, helping to shape the community’s early history.
The county has received a $15,000 state grant to organize events throughout 2026 — featuring reenactments, displays, and interactive exhibits highlighting the daily lives, fashions, music, and ideals of the Revolutionary era.
Eula says he’s working with local historians, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Holland Land Office Museum to bring these experiences to life across the county.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s 250th Commemoration Commission awarded similar grants statewide to promote public engagement and celebrate New York’s vital role in the Revolution and the nation’s broader story of liberty.
Redfield Parkway Honors Local Veteran
Residents of Redfield Parkway paid tribute to their neighbor Bill Frieday on Tuesday morning, lining the street with flags for his final ride home.
Frieday was a decorated Vietnam War veteran, serving three tours with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969, earning numerous medals and citations. He was active in several veterans’ organizations, including the Genesee Joint Service Honor Guard and the VFW.
Bill and his wife Elaine also organized the neighborhood’s beloved holiday tree display for many years.
Byron-Bergen Rolls to Regional Win
The Byron-Bergen girls soccer team kept their title defense alive Tuesday, defeating Holley 4-0 in the Section V Class C regional qualifier at Caledonia-Mumford.
Mia Gray scored twice — including a key goal late in the first half — while Ana Kuszlyk and Grace DiQuattro each added goals. Rylee Burch earned the shutout in net with five saves.
The Bees, now 18-2, advance to the Class C Far West Regional Saturday at Geneseo High School against Wilson, the Section VI champion.
Genesee County Volleyball Teams Battle in Sectional Semifinals
In sectional volleyball action, 4-seed Elba pulled off a major upset, knocking off top-seeded Avoca-Prattsburgh 3-1 to reach the Class D2 Championship.
In Class D1, Notre Dame fell to Perry 3-0, while in Class C2, Byron-Bergen was swept 3-0 by Bloomfield.
And in Class C1, top-seeded Le Roy edged East Rochester 3-2 to advance to the championship match against Avon.
