Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on December 17, 2025
GO Health Seeks Public Feedback on Smoking Cessation Programs
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are asking residents to share their thoughts on local smoking cessation programs.
GO Health is working to improve services for people who want to quit smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco products. Officials say community feedback will help shape future classes, resources, and support options.
Public Health Director at GO Health says whether you’re thinking about quitting, have tried before, or have already quit, your input can help make programs more helpful and easier to access.
The online survey takes just a few minutes to complete and is open to anyone in Genesee and Orleans Counties — including people who currently use tobacco, former users, or those supporting someone who wants to quit.
Responses will be used to improve tobacco cessation efforts across both counties.
The survey can be found online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CessationFeedback.
GCC Foundation Hosts Encore Scholarship Event
The GCC Foundation held its annual Encore event Saturday at Genesee Community College’s Batavia Campus.
The event took place in the Forum and featured a fashion showcase by GCC Fashion Program students during the cocktail and dinner reception, tying into this year’s theme, Celebrating the Season.
All proceeds from the Encore event will go toward student scholarships at Genesee Community College.
Holland Land Office Museum Offers Extended Hours Tonight
The Holland Land Office Museum is offering extended hours tonight, Wednesday, December 17th, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The extra hours give visitors another chance to see the Wonderland of Trees, featuring 30 fully lit and decorated trees on display. Tickets will also be available for the museum’s basket raffle, which includes nearly 100 prize baskets.
All museum exhibits will be open, and regular admission applies.
Jeffrey Thompson Begins Role as Byron Town Supervisor Early
Jeffrey Thompson has officially begun his term as Byron Town Supervisor earlier than expected.
During a special meeting Wednesday night, the Town Board approved a motion appointing Thompson to serve as supervisor through the end of the year following the resignation of former supervisor Candace Hensel on November 25.
The resignation prompted concerns about the town’s ability to conduct routine business, including approving payroll and paying bills. As part of the process, Thompson resigned from his Town Board seat, and the board accepted that resignation before appointing him supervisor.
Thompson was elected supervisor in November, defeating Hensel by a margin of 345 to 216. Hensel, who had been elected in 2023, served less than two years in the position.
Town officials say Hensel’s resignation was effective immediately and did not include a stated reason.
Genesee County Boys Basketball Tuesday Night Scores
Le Roy earned a 62–47 win over Pavilion Tuesday night, improving with a balanced team effort.
Notre Dame Batavia picked up a decisive 69–37 victory over Pembroke Central.
In another matchup, Attica held off Holley 67–60. Blake Kines led the Blue Devils with a big night, finishing with 24 points and 16 rebounds. Justin Stockweather added 13 points, and Noah Sabatino scored 11.
