Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on December 24, 2025
Missing Le Roy Christmas Tree Reappears at New Location
If you’ve noticed a familiar piece of holiday scenery back in Le Roy this season, you’re not imagining things.
The large Christmas tree that once stood at the corner of Routes 5 and 19 — a tradition many residents remember fondly — has returned to public view after several years out of sight. The tree is now set up in front of OrCon Industries on Lake Street.
OrCon recently purchased the tree and chose to display it in a spot where people can still safely pull over, take photos, and enjoy it during the holidays. Company officials say keeping the tree in Le Roy was important, especially given its role in bringing the community together in past years.
Employees at OrCon and residents who’ve noticed the display have shared positive reactions, though whether the tree becomes a long-term tradition again remains to be seen.
For now, the tree will stay up through the 2025 to 2026 holiday season.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Set in East Bethany
The East Bethany Presbyterian Church is inviting the community to its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Wednesday, December 24th.
The service begins at 7 p.m. and features scripture readings and traditional Christmas carols, culminating in a sanctuary filled with music and candlelight. Organizers say the service offers a meaningful and reflective way to prepare for the celebration of Christmas.
The service is free and open to the public and will be held at the East Bethany Presbyterian Church — also known as the Big White Church — located at 5735 Ellicott Street Road in East Bethany.
TableTop Art Show Returns March 2026, Calls for Artists, Sponsors, Host Sites
The TableTop Art Show is returning in March of 2026, turning restaurants, breweries, and businesses across Western New York into a month-long community art experience.
Organizers are now accepting artist submissions through February 2nd. Artists of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit up to two original works at no cost. All submissions will appear in the show’s online gallery, with 15 pieces selected for a featured exhibit and tabletop displays at more than 30 locations.
The show officially launches with an Opening Reception and Reveal on Tuesday, March 3rd at 7 p.m. at Eli Fish Brewing on Main Street in Batavia.
Businesses can also sign up as host sites, and sponsorship opportunities are available to help fund artist prizes and support local creators.
The TableTop Art Show was founded during the pandemic to bring art into everyday gathering spaces and connect communities with local artists.
Genesee County Girls Basketball: Perry, Notre Dame Win Tuesday
Perry rolled past Byron-Bergen 71–35. Simone Scharvogel led the Bees with 24 points, knocking down six three-pointers in the loss.
Notre Dame picked up a 56–34 win over Section Six opponent Pioneer in the consolation game of the Keshequa Tournament. Sophia Falleti had a monster performance, scoring 30 points with nine rebounds and four assists, earning All-Tournament honors.
The Irish improve to 2-2 on the season.
DEC Certifies Cleanup Complete at Former Eaton Site in Batavia
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says cleanup is complete at the former Eaton site on Clinton Street in Batavia.
DEC officials have approved the final engineering report and issued a Certificate of Completion under the state’s Brownfield Cleanup Program. The 22-point-9 acre site underwent soil excavation, groundwater treatment, and long-term environmental controls to address contamination dating back decades.
With the certificate in place, the property is now eligible for redevelopment and associated tax credits. The site has been under environmental review since the late nineteen-eighties and was most recently cleaned up under state oversight.
More details are available through the DEC’s online remediation database.
