Wednesday News Brief

Rochester Man Faces Grand Jury in Batavia Burglary, Animal Cruelty Case

A 45-year-old Rochester man accused in a violent Batavia burglary case will have his charges presented to a Grand Jury.
Enrique J. Pellot appeared in Town of Batavia Court Tuesday, where it was determined the case will move forward for possible indictment.
Pellot faces multiple felony charges, including first- and second-degree burglary, criminal mischief, aggravated cruelty to animals, and menacing.
Authorities say Pellot unlawfully entered a Batavia home on March 9th, caused more than 15-hundred dollars in damage, and killed a five-year-old dog inside the residence.
With two prior felony convictions, Pellot is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail as the case moves forward.

Batavia Dialysis Closure Leaves Patients Searching for Care

Patients in the Batavia area are being forced to find new care after a local dialysis clinic announced plans to close.
The Fresenius-run facility is expected to shut down in June, pending approval, leaving some patients on waiting lists at nearby clinics—many 20 to 30 minutes away.
For patients like Le Roy resident Jodie Geiger, that means uncertainty when it comes to life-saving treatment.
Experts say closures like this hit rural communities hardest, where access is already limited.
Fresenius says it’s working directly with patients to find alternative care options.

Airport Delays Grow as Senate Races to End DHS Shutdown

Travel disruptions are worsening across the country as lawmakers work to end the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
Long security lines are being reported at major airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport, with some travelers told to arrive hours early.
The shutdown has left thousands of TSA workers without pay, with more than 3,000 missing shifts and hundreds quitting since it began.
In Washington, Senate Majority Leader John Thune says a deal is urgently needed, but Democrats insist on limits to immigration enforcement before approving funding.
Talks are ongoing, but uncertainty remains as delays continue to impact travelers nationwide.

Ice Arena Seeks Permanent Beer License

Beer sales at Batavia’s David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena could soon become a regular offering.
Facility manager Matt Gray is seeking approval for a ballpark-style beer license, which would eliminate the need for one-day permits currently required for special events.
Gray says the plan is to offer canned beer and cider, with no major changes to the venue.
City Council reviewed the request this week and raised no concerns.
If approved, Gray hopes to secure the license through the state in time for next ice season.

Le Roy School Budget Still in Development

The Le Roy Central School District is still working to finalize its 2026–27 budget, with key numbers dependent on state aid.
At Monday’s meeting, Business Administrator Brian Foeller said the district could raise its tax levy by up to 191-thousand dollars—about 1.77 percent—without going over the state cap, which would avoid requiring a supermajority vote.
Right now, the total budget isn’t set, as officials are still waiting on the state budget to determine revenue.
Superintendent Merritt Holly says once those numbers come in, the district plans to meet in early April and aims to adopt a final budget on April 14.
A public hearing is set for May 12, with the budget vote scheduled for May 19.
The board also approved a 180-thousand dollar project to fix ongoing basement leaks at Woodward Memorial Library.

Job Fair Set for Thursday in Batavia

A job fair is scheduled for Thursday at the Genesee County Career Center.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon and will feature employers from a variety of fields, including healthcare, manufacturing, and human services.
Organizers say the goal is to connect local job seekers with opportunities across the region, regardless of experience level.
Attendees are encouraged to meet directly with hiring representatives and explore available positions.
For more information, contact the Career Center at 585-344-2042.

Cornhole Player Accused in Fatal Shooting

A professional cornhole player known for competing as a quadruple amputee is facing murder charges in Maryland.
Police say 27-year-old Dayton James Webber was arrested in Virginia and is awaiting extradition. He’s accused of shooting and killing Bradrick Michael Wells during an argument inside a vehicle Sunday night.
Investigators say Webber pulled over after the shooting, asked passengers for help, then fled. The victim was later found dead about 10 miles away.
Webber had previously gained national attention for overcoming a life-threatening illness as a child and becoming a professional competitor.
The case remains under investigation.