Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on April 15, 2026
Residents Take Concerns Over STAMP Project Straight to Batavia City Council
A group of residents brought their concerns about the proposed STAMP data center directly to Batavia City Council Monday — not once, but twice.
Speakers first gathered in the City Centre concourse, then again during the council meeting, urging leaders to raise awareness about what they described as wide-reaching impacts from the project.
Several residents argued the development could affect jobs, the environment, tourism, and long-term community resources across all of Genesee County — not just the Town of Alabama where the project is proposed.
Concerns ranged from water usage and noise to tax incentives and the long-term viability of the project, with some calling for a moratorium or formal opposition from city leaders.
While City Council took no action Monday, members acknowledged the issue could be discussed at a future meeting, noting the project is outside city jurisdiction but still impacts local residents.
Aging Forward Expo Set for May at GCC
Genesee County residents are invited to the Aging Forward Expo, focused on healthy aging and caregiving support.
The event is set for Tuesday, May 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Genesee Community College. Admission is $5 and includes lunch.
The day will feature a keynote on brain health, along with breakout sessions on topics like caregiving, estate planning, Alzheimer’s research, and overall wellness.
Organizers say the expo is designed to connect older adults, families, and caregivers with valuable local resources and services.
More information and registration details are available through the Genesee County Office for the Aging.
7-Eleven Plans Major Shakeup with Hundreds of Store Closures
7-Eleven is preparing for a major shift, with hundreds of stores set to close this year.
Parent company Seven & i Holdings says about 645 locations across North America will shut down in the 2026 fiscal year — far more than the roughly 200 new stores expected to open.
Some of those closures will be tied to converting locations into wholesale fuel sites, as the company continues to adjust its business model.
The move comes as consumer spending softens and inflation continues to put pressure on lower-income households. Rising energy costs tied to global tensions have also added to the challenge.
Despite the closures, the company still operates more than 13,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada and says it’s focusing on long-term growth through food offerings and delivery services.
Art Exhibition Celebrates 10-Year Partnership in Batavia
A special anniversary celebration is happening today in Batavia.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region and the University Heights Arts Association are marking 10 years of collaboration with an “ARTicultaitons” exhibition.
An opening reception runs from noon to 1 p.m. today at ILGR offices, where visitors can check out the exhibit and interactive art displays.
The show is free and open to the public and will remain on display through April 30.
Smith Still Reigns, But Asian Surnames Surge in U.S.
America’s most common last names haven’t changed — but who’s growing fastest is.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown and Jones remained the top five surnames in 2020, just as they were a decade earlier.
But the biggest growth came from Asian last names, with Zhang, Liu and Wang leading the surge as the Asian population continues to expand nationwide.
The Census also found more than 7.8 million unique last names across the country, reflecting increasing diversity.
Overall, while traditional names still dominate the top spots, experts say changing demographics and cultural influences are reshaping the American name landscape.
Le Roy Tax Rate Rebound: 10% Hike Proposed After Last Year’s Cut
Le Roy property taxes are heading back up after a sharp drop last year.
Under the village’s proposed $4.69 million budget, the tax rate would increase about 10 percent — rising from $7.99 to $8.79 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Officials say the hike comes as revenues decline, including losses in state funding, sales tax distributions, and cable franchise payments. At the same time, expenses continue to climb, particularly in areas like policing and infrastructure.
The village is also planning to dip more than $700,000 into reserves to help limit the increase, but leaders say last year’s tax cut was too aggressive and not sustainable long-term.
Despite some spending cuts, rising costs and reduced income are forcing the adjustment.
A public hearing on the proposed budget is set for tonight at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.
Irish Roll, Batavia Dominates as Big Night Across the Diamond
Notre Dame softball opened its season in style Tuesday, rolling past Wheatland-Chili 12-3 behind a dominant all-around performance.
Amelia Sorochty led the way, going 4-for-5 with three runs scored while also striking out 12 in a complete game. Olivia Gillard added three RBIs, and Clairissa Milliman scored three times as the Irish offense stayed hot.
Batavia also made a statement, shutting out Irondequoit 9-0 behind another strong showing, while Alexander handled Holley 14-2 and Elba stayed unbeaten with a 12-9 win over Kendall. Oakfield-Alabama also picked up a 10-2 win over Lyndonville.
On the baseball side, Pavilion/York rolled past Attica 10-0, Oakfield-Alabama blanked Notre Dame 10-0, and Pittsford Sutherland shut out Batavia 11-0. Perry also topped Alexander 4-0.
