Wednesday News Brief

CITY EXTENDS ICE ARENA LEASE THROUGH 2033

The City of Batavia has approved a five-year lease extension with Batavia Sports Management, keeping the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena under local management through July of 2033.
City officials say the extension will help Batavia Sports Management secure a longer-term beer and cider permit through the State Liquor Authority while ensuring continued operation of the facility. City Manager Rachael Tabelski praised the organization for expanding year-round programming at the arena, including roller skating, pickleball, roller derby, and other family-friendly activities.
Under the renewed agreement, annual rent and capital improvement payments will continue to increase by three percent each year, reaching more than $18,000 by 2032. Batavia Sports Management remains responsible for much of the facility’s day-to-day maintenance, while the city handles major infrastructure needs, including the recently replaced ice chiller.
Councilman Paul Viele praised operator Matthew Gray for what he called “one hell of a job,” and the lease extension was approved unanimously by City Council.

ROUTE 98 ROAD WORK MOVED UP IN OAKFIELD, ELBA

Drivers in eastern Genesee County should be prepared for delays beginning Wednesday as a state highway paving project gets underway a day earlier than originally planned.
The New York State Department of Transportation says Route 98 will be reduced to a single lane with alternating traffic between Edgerton Road and the Orleans County line in the towns of Oakfield and Elba. Flaggers will direct traffic through the work zone.
Construction will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and is expected to continue through July 17, excluding the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
The Route 98 project begins north of the Village of Elba. State DOT officials also report paving work is underway on Route 98 in Orleans County and Route 262 will have alternating traffic beginning Thursday between Route 98 and Route 63.

STOP-DWI NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK HONORS SHERIFF GRAFF

Genesee County families are invited to Dwyer Stadium on July 9 for STOP-DWI Night at the Ballpark, an evening focused on fun, baseball, and the importance of safe and sober driving.
The event will also honor Genesee County Sheriff Joe Graff for his decades of public service and support of impaired driving prevention efforts. Graff will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.
Gates open at 5:35 p.m., with first pitch scheduled for 6:35. A limited number of complimentary tickets remain available through the Genesee County Youth Bureau for local youth and their families.
Tickets can be reserved by calling 344-3960 or by visiting the Youth Bureau office on East Main Street in Batavia. Organizers say the event is a chance to enjoy America’s pastime while learning more about the message to “Be the Standard” when it comes to safe driving.

SENATE APPROVES MEASURE CHALLENGING IRAN WAR POWERS

The U.S. Senate has approved a war powers resolution aimed at limiting future military action against Iran, marking the first time such a measure has passed the chamber.
The resolution was approved Tuesday on a 50 to 48 vote and reflects growing concern among lawmakers over both the conflict with Iran and the agreement President Donald Trump reached to end it. Four Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the measure, while one Democrat voted against it.
Although the resolution is largely symbolic and does not carry the full force of law, supporters say it sends a clear message that Congress should play a larger role in decisions involving military action.
The vote comes as the Pentagon is seeking roughly 80 billion dollars from Congress to replenish weapons and supplies used during the conflict, while debate continues over the details and long-term impact of the agreement reached between the United States and Iran.

MUCKDOGS FALL TO AUBURN, HEAD TO CANADA TONIGHT

The Batavia Muckdogs saw their four-game winning streak come to an end Tuesday night, falling to the Auburn Doubledays by a score of 9-6.
Despite the loss, the Muckdogs remain near the top of the standings with a 12-4 record on the season.
Batavia now turns its attention north of the border, where the Dogs will travel to Canada tonight for a matchup with the Niagara Ironbacks. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
The Muckdogs will look to bounce back and continue their strong start to the 2026 campaign as they enter the second half of June.