Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 15, 2026
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, ASSAULT CHARGES TOP SHERIFF’S BLOTTER
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports several recent felony arrests.
Forty-year-old Bobbi Jo Capretto of Batavia is charged with second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon after deputies say she intentionally burned a person with a butane torch-style lighter during a domestic incident on Park Road. She was jailed pending arraignment.
Thirty-three-year-old Bradley Jordan of Darien is charged with second-degree strangulation, third-degree criminal mischief, aggravated family offense and other charges following a domestic dispute at the Batavia Walmart.
In separate cases, 37-year-old Danny Williams of Batavia is charged with assault after allegedly injuring another inmate at the Genesee County Jail, and 75-year-old Robert Ergas of Corfu is charged with assault after deputies say he seriously injured another person in Corfu.
Also arrested was 33-year-old Eugenia Bell of Batavia, charged with harassment after allegedly dumping water on another person during an incident on West Main Street. All charges are allegations, and those charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
HOCHUL HALTS LARGE DATA CENTERS STATEWIDE
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order creating the nation’s first statewide moratorium on large-scale data centers, pausing permits for projects requiring 50 megawatts of power or more for up to one year.
The order takes effect immediately while the state develops new environmental and energy regulations. Hochul says future projects may be required to generate their own power or pay for additional energy capacity, while ensuring local communities benefit through infrastructure investments.
The move could delay the proposed $19.5 billion Stream Data Center at the STAMP site in the Town of Alabama. The Genesee County Economic Development Center says it’s reviewing the order to determine its impact. Alabama Town Supervisor Rob Crossen says local approvals appear to remain unaffected, but the town attorney is reviewing the language. Opponents of the project praised the moratorium, while business groups warned it could slow economic development and job creation across New York.
LE ROY GOLFER LANDS PRESTIGIOUS PEBBLE BEACH INTERNSHIP
A Le Roy native is gaining experience at one of the most famous golf destinations in the world.
Cal Koukides, a junior at PennWest California, is completing a professional golf management internship at Pebble Beach Resorts in California. He’s working at both Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, helping with golf operations, customer service, pace of play and guest services.
Koukides says the internship is reinforcing what he’s learned in the classroom while giving him valuable hands-on experience and the chance to learn from some of the golf industry’s top professionals. He hopes the experience will help launch a career in golf management.
ANNUAL CHICKEN BBQ IN OAKFIELD TODAY
If you’re looking for dinner tonight, the Oakfield United Methodist Church is holding its Annual Chicken BBQ.
The drive-thru-only event runs from 4 until 6 p.m. at the church on South Main Street in Oakfield. Dinners are $16 and include a half chicken, potato salad, baked beans, a roll, dessert and a drink.
Advance reservations are encouraged by calling 585-948-5550 or emailing OakfieldUMC@gmail.com.
ICE SUSPENDS MOST VEHICLE STOPS AFTER DEADLY SHOOTINGS
The Trump administration has directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to suspend most vehicle stops following a series of deadly encounters involving immigration agents.
The policy change comes after an ICE officer fatally shot a driver in Maine on Monday, one week after another fatal shooting in Houston. A third person also died in Florida after being struck by a tractor-trailer while fleeing immigration officers.
Federal officials say exceptions will still be allowed when executing criminal warrants or working with partner law enforcement agencies.
The Maine shooting has sparked protests and multiple investigations, while critics continue to question ICE’s enforcement tactics. The Department of Homeland Security says it is reviewing the incident but declined to discuss specific operational procedures.
SUBARU RECALLS MORE THAN 541,000 SUVS
Subaru is recalling more than 541,000 SUVs because of an incorrect certification label that lists the wrong maximum axle weight rating.
The recall affects certain 2019 through 2026 Ascent models, 2025 and 2026 Foresters, Forester Hybrids, and 2026 Crosstrek Hybrids.
The company says the labeling error could lead to vehicles being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash. Subaru says there have been no reports of crashes or injuries related to the issue.
Owners will begin receiving notification letters in late August. Subaru will provide a corrected label free of charge, either by mail or through a dealership.
AMERICANS HAND MUCKDOGS ROAD LOSS
The Batavia Muckdogs dropped an 11-4 decision to the Niagara Falls Americans Tuesday night.
The loss drops Batavia to 24-8 on the season as the Muckdogs continue a four-game road trip.
Batavia will look to bounce back tonight when it travels to Jamestown for another showdown with the Tarp Skunks. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30.
