Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 29, 2026
CITY WITHDRAWS HARVESTER CENTER CODE VIOLATIONS
The City of Batavia has withdrawn all outstanding code violations against Harvester Center LLC, marking the end of a long-running enforcement case involving the former industrial complex on Harvester Avenue.
The decision came Monday in Batavia City Housing Court, where attorneys for both sides told Judge Durin Rogers that all required work at the site had been completed. City officials had cited six buildings for code violations following years of deterioration, including the collapse of a wall in May of 2025. The city had also requested a final report on asbestos concerns after cleanup work was completed.
Following a final inspection by the City’s Code Enforcement Office, the City moved to withdraw all pending violations. Harvester principal owner William Golden said he was pleased with the outcome, adding there are currently no redevelopment plans for the property, but future options will be explored.
GENESEE COUNTY VOLUNTEER GROUP EARNS STATE TOURISM AWARD
A volunteer group dedicated to protecting Genesee County’s parks has received statewide recognition for its work.
The Association for the Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, better known as ACORNS, has earned a New York State Tourism Industry Association Tourism Excellence Award for sustainable stewardship. Founded in 2006, the organization now has nearly 100 volunteers who help maintain trails, bluebird boxes, lead educational programs, and organize events at Genesee County Park.
County officials say the group’s efforts have helped make the parks a destination for both residents and visitors. Tourism leaders note that Genesee County’s natural attractions contributed to more than 144 million dollars in economic impact last year. The award will be presented during a ceremony at the Corning Museum of Glass in September.
LIVE MUSIC RETURNS TO HICKORY PARK TONIGHT
Live music returns to Hickory Park in Bergen tonight.
The band Trilogy will take the stage from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. The four-piece group performs a variety of classic rock and roll favorites. The concert is free and open to the public, giving residents a chance to enjoy an evening of live music at the park.
UMMC EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR PATIENT SAFETY
United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia has earned national recognition for patient safety.
Becker’s Hospital Review has named UMMC among a select group of hospitals nationwide to achieve a zero rate of central line-associated bloodstream infections in intensive care units and select hospital wards. The recognition is based on federal data covering July 2024 through June 2025. UMMC is one of 405 hospitals nationwide and just 25 in New York State to earn the distinction. Hospital officials say the achievement reflects the staff’s commitment to preventing infections and providing the highest quality care for patients.
SENATE CONFIRMS NEW DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Jay Clayton as the nation’s new Director of National Intelligence, giving President Trump a permanent leader to oversee the country’s intelligence agencies.
Clayton, the former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission and current U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, was confirmed on a 51-47 party-line vote. His confirmation comes after the administration delayed his nomination earlier this summer to allow acting director Bill Pulte to temporarily lead the office.
The nomination drew criticism from Democrats, who questioned Clayton during his confirmation hearing and raised concerns over his refusal to directly acknowledge the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Supporters, meanwhile, praised his leadership experience and said he is well qualified to oversee the nation’s intelligence community.
IRAN FIRES MISSILES AT U.S. TROOPS, ALL INTERCEPTED
Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in the Middle East Tuesday, ending a brief pause in fighting that had raised hopes for renewed ceasefire talks. The U.S. military says all of the missiles were successfully intercepted, and U.S. Central Command reports American forces remain on high alert.
The renewed attack comes as tensions remain high across the region despite diplomatic efforts to restart negotiations. A new analysis also warns the recent conflict has significantly reduced U.S. stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors, potentially increasing risks to American troops if fighting escalates again. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Trump and members of the U.S. Senate Tuesday as lawmakers considered a new sanctions package targeting Russia.
MUCKDOGS ADVANCE TO PGCBL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
The Batavia Muckdogs are headed to the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League Championship Series.
Batavia rallied for three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning Tuesday night to defeat the Jamestown Tarp Skunks 6-4 and capture the Western Division Championship at Dwyer Stadium.
The Muckdogs will now await the winner of tonight’s matchup between Utica and Amsterdam to determine their championship opponent. Game One of the best-of-three league championship series is scheduled for Thursday afternoon, with Batavia looking to win their first title since 2009.
