Wednesday News Brief

BATAVIA MAN FACES MULTIPLE FELONY DRUG CHARGES AS COURT CASE CONTINUES

A 24-year-old Batavia man accused of selling cocaine to an undercover drug task force agent on multiple occasions will return to Genesee County Court next month.
Caeden White appeared before Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini on six felony counts, including three counts each of third-degree criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance.
White was arrested in September following an investigation into cocaine distribution throughout Genesee County.
He also faces a separate set of charges, including first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, along with additional felony possession and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia counts.
During Tuesday’s court appearance, defense attorney Daniel DuBois requested a delay in scheduling pretrial motions while prosecutors prepare to present the second case to a grand jury.
Assistant District Attorney William Zickl did not object, saying the two cases could eventually proceed through court together, although they remain separate matters.
White’s next appearance is scheduled for November 23rd at 9:30 in the morning, when he could also be arraigned on additional charges if an indictment is returned.

ROUTE 262 TO BE REPAVED AFTER BOTCHED ROADWORK LEFT VEHICLES COVERED IN TAR

A stretch of Route 262 between Bergen and Byron is getting a complete resurfacing after a road treatment last month left vehicles coated in sticky tar.
Genesee County officials say crews will begin removing the damaged road surface Friday, with repaving scheduled to begin Tuesday. The project covers Route 262 between Route 19 in Bergen and Route 237 in Byron.
The paving process is expected to take four days, with possible daytime closures. The road will reopen overnight, and school buses and emergency vehicles will be allowed through with minimal delays.
The work follows a September 9th incident when a chip seal treatment failed to cure properly. Rain brought uncured asphalt oil to the surface, causing tar to stick to passing vehicles. At least one tractor-trailer became stuck, and Byron-Bergen schools were forced to modify bus routes.
Public Works Commissioner Laura Wadhams says contractor Midland Asphalt is handling damage claims directly.
Crews will now use a different paving method designed to provide a long-term fix, replacing the failed treatment on both lanes.

NOTRE DAME ANNOUNCES 2026 SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS

Notre Dame High School in Batavia has announced its 2026 Sports Hall of Fame inductees.
This year’s class includes Marissa Davis, Carly Pike Whelehan, Kevin Francis, and posthumous honorees Paul Fanara and Jim DiLaura.
Also being recognized are longtime coach and athletic director Sally Barie, supporters Jack and Sue Redick, and the 1996 hockey team, which reached the state Final Four.
The induction ceremony is November 14th at Notre Dame, with tickets costing 50 dollars per person. Reservations can be made through the school’s advancement office.

SPAGHETTI DINNER TO SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIP HONORING PEMBROKE GRADUATE

Indian Falls Global Methodist Church in Corfu is hosting a spaghetti dinner and bake sale November 7th to establish a scholarship honoring the late Doctor David Stringham.
A 1999 Pembroke graduate, Stringham earned three degrees from the Eastman School of Music before pursuing a career in music education.
The scholarship will annually benefit a Pembroke senior planning to study music in college.
Dinner seatings begin at 4, 5 and 6 p.m., with presale tickets costing 10 dollars for adults and five dollars for children ages four through twelve.
For reservations, call 585-762-9105.

MASSIVE STUDENT PROTESTS SWEEP FRANCE OVER SCHOOL FUNDING

More than 250-thousand people took to the streets across France Tuesday, demanding increased education funding as a growing student protest movement puts pressure on the French government.
Demonstrations were held in Paris, Marseille and several other cities, with police deploying tear gas as some protesters clashed with officers.
Students have spent more than two weeks boycotting classes and blocking schools, protesting deteriorating facilities, staffing shortages and inadequate resources.
Authorities report more than 61-hundred arrests since the unrest began, many involving minors.
French officials have defended the police response, while critics accuse authorities of using excessive force against teenagers.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu says the government must address students’ concerns, as demonstrations continue spreading nationwide.

WHO SAYS POSSIBLE PLAGUE CASE IN RUSSIA POSES VERY LOW RISK

The World Health Organization says the potential spread of pneumonic plague beyond Russia is extremely unlikely following the death of a laboratory worker in Siberia.
The woman worked at a research facility studying dangerous infectious diseases, including plague, before dying last week from an illness initially believed to be a respiratory infection.
Russian officials say testing has found no evidence of plague or other dangerous pathogens, and everyone identified as a possible contact has been medically evaluated.
Pneumonic plague is a potentially deadly bacterial infection affecting the lungs, but it can be successfully treated with antibiotics when detected early.
The WHO says there is no indication of a pandemic threat, although investigators are still working to determine what caused the woman’s death.

GENESEE COUNTY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP

In Genesee County high school girls volleyball action, Batavia improved to 8-and-3 with a three-set sweep of Honeoye Falls-Lima, winning 25-22, 25-13 and 25-15.
Karizma Wescott led the Blue Devils with eight kills, while Violet Lopez recorded 16 assists and six aces.
Elba improved to 10-and-2 with a straight-sets victory over Caledonia-Mumford. Maggie Caparco finished with 25 assists, Brooklyn Jachimowicz added 19 digs, and Grace Norton recorded five kills.
And Le Roy earned a three-set sweep of Wayland-Cohocton.