Wednesday News Brief

REPUBLICANS DOMINATE GENESEE COUNTY VOTE AS INCUMBENTS WIN KEY RACES

Genesee County voters strongly backed Republican candidates in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
In the 24th Congressional District, incumbent Claudia Tenney received 14-thousand-350 votes in Genesee County compared with 7-thousand-54 for Democrat Alissa Ellman. Tenney went on to win reelection districtwide.
Republican State Senator George Borrello also won reelection, defeating Victoria Guite-Williams, while Assemblyman Steve Hawley defeated Democratic challenger Sarah Wolcott. In Genesee County, Borrello received more than 14-thousand-700 votes and Hawley topped 15-thousand-500.
Republican Bruce Blakeman carried Genesee County in the governor’s race by more than two-to-one, but Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul won reelection statewide. Democratic incumbents Letitia James and Thomas DiNapoli also won statewide despite losing Genesee County.
And in Byron, a proposal to establish a property tax supporting the Byron-Bergen Public Library was defeated 542-to-391.
Genesee County had just over 40-thousand-500 registered voters heading into Election Day.

CHICK-FIL-A PROJECT NEARS CONSTRUCTION IN TOWN OF BATAVIA

Plans for a new Chick-fil-A on Lewiston Road are moving closer to construction.
Town Building Inspector Dan Lang says the proposed 4-thousand-620-square-foot restaurant is awaiting final approval of its traffic plan from Town Engineer Jon Long. Once that happens, Lang says the town can issue a building permit.
Traffic concerns around Lewiston Road delayed the project while the site layout was revised. The current plan would direct more vehicles toward Park Road rather than sending heavy traffic directly onto Lewiston Road.
Both the town and developer Benderson conducted traffic studies, which led to changes involving driveway access, curb cuts and utilities.
The restaurant is planned for 8353 Lewiston Road near the former Kmart property.
Plans call for seating for 80 customers inside and 16 outside, roughly 128 parking spaces, two drive-thru lanes and an indoor play area.
Lang says Chick-fil-A wants to begin construction as soon as possible and expects the relatively small building to move through construction fairly quickly.

THE VAULT CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING IN PEMBROKE

A new cheer and tumbling facility in Pembroke is celebrating its official opening.
The Vault, located at 1 East Main Street, held a ribbon cutting Friday with the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.
The facility opened in July and gives children from kindergarten through ninth grade a dedicated space for cheer and tumbling.
Organizers Jasmine Loggins and Katy Hobbs transformed the former bank building with help from local families and volunteers.
The Vault is now wrapping up its competitive cheer season, with state competition scheduled for November 14th in Syracuse.

BATAVIA DOWNS DONATES $7,500 TO VETERANS TREATMENT COURT

Batavia Downs has donated 75-hundred dollars to the Rochester Veterans Treatment Court following its annual Veterans Night at the Races.
The September fundraiser included live and silent auctions, with proceeds supporting veterans facing legal challenges while also dealing with issues including substance use, mental health and housing.
Program lead mentor and Marine Corps veteran Ray Melens accepted the check Thursday.
Since Veterans Night at the Races began in 2015, more than 55-thousand dollars has been raised for the treatment court and its efforts to help veterans successfully transition back into civilian life.

U.S. STRIKES IRANIAN TARGETS IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ

The United States has carried out what officials describe as limited defensive strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, adding new uncertainty to the eight-month conflict.
A U.S. official says the strikes targeted Iranian forces using surface-to-air missiles against American forces in the strait. Iranian media reported explosions on two islands and near the port city of Bandar Abbas.
The action comes as President Donald Trump weighs whether to resume broader military operations against Iran following the midterm elections.
At the same time, negotiations remain underway.
Iran says reopening the Strait of Hormuz would require the U.S. to address several demands, including lifting its naval blockade and easing oil sanctions.
Vice President JD Vance says the administration remains hopeful a negotiated settlement can still be reached.

ELBA VOLLEYBALL RETURNS TO CLASS D2 SECTIONAL FINAL

Elba is headed back to the Section V Class D2 girls volleyball championship after a four-set semifinal win over Fillmore.
The third-seeded Lancers defeated second-seeded Fillmore 25-18, 25-27, 25-22 and 26-24.
Brynn Stackhouse led Elba with 15 kills and four aces. Vivian Hilchey added 11 kills and 16 digs, while Madison Marks finished with 10 kills and 13 digs.
Maggie Caparco handed out 33 assists and added 16 digs.
Elba improves to 16-and-3 and advances to its fourth straight Class D2 sectional final.