Wednesday News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on April 30, 2025
Darien Lake Set to Reopen for 2025 Season
Six Flags Darien Lake, the Coaster Capital of New York, is gearing up for a thrill-packed 2025 season beginning with Opening Day on May 16.
A major highlight this year is the return of the Mind Eraser coaster, which has been fully refurbished with a redesigned track, a new paint scheme, and two upgraded trains featuring wider seats and a modern restraint system. The suspended looping coaster, unique in New York State, reopens after a year-long upgrade project.
The 2025 event lineup includes:
Hurricane Harbor Opening Weekend (May 17–18)
Star-Spangled Night with fireworks (July 4)
Live Nation Concert Series with major acts like The Lumineers and Blink-182
Kingdom Bound Festival (July 27–30)
Oktoberfest (Aug. 30–Sept. 14, select days)
Fright Fest and Kids Boo Fest (Sept. 20–Oct. 25)
The Laser Light Spectacular returns on select summer nights, with music and weekend fireworks.
Season passes are available for $55 through May 27.
Batavia Social Security Office Will Be Closed Thursday and Friday
The Batavia Social Security office at 571 East Main Street will be temporarily closed to walk-in visitors on Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2 as renovations are finalized. The office will reopen on Monday, May 5 at 9:00 a.m.
A spokesperson told The Batavian the upgrades include additional interviewing booths to improve service and privacy for visitors.
While the office is closed, local phone support remains available at 1-866-931-7103, and in-person service is available at two Rochester locations:
4050 West Ridge Road, 2nd Floor
200 East Main Street, 2nd Floor
Customers are encouraged to make appointments to reduce wait times but can still walk in if needed. Most Social Security services can also be accessed online at www.ssa.gov.
Lockdown at Pal-Mac Determined to be a Misunderstanding
A brief but serious lockdown occurred Tuesday at Palmyra-Macedon Intermediate School after a concerned citizen reported seeing someone running with a firearm and dressed in tactical gear near the school grounds. The report came in just before 1 p.m., prompting Wayne County 9-1-1 to activate emergency protocols.
Law enforcement agencies, including New York State Police, Macedon and Palmyra Police, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, responded immediately. District safety officials and the school resource officer also enacted the District-Wide Safety Plan.
Following a thorough investigation, officials determined the individual was an off-duty law enforcement officer participating in a training exercise. No threat was found, and the lockdown was lifted at 1:30 p.m.
In a statement, the district thanked local law enforcement and emphasized that student safety remains a top priority. They also thanked families for their patience during the brief lockdown.
Police Investigating Fatal Accident in Le Roy
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash involving a car and motorcycle that occurred Monday evening in the Town of Le Roy.
Deputies say it happened just before 6:50 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 19 and the I-490 on-ramp, when 25-year-old Sara Stevens of Livonia, driving a white Chrysler 300, failed to stop at a stop sign and pulled into the path of 65-year-old Duane Girdner of Rochester, who was riding a blue Vespa motorcycle northbound.
Girdner struck the rear passenger side of the Chrysler and was thrown into the car, sustaining serious injuries. He was pinned under the motorcycle until bystanders, Le Roy Fire, and Mercy EMS arrived and attempted life-saving measures.
Sadly, Girdner was pronounced dead at the scene by the Genesee County Coroner.
The Sheriff’s Crash Investigation Team continues to investigate. Assisting at the scene were Le Roy Police, emergency crews, and several members of the public.
Salvatores Officially Opened in Batavia
Salvatore’s Pizzeria has officially opened its first Genesee County location at Lewiston and West Main Street in Batavia. Owners Kevin and Kari Consaul of Churchville say the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
Kevin says Batavia’s “vibrant energy” made it clear they made the right choice.
The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Batavia City Council Makes Decision on Selling City Land
The Batavia City Council voted yes Monday night to approve the sale of a .45-acre parcel of city-owned land on Orleans Avenue Extension. The land will be sold to Bruce Curtis, a developer from Corfu, for $15,500 in cash.
The property, located in a residential district, will be used for a new housing project. Curtis plans to build 5 to 7 duplex-style, two-bedroom apartments on the site, complete with necessary utilities. This aligns with the city’s Comprehensive Plan, which prioritizes more mixed-use housing development.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski emphasized that the sale will return the property to the tax rolls and help foster housing growth in Batavia. In addition, Curtis will cover all closing costs and appraisal fees associated with the sale.
The development is expected to enhance the city’s housing options and contribute to its ongoing revitalization.
Tuesday Baseball Scores
Here are your Tuesday high school baseball scores from across Genesee County:
Le Roy defeated Pavilion/York 9 to 2.
Kendall rolled past Oakfield-Alabama 11 to 1.
Elba crushed Attica 12 to 1.
And Notre Dame Batavia topped Pembroke 9 to 4.
Tuesday Softball Scores
It was a busy Tuesday on the diamond for Genesee County high school softball:
Le Roy took down Keshequa with a solid 7 to 4 win.
Oakfield-Alabama came out strong, defeating Notre Dame Batavia 8 to 4.
Elba battled past Attica, winning 8 to 5.
And in a big performance, Lyndonville overwhelmed Alexander 20 to 3.
That’s your local softball roundup for Tuesday. For more scores and sports updates, stay tuned right here on WBTA.
