Wednesday News Brief
Written by Mitch Ernst on June 3, 2025
GCEDC Considers 2 New Proposals
Two major development projects up for review by the Genesee County Economic Development Center could bring in nearly $9 million in community benefits.
At its June 5 meeting, the GCEDC board will consider an initial resolution for a $25 million expansion by HP Hood at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. The 7,700 square foot project includes new silo pads, a Clean-in-Place room, and testing labs to boost dairy production. HP Hood is seeking over $1.2 million in tax incentives. If approved, a public hearing will follow in the Town of Batavia.
The board will also vote on final approval for Ivy Village’s $3.5 million proposal to build 20 patio homes in LeRoy — the first phase of a 60-unit project. Ivy Village is requesting tax breaks totaling around $865,000.
The GCEDC meets Thursday at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center in Batavia. Details and live stream info at gcedc.com.
HLOM Open Tonight
Looking for something to do tonight in Batavia? The Holland Land Office Museum is open late this evening from 5 to 8 p.m. with special extended hours!
If you haven’t had a chance to visit during the day, now’s the perfect time. Enjoy personal guided tours from friendly staff and volunteers as you explore the rich history of Western New York.
Regular admission prices apply. The museum is located at 131 West Main Street in Batavia. For more info, visit hollandlandoffice.com.
That’s tonight—5 to 8 p.m.—at the Holland Land Office Museum!
Rochester Police Chase
13WHAM News reports, two men face charges after a police chase Monday night that began in Penfield and ended in Brighton.
Deputies spotted a stolen SUV with a broken rear window around 9 p.m. at a Marathon gas station on Penfield Road. The driver refused to stop, leading officers on a pursuit that ended when the SUV broke down on Commonwealth Road.
Inside the vehicle, deputies arrested 26-year-old Dejon Butler of Waterloo and 38-year-old John Pisano of Rochester. Both face charges of possessing stolen property and obstructing governmental administration.
Butler was released to pretrial services and had two outstanding warrants from Seneca County. Pisano, who’s awaiting arraignment, had nine outstanding warrants from multiple agencies.
Genesee County Youth Bureau Accepting Applications
The Genesee County Youth Bureau is now accepting applications for Genesee Youth Lead—an eight-month leadership program for high school students in grades 9 through 12.
Youth Lead runs from October 2025 through May 2026, with monthly sessions held at GVEP BOCES, covering topics like agriculture, arts and culture, law enforcement, government, tourism, emergency preparedness, and more. Each session focuses on hands-on learning, community engagement, and real-world leadership development.
To apply, students must attend school in Genesee County, complete an application, submit letters of recommendation, and participate in an interview. Students are responsible for making up any missed schoolwork.
Applications are due by Wednesday, September 1. Submit by email to Genesee.youthbureau@dfa.state.ny.us or mail them to the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 5130 East Main Street in Batavia.
For more details, visit shorturl.at/DLLnA. Don’t miss this chance to build your future and lead your community!
Game Night
Looking for fun tonight? Head to GO ART! at 201 East Main Street in Batavia for Game Night from 6 to 9 p.m.!
Bring a friend or loved one and enjoy a wide selection of board games, card games, and more. You’re welcome to bring your own, or try something new from their collection.
That’s tonight from 6 to 9 at GO ART!—don’t miss it!
Motorcyclist Dies in Monroe County
A man is dead following a motorcycle crash on the Lake Ontario State Parkway.
New York State Police say the crash happened around 5 p.m. Monday near Long Pond Road, when a deer entered the westbound lanes and collided with a motorcycle.
The impact threw the driver, 79-year-old James Gleason, from the bike. He was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The crash remains under investigation by State Police.
Canning Class
Learn how to preserve fresh fruit with the Canning Workshop Series from Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension!
Held at the Stafford Methodist Church from 6 to 8 p.m., each hands-on class teaches you the basics of canning along with a different recipe:
Strawberry Jam – June 19, register by June 13
Fruit Jelly – July 17, register by July 11
Hot Pepper Jam – September 11, register by September 5
Taught by Master Food Preserver Catherine Johnston, each class is $25 or $65 for all three. Class size is limited to 12 and pre-registration is required—no walk-ins!
Call 585-343-3040 ext. 101 or visit genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events to sign up!
National Grid Safety Demonstration
National Grid held a live wire safety demonstration Monday at the Fire Training Center in Batavia to highlight the dangers of downed power lines during severe summer weather.
The training showed what happens when trees or fences come into contact with live wires and how electricity can travel through the ground or water.
Officials also demonstrated how to safely connect a generator. The goal: to better inform the public and first responders about staying safe during power emergencies.
