Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 30, 2025
Big Opening Night at Batavia Downs
Batavia Downs kicked off its 2025 summer/fall live racing season Saturday with a strong showing—reporting a 29% increase in total betting handle compared to opening day last year, including a 3% bump in on-site wagering.
Fans packed the clubhouse and track apron, with families, longtime bettors, and newcomers all coming out to enjoy the action, including New York Sire Stakes racing.
Nicolle Fortes, Director of Live Racing, says the surge is due to increased promotion, facility improvements, and a renewed focus on delivering a great experience.
“We had a great card and a very energized crowd,” said Fortes. “We want people to leave excited and come back for more.”
Byron Brown, President and CEO of Western Regional Off Track Betting, praised Fortes and her team for delivering a memorable opening night.
Live racing resumes Wednesday, July 30, and the New York Sire Stakes return Thursday with over $114,000 on the line for 3-year-old colts and geldings.
Post time is 6 p.m. both nights at Batavia Downs.
Knitting & Crochet Today
Looking to get creative with yarn? Head to the Genesee County Office for the Aging today for Knitting & Crochet from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 2 Bank Street in Batavia.
It’s a great way to connect, share patterns, and work on your latest project in a friendly, welcoming space.
For more info, call (585) 343-1611.
Little Free Pantry Update
The Little Free Pantry in Batavia’s mall location has permanently closed, due to circumstances beyond the group’s control. This was a vital site for many, especially seniors and families without transportation.
The team is actively searching for a new downtown location and welcomes help from businesses or community members.
Other pantry sites—including Seneca Avenue, Byron, South Byron, and the Career Center—remain open.
For ways to support or get involved, visit the Little Free Pantry – Batavia on Facebook.
Graham Corp Awarded $25.5M Navy Contract
Batavia-based Graham Corporation has secured a $25.5 million follow-on contract to supply mission-critical hardware for the MK48 Mod 7 Heavyweight Torpedo program, supporting the U.S. Navy and allied defense forces.
President and CEO Matthew Malone says the award highlights Graham’s strong engineering capabilities, skilled workforce, and precision manufacturing. He added that recent investments have positioned the company to meet growing demand and deliver long-term value.
The work will be carried out through Graham’s Barber-Nichols subsidiary in Arvada, Colorado, where they manufacture and test alternators and regulators for the torpedo system.
Graham specializes in advanced fluid, power, heat transfer, and vacuum technologies, serving defense, energy, and space sectors. The company is widely respected for its engineering excellence and reliable, high-quality products.
Box Truck Fire in Stafford
A box truck carrying hay caught fire Tuesday afternoon on Route 237 near the Stafford Country Club. The truck quickly became fully engulfed in flames.
Fire crews from Stafford, South Byron, and Le Roy responded to 8810 Morganville Road and remained on scene for over six hours battling the blaze.
No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Muckdogs Host West Division Championship
The Batavia Muckdogs are moving on! After a 6-1 win over Auburn, the Muckdogs will host the PGCBL West Division Championship tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Dwyer Stadium against the Jamestown Tarp Skunks, who crushed Niagara Falls 12-2.
A win tonight sends Batavia to the PGCBL title game as they chase their first championship since 2009. Come out and support the Dogs at Dwyer!
