Wednesday News Brief

Batavia Couple Recovering After Fatal Bergen Crash, Community Rallies With GoFundMe

Mari and Paul Hamilton, Batavia natives now living in North Chili, are recovering at Strong Hospital after a head-on collision Friday in Bergen that claimed another driver’s life. Both underwent hours of surgery. Mari suffered a compound fracture to her ankle, along with lacerations to both legs and her forehead. Paul sustained a fractured ankle and a broken wrist. Their children, Allison and Anthony, escaped with only minor seatbelt injuries.
The crash happened when the other driver tried to pass a vehicle and struck the Hamiltons head-on. That driver died at the scene.
Mari’s stepbrother, Joshua Finn, is the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department captain. He was among the first to respond.
“We’re just super grateful the kids had minor injuries and they’re all alive,” he said.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with medical bills and expenses. So far, $8,240 of the $12,000 goal has been raised.
You can find the link at gofund.me/e87a6fe7.

Home Ecologists Program at Darien Lakes State Park Today

Today at 1:30 p.m., Darien Lakes State Park welcomes nature enthusiasts to Home Ecologists: Entomology (Intermediate). Meet at the Recreation Building for a hands-on exploration of insects through a deeper ecological lens. This free, registration-free outdoor learning opportunity invites participants to learn about and observe local insect life—all on site at the park in Darien Center. Whether you’re a budding entomologist or just curious about nature’s small wonders, it’s a great way to spend your afternoon connecting with the environment.

Batavia Bulldawgs Kick Off Season with Special Tribute

The Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football and Cheer program opens the 2025 NOFA season this Saturday at Vandetta Stadium. Four games are scheduled, starting at 10 a.m. with the Beginner Division and ending with the Varsity matchup against Attica Youth Football at 4 p.m.
Before the JV game, the team will honor the late Javarius Gus-Williams, a JV player who passed away in the offseason. A commemorative helmet and jersey will be presented to his family, and players will wear his number 97 on their helmets this season. The community is encouraged to come out and show their support.

Batavia City Council Approves Extra Pay for Added Duties

Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, Batavia City Council has approved temporary pay increases for City Manager Rachael Tabelski and Grants Administrator Julie Dahlie, who will be covering assistant city manager duties until December.
Tabelski will receive an extra $1,000 a month, and Dahlie an extra $750 a month, for the five-month gap between the departure of Erik Fix and the arrival of incoming Assistant Manager Shawn Heubusch.
Council members Paul Viele and Eugene Jankowski argued the added workload is a full-time job and that salaried staff can’t earn overtime, making the compensation fair. Duties include IT oversight, insurance compliance, website updates, and administrative support.
Council also granted Heubusch, currently Batavia’s police chief, a residency waiver to remain in Pavilion when he takes on the new role. Both measures passed unanimously.

Quilt, Knit & Crochet Group Meets Today in Batavia

The weekly quilt, knit, and crochet group meets today from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 8221 Lewiston Road in Batavia. No experience is necessary. Upcoming sessions are August 20 and 27, and September 3 and 10.

Jim Kelly Hosts Celebrity Golf Classic, Shares Positive Update on Grandson

Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly was in Batavia Monday for his “Kelly for Kids” Celebrity Golf Classic, supporting disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York.
Kelly gave a hopeful update on his newborn grandson, who’s been hospitalized since birth. He says the baby is now off oxygen and, as of Monday, taken off medication — with doctors hopeful he can stay off. Kelly thanked the community for their prayers and support.