Wednesday News Brief

“Problem Intersection” in LeRoy Under Scrutiny After Deadly Crash

News 7 WKBW reports, a tragic crash in LeRoy has reignited calls for safety improvements at the intersection of West Bergen and Griswold Roads.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office says 20-year-old Brianna Welsh and her passenger, 20-year-old Mallen Mello, both from Florida, were killed early Friday morning when their car failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with a dump truck.
Neighbors say the crash was heartbreaking but not surprising. Resident Les Hungerford and his grandson David Gracie described it as the latest in a string of serious accidents at the corner.
Chief Deputy Bryan Friday called it a “problem intersection,” noting that while it is properly signed, high speeds and unfamiliar drivers often make it dangerous.
County officials say a Local Road Safety Plan is already in the works, and after this crash, the intersection will likely be moved higher on the priority list.

Spanish Immersion Art Classes Tonight in Batavia

GO ART! in Batavia is hosting Spanish Immersion Art Classes for children ages two to five tonight from 6 to 7 p.m. The free program is led by Dr. Cristiano Pereira, a Brazilian-born artist and educator who speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and English. Pereira blends language learning with drawing, painting, and other creative activities.
Parents or guardians must attend with their child, and preregistration is required. Classes take place at GO ART! on Main Street in Batavia.

Bank Street Streetscape Update

Batavia’s Public Works Director Tom Phelps says Bank Street will be closed Wednesday, September 3rd, and Thursday, September 4th, for paving as part of the Streetscape Project. Keeler Construction will complete both sides of the street at once to ensure a smoother, longer-lasting roadway.
If it rains, the work will be delayed. Phelps says this should be one of the last major closures before the project wraps up. Drivers and pedestrians are asked to plan ahead and use caution in the area.

Hawley Highlights ‘Economic Patriotism’ on Tour of Orcon Industries in Le Roy

Howard Owens with the Batavian reports, drivers on Lake Street Road in Le Roy often notice the giant U.S. flag flying over Orcon Industries—but many don’t know what goes on inside. On Monday, Assemblyman Steve Hawley toured the plant for the first time and got an inside look.
President Mike Olson explained that Orcon designs and manufactures custom packaging to keep products safe during shipping, serving industries like medical, automotive, defense, and aerospace. The company also runs a wood products division in Le Roy and a molded pulp business that uses recycled materials.
Founder Bruce Olson shared how Orcon started in 1984 in a former Rochester morgue, grew through Batavia’s Harvester Center, and now operates a 98,000-square-foot plant in Le Roy. Despite industry downturns and the loss of major clients like Kodak and Xerox, Orcon has survived by evolving and innovating.
Today the company employs 95 people and continues to expand, recently acquiring a competing foam business. Bruce Olson calls their mission “economic patriotism,” stressing responsibility to employees, customers, and the community.
Assemblyman Hawley praised Orcon’s role in keeping jobs local and said supporting companies like this is vital for the region’s future.

Knitting & Crochet at the Office for the Aging

Happening today from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Genesee County Office for the Aging, 2 Bank Street in Batavia. This free program invites knitters and crocheters of all levels to join. Future sessions are scheduled for September 24, October 29, and November 26. For more information, call (585) 343-1611.