Batavia claimed the championship on Friday in the Pete Arras Memorial Basketball Tournament, sponsored by the Batavia Lions Club, at Genesee Community College, beating Notre Dame 60-46
For Batavia, Gavin White scored 28 points, and Grady Hemer scored 19.
T.J. Cephus scored 18 for Notre Dame, and Matthew McCulley scored 12.
Photos by Pete Welker.
Le Roy trailed most of the game but rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat Alexander 57-53 in the consolation game of the Pete Arras Memorial Basketball Tournament on Friday at Genesee Community College.
Matthew Hockey led LeRoy with 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. He shot 15 of 16 from the free-throw line and hit a three-pointer.
Aidan Weaver added 14 points and nine rebounds, while Grady Gilligan had 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and five steals.
Brayden Chase scored 10 points with three steals and a three-pointer.
Le Roy trailed by 17 after one quarter of play but cut the deficit to six at halftime, only to fall behind by 12 in the third quarter. The Knights cut the Alexander advantage to nine heading into the fourth.
Alexander led 46-40 with 3:59 remaining when LeRoy made its final push, outscoring the Trojans 17-7 to end the game.
During the run, there were three-pointers by Hockey and Chase. Hockey was 4 for 4 from the free-throw line and Chase 1 for 2. Gilligan and Weaver added baskets.
Kingston Woods led Alexander with 23 points, including three three-pointers. Austin Wakefield scored 11 points and Isiah Wright had 10.
The tournament is sponsored by the Batavia Lions Club.
LeRoy is now 6-3.
Press Release
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum located at 131 W. Main St. in Batavia for our first Trivia Night of 2026 on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.
In celebration of our nation's 250th birthday, come and test your knowledge of the amazing events that occurred in the year of the USA's founding.
Admission is 5,ドル or 3ドル for museum members. If you plan on attending, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to present the first Java with Joe E. event for 2026 on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 9 a.m. Museum Director Ryan Duffy will be presenting on a Founding Father with a local connection, Robert Morris.
Morris owned all of Western New York, and was responsible to selling it to the Holland Land Company. Before that he was a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Admission is free with coffee and donuts. If you plan to attend, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.Thank you to Tim Horton's of Batavia for sponsoring Java with Joe again for 2026.
Alabama-Basom Global Methodist Church, 1392 Lewiston Road, Alabama. Join us for worship at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 4. This week, the sermon title is "Turn to the Light," led by Rodney Stringham (CLM). God's Word is found in Ephesians 1:1-14 and John 1:9-18. Join us for worship and fellowship immediately after the church service.
Ascension Parish - Roman Catholic Church, 135 Swan St., Batavia. We are open for Mass in the church on Sundays at noon. We hope to see you there.
Assemblies of God - New Covenant Chapel, 6690 Oak Orchard Road, Elba. We welcome all seeking a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through his finished work on the cross with the power of the Holy Spirit. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." If you want a small, close-knit church family and a place to make a difference, please join us. Worship service is on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Bible study is on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact us at 585-757-6651 or 585-969-1528, or visit us on YouTube.
Batavia Assembly of God, 24 N. Spruce St., Batavia. Join us for coffee in our cafe before our Sunday morning service, which begins at 10:30 a.m. We offer "Movement Kids" (age 4 through grade 5) at 10:30 a.m. and "MVMT YTH" (grades 6-12), which meets Sunday nights at 7 p.m.
Batavia First Baptist Church, 306 E. Main St., Batavia. Pastor Rev. Williams. "Christ the Center, Love for All" is evident to all who enter. We invite you to our Full Gospel Sunday service at 10 a.m. The Thrift Shoppe is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - come browse in our newly renovated space. Donations are accepted during business hours. Questions? Email firstbaptist2002@yahoo.com or call 585-343-9002.
Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia. Join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 a.m. (Arise - relaxed with band music) or 10:45 a.m. (Sanctuary - liturgical and organ), or livestream via Facebook Live at both times at fpcbatavia.org or facebook.com/fpcbatavia/videos.
Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia. "To be disciples, we must listen, learn, lead and love our way to God." Pastor Marilyn Kasperek leads worship every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Child care is available for children from birth, and Sunday school is offered for children aged 4-14. Livestream available via Facebook. Learn more at www.bataviafirstumc.com.
Byron First Presbyterian Church, 6293 W. Main St., Byron. Pastor: Rev. Michael Fry. Musical Director: Laurence Tallman. Worship/Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. Scripture reading: Luke 2:22-35. This week's hero: Simeon. Happy New Year! All are welcome.
Calvary Baptist Church of Le Roy, 8703 Lake Street Road, Le Roy. If you do not already attend a church regularly, we invite you to give us a try. Join us for worship and fellowship on Sunday mornings or at one of our midweek events. We are a multigenerational congregation, singing both traditional and contemporary songs. Our Sunday worship begins at 10:15 a.m.
City Church, 210 E. Main St., Batavia. Join us for Sunday services at 8:30 and 10 a.m., with kids ministry at 10 a.m., and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Learn more at www.thecitychurch.com, on Facebook, or on our YouTube channel.
Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Alleghany Road, Corfu. Join us Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in person or via Facebook Live, led by Pastor Evan Wildhack. Children's Sunday school is held at 9:15 a.m.; youth group meets 6-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays. The Corfu Food Pantry is open on the third Saturday of each month from 9-10 a.m. Visit facebook.com/corfuchurch or call 585-599-6414 for info.
Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, 2583 Main Road, East Pembroke. Join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Glenn Bloom. Bible study is on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. We are a small, welcoming congregation. Call 585-762-8721 for details.
Darien Disciple Church, 1951 Broadway (Route 20). Worship service begins at 9 a.m. Prayer requests to Jerry at jeromedmorrison@yahoo.com . This week, Sunday, Jan. 4, the sermon title is "Joy To The World" led by Eric Phelps (CLM). Scripture readings will be from Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, and Matthew 2:1-12. The church will be celebrating Holy Communion. Come join us for worship. All are welcome to attend.
Discovery Chapel, 315 W. Main St., Batavia. Pastor Ingrim Green's service is on Sundays at 10 a.m. "Let's Talk Real Talk: The Gospel for Real Life." Visit letstalkrealtalk.org for more information.
East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany. Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m., led by the Rev. Dr. Shiela McCullough. For details, visit our Facebook page or email ebpresbyterian@gmail.com.
Elba First Baptist Church, 31 S. Main St., Elba. Join us for in-person worship at 10:45 a.m. Sunday. For more info, visit www.fbcelba.net or email office@fbcelba.net. Phone: 585-757-2722.
Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak St., Batavia. Sunday service at 11 a.m.; Bible study at 9:45 a.m. Pastor Tom continues preaching the Book of Acts. Debbie Prosser leads the choir music. Practices are on Thursdays. New members welcome.
EverPresent Church, 4 Batavia City Centre, Batavia. Pastors Jason and Michelle Norton welcome you. Midweek service: Wednesday at 6 p.m. Sunday service: 10:30 a.m. (doors open at 9:45 a.m.). Children's church follows worship (ages 5-11). For info: 585-297-3155 or www.everpresentchurch.com.
Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine St., Batavia. Sunday services at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. (children's classes available for both times). KidZone (ages 4-grade 5) and Grace Student Ministries (grades 6-12) meet Sundays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Livestream available on Facebook or www.gracebatavia.org.
Indian Falls Global Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Road, Corfu. We have our worship service at 10:00am on Sunday mornings, led by Rev. Karen L. McCaffery. This week's message is "No Longer My Own". To view our services online please go to our website https://indianfallsgmc.com/
for a link for Live Streaming. We offer Sunday School for all ages at 11:30am, after our worship service. Join us for a Hymn Sing on Sunday during our worship service at 10am. Our Youth Group meeting is on Sunday, January 4th from 6:30pm-8:00pm. We offer FREE Respite Care on Wednesday, January 21 from 10:00am-2:00pm; call 585-478-8188 to make reservations for your loved one.
Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Road, Stafford. Start the new year off with a wintery ride to our little country church and receive a warm welcome. Pastor James Morasco's sermon, "Peace, Faith and Love," will be shared with us. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be observed. Our "God is still speaking" church is located at 8466 Morganville Road. Friend us on Facebook! Or better yet, visit us this week.
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 516 Ellicott St., Batavia. Regular services with Pastor Jeremai Williams on Sundays at 11 a.m. Join the congregation on Sunday for a Christmas worship celebration, with a gift card raffle and musical performances. A meal will be served after the service.
North Darien Bible Church, 9768 Simonds Road, Corfu. Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m. Children's church is available for children aged birth through sixth grade, including a classroom for those with special needs. Join us on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon for our free community closet, offering clothing, coats and shoes. For more info, call 585-547-9646 or visit us online.
Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road (North Campus), Batavia. Every great narrative starts with unforgettable characters — and the Bible is no different. From the very beginning, God has worked through ordinary, flawed and fascinating people to carry out his extraordinary plan. Service times: Thursday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 and 11 a.m.
Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church, 2210 Judge Road, Oakfield. Sunday school for all ages begins at 9:45 a.m. Worship follows at 11 a.m. Visit www.oabchurch.com for info on beliefs, activities and past messages. Men's and women's Bible study meets on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Email Pastor Matt Ervin at mervin@tyndale.edu.
Oakfield Community Bible Church, 82 N. Main St., Oakfield. This week's Oakfield Community Bible Church weekend worship service is at 10:30 a.m. with praise and worship music by Keith Burroughs. The morning message and Communion by Pastor Timothy Young is entitled: "A New Beginning." Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NKJV). Adult Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m., along with Sunday school through age 16. There will be a time of fellowship following the worship service. Wednesday morning prayer at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. Men's breakfast Jan. 17 at 8 a.m. (call to register - free).
Our Lady of Mercy, 44 Lake St., Le Roy, and St. Brigid, 18 Gibson St., Bergen. Our Lady of Mercy holds daily Mass Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Weekend Masses: Saturday vigil at 4:30 p.m.; Sunday at 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. St. Brigid Masses: Thursday at 8:30 a.m. and Saturday vigil at 5 p.m. View on YouTube and Facebook. More info: www.ourladyofmercyleroy.org.
Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph Church), 303 E. Main St., Batavia. Masses at St. Joseph: Saturday at 4 p.m.; Sunday at 7:30 and 10 a.m. Weekday Mass: Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. Confession held Saturdays from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Holy Days by announcement. Holy Name of Mary (East Pembroke): Sunday at 11 a.m.; Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. St. Cecilia (Oakfield): Sunday at 9 a.m.; Wednesday at 7 p.m.
St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. Join us Sundays at 9 a.m. via Zoom, 10 a.m. in person, and live on Facebook. Service bulletins and Zoom links available at www.sjecbataviany.org.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy. In-person services are held at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Bread-only Communion is offered in seats. All are welcome to join in person or online. Visit our website for more info.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 6188 Main Road, Stafford. In-person service, including Holy Communion, is held on Sundays at 9 a.m. All are welcome.
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia. This coming Sunday (Jan. 4), we will celebrate The Epiphany of Our Lord (Observed). The sermon theme: "The Lord God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son." The Feast of the Epiphany centers in the visit of the Magi from the East. In that respect, it is a "Thirteenth Day" of Christmas, and yet it also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season. The Season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. As the Magi were guided by the promises of Holy Scripture to find and worship the Christ Child (Matt. 2:5-11), so does He call disciples from all nations by the preaching of His Word to worship Him within His Church (Is. 60:3-6). Sunday worship begins at 10:15 a.m. and can be viewed live on Facebook. Join us for our New Year's Eve service at 6:30 p.m. Communion is part of every Sunday service. Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. Our quilters group is every Tuesday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. See our website for our monthly calendar.
The Church in Alexander, 10540 Main St., Alexander. Join us for Sunday worship at 10 a.m. with children's church for pre-K through sixth grade. Adult Bible studies are available seasonally. Food pantry hours are Tuesday, 5-7 p.m., and Wednesday, 9-11 a.m. Contact us at 585-591-1765 or thechurchinalexander@gmail.com. For more information, visit https://thechurchinalexander.com/.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main St., Attica. Worship begins on Sundays at 10:45 a.m. All are welcome. To join via Zoom or submit prayer requests, contact Frank White at uncleferter@msn.com.
West Middlebury Baptist Church, 4950 W. Middlebury Road, East Bethany. Sunday service is at 9 a.m. Kids Club and Youth Group (grades 7-12) meet Sundays at 10:30 a.m.; youth also meet Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Info: westmiddlebury.org.
"Spiritual Connections" — The Batavian will post updates to connect people with their places of worship, religious services, fellowship opportunities and spiritual advisors. This service is provided at no charge. If you have information to announce, please email news@thebatavian.com.
Here are the Top 10 most viewed stories on The Batavian in 2025:
*The Ride of Steel accident seems to have gotten a lot of social media attention in 2025, especially in September, when there was a Reddit post about it in the sub r/todayilearned, which received more than 1,600 comments and was viewed more than 35,000 times.
Rather than a White Christmas, Batavia received a White New Year's Day. Somewhere between a foot and a foot-and-a-half of snow fell on Batavia in the past day or so.
Photos by Nick Serrata.
Photos by Nick Serrata.
Bergen property owner Gary Miller’s efforts to revitalize a village commercial property took a big step forward in early December when he opened The Wash House, a self-service laundromat on North Lake Avenue.
Miller opened the laundromat with the hope that it would signal that previously unused buildings could have a new purpose and benefit for Bergen residents.
Along with the laundromat came a hair salon in the back, owned by Miller and operated by independent stylists who work in the space. Miller said he used advertisements on Facebook to find stylists to fill it. The stylists, such as Carrie Rasnake, brought their clients to the new location.
In the same building, Miller serves as landlord for tenants renting the renovated apartment spaces above.
The laundromat includes nine washers and eight dryers and uses a card-scanning system and the Laundry Cat app for visitors to track their laundry's progress or check whether machines are available before they arrive.
"If you want to go grab a quick sweet bite next door or a piece of pizza, you can do that," Miller said. "And you don't have to guess when your laundry's done."
While he said the cashless system has been an adjustment for newcomers to the laundromat, he said people have generally taken to the app-based system.
Customers can also load money onto a reloadable card, which they can use when they visit.
"Everyone has come in with quarters, despite some marketing," Miller said. "But everyone's adapting to the new system."
Soon, the laundromat will also offer wash-and-fold service, though no one has been hired yet to handle it.
Miller said that while making his renovations to the space, his goal was to make the space feel like a comforting environment, a place where people want to be and where they don't dread needing to go.
"The atmosphere is almost as important as the deed that needs to be done, which is laundry," Miller said. "It doesn't have to be as much of a chore. Certain laundromats, you just don't want to go in there. Here, it feels more homey, and people have responded to that."
Miller said he has been asking for feedback and looking at Google reviews, and so far, the reviews have been promising.
One review, he said, told readers that the laundromat was unique to what was around it, its neighbors being popular dining establishments for Bergen residents.
Inside, the laundromat also features a mural. Miller said he wants the space to be a welcoming atmosphere for all customers.
"My goal was not only to expand my own business but also to create a space that meets the needs of Bergen residents and contributes to the village's ongoing development," Miller said.
Submitted photos
Batavia beat Alexander 58-49 on Tuesday in a round-one game of the Pete Arras Memorial Basketball Tournament, sponsored by the Batavia Lions Club, and played at Genesee Community College.
For Batavia, Gavin White scored 27 points and Isaac Varland, 12.
Leading Alexander was Kingston Woods with 14, Pierce Wright with 12, and Mason Snyder with 12.
Photos by Melissa Brooks
Notre Dame beat Le Roy 68-46 on Tuesday in a round-one game of the Pete Arras Memorial Basketball Tournament, sponsored by the Batavia Lions Club, at Genesee Community College.
No game summary was submitted by the coaches.
Photos by Pete Welker.
On New Year's Eve, a day-long snowfall felt like a belated Christmas present; for others, it was more drudgery to clear sidewalks and driveways in a bitingly cold afternoon.
Press Release
With additional snowfall expected today, combined with the snow and ice accumulation from previous days, the City reminds all residents and property owners of the importance of promptly shoveling and clearing adjacent sidewalks.
As schools are scheduled to reopen next week, it is critical that sidewalks are safe and passable to ensure students can travel to and from school without unnecessary risk. Clear sidewalks also allow pedestrians of all ages and abilities to use public walkways as they were intended—safely and without obstruction.
In addition to safety concerns, property owners are reminded that maintaining sidewalks is a legal responsibility. City Code § 159-8, "Snow on Sidewalks," requires that any land adjoining a public sidewalk shall be kept clear of snow and ice by the owner or occupant of the property.
The City appreciates the cooperation of residents and businesses in helping maintain safe, accessible walkways throughout the community during winter weather conditions.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe.
Bradley J. Baum, 55, of Hard Road, Webster, is charged with grand larceny 4th, and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Baum was arrested at 4:37 p.m. on Dec. 22 at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. He is accused of placing multiple items in a shopping cart and attempting to walk out of Walmart without paying, and then fleeing the parking lot. He was located in the Dick's Sporting Goods parking lot, where he allegedly refused to stop for deputies. After a brief foot pursuit, Baum was taken into custody. He was held for arraignment.
Megan D. Seymour, 35, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Seymour was arrested at 6:25 p.m. on Dec. 22. She is accused of leaving her children locked outside her residence for an undisclosed amount of time while she was allegedly passed out inside the residence due to intoxication. She was held for arraignment.
Adam W. Pearce, 42, of Slusser Road, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated 1st, and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 of 1% or more 1st. Pearce was arrested at 11:50 a.m. on Dec. 24 on Genesee Street, Darien. He is scheduled to appear in Darien Town Court on Jan. 13.
Salvatore C. Spinuzza, 35, of Tinkham Road, Darien, is charged with driving while intoxicated 1st, and criminal possession of a weapon 4th. Spinuzza was arrested at 6:22 p.m. on Dec. 12 on Broadway Road, Darien. He is accused of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and was also allegedly in possession of a weapon upon being taken into custody. He was held pending arraignment.
Josia G. Culver, 20, of Birchwood Drive, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Culver allegedly broke his cell window while incarcerated at Genesee County Jail at 6:15 p.m. on Dec. 23 at 3839 West Main Street Road, Batavia. He was held on other charges.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council will launch a new collective for artists interested in creating work using artificial intelligence.
AI Creatives will meet on the third Saturday of each month starting Feb. 21 at GO ART!'s location at 201 E. Main St., Batavia.
The sessions will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are free to attend.
Jodi Fisher, the program's contact, said the collective will be held in a roundtable format, where issues related to creating artwork with generative AI models will be discussed, including how to do so ethically.
Participants can show and share current work and processes, with each person given time to discuss their work and entertain questions.
The group will also discuss and learn about several platforms currently available, as well as new models emerging in the constantly evolving AI landscape.
"Let's dare to go where only others have dreamed," Fisher said. "If you can dream it, you can certainly conceive it."
Laura Dumuhosky, who joined the staff at RML in November of 2023, was promoted to Assistant Library Director in November of 2025. "Laura has been an invaluable asset to our team at Richmond Memorial Library," shared Library Director Samantha Stryker. "She brought a wealth of knowledge from her background in academic libraries and has improved many processes and cultivated staff development here at Richmond over the last two years." Dumuhosky also holds the role of Media Services Librarian, with responsibility for the AV collection at the library.
The Richmond Memorial Library also filled a vacancy for the Non-Fiction and IT Librarian in December, hiring Gabriel Fox. Gabriel previously worked for the Niagara Falls Public Library, as well as Buffalo and Erie County Public Libraries. "Gabriel has a strong background in programming and we're excited to see more tech-related programs as he moves into this role," says Stryker. "He seems to be a natural fit so far on our team and has a great rapport with patrons."
Elizabeth Beardslee, who previously worked as the Non-Fiction and IT Librarian, is now the Community and Adult Services Librarian, stepping into that role after Stryker's promotion to Library Director. Beardslee has been with the library since 2019 and has led several large projects to update library computers and other technology, as well as introducing new adult programming such as a Dungeons and Dragons group.
"We've had a lot of change with our professional staff over the last several months, mostly in their roles here at the library and our new hire. Our adult services team is fantastic and I'm excited to see how they'll work together to develop programming over the next year," said Stryker.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C–Batavia) today commented on the Department of Motor Vehicles' (DMV) announcement of new Gold Star Family license plates. The new plates will give qualifying family members a meaningful way to honor the service and sacrifice of their fallen loved ones and will be offered alongside the existing Gold Star Mothers license plate.
Assemblyman Hawley's bill, A.2334, has long supported efforts to waive registration fees for Gold Star parents and family members who apply for commemorative plates. He welcomed the unveiling of the new plates and thanked DMV Commissioner and former state Assembly colleague Mark Schroeder for his work in making them available to Gold Star Families across New York. Hawley also said he plans to amend his bill to ensure the DMV includes this new plate when waiving registration fees for eligible Gold Star Families.
Qualifying family members can order the new plates now by visiting the DMV's website.
"I'm proud to see the DMV take this important step supporting our state's Gold Star Families and my legislation and providing them with another way to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Hawley. "One of my goals as an assemblyman has been to ensure these plates are accessible and affordable for qualifying families. This announcement marks real progress, and I look forward to continuing to work with Commissioner Schroeder and my colleagues in Albany to make sure Gold Star Families will be able to obtain these plates for no registration fee."
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