10/24/2025
CJ Country Local News for Fri, October 24
A driver goes through the front doors of a store in Batavia. Police say the male driver’s foot slipped off the brake and hit the gas while he was trying to park, sending the vehicle fully into Maurices clothing store on Lewiston Road in Batavia Thursday afternoon. Several customers were inside at the time, but noone was hurt. Both the driver and passenger were cleared of impairment. The store was closed by City Code Enforcement until repairs are completed. No tickets are expected to be issued.
Fire causes damage to a garage in the Town of Freedom. According to the Wyoming County Office of Emergency Management, the 20x24 unattached garage on Route 98 was well involved with flames upon the arrival of firefighters. Crews prevented the house that was nearby from receiving any damage. Eight baby chickens perished in the blaze. Officials say the cause of the fire was due to a heat lamp. Damage is estimated at $15,000. There were no injuries reported.
A reported theft at a business in Geneseo has two Steuben County residents facing felony charges. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says an investigation determined that 26yo Dawson Bergeron and 27yo Shaian Koschara, both of Arkport, had stolen more than $3,000 worth of property from the business. The pair were arrested on felony grand larceny charges. Bergeron and Koschara were arraigned at the Livingston County Jail and released on their own recognizance, as the charges do not qualify for bail under New York State bail reform laws.
A Batavia man is accused of violating an order of protection. According to Batavia Police 38yo Tierrance Davis was inside a residence in violation of that order. He was arrested for Burglary and Criminal Contempt. Davis was also arrested on an unrelated Bench Warrant. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.
As the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week, New York’s U.S. senators are urging action to extend health care subsidies that have become a central point of contention. Senator Charles Schumer warns that New Yorkers could face a health care crisis when open enrollment begins November 1st, with many families potentially paying thousands more per month without Affordable Care Act tax credits. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand emphasizes that Americans ages 50–64 would be hit hardest if the subsidies expire, noting that this group represents more than half of those who would lose assistance. Meanwhile, Congressman Nick Langworthy blames Schumer for prolonging the shutdown, accusing him of blocking government funding and harming families for political reasons.
Wall Street profits are giving the state a boost. According to a report by New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, the boost comes from the securities industry earning $30.4 billion in the first half of 2025 and potentially surpassing $60 billion for the full year. Strong trading activity, AI-driven dealmaking, and supervisory fees fueled a 30.7% year-over-year profit increase despite economic uncertainty. Employment and pay in the industry remain high, with average annual salaries in New York City reaching over $500,000 and bonuses expected to grow further. These gains are providing a major fiscal boost, contributing billions in tax revenue and reinforcing Wall Street’s crucial role in New York’s economy.
Early voting in New York state begins Saturday. It will run through November 2nd. New Yorkers must vote at their assigned early voting site, which may be different from their Election Day polling site. The general election will take place November 4th. To look up your early polling place, go to voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.
Early voting kicks off Saturday. This is for the November 4th general election. In Genesee County, early voting will be at the ARC Community Center on Woodrow Road in Batavia. It will run Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5; Monday from 9 to 5; Tuesday & Wednesday from noon to 8; Thursday & Friday from 9 to 5; and November 1st & 2nd from 9 to 5. In Livingston County, early voting will take place at the Livingston County Government Center on Court Street in Geneseo. Hours will be Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5; Monday from 9 to 5, Tuesday 10 to 9, Wednesday 9 to 5; Thursday from 10 to 8, Friday 9 to 5; and November 1st & 2nd from 9 to 5. In Wyoming County, early voting takes place at the Wyoming County Board of Elections on Perry Avenue in Warsaw. Times are Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5; Monday and Tuesday from 8 to 4; Wednesday and Thursday from 8 to 8; Friday from 8 to 4; and November 1st & 2nd from 9 to 5. For more information, contact your county board of elections office or check out their website, or visit voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.
Some key information ahead of early voting. New York Attorney General Letitia James issued guidance, reminding New Yorkers of their voting rights and key election information ahead of the start of early voting in the November 2025 general election. The Office of the Attorney General’s Election Protection Hotline will be available to troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters from Saturday, October 25th through Wednesday, November 5th. New Yorkers can contact the Election Protection Hotline by either calling (866) 390-2992 or submitting a complaint online at electionhotline.ag.ny.gov.
This Saturday is national prescription drug take back day. Law enforcement around the area will operate drop-off centers to collect unused prescription drugs. It's estimated 70% of people who abuse prescription painkillers got them from friends or relatives who originally received the medication from a prescription. The centers will be open Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm. It is free and anonymous. For a list of drop-off sites go to dea.gov/takebackday.
Communities across the region, and across the country, are encouraging you to clean out your medicine cabinet. This Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It runs from 10am to 2pm. The goal is to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unwanted or outdated prescription drugs. The event also teaches the public about the potential for abuse of the medications. To find a collection site and event near you for this Saturday, go to dea.gov/takebackday.
Scott Gardner, president and CEO of the Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism for 12 years, is leaving his position. He announced that he will become the executive director of the Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency. In a letter to Chamber members, Gardner expressed gratitude for their support and said he looks forward to continuing to serve the community in his new role. The IDA Board of Directors selected Gardner from six candidates and officially offered him the position during its annual meeting in September. Gardner, a lifelong Warsaw resident with extensive public service and economic development experience, will succeed James Pierce, who has led the IDA since 2013. The Chamber’s Board of Directors is developing a transition plan, and Gardner praised the staff and volunteers for their professionalism and dedication during the changeover.
Saturday kicks off the hunting and trapping season for fur bearing animals. According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation the season includes bobcats, foxes, raccoons and fishers. Coyote hunting season has already been underway in much of the state since October 1st. For rules and regulations for New York’s hunting and trapping season, visit dec.ny.gov.
The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism office announces the 2025 award winners for businesses of the year. The Chamber again invited the public to nominate businesses, and the Board of Directors voted on the finalists based on several great nominations in each category. This year’s awardees are: Small Business of the Year – Breezeway Barns & Garden in Perry; Large Business of the Year – Sunrise Courts in Warsaw; Agri-Business of the Year – LandPro Equipment in Warsaw/Silver Springs; Tourism Attraction of the Year – Perry Chalk Art Festival in Perry; Tourism Business of the Year – Farmcraft Brewery in Strykersville; Most Promising New Business of the Year – Country Belle Farm Market in Perry and Laura’s Cakes and More in Arcade; And Woman in Business Award – Suzanne Koson-Schuster, Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home in Perry. The Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce will host the annual awards reception at Farmcraft Brewery in Strykersville Thursday, November 13th, beginning at 5 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend the event. Dinner tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased online at wycochamber.org or by phone at 585-786-0307.
