WBTA

Pete Zehler

February 12, 2026

Thursday News Brief

Batavia Builds Budget ‘From the Ground Up,’ Targets Infrastructure and Efficiency Batavia’s proposed 2026-27 budget isn’t built on automatic percentage increases. City Manager Rachael Tabelski says every department starts from scratch, reviewing each line item individually. In the Wastewater Fund, that includes lift station repairs, new bay heaters, a remote-control...

Pete Zehler

February 11, 2026

Wednesday News Brief

Preschool costs put pressure on Genesee County Health budget Preschool special education is the most expensive program run by the Genesee County Health Department, largely due to transportation costs. Director Paul Pettit says the county will spend about 1.1 million dollars on preschool services in 2026, including a 145-thousand-dollar increase...

Pete Zehler

February 10, 2026

Tuesday News Brief

Genesee County arrests include assault, false reporting, and probation drug charges Several arrests across Genesee County over the past week involved violent incidents, false emergency calls, and drug offenses. Aavion Bethel, 21, of Middlebury, is charged with assault 3rd degree and criminal mischief following a reported domestic incident in Bethany...

Pete Zehler

February 9, 2026

Monday News Brief

Genesee County hires lobbying firm to push back on large-scale solar projects Genesee County officials are bringing in outside help as they push back against large solar projects approved at the state level. With preliminary approval from the Ways and Means Committee, the county plans to hire the Martin Group...

Pete Zehler

February 6, 2026

Friday News Brief

Albany Man Faces New Rape Charge; Batavia Woman Arrested in Fentanyl Case An Albany man previously convicted of child rape is facing a newly reported rape charge in Genesee County. Leonard Hahn IV, 26, of Walnut Street in Albany, was arrested Jan. 29 and arraigned in Genesee County Court. Prosecutors...

Pete Zehler

February 5, 2026

Thursday News Brief

BATAVIA COUNCIL REVIEWS NEW JOBS, BUDGET PRESSURES AT WORKSHOP New job proposals and rising costs were front and center Tuesday as Batavia City Council reviewed portions of the proposed $37.2 million budget for 2026–27. One major request comes from the Fire Department, where Chief Josh Graham is seeking a new...