Community Corner

🌱 What’s behind the long list of recent Batavia police arrests?

You won't want to miss Beginner Drawing Classes with Dr Cristiano Pereira on the Batavia Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Hey hey Batavia! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What’s behind the long list of recent Batavia police arrests?
  • Want to meet a Batavia artist with 60 years of work?
  • How $25.5M in state funds could transform Batavia’s blind school

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Bataviafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A bit of afternoon rain, with a high of 47 and low of 35 degrees.
  • Friday: Rain/snow showers, up to 1", temps: high: 41, low: 23.
  • Saturday: Cloudy, with a high of 45 and low of 25 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Police report for Dec. 17 (thedailynewsonline.com) — Batavia city police reported a busy period of arrests, including multiple local residents charged with weapon possession, unlawful imprisonment, theft, and several DWIs on streets like North Spruce, Tracy Avenue, Bank Street, and Willow Street. The blotter also lists people cited for trespassing, drug possession, and failing to appear in court, reflecting a wide range of recent incidents.
   

Find out what's happening in Bataviafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. ARTiculations Exhibit to feature Batavia artist at Independent Living (thebatavian.com) — Batavia residents can look forward to a new ARTiculations Ability Exhibition featuring longtime Batavia artist Llana Cowie at Independent Living of the Genesee Region on West Main Street, opening Jan. 1, 2026. The free show, highlighting artists with disabilities, runs through March 31 with a Jan. 7 reception where Cowie will discuss her six decades of creative work.
   

3. Regents budget seeks $67M for Finger Lakes schools, libraries, and blind campus upgrades (rochesterfirst.com) — Batavia’s New York State School for the Blind could see $25.5 million in state-funded infrastructure upgrades to fix water damage, cooling failures, and safety hazards. The Regents’ proposal also boosts funding for Finger Lakes libraries, College in High School programs, and Universal Pre-K, but all still depends on final state budget approval by April 1.
   

4. Joe Chindano Jr. gets 1,000th driving win at Batavia Downs (thedailynewsonline.com) — A big milestone in local harness racing just happened at Batavia Downs, where driver Joe Chindano Jr. notched his 1,000th career win during Wednesday night’s card. The 23-year-old, introduced to the sport by his parents, capped the night with four total victories, continuing a career that started at Goshen and New York county fairs.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This time of year, it's hard to get out and explore.
    But the New York State Office for the Aging is working with our partners at Discover LIVE to bring the world to you through virtual, LIVE world tours… (Nextdoor )
  • Just announced: NYSOFA and Selfhelp Community Services are providing free access to the Virtual Senior Center for any older adult in New York State.
    Read our press release to learn more about this great platform to help older adults stay connected — which is especially important and timely during… (Nextdoor )
  • Old Navy, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate - Batavia Towne Center in Batavia. Apply here.
  • Wendy's posted a job opening for Crew Member NY in Batavia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Batavia here.

Ok Batavia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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