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Thomas Rocket Car returns to Batavia after fabrication work in Caledonia

By Howard B. Owens

Dick McClurg was excited to see the Thomas Rocket Car return to his shop on West Main Street Road, Batavia, today, after more than five months under the care of Josh Quick in Caledonia.

Quick fabricated all of the sheet metal parts, such as replacing a fender and the floorboard, that is needed to help restore the concept car designed by Charles Thomas and built by Thomas and Norm Richardson in Batavia in 1938. 

Once the car is fully restored it will be donated to the City of Batavia.

Quick put in 320 hours of work on the car and McClurg said he went above and beyond what he was asked to do.

"You haven't left any work for me," McClurg joked.

McClurg said what Quick did confirms there is a God because Quick is an angel, adding, "the ugliest angel I've ever seen, but an angel."

Next for McClurg, filling and sanding parts of the body that aren't yet smooth. There's still work to do on the trunk and hood, and of course it needs to be primed and painted and the interior restored.

There's still a lot of work to do.

Sheriff congratulates first class to complete law enforcement Teen Academy

By Howard B. Owens

Luke Rindell is congratulated by Deputy Matthew Butler, middle, and Sheriff William Sheron during the graduation Friday of the first class to complete the new Teen Academy in law enforcement presented by the Sheriff's Office at Byron-Bergen High School.

Rindell was the only student in the 14-member class to score 100 on his final exam.

Below, a press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office about the academy:

“I am pleased to announce that the First Teen Academy was an extreme success," Sheriff William Sheron said. "The students were provided with the opportunity to experience the various roles of law enforcement in our community, and they eagerly embraced all aspects of the curriculum.

"I want to thank the students for their hard work and dedication and to all those that provided instruction throughout this weeklong program. A special thank you to the Academy Director, Deputy Matthew R. Butler, and deputies Chad P. Cummings and Deborah L. Snyder for their assistance and efforts in coordinating such a unique, one-of-a-kind experience for the students.

"We look forward to hosting the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Teen Academy on an annual basis for students throughout Genesee County."

The following participants are graduates of the First Annual Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Teen Academy:

  • Class captains -- Brandon Kowalski, Devon Reigle and Morgan Rhodes;
  • Zachary Babcock;
  • Cameron Buck;
  • Shaina Dejesus;
  • Bailey Faucett;
  • Ethan Pocock;
  • Luke Rindell;
  • Noah Toal;
  • Shawn Turner;
  • Gianni Vallese;
  • Alessandra Wolf;
  • Jayson Yauchzee.

Previously: There's no slack in training for first group of students going through law enforcement Teen Academy

YMCA's Kickball Tournament is Aug. 11, will help fund families' Get Fit Program, register by Aug. 1

By Billie Owens

The YMCA is sponsoring a Kickball Tournament on Aug. 11 at the Batavia High School athletic fields to benefit the Healthy Children and Families Coalition.

Rain date is Sunday, Aug. 12.

Funds raised will assist the coalition in providing local families with the Y's Get Fit Program at no cost. 

There will be Family Teams of all ages playing, as well as Adult Teams for ages 16 and older.

Entry fee is $100 per team of eight to 10 players.

Deadline to register is Aug. 1.

Register by stopping by the YMCA at 209 E. Main St. in Batavia or by calling 344-1664.

On the day of the tournament, registration sign-in begins at 9 a.m. and kickoff is at 10. Batavia HS is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

Chicken BBQ will be available for $10, tickets presale or day of tournament. Buy presale tickets at the Batavia Youth Bureau, 12 MacArthur Drive, Batavia (Phone is 345-6470.).

Second annual Bray's Day of Play community charity fundraiser is Aug. 11 at Elba Village Park

By Billie Owens
The Brayden Salvetarra Memorial Fund was established to honor young Brayden and give back to the community after his sudden passing in January 2017.
 
On Saturday, Aug. 11, the second annual Bray's Day of Play fundraiser will be held from 12 - 5 p.m. at the Elba Village Park in Elba.
 
This is a free family event and the proceeds benefit a number of local charities and organizations.
 
The day will include bounce houses, face painting, magic shows, games, food, candy and treats, a photo booth, local vendors, a silent auction full of goodies from local businesses, and a corn-hole tournament for the adults.
 
2017 Brayden Salvaterra Memorial Fund beneficiaries:
  • $2,000 donation to Elba Fire Department (first-responders for Brayden);
  • $1,000 each scholarships in Brayden's Honor to Elba Central School seniors --  Yessica V. and John Z.; 
  • $1,000 donation to Elba Helping Hands;
  • $350 Elba Elementary Student Council assembly;
  • $300 donation to local Boy Scouts & Boy Scouts Easter Egg Hunt;
  • $300 donation to Elba Central School for Christmas gifts;
  • $250 donation to Sunshine Nursery School;
  • $500 donation to Elba Village Park;
  • $500 donation to Elba Betterment Committee;
  • Field trip to Strong Museum of Play for Elba Elementary kindergarten class;
  • Pizza party on Brayden’s birthday for the Class of 2029.

Alzheimer's Association offers seminar on warning signs, also caregiver support groups and respite available

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Alzheimer’s Association® Western New York Chapter is offering a number of programs and services across Genesee County in August. These programs are free and open to the public.

Haxton Memorial Library at 3 North Pearl Street in Oakfield will host "Know the Ten Warning Signs: Early Detection Matters" at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 29.

This program will focus on recognizing potential warning signs of memory problems because early diagnosis is critical to ensure that families can plan for the future together, take advantage of available resources and take part in social engagement programs where they can interact and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Additionally, the Chapter trains facilitators to lead several monthly caregiver support groups across the county, which allow caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges and hear advice for overcoming them:

Batavia:

  • 3rd  Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. – Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St.
  • 3rd Thursday at 1 p.m. – Genesee County Office for the Aging, 12 Bank St.

Le Roy:

  • 2nd Monday at 2 p.m. – The Greens of Le Roy, 1 West Ave.

Telephone Support Group:

  • 2nd Wednesday from 12:10-12:55 p.m. – For more information, call the Genesee County Office for the Aging at (585) 343-1611

A community social program, or respite, is also available every month in Corfu. This program provides relief to those who care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia and offers them some time to refresh and recharge, while their loved one is engaged in social activities in a safe environment.

Indian Falls United Methodist Church at 7908 Allegany Road offers a respite service on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. For more information, call Celinda McQuiston at (585) 762-9105.

To learn more about other Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, contact the WNY Chapter office at 1.800.272.3900.

Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden raise $400 to support local YWCA

By Billie Owens

Pictured from left are: Ellen Bachorski, Carol Grosso, Millie Tomidy-Pepper, and Barb Toal.

Submitted photo and press release:

On Tuesday, July 23rd, officers of the Friends of Batavia Peace Garden presented Millie Tomidy-Pepper, director of the YWCA, with a donation in the amount of $400.

The gift came as a result of a hot dog sale fundraiser hosted by the Peace Garden committee on Saturday, July 7th.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to this outstanding organization that does so much for our community," said Barb Toal, co-president of the Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden. "When the going gets tough we need to stick together. Our community needs the services of the YWCA. We want to support that and do our part.”

Tomidy-Pepper was delighted to receive such a generous donation and stressed that “the mission of the YWCA is to eliminate racism and empower women. We will strive to keep this mission alive and going."

The Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden gained nonprofit status in 2013. They continue to partner with other community organizations including Domestic Violence Against Children, Holland Land Office Museum, United Way and Crossroads House.

"Although the Garden is a thing of beauty it also symbolizes a sense of pride for this community and all who dwell here," Toal said. "It takes a lot of effort to maintain it. Volunteers are needed. If you enjoy gardening we have just the right spot for you. An hour or two of your time once a week can make a big difference.”

Visit www.bataviapeacegarden.com or text 585-300-9252.

Grandma’s Luv’n Care announces closure

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Grandma’s Luv’n Care is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization located in Batavia. The facility is a childcare and developmental center established in 2005 with the mission to help children grow physically, socially and emotionally in a loving environment. The daycare center currently employs 21 staff and provides care for 59 children.

Managing a not-for-profit daycare in today’s economy has become increasingly challenging. Minimum wages have risen each year for the last two years and further minimum wage increases are planned at the end of this year, and each year thereafter through at least 2020. Other operating costs have also risen with typical inflation. Appropriately, the childcare industry is also highly regulated and staffing ratios must be maintained in order to provide optimal care to the children.

The Board and management team of Grandma’s Luv’n Care have taken numerous steps over the past two years to manage the financial pressures of operating the daycare. However, when all factors are combined, the economics of keeping the center open are no longer viable. The Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to close the facility on Aug. 31st.

The Board highly values its staff and the children and families it has served for many years and felt it was imperative they provide adequate notice of the closure. As such, notification of the closure was provided this week to allow families time to seek care for their children and staff time to seek other employment.

Musicians repay the owners of the Stumblin' Inn for their open doors with one more night of local music

By Howard B. Owens

Jim Goff never knew. For decades the Stumblin' Inn in Elba was a haven for local musicians. He knew he was having fun. He didn't know what it meant to the musicians he nurtured and the community that followed them.

Now he knows.

A fire destroyed the storied watering hole the second Sunday of the July, despite a valiant effort by the Elba Volunteer Fire Department and their mutual aid companies to save the 143-year-old building. Jim and his brother Steve, or Stork to everybody who knew him, were asleep upstairs when the alarm went out. They were alerted in time to make a safe escape.

They found themselves on the sidewalks of their small village surrounded by friends and neighbors sharing their tears.

"I never knew until this happened how much it meant to the community," Goff said shortly after arriving Thursday at an open mic night in a park across the street, next to the Elba Fire Hall.

More than 150 local musicians and music fans had gathered for what is likely the last open mic night for the Stumblin' Inn, a Thursday night tradition for years.

"Musicians have always been my people," Goff said. "That’s who I relate to, that’s who I feel comfortable around. We started an open mic in the 1980s and did it off and on. Musicians just liked to hang out there. It felt like home to everyone. We had a lot of bands who called that place home."

Standing next to Goff was local musician Doug Barnard. He said Barnard and his band Southbound were responsible for helping Goff recognize the value of local bands to his bar business.

"They said 'Give us a chance,' " Goff said. " 'We guarantee we'll pack this place.' They told me that about three times so I gave them a chance. They packed the place for five years. I realized maybe this local band thing is a pretty cool thing to embrace."

It all worked, Goff said, because he and his brother kept their priorities straight.

"It’s all about having fun," Goff said. "If you’re having fun, you’re going to make money. Money and fun, it all goes together."

As for the future, that's still a blank slate.

"All the experts say you don’t make big decisions right away," Goff said. "You let things sink in. There’s certainly some pressure to rebuild. Age is definitely a factor. We honestly don’t know. I would say we’re leaning toward probably not, but who knows? I’m not going to say no because I don’t know. I honestly don’t know."

Top photo: Goff as he arrived at Thursday's open mic night, hugging local musician Dylan Desmit, who helped organize the fundraiser for the Goffs with co-host Paul Draper.

Ray Ray was always there for you, say members of slain man's family at vigil

By Howard B. Owens

Those who made it a habit to read arrest reports locally have come across the name Raymond Lee Morgan a few times over the years but that public profile paints an unfair picture of the man, his friends and family said during a vigil in his honor yesterday outside 111 Liberty St., where he was murdered on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old had a big, loving heart, said his sister, Natalie Urbanski (top photo).

"He had seven grandkids," Urbanski said. "He had sisters. He had family. He’s always there, no matter what. You needed something he would be there to help you and it seems like no one wants to hear that."

The vigil was, as Victor Thomas put it, a celebration of Ray Morgan's life, but Thomas and others also made pleas for anybody who knows anything to help the police solve the murder case, and for Batavia to come together.

"He would want us to come together and spread the same love that he spread," Thomas said.

With arms wide open he said, "I want to spread love today because that is what Ray did and that is who he was. He didn’t deserve to go out like this. Nobody does. So at the end of the day, if anybody knows anything they need to say something because my man didn’t deserve this."

Then he looked to the sky and addressed Morgan, "I know you're up there and I know you're looking down on this. Something’s got to give, bra. This stuff in Batavia has got to stop. This isn’t what it was. We’ve got to get back to what it was."

Natalie Urbanski said Morgan was "one of a kind."

"He was a sweet loving man who did not need to go out the way he did," she said. 

She also made a plea for anybody with information to come forward and help the police solve Morgan's murder.

"His daughters, his grandkids, his loved ones, his aunt, his mother, need some type of closure," Urbanski said. "Let’s not let this be a cold case. Let this be solved immediately."

And she included a plea for Batavia come together.

"Batavia you need to come back as one, as we were before," she said. "All of this violence and nonsense, senseless killings is not who were are. We are not the city. We are Batavia."

Dionne Thomas also recalled Morgan's kind, loving ways.

"I remember the Christmas he told the kids he was going to kidnap Santa Claus," Thomas said. "The kids were really scared that Uncle Ray Ray was going to kidnap Santa Claus. He said if he didn’t leave no presents on Hall Street there wasn’t going to be no Christmas. The kids woke up on Christmas, Santa visited Hall Street. Uncle Ray Ray made sure Santa was on Hall Street. That’s who he was for us all."

People know he had problems in his past, Thomas said, but his murder was just senseless.

"No matter what was done in the past doesn’t justify what was done to him," Thomas said. "No one deserves that, especially not Ray. We all know that."

Funeral arrangments have been made for Morgan. Calling hours will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at H.E. Turner, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, with a funeral service at 1 p.m.  (Full Obituary)

Previously:

Victor Thomas

Matt Green, pouring a 40 in honor of Ray Morgan.

Nicole Griffen

Victor Thomas with Jeff Hull and Lamar Randall.

Ray Morgan with his seven grandchildren (photo used with permission of his daughters).

The bar formerly known as Billy Goats will close its doors for the last time Tuesday night

By Howard B. Owens

There will be drink specials at the tavern formerly known as Billy Goats, 345 W. Main St., Batavia, on Tuesday because the bar won't open again on Wednesday, or Thursday, or Friday, any other day after that unless some entrepreneur wants to sign a lease and open a new nightspot.

Owner John Spyropoulos wants to eliminate his existing inventory of booze because he's decided his family is more important than trying to run two demanding businesses by himself.

His father, Steve Spyropoulos, died May 11, at age 66. John said Steve wasn't just his father. He was his best friend and his business partner. 

"There's a lot of ground to cover and it's physically straining on me," Spyropoulos said during a conversation at Settler's Family Restaurant. "There are late nights there, early morning here. I have a family at home. I have two boys who are 14 and I've got a daughter. She's 5. You know something's got to give sooner or later; I prefer it not to be with my family."

Steve Spryopoulos arrived in the United States at age 19 with just the suitcase in his hand. He made his way to Batavia, started a family, and built two successful businesses. John is proud of his father's legacy and knows how much he loved running the bar, but the two businesses are too taxing and require too many incompatible hours to be managed by one person.  

Settler's is the primary family business and the one Spryopoulos really wants to run. If he couldn't do both, closing the bar made the most sense.

"It needs to be done," Spryopoulos. "You know I feel bad for the employees. We had good help over there, three employees, good employees. They've been there for a long time and I feel bad for them but they understand."

While most people still know the bar as Billy Goats, Steve and John officially changed the name about a year ago to The Goht. Now, with the business being shut down, Spryopoulos is open to talking with anybody with the wherewithal to run a bar business about leasing the building. Or he will lease it for office space. The one thing he's not going to do, he said, is sell the property. He'll put it to some use if he can't lease it.

When Spryopoulos broke the news that The Goht would be closing, one bartender today told him he made a decision his father would encourage.

"She said to me that my dad's biggest concern for me was that I would not spend enough time with my family," Spryopoulos said. "She told me, 'your father always worried about you and your family. He wanted to make sure you spent enough time with your family.' So, you know, when a bartender tells me that, that means something."

It's still a sad decision, Spryopoulos said, because he also knows the bar meant a lot to his father and just walking into the place reminds him of his dad.

"My dad touched a lot of lives over there," Spryopoulos said. "He made a lot of friends. The imprint he left on people is incredible. It says a lot."

When you run your own business there are no off hours. Running two of them is especially difficult; and bars and restaurants come with many headaches and worries you never escape. Spryopoulos said he's had no time to really come to grips with the loss of his father

"I haven't even had a chance to cope with my father's death since he passed away May 11," he said. "You get through the funeral. You get through everything. Then it's right back to work. There's no time coping, no time for myself and for my family."

Spryopoulos picked Tuesday to close down because that's the final day of the current liquor license and he decided not to renew it.

"I don't want people to think, 'oh he couldn't handle it on his own,' " Spryopoulos said. "Or saying my dad passed away and now I'm giving up. I'm not giving up. You just have to pick your battles. I'm working here six, seven days a week, from seven or eight in the morning to five or six in the evening. I've got to worry about over there and I've got my wife and kids at home. That's only going to last so long. Something has got to give."

The Goht will be open Tuesday from 4 to 11 p.m. with DJ Kevin providing entertainment. There will be "HUGE" drink specials Spryopoulos said.

Garden Talk at Cornell Extension is the first Tuesday of the month starting Aug. 7

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for our monthly garden series, “Garden Talk.”

Taught by Master Gardeners, programs will be held from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month. Bring your lunch to the CCE office at 420 E. Main St, Batavia and join us.

This free series is open to the public. Registration is not required.

On Aug. 7 check out “Autumn Awesomeness.” Fall is a great time to garden after so many of summer's challenges are past.

If you'd like a garden filled with Autumn Awesomeness, we have a few ideas to get you started right away. Late interest plants are important, but there's more, and that "more" will make your garden sing year round.

Sept. 4 drop in for “Tips on Ticks.” Learn about which ticks you may find in your backyard or farther afield. With tick encounters on the rise learn how to identify a tick, what diseases they may carry and how to protect yourself and your family from being bitten by a tick.

Oct. 2 finds us exploring “A Witch's Garden.” Witches were once considered wise women and healers.

They used plants they grew or found in their environment to cure ills as well as cast spells. You, too, may have your very own witch's garden...come explore the folklore and plants of the witch.

On Nov. 6 we will wrap up the Garden Talk year with a demonstration on how to make an outdoor greens display for the winter. Get ideas for a creating a container that can take you past the holidays and look good all winter.

Future topics and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website here. Contact 343-3040, ext. 101, for more information about this or other CCE programs.

Local musicians try to tear down stigmas about mental illness, will perform Monday at Kingdom Bound

By Billie Owens

From a press release and other sources:

Tetelestai, an alternative metal band with members from Genesee County and Buffalo, will be performing at next week's Kingdom Bound festival at Darien Lake Amusement Park.

Founded in 2015 as a worship project, the band consists of: Ronnie Shrock, from Buffalo -- vocals; Andrew Perkins, from Stafford -- rhythm guitar; Paul Mitro, from Buffalo -- lead guitar; Marci Jonathan, from Batavia -- bass; and Nate Jonathan, from Elba -- drums.

Tetelestai will be playing on the Awaken stage inside the park at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 30th.

The band's name derives from the Greek for “It is finished,” which is found only twice in the New Testament: In the Gospel of John (19:28 and 19:30) and nowhere else in the New Testament. According to John's Gospel, those were the last words spoken by Jesus of Nazareth, uttered before his death by crucifixion at Golgotha.

The band spreads a message of hope and love through their music and works to tear down the stigmas associated with mental illnesses.

Their music features heavy guitar riffs, breakdowns, double bass, and the occasional scream, although at heart there's the stillness of the worshipper. Their message of forgiveness, self-worth, love and hope is relayed with high energy and remarkable brashness that would be hard to forget.

Their sophomore album “Anxiety,” which is set to release this fall, delves into issues such as depression, suicidal thoughts, and of course, anxiety. The first single release from that album, "Good for the Soul," is out now.

Their music, including the new single "Good for the Soul," can be found on any music streaming platform or through their website at www.tetelestaiband.com

The Christian music festival at Darien Lake, which runs from July 29 to Aug. 1, will also feature top national Christian artists Toby Mac, Casting Crowns, Mandisa, Danny Gokey and for King & Country -- a total of more than 40 artists and speakers. Organizers expect the largest crowd in over half a decade to attend, bringing people in from across the United States and Canada, not only for the music but also lots of family-friendly activities.

About Kingdom Bound: 

Kingdom Bound Ministries Inc. exists to present the Gospel through a variety of art forms including concerts, outreaches and an annual performing arts festival; to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to encourage believers in their walk with God.

To purchase tickets or find out more information about the festival go to www.kingdombound.org/festival

Le Roy American Legion to hold ceremony to dispose of worn U.S. flags Aug. 5 at Northwoods Sportsmen Club

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Sunday, Aug. 5, the Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion in Le Roy will be conducting the fourth annual Ceremony for the Disposal of Unserviceable Flags.
 
The ceremony will take place at the Northwoods Sportsmen Club, located at 8402 Gulf Road in Le Roy.
 
Anyone with flags that need to be disposed of may drop them off at the American Legion Post, located at 53 W. Main St.
 
Anyone interested in attending and joining in this ceremony are invited to be at the Northwoods Sportsman Club at 1 o’clock sharp, with the ceremonial presentation conducted by the Post Commander, followed immediately with the burning of the flags.

Elmwood Avenue Siamese cat is missing for the second time this week

By Billie Owens

No, readers, your eyes do not deceive you. This photo is of a missing Siamese cat -- the very one and the same Siamese cat we alerted you to on Monday, July 23.

Little Mr. Smarty Britches -- actually his name is Kia, which is pronounced K-eye with a long i -- escaped his habitat again and is missing for the second time this week.

He is about 4 years old and is described as having "blue eyes, light brown body, black face."

He has been summering on Elmwood Avenue in the city at his owner's mother's house, in other words, at his grandma's place. His usual digs are in Spencerport, which goes a long way in explaining his wanderlust while in Batavia.

Spencerport is a village along the Erie Canal in the Town of Ogden. It is not a U.S. Top 10 micropolitan City like Batavia, with its enviable small-worldliness. So much to see and do! Whew!

At any rate, his grandma fetched him from his brief stint in the clink, otherwise known as the Genesee County Animal Shelter (a very fine place as far as shelters go). You'll recall he was put there by Batavia's finest, who intuited that this well-cared-for feline must belong to somebody.

But his return was shortlived. No doubt he spent the bulk of his time behind bars scheming on his next moves. And sure enough, the warm "welcome back home" had barely worn off, when he took the first opportunity to slip out the door -- and with dazzling speed, faster than you can say "lighting bug."

This reporter called his owner today, Shawn Bowman, and told him: "I see a pattern here."

"A pattern?" he replied.

"Yes, this is the second time in a week..."

Bowman was advised, that if his mother's neighbors succeed in spotting Kia and he gets back into the household's good graces, he should go to the Hogs for Paws event at Stan's Harley-Davidson on Aug. 11. At the benefit for the local shelter animals, he can get Kia microchipped and get a pet ID tag. He can buy a break-away collar from Genesee Feeds, which isn't far away, or maybe at Hogs for Paws, and voila! the Siamese mystery becomes less mysterious in the event of a three-peat.

Meanwhile, let's keep our eyes peeled. Even the mailman has been asked to keep a scout's eye out for Little Mr. Smarty Britches.

If you see the missing-found-missing-again cat from the Elmwood Avenue area, please call Shawn Bowman at 356-3680 or email him at sbowman8@frontier.com

(Photo of Kia, courtesy of Shawn Bowman.)

Cold milling of Vine Street in the city planned next week

By Billie Owens

From the city's Superintendent of the Bureau of Maintenance Raymond Tourt:

Vine Street from East Main Street to Bank Street will be affected by construction delays and lane reductions for the cold milling of the pavement, base repair and binder installation on Monday, July 30, through Wednesday, Aug. 1.

Time of work those days is 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and delays may also occur at these locations: Fisher Parkway & Vine Street; Chase Parkway & Vine Street; East Avenue & Vine Street; Farwell Drive & Vine Street; North Street & Vine Street; and Evergreen Drive & Vine Street.

All residents within that area along Vine Street are asked not to park on the roadway during the day; they should either park in their driveways or on neighboring streets.

All motorists are asked to avoid Vine Street if possible.

Portions of this work are weather dependant and delays may occur.

Please plan accordingly and contact D&H Excavating at this phone number -- (716) 482-4956 -- if special accommodations are needed.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

City Bureau of Maintenance

147 Walnut St., Batavia

345-6400, Opt. 1

Law and Order: 40-year-old Oakfield man accused of having intercourse with female under age 17

By Billie Owens

John M. Brabowski, 40, of Fisher Road, Oakfield, is charged with third-degree rape. He was arrested on July 24 and arraigned at 9:11 p.m. in Batavia Town Court. It is alleged that he engaged in sexual intercourse with a female victim under the age of 17 on July 23 at a location on Fisher Road in Oakfield. He was jailed on $100,000 bail and is due in Oakfield Town Court on Aug. 6 to answer the charge. Additional charges are pending. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Joseph Loftus, Youth Officer Howard Carlson and Sgt. Bradley Mazur.

Anthony D. Micucci, 24, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with third-degree assault, third-degree menacing, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested at 3:25 p.m. on July 25 on Main Street in Alexander following a domestic incident in the village. He is due in Town of Alexander Court on Aug. 8. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Joshua M. Gaudioso, 29, of Genesee Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon because he is a convicted felon. He was arrested and arraigned in Bergen Town Court at 9 p.m. on July 26. He was jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash or bond. He is accused of possessing a shotgun on July 20 at a location on North Bergen Road, Bergen. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Kevin Wayne Howard, 18, Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle in the third degree. He was arrested at 4 a.m. July 26 on Griswold Road in Le Roy following a complaint. It is alleged that the defendant took a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Le Roy Court and is due there Sept. 3. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Batavia Police Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Damien Anthony Weir, 37, of Branch Lane, East Stroudsburg, Pa., is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The defendant was charged after a traffic stop on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia at 10:28 a.m. on July 24. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court and is due there on Aug. 14. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Person of interest in custody in Raymond Morgan murder investigation

By Howard B. Owens

A person of interest in the murder of Raymond Lee Morgan is in custody on an unrelated matter, Batavia PD announced this morning. 

The police are not releasing the name of the person or a description of the person because of "the very active nature of the investigation."

The police are not releasing further information about the case at this time, the department said in a statement. 

Morgan was found badly beaten in his room at 111 Liberty St., Batavia, at 11:15 p.m., Tuesday after police received a report of a disturbance. Mercy medics responded but Morgan, 47, who had two daughters and seven grandchildren, died at the scene.

According to family members, a person was seen fleeing through a second-story window and police officers, including a K-9, conducted a search of the area that night.

The day after the murder, two men living at 111 Liberty were taken into custody on alleged parole violations.

Funeral arrangments have been made for Morgan. Calling hours will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at H.E. Turner, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, with a funeral service at 1 p.m.  (Full Obituary)

Previously:

Photos: History Heroes annual penny carnival at HLOM

By Howard B. Owens

The Holland Land Office Museum hosted its annual penny carnival Thursday for children participating in the History Heroes summer program.

Below is a photo submitted by Tiff Plimpton of Carson Colantonio and Ben Landers.

Photos: Safety carnival at Falleti Ice Arena

By Howard B. Owens

Hundreds of children turned out Thursday for a safety carnival at the Falleti Ice Arena sponsored by the combined Genesee County and Batavia youth bureaus. There were games, contests, and prizes along with safety lessons.

Oakfield woman seriously injured in collision with semi in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

An Oakfield woman was seriously injured late Thursday night on Route 5 in Pembroke when her Ford sedan collided with a semi-truck hauling Perry's Ice Cream.

Megan King was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight following a lengthy extrication from her white 2015 Ford Fusion. 

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

King's Fusion was eastbound and the tractor-trailer, driven by Robin L. Alexander, of Buffalo, was westbound. Physical evidence at the scene indicates the truck and car collided in the eastbound lane.

Alexander reportedly told deputies he swerved into the eastbound lane in an attempt to avoid a crash. The force of the collision forced King's car backward and Alexander's truck traveled off the south shoulder and up an embankment.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The accident was reported at 9:40 p.m. in the area of 2040 Main Road.

Members of the Crash Management Team responded to the accident scene. The accident investigation is being handled by Chief Deputy Joseph Graff, Sgt. Andrew Hale, Investigator Chad Minuto, Deputy Travis DeMuth, Deputy Eric Meyer, and Deputy Joshua Brabon. Assisting at the scene were volunteer fire departments from East Pembroke, Pembroke, Alabama, Indian Falls, Oakfield, and the Town of Batavia, along with Mercy EMS and the NYS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit.

(Initial Report)

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