Thank goodness for the explicit good nature of news article headlines. Otherwise, there would be no way of knowing what Joanne Beck's front-page article in today's Daily News is about until you read down to halfway through the third paragraph. Her article starts out more like a guessing game than an informative piece of journalism.

It juts out above the roof just enough to display one set of arched windows.

Wait a second. What is this it? How can you start a story with a part of speech (pronoun) whose sole purpose is to stand in for a previously established noun, when that previously established noun has not been previously established? Maybe we'll find out in the next paragraph...

Other than that, most passersby wouldn't even know it's there or think to cherish its historical significance.

So we're still not told what it is. More than that, we're introduced to "passersby" though we don't know what they are passing by. All we know is that it juts, it's got windows, it can be passed by and it has historical significance. Can you guess what it is? (Of course, the answer is that you shouldn't have to. This is a news article. Not a game show clue.)

But Genesee County Landmark Society is quite aware of it: the cupola affixed to the top of old City Hall.

Phew. There it is. It's the cupola on top of the old City Hall. But why the wait? Why do we have to wait three paragraphs to learn that Beck is writing about the cupola? This isn't a mystery. In fact, the story is pretty simple and truly best served being told in a simple manner. But... wait a second... what is the story? We don't even find that out until the sixth paragraph in the article, and it's not even stated explicitly. Instead, we read:

The group [Genesee County Landmark Society] has donated $1,490 toward the cupola's restoration. Add that to another $500 from the Historic Preservation Commission's city-funded budget and $600 worth of labor from Stafford Painters. It totals $2,590 for a restored structure that was pressure washed on Monday, scraped and primed Tuesday and given two coats of "Super White" paint Wednesday.

Why not start with that? Or something like it. Why not just begin the article: "Work started Monday on the restoration of the cupola atop Batavia's old City Hall." Wham, bam, thank you ma'am. Now get on with the fun background stuff. Save yourself some ink, maybe some more room for photographs, etcetera. Maybe you can even expand your informative "So what is a cupola?" section.

Many people like Minor League Baseball because they can see players as they get their start in professional baseball and then continue to follow their progress as they try to make it up to the big leagues.  We have had several players moved up to be River Bandits in Quad Cities, Iowa.  Here is a look at how they have done so far:

• Lance Lynn, Pitcher:  Lynn had 2 starts as a River Bandit before being placed on the DL for his elbow.  In his two starts, he has a 2.25 ERA and a 0-1 record.  He threw a total of 8 innings with 8 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks and 7 strikeouts.
• Blake Murphy, Catcher:  One of Batavia's biggest power hitters, Murphy isn't doing as well at the next level.  He is batting just .196, with 11 hits in 56 at-bats.  He has 1 double, 1 homerun, 9 walks and 20 strikeouts through 19 games.
• Domnit Boliver, Third Base:  Bolivar was the primary shortstop while in Batavia, but has spent most of his time at third for the River Bandits.  He has an average of .254 with 16 doubles, 5 triples, 7 homeruns and 36 RBI.  He also has stolen 4 bases. (*note that these numbers are from his entire time in Quad Cities.  He started there in April, moved down to Batavia in early July, and moved back up in early August.  These stats include his time before and after playing in Batavia (87 games)).
• Jameson Maj, Pitcher:  In 4 games, Maj has a 0-2 record, 5.40 ERA and 1 save.  In 16 2/3 innings he has allowed 17 hits, 10 runs and 2 walks while striking out 15.  He has served equal time as a starter and a reliever, throwing 2 games as each.
• Jon Edwards, Outfield:  Edwards has a .250 average in 64 at-bats through 18 games, serving most of his time in right field.  He has 16 hits, including 3 doubles, 2 homeruns and 10 RBI.  He has performed best against lefties, batting a big .462 against them.

Whether your child is still crawling, still drooling, scampering, talking, coloring or crooning, Richmond Memorial Library has an autumn reading program that will suit them. Story time sessions are designed for "pre-walkers" through five-year-olds and up.

"The best way to prepare your child for school is to introduce books at an early age," says Children's Librarian Sandra Gillard.

Take your pick from:

• Baby Bounce: Tuesdays at 9:30am (pre-walkers)
• Toddler Time: Tuesdays at 10:30am (walkers: up to 36 months)
• Moms & Moppets: Wednesdays at 10:00am (1-3 years)
• Preschool Party: Thursdays at 10:00am (3-5 years)
• Pajama Primetime: Thursdays at 6:30pm (all ages)

Registration for all story time sessions begins on September 2. Sessions begin the week of September 15. All activities are free and open to the public. Folks are encouraged to register early as space is limited.

Call the library at (585) 343-9550 ext. 4 for more information. Or stop by the Children's Room during library hours (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9:00am to 9:00pm; Friday and Saturday: 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Le Roy will host a rabies clinic for cats and dogs today from 3:00 to 5:00pm at the village Highway Department on North Street, according to WBTA's Dan Fischer. The clinic was scheduled following the discovery of a rabid cat in the village earlier this week.

Kenneth G. Shoemaker, 33, of Buffalo, was charged with a felony count of third-degree grand larceny yesterday, city police said. Shoemaker is accused of issuing checks totalling over $3,000 to a city business in August. Those checks were later returned by the bank unpaid. An investigation revealed that the account "never had sufficient funds to cover the checks." Shoemaker was arrested and sent to Genesee County Jail with no bail.

William A. Brolley, 52, of Darien, was charged with driving while intoxicated early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Brolley was involved in a one-car crash on Route 77 in Darien. He was also ticketed with driving left of pavement markings in a no passing zone.

All above releases were issued in published reports by the respective departments.

In the tight race for the Pinckney Division crown, the Muckdogs pulled back within half a game of Jamestown Thursday with an 11-7 win over Williamsport.

Meanwhile, Jamestown was clobbered by Auburn, 15-2.

The hometown heroes were powered by catcher Charles C. Cutler, who went 4-5, including a home run, two runs scored and three RBI. He raised season average to .283.

Shane Paterson also picked up three hits. Jose Garcia had two stolen bases.

Starter George Brown went four innings and gave up four runs. He did not factor in the decision. The winning pitcher was Thomas Eager, who went four innings yielding a single run. His record moves to 5-3.

Closer Adam Reifer was called on to get the final out and he picked up his 20th save of the season.

The Muckdogs remain three games ahead of Brooklyn in the wild card race.

Complete box score. Standings.

The Muckdogs face off with Williamsport again tonight at 7:05 p.m. and are home Sunday to play Jamestown at 1:05 p.m.

If you look at the people page, you'll note that we list only 318 members.  I don't have an exact count, but we're past that.  There's some software glich preventing an accurate count from appearing.  Our engineers will look into it soon.

Account confirmations: But speaking of members -- we've had at least 100 people sign up for accounts, some multiple times, but never confirm their account.

You must confirm your account in order to post anything.  When you sign up, an e-mail is sent to you and you must click on the link in that e-mail to confirm your account.

And to be clear, registering for the site is not required if you only want to read what's posted. That said, we hope and encourage everybody to post blog items and make comments, and registration is required for participation.

UPDATE (from Philip): If you are waiting for a confirmation e-mail or trying to retrieve a forgotten password and no e-mail seems to be showing up in your Inbox, check your spam folder. We've had a few folks whose aggressive spam-filter software relegated Batavian mails to the junk bin.

Advertising: If you have a business and are interested in advertising, write to me at howard at thebatavian dot com.

Free Job Ads: If you're an employer, you can post job ads for free.  Just click on the "Jobs" tab above and follow the directions from there.

Free Classifieds: Any private person can post free "Buy, Sell or Trade" ads. To post, click the "Buy, Sell, Trade" link above and follow the directions. Pictures are allowed with these posts. Just make sure the picture is no wider than 470 pixels.

Local authors Bill Kauffman, Den Linehan and Nick DiChario will be at Present Tense on Saturday, Sept. 20.

They will be helping the store celebrate its third year in business. Even goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the authors will be on hand at 1 p.m. for book signings.

Kauffman will be there is support of his new book, Forgotten Founder, Drunken Prophet: The Life of Luther Martin.  Kauffman's previous books include Dispatches from the Muckdog Gazette, Ain't My America, America First! and Look Homeward America.

Den Linnehan is a photographer who's books focus on Upstate New York.

Nick Dichario is a science fiction writer and his latest book is Valley of Day-Glo.

On Friday, Sept. 19, author Christopher Paolini will be at the store at 11 p.m. for a release party of his new book, Brisinger. Costumes are encouraged. UPDATE/CORRECTION: The author will NOT be at the store.  This is merely a local release party.

Don't forget, on Monday, September 1, 2008 is the Batavia Area Jaycees 22nd Annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk.  Proceeds will go to a local community organization: Genesee County AIDS Task Force.

Registration begins at 8am at MacArthur Park with the Race begining at 10am.

Day of the race registration is $15 for runners, $10 for runners.

For more details click on the 5k section at www.geneseeny.com/bataviajaycees or call 585-343-5775.

Hey Folks,

Chris Freeman here courtesy of YOUR BATAVIA MUCKDOGS.  I have looked back throughout the season and i have definitely seen a major improvement from last year.  Ticket sales have gone up, which i must say Travis Sick does a hell of a job working his butt off every day selling groups and picnics and single tickets to the ballgame.  We will see Dave Wellenzohn Type Numbers in the years to come (60000-70000).  Our concessions is one of the best stands i think i have ever seen in batavia.  In years past have we ever had a steak and fries combo...... I think not.   Casey Freeman has done an amazing job putting the stand together in the little time he had to do it.  As we see the improvement in a "whole new ballgame" set up by the Red Wings and Naomi Silver, we also see an improvement into the team we see out in the field.  I am deeply suprise the St. Louis is being this nice to us and keep our great players here and not moving the up to Quad Cities.  Players like Colt and Charlie which were low draft picks have turned out to be all stars.  I am glad to see the improvement both ways in the front office and the Field.  Plus Dave Wells has done a great job and Rock is one of the best with his crew of so little.  Im glad i live in batavia to watch the muckdogs play and say "THATS ANOTHER TURNBULL   K"

On Tuesday, September 9th the Holland Land Office Museum will have a dinner program at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak Street. The dinner is open to the public and will feature the Church’s famous Swiss Steak dinner, served family style. The dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. The price of the dinner is $9.00 per person.

After dinner, our special guest speaker will be our very own Bill Kauffman. Mr. Kauffman will be taking time out from his extremely busy book tour schedule to promote his latest book, Forgotten Founder, Drunken Prophet: The Life of Luther Martin.

Martin was a delegate from Maryland to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia. He opposed a system of government where the large states would dominate the small ones. He believed a new central government would have too much power over state governments and would threaten individual rights. Not finding support for his ideas, Martin eventually walked out of the convention.

To reserve your spot at the dinner, RSVP’s are necessary. Please call or email (director@hollandlandoffice.com) the Museum by September 3rd at 343-4727 to reserve your spot at the dinner. The book is due out in the middle of September, but we will be fortunate enough to be the first place in the United States to sell the book!

Batavia's city police really want you to understand how the new call box works. So much so that they've sent out express directions on its use to all the media in town.

That's it to the left here. It's set up now just outside the door to police headquarters at 10 W. Main St. and looks a lot like an emergency box you might find on a college campus. In fact, it looks identical.

These photos were issued along with a brief description on how the device works, why it's there and why you should know about it.

Here's what they say:

By pushing the button on the device it automatically dials and calls Police dispatch. A dispatcher will answer and direct the caller to help. If an Officer is in the Police Station a dispatcher will call him via Police Radio and the Officer can permit access into the building. If the Officer is on patrol he will be directed to respond to the Police Station to assist. Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 PM a desk clerk will be at the Police station to assist citizens who come to the Police Station. This will take effect on 09/01/2008.

Pictured using the help phone is Paula Boundy from East Bethany NY.

Sixty-seven-year-old Douglas H. Clarke, of Le Roy, is accused of shooting at a cat in the neighbor's yard with a BB gun on August 3, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. He was subsequently charged with attempted aggravated cruelty to animals.

Angel M. Sumeriski, 23, of Oakfield was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment Tuesday, sheriff's deputies said. Sumeriski is accused of striking another woman then destroying the victim's phone when she tried to call 911.

Robert J. Roath Jr., 50, of Basom, was charged with second-degree harassment Tuesday, sheriff's deputies said. Roath is accused of pushing his girlfriend during a dispute in the parking lot of the Oakfield Hotel, then slapping her daughter in the face. An order of protection was subsequently issued to keep Roath from "offensive conduct" toward them.

Raymond J. Radley, 42, of Pavilion, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Tuesday, sheriff's deputies said. Radley was allegedly involved in a dispute with his girlfriend at his home. The incident resulted in the issuance of an order of protection restraining Radley from further conduct with her.

Jared M. Heeb, 20, of Attica, was charged with second-degree aggravated harassment Wednesday, sheriff's deputies said. Heeb is accused of sending someone threatening messages. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $250 bail.

Joshua L. Baltz, 32, of Batavia (no specific address given), was charged with petit larceny Wednesday following a police chase on foot through the Wal-Mart parking lot, sheriff's deputies said. Baltz allegedly stole a wallet and digital camera from Wal-Mart and, when confronted by staff, fled the scene. Deputies caught up with him in the Batavia Downs parking lot. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500.

Patrick L. Reeves, 33, of 26 Ganson Ave., Batavia, was charged with a felony count of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child Wednesday, sheriff's deputies said. Reeves was stopped on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road in Oakfield when deputies discovered that he was allegedly intoxicated, did not possess a valid license and was driving with a 9-year-old child.

All the above reports were taken from published releases from the department.

So here we are.  Only in Western New York would the Democrat Party take a wonderful chance and screw it up by having two forced primaries.  Now I know this is the Amercian way of democracy....but it goes to prove what has been said before, " I don't belong to an organized political party.... I am a Democrat."   Here we sit and with just a few days to the Primary,  the Democratic Candidates for Congress are battling on the airwaves, in the media and on the stump.  One has too much money, one has raised money wrong and from the wrong people and one did legal work for chemical companies at Love Canal so therefor she must be a demon.  Whew...and we thought Clinton and Barack were ununifiable? (THANK GOD THAT IS OVER AS WELL!!!!!!)  

The most important thing the Democratic Party had to do was to have a strong candidate to win against the Republican, rich guy - power broker and overseas job shipper who turned more jobs over to overseas companies and sold out on Western New York. I guess the Republican guy just wants to earn his Western New York Congressional salary and live in Washington, DC.  I hear the cherry blossoms are beautiful there.  Let's hope the rich can't buy thier ticket to see them....let's hope the voters look long and hard at this one.

Anyway...that is what is happening on the Congressional side.

On a "happier" note (Did I say Happier????), the race to run for the 61st Senate Seat is also equally challenging for the Donkeycrats.  (Are you sure I said happier???) Here we have a popular, hard-working, competent Erie County Legislator who is endorsed by the County Democratic Committees pitted against a former boxer and "you guessed it"....Her brother-in-law.  If this was Texas, this would be a episodic plot for that old TV Show "Dallas".  As the Republicans put up yet another upper crust muckety-muck, the Democrats roll around in the muck to see who can run and win 8 weeks later.  I am keeping my idea for a TV Script because there has to be one in here somewhere.  I can just see the pan of the camera on the field as the three candidates come toward the camera on sturdy horses... the dust settling as their faces are shot one-by-one into the camera frame with dour expressions..... too funny...anyway I digress.

 I am a BIG supporter of Mary Lou Rath and have always known that her shoes would be hard to fill...she truly cares about our communities and serves us well.  She will be a tough act to follow. Michele Iannello is a tough woman with a lot to be said about what she will do for this district.  She, like Mary Lou, cares about us and our communities.  The brother-in-law, on the other hand, has run for many public offices including Eire County Legislator and Executive, has won a few and has lost a few.  He currently sits on the Amherst Town Board and he talks a lot about his past......maybe that is because there isn't too much on his plate for the future.....I think Amherst should keep him.

Then we have Baby Joe Mesi.....nice guy.  While I was President of the New York State Junior Chamber of Commerce I bestowed upon him the honor of Outstanding New Yorker.  This was given to him because of his powerful approach to being a positive influence on young people's lives.  He didn't just box.... he showed us all what an organized program for young people can do?  He cares about his community.  I give him that much but I guess I find that the toughness that a boxer needs to survive is just not what I think we need in the "Ring of Albany".....  You need to be smart, savvy and quick.  You need to look for opportunities to help Western New York and you have to bring that home.  Baby Joe is a nice guy.....Michele Iannello is a hard-working public servant.  I hope when the dust settles, Baby Joe will still be doing his community service and the brother-in-law is sent back to Amherst.  Let the tough lady from Kenmore take on the upper crusty Republican in the General Election.

So that is that.  Instead of duking it out and coming up with two solid candidates...one for each position, the Democrats come up with three, forcing a primary that is sure not to hand any one candidate the 50% for either race. In the midst of this whirl of politics, we can only hope that the regrouping, refunding and campaigning can be accomplished in 8 short weeks, but then again...I wish all elections in total only took 8 weeks.  I wonder if I would miss all the signs in my yard....  Please vote in the Democrat Primary.

The Genesee County Legislature voted unanimously last night to go through with the consolidation of sheriff and city police dispatch services, according to the Daily News. Most of the ground work has already been completed and the city sent its two dispatchers to the sheriff's facility on Park Road, where all calls will now be fielded.

In other news:

• Batavia's Yard Waste station on Law Street will be closed Monday. It will resume normal hours of operation Tuesday.
• Tom Rivers wrote a fantastic column about getting held up at a Canadian immigration check-point where he was given "the treatment."
• Between 4,000 and 5,000 people are expected to come out for Oakfield's Labor Daze parade Monday morning at 10:30am. the village will celebrate all weekend with "bed races" and square dancing on Saturday; gospel music, crafts and bingo on Sunday; and more of the same all day Monday. Should be a fun time.

UPDATE: I meant to say something about this earlier, but I forgot. Mark Gutman did a great job getting photos of the fire out in Byron yesterday. Every one is well composed and full of action. Great job, Mark!

For more on these and other stories, pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

Eleven fire crews were needed to battle a blaze that ripped through a house in Byron yesterday evening. Homeowners Ronald and Theodora Schramm were inside with eight children and one other adult when they smelled smoke and heard the flames. Ronald rushed everyone out of the house, opened the garage door and tried to fight back the flames with a garden hose while someone else dialed 911. The fire was far too tough, however, and Ronald was beat back by the heat. No one was injured.

The home at 6999 Bank Street Road was too far from any hydrant to hook up the fire hoses, so crews had to truck in tankfuls of water, said Tim Yager, coordinator of Genesee County Emergency Management Services. That made for a "labor intensive" fight that raged for more than two hours. Yager said there was a lot of "chasing the fire" around to get it completely extinguished.

Although the front part of the home escaped the complete damage that ravaged the rear of the structure, Yaeger thinks it will be a total loss. The home is insured.

No cause has yet been determined, said Yaeger. Crews have ruled out an electrical cause, but there was a shop area in the garage where the fire originated and some tools were plugged in to outlets there.

"At this point we're calling it accidental and undetermined," he said. That may never change.

The Daily News reports that the Schramms "have been foster parents for the county Department of Social Services for years," and "Theodora "Teddie" Schramm was honored for outstanding contribution to the department's Children's Services Division."

Vindy.com reports that last nights game between Batavia and  Mahoning Valley was rained out.  No make up game is scheduled, the site reports.

That seems surprising given how tight the race is between the Muckdogs and Jamestown.  If the season ends with a tie or only half game separating the two teams, wouldn't this be an important game to get in the books?

Jamestown beat State College last night and sit atop the Pinckney Division standings by a game in a half at 41-24, while the Muckdogs are 39-25.

Batavia has the third best record in the league and a comfortable three game lead over Brooklyn in the wild card race.

The Muckdogs are at Williamsport tonight and tomorrow, and will match up with Jamestown on Saturday. The next home game is Sunday at 1:05 p.m. against Jamestown.

Breaking news... Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a home in Byron right now. Genesee County sheriff's deputies have confirmed that the residence is at 6999 Bank Street Road in the town of Byron. We will update with more information as it becomes available.

UPDATED (Thursday at 7 a.m. by Howard): WHAM reports:

A family that provides foster care for children escaped from a house fire Wednesday afternoon on Bank Road in Byron, Genesee County.

Firefighters said 10 children and 3 adults got out safely from the 100-year-old home.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia is proud to be the sponsor of Sunday’s Muckdog game against the Jamestown Jammers. Game time is at 1:05 p.m.

Kiwanis will be giving a bicycle to one lucky boy and one lucky girl. Every child (14 and under) will be given a free raffle ticket before the game, and sometime during the game, the lucky winners will be drawn! The lucky winner must be present to win! Free tickets are available from any Kiwanian!

This game will be one of the most important of the season, so come to the game early and visit the Kiwanis table to get the raffle ticket for your child and find out more about the Kiwanis Club of Batavia!

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Batavia has been serving the community since 1923. Every year the club serves 1000s of people through its sponsorships, scholarships and other community service activities. For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Batavia visit: www.bataviakiwanis.com

City Council President Charlie Mallow said in a Daily News article today that the consolidation of dispatch services "handicaps our police a bit." Council OK'ed consolidation Monday, and the county legislature will vote on it tonight.

[Harriet] Scopano, a senior citizen, felt safer with someone at the station around the clock. Mallow, City Council president, said the city would lose its small-town appeal and become more like his native crime-ridden Buffalo.

Now that the station at 10 W. Main St. will close for nights and weekends, both of them feel the same, they said.

That just doesn't sound right.

Moving the dispatchers 1.7 miles away will make Batavia like "a crime-ridden Buffalo"? That just doesn't sound right. Scopano is quoted later on in the article as saying that "we'll have to watch ourselves, especially in the parking lot." It doesn't seem reasonable to suggest that just because dispatchers will no longer occupy the facility at all hours that the parking lot outside of headquarters will become more of a risk for violent crime. Heck, there's hardly any violent crime in Batavia as it is. It's one of the reasons why Batavia is a better place to live than, say, Buffalo. Do we really believe that criminals will now congregate outside the police station?

Police Chief Randy Baker makes a good point.

"For citizens, you're not going to see much of a change. We locked the doors after hours anyway for dispatchers to let (visitors) in," he said. "If someone is in immediate danger, they can go to the lobby at the jail. That's a manned area. They've always had that."

Don't people just call 911 when they're in trouble? Who goes to the police station? We call the police. They come to us if we're in trouble. That's why they've got the fast cars with the loud sirens and the bright flashing lights.

City officers are certain to shift their perspectives to go along with the changes, Mallow said. "They're going to do what they need to do to protect the citizens," he said.

Exactly. Especially since what they do won't change. Nor will what the dispatchers do change. The only thing that will change, really, is that when you call the police for an emergency, they'll pick up your phone a mile and a half away from where they did it before.