Jon McManis talks with a group of fourth-graders from John Kennedy School about William Morgan at the Batavia Cemetery. In the fourth grade, students are taught local history, and the annual Heritage Day tour helps students learn at the gravesites of Batavia's famous people.

Firefighters Mike Morris and Jeff Whitcombe were on Main Street at Court Street this morning collecting donations from drivers passing by as part of the City of Batavia Fire Department Local 896's annual campaign. The funds benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Firefighters will be at Main and Court and Ellicott and Court until 5 p.m.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F.Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts,lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

SOLD OUT

A golf-cart rollover accident with shoulder injuries is reported at Davis Countryside Meadow golf course in Pavilion, Hole 13.

The golf course is located at 11070 Perry Road, between York and Dillon roads. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

A motor vehicle accident with injuries is reported in front of the Miss Batavia restaurant at 566 E. Main St. in Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

Photo by Howard Owens.

Thomas R. Allen, 28, of Elmsford Drive, West Seneca, was charged with assault, 3rd, after allegedly striking another patron in the face causing a split lip and bruising. He was jailed; $750 bail.

Dustin T. Forkell, 19, Linda Lane, Spencerport, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, for allegedly unlawfully possessing prescription medication. He was also held on an outstanding warrant out of Gates. He was jailed; $750 bail.

Ryan J. Gill, 25, of Harvey Avenue, Lockport, for criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, for allegedly smoking marijuana in public view.

Stacy J. Gerber, 27, of Drum Road, Middleport, for unlawful possession of marijuana.

Richard M. Marchewka, 27, Drum Road, Middleport, for trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Sherry A. Morse, 48, of Britannia Drive, East Amherst, for trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Luci A. Wind, 39, of Stonecliff court, Clarence, for trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Gregory R. Flynn, 20, of Winbert Drive, North Townawanda, for trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Chad J. Schillinger, 24, of Raleigh Street, Rochester, for harassment, 2nd, for allegedly striking a security guard.

Kevin R. Ogiba, 20, of David Drive, Niagara Falls, NY, for trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Preston W. Washburn, 21, of Pre Emption Road, Dundee, for assault, 3rd, after allegedly punching a patron in the face causing severe bleeding.

Ben H. Swan, 19, Orange Tree Circle, Rochester, for trespass after he allegedly returned to the concert venue after being told several times to leave.

Michael A. Marciano, 26, Marsdale Court, Webster, for trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Jeremy J. Flansburg, 33, Heritage Circle, Farmington, for public lewdness and harassment, 2nd, after allegedly urinating in a mop bucket inside a beer stand and also punching a security guard in the face.

Patrick M. Hourihan, 19, Bramhill Court, Williamsville, for unlawful possession of marijuana.

A youth, 16, of Pin Oak Drive, Williamsville, for unlawful possession of marijuana.

The following people were charged with possession of alcohol with intent to consume under the age of 21. They were issued appearance tickets to be in Darien Town Court at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29.

Tyler L. Hagan, 18, of San Fernando Lane, East Amherst

Monica  J. Leising, 18 of Niagara Falls Blvd., Buffalo

A youth, 17, of Lilly Ridge Drive, East Amherst

A youth, 16, of Pin Oak Drive, Williamsville

Patrick M. Hourihan,19, of Bram Hill Court, Williamsville

Chelsea E. Sands, 18, of Briercliff Drive, Hamburg

Taylor K. Cotter, 18, of Falconcrest Lane, Orchard Park

Stephanie A. Pembleton, 18, of South Benzing Road, Orchard Park

Hollie A. Kishel, 18, of Lawrence Place, Orchard Park

A 17-year-old of Reserve Road, West Seneca

Marissa M. Craspi, 18, of Scherff Road, Orchard Park

A 17-year-old of Edgewater Lane, Rochester

Kyle J. Steckley, 20, of House Road, Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada

Ian W. Fairgrieve, 20, of Manning Court, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada

Thomas M. Centore, 19, of West High Terrace, Syracuse

Tyler J. Bogardus, 19, of Fern Road, Syracuse

Leah R. Kramer, 19, of South Lima Road, Lima

Tessa R. Connell, 19, of Frances Way, Livonia

Bobbi E. Mason, 19, of Pamda Drive, Rochester

Andrea M. Spena, 19, of Pinecrest Drive, Rochester

Luzgabriella Collazo, 19, of Edgebrook Lane, Rochester

Curtis L. Scott, 19, of Pin Oak Lane, Rochester

Sean C. Walgrove, 20, of Edgecreek Trail, Rochester

Brittany E. Boehm, 19, of Laurelton Road, Rochester

James R. Morana, 19, of Northfield Road, Clarence Center

Jesse D. Alt, 20, of Woodland Drive, Tonawanda

Alex T. Tubbs, 18, of Bram Hill Court, East Amherst

(name redacted upon request), 18, of Beach Ridge Drive, East Amherst

Meredith K. Petit, 20, of Hunters Glen, Getzville

Michele Y. Bauman, 20, of East Carriage Hill, Williamsville

JennyLynne K. Rizzo, 20, of Shore Drive, West Henrietta

Kyle A. Goldsmith, 18, of Hollybrook Road, Rochester

Nikalaus E. Milazzo, 18, of Staglen Drive, Henrietta

David W. Young, 20, of Springfield Drive, Tonawanda

Justin C. Galante, 20 of Ruie Road, North Tonawanda

Edward A. Spiesz, 20, of Brookfield Lane, Hamburg

Robert M. Bieber, 19, of Rogers Road, Hamburg

Eric M. Wilson II, 19, of Brookfield Road, Hamburg

A 17-year-old  of Coachmans Lane, Hamburg

Shannon N. Prozeller, 20, of Bradford Hill, Fairport

Stephanie S. Snyder, 19, of Northington Drive, East Amherst

A youth, 17, of West Chapel Woods, Williamsville

Colleen A. Mallick, 19, of Highland Ave., Williamsville

A 17-year-old of Firethorn Court, East Amherst

A 16-year-old of Lakeshore Road, Hamburg

Adam R. Coons, 18, of Westwood Drive, Brockport

Danield R. Castanera, 18, of Colby Street, Spencerport

Sara A. Runo, 19, of Autumwood Drive, Rochester

Rachel L. VanAernum, 19 of Barnell Drive, Churchville

Emily G. Capotasto, 18, of Savage Road, Churchville

Kevin T. Mahoney, 19, of Widger Road, Rochester

A 19-year-old Pavilion woman was injured in a crash Sunday in Wyoming County after a driver from Perry allegedly failed to yield the right of way.

Kristi L. Fox suffered a concussion and facial injuries, according to State Police. Investigators blamed her injuries on the lack of a safety belt. She was issued a citation.

The other driver, Stacey R. Lamm, 45, of Perry, reportedly stopped at a stop sign at VanAllen and LaGrange roads, but then proceeded through the intersection.

She was issued a citation for alleged failure to yield right-of-way.

Lamm was not injured.

Fox was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital where she was treated and released. 

Wyoming Fire and EMS responded to the scene.

Sean Christopher McGuire, 25, of South Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings. McGuire was stopped at 12:31 a.m. today by Deputy Patrick Reeves on Route 77 in Pembroke.

Kevin E. Kern, 22, of South Main Street, Manfield, Pa., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of. 08 or greater, and speeding. Kern was stopped at 12:12 a.m., today, on Route 33, Town of Batavia, by Deputy James Diehl.

Joseph Beszczynski, 24, of Darien, is charged with petit larceny. Beszczynski was arrested by State Police in the area of 11000 Darien-Alexander Townline Road at 9:13 a.m., Monday. No further details were released.

John E. Swabb, 54, of Oakfield, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI with no priors. Swabb was stopped by State Police on Wortendyke Road, Batavia, at 3:18 p.m., Sunday.

LaToya D. Jackson, 24, of Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and violation of probation. Jackson was arrested by State Police at 4036 W. Main St., Road, Batavia, at 12:05 a.m., Monday. No further details available.

A driver on Walker Road said he didn't see a sign for an upcoming curve, leading to a single-vehicle rollover accident at 2:45 a.m. today in Darien.

The driver, 18-year-old Conor F. McNealus suffered "complaint of pain" injuries, according to the report prepared by Deputy Eric Seppella, but was not transported to a hospital.

McNealus, a resident of 19 Hubbell St., Canandaigua, was cited for alleged DWI, driving an uninspected vehicle and speeding.

His passengers, Taylor M. Selkirk, 19, Corbyn B. Manning, 18, and Joel Stitt, 19, were not injured.

The group was traveling in a 1996 Honda sedan.

William Brown, a native Batavian, is and always will be a newshound. He has spent a long lifetime writing stories from the sensational to the mundane, the odd and the expected, and everything in between.

He’s a regular at the Batavia City Council meetings, notepad and pen at the ready.

“They pray before every meeting,’ Brown said.

His latest series of articles for the Buffalo News is about Leandra’s Law, the new DWI law, which makes it a felony if a child is in the car of an inebriated driver.

Besides newspaper writing, Brown spent many years in radio broadcasting, something he was drawn to since taking a high school course about it.

But initially, he set his sights on becoming a principal or school superintendent. He even earned a master’s degree Educational Administration.

Then he joined the Army, touring Japan during World War II, and served in its radio service program. He was in charge of communications between the camp and the troop he belonged to.

After returning from the war, Brown took a job at WBTA. From there on out, he was in the news business.

“This is usually a good starting point for people and after a few years they move onto a larger market or get out of the business, although some people stay,” Brown said.

When Brown first started at the station, he was an announcer and he covered the police and city hall beats. He did the 12:30 p.m. newscast.

“The funniest moments I remember were the announcers and their bloopers. Such as: ‘The woman is under the physician’s car’ when the announcer meant to say ‘The woman is under the physician’s care.’”

The biggest stories of his career were both exciting and terrifying -- The flood of Tonawanda Creek in 1942 and the 1971 Attica Prison riot.

At the time of the flood, WBTA was only a year old. It had a rocky start because people in Batavia believed they could get all of their news from either Buffalo or Rochester and didn’t need a local station.

That changed when the Tonawanda Creek flooded the entire south side of West Main including the railroad tracks. There was no communication from outside of the town.  Everyone was cut off.

People had to rely on WBTA. When communications were finally restored, Batavians found that they enjoyed their local station and began to value its importance in the local community.

Nearly 30 years later, WBTA was on the frontlines of the Attica Prison uprising.

“We had a reporter there all the time giving us updates on what was happening.”

WBTA provided coverage for more than 50 radio stations – stories of inhumane conditions and shoddy treatment, the overcrowding, racism and beatings which boiled over into a four-day riot that left 39 people dead.

New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller’s orders to use tear gas and open fire on the inmates were heavily criticized. The prisoners got some concessions and things improved.

Years after the Attica uprising, Brown bought one-third ownership in WBTA. But he eventually sold his share and retired from radio – but not the news business.

Brown is particularly proud of his editorials.

“The editorials used to be about baking pies and stories of Mom. I believed editorials are made to be thought provoking, involved and controversial.”

So he set about changing the way the local editorials were done. He wanted to spur people into action. In each of the 16 years he worked on editorials, he won an award from the Associated Press.

Of the 12 books he has written, he cites two favorites: “The Linden Murders” and “Genesee’s Rich and Famous.”

The former is about four unsolved murders in Wyoming County. These cases were labeled “perfect” because no clues were left behind.

His other favorite book includes some colorful personalities, such as railroad baron Dean Richmond, director for the Utica and Buffalo Railroad Company.

Then there’s the story of Edward Newton Rowell who murdered his wife’s lover in their home.

“Rowell shot the man in the back as he was fleeing down the stairs.”

He went to the police and confessed to the crime. The jury later found him not guilty of the crime, on the grounds he killed an intruder in his home.

A 100 years ago, murder was apparently more forgivable than adultery.

The book also features Orator Francis Woodward, who bought the Jell-O formula from his neighbor Pearle Wait for only $450. He named his company Genesee Pure Foods Company and so effectively marketed Jell-O that it became a household name.

Photo: File Photo from a December 2009 Batavia Rotary Club meeting where Brown received gifts from the club.

A possible electrical fire in a home's basement has been reported at 8094 North Pembroke Road. Fire crews from East Pembroke and Alabama are responding.

UPDATE: Reader submitted photo.

First-graders from throughout Genesee County got to visit Lamb Farms in Oakfield today to meet cows, play in grain, climb on big farm equipment, see how milk is produced and learn some of the other facets of the dairy business. The annual event gives local school children a real hands-on experience with local agriculture.

Members of the local law enforcement community carried the Special Olympic torch through Genesee County as it makes its way to Utica for the opening of the games on June 4. After passing down Oak Street, the runners made their way to Walnut and the headquarters of Genesee ARC where there was a special reception.

Here's a media release from Chris Barons, Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s possible opponent this November, in response to Hawley’s ‘No’ vote on re-opening state parks:

Although I deplore the backroom politics and pretentious raiding of the Environmental Protection Fund, Mr. Hawley's assessment is short-sighted.

In March 2009, a study prepared for Parks & Trails New York by the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) (Heintz et.al., 2009), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, found that the combination of annual state and visitor spending at all New York State Parks supports up to $1.9 billion in economic output and business sales and up to 20,000 jobs throughout the state.

In February, the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) released a list of closures and service reductions in order to meet the budget reduction, part of a comprehensive plan to close an $8.2 billion deficit.

The OPRHP’s list of closures included 41 parks and 14 historic sites, and service reductions at 23 parks and 1 historic site. Included in the closure list was Allegany State Park, which provides $62 million in revenue and 860 jobs to its three-county area.

Park visitor expenditures within the Allegany Region were estimated to be between $33.7 million and $69.3 million annually with 87% of its visitors from outside the tri-county area.

Clearly the nine Finger Lakes Region Parks and three Genesee Region Parks would generate more local revenue than the $14.9 million outlay to keep them open. Allegheny Park alone generates nearly five-times the outlay, and there are eight other regions across the state.

At the age of 18, Tracy Miller and James Keller were just two teens riding their bikes on an evening in Bergen in 1958.

They happened to hear there was a fire on Maple Street, so they rode by the scene with great interest. To their surprise, the fire chief at the time yelled to the boys to get up on the fire truck and help out.

Holding the water hose and instantly becoming a part of the crew at the scene was the moment when both men fell in love with the idea of being a firefighter. Looking back on that fond memory, Miller explained how “it was so exciting” for them to be able to offer help to such a critical service.

Both lifelong residents of the Bergen community, and lifelong friends, were happy to share their stories with me.

This spring, the Town of Bergen commended Miller and Keller for their 50 years of service. It was an honor to get to meet them and their wives, Loretta and Wilda, respectively.

Miller shared with me that at the age of 18 when he signed up to be a Bergen firefighter, his name was placed on a waiting list.

“At the time, volunteering for the community was the thing to do," Miller added.

It was in July of 1959 when Tracy Miller officially joined the fire department. Keller was appointed as a member in 1958, just after his father was recognized for 65 years of service to the fire department.

"It has been an ongoing generation sort of thing for the Keller family to be a part of the fire department," he said.

Both men are still active and greatly involved with the fire department and now serve as fire policemen. Their exceptional contributions and volunteerism continue to inspire junior fire members, as well as Bergen and its youth.

For Miller, the most gratifying reward for being a part of the FD for so many years, he told me, has been “simply being able to help my neighbors in their time of need.” Keller also agreed that being able to help others has definitely been the most satisfying result of this uncompensated labor of love.

As if dedicating one’s life as a volunteer firefighter isn't enough public service, these guys do a lot more and Bergen is the better for it.

Miller served on the Town Board of Bergen for 16 years. He is the vice president of the Historical Society, a Mason, and a deacon at The First Presbyterian Church. He also volunteers at the Senior Center in Batavia to help people with their taxes, and he provides elderly people he's met through the FD with transportation when needed.

Bergen Town Supervisor Don Cunningham said “what makes Tracy’s 50 years of service even more extraordinarily unique is that he still remains active. Whether arriving at the hall to pilot the ambulance, direct traffic at a fire scene, or just be available to lend a hand where needed."

Currently, Miller is helping to the fire department plan its 150^th year celebration for 2011.

Keller is active in the Cemetery Association at Mt. Rest as is Miller.

Keller was a member of the EMT rescue squad for 10 years. And he currently participates as an Institutional Representative for Boy Scouts, which is sponsored by United Methodist Church, where he has been a member for 20 years. Keller is also a member of the V.F.W.

Not only have both men been recognized for their 50 years, and counting, of outstanding work as a volunteer for the Bergen Fire Department, they both continue to gain satisfaction from their incredible volunteering roles in the community by participating in various village functions.

Tracy Miller is pictured on top. Above is James Keller.

City of Batavia firefighters are asking local residents to once again "fill the boot."

The annual fundraising drive benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

At 9 a.m. Friday, residents are encouraged to drive through the intersection of Court Street and Ellicott Street or Court and Main and drop donations into a firefighter's boot.

This is the 16th year City of Batavia Fire Department Local 896 has sponsored a local "fill the boot" drive.

Last year, the community donated $4,500 to the effort.

"Everyone at the firehouse is looking forward to this Friday," said Union President Greg Ireland.  "The guys really appreciate the generosity of those that can give, whether it be their spare change, a dollar or even more."

Donations help cover everything from wheelchairs to braces, physical therapy sessions to kids summer camps.

Photo: File photo from last year.

The driver of a car hit from behind on Route 63 in Pavilion at 4:10 p.m., Tuesday, was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A witness to the accident disputes the account of the accident given by the driver who rear-ended the other car.

Brandon R. Brade, 28, of 1943 Genesee St., Corfu, said he was driving northwest on Route 63 when a car ahead of him swerved to avoid a car that had stopped for a left turn. Brade said he didn't have time to stop before hitting the car.

Paul Cody of Corbettsville said he saw the accident, but he never saw another car swerve ahead of Brade's car.

Injured was Craig S. Prucha, 49, of 6810 Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion. Prucha had apparently stopped to make a left hand turn into a driveway of 6808 Ellicott Street Road.

Brade was driving a 2003 Olds sedan and Prucha was driving a Ford pickup.

Deputy Matt Butler issued a traffic citation to Brade.

Michael T. McKeever, 42, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with menacing, 2nd. McKeever is accused of exiting his home with a shotgun and approaching his son with it during a domestic incident. McKeever then approach a car and shot out the passenger-side window. At McKeever's arraignment, an order of protection was issued and McKeever was ordered to turn over all of his weapons to the Sheriff's Office.

Randell Lee Krtanik, 59, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely, failure to reduce speed for hazard. Krtanik was arrested following a traffic accident on Bethany Center Road, Bethany, at 11:33 a.m., May 22. Krtanik was uninjured in the accident, and neither the mailbox he hit nor his vehicle were damaged. Krtanik allegedly swerved to avoid another car making a turn. The accident was investigated by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Melvin Leverne George, 42, of E Avenue, Akron, is charged with trespass. After being arrested for an alleged fight on Council House Road, Alabama, George is accused of staying on private property after being told to leave.

Robert Conrad Grant, 48, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property. Deputy Jason Saile reports that at 2:22 a.m., Sunday, he stopped Grant on Angling Road, Pembroke. Upon investigation, Saile determined that Grant was allegedly in possession of stolen telephone wire from a property on Route 5, Pembroke. Grant allegedly fled the scene of the traffic stop on foot. Grant was also charged with unlicensed operation, driving left of pavement markings, unregistered motor vehicle, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. Grant was issued an appearance ticket.