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Pavilion

Accident with minor injuries at Texaco Town

By Howard B. Owens

A car vs. tractor-trailer accident is reported at Route 63 and Route 20, but only minor injuries are reported. 

Pavilion fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Photos: Local departments respond to field fire in Covington

By Howard B. Owens

The Bethany Fire Department was among area departments, including Wyoming, Attica and Pavilion, to respond to a report of a field fire at 10:11 a.m. in the Town of Covington. Traffic was closed on West Middlebury Road while firefighters battled the blaze cutting through a field of grass and hay.

Photos and information provided by Glenn Adams.

Law and Order: Bethany man arrested in Pavilion for allegedly driving a vehicle without owner's consent

By Billie Owens

Floyd William Howell, 45, of Transit Road, Bethany, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. At 7:04 a.m. on July 12, Howell was arrested on Sparks Road in Pavilion for allegedly taking a vehicle and using it without the owner's consent. He was arraigned in Pavilion Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is to appear in Pavilion Town Court again on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Eric Seppala.

Ward Edward Royse, 41, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. At 6 p.m. on July 12, Royse was arrested following the investigation into a pair of larcenies at Kmart. It is alleged that Royse stole several items from the store on June 26 and then again on July 4. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on July 18. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale.

Jakob Matthew Bishop, 18, of West Oak Orchard Street, Medina, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bishop was arrested on the charge following an investigation into a suspicious activity call at 8:45 p.m. on July 13. Bishop was in the midway of the Genesee County Fairgrounds at the time of his arrest. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 4 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy James Diehl.

Trio of teens arrested after shotgun fired in direction of alleged reckless driver

By Billie Owens

Three young men were arrested late last night after Sheriff's deputies investigated a traffic offense complaint in which a person allegedly fired a 20-gauge shotgun in the direction of a vehicle that was following the vehicle that the alleged shooter was riding in. The incident occurred at 11:35 p.m. July 11 at an unspecified location in the Town of Stafford.

Michael T. Leubner, 18, of Linwood Avenue, Pavilion, is accused of firing the shotgun and he is charged with first degree reckless endangerment. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. Leubner is due in Town of Stafford Court at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 14.

Austin J. Yockel, 19, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with reckless driving, a misdemeanor. Yockel was issued a traffic summons for allegedly driving a motor vehicle which unreasonably endangered users of the public highway while following the vehicle occupied by Leubner and others. Yockel is due in Town of Stafford Court at a later date to answer the charge.

Jason A. Armstrong Jr., 19, of Sweetland Road, Stafford, who was also a passenger in the vehicle Leubner was riding in, was allegedly found in possession of marijuana (a violation). He was issued an appearance ticket for City of Batavia Court at a later date. 

The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young, assisted by: Investigator Joseph Graff, Sgt. John Baiocco, Deputy Eric Meyer, Batavia PD and NYS Police.

Possibly serious injury accident involving semi reported

By Billie Owens

An accident with possibly serious injuries is reported at routes 20 and 63, Texaco Town. A semi-truck is on its side. The driver is out. Pavilion fire and Mercy medics responding.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: Power lines were damaged. National Grid is on scene. The state Department of Transportation was duly notified of the accident; no ETA provided.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: According to Sheriff's Sgt. Eric Seppala, preliminary indications are that a semi-truck hauling grain was southbound on Route 63 when it failed to stop at the light at the junction of Route 20 and struck a maroon Toyota mini-van that was westbound. Both the mini-van driver and a female front-seat passenger were conscious and alert when first responders arrived. The passenger was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight. The driver was taken to Strong via ambulance. The big rig driver is now being evaluated at the scene. Two small dogs in the mini-van were uninjured and will be taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter and cared for until the owner can pick them up. Sgt. Seppala said it appears the semi-truck struck the mini-van and the momentum of the impact pushed the mini-van some distance from the point of impact. The truck continued southbound, then went off the west shoulder, struck a ditch and rolled over, coming to rest on its side. The State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit is en route to inspect the semi-truck to determine its mechanical soundness and whether it had mechanical problems.

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.: Pavilion assignment back in service. Roadways open.

UPDATE The driver and passenger in the van are identified as James R. Appenheimer, 70, and Arlene L. Appenheimer, 70, both from Easley, S.C. Both were transported to University of Rochester Medical Center, Arlene by Mercy Flight and James by Mercy EMS. The truck driver, Dale E. Hoover, 62, of Lititz, Pa., was city for allegedly failing to stop for a stop light.

Genesee Community College names 314 students to Spring 2016 dean’s list

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces the following are among 314 full- and part-time students who were named to the dean's list for the Spring 2016 semester. Students honored on the dean's list have earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74.

This year's Genesee Community College Spring 2016 dean's list honorees, with their hometowns, are:

Heather Bombard, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Heather Volpe, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

Amber Hutchings, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Jessica Caryl, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Jennifer Piazza, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Matthew Bridger, a resident of Basom, NY 14013

McKenna Ford, a resident of Alexander, NY 14005

Andrea Pugliese, a resident of Darien Center, NY 14040

Branden Riggs, a resident of Alexander, NY 14005

Richard Gutowski, a resident of Corfu, NY 14036

Alyssa Baiocco, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Chelsea Bishop, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Matthew Dobbertin, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Christen Ferraro, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Emma Francis, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Zachary Hoy, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Nathaniel Kabel, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

John LaFarnara, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Tayler Mitchell, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Carly Scott, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Natalie Sharpe, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Valerie Stephens, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Brandon Corcoran, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Rachel Cosimeno, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Courtney Fisher, a resident of Batavia, NY 14021

Kristy Gallo, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Bailey Paserk, a resident of Batavia, NY 14021

Katelyn Richenberg, a resident of Stafford, NY 14143

Maria Ross, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Julie Cultrara, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Alison Diskin, a resident of Le Roy, NY 14482

Emily Reese, a resident of Le Roy, NY 14482

Philip Vigneri, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

Kyle Dougherty, a resident of Bergen, NY 14416

Abigail Noeth, a resident of Byron, NY 14422

Kyley Pascarella, a resident of Byron, NY 14422

Lauren Hughes, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

Sheena Mest, a resident of Byron, NY 14422

Nathan Reiner, a resident of Bergen, NY 14416

Sierra Bosdyk, a resident of Pavilion, NY 14525

Dawn Wylie, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Zachary Franclemont, a resident of Corfu, NY 14036

Zoey Ransom, a resident of Corfu, NY 14036

Adam Sewar, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

Carley Sformo, a resident of Corfu, NY 14036

Kodian Becker, a resident of Darien Center, NY 14040

Sarah Wolcott, a resident of Byron, NY 14422

Evan Cole, a resident of Oakfield, NY 14125

Melissa Engle, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

Scott Ligon, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

Patrick Delude, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Michele Mandel, a resident of Basom, NY 14013

Wade Webster, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Samuel Freeman, a resident of Darien Center, NY 14040

Jessica Bonin, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

James Hamler, a resident of Le Roy, NY 14482

Brooke Ortiz, a resident of Le Roy, NY 14482

Alex Brownlie, a resident of Basom, NY 14013

Kasey Edgerton, a resident of Oakfield, NY 14125

Aspen Moyer, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Mia Velletta, a resident of Oakfield, NY 14125

Michelle Rushok, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Todd Schrauger Jr, a resident of Oakfield, NY 14125

Veronica Rizzo, a resident of Le Roy, NY 14482

Gina Johnson, a resident of Bergen, NY 14416

Stephen Coast, a resident of Basom, NY 14013

Laurie Yaskulski, a resident of Le Roy, NY 14482

Sarah Corcimiglia, a resident of Bergen, NY 14416

Elisabeth Haas, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

The College also maintains President's and Provost's Lists comprised of students who earned quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. These other GCC honorees are announced separately. Go to the College's website at www.genesee.edu.

Genesee Community College offers over 65 academic programs and certificates, including the new Nanotechnology AAS, which studies on a microscopic scale and atomic level leading to jobs in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and also careers in burgeoning photovoltaics.

Genesee is accessible through seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as through its online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes, yet state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch." The 2016 semester begins Aug. 22.

For further information about all of GCC's opportunities, go to www.genesee.edu.

Pavilion All Stars finish second in tournament

By Howard B. Owens

The Pavilion U-10 baseball team had its best post-season finish in a decade, coming in second in a tournament held in Perry.

Pictured are: Christopher Doody. Mason Gilkes, Cole Harding, Grayson Harding, Landon Stoddard, Case Cummings, Zach Tillotson, Cameron Beck, Noah Hudson, Tyler True, Evan Kingdon, Ryan Williams, and coaches, Brandon Gilkes and Jason Tillotson, and head coach Tim Kingdon.  Coach Michelle Forti was unavailable for the photo.

Photo and information submitted by Ed Doody.

Law and Order: South Main Street woman arrested after allegedly striking another female in the face

By Billie Owens

Tera M. Williams, 43, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 8:32 p.m. on June 17 following an altercation on South Main Street in which she allegedly struck another female in the face. Williams was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Clay Austin Fisher, 18, of Junction Road, Pavilion, is charged with attempted assault in the second degree. At 11:10 a.m. on June 21, the defendant was arrested after allegedly attempting to strike the victim with a dangerous instrument during a domestic dispute. He was arraigned in Pavilion Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due in Pavilion Town Court on July 5. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Robert Henning, assisted by Deputy Bradley Mazur.

Christina M. Strang, 41, was arrested for aggravated driving while intoxicated and operator leaving the scene of a property damage accident after she allegedly hit a parked car on Garibaldi Avenue in Oakfield, moving it approximately 15 feet from its location. Strang failed the SFSTs administered to her after Troopers detected the odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from her. Strang was transported to SP Batavia where she registered a .19 percent BAC, over twice the legal limit. Strang is scheduled to appear in the Town of Oakfield Court on June 27.

Christopher W. Muhs, 20, was arrested for aggravated driving while intoxicated, speeding and failing to notify of address change after he was stopped on State Route 19 in the Town of Pavilion. Troopers detected the odor of alcohol emitting from his breath. Muhs failed the SFSTs and was placed under arrest. He was transported to SP Batavia where he registered a BAC of .32 percent, four times the legal limit. Muhs was issued an appearance ticket and uniform traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Pavilion Court on June 28.

Jennifer R. Murray, of 2178 W. Henrietta Road, Rochester, was cited for following too closely following a rear-end accident at 7:21 a.m. today at 7988 Route 19 in Le Roy. According to the police accident report, a 2008 Honda pickup truck was stopped on Route 19 in order to make a left turn onto North Road, when another vehicle that was directly behind it, went around the pickup on the west shoulder. Murray, who was southbound in a 2002 Subaru, did not see the stopped vehicle in time and rear-ended it, according to a witness. The accident report was made by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Loftus.

Law and Order: Wyoming teen charged with third-degree assault in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

Nicholas Tyler Stutes, 18, of Wyoming Road, Wyoming, is charged with third-degree assault. He was arrested at 11 a.m. on June 2 following a complaint and investigation of an assault on Big Tree Road in Pavilion. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Jenna T. Girolamo, 18, of Sutters Run, Rochester, and a 16-year-old female from Churchville, are charged with making graffiti, a misdemeanor, and trespass, a violation. The two defendants were allegedly found trespassing in Buttermilk Falls, Route 19, Le Roy, at 7:40 p.m. on June 4. They were also found to have allegedly made graffiti in the same area. They were arrested on the charges and issued appearance tickets for July 18 in Town of Le Roy Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy J.M. Diehl, and Le Roy PD officers E. Blodgett and Dent.

A 17-year-old male from Byron and a 17-year-old male from Bergen are charged with trespass, a violation. The two defendants were allegedly found trespassing in Buttermilk Falls, Route 19, Le Roy, at 7:40 p.m. on June 4. They were arrested on the charge and issued appearance tickets for July 18 in Town of Le Roy Court. They were accompanied by two females (previously cited above). All were removed from the property. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy J.M. Diehl, and Le Roy PD officers E. Blodgett and Dent.

Smoke in residence reported after possible lightning strike

By Howard B. Owens

Smoke is reported in the residence at 6259 Shepard Road, with a cross of Transit Road, Pavilion, after a possible lightning strike.

Pavilion fire and Le Roy's ladder truck are dispatched.

UPDATE 9:11 a.m.: This is now a possible structure fire with a second alarm. Requested to the scene are Bethany's tanker, an engine from Le Roy and a tanker from Stafford, with an engine to fill in at Pavilion's Fire Hall. Le Roy's ambulance also requested to the scene.

UPDATE 9:14 a.m.: Perry Center, Perry, Wyoming and York also requested to the scene.

UPDATE(S) 9:23 a.m. (By Billie): This is now a working structure fire. The city's FAST team is called to the scene.

UPDATE 9:27 a.m.: The second platoon is requested to the city's fire headquarters.

UPDATE 9:29 a.m.: The homeowner is there and is an electrician employed by a power company and he already shut down power to the house so a response to the scene by National Grid will not be necessary, according to the scene commander.

UPDATE 9:34 a.m.: One engine from Bethany is called to stage in Texaco Town.

UPDATE 9:45 a.m.: Caledonia, which was just called to fill in at Le Roy's fire hall, is called to the scene along with Bethany. Bergen is called to fill in for Le Roy.

UPDATE 9:48 a.m.: Alexander's FAST team is called to the scene.

UPDATE 9:49 a.m.: Churchville is called to fill in at Bergen Le Roy; Elba is asked to fill in at Stafford. A second Alexander engine is called to the scene.

UPDATE 10:43 a.m.: The fire is under control. Command is starting to release some of the responding units.

Schedule of ceremonies and parades for Monday, May 30: Memorial Day 2016

By Billie Owens

David Zuppelli, of Batavia, submitted this photo of his father, Chester Zuppelli, playing Taps on Memorial Day 1944 in New Caledonia, South Pacific.

Here's a schedule for Memorial Day Ceremonies and the Batavia parade:

7 a.m. -- Genesee County Park (11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany) -- Vietnam Veterans Memorial (VVA #193)

8 a.m. -- Williams Park, City of Batavia-- WW I Memorial (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)

8:30 a.m. -- Batavia VA Medical Center

8:45 a.m. -- NYS Veterans Home

9:30 a.m. -- Upton Monument (routes 5 and 63) (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)

9:45 a.m. -- Batavia Cemetery, Harvester Avenue, City of Batavia (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)

10 a.m. -- Elmwood Cemetery, off Harvester Avenue and Webster Street in the city (AL #332)

10 a.m. -- CITY PARADE -- Begins at the Eastown Plaza traveling west along Main Street and ending at Jerome Center on Bank Street at 10:45 a.m.

10:45 a.m. -- UMMC -- Jerome Center:

  • Memorial Day ceremonies: Invocation; National Anthem with Batavia Concert Band; G.A.R. Order of the Day; Veterans Service Organizations Commemorations; wreath laying with Gold Star Mothers; Honor Roll with drum roll; rifle salute; Taps; Benediction; "God Bless America."

Noon -- Hansen Brothers Grave -- Grandview Cemetery on Clinton Street Road, Batavia (MCL #951)

Participating organizations:

Hansen Borthers Marine Corps League Detachment #951

Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332

Veness-Strollo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1602

Disabled American Veterans Chapter #166

Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #193

Sons of Union Veterans Abraham Lincoln Camp #6

 

Here are more local Memorial Day ceremonies/parades:

  • ALEXANDER: Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Alexander High School and travels to the cemetery on Railroad Avenue with a ceremony to take place at the cemetery following the parade.

  • BERGEN: Parade at 9 a.m. beginning at the Fire Hall (Route 19 & Hunter Street), traveling south on Route 19 to Hickory Park with ceremony to take place at the park immediately following the parade.
  •  
  • BYRON: Parade at 11 a.m. from Terry Street to Swamp Road with a ceremony immediately following at Byron Cemetery.
  • CORFU: Parade at noon from Corfu Fire hall on Route 33 to the Intermediate School on Route 77. Ceremony immediately following the parade.

  • ELBA: Ceremony at Maple Lawn Cemetery at 10 a.m. No parade. The Elba Historical Society Museum will be open for tours after the ceremony.
  •  
  • LEROY: Parade at 10:30 a.m. from the American Legion to Trigon Park with a ceremony at Trigon Park at 11 a.m. following the parade.
  • OAKFIELD: Parade at 11 a.m. from the Oakfield Fire Dept. to Triangle Park with ceremony to be held at Triangle Park.

  • PAVILION: Ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Town Park at intersection of routes 63 and 19. No parade.

No parades/ceremonies for the following:

  • Alabama

  • Bethany

  • Darien

  • Pembroke

  • Stafford

Nazareth College announces students on dean's list for Spring 2016

By Billie Owens

ROCHESTER, NY (05/26/2016)-- Nazareth College announces its Dean's List for the Spring of 2016 semester.

Kelsey Hill, of Batavia, is majoring in Health Sciences.

Lauryn Krebs, of Corfu, is majoring in International Studies.

Jessica Meyers, of East Bethany, is majoring in Occupational Science.

Kelsey Milligan, of Pavilion, is majoring in Health Sciences.

Kathleen O'Donnell, of Batavia, is majoring in Biology.

Andrea Raphael, of Batavia, is majoring in Occupational Science.

Courtney Taylor, of Bergen, is majoring in Biology.

Alexandra Walker, of Byron, is majoring in Communication Science & Disorders.

Brandon Hackett of Pavilion begins military career in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

LATHAM, NY (05/17/2016)-- Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General of New York, announces the recent service accomplishment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their initial commitment to serve community, state and nation.

Pfc. Brandon Hackett, from Pavilion, completed the Army's rigorous basic combat training and advanced individual training, culminating with a ceremony held May 15 at the Geneseo Armory in Geneseo to mark start of training with their new unit, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry.

The ceremony marks their completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training.

The Soldiers will now embark on their traditional National Guard service to state and nation as part time Citizen Soldiers.

"The handoff ceremony marks the introduction of our new Soldiers to their unit and receiving new shoulder insignia, highlighting the start of their military service here in New York to serve state and nation, German said. "I commend these Soldiers for their initial accomplishments in training as their first milestone of a career as a Citizen Soldier."

"Every Soldier or Airman in every unit across our state plays an important role in defending our homeland and serving our nation. We welcome these newest Citizen Soldiers as part of our New York National Guard family."

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

Man arrested in Pavilion for allegedly causing a shoulder sprain and breaking victim's sunglasses

By Billie Owens

Daniel R. Ruffner, 30, was arrested in Pavilion on May 7 by Troopers and charged with misdemeanor assault, 3rd, and criminal mischief after he allegedly caused a shoulder sprain and broke a victim’s prescription sunglasses during a physical altercation at a residence on Telephone Road. Ruffner was processed at State Police barracks in Batavia and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Pavilion Court on May 24.

Bradley Hering, 23, was arrested in Alabama on May 7 by Troopers and charged with driving while intoxicated. Hering was located a short time after a call was dispatched reporting his vehicle was off the roadway on Bloomingdale Road in the Town of Alabama. He was administered the standard field sobriety tests which he allegedly failed. Troopers reported detecting the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from Hering. He was transported to State Police barracks in Batavia for processing which allegedly revealed a BAC of .14 percent. He was issued a uniform traffic ticket returnable to the Town of Alabama Court on May 24.

Bobby Gary Mullen, 39, of Oak Street, Warsaw, is charged with failure to pay fine/restitution/surcharge. He was arrested on a bench warrant out of Genesee County Court for allegedly failing to pay a fine stemming from an incident July 8. He was turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office by Wyoming County Sheriff's Department after a traffic stop in Warsaw at 11 a.m. on May 10. He was released after his arraignment. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Pavilion man reenlists with NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Specialist Douglas Vagg, from Pavilion, has reenlisted to continue service with the 152nd Engineer Support Company.

"New Yorkers count on our Citizen Soldiers to be ready and be there when disaster strikes," German said. "And our nation counts on our soldiers when duty calls for overseas service. I congratulate our members for choosing to stay in service and striking that balance between military duties, education or employment commitments and family obligations."

"Every one of the men and women serving in our 16,000 strong Army and Air National Guard plays an important role and these Soldiers who continue to reenlist provide experience and continuity for whatevery challenges lay ahead for our New York National Guard family."

Photos: Senior Prom DWI drill in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

Pavilion High School hosted its annual DWI drill for seniors in advance of the prom to remind students about the dangers of drinking and driving.

The drill simulates a fatal DWI accident with the cooperation of the Pavilion Fire Department and Sheriff's Office. Mercy EMS, the coroner and volunteers from Bethany and Wyoming also participated.

A pair of goats in the road in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

Law enforcement is responding to Route 19 and Junction Road in Pavilion for two goats reported to be in the roadway.

UPDATE 7:23 a.m.: "Out with two goats," says an officer to dispatch.

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