From this day forward, when city firefighters pass down the hall leading into the aparatus bay to answer an alarm for a fire or medical call, they will pass a picture of Capt. Loren J. Michel, the only city firefighter to ever die in the line of duty.

The memorial to Michel also contains his badge, ID and the page from the logbook of his final call Aug. 5, 1965.

Looking over the mementos of his late friend, Bill Benedict stared at each item intently. It was a sad, sad day, the day he died, Benedict said.

"A lot of sadness that day," he said. "I was there that day. I was driving the aerial truck. I was on the top floor ventilating the roof. After I cut a hole in the roof, I nearly passed out with the gas. It was bad, bad gas."

The structure fire was reported at 402 Bank St. and a resident indicated her two children might still be inside. As acting chief that day, Michel led his crew into the house, kicking down the front door. As firefighters entered ahead of him, a fireball of flames exploded out of the house and Michel apparently inhaled the flames, burning his lungs. His face was also burned.

Michel was not wearing an air pack and staggered out of the house to get some oxygen. Wilbur Hinz, president of the Western New York Volunteer Firemen's Association, helped Michel walk to the truck.

Hinz drove Michel to Genesee Memorial Hospital.

Michel told Hinz to go to his house and tell his wife and daughter that he would be OK. By the time Hinz returned to ER, Michel was dead.

The service today, attended by members of Michel's family, included prayer and remembrances. A plaque was dedicated that will be placed on the outside of the fire hall and a wreath was lain at the grave of Michel in Grandview Cemetery.

The service was intended to recall the kind of man Michel was and his dedication to firefighting. He was an instructor, instrumental in creating the mutual aid and emergency management coordination that is still in place today.

He served the city for 24 years and was an honorary member of every volunteer fire company in the county.

"Capt. Michel's death was a devastating loss to his family, his community and the entire fire service," said Adam Palumbo, president of Local 896.

Palumbo and firefighter Mike Dorgan took the lead in organizing today's service.

Leonard Smatak, a firefighter and son-in-law of Michel's, recalled how this fallen hero devoted his life to serving others.

He shared one story of a structure fire that started with a boy who accidently lit his sister's bed on fire. The alarm was sounded quickly and the house was saved, but the boy was nowhere in sight when it was all over. Firefighters and police began a neighborhood search, but Michel said he would handle matters.

He figured the boy was hiding in the house, and he was right. Soon he and the boy came walking out of the house hand-in-hand. Michel sat the boy on the front seat of a fire truck and had a private chat with him. Smatak said that to this day, that boy, now a man, credits Michel with changing his life.

"To truly honor Capt. Michel in all that you do, do it right the first time, take no shortcuts, do it by the numbers, just as you were all trained to do," Smatak said.

Standing before the memorial, all city firefighters will pass from this day forward. Benedict said he'll never forget his friend or that tragic day.

"He was a nice man, a good leader," Benedict said. "Everybody liked him. He was well respected. We all miss him."

Firefighter Greg Ireland presents the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the service.

Firefighter and Local 896 President Adam Palumbo with opening remarks.

City Fire Chief Jim Maxwell.

Firefighter Ryan Hendershott sounds the final bells for Capt. Michel.

Michael Szustak and Michel Lujan

Retired firefighter, Capt. Mike Mullen.

The service pin, as shown above, is the same one city firefighters will wear from now on on their Class A uniforms to honor Capt. Michel and the date of his death.

The laying of the wreath at Grandview Cemetery.

Four of the county's volunteer firefighters pay tribute to Capt. Michel.

Hog For Paws will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stan’s Harley Davidson, Inc., 4425 W. Saile Drive in Batavia. Hogs for Paws is a fundraising and reunion event for our local Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Activities at the event: 

• Microchipping for dogs and cats­ $30; Obedience Training with the K­9 Kahuna K­9 Demonstration; Face Painting;
• Magic w/Joe; 50/50 Raffle; T­shirt sale Vendors Open Arms Rescue;
• NEW this Year! 100-MILE RIDE -- $10 per person (includes lunch);
• Kickstands up at 10 a.m.;
• Lunch -- $5 per person -- All monies are donated to Volunteers for Animals -- includes a hotdog, salad and a drink. Thank you for your support! 

You can also show your support on: http://www.gofundme.com/vw967fc

Comics have been a hobby, a career and now an ambition for Batavia resident Dan Hosek.

The Long Island native is a former Marvel Comics editor who came to Western New York when his wife started school at SUNY Brockport. He happened to work for a graphics company at the time that had an office in Buffalo. They settled in Batavia, and now Hosek is a free-lance graphic designer.

But he still has a passion for the comic book business, and love that goes back to his childhood and a passion that survived a rocky bankruptcy reorganization by Marvel in the 1990s.

Hosek shared some of his expertise in comic book creation, marketing and distribution with a room of like-minded people at the Richmond Memorial Library on Tuesday night.

His advice: If you want to get published, work at it. Be prepared for long hours and don't be afraid to self-publish -- that can be a road success.

It's certainly a road he and his partners Keith Koppenhoefer and Ryan Gutierrez hope helps propel their series, File 13, to a bigger audience.

The trio hatched the idea for the series a few years ago -- based primarily on a character developed by Hosek when he was 12 years old. A year ago, they raised enough money through a Kickstarter campaign to get the first edition printed.  

Without a distributor, however, it's been a lot of work getting the comic book onto store shelves, but they have been making headway and sales.

"The micro-distribution route, that can be a full-time job in itself," Hosek said. "Calling comic shops, visiting comic shops, sending e-mails, and the whole follow-up is a lot of work, but we're getting there. It's growing. We're hoping the numbers get high enough that we can go back to Diamond (the only comic book distributor in the nation) and say 'we've sold this many,' and hopefully they'll look at the numbers and look at what we're doing and decide to distribute it."

The story is about two twin brothers who inherited a company and they have opposing views on the value of science. One brother believes science should only be used for the greater good, while the other believes science should be used in the service of the bottom line of the company they own. One brother is fired from the company, and he steals battle armor developed by the company. This leads to a whole universe of super heros who return to Earth after not being around since the 1980s.

While being both one of the creators and part of the whole marketing and distribution effort is a lot of work, the reception File 13 has received has been worth it, Hosek said.

"When you hold that finished comic book in your hands or somebody tells you how much they enjoyed it, it's a reward, so part of the drive comes from that, hearing from other people that they liked it and that you're producing something other people enjoyed," Hosek said.

You can find out more about the comic book series at www.whatisfile13.com, like the series on Facebook, or purchase editions at Foxprowl Collectables on Ellicott Street, Batavia.

The City of Batavia hosted its annual National Night Out community event at Birchwood Village on Tuesday evening.

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, located in Alabama and Shelby, will be accepting applications for the refuge’s reserved waterfowl hunt days beginning Aug. 15. Reservations are required for opening day of the New York State regular waterfowl season on Saturday, Oct. 24 and the following Saturday, Oct. 31.

These dates are tentative pending approval of the recommended waterfowl hunting season.

Interested hunters must complete the Waterfowl Lottery Application Form and return it to the refuge office at 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013. Applications will be accepted no earlier than Aug. 15 and due by the deadline of 4 p.m., Sept. 15. Application forms can be requested by mail, by phone, in person, or by email at iroquois@fws.gov

A PDF version of the form may also be downloaded and printed by following a link on the refuge Web site http://www.fws.gov/refuge/iroquois/.

Hunters will be selected by a lottery and notified by mail. The number of permits issued will be dependent on water levels in the hunt area. Reservations are non-transferable.

Those selected must be at the Waterfowl Permit Station, located on Route 77, between 4:30 and 5 a.m. on their appointed day to select their hunt stand and obtain their permit. Consult the refuge’s Waterfowl Hunting Fact Sheet for addition information.

Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact refuge staff at 585-948-5445 or through the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339. Iroquois NWR is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

For further information contact: Iroquois NWR, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013, or call Madeline Prush at 585-948-5445.

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the Lake Plains Waterfowl Association, will host its 42nd Annual Young Waterfowlers Program. The program will include an orientation class at the refuge headquarters and a youth-only hunt day on Saturday, Oct. 3.

This date is tentative pending approval of the recommended New York State youth waterfowl hunting dates. The Young Waterfowlers Program will be open to junior hunters between 12-15 years of age. There is no charge but space is limited with preference given to first time participants. Pre-registration does not guarantee participation. Those selected will be notified by mail.

To pre-register, complete the Waterfowl Lottery Application Form and return it to the refuge headquarters at 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013 by the deadline of 4 p.m., Sept. 8.

Application forms can be requested by mail, by phone, in person, or email at iroquois@fws.gov. A PDF version of the form may also be downloaded and printed from the refuge Web site http://www.fws.gov/refuge/iroquois.

The orientation class date will be announced at later date. The morning session of the orientation class will consist of a New York State sanctioned Waterfowl Identification Certification class from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The afternoon session from 12:30 – 3 p.m. will cover decoys and calls, ballistics, clothing and equipment, hunter ethics and safety, an overview of the refuge waterfowl program as well as a retriever demo and trap shoot. The afternoon session is mandatory in order to participate in the hunt, except for those who have been through the program at least twice before.

All junior hunters will be required to have a guide with them on the day of the hunt. We strongly recommend each junior hunter secure their own guide prior to orientation in accordance with DEC Junior Hunting License Regulations. We have a limited number of guides who can volunteer; therefore we cannot guarantee a guide for each junior hunter.

For additional information about the program, please contact Madeline Prush at 585.948.5445. Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact refuge staff at 585.948.5445 or at the Federal Relay No. 1.800.877.8339.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is located midway between Rochester and Buffalo and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Press release:

Darien Lake and Live Nation have teamed up to offer concert-goers free park admission for the Rascal Flatts show on Saturday, Aug. 29. Tickets for this show are on sale now at www.livenation.com

Anyone who purchases a ticket to this concert at the Performing Arts Center will have full access to Darien Lake on the day of that show, Aug. 29, free of charge. To take advantage of this end-of-summer deal, guests can simply show their concert ticket at the park’s main gate window.

Parking at the theme park is also included with proof of concert ticket purchase. The concert itself starts at 7:30 p.m. The theme park is located at 9993 Alleghany Road in Darien Center.

Benjamin J. Bullard, 28, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Bullard is accused of stealing $6,000 from an acquaintance's bedroom while she was on vacation. The incident happened at a residence on Swan Street. He was jailed without bail.

James C. Emerson, 53, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with allowing his dogs to habitually bark following an investigation into an alleged complaint where a dog was repeatedly left outside unattended for several hours and barked continuously. On Aug. 3 Emerson's dog was allegedly barking habitually from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m.

Robert L. Williams Jr., 24, of West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant following a traffic stop by Deputy Joseph Corona. Williams was later turned over to the Batavia Police Department. He was put in the Genesee County Jail on $500 bail.

Cory J. Trybushyn, 27, of West Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Trybushyn allegedly stole merchandise from a business in the City of Batavia.

A 22-year-old Buffalo resident is in critical condition at ECMC after an overnight accident on Route 77 in Indian Falls that required volunteer firefighters to extricate him from his vehicle.

Luis A. Martinez-Morales was airlifted by Mercy Flight following the 12:10 a.m. collision at the intersection of Route 77 and Indian Falls Road.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.

The Buffalo-man allegedly failed to stop at the intersection. He was westbound on Indian Falls Road. His car was struck by a northbound 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe driving by Dixie Woodworth, 53, of Maple Avenue, Lyndonville.

The Honda Accord driven by Martinez-Morales and the Santa Fe both skidded off the west shoulder of Route 77 just north of Gabbey Road.

A passenger in the Accord, 22-year-old Brian Ortiz-Guevara, of Puerto Rico, sustained minor injuries. He was taken by Mercy EMS to ECMC for evaluation.

Woodworth also sustained minor injuries and was transported by the Darien ambulance to ECMC.

The Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments responded to the scene.

The investigation is being conducted by Deputy Rich Schildwaster and Sgt. Ron Meides. Charges are pending. Alcohol is not considered a factor in the crash.

(Initial Report)

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Kid Rock Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday:

John C. Difante, 21, of Garden Drive, Batavia, is charged with strangulation in the 2nd degree after he allegedly choked another subject unconscious. Difante was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Tayler J. Appell, 19, of Pullman Street, Brockton, is charged with false personation and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly providing false personal information and being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana. Appell was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Jessica J. Hawkins, 30, of Park Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is charged with second-degree harassment after allegedly punching and pulling another patron's hair. Hawkins was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Christopher G. Cooke, 18, of Bush Road, Leicester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected.

Brian P. Moody, 33, of Greenview Terrace, Niagara Falls, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another person in the face.

Matthew C. Amesbury, 34, of Parkway Drive, North Chili, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing and grabbing a deputy by the throat.

The city is holding an educational meeting to provide residents with information on deer management strategies and to discuss any concerns about the deer population.

The community-based deer management meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at City Hall. 

The city is partnering with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation for the meeting. The NY DEC Senior Wildlife Biologist Art Kirsh will present information on several topics including ecological damage, deer-related accidents and disease transmission. Kirsch will also cover deer management practices such as repellents, frightening devices, fencing and alternative plant species that are less attractive to deer.

 City Manager Jason Molino has received an increased amount of complaints from residents in the northeast part of the city regarding deer eating plants and gardens this year. The harsh winter may have caused more deer to move into the city from rural areas Molino said. However, there has been no increase in the amount of deer accidents.

The goal of the meeting is to discuss residents' concerns and damage-control techniques.

D&C: Cuomo: Subsidies needed for business growth

An accident with injuries is reported at Route 77 and Gabbey Road, Pembroke.

Extrication is required and Mercy Flight is dispatched.

A landing zone is being set up at the Methodist church in Indian Falls. Darien's ambulance also dispatched.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments have responded.

UPDATE 12:34 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 12:36 a.m.: Darien ambulance in route to the church.

UPDATE 12:47 a.m.: Mercy Flight transporting patient to ECMC.

An accident with possible injuries is reported at West Main and Clay streets in Le Roy. Le Roy Ambulance Service is already en route and Le Roy fire is responding.

The Muckdogs game tonight has been postponed due to the threat of a thunderstorm.

The Muckdogs will play a doubleheader on Wednesday against the State College Spikes with the first game starting at 5:05 p.m. and the second game will directly follow the conclusion of the first game; both games will be seven innings.

Any ticket purchased for tonight’s game can be redeemed for any future regular season game.

An automobile accident is reported at the intersection of Batavia -- Elba Townline Road and Pekin Road. A 5-year-old female requires medical evaluation. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Vinyl Sticks in Batavia finished a project for Mercy Flight today involving a retired helicopter that the Buffalo-based medical emergency organization wants to display at events and at its headquarters.

A BOCES class in Erie County restored and painted the exterior of the craft and then it was trucked to Batavia for Vinyl Sticks to apply the ship's decals.

Adam Lowder handled the project.

Their baby-back pork ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, Southern-style collard greens, and five-bean chuck-wagon beans were beloved by those who enjoyed the food. But the location of The Rib Shack on Ellicott Street Road proved too difficult, so the owners have pulled up stakes and are looking for a new location, said co-owner Melissa Penders.

The lack of a lunch crowd in an isolated location hurt cash flow, Penders said, but part of the decision to close was landlord due to difficulties.

The landlord is Rosemary Christian. Jim and Melissa Penders claim she illegally evicted them.

Melissa Penders said she will be happy to meet Christian in court because she has all the cancelled rent checks. She said Christian is claiming they owe "a ridiculous amount of money," but that all of the rent was paid.

Christian said she doesn't care what Penders has to show in court, the restaurant owners owed her money.

Over the weekend, all the signs came down and on Monday the Penders tried to remove the rest of their equipment, Penders said.  

Christian called the Sheriff's Office, Penders said, and Christian confirmed that local law enforcement responded.

"They were robbing me blind," Christian said.

Christian claims the building was left in "a mess." Penders said Christian wouldn't allow her inside the building to complete a final clean-up.

Penders said Christian was pushing them to sign a new lease, but they didn't want to commit to being in that location for another year, both because of the lunch-crowd issue and because she didn't want to deal with Christian for another year.

"Rosemary is very difficult to deal with," Penders said.

She said Christian presented them with an ultimatum to either sign a lease or get out, they chose to get out. As they were on their way out the door, Christian issued an eviction notice.

Christian said there was no demand to sign a lease or close. This was nothing but an eviction, she said.

Meanwhile, Jim and Melissa are looking for a new location and running their catering business out of their home, getting their kitchen upgraded to commercial and health department standards. All of their obligations for weddings and graduations and other events will be met, she said.

NOTE: Deal of the Day buyers, Melissa Penders said if you hold on to your gift certificates, they will be honored with the restaurant reopens. The expiration date will be honored. They are also good toward catering services. However, per The Batavian's policy, if you purchased your gift certificate within the past 30 days, we'll refund your money. Mail the gift certificate back to The Batavian, 200 E. Main St., #5, Batavia, NY 14020. If you elect to hold onto your gift certificate, e-mail howard@thebatavian.com and we'll send you a coupon code for a free ad posting on Batavia's List.

From the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

Gateway Drive will be closed on Thursday, Aug. 6, between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. for paving operations.

Residents and businesses are not to park on the roadway during paving operations. Please park on the adjacent side streets. Please plan accordingly.

If work is postponed by weather, work will be rescheduled for the next calendar day.

All traffic is asked to avoid this area and seek alternate routes. Thank you for your cooperation.