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Vandals do damage to historic Batavia Cemetery

By Howard B. Owens

Some time in the past week, vandals knocked over at least six obelisks and gravestones at the Batavia Cemetery.

Jon McManis, with the Batavia Cemetery Association, returned from vacation and spotted the damaged obelisks above and the next day he surveyed the cemetery and found more damage.

"I wish these idiots would realize they're not just tipping over stones, they're wrecking history," McManis said.

The obelisk pictured above -- for the Lewis family -- is the only obelisk with any apparent damage. McManis isn't sure how it can be repaired.  

The others are simply heavy -- weighing 100lbs per column foot -- and the association doesn't necessarily have the spare funds to pay for them to be put back in place.

One gravestone was broke off at its base.

"Why would you want to get your jollies from doing something like this?" McManis asked while looking down at the broken Lewis obelisk.

Anybody with information that might lead to police identifying suspects in the case can call the confidential tip line at 345-6370.

Mark Potwora

I agree..i sure hope when they catch who did this they don't just get a slap on the wrist..They cause thousands of dollars damage..Total disrespect..

Aug 4, 2011, 5:33pm Permalink
Irene Will

Shame on these kids - if they ARE kids. Sad that they can't think of anything better to do than damage property. I hope they're caught - and then sentenced to CLEAN UP all the cemeteries - and to pay for the damage they've done. Idiots.

Aug 5, 2011, 9:39am Permalink

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