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Notre Dame honors newest inductees into its Athletic Hall of Fame

By Billie Owens

Notre Dame High School held its 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday (Nov. 9).

Above, from left, are Athletic Hall of Fame inductees Dick O'Connor -- Class of '64, John Dwyer*, Christopher Sabato -- Class of '97, Maureen Del Plato Braunscheidel -- Class of '98

Town of Batavia Fire looks back on 2018, installs officers, names Clayton Gorski Firefighter of the Year

By Howard B. Owens
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In 2018, the volunteers of the Town of Batavia Fire Department answered 377 calls for service, Chief Dan Coffey said Saturday night at the department's annual awards and installation banquet

Robert W. Mullen

By Joshua Smith

Stafford - Robert W. Mullen, 86, of Stafford, went home to be with his Savior on Thursday, (December 27, 2018) at The Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at Batavia, following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Mullen was born January 26, 1932 in Batavia, a son of the late Earl W. and Terresa (Wooster) Mullen.

Easily recognizable by his trademark Stetson Cowboy Hat, Robert was a long-time member of Northgate Free Methodist Church, and recently was attending Roanoke Community Church in Stafford where he was active as the music director. 

Mr. Mullen was proud of the community in which he lived and spent most of his life living on the Mullen Family Farm in Stafford.

Bob was a farmer.  He and Helen spent three years living in Arizona where he worked as a ranch hand and the two owned a small milk store, the Ro-Kay Dairy.

When an injury prevented him from physically performing farm work, he began coursework at Roberts Wesleyan College.  After obtaining a degree in social work, Robert became a teacher with BOCES and taught special education in several school districts in Monroe County until transferring into the Churchville-Chili Schools where he retired after 22 years in 1994. 

Following his retirement, he took a part time position with BOCES of Genesee County teaching the GED Course at the Genesee Co. Jail where he had an exceptional pass rate.  This was largely due to his unique experiential style of teaching that allowed students to connect with the material in a real-world sense rather than purely hypothetical.  He retired from this position at the age of 80 after 18 years.

A proud but humble man, Bob's passions were farming, horses, and children.  He would often stop to give any child he encountered a quarter and say hello.  He was a 65+ year 4-H Leader and was instrumental in developing the 4-H Tractor and Machine Safety Program in Genesee County.  He was a long time member of the Genesee Co. Fair Board, the Stafford Grange #416, Genesee Pomona Grange #10, as well as the NYS and National Grange.  He served as a Junior Leader with the Stafford Grange. 

He was a longtime volunteer with the Salvation Army and together with Helen was proud to have been a sponsor of a child through International Childcare Ministries for many years.  He was active with the former Genesee Co. Churches United Jail Ministry.  For many years he served as the Stafford Historian and Zoning Officer and was active with the Genesee Co. Senior Foundation.

Due in no small part to all of his associations, volunteer work, and dedication to his community, it is no surprise that Bob was honored as Geneseean of the Year in 2006 by the Genesee Co. Chamber of Commerce. 

He is survived by his wife, Helen H. (Hunt) Mullen, whom he married July 12, 1953; a daughter, Jacqueline (Eladio Montalvo) Mullen of Puerto Rico; sons, Robert W. (Regina) Mullen, II of Stafford, and Richard (Debbie) Spink of CA; brothers, Theodore (late Jane) Mullen of Freeville, and Lester (Barbara) Mullen of Stafford; a sister, Nancy (James) Clarq of Phelps; a brother-in-law, Herbert (Bunnie) Call of LeRoy; sisters-in-law, Gari Mullen of NM, and Dodie Mullen of Australia.  11 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Bob is preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Jaselis Camacho; brothers, Earl William, Roy, and John Mullen; sisters, Zelda Sipher, Louise Phelps, Lyla Stephens, Eleanor McCrumb, Arlene Call, Mary Ann Mullen, and Ruth Mullen.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 10 to 1 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia, where Robert’s Funeral Service will immediately follow calling at 1:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Tractor Certification Program, 420 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  Burial will take place in Morganville Cemetery, Stafford.

Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Virginia R. Mullen

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Virginia R. Mullen, 86, of Oakfield, passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Mullen was born September 10, 1931 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Anson and Helen Rowcliffe Speed.

A graduate of Elba Central School, Mrs. Mullen regularly attended services at East Shelby Community Bible Church. She enjoyed knitting and reading. Her greatest joy was being with her family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Kenneth  M.  Mullen, who passed away on September 16, 2015. They were married on June 14, 1952.

She is survived by her children, Stephen (Crystal Hawley) Mullen of Batavia, Deborah (Alan) Dennis  and John (Lisa) Mullen, both of Oakfield; three sisters, Lucille (late William) Schultz and Beverly (Jack) Hillabush, both  of Elba and Jeanette (late Gerry) Grazioplene of Batavia; her sister-in-law, Nancy Speed of Elba; ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brother, Roger I. Speed.

Virginia’s family wishes to extend their most sincere thank you to the Emergency Room doctors and nurses and the nurses on the 2nd floor at United Memorial Medical Center for the comfort and care which was provided to their mother.

Friends may call on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 East Shelby Road, Medina, where services will immediately follow visitation at 11 a.m. She will be laid to rest in Maplelawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Virginia’s name may be made to East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 East Shelby Road, Medina, New York 14103. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements for Virginia have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Notre Dame HS 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner is Nov. 9

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Notre Dame High School is proud to announce that its 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Notre Dame High School, located at 73 Union St. in Batavia.

This fall’s program will begin with a social hour at

Updates on Batavia 24U Baseball Team, next game is Tuesday night at GCC

By Billie Owens

By Dan McComb:

June 4

The Batavia 24U Baseball Team kicked off its season at GCC Tuesday, June 4, with a 2-1 win over the Titans.

Trevor Sherwood pitched six shutout innings, striking out 12 and earning the victory. Tristan Aldinger worked the seventh for the save, striking out

Lucy M. Pullen

By Ronald Konieczny

Lucy M. Pullen, 37 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (January 16, 2018) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born January 21, 1980 in Warsaw, a daughter of Steven and Constance Kline Pullen of Batavia.

Lucy volunteered for Hands and Hearts of Warsaw. She enjoyed genealogy, cooking crocheting and singing. She had the type of personality that would just call a random family member or friend to brighten their day.  Lucy will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Surviving besides her parents, is her sister, Sandra (Terry) Rawleigh of Auburn, NY. Brothers, James Pullen and William Pullen, both of Batavia. Niece, Madelynn Rawleigh. Nephew, Alexander Rawleigh. Grandmother, Jean Kline of Batavia. Aunts and uncles, Julie Grant of Texas, Robert Pullen of Kentucky, Janice Palumbos of Utah, Debra Pendergast of Fairport, Donald Kline of Indiana, Hannah Kline of Perry, Maxine Young of Batavia, Barbara Laubacker of Strykersville, Robert Kline of Canada, Patricia Wheeler of Perry and Lilian Hashimoto of Brazil. Also survived by several cousins.

She is predeceased by her grandparents, Kenneth and Dorothy Cox and Albert and Margaret Kline. Aunt, Deborah Hackbarth and uncle and godfather, David Kline.

Friends may call Sunday (Jan. 21st) from 2-4pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA., where a Remembrance Service will commence at 4pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Peers Helping Peers, 27 W Buffalo St, Warsaw, NY 14569. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Keith Goodwin

By Joshua Smith

Byron - Keith Goodwin, age 66, of Byron, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

Mr. Goodwin was born November 3, 1951 in Batavia, the son of the late Orville Goodwin and Rita Wasiewaleski Goodwin. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Kathie Mulhall.

An avid hunter, fisherman and fan of horse racing, Keith was a member of the United States Trotting Association. He and his wife, Karen, are the longtime proprietors of Goodwin Farm in Byron where they have boarded race horses. Keith was a trainer and driver for many years. He was a hard working man who appreciated the simple things in life; family and friends. He lived his life doing ordinary things, extraordinarily well.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Karen A. Mullen Goodwin, whom he married September 29, 1984; his daughter, Christine (Tim) Baker of Hilton; his grandson, Jaxon Baker of Hilton; brothers-in-law, Ron (Renee) Mullen of Oakfield and Larry Mulhall of Florida; sisters-in-law, Alice (Dan) Dollinger of Spencerport and Nancy Anderson of Arkansas; several nieces and nephews including Katrina (Salvy) Urso of Florida and Phillip Reiss of Florida. Keith is also survived by his stepmother, Marjorie Goodwin and many cousins.

Funeral services for Keith will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, followed by burial in Byron Cemetery. Immediately following burial, family cordially invites all to a Celebration of Keith’s Life at the Byron Fire Hall, 6357 Townline Road from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.  If you are unable to attend funeral services, please join the family in celebrating his life at the fire hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Keith's name to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York 14263. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Keith’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

William D. Phelps

By Joshua Smith

Avoca/Oakfield - William D. Phelps, 70, of Avoca, formerly of Oakfield, passed away suddenly Wednesday, (September 19, 2018) at his home, in Avoca.

Mr. Phelps was born July 31, 1948 in Batavia, a son of the late Virgil E. and Louise E. (Mullen) Phelps.

He attended Oakfield-Alabama school as graduated as valedictorian of his class in 1966.  He went on to graduate from Cornell University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1970.  He was a member of the AGR fraternity and a 40 year member of the Free & Accepted Masons. 

He felt bonded to the land, and spent his entire career on Virgil E. Phelps & Sons Farms first at Judge Road in Oakfield and later in Avoca.  He served as the bookkeeper in both locations. 

Surviving is his sister, Judy (Walt) Stevenson of Madison, WI, and brothers, Donald Phelps of Riviera, FL, and Neil (Teresa) Phelps of Caledonia.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.    

There will be no visitation.  Family and Friends are invited to attend Bill’s Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday (September 26, 2018) at the Indian Falls United Methodist Church, 7908 Allegany Road, Corfu.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church.  Bill will be laid to rest beside his parents in Reed Cemetery, Oakfield.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Law and Order: Pair of DWI arrests announced

By Howard B. Owens

Shawn Michael Walburn, 45, of East Main Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with: DWI; driving while ability impaired with alcohol; driving without a vehicle inspection; and speeding. Walburn was stopped at 3:07 a.m. Sunday on Main Road, Stafford, by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Ryan Brent Callison, 41, of 14th Street, Zimmerman

Law and Order: Rochester resident arrested on felony DWI charge

By Billie Owens

Tevin Alexander Dowdell, 40, of Clifford Ave., Rochester, is charged with: driving while intoxicated as a felony; speeding in a 55-mph zone; refusal to take a breath test; uninspected motor vehicle; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree -- operating a motor vehicle without a required ignition interlock

Williamsville man killed after BMW collides with Bethany ambulance on Route 63

By Howard B. Owens

Investigators have yet to determine why a 2015 BMW driven by 61-year-old Syed L. Rahman, of Williamsville, crossed the center line and crashed into an ambulance from the Bethany Fire Department on Route 63 just before midnight Saturday.

Rahman was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Don Coleman.

A

Law and Order: Arrests for prison contraband, possessing unstamped smokes and pot

By Billie Owens

Christian Arieras Wilson, 21, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband in the first degree, fifth-degree conspiracy and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Following an investigation into smuggling contraband into the Genesee County Jail, Wilson was arrested, released on an appearance

Law and Order: Rochester man accused of May 2 burglary on Clinton Street Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

Angel Ivan Carrasquillo, 43, of Lake Avenue, Rochester is charged with: third-degree burglary; third-degree criminal mischief; attempted grand larceny in the fourth degree; and petit larceny. Following an investigation into a burglary that occurred on Clinton Street Road in the Town of Stafford at 2:27 a.m. on May 2

Law and Order: For third time, man accused of pulling fire alarm at DePaul

By Howard B. Owens
      Jonathan Balaz

Jonathan P. Balaz, 41, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting an incident, 2nd. Balaz is accused of pulling the fire alarm at DePaul Properties, 555 E. Main St., Batavia, at 4:37 p.m. Friday when there was no fire or another emergency. (

Law and Order: Le Roy woman with two prior felony DWIs charged with third offense

By Billie Owens

Heather M. Spiegel, 45, of Le Roy, is charged with: felony driving while intoxicated -- third offense, a Class D felony; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree; operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock device; consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle; and having an

MARY E. TORREY

By Michael Tomaszewski

MARY E. TORREY ~ Age 92, of Elba, died peacefully Sunday morning March 17, 2019 at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing in Batavia. Born in Byron, NY on July 2, 1926, a daughter of the late Blaine and Viola (Hofmann) Wight; also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Torrey; dearest granddaughter, Jordyn Mary Augello; sisters, Evelyn (late Calvin) Waterman and Grace (late Norman) Phelps.


Mary, having spent most of her life in Elba was known to all from supporting her late husband in running Torrey Farms to being one of Elba Central Schools most beloved teachers. A high school science teacher of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Along with teaching, she tutored many children throughout her years and made such an impact on them that they would often stop to visit long after graduation. She was a lifelong learner who had a passion for science, teaching and her students that she was always most proud of. Mary was a longtime member of the Elba United Methodist Church; she enjoyed gardening, travelling and time spent with her family.


Mary is survived by children, Maureen (Paul) Marshall, John (Carol) Torrey, Mark (Catherine) Torrey all of Elba and Mary Jane (Kevin) Fast of SC; sisters, Nancy (Ronald) Johns of Kentucky, June (Richard) Mullen of Byron and Jane (late Warren) Terrill of LeRoy; grandchildren, Jamie (Carson Dowdle) Marshall, Julie Marshall, Jill (Stephen) Gould, Laura (Tarek) Badawy, Melissa (Jimmie DeLeon) Martin, Molly (Erick) Anderson, Travis (Grace) Torrey, Shannon (Matthew) Kyle, Lucas (Kimberly) Torrey, Jed (Kelsey) Torrey, Maxwell (Alyssa Laudico) Torrey, late Jordyn Mary (Charles) Augello, Jessica (Richard) Lack, Melissa (Daniel) DiFelice and Carissa Fast along with 23 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The Torrey family will be present from 4-8pm on Thursday March 21, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, NY 14020 where Mary’s Celebration of Life will take place at 11am Friday, March 22. She will be laid to rest alongside Charles, in Springvale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her memory can be made to the Rochester Area Community Foundation – Charles and Mary Torrey Fund to benefit Elba United Methodist Church, Elba Central School, Houghton College, Elba Volunteer Fire Dept and the Paul N. Yu Heart Center at Strong Memorial Hospital, 500 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14607 or www.racf.org/torrey.

Please share your words of comfort with the family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF MARY E. TORREY IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.
 

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