Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the New York State Department of Labor is issuing guidance to all employers that any necessary recovery period from the Covid-19 vaccine is covered under the state’s Paid Sick Leave Law.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, among unvaccinated Americans, 48 percent say they are concerned they “might need to miss work if the side effects of the vaccine make them feel sick for a day or more.” This group includes nearly two-thirds, or 64 percent, of unvaccinated Hispanic adults and over half of Black adults, or 55 percent.

“The vaccine is the key to defeating Covid for good and we are doing everything we can to remove any and all barriers to getting shots in arms,” Cuomo said. “Despite the side effects of vaccine being extremely limited, some studies have shown that there are individuals avoiding their shot out of fear of missing work the next day.

“I want to be crystal clear – no New Yorker will miss a day’s pay because of getting the vaccine,” Cuomo said. “The Department of Labor will be issuing guidance to all employers reminding them that in the unlikely event someone needs time off after experiencing side effects, by law, that is considered a paid sick leave day.”

On March 12, Cuomo signed legislation granting public and private employees time off to receive the Covid-19 vaccination. Under this new law, employees will be granted up to four hours of excused leave per injection that will not be charged against any other leave the employee has earned or accrued.

Photos by Tom Rivers

FANCHER – Neal Muscarella, a mason from Albion, chips away old and loose mortar today on the Fancher Clock, a World War II Memorial at the curve on Route 31 on the east side on Murray.

Muscarella will be putting in new mortar and it will be the color green like the original. Muscarella said this is the only sandstone structure that he has seen with green mortar.

The four-sided clock at the Fancher Curve is a memorial to 10 young men from the community who died in World War II. The memorial was dedicated on Aug. 14, 1949.

Murray town officials are pushing to have the restoration done in time for the anniversary of the clock’s dedication.

Neal Muscarella removes the mortar between the sandstone blocks.

Fancher native Fred Fiorito has donated to cover the costs of restoring the monument. Fiorito is a retired chiropractor who lives in Mount Vernon, outside New York City. He grew up on a farm at the intersection of Fancher and Telegraph roads.

He was only 10, and he has never forgotten seeing the Gold Star mothers in mourning during the clock’s original dedication.

Fiorito in trips home over the years has noticed the memorial’s gradually deterioration. Sometimes the clocks haven’t worked. The mortar has crumbled.

Fiorito wants the site to be a well cared for showcase for the 10 local residents who died in World War II. Those 10 include John Christopher, Joseph Christopher, Cosmo Coccitti, John Kettle, Jr., Leonard Licursi, Martin Licursi, Richard Merritt, Camille Nenni, Floyd Valentine and Richard Vendetta.

Provided photo: Dan Mawn, president of the Murray-Holley Historical Society, removes one of the clock faces. The clocks will have new movements put in, and a new electrical service. They will be programmed to automatically adjust for Daylight Savings in March and also for way the clocks “fall back” an hour in November.

The four clock faces also will have new metal rings so they can slide in more easily into the monument and have better structural support.

The project also is expected to include upgraded landscaping and improvements to the flagpole.

Toyz n Kandy owner says site connects to nostalgia, simpler times

Photos by Tom Rivers: Dan Conrad is opening Toyz n Kandy today in the Arnold Gregory Office Building at 243 South Main St. He is on the second floor at suite 235.

ALBION – Dan Conrad hears lots of talk about the good ole’ days. Those remembrances often involve penny candy and simple toys – nothing with electronics.

Conrad, 38, remembers as a kid walking to Fischer’s Newsstand and getting a piece of candy with his buddies. Fischer’s closed on April 30, 2015.

Conrad is opening a candy store today. Toyz n Kandy has a selection of sweets and some old-fashioned toys, including whoopee cushions, Friendship Bracelets, toy harmonicas, chalk and game balls.

Conrad tried to find penny candies, but these days the low price is a nickel for small tootsie rolls and Jolly Ranchers. He has an array of other candy with nothing more than $2.

“We’re trying to bring back the nostalgia, the good times,” Conrad said on Wednesday at the site at the Arnold Gregory Office Building. He is on the second floor next to the Tree House, a childcare and kids’ party business, and also Best of Tymes Party Rentals.

Conrad sees some crossover appeal in the other businesses on the second floor. He said the building is bustling with many other tenants.

He sees the current spot for Toyz n Kandy as the beginning of a business he hopes will expand in the future with root beer floats, ice cream and a wider selection of items. He credited his kids, ages 11 and 4, for helping to pick out the merchandise.

He pushed to open today so people could load up on treats and toys before the Memorial Day weekend. He will have a grand opening today from 2 to 7 p.m., with Golden Tickets at other businesses in the building as part of a scavenger hunt with candy prizes.

Conrad is looking to have the site also be a children’s book share, where people can borrow books for free. He also is planning to do monthly craft days, and is looking to be a vendor at local festivals and other community events.

He also is willing to supply candy and toys for birthday parties, private events and fundraisers.

Conrad will be running the store part-time while working full-time for the Arc of Genesee Orleans. He also is on the board for Hoag Library and COVA, and is president of the Albion Lions Club.

“This is just another way to do something for the kids and the community,” Conrad said about the store.

Dan Conrad on Wednesday is shown getting ready for today’s grand opening from 2 to 7 p.m.

Provided photos

ALBION – Students in the Interact Club at Albion High School planted flowers on Wednesday morning at Mount Albion Cemetery. The flowers were donated by Navarra’s Farm Market and Greenhouse.

Pictured from left include Kenzi Hapeman, Emily Mergler, Ally Mathes and Byrne Dysard.

The students are pictured with Interact Club Advisor Tim Archer. From left include Kenzi Hapeman, Byrne Dysard, Tim Archer, Emily Mergler and Ally Mathes.

Former teacher Doug Mergler, Emily’s father, helped with the effort.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Holli Nenni has worked nearly 34 years with the Orleans County Department of Social Services.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has appointed a long-time employee to lead the Department of Social Services.

Holli Nenni, the deputy DSS commissioner the past 11 years, was appointed the new commissioner on Wednesday. She succeeds Tom Kuryla, who retired last month.

Nenni has worked at DSS for nearly 34 years. She first worked as a caseworker for 12 years, before being promoted child support coordinator and then director of temporary assistance.

She now leads a department with 70 employees. She was appointed to a five-year term as DSS commissioner in a unanimous vote by Legislature.

Legislator Ken DeRoller, R-Kendall, said Nenni “is the best.” Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson, R-Lyndonville, welcomed Nenni.

“We’re so pleased that Holli is here,” Johnson said during Wednesday’s meeting.

The DSS divisions include temporary assistance, child & family services, domestic violence services, and the child support and enforcement unit.

“I like working with the families and the kids,” said Nenni, an Albion resident.

DSS partners with many local agencies and county departments – GCASA, Mental Health, Job Development and others – to help people overcome barriers and become self sufficient, Nenni said.

As deputy commissioner, Nenni oversaw staff development. That will continue to be a focus for the DSS employees.

“I want to help staff and make sure they get the training and tools to do their jobs,” she said. “I want to help them with the work-life balance.”

A big priority will be developing a new generation of leaders for DSS.

“I like to help the workers and be a resource for them,” Nenni said.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Mike Donahue, president of the Orleans County Sportsmen’s Federation, urges the County Legislature to pass the local law, lowering the deer hunting age from 14 to 12.

ALBION – Orleans County legislators approved a pilot program lowering the age from 14 to 12 for people to hunt deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun or muzzle-loading firearm.

The state is allowing counties to opt in in the pilot program until 2023 with the lower age.

The youth hunters will need to be under the supervision of an experienced adult hunter. The state budget passed in early April gave upstate counties the right to opt-in and allow the 12- and 13-year-old hunters.

Youths those ages already are allowed to hunt deer and bear with archery equipment and small game with firearms. Until now, New York was the only state that didn’t allow 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt big game with a firearm.

Mike Donahue, president of the Orleans County Sportsmen’s Federation, spoke at a public hearing today and said youths have shown they are responsible hunters. He urges them all to take hunter safety courses. He noted the law requires a responsible adult to be with the young hunters, who also must wear either bright orange or pink above the waist when they are out hunting.

County Legislator John DeFillipps, right, introduced the resolution to lower the deer hunting age. Fred Miller, back left, cast the lone vote in opposition.

Orleans County Legislator Fred Miller cast the lone opposing vote among the seven-member Legislature. Miller’s district includes the towns of Albion and Gaines, which he said are populated areas on flat land. He is concerned about people hunting with rifles so close to the village and residences.

“I’m not opposed to the pilot program,” Miller said. “I would have liked it when I hunted as a kid.”

But Miller said many residents in his district of Albion and Gaines have shared their concerns about rifle hunting in populated areas.

Kristen Ostrander is fifth owner in business’s 85 years

Photos by Tom Rivers: Kristen Ostrander is shown today at Bloom’s Flower Shop at 139 South Main St. in Albion. She bought the business on May 10 from Debbie London, the owner for 21 years.

ALBION – One of Albion’s mainstay businesses, Bloom’s Flower Shop, has a new owner following 21 years of Debbie London leading the Bloom’s.

Kristen Ostrander closed on the sale on May 10. She is grateful and humbled to take the reins of the floral shop that has been a part of so many important moments for families, going back 85 years. (Bloom’s created the floral arrangements for Ostrander’s wedding and also at several of her family funerals.”

“Bloom’s will always have a special place in my heart,” Ostrander said today at the business, located at 139 South Main St.

Ostrander, 39, is a Kendall resident. She and her husband Jon, also 39, started investing in Albion about two years ago. They own five duplexes and a single-family residence in Albion.

Leann Coke, a floral designer at Bloom’s, works on an arrangement this morning.

Mrs. Ostrander and her husband turned to becoming landlords and real estate about two years ago, looking to become their own bosses. However, she was still working as a sales and marketing representative for a health insurance company. Her husband spotted an ad in the Lake Country Pennysaver that Bloom’s was for sale.

He thought his wife would be a good fit for the business. She is creative, for years making wreaths, crafts, welcome signs, centerpieces and boutonnieres.

She reached a deal with London and has been running the business for about two weeks now.

“Albion needs Bloom’s,” Ostrander said. “Bloom’s has been a staple here for so many years.”

She is planning to keep the business with the same friendly touch as with London. Ostrander and her husband are planning to replace the floors and paint the interior. Ostrander also has started a “Bloom’s Box” subscription service where people can get regular deliveries of flowers as often as they like, perhaps monthly or major holidays.

Ostrander takes over during a busy time with families wanting fresh flowers at graves ahead of Memorial Day. It’s also dance recital season, and next month will be proms and high school graduations. The summer will be busy with weddings and graduation parties.

Bloom’s also offers chocolates, stuffed animals, balloons, and is looking to add more gift items and candles.

Leann Coke is working as a floral designer for Ostrander at Bloom’s. She said she is having a blast.

“You touch so many lives in a floral shop,” Coke said. “You see so much love, and you can help comfort people in the sad times.”

For more on Bloom’s, click here.

This screenshot shows the new home page on the website for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

In collaboration with Newbird in Buffalo and funding from The Kresge Foundation, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are pleased to announce the launch of the new joint GO Health website.

“As chief health strategists for Genesee and Orleans counties, GO Health has been building our cross jurisdictional relationship to become consistent in our messaging and reflect our joint working relationship through our social media platforms and now through the branding of the GO Health logo and our new website,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “This effort has been in the works for almost a year and a half in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. We believe having a joint website will not only save time and resources, but be easier for our residents to access our forms, data and timely updates.”

There are two ways to access the new website: www.GOHealthNY.org or by going to the respective county websites and choosing Public Health.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jim Hancock and Elizabeth Passarell chat in front of the Tourism Booth which opened Monday for the season. Passarell has been volunteering in the booth for most of its 12 years.

MEDINA – The Medina Tourism Committee officially opened its Tourism Booth in Rotary Park on Monday.

Jim Hancock, who coordinates the booth for the Tourism Committee, and volunteer Elizabeth Passarell were on hand for opening day.

Jim Hancock points out some of the information available in the booth to volunteer Elizabeth Passarell on opening day Monday.

Hancock was happy to report that 14 volunteers had signed up for the summer season and will have a presence at the booth from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

The booth has been located in several downtown locations since its founding, until finding a home in the holiday Santa House a few years ago.

The Santa House is centrally located downtown and only minutes walking time from the Canal Basin.

Handcock pointed out the tremendous amount of information that is available in the small house. There are handouts of local attractions, post cards for sale, “Barge Into Medina” T-shirts, Sandstone Society books for sale, information on the Sandstone Hall of Fame and copies of self-guided walking tours throughout Medina.

One thing Hancock pointed out was the list of all the places to eat in Medina. Counting those downtown in the business district and Mariachi de Oro on Maple Ridge Road, there 12 restaurants of different kinds.

“It always amazes me that this little village can support that many eateries,” Hancock said.

Passarell enjoys her hours in the Tourist Booth. A retired Medina school teacher who taught for 28 years, she said she was always interested in Medina’s history.

Hancock pointed out a bicycle rack near the Tourism Booth, where the YMCA plans to place half a dozen of their e-bikes for tourists to rent.

Additional volunteers are always welcome.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The sign at Crosby’s on Route 104 in Gaines lists the price of regular unleaded gas as $3.03 a gallon on Tuesday evening. The price is up nearly a dollar from a year ago.

The price for regular unleaded gas has hit $3 per gallon in Orleans County. AAA of Western and Central New York lists the average price in Orleans County today at $3.01.

The statewide average is $3.075 and the national average is at $3.035, according to AAA. The $3.075 statewide price is up from $3.064 a week ago, $2.922 a month ago and $2.182 from a year ago.

The average price today in nearby counties includes:

• Orleans, $3.01
• Genesee, $2.994
• Niagara, $2.981
• Erie, $3.002
• Monroe, $3.018
• Livingston, $3.062

AAA on Monday reported the state-wide average gas price is up a penny from a week ago. AAA said the price is holding steady after price spikes in the national price due to the ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline that halted its operations and severely constrained the delivery of gasoline along the East Coast and Southeast.

“With the gasoline distribution system continuing to recover from the attack and grappling with a shortage of gasoline tanker drivers, higher refinery utilization rates will ensure refined products, including gasoline, continue to flow where they are most needed,” AAA said.

Prices may fluctuate this week with Memorial Day weekend approaching, AAA said.

Local state legislators say governor ‘diluting’ significance of holiday

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday announced that flags on state buildings would be at half-staff and a dozen a state landmarks, including Niagara Falls and the Empire State Building, would be lit in red, white and blue on Sunday to honor essential workers who lost their lives due to Covid-19.

On Monday, Memorial Day, flags will remain at half-staff until noon and landmarks will remain lit in honor of the service members who lost their lives fighting to defend the United States.

“It takes a special person, when every instinct in your body says, that’s dangerous, don’t go there run away, it takes a special person to say, no, I’m going in because I think I can help someone,” Cuomo said on Monday. “And the essential workers did that day, after day, after day, after day, every day, walking into the fire, not knowing, God forbid, am I getting infected?”

He wants to recognize the courage and sacrifice of nurses, doctors, hospital staff, teachers, food delivery workers, bus drivers, subway drivers and other essential workers. Cuomo said about 1,000 essential workers died in the state due to Covid.

“They walked into the fire every day, and we owe them a profound, profound, thank you,” Cuomo said. “They showed their character, and their strength, and their courage, and their unity. And remember them and their families on Memorial Day.”

His announcement about recognizing the essential workers a day before Memorial Day has drawn the ire of two local state legislators: Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia and State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt of North Tonawanda. Both of their districts include Orleans County.

“This directive by the governor was issued in incredibly poor taste, and is an insult to all of the New Yorkers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the liberty of our countrymen and people throughout the globe,” Hawley said. “To say this slighting of our nation’s fallen heroes is a disgrace would be an understatement, and I implore the governor to see that this directive is reversed immediately.”

Hawley and Ortt are both veterans. Hawley spent seven years in the Ohio Army National Guard and the U. S. Army Reserves. Ortt enlisted in N.Y. Army National Guard in October 2001 and served in Afghanistan from March 2008 until December 2008.

Ortt said he wears four names on his wrist every day of soldiers he served with who died in Afghanistan.

“The offensive suggestion by the Governor that we fly flags at half-staff in honor of our front line workers on Memorial Day weekend would effectively dilute the one time a year that we stop to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation,” Ortt said on Tuesday. “While I certainly respect and appreciate our front line workers for all they’ve done, there is no shortage of days the Governor could choose to pay tribute to them.”

There are 32 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Orleans and Genesee counties, in the first update since Friday.

That brings the total cases in the two counties to 8,365 since March 2020, with 3,074 in Orleans and 5,291 in Genesee.

In Orleans County there are 18 new positive cases and the individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

One resident from Orleans is currently hospitalized due to Covid.

Orleans is reporting 16 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

In Genesee County there are 14 new positive cases of Covid. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

There are 8 Genesee residents currently hospitalized due to Covid.

Genesee is reporting 24 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

Active cases: The number of active cases in the two counties has dropped from 103 a week ago on May 18 to 91 today. The active cases in Genesee are down from 54 to 41. However, in Orleans the cases are slightly up from 49 on May 18 to 50 today.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $3.5 billion in assistance for renters and small businesses experiencing financial hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The rental assistance program makes up to $2.7 billion in emergency rental assistance available for struggling New Yorkers impacted by the pandemic. Applications for the program will be accepted starting June 1 for eligible New Yorkers who are behind on their rent and have suffered financial hardship due to Covid-19.

Administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide assistance with up to 12 months of past-due rent, 3 months of prospective rental assistance and 12 months of utility arrears payments to eligible New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. The program is expected to serve between 170,000 and 200,000 households.

The small business recovery grant program makes up to $800 million in funding available for small businesses to help them recover from the economic impact of the pandemic. Applications for the program will be accepted starting June 10 for small and micro businesses and small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations to help them recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.

Flexible grants up to $50,000 will be made available to eligible small businesses and can be used for operating expenses, including payroll, rent or mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, personal protective equipment, or other business expenses incurred during the pandemic. Over 330,000 small and micro businesses are potentially eligible for this program, including 57 percent of the State’s certified MWBEs.

“New Yorkers and small businesses in every corner of the State were devastated by the pandemic, and as we continue to recover and rebuild we need to make sure they have the resources they need get back on their feet and succeed in a new, reimagined economy,” Cuomo said. “This critical funding will help ensure New Yorkers who are experiencing financial hardship through no fault of their own will not be thrown onto the streets, while also providing stability for small businesses so they can help play a role in New York’s economic resurgence.”

Rental Assistance Program

The rental assistance program will assist households behind on their rent and that have experienced financial hardship, that are at risk of homelessness or housing instability and that earn at or below 80 percent of area median income.

During the first 30 days, the program will prioritize the unemployed, those with income at or below 50 percent of area median income and other vulnerable populations. After the first 30 days, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funds remain available. For more information, applicants and landlords should click here.

Once approved, eligible households will receive up to 12 months of past due rent. Those eligible could also receive up to 3 months of additional rental assistance, if the household spends 30 percent or more of its gross monthly income on rent. The program also will provide up to 12 months of utility arrears for eligible applicants.

In addition to fiscal relief, ERAP will provide significant tenant protections. In order to receive assistance, the landlord must agree to waive any late fees due on past-due rent; and not increase the tenant’s monthly rent or evict them for one year, except in limited circumstances.

The program is funded by $2.6 billion in federal resources and $100 million of state funding and is structured to help the state and the local governments that received funds directly from the federal government to collaborate and coordinate their efforts, thereby leveraging resources, gaining efficiencies and preventing fraud.

OTDA is organizing an unprecedented effort to establish partnerships with local governments across the state to ensure that community-based organizations will provide outreach and direct application assistance in multiple languages to potential recipients. This effort will mobilize substantial resources in order to ensure tenants from all across the state are aware of ERAP and able to apply.

In addition, the agency will undertake fraud prevention efforts to identify unreported income and to prevent duplicate rental payments.

Small Business Recovery Grant Program

Grants will be for a minimum award of $5,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 and will be calculated based on a New York State business’ annual gross receipts for 2019. Reimbursable Covid-19 related expenses must have been incurred between March 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021 and can include:

• Payroll costs
• Commercial rent or mortgage payments for NYS-based property
• Payment of local property or school taxes
• Insurance costs
• Utility costs
• Costs of personal protection equipment (PPE) necessary to protect worker and consumer health and safety
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) costs
• Other machinery or equipment costs
• Supplies and materials necessary for compliance with Covid-19 health and safety protocols

ESD has created a website – NYSBusinessRecovery.ny.gov – to highlight the various resources available to support small businesses seeking pandemic relief. The website will be continuously updated as more details and funding information as it becomes available.

Emma Maynard wouldn’t let painful scoliosis stop her from academic goals

Emma Maynard graduated in a virtual commencement this past Saturday at Genesee Community College. She next graduates from Lyndonville Central School on June 25.

LYNDONVILLE – A Lyndonville High School senior already has earned a degree, a month before graduation at Lyndonville.

Emma Maynard, 17, on Saturday received her associate’s degree from Genesee Community College. She took classes at GCC the past three years during the school year, and also over the summer and a winter term. She earned her degree in computer information systems and now plans to go to Roberts Wesleyan College this fall for a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Maynard took her GCC classes online, even before the Covid-19 pandemic. She said time management is the key to completing college work, while also doing her high school classes.

“I was determined to do it,” Maynard said today.

She admitted to a friendly rivalry with her sister Cassie, 20, who just earned her associate’s degree from Niagara County Community College. Emma wanted to graduate the same time as her sister.

Emma excelled at GCC, and was on the Provost’s List every semester. This year she was vice president of Phi Theta Kappa and earned the All State Academic Team Award from the organization.

Emma will receive her diploma on June 25 at Lyndonville, where she is ranked fifth in the class. Emma noticed one big difference between high school and college classes.

“In high school the teachers are much more strict,” she said.

Her mother, Jen Maynard, said she is impressed her daughter pushed so hard in the classroom with her high school and college courses, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“She did a great job with this,” Jen Maynard said. “I’m thoroughly impressed she was able to accomplish this goal.”

Emma also did it while enduring the painful effects of scoliosis. That condition required her to wear a back brace 21 hours a day for four years, where she couldn’t bend her back. She had a spinal fusion surgery in February and she said she feels much better, with less pain and more movement.

Emma said she made friends with GCC students despite being fully remote. She looks forward to the fall to being at Roberts Wesleyan in-person for classes and student life.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: A fire Saturday afternoon caused extensive damage to Rick & Ron’s Auto Sales at 11205 Ridge Rd.

RIDGEWAY – Orleans County fire investigators have determined a massive fire on Saturday at Rick & Ron’s Auto Sales was accidental.

“They were working on a car’s evaporation system and the gas fumes ignited while a worker was using a drill,” said Justin Niederhofer, deputy director of the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.

There isn’t an estimate yet on the damages. The fire damaged four buildings with the main office suffering extensive damages and a garage/workshop a total loss. Two buildings that were the neighbors also had minor damage.

In addition to the structures, six vehicles also damaged with three owned by Rick & Ron’s.

The family who lives next door received Red Cross assistance so they could stay elsewhere for one to two nights so their home could ventilate, Niederhofer said today.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 3:20 p.m. on Saturday. There were flames were shooting out of windows in the garage/workshop and explosions could be heard.