OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford This light pole was blown down by high winds recently at Fredonia’s Russell Joy Park.

Fredonia property has gotten roughed up recently. Windy weather blew down a light pole at Russell Joy Park, and idiots stole flowerpots from one of the Barker Common fountains and smashed a window at a nearby welcome center.

“A windstorm came through and took down a light pole, (it) smashed on the pickleball court, took out a fence” at Russell Joy Park, Department of Public Works Director Scott Marsh said at a recent Board of Trustees meeting.

“I got a few estimates (for repairs), they’re quite expensive,” Marsh said. “I talked to (Treasurer) Erlyssa (LeBeau) today, to see if we can go through insurance. Not sure what way we’re going to go on that yet, but it’s unfortunate.”

Marsh’s comments led into Mayor Michael Ferguson disclosing some vandalism.

“I do want to point out as well, speaking of damage, just so the public knows we’re on top of this and realize what’s going on: two of the flower pots on one of the fountains in Barker Common have been stolen, and we’ve had windows broken on the visitors booth (in the common) this weekend,” he said.

Ferguson issued an all-points-bulletin for the gold-painted flower pots: “If you return them, or know who stole them, or see them being used as an ice chest this weekend, please give us a call at Village Hall so that we can let our police dept know their possible whereabouts.”

Charles LaBarbera, Fredonia’s chief code enforcer, noted that a Fredonia Access channel webcam located in his Village Hall office window records footage of Barker Common. He suggested that Ferguson and police review the footage to see if they can pick out the vandalism. Ferguson welcomed the idea.

“It’s something we are not used to, but something we will prosecute if necessary,” Ferguson said of the vandalism.