Alexander

      Nicholas Mruczek

The man who shot and killed an Alexander High School graduate last year entered a guilty plea and will serve at least 45 years in prison.

Zachary Ludwig was sentenced in West Chester, Pa., on Friday.

Ludwig admitted to buying an unregistered shotgun, cutting its barrel down to 12 inches and then luring Nichols Mruczek out of his apartment and firing the gun at point-blank range.

Ludwig was angry because Mruczek was in a relationship with his ex-girlfriend.

Reporter Michael P. Rellahan was in court Friday for the hearing and published a detailed account of the proceedings for the Phoenix Reporter. 

Mruczek's parents and brother spoke in court about the devastating loss their family suffered.

“He was one in a million,” said his mother, Dawn Werner, who had traveled from New York to attend the hearing, as had the others. “He had a smile that would light up a room, and he learned at a young age that if he flashed that smile he could melt your heart."

The prosecution consulted the family prior to the plea deal and Nick's brother Justin acknowledged that it would be impossible to fashion a deal that would bring his brother back.

“I wish I could honestly say and think that justice has been served but there is no amount of jail time that can bring back such a beautiful, fun-loving life like my brother’s," Justin said.

Nick's father, Pat Mruczek, recalled how he spoke to his son daily and his mobile phone has become a difficult reminder of what he's lost.

“My cell phone only reminds me of the death of my son," Pat Mruczek said. "How I hate my phone. If it was not for all the pictures (of Mruczek) I have on it I would have thrown it away long ago.

“A big part of my life is gone and I will never get that back,” he added.

Ludwig said he deeply regrets his crime.

“Every day I wish I could bring Mruczek back," Ludwig said. "I can never forgive myself for what I’ve done. I cannot apologize enough.

“I understand if you think I am a monster,” Ludwig added. “I’d have to agree with you.”

Ludwig, who could have received a life prison sentence if convicted by a jury, admitted to third-degree murder, which carried a maximum penalty of 20 to 40 years in prison. However, he was given a 45-90 year sentence because he also entered guilty pleas to attempted burglary, terroristic threats, prohibited offensive weapons, recklessly endangering another person and possession of instruments of a crime.

The 23-year-old Ludwig was offered the plea deal, and the chance to some day get out of prison, according to Deputy District Attorney Michelle Frei, because of his contrition, lack of prior criminal record and relatively young age.

This cat is named Ferdy. Ferdy is missing. He is visiting relatives on Brookville Road in Alexander, in the Old Creek Road area, while his mommy is in the hospital.

As you can see, he is a very large, long-haired orange and white male. Would you believe at times, as depicted here, he is not particularly motivated?

But, then again, freedom can be a powerful motivator.

Perhaps we'll never know if he had been hatching plans to leave captivity and for how long.

What it known is that, according to his temporary nanny Elizabeth Crittenden, "he popped the screen out of the window and escaped," in the predawn hours -- between 2 and 6 a.m. -- Wednesday.

Stealthily, in the dead of night, when all were sleeping soundly. This one is clever. Either that, or Ferdy clumsily fell to earth while lolling around on the window sill. He left, but since this is not his regular stomping grounds, he may not be familiar with the lay of the land and how to return, says a worried Crittenden.

The timing is suspect; the feline may have festive plans afoot for Labor Day Weekend. (An anonymous source told The Batavian he has a reputation as a bit of a bon vivant.) 

Crittenden and her kin are hoping you'll report him without hestitation if you should spot him in your environs. This would foil Ferdy's fun, but he and his family and caretakers will be the better for it.

Crittenden's number is 585-590-2657.

UPDATE Sept. 2: At about 10:30 last night, Crittenden says "He just showed up on the back deck as casual as ever!" No fanfare, no "Burning Man" blowout for Labor Day, no tearjerker rescue story. Just chillin' in Alexander and wondering why all the fuss...

With 15 seniors and a trio of returning all-league defensive players and a new QB with a strong arm and field smarts, Alexander's Head Coach Tim Sawyer likes what he sees so far of the 2016 Trojans.

"I feel like I’ve got a fast and physical group of kids who understand our systems both offensively and defensively," Sawyer said. "It’s been fun. It’s been a good camp this year."

Alexander opens against Notre Dame tonight (at 7 p.m. in Perry, (NOTE: As soon as I hit publish on this story I got an e-mail from a Section V official saying the game has been moved to Saturday in Warsaw) because of renovations to Alexander's home field. 

Sawyer knows the Fighting Irish will be a tough match right out of the gate.

"There's not a lot of kids (at Notre Dame), but they get after it," Sawyer said. "It doesn’t matter the size, those kids will play. They always play tough."

Week two doesn't get any easier because the Trojans face perennial powerhouse Attica.

"Within the first two weeks, we’re going to know kinda where we stand," Sawyer said.

The starting QB is P.J. Brennan, a senior who was Jared Browne's backup last season. He's not big, Sawyer said, but he's got a strong arm and he handles read-options well.

Among his weapons is returning wideout Derrick Busch. He'll also marshal a rotation of running backs.

Josh Hylkema, Dustin Schmeider and Jake Jasen, all over 200 pounds and all all-league on defense last year, are back and ready to anchor a squad that also includes Busch, Dane Heberlein, Jacob Bykowski and Erik Scharlau (who's also expected to have an impact at tight end this season).

And for the first time in school history, Alexander will have a girl on the squad. Rather than play soccer this year, Hannah Paolucci will be one of two place kickers on the Trojans (bottom photo).

Salvatore Sam Sciarpa, 19, Chili Avenue, Chili, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more, DWI, and failure to yield the right-of-way of approaching an intersection. At 10:26 p.m. on Aug. 19, a two-car accident was reported at the intersection of Route 98 and Lockport Road. Upon investigation, Sciarpa was arrested on these charges. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Elba Town Court on Sept. 26. The case was handled by Sheriff's deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Joseph Matthew Barnaby, 20, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 10:10 p.m. on Aug. 19, upon responding to Barnaby's residence for a noise complaint, Barnaby was allegedly found to be in unlawful possession of marijuana. He was released on an appearance ticket to Alexander Town Court on Sept. 13. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Khem Bahadr Adhikari, 25, of Parkway, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The subject was allegedly in possession of a marijuana cigarette during a traffic stop in which he was a passenger in the vehicle. The traffic stop was made at 3:22 p.m. on Aug. 20 on Alleghany Road in Pembroke. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chris Parker.

(Photo by Andy Olenick.)

Thousands of people will step into the past when they attend the Western New York Gas & Steam Engine Association, Inc., (WNYGSEA) 50th Annual Rally.  The golden celebration of this event will be held 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 8 to 11 at the WNYGSEA Grounds, 10294 Gillate Road, Alexander.

The rally celebrates the preservation and ownership of antique vehicles powered by gas or steam. The show will feature more than 1,000 pieces of equipment. By attending this family-friendly event, you’ll learn about how farming and work equipment performed decades ago. It’s a far cry from the vehicles of today that are more often being run by computers.

The event includes antique tractors, steam engines, log sawing, gas engines, threshing, working models, woodworking, daily tractor pulls, flea markets and parades. There will be a blacksmithing demonstration in the ground’s newest building. Attendees can also enjoy live entertainment each day.

Cost of admission is $7 adults, Children 12 & under free. For more information, click HERE.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a missing elderly Alzheimer's patient. Roger Allen Bowler Sr., 79, was last seen at his residence on Alexander Road in Attica at 9:50 this morning (Aug. 9).

Bowler is a white male, about 5'8" and weighing 173 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue plaid shirt and camouflage-colored crocs (footwear).

He may be operating a 2002 Jeep Liberty color red bearing NY Pass plate GFA7188.

Bowler is known to frequent the Batavia and Oakfield areas.

Anyone with information can contact Genesee County Dispatch at (585) 343-5000.

UPDATE: Mr. Bowler has been located. Mr. Bowler was identified by State Police during an investigation of a motor-vehicle accident in Oswego. He was transported to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse for treatment of minor injuries.

Last night, a homegrown youth theater troupe in Alexander performed a special production of the "Wizard of Oz" before dozens of invited guests.

This 25-page adaptation of the famous story was based on a script by 13-year-old Naomi LaDuke, who based her version on a musical performed at Shea's, on silent films, the movie and the book.

These pictures are from the rehearsal Wednesday at the treehouse on Church Street where the actual performance took place.

Naomi also cast the players, designed and sewed Dorothy's costume and created the scenery and props. The musical accompaniment was played by David Lange, the organist at St. James Episcopal Church, which Naomi recorded using Apple's software, Garage Band.

This is the fourth annual production by the kids, under the name of their theater, Open Door Productions.  

There was no admission fee for guests last night, but they were asked to make a donation at the door benefiting Brittany's Hope, a nonprofit in Pennsylvania that assists in international adoptions. The evening's theme was "There's no place like home."

"The kids are hoping to raise money and awareness to bring another child home to their forever family," said Naomi's mother, Karen Laduke. "Two of the actresses are internationally adopted themselves, so this is a theme that hits close to home."

Leigh LeFevre, pictured above, played Dorothy.

Naomi, besides being the writer, director, set and costume designer, also played the Wizard.

The rest of the cast: Lillian McClellan, Sally LaDuke, Jennmarie Schiller, Mya Hardie, Margarite LaDuke, Samual LaFevre, Kylee McClellan, Kathryn McClellan, Katelyn Hardie and Lucy LeFevre.

A house fire is reported at 3391 Dodgeson Road, Alexander. All occupants are out of the structure. Alexander, Darien and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding. EMS is on location.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are asked to fill in at Alexander's fire hall.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: Elba is asked to fill in at Town of Batavia's Station #1. All units responding to the scene told to continue non-emergency. Fire is knocked down.

Erin Marie Van Dorn, 28, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with two counts of harassment. She was arrested following a harassment complaint in the Town of Batavia. She allegedly repeatedly called and messaged two people, harassing them about an incident that occurred at 11 a.m. on West Main Street Road over the Fourth of July weekend. She was released with an appearance ticket to be in Town of Batavia Court on Aug. 4. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Shane H. Houseknecht, 24, of Churchville, was arrested by State Troopers on July 19 and charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, controlled substance in a non-original container, both misdemeanors, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, and speeding. Houseknecht was allegedly observed speeding on Route 33 in the Town of Bergen. Investigation revealed Houseknecht had a suspended driver’s license. Troopers allege they located three Adderall pills and a suboxone strip. Houseknecht was transported to SP Batavia for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket and uniform traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Bergen Court on Aug. 3.

Press release:

Picone Construction has begun Alexander Central School District’s $6.8 million capital improvement project, which addresses energy efficiency upgrades, health and safety improvements, and site work at both the elementary and middle/high schools.

Alexander Elementary School improvements involve the reconstruction and/or replacement of: flooring, exterior masonry, mechanical systems, electrical components, hazardous materials, playground equipment and associated site work, pavement, drainage, and miscellaneous other repairs.

Alexander Middle/High School work includes the reconstruction and/or replacement of: roofing systems, pool area and system components, interior and exterior masonry, egress pathways, mechanical systems, electrical components, hazardous materials, running track and associated site work, pavement, drainage, and miscellaneous other repairs.

The architect of record is SEI Design Group.

Picone Construction Corp. has been providing Professional Construction Services to the Western New York area since 1931. The firm specializes in design / build, general contracting, and construction management services.

A motorcycle and deer accident with possible injuries is reported in the area of 2705 Buffalo Road, Alexander.

Alexander fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Travail L. Madison, pictured left, 24, of Merlin Street, Rochester, is charged with first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and unlicensed operator. At 8:10 a.m. on June 30, Madison was operating a motor vehicle on Ellicott Street without a driver's license. A subsequent computer check revealed that his driving privilege has allegedly been suspended 19 times on 10 different dates. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Daniel Coffey.

Calvin L. Mosher, 38, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; speeding (53 mph in 40-mph zone); unsafe start; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Mosher was stopped at 12:30 p.m. on Alleghany Road in Alabama for vehicle and traffic violations. The defendant was subsequently found to be operating a vehicle while his ability to do so was allegedly impaired by suspected illicit drugs. Mosher was allegedly found in possession of a small quantity of suspected LSD and marijuana. He was issued traffic summons and appearance tickets and directed to be in Town of Alabama Court on July 9. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Nicholas D. Martino, 35, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. He was arrested at 6:12 p.m. on Bank Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was allegedly driving a silver van while his driver's license was suspended. He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or bond and was due in court on June 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp. 

Eric Richard McWethy, 20, Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, and having only one plate displayed on his vehicle, which was obstructed. He was arrested at 7:40 p.m. July 1 on Main Street, in Oakfield, after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana following a traffic stop. He was stopped for allegedly failing to display a properly affixed rear axle plate to the vehicle he was operating. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to Town of Oakfield Court on July 25. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

A motor-vehicle accident with unknown injuries is reported at Darien Alexander Townline Road and Buffalo Road, Alexander.

Alexander fire and ambulance, along with Darien ambulance dispatched.

Joshua Michael Pierce, 21, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with reckless endangerment and criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation. Pierce was arrested on June 18 following the investigation into a domestic incident at 3 a.m. on June 14 on Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail and is due in Pembroke Town Court on June 30. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Joshua Michael Pierce, 21, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. He was arrested on June 18 following the investigation into a domestic incident that happened on Route 20 in the Village of Alexander at 1:05 p.m. on June 11. He was arraigned in Alexander Town Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail and is due in Alexander Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

Rodney John Prichard, 28, of North Main Street, Delevan, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle while registration suspended, and having an open container of alcohol. At 3:08 p.m. on June 19, Prichard was stopped on Alleghany Road in the Town of Darien for allegedly driving with a suspended registration. He was also allegedly found to possess an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Darien Town Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Brittney Lynn Caldwell, 26, of North Main Street, Delevan, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. At 3:28 p.m. on June 19, following a traffic stop on Alleghany Road in the Town of Darien, Caldwell was allegedly found to possess marijuana and have an open container of alcohol inside a vehicle. She was released on appearance tickets for Town of Darien Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Rondell Jermaine Watson Sr., 34, of Raeburn Avenue, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny, conspiracy and disorderly conduct. On June 18, Watson was turned over to Genesee County Sheriff's deputies by the Rochester PD on a bench warrant out of the Town of Batavia Court. He was put in jail and is due in Town of Batavia Court on June 27. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

A 16-year-old who lives on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 2:45 p.m. on June 15, the youth was allegedly found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana on the school grounds of Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. high school. The youth was issued an appearance ticket for Bergen Town Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Butler.

“Thunder in the Sticks” - ESP Tractor Pull will be held at the Alexander Steam Show Grounds. The WNY Gas & Steam Engine Association, Inc. Show Grounds are located at 10294 Gillette Road, Alexander, NY 14005 This event will be on Saturday June 18, 2016. Gates open at 4pm; ESP Pull at 7pm. RAIN DATE: June 19th at 2pm.
Sponsored in part by: Ed Arnold Scrap Processors, Frey Well Drilling, My Saloon, Corfu Machine, L&L Transmission, Bontrager Real Estate & Auction Service, Lamar Advertising, Creekside Septic, R&R Construction, Tompkins Insurance, Lee Schknecht & Sons, Inc.

David Zuppelli, of Batavia, submitted this photo of his father, Chester Zuppelli, playing Taps on Memorial Day 1944 in New Caledonia, South Pacific.

Here's a schedule for Memorial Day Ceremonies and the Batavia parade:

7 a.m. -- Genesee County Park (11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany) -- Vietnam Veterans Memorial (VVA #193)

8 a.m. -- Williams Park, City of Batavia-- WW I Memorial (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)

8:30 a.m. -- Batavia VA Medical Center

8:45 a.m. -- NYS Veterans Home

9:30 a.m. -- Upton Monument (routes 5 and 63) (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)

9:45 a.m. -- Batavia Cemetery, Harvester Avenue, City of Batavia (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)

10 a.m. -- Elmwood Cemetery, off Harvester Avenue and Webster Street in the city (AL #332)

10 a.m. -- CITY PARADE -- Begins at the Eastown Plaza traveling west along Main Street and ending at Jerome Center on Bank Street at 10:45 a.m.

10:45 a.m. -- UMMC -- Jerome Center:

• Memorial Day ceremonies: Invocation; National Anthem with Batavia Concert Band; G.A.R. Order of the Day; Veterans Service Organizations Commemorations; wreath laying with Gold Star Mothers; Honor Roll with drum roll; rifle salute; Taps; Benediction; "God Bless America."

Noon -- Hansen Brothers Grave -- Grandview Cemetery on Clinton Street Road, Batavia (MCL #951)

Participating organizations:

Hansen Borthers Marine Corps League Detachment #951

Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332

Veness-Strollo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1602

Disabled American Veterans Chapter #166

Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #193

Sons of Union Veterans Abraham Lincoln Camp #6

 

Here are more local Memorial Day ceremonies/parades:

• ALEXANDER: Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Alexander High School and travels to the cemetery on Railroad Avenue with a ceremony to take place at the cemetery following the parade.

• BERGEN: Parade at 9 a.m. beginning at the Fire Hall (Route 19 & Hunter Street), traveling south on Route 19 to Hickory Park with ceremony to take place at the park immediately following the parade.
•  
• BYRON: Parade at 11 a.m. from Terry Street to Swamp Road with a ceremony immediately following at Byron Cemetery.

• CORFU: Parade at noon from Corfu Fire hall on Route 33 to the Intermediate School on Route 77. Ceremony immediately following the parade.

• ELBA: Ceremony at Maple Lawn Cemetery at 10 a.m. No parade. The Elba Historical Society Museum will be open for tours after the ceremony.
•  
• LEROY: Parade at 10:30 a.m. from the American Legion to Trigon Park with a ceremony at Trigon Park at 11 a.m. following the parade.

• OAKFIELD: Parade at 11 a.m. from the Oakfield Fire Dept. to Triangle Park with ceremony to be held at Triangle Park.

• PAVILION: Ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Town Park at intersection of routes 63 and 19. No parade.

No parades/ceremonies for the following:

• Alabama

• Bethany

• Darien

• Pembroke

• Stafford