Alexander

The second alarm is called for a fully involved barn fire in Bethany at 4658 Route 20, just west of Francis Road. A deputy there reports black smoke billowing from the barn. The road will be shut down. The Bethany chief is on scene and all equipment from his department is called in.

Mutual aid is requested from Darien, Alexander, Attica, Town of Batavia, the city's Fast Team, and the Village of Wyoming. Stafford is called to stand by in Bethany's fire hall. The city's first platoon is called to stand by in headquarters.

The occupants are out of the house. Power is shut off in the barn. Vehicles have been removed from the property. The propane tank is also shut off.

UPDATE 3:34 a.m.: Westbound Route 20 is shut down at Texaco Town (the junction of routes 63 and 20).

UPDATE 4:01 a.m.: Command reports the fire is under control.

UPDATE 4:45 a.m.: The town and city units from Batavia have returned to quarters. Wyoming responders are released.

UPDATE 6:39 a.m. (by Howard): For the past 45 minutes or so, mutual aid departments have been going back in service. Bethany remains on scene. Photo: Reader submitted photo.

UPDATED 7:56 a.m.

A man house sitting for a hospitalized friend at a residence known to neighbors as "the old school house" at 11030 Sandpit Road, Alexander, died Sunday evening after a fire broke out near the front of the building.

The victim has been identified as Scott A. Cramer, 47, of 11000 Sandpit Road, Alexander.

Investigators have determined the likely cause of the fire was electrical.

Cramer was found about 15 feet inside the doorway, which was initially blocked by flames. Once the fire was knocked down and the safety of the crew assured, firefighters were able to enter the residence to look for Cramer.

The Sheriff's Office reports that Cramer was pronounced dead at UMMC.

The fire was reported by neighbors and a member of the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department, who spotted flames coming from the front of the house as he drove past.

Both the neighbor and the firefighter attempted to locate the man inside, but he did not respond to calls and the flames were already blocking the entrance.

"I was hollering," Grant Whitmore said. "I couldn't get anything from the front door, so I went to the back of the house. There was a screen there and I was hollering, but I didn't hear anything."

Whitmore said there was a fire extinguisher near the front entrance of the house, which he tried using, but it proved ineffective against the size of fire that had already developed.

Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator for Genesee County, said there was only one way in or out of the residence and that was the front door.

Firefighters first knocked down the flames, but then entry was delayed because the area above the entrance was used for storage. There was a TV and filing cabinet in the space and fire crews were concerned about the soundness of the structure at that point.

"They were concerned about their safety, being trapped in there, so they had to make sure it was safe," Yaeger said.

Once found, Cramer was immediately taken out and brought to a Mercy EMS ambulance and transported to UMMC. Medics attempted CPR on Cramer from the time he was brought out of the residence and during his transport to the hospital.

The man was house sitting, watching over the property and taking care of the pets, while the homeowner is hospitalized at UMMC, Whitmore and Yaeger said.

There's no word on the fate of the pets.

The property owner is listed on county records as Joseph Snyder. The structure was built in 1850. The front of the structure, a later add-on, was heavily damaged in the fire.

Whitmore said Cramer had been house sitting for a week, possibly two, and that he often attended church with Whitmore and another friend. 

Fire investigators were working late into the night trying to determine the cause of the fire.

Along with Alexander Fire, Bethany, Darien and Attica fire departments responded to the scene. Town of Batavia's ladder truck was dispatched, but stayed at Alexander's fire hall on standby.

The Sheriff's Office is assisting in the fire investigation.

NOTE: We'll update this story with more information once it's released by the Sheriff's Office.

A working house fire is reported at 11030 Sandpit Road. Alexander and Darien fire departments are responding, and Town of Batavia and Attica are called for mutual aid. The location is said to be at or near "the old school house." Law enforcement on scene reports the propane tanks are shut off but the blaze "is really cooking." They have not yet determined if the occupant(s) are out. They are embarking on a search.

UPDATE 10:22 p.m.: The power company is called to the scene.

UPDATE 10:24 p.m.: National Grid is advised, no ETA given.

UPDATE 10:25 p.m.: A patient has been located.

UPDATE 10:42 p.m.: At least one patient suffered multiple burns and CPR is in progress. Possibly another patient is en route to an area hospital.

UPDATE 10:44 p.m.: The firefighters are now focusing on rehabing the structure. themselves as need be.

UPDATE 10:48 p.m.: One person is at UMMC, transported by Alexander #10.

UPDATE 10:51 p.m.: Bethany firefighters have also assisted on this call.

UPDATE 11:03 p.m.: National Grid has a 20-minute ETA.

UPDATE 11:09 p.m.: Alexander #10 is returning to the scene. The sole victim was not the homeowner but a male house sitter.

UPDATE 11:14 p.m.: The Town of Batavia assignment is back in service.

UPDATE 11:17 p.m.: Mercy Medics who responded are told to go back in service.

UPDATE 11:21 p.m.: The power company is on scene.

UPDATE 12:07 p.m.: The sole victim transported to UMMC subsequently died, according to Tim Yaeger, Genesee County Emergency Management coordinator. More T/K.

UPDATE 1:52 a.m.: All Alexander units back in service.

Samantha Mary Williams, 32, of Lake Street, Le Roy, was arrested on bench warrants for alleged robbery, 3rd, grand larceny, 4th, criminal mischief, 4th, and petit larceny. She is also charged with resisting arrest. Deputy John Baiocco reportedly attempted to arrest Williams at 2:15 p.m., Wednesday, in the lobby of the DSS office. Williams allegedly resisted arrest. Deputy Joseph Graff assisted in the apprehension. Williams was jailed on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. Williams is reportedly also wanted by Batavia PD on a resisting arrest warrant.

John James Slack, 27, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with burglary, 2nd. Slack is accused of entering a residence in Alabama sometime over Father's Day weekend and stealing electronics, jewelry, money and other property. Slack is incarcerated at the Attica Correctional Facility on an unrelated matter.

Michael John Antonucci, 30, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with menacing, 2rd, and harassment, 2nd. Antonucci is accused of pushing a person against a refrigerator and throwing a glass bowl and plate in her direction. An order of protection has been issued.

A serious injury two-car accident is reported on Attica Road (Route 238) near Griswold. A Sheriff's deputy is on scene and Darien fire and ambulance are responding along with Mercy medics from the city.

Traffic at routes 20 and southbound 238 is being shut down. Fire police from Alexander and Wyoming County are called to assist with traffic. Mercy Flight is unavailable due to weather.

UPDATE 6:32 a.m.: Traffic police are called to Darien-Alexander Townline Road for traffic control.

UPDATE 6:34 a.m.: It's a head-on collision and members of the Crash Management Team are responding to the scene.

UPDATE 6:40 a.m.: A patient has been extricated from one of the vehicles.

UPDATE 6:44 a.m.: Darien ambulance is transporting a patient to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 7:17 a.m.: All Alexander units are clearing the scene.

UPDATE 7:42 a.m.: One person was killed in this accident, according to a fire official at the scene.

UPDATE 9:03 a.m.: The road should reopen in 10 to 15 minutes. Town of Alexander Highway requested to plow and salt Route 238.

UPDATE 9:30 a.m.: Route 238 is open.

Kelly L. Alcorn is indicted on a count of assault, 2nd. Alcorn is accused of slamming a victim against a cinder-block wall at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Aug. 25. (Prior Coverage: Alcorn is a Niagara Falls police officer who was initially charged with a misdemeanor; her alleged victim pressed for upgraded charges).

Nicholas A. Antonucci is indicted on two counts of attempted grand larceny, 3rd, petit larceny and two counts of criminal mischief, 4th. Antonucci is accused of attempting to steal a 2007 Yamaha snowmobile with a value of $5,000 from a location in Alexander, and of attempting to steal a 2006 Yamaha snowmobile with a value of $4,000 from a location in Alexander, on or about Jan. 6, 2010. He is accused of stealing on the same date a backpack containing a Leatherman tool, flashlight and beer. He is accused of damaging the ignitions on the snowmobiles. (Prior Coverage)

John R. Chrisley is indicted on two counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. Chrisley is accused of sexual contact with a child less than age 11 during the summer of 2011.

Armand P. Cummer is indicted on counts of felony DWi and felony driving with a BAC of .08. Cummer is accused of driving drunk Aug. 26 on Route 5, Town of Pembroke. Cummer is alleged to have a prior DWI conviction in 2008.

Francis S. Smith is indicted on a count of burglary, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Smith is accused of breaking into a residence on Washington Avenue, Batavia, on Jan. 1.

Alexander Cub Scout Pack 650 has been holding pinewood derbies for who knows how many years, but this year was a little different.

The scouts collected more than 20,000 bottles and cans and raised $1,000 toward a new $1,500 three-lane racetrack with all the bells and whistles, and the track was dedicated to the memory of Burton Bigsby.

Bigsby is the late husband of Melinda Bigsby. The former den leader died following a long battle with cancer. His son, Jonathan, is now a Boy Scout in Troop 650 and was the official starter for today's races.

Pack 650 had 28 scouts and Cub Master Jason Davis said all of the scouts and families are very active in the pack.

Participants in the race are given a block of pinewood and instructions on how to cut it into a proper racer. There is a five-ounce weight limit, except in the unlimited division, in which cars can weigh up to a pound.

The event teaches the scouts about sportsmanship along with the craftsmanship of making something, Davis said.

"The race teaches them a little of the skills they'll use later in life," Davis said.

And the secret to winning? Davis said, graphite our axles, hit the weight limit and build a well-balanced car.

Donations that helped pay for the track came from Batavia Police Benevolent Association, Crystal Clear Pools, Select Collision, Harrington's Produce and Alexander Troop 650.

Here are the winners and awards:

Tiger Scouts
1st Place -- Bradley Begiers
2nd Place -- Matthew Wirth
3rd Place -- Paul Schmitt Jr.

Wolf Scouts
1st Place -- Jay Cogdill
2nd Place -- Zachary Salemi
3rd Place -- Caleb Nichols
Bear Scouts
1st Place -- Matthew Jasen
2nd Place -- Vincent Prebeck
3rd Place -- Shawn Calmes

Webelos 1
1st Place -- Jackson Staba
2nd Place -- MacNeil Ruston
3rd Place -- Colton Judd

Webelos 2
1st Place -- Johnathan Worthington
2nd Place -- JT McCarthy

Unlimited 1 pound cars
1st Place -- Cooper Davis
2nd Place -- Jett Davis
3rd Place -- Noah Bruggman
4th Place -- Jay Cogdill

Special Awards
Best Paint Job -- Matthew Jasen
Unusual Design -- Noah Bruggman
Judges Favorite -- Austin Ruston
Fastest Looking -- Carter Edmonds
Scouts Favorite -- Cooper Davis
Most Kid Involved -- James Strang

Participation Super Racers
Carter Edmonds, Jaden Snyder, Oscar Staba, Lukas Ladd, Matthew Cecere, Austin Ruston, James Strang, Regan McPhee, Justin Bennett, Dominic Lamitina, Noah Bruggman.

To purchase print copies of the photos, click here.

A rollover accident with injuries and "with heavy entrapment" is reported in the area of 3581 Spring Road in Alexander. The nearest available Mercy Flight, in Olean, is airborne. Alexander Fire Department and medics are responding.

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: The location is at the entrance to Frey's Sand & Gravel Co. Vehicle is on its side. "We're going to need the struts and tools set up when we arrive."

UPDATE 1:44 p.m.: The extrication process is expected to be lengthy.

UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: The ETA for Mercy Flight is 20 minutes.

UPDATE 1:48 p.m.: Mercy medics are on scene.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: "We've almost got him out." The helicopter is nearly there.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: The patient has just been extricated. Mercy Flight has a three-minute ETA and Strong Memorial Hospital will be its destination once the patient is onboard.

UPDATE 2:20 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: Mercy Flight is headed to Strong.

UPDATE 2:33 p.m.: Alexander is back in service.

UPDATE (by Howard): Landen P. McCormick, 24, of Sandpit Road, Alexander, was driving on a gravel road cutting through farmland owned by his family when he lost control of his 2007 Dodge Ram pickup. The truck appears to have fishtailed, causing it to hit an embankment and roll up a small hill on the west side of the road. McCormick may have suffered a dislocated shoulder and was complaining of chest pain. Because of the nature of the accident and the complaint of pain, McCormick was flown to Strong by Mercy Flight as a precaution. No citations were issued. The accident was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker.

North and southbound Route 238 is closed. That's in Darien.

Penny Sue Sprague, 42, of Oakfield, is charged with burglary, 2nd. Sprague is accused of entering a residence without permission on Father's Day weekend and stealing several items, including electronics, jewelry, money and other property.  Following arraignment, Sprague was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Scott D. Fairfield, 19, of 131 S. Swan St., Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest. Fairfield is accused of interfering with the arrest of another person at his residence. No further information was released.

Timothy James Walsh, 44, of Redfield Parkway, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Walsh is accused of using a motor vehicle to recklessly damaging the property of another person on Hunn Road, Alexander, on Feb. 3.

An Alexander resident -- who has already admitted to grand larceny in Wyoming County, and is facing prior theft charges locally -- entered a not guilty plea in Genesee County Court today to two new burglary counts.

Nicholas A. Antonucci, 25, of 4192 Broadway Road, who is being held in Wyoming County Jail pending his sentencing Feb. 21, made a brief appearance before Judge Robert C. Noonan this afternoon.

Antonucci was indicted by the grand jury a week ago on two new counts of burglary in the second degree, stemming from two alleged break-ins at a residence in Darien.

In Genesee County, he was already facing incharges of burglary, 2nd, grand larceny, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th.

On Nov. 26, in Wyoming County Court, Antonucci entered a guilty plea to grand larceny, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th. His original indictment also included a count of burglary, 3rd.

He faces from three and two-thirds to 11 years in state prison on the Wyoming County conviction, to be served concurrently with any sentence he might receive in Genesee County on the original set of charges.

The Wyoming County plea satisifies all of the charges in that county against him.

Nicolas Adam Antonucci, 25, of 4192 Broadway Road, Alexander, is indicted on two counts of burglary in the 2nd degree. Antonucci is accused of breaking into a residence on Broadway Road, Darien, on Nov. 12 and on Nov. 18. (For prior charges against Antonucci, click here).

Daniel H. Bettilyon is indicated on felony counts of DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Bettilyon is accused of driving a 1989 Harley Davidson motorcycle while drunk on Maltby Road, Oakfield, on Aug. 10. Bettilyon allegedly has a prior DWI conviction from July 2004.

The parking lot at Alexander High School was packed with cars and people from all over the Genesee County community. Folks came out to give their support to an 18 year old 2012 Pembroke High School graduate who has been battling a rare juvenile cancer since last February.

The fundraiser for Austin Heineman during last night's Alexander Boys Basketball match-up with Lyndonville was organized by the Alexander Varsity Cheerleading squad.

"I wanted the girls to see what it's like to give back to the community," Varsity Cheerleading Coach Erin Coles said. "This is their chance to shine for a second, I just didn't expect this many people here." 

Admission was free. Donation buckets, 50/50 raffle, a half-court basketball shoot, a bake sale, and the sale of Austin's Army T-shirts and wristbands collected a total of $1,500 for the night. All proceeds will go toward Austin's medical expenses. 

Austin was scheduled to be at the fundraising event, but had to go to Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo for stem cell replacement yesterday morning. 

Doctors want to boost his platelet count to prepare him for a bone marrow transplant next week at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Md. 

According to Tricia Heineman, Austin's aunt, they have found two good candidates for the bone marrow transplant.

"He has the best attitude -- if there was one to make it through this, it would be him," Tricia Heineman said.

The Alexander Boys Basketball Team defeated Lyndonville 59-39 to make the night complete.

To keep updated about Austin's condition go to www.facebook.com/austinsarmy

A flatbed truck on Route 98 lost some of its scrap metal load, striking a parked snowmobile in front of Sunnyside Cycle Sales in Alexander. A vehicle driving behind the flatbed called 9-1-1 to report that the driver did not stop after the incident.

Sheriff's deputies reported a large back end of an old pickup truck in the road. The damage to the snowmobile is minimal.

Law enforcement has the flatbed truck stopped on Angling Road. The driver will return to Sunnyside Cycle Sales with his insurance information.

A barn fire in the Village of Attica at 69 High St. has closed down Route 98 between Dunbar Road and Route 354. Alexander, Bethany and Darien fire departments are responding.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: Town of Batavia also responding.

UPDATE 7:10 p.m.: According to the property owner Gene Reding, the barn was fully engulfed when he arrived home. The two horses that are normally housed in the barn were out in the field at the time and not injured. There was some equipment and hay for bedding inside. He says he has owned the property since 1975 and the barn was built in 1919.

Attica Fire Chief Bob Willard says the wood frame barn went up in flames in five minutes. It looks like the fire started in the basement and it could have been an electrical problem that caused it. It is a total loss.

Seven companies were called to the two-alarm blaze and no one was injured.

A vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Route 98 in Alexander has pulled into a driveway near Lang Road in Alexander. The driver has exited the vehicle and is now running on foot.

No direction of travel has been given. Genesee County Sheriff's deputies have responded and are investigating.

Maurice G. Leach, 36, of 212 State St., Batavia, is charged with menacing, 3rd, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and criminal tampering, 3rd. Police officers Eric Hill, Thad Mart and Chris Camp responded to a report of a male subject hitting a woman outside 212 State St. at 8:39 a.m., Sunday. During the investigation, Leach allegedly became combative and when officers attempted to place him into custody, he allegedly resisted arrest. While at police headquarters, Leach allegedly urinated and defecated on the floor of the holding cell. Leach was jailed on $50,000 bail.

Edward R. Freida, 41, of 47 Tracy Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. Freida was allegedly found in possession of a switchblade knife during a routine search of his residence by a probation officer. Because Frieda has a prior conviction for criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, the charge is elevated to third degree. Freida was jailed without bail.

Jessica L. Polk, 36, of 202 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Polk is accused of pushing and grabbing a child during a domestic incident.

Ann M. Schlegel, 35, Lawrence A. Atkins, 35, and Leon D. Atkins, 16, all from Medina, are charged with petit larceny. The trio is accused of attempting to steal $337.31 in merchandise from Kmart at 5:54 p.m., Sunday.

Scott Dwayne Kingdon, 46, of Sparks Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Kingdon is accused of sending e-mails to a person in violation of an order of protection.

Nathaniel L. Beglinger, 21, of Peaviner Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Beglinger is accused of recklessly causing damage to a building in Darien, causing more than $250 damage, at 12:35 a.m., Dec. 1.

Dennis J. Saporito, 25, of Culver Road, Albion, turned himself in on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for alleged driving while ability impaired. Saporito was arraigned and sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Robert Lee Ealey, 26, of Phelps Road, Rochester, Ealey was taken into custody by Rochester PD on a bench warrant issued by Genesee County Court and turned over to the Sheriff's Office. Ealey was held pending arraignment today.

Adam M. Miller, 20, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Miller is accused of damaging property with a value greater than $250 at 4 a.m., Jan. 1, in the Town of Shelby. Miller was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

The Alexander High School Varsity Cheerleaders will host a benefit basketball game for Austin Heineman at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18.

Come to Alexander High School and watch the Alexander Trojans (varsity boys) take on Letchworth. The school is located at 3314 Buffalo St.

Donations are welcome at the door. Plus, there will be a 50/50 raffle, half-court shootout, bake sale, and gift certificates from local businesses to be raffled off.

All proceeds will be donated to Austin as he battles a rare childhood cancer. He is currently awaiting a bone marrow transplant.