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Law and Order: Big brawl on Liberty Street in the city results in four arrests

By Billie Owens

Chevaughn D. Hanson, 22, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration. Hanson was arrested at 7:30 p.m. on May 8 following a large altercation on Liberty Street in the city wherein Hanson allegedly pushed a Batavia Police officer, who was attempting to separate those involved. Hanson was issued an appearance ticket for City Court for May 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Sarah L. Marcello, 24, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. She was arrested after city police responded to Liberty Street at 7:30 p.m. on May 8 for a report of several people fighting in the street. She was issued an appearance ticket for May 17 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Corina M. Gallo, 25, of Edward Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. She was arrested at 7:30 p.m. on May 8 after she allegedly was involved in a physical altercation in a public area. She was issued an appearance ticket for City Court for May 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Jessica L. Shannon, 19, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment. She was arrested at 7:30 p.m. on May 8 following an altercation of Liberty Street in the city. She allegedly had unwanted physical contact with another female. She was issued an appearance ticket for City Court for May 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Paul M. Wieclaw ll, 27, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree assault -- recklessly causing physical injury. He was arrested at 4 a.m. on May 8 following an incident wherein he allegedly pulled a female to the ground by her hair, which resulted in a laceration to her left ring finger. He was jailed on $1,000 bail and was to appear in City Court on May 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.  Also, it was determined on May 8 that Wieclaw had an arrest warrant out of City Court from January 2013 for a parking ticket for parking on a city street between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m. when it is unlawful to do so. That case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer James DeFreze.

Anthony Sanders, 34, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree strangulation, endangering the welfare of a child, and obstruction of government administration, 2nd. He was arrested at 6:30 p.m. on May 7 on charges stemming from an incident at 3 a.m. on May 3 wherein he allegedly strangled a female on South Main Street. He was jailed and due back in City Court May 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Julie L. Dutton, 21, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. The charge stems from an incident at 8:57 p.m. on April 21 wherein it is alleged that Dutton took about $2,700 in cash from another person on Washington Avenue without having the right to do so. She was to be in City Court on May 10 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Kyle Robert Ratulowski, 20, of Route 5, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arraigned in City Court on May 11 on a petit larceny charge for allegedly stealing property at 1:30 a.m. on April 13 from a vehicle while it was parked on Veterans Administration property. He was returned to jail, where he is incarcerated on a variety of other theft charges. He is to answer this charge in Genesee County Court on May 24. The investigation was conducted by Sheriff's deputies Ryan Young and Andrew Hale and Investigator Bradley Mazur. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis.

Donovan A. Forbes, 26, of Maple Street, Rochester, is charged with operating without lights, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operator, and unlicensed operator. He was arrested at 2:28 a.m. on May 8 on Harvester Avenue in the City of Batavia. During a traffic stop for operating a vehicle without headlights, it was found that Forbes was allegedly driving on a suspended, non-driver ID, with 20 suspensions on 10 dates. He was jailed without bail and ordered to return to City Counrt on May 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Michael J. Witkowski, 29, of Cherry Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested May 10 after allegedly punching a car window at 10 p.m. on April 30 on Cherry Street, causing it to shatter. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Andrew A. Crimes, 44, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt, with a prior conviction for criminal contempt. Crime was arrested at 6:19 a.m. on May 10 for an unspecified incident which occurred at 10:09 p.m. on May 9 on Bank Street. He was jailed without bail and was due in City Court later in the day on May 10 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Rajea S. Thomas, of Concord Street, Rochester, is charged with speeding and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Thomas was arrested following a traffic stop at 5:59 p.m. on May 8 on East Main Street in Batavia. Thomas was allegedly speeding and found to be driving on a suspended NYS driver's license. Thomas was to appear in City Court on May 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Edvin M. Hernandez, 40, of Reprise Terrace, Rockville, Md., is charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. He was arrested following a traffic stop at 9:01 p.m. on May 7 on East Main Street, Batavia. At that time, he was allegedly driving with suspended NYS driving privileges. He was released from custody after posting bail and to to be in City Court on May 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Steven J. Snyder, 26, of Northview Park, Attica, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate/defective headlamp. Synder was arrested at 8:49 p.m. on May 6 on South Swan Street in the City of Batavia following a traffic stop after it was observed that the passenger side headlamp was not working. Subsequently, it is alleged that Snyder was found to be in possession of marijuana. He was issued at appearance ticket for May 17 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Patrick M. Viscuso, 52, of Vernon Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of uninspected motor vehicle, and illegal parking. He turned himself in on May 9. He had three active warrants for his arrest, all from parking infractions. He was released from custody after paying his fines, which dated from September 2004, October 2004 and February 2005, respectively. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Nicholas D. Martino, 35, of Main Street, Alexander, was arrested at 9:57 a.m. on May 6 on a bench warrant out of City Court following his failure to appear on a traffic summons issued in November 2014 on West Main Street, Batavia. He was to appear in City Court May 9.  The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Jordan M. Love, 25, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Love was arrested on a City Court warrant after failing to answer a traffic summons for allegedly operating a vehicle with a suspended registration on March 18. Love was released after posting bail and is to be in City Court on May 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Law and Order: Batavia man charged with burglary, possessing stolen property, petit larceny and criminal mischief

By Billie Owens

Kyle Robert Ratulowski (pictured right), 20, of Batavia, was arrested on April 27 and charged with second-degree burglary, a Class C felony. Troopers received a call of a burglary on Clinton Street in the Town of Batavia on that date. The investigation revealed that a fire safe was taken valued at $200 and that Ratulowski was a possible suspect. Ratulowski was located at a address in the City of Batavia. Ratulowski was arrested and transported to SP Batavia for processing. He was arraigned in the Town of Batavia Court and put in Genesee County Jail for $25,000 bail.

Kyle Robert Ratulowski, 20, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, was arrested at 9:45 p.m. on April 29 for allegedly being in possession of stolen electronics. He was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, and issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on May 10. The goods were reported stolen at 2 p.m. on April 20 from a location of Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. At the same time and date of this arrest, Ratulowski was also charged with petit larceny of tools and personal items and for fourth-degree criminal mischief for allegedly damaging a vehicle. These charges stem from an incident at 10 p.m. on April 12 on Park Road in Batavia wherein items were stolen from an unlocked vehicle and the interior of the vehicle was damaged. He is to appear in Town of Batavia Court, also on May 10, to answer these charges. Both cases were handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Nicholas Benjamin Wall, 25, of Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with reckless endangerment of property. He was charged following a large explosion on April 15. He allegedly shot a large amount of tannerite at 3465 Dodgeson Road, Alexander, which cause an explosion and shook houses throughout the county.

Rochelle V. Tomlin, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and obligation of a parent or guardian. She was arrested at 2 p.m. on April 24 after allegedly allowing her 14-year-old son to violate the city's curfew. At the time the youth was in violation of the curfew, he was "out committing acts that would be considered crimes if performed by an adult," according to the police report. Tomlin is to be in City Court at 1 p.m. on May 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Todd A. Reynolds, 45, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and obstructing governmental administration. He was arrested at 10:23 p.m. on May 1 following a domestic incident on West Main Street. He allegedly was kicking the victim during an altercation. He did not cooperate with police upon their arrival and became combative with them. He was put in jail, with bail (unspecified), and was to appear in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Michael E. Weichman, 21, of Bank Street, Batavia, and Alysha E. Weichman and Tyler L. Warner were arrested at 4 p.m. on April 28 and charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and fifth-degree conspiracy for allegedly stealing $1,376.97 worth of groceries from Tops Market in Batavia. They were issued appearance tickets and are to be in City Court on May 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Jared Paul Schmidt, 20, of Silver Springs, is charged with disorderly conduct and open container of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle. He was arrested at 1:35 p.m. on April 23 after he was allegedly observed hitting/striking his vehicle, which was parked roadside on Ellicott Street, and obstructing vehicular traffic. He was allegedly found to have an open bottle of beer in the center console of his vehicle. He was ordered to be in City Court on May 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Darryle Streeter.

Patricia A. Poole, 26, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with violation of conditional discharge. She was located on Liberty Street at 4:05 p.m. on April 30 and arrested on a bench warrant issued for a disorderly conduct charge from November 2009. She was released and ordered to appear in Batavia City Court this afternoon. During the handling of this case, responding officers discovered that Poole had an active warrant from 2012. She was subsequently arrested and jailed in lieu of $500 bail. She is also to appear in City Court this afternoon on the 2012 warrant case. The cases were handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot and Officer Peter Flanagan.

James N. DiFalco, 19, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property. He was arrested after allegedly being found in possession of stolen game system and selling it to a game store for cash on April 20. He is to return to Batavia City Court on May 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

James R. Sweet, 54, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with conducting an open burn. At 5:50 p.m. on April 28, Sweet was allegedly found to be burning debris in his yard on Walnut Street in violation of the city's municipal code. He is to appear in City Court on May 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Latiqua S. Jackson, 22, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested April 25 after allegedly stealing a Sony PlayStation 3 from a residence on Tracy Avenue on April 18. She is to be in City Court on May 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Marquita Shanee Davis, 28, of Old Meadow Lane, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 3:25 p.m. on May 1 as a result of a shoplifting complaint. It is alleged that she stole $73.57 worth of merchandise from a location on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. She was released with an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Chante Dominique Davis, 30, of Old Meadow Lane, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 3:25 p.m. on May 1 as a result of a shoplifting complaint. It is alleged that she stole $73.57 worth of merchandise from a location on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. She was released with an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

A 17-year-old from Pavilion is charged with petit larceny. The suspect was arrested April 30 in connection with a shoplifting incident wherein several articles of clothing were stolen from a local store. The youth was issued an appearance ticket for May 9 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Pierre A. Triplett Jr., 20, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested following an investigation of shoplifting at Tops Market in Batavia at 10:46 a.m. on April 28. He is to be in City Court on May 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Brad L. Ohlson, 39, of Union Street, Batavia, was arrested on April 25 on a bench warrant issued out of Batavia City Court after his alleged failure to comply with the conditions of his release under supervision. He was held on bail and was to appear in City Court April 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Mariah R. Hagen, 20, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was arrested on the charge following a traffic stop at 9:24 p.m. on April 21 on State Street, Batavia. She is due in City Court on May 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Thad Mart, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Law and Order: Attica woman arrested in Alexander, charged with DWI with a BAC or .08 or more

By Billie Owens

Heidi A. Pahl, 42, of French Road, Attica, is charged with driving while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more. She was allegedly involved in an accident at a restaurant in the City of Batavia at 9:18 p.m. on April 25. The vehicle was located at a relative's house in the Town of Alexander a short time later. An investigation revealed that she was allegedly intoxicated at the time. She was arrested and released with appearance tickets for Alexander Town Court on May 31. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Sgt. Ron Meides.

Alexandria M. Provens was arrested on April 24 on an outstanding bench warrant issued by the Town of Byron Court for failure to pay fines. She was arraigned before Town of Stafford Court and jailed in lieu of $2,000 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Ellen Marie Martinez-Brayley, 28, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with violation of Family Court Act. She was arrested on an outstanding Family Court warrant and arraigned April 25 and released. She is due back in court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Keiyana S. Clark, 35, of Bronx, was arrested April 23 by state police for petit larceny after she allegedly took more than $270 worth of clothing from Target. Clark was allegedly observed selecting multiple clothing items and hiding them in a large reusable bag; Clark then paid for the items in her cart but failed to remove the items concealed in the bag. Clark was arraigned on $200 bail. She is scheduled for Town of Batavia Court on May 10.

Amanda M. Rumble, 28, of Clipnock Road, Stafford, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 5:50 p.m. on April 25 as the result of a shoplifting complaint at Walmart. She allegedly stole $86.63 in merchandise. She was issued an appearance ticket for a later date in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Family is more than blood: Memorial ride for Douglas Mess

By Julia Ferrini

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The pride and joy of the man’s job now sits idle most days, his namesake lovingly wiping the dirt from her fenders as a myriad of emotions floated across his brow. Douglas Mess’s John Deere 4020 is built for heavy work, but could also be used for lighter duties, and as his son put it, “it’s the heart of any farm.”

Family and friends gathered at the Spring Farm Tuesday evening for the second annual Douglas Mess Memorial Tractor ride. April 19 marked the one year anniversary of the death of the 52-year-old farmer. As a way to remember the father, brother and friend, those who knew him best revved up their tractors and made the approximately six-mile trek – from the Spring Farm on Chaddock Road to Baskin Livestock on Creek Road – in celebration of a man’s life.

“Most days are fine,” said the eldest of three boys, Doug Mess. “I still have my off days.”

Since last April, the Mess’s farm in Attica had been off limits. Within the last few months, the boys have been able to go back. 

“We aren’t operating the farm right now,” Doug said. “The cows have been gone for almost a year and now we're just getting things cleaned up.”

“It’s still a shock,” said longtime family friend Dale Spring. “Our families grew up together. Our kids were in 4-H together. He was an awesome guy. He would help you no matter what. If he couldn't talk ya through it, he'd come down and help.”

Sixteen tractors in all and double the number of friends and family met to honor the man.

“There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him,” Spring said. “Every morning, after he was done milking his cows he would drive by my farm...”

As a way to remember their employee, Bill Baskin and Susan Blackburn, Baskin’s wife, had a sign made dedicating their new truck shop to Douglas.

The gathering. The ride. It was a time to remember the man and not the incident surrounding his death.

See related: Murder of Douglas Mess a big loss for Baskin Livestock Attica woman charged with murder in missing man's death 

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Photo: Young eagle finds a meal

By Howard B. Owens

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A reader sent in this picture from Sunday afternoon of a young bald eagle that he spotted feasting on a fawn that was dead near the side of the road on Dodgeson Road near Ridge Road, Alexander.

Genesee Chorale to perform 'Carmina Burana' based on medieval poems, featuring renowned Alexander soprano

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo: Alexander native Emily Helenbrook, soprano.)

Press release:

The Genesee Chorale is excited to offer two performances of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” on Friday April 22nd and Friday April 29th. The April 22nd performance will take place at 7 p.m. in Kilbourne Hall at the renowned Eastman School of Music in Rochester. The April 29th performance will be at 7 p.m. in the beautiful sanctuary of St. James Episcopal Church, located at 405 E. Main St. in Batavia.

“Performing this amazing work will truly be a memorable experience for us and for the audience,” said Ric Jones, director of the large, Batavia-based community chorus. “This performance will run the gamut of human emotion; excitement, intrigue, humor, and love all rolled into one amazing work."

“Carmina Burana” is a scenic cantata based on a collection of 24 of the 254 poems found in the medieval collection "Carmina Burana" -- a manuscript composed of 11th – 13th century poems and dramatic texts, believed to be written by clergy in Italy and Western Europe for traveling scholars, universities and theologians. The collection of texts was discovered in 1803 in the Benedictine monastery of Benediktbeuern in Bavaria (Germany).

You might recognize the exciting “O Fortuna” which was first introduced to mainstream media in the 1981 John Boorman film "Excalibur." Other appearances in movies include "Glory" (1989), "The Hunt for Red October" (1990), "The Doors" (1991), "Natural Born Killers" (1994), and "The General’s Daughter" (1999).

The Chorale will be accompanied by three outstanding soloists: Emily Helenbrook, soprano; John Clayton, tenor; Joe Finetti, baritone.

Alexander native Hellenbrook is a senior at the Eastman School of Music, studying with Carol Webber. Helenbrook has performed several times as a featured soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic and in several appearances with Ars Nova Musicians in the Viva Vivaldi Festival. She also appeared twice on the nationally acclaimed show "From the Top," recorded at the Chautauqua Amphitheatre and Kodak Hall at Eastman.

Clayton is a tenor based in Buffalo. He has been described as “One of Buffalo’s top vocalists” who performs “gallantly.” He studied music and voice at SUNY College at Buffalo and has worked with vocal coaches from across America and Europe. Clayton is a frequent soloist with choral ensembles in Western New York. He has also been featured in concert with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Nickel City Opera. He has sung the National Anthem for Buffalo Bills home games and is a current member of the Harmonia Chamber Singers.

Finetti, bass – baritone, enjoys various performing opportunities in the Rochester area. He recently appeared as the beleaguered Herr Schlendrian in Bach’s "Coffee Cantata" at Nazareth College, interpreted the Bass role of Haydn’s "Creation" several performances with the Finger Lakes Chorale, and sang Broadway favorites as a guest of the Irondequcit Chorale. A longtime member of the baroque ensemble The Publick Musick, he has sung solo roles in numerous Bach cantatas and masses as well as period performances of Handel’s "Messiah." Finetti performs regularly with the Renaissance group Musica Spei, the annual sponsor of the Rochester Early Music Festival as well as the well-known local chamber choir Madrigalia. He has a practice of family medicine in Greece, NY, and lives with his wife Maria Mastrosimone, also a family physician, in the Highland Park neighborhood of Rochester.

The performances will also feature two talented pianists, Doug Hanson and Howard Spindler. Five percussionists from the Batavia and Rochester area will accompany the work.

Tickets for the performance in Kilbourn Hall at eastmantheatre.org/events/genessee-chorale.

Tickets for the performance at St. James are available on the Genesee Chorale Web site, www.GeneseeChorale.com, from any Chorale member, or at the door. For more information please contact the Chorale president, Heather Lovelace at (716) 531-8986.

Genesee Chorale Director Ric Jones is the owner of Imagine Music Publishing. In addition to being the musical director of the Genesee Chorale, he serves as musical director of the Brighton Symphony Orchestra and The Middleport Community Choir. He is also the organist at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medina and Trinity Lutheran Church in Wolcottsville.

The Genesee Chorale is a community choir comprised of singers from all walks of life. It draws membership from Genesee County and seven surrounding counties. The repertory of the Genesee Chorale encompasses a wide variety of music in various styles from motets and madrigals of the Renaissance, to folk, musicals, and jazz. Over the years, the Chorale has championed contemporary works for choir as well as larger liturgical settings.

The upcoming performances are made possible in part with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Genesee Regional Arts Council.

Tree, wires and pole reported down on Beaver Road, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A tree fell, broke a utility pole and took down power lines at 9680 Beaver Road, Alexander. The location is between Dodgeson and Beaver roads. Alexander Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:18 p.m.: "We've got primary wires down," says a first responder on scene. "Be advised they are off the road. They're just laying across the driveway of a house." National Grid is being informed.

Fully involved barn fire reported on Old Creek Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A fully involved barn fire is reported in Alexander at 9633 Old Creek Road. The road will be shut down by Fire Police. Alexander Fire Department is responding along with Bethany, Town of Batavia, Darien and East Pembroke. Bethany is also requested to fill in at Alexander's fire hall.

UPDATE 3:25 a.m.: Bethany is unable to secure a second crew for the fill-in detail at Alexander Fire Hall so one from East Pembroke is requested.

UPDATE 3:28 a.m.: Command cancels the request for a fill-in crew at its hall from East Pembroke.

UPDATE 3:33 a.m.: A crew from East Pembroke is requested to stand by in their own hall for fill-in on behalf of Town of Batavia's fire district.

Possible barn fire reported on Alexander Road, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A possible barn fire is reported at 9313 Alexander Road, Alexander. The location is between Pike and Dodgeson roads. A passerby reported seeing smoke coming from the roof. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:49 p.m.: It's just steam from processing maple sap into maple syrup. No fire. Responders are back in service.

Second-graders at Alexander School participated in Ag Literacy Day today

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Each year, in celebration of National Agriculture Week, volunteers throughout the state read a book with an agricultural theme to second-graders. Students benefit from hands-on lessons and follow up activities. 

Today, second-graders at Alexander Elementary School participated. Barb Sturm and Molly Grimes were presenters from Cornell Cooperative Extension in Genesee County.

The selected book for 2016 is "The Apple Orchard Riddle" by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. This story shares the journey of Mr. Tiffin’s class on a field trip to an apple orchard. The students learn about every aspect of the farm from how apples are harvested, the process of making cider, and the many different varieties of apples.

This year’s focus on apple production is exciting because of the importance of the apple industry in New York State, as we are ranked second nationally in production.

Notre Dame, Alexander and Pembroke high school students awarded scholarships at ARC 50th gala

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo.)

Courtesy of our news partner WBTA:

The Genesee ARC awarded $1,000 scholarships on Saturday to each of three local students planning to pursue a career in the field of developmental disabilities.

Receiving the scholarships were: (seated on stage from left) Michelle Martinucci, Notre Dame High School; Hunter Marzlof, Alexander High School; and Alison Reiner, Pembroke High School.

The scholarships are named in memory of Mary Anne Graney, parent, educator, advocate and friend of the ARC. The scholarships are funded through the annual Mary Anne Graney Friends & Family 5K run.

Presenting the scholarships on Saturday were: Ted Graney, Mary Anne’s son, NYS Assemblyman Steve Hawley and ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski.

Photos: A musical in Alexander, 'Big Fish'

By Howard B. Owens

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The Alexander High School Drama Club presents "Big Fish: A Musical" this weekend.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m., Sunday.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and students, pre-sale, and $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students at the door. Children 5 and under can attend for free.

Photos are from yesterday's rehearsal.

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Car crashes into bridge by Blue Dog Saloon, minor injuries possible

By Billie Owens

A car has struck a bridge by the Blue Dog Saloon, 2630 Attica Road. Possible ankle injury reported. Alexander Fire Department and medics are responding.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: A responder on scene reports the roadway is extremely slippery.

Law and Order: Driver charged with DWI after car found stopped on Route 98

By Howard B. Owens

John Vincent Winecki, 23, of Buffalo Street, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and stopping/parking on highway. Winecki was arrested by Deputy Chad Cummings following an investigation into what was reported as a motor-vehicle accident at 3:37 a.m., Sunday, on Route 98 near the American Legion Hall. (Initial Report)

Ashley Michaela Stewart, 19, of E. 227 St., Bronx, is charged with second-degree assault. Stewart allegedly struck a female in the head with an iron while in a dorm room at College Village. The victim was injured. Stewart was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Benjamin G. Evans IV, 27, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Evans allegedly entered the Dollar General Store after previously being banned from the premises.

Ryo Hiroshige, 21, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Hiroshige was allegedly involved in a domestic incident. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Carissa J. Visalli, 26, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant related to a charge of improper parking at night. Visalli turned herself in, posted $100 bail and was released.

William P. Langdon Jr., 34, of Keever Avenue, Lackwanna, is charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely, failure to use designated lane and following too closely. Officer Arick Perkins was dispatched to Walnut Street, Batavia, at 8:37 p.m. Feb. 15 for the report of an erratic driver. A 2002 Pontiac Montana was located and stopped. Langdon was taken into custody and allegedly refused a breath test. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Joseph M. Durzewski, 22, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by alcohol. Durzewski was stopped at 3:22 a.m. Feb. 12 on Law Street, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth allegedly punched through a glass window at 1 City Centre, Batavia. He was jailed on $1,000 bail (name withheld by Batavia PD).

Anthony Devon Alexander, 42, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated family offense (more than one offense within five years), criminal contempt, 2nd, criminal trespass, 2nd. Alexander allegedly went to the home of a person he was barred from contacting by court order and stayed and refused to leave the residence at 2:05 p.m. Sunday. Alexander was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Jacob Robert Kingdollar, 20, of West Leet Road, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Kingdollar was allegedly found in possession of marijuana by Deputy Kevin Forsyth while at Bunnel Park, Town of Le Roy, at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Law and Order: Trooper reports seeing driver doing donuts in fire hall parking lot, makes arrest on DWI charge

By Howard B. Owens

Keith C. Michels, 38, of Alden, is charged with DWI and uninspected motor vehicle. With a state Trooper parked nearby and watching, Michels was observed doing donuts in the parking lot of the Alexander Fire Department on Route 98, Alexander. Upon further investigation, the Trooper allegedly observed that the vehicle did not have a current inspection sticker and the Trooper reported detecting the odor of alcohol emanating from Michels. Michels was transported to the Batavia Barracks of the State Police where he was allegedly found to have a BAC of .13.

Ian RIchard Eli Tarbell Sr., 43, of State Route 37, Hogansburg, is charged with transport and sale of 4,800 cartons of untaxed cigarettes, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely. Tarbell was stopped at 8:42 a.m. Thursday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Lonnie Nati. Tarbell was jailed on $100,000 bail.

James Francis Scharf, 50, of Walker Lake Ontario Road, Hilton, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and trespass. Scharf was arrested on a warrant issued by Oakfield Town Court and jailed on $2,500 bail.

Andrew Charles Webster, 22, of Gilette Road, Alexander, is charged with petit larceny. Webster was arrested on a warrant. He was jailed on $2,000 bail or $4,000 bond.

Driver stuck after driving into a shed on Halstead Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly driven into a shed at 9540 Halstead Road, Alexander.

The driver is said to be stuck in the vehicle, but not injured.

Alexander fire dispatched.

UPDATE 4:52 a.m.: A chief on scene reports that a family member there; the driver is out of the vehicle and in the family member's car, so Alexander's engine does not need to respond. However, the ambulance is requested to the scene for a sign-off.

Canadian D-Day veteran, Alexander volunteer lain to rest

By Howard B. Owens

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Samuel C. Norris, 91, of Batavia, formerly of Alexander, was lain to rest Tuesday with full military honors.

Norris, a past assistant chief of the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department, served with Canada in World War II. His unit landed on Juno Beach, France, on D-Day.

He was born Dec. 30, 1924 in Welland, Ontario, Canada.

For full obituary, click here.

Photos by Laura Friend.

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Grand Jury: Man indicted for allegedly having cocaine for sale, another accused of stealing more than $38,000 in currency

By Billie Owens

Philip R. Ayala is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on July 9 in the City of Batavia that Ayala knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with intent to sell it. In count two, the defendant is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing a narcotic drug and these preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances are of an aggregate weight of one-eighth ounce or more.

Robert B. Hansen III is indicted for the crime of third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony. It is alleged that between Feb. 15, 2013, and June 16, 2014, in the Town of Darien Hansen stole property with a value exceeding $3,000. He is accused of stealing $38,353.56 in U.S. currency. In count two, he is accused of committing the crime of second-degree forgery, also a Class D felony, on Feb. 6, 2014, in the City of Batavia, with the intent to defraud, deceive or injure another, by falsely making, completing or altering a written instrument which was to become public record or legally authorized.

Justin G. Parsons is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 19 in the Town of Alexander that Parsons drove a 2011 Chevrolet pickup on Route 20 and/or Brookville Road while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, the defendant is accused of the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more at the time.

Jose Sanabria-Lozada is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 2 in the Village of Le Roy that Sanabria-Lozada drove a 2000 Ford pickup truck while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, the defendant is accused of driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 at the time.

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