Press Release:

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) officials will host a public hearing Thursday to detail proposed safety improvements at the intersection of Route 20 and East Road in the town of Bethany, Genesee County. NYSDOT will present the preferred alternative for the project, which includes construction of a modern roundabout and lowering the hill.

The public hearing will convene at 6:30 p.m. at the Bethany Community Center, located at 10510 Bethany Center Road. A short project overview including engineering, traffic and environmental, and right-of-way aspects of the project will be presented. Verbal comments will be recorded and written comments will be received.  Comments received by September 23 will be made part of the official project record and evaluated prior to finalizing the design alternative.

Highlights of the project design proposed under this alternative include lowering the profile of the hill on Route 20 just west of the intersection as well as building a modern roundabout to replace the existing dual stop signs and flashing red light. A roundabout will require vehicles approaching the intersection from both roads to decrease travel speeds. More information about the safety benefits of roundabouts can be found online at www.dot.ny.gov/20eastroad.

Accident statistics since 1998 show 36 total collisions including three fatal crashes. The accident pattern shows right angle and sight-distance related collisions, mainly from vehicles entering the intersection from East Road and often times failing to yield. The purpose of the project is to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes at this intersection.

The Draft Design Report is now available for public review. It is a comprehensive document that presents details of the preferred design alternative along with all the required supporting engineering evaluations and environmental studies.  A copy is available for viewing at the Bethany Town Hall or at the DOT Regional Office, located at 1530 Jefferson Road in Henrietta.  Portions of the report are also available on the project Web site at www.dot.ny.gov/20Eastroad  .

Construction for this $2.5 million project is scheduled for the summer of 2015.  Under this proposal, traffic would be maintained on Route 20 with construction of a temporary by-pass road. East Road traffic would be detoured.

The location for the meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. If anyone requires special accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact Eric Thompson at 585-272-349.

A motor vehicle accident believed to be with injury is reported at Route 77 and Ledge Road.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE (by Billie) 10:45 a.m.: There is entrapment. The accident is blocking traffic. One vehicle has three adults and a child inside. A second ambulance is called. Three vehicles are involved, one of which is towing a small trailer.

UPDATE 10:49 p.m.: Indian Falls is called as mutual aid to provide traffic control, and aid with extrication if needed. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 10:52 a.m.: There is a total of four patients.

UPDATE 10:54 a.m.: Alabama commands reports there is no entrapment.

UPDATE 10:56 a.m.: A third ambulance is called in.

UPDATE 11:05 a.m.: The child's injuries are minor. One ambulance is going to Erie County Medical Center. Three patients, including a 75-year-old female, are being taken to UMMC.

UPDATE 11:42 a.m.: The two other patients bound for UMMC are a 2-year-old boy and a 42-year-old male. Indian Falls is back in service. Most, if not, all Alabama units have cleared the scene.

UPDATE 11:57 a.m.: The Alabama assignment is back in service.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Monday Sept. 9 from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area south of West Main Street and west of Jackson Street.

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) passed a budget for Fiscal Year 2014 at its board meeting today, adopting a balanced budget that totals $1.2 million.

Approximately $1.041 million in revenues will be realized through grant revenue, sale and lease back fees, interest income, and county funding. Another $175,000 in cash payments will be collected through project participation fee annuity streams. Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) interest will generate approximately $22,000 in revenue through 13 active loans in RLF 1 and five active loans in RLF 2. Meanwhile, workforce development activities continue to be self-sustaining due to grant funding. 

“The GCEDC was created to retain and create jobs and generate new revenues for local government by increasing the property tax base,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “For every dollar of public money that supports the GCEDC, there is an $18 return on investment to the community as a result of various economic development projects supported by our agency.”

As a public benefit organization, the GCEDC generates fee revenues from economic development projects. The GCEDC also projects continued funding from Genesee County as well as other sources to run its operations, programs and services. The funding provided by Genesee County helps the GCEDC with core base-level operational funding while the remaining project revenue is raised through the ongoing work of the GCEDC.

“Genesee County is a vital partner in our efforts to bring new business and growth to our region,” Hyde continued. “We are extremely grateful to the members of the Genesee County Legislature who support the GCEDC’s ongoing growth strategy.”

Expenditures have been controlled and reduced wherever possible, however compliance with New York State mandates continues to cause significant cost increases for the operating budget. For example, a 13-percent increase in health insurance premiums is anticipated based on current estimates from health insurance brokers.

“The GCEDC’s budget assumptions are conservative due to uncertainties related to future project activity levels, but we anticipate that 2014 will be another great year,” said Lezlie Farrell, CFO of the GCEDC.

Katherine J. Briggs, 34, of 172 S. Main St., #112, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Briggs allegedly damaged property of another person during an argument. The alleged incident was reported at 2:16 a.m., Saturday.

Kyle E. Kirtley, 24, of 6 Pine Tree Road, Central Square, is charged with assault, 3rd. Kirtley is accused of punching another person in the head several times causing substantial pain. The alleged incident was reported at 2:16 a.m. Saturday at 172 S. Main St., Batavia. Kirtley was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Tracey Lynn Brewer, 48, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Brewer is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Sara Marie Zilliox, 38, of South 7th Street, Lewiston, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Zilliox was charged following a traffic stop at 1:05 a.m. Saturday on Lake Road, Bergen, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Christine Marie Osborne, 38, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Osborne is accused of stealing $62.78 in merchandise from Walmart.

Mark Anthony Rebmann, 24, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Rebmann is accused shoplifting $24.99 in merchandise from Kmart. During the investigation by Deputy Joseph Graff, Rebmann was allegedly found in possession of heroin.

April Marie Palmer, 27, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a grand larceny, 4th, charge.

Dale A. Hollwedel, 26, of 9983 Francis Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Hollwedel was stopped at 1:42 a.m. Thursday following a complaint in the MacDonald's drive thru by Officer Jason Davis.

Kimberly M Volk, 24, of 111 Liberty St., Apt. A, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Volk is accused of shoplifting at Tops.

Willie F. Irvin II, 31, of 22 Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Irvin is accused of verbally threatening another person while on State Street. He was jailed on $750 bail.

Jason E. Carpenter, 35, of 137 State St., Batavia, is charged with disobeying a mandate. Carpenter allegedly contacted another person in violation of an order of protection.

Rosemary R. Waters, 27, of 23 Forrest Ave., Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th.  Waters allegedly picked up a mobile phone from the floor during an altercation and threw it back down, breaking it.

Froylan Hernandez, 26, from California, is charged with trespass. Hernandez was arrested by State Police following a report at 2:14 p.m. Aug. 10 on Wilkinson Road, Batavia. Hernandez was jailed on bail. No further details released.

Maurice G. Leach, 37, of Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Leach was arrested in the Town of Batavia by State Police. No further details released.

The following individuals were arrested by State Police at 11:30 p.m. Friday at a location in the Town of Bergen, and charged with trespass: Alana M. Diefendorf, 16, Olivia R. Sweet, 16, Jacob M. Hillabush, 19, Danielle C. Zelazny, 17, Joseph T. Burr, 20, Dakota Troy Harlach, 20, Hannah M. Feary, 19, Kyle K. Shultz, 19, Daniel J. Ognibene, 19, Payton V. Conley, 18, Richard S. Streiff, 19, and Matthew C. Ferris, 18. Diefendorf, Sweet, Hillabush, Zelazny and Burr were also charged with possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21.

A 52-year-old Oakfield resident who was involved in a motorcycle accident on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation on Sunday night was treated and released after being flown by Mercy Flight to ECMC.

Louis M. Biro, of East Shelby Road, was driving a 2011 Honda east on Bloomingdale Road when he allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign at Reuban Road and continued east into the Arrowhawk Smoke Shop parking lot. The Honda continued through the parking lot and struck a dirt embankment and a pile of cut trees.

The accident was reported at 10:14 p.m.

Charges are pending, according to the accident report.

The accident was investigated by Deputy James Diehl.

(Initial Report)

A motorcycle accident with injuries is reported at 852 Bloomingdale Road. A first responder reports the rider is "up into the brush" of the back parking lot of the Arrowhawk Smoke Shop. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are called to the scene.

UPDATE 10:23 p.m.: Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia is called to the scene. A clerk at the store reports seeing the rider in the wooded area behind the store. A responder located the rider underneath some brush.

UPDATE 11:08 p.m.: Mercy Flight is in the air.

Bob Will, of Leon, had one of the more interesting vehicles at the Steam Show in Alexander this weekend. He agreed to pose with his 1930s-era Ford pickup truck. Rusty gold, indeed.

To purchase prints of these photos, click here.

A working house fire is reported at 6908 East Bethany - Le Roy Road. Le Roy and Pavilion fire departments are responding. Stafford is asked to stand by in their hall. Town of Batavia fire is called to shut down traffic at Route 63 and East Bethany - Le Roy Road.

UPDATE 8:08 p.m.: Stafford is called to the scene.

UPDATE 8:18 p.m.: After calling for assistance from York, Caledonia and Bergen, with a standby from Mumford, command tells responders on the road to back it down. The fire appears to be contained to a corner of the structure. They have accessed the attic and are ventilating it.

UPDATE 8:23 p.m.: There is residual heat but no active fire. York and Caledonia are told to go back in service. Bergen can continue to the scene non-emergency.

UPDATE 9 p.m.: Le Roy and Pavilion are back in service along with other responders. The fire is out. The roads are reopened.

UPDATE (by Howard): A quick response by volunteer firefighters helped contain the fire to the southeast corner of the house. The cause is undetermined at this time. A resident was fighting the fire with a garden hose when Le Roy firefighters arrived on scene. There was some smoke extension into the attic. The property is owned by Peter Paliani.

A vehicle has struck a guard rail and injuries are reported at 6104 Route 63, north of Transit Road. The vehicle is blocking the roadway. Bethany Fire Department and Ambulance Service are responding. The road is being shut down. After this accident, a tractor-trailer reportedly hit something, like a pole, in the area. Town of Batavia Fire Police are asked to close southbound Route 63 at East Road. Pavilion Fire Police are asked to shut down northbound Route 63 traffic at Texaco Town.

UPDATE 9:02 p.m.: Responders are back in service. Roads reopened. No word on status of victims(s).

A total of 22 fire companies from four counties arrived in Pavilion at 6 a.m. to start a morning-long drill to test, learn and practice in case of a fire that requires a substantial amount of water.

The goal was to pump 5,000 gallons of water. The exercise was also a chance for the departments to work together across communication networks and to test the reverse 9-1-1 system in the area.

The location was the Griffith Oil Company storage terminal on Pearl Creek in the Town of Covington, which is in the Pavilion Fire District.

"This is a drill to move a large volume of water in a rural area," said Pavilion Chief Paul Dougherty. "Even in our downtown area here, we have a limited number of hydrants. Originally the drill was going to be at our high school because that's one of the biggest concerns in town, but in the process of planning there was that event in Mumford at their propane facility, so we decided to take the lessons learned there, good and bad, and do the same thing here."

If there was a fire at Griffith, it would take a large volume of water to keep the propane tanks cool until firefighters could get a handle on the event and Griffith workers could manage the situation.

Griffith participated in the drill, even working through its own internal notification protocols.

Daniel Stowell had the following statement from Griffith:

Griffith Energy is pleased to participate in this morning's drill. The safety of our customers, employees and communities we service is our absolute top priority. We happily partner with local officials and first responders in support of their efforts to prepare, train and learn. WE are delighted to be here today to show our support of the fire companies involved in this collaborative effort and thank everyone for their time and dedication.

Dougherty thanked all the volunteers for coming out on their Sunday morning.

In  addition to Pavilion, other participants this morning were:

Le Roy, Caledonia, Alexander, Bergen, Bethany, Stafford, York, Perry, Perry Center, Town of Batavia, Byron, South Byron, Darien, Cuylerville, Mumford, Attica, Castile, Gainesville, North Java, Silver Springs, Brockport, Wyoming, Warsaw, Geneseo, Genesee County Office of Emergency Services, Wyoming County Office of Emergency Services, dispatch centers in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Monroe counties, Wyoming County Sheriffs Office, Rochester Southern Railroad, Pavilion Central School (provided buses for mass transportation), SUNY Geneseo (housekeeping) and Mercy Ambulance.

To find out how to become a volunteer firefighter, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Michael Bow has had a pretty good year professionally -- and, knock on wood, it will keep getting better.

Bow, 27, runs "Bow Original Woodworking" out of his home in East Bethany. He builds furniture, cabinets, and other things per client request. Clients come to him from throughout Genesee County and as far away as Massachusetts.

Here are some samples of his work:

Originally from Attica, Bow has lived in East Bethany for two years. He started his own business in October 2012, around the time his mother became ill.

"I had worked in a couple different shops," Bow said, "Then I received a lot of requests for work, and my mom got sick. It seemed like the right time to go off on my own so that I could spend more time with her without affecting anybody else."

He learned woodworking on the job as an employee of Eurostyle Woodworking in Colorado. He credits the owners, Doug Stahl and Marco Dehm, with helping him to develop the skill level he enjoys now. They were not only his employers, but also his mentors.

"They're geniuses," Bow said. "They could touch a board and make a piano."

At one point, he got to travel with Dehm to the latter's native Switzerland and get a firsthand look at his training ground.

"When I saw how the Swiss learned," Bow said, "and what 16-year-old first-year woodworking students were doing, I was humbled by how advanced they were. I know guys here (in the United States) that have done woodworking for 30 years, and there's no way they could do what the kids are doing over there."

The following interview was conducted at Bow's home:

How would you describe woodworking for the layman? How is it different from carpentry?

Woodworking is a very in-depth trade. I think that's what I love about it. You have so many different ways to do so many different things. And then you've got so many styles. There's a European style, a Japanese style -- the Japanese are phenomenal craftsmen. There's so many different ways, for example, to build a cabinet, to set a door, and to join everything. Even after 30 or 40 years you still won't know anywhere near everything about woodworking.

There are different aspects of woodworking, but it generally involves more of a finished product. To me, when someone says "I'm a carpenter," I think they're more of a framer, more of a rough builder. And that's definitely respectable. These are just two different disciplines.

Is there a typical request you get from clients in terms of what they want?

Something cheap. (laughs) My slogan is "Design & Function." People usually want something for a specific purpose. Like if it's for an entertainment center, they'll want something that can hold a flat-screen TV, space for books or a DVD player, etc. So obviously it's designed around a specific need -- that's the function in "Design & Function." You can't have one without the other. If you've got the function and there's no design to it, what good is the function? And if you've got a good design and there's no functionality to it, then what good is the design?

How do you decide what kind of wood to use for your products?

Generally, it depends on what people want. If they want a painted product, usually I'll use either soft maple or poplar. If someone is looking for a certain kind of grain, I'll offer one type of wood. If someone is on a budget, I'll offer another; cherry generally stains very well -- and it's fairly cheap. It's pretty much about what the customer is looking for. Usually when I first meet with somebody on a job I'll tell them to get on the Internet, or get a magazine, and show me what they want.

Where do you get the wood for your projects?

It depends on what work I'm getting. Usually I don't need a big quantity of wood. I go through Attica Mill most of the time. I get some specialty hardwood from someone in South Warsaw, too. And then sometimes some of the customers will have wood that has been dried, cut or milled up, and I'll take it.

How did you get started in woodworking?

(When I was a kid) my uncle, Keith Bow, was always doing something with wood. He's a genius. I always would see his work and think, "Wow!" And I admired that "wow" factor.

My dad is kind of a hobbyist; he's a good craftsman. And my brother is a woodworker down in Florida. It's just in our blood, I guess.

I think the biggest thing (I enjoy) is that "wow" factor -- especially having my dad look at something I made and say, "Wow, that's cool."

In my late high school years, when I started realizing what I wanted to do, I went that route (toward woodworking). I was fairly confident with my skills and ability and knowledge, because I have the drive.

What are some of your hopes going forward?

My hopes are to always progress, always become more efficient...basically to strive for perfection. I want to become better at what I do. I want to be able to do more unique projects and constantly do something that is "one-and-only."

I don't expect to make a million dollars a year, but I would like to get to a point where I make enough money to live well and, here and there, take a few days off to do something outside of work.

Right now I'm busy, but not swamped. It's hit and miss (from week to week). Sometimes I might be working 60 hours a week. But I love what I do -- it's an addiction.

For more information, contact bow at 409-8127 or e-mail mjbow85@gmail.com.

Sample photos courtesy of Michael Bow.

Story by Mike Wertman. Photo By Cheryl Wertman. Orleans Hub. Used with permission.

PEMBROKE – Earning a shot at that elusive first ever overall league championship, the Lyndonville Tigers blanked the Nickel City Kings 14-0 Saturday for the Northeastern Football Alliance West Division playoff title at Pembroke Town Park.

Touchdowns by Rob Williams and Gary LeFrois provided just enough offense for the Tigers whose shutout defensive effort was highlighted by two interceptions by Brad Ralph and one each by AJ Clevleand and Kyle Fiegel.

Lyndonville will now host the league playoff championship game at 4 p.m. Saturday against the Eastern Division playoff winner (either the Troy Irish or Glove Cities Colonials).

Lyndonville, after failing to capitalize on two early scoring opportunities inside the Kings 30 yard line, grabbed an 8-0 lead early in the second quarter on a 31 yard touchdown run by Williams and an extra point run by Derrick Adams.

It remained a tight 8-0 game until early in the fourth quarter when LeFrois caught a 30 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt MacIntosh on a key fourth down play.

The Tigers defense did the rest stopping three of the Kings final four drives with interceptions, two by Ralph and one by Fiegel. Defensive back Mike Manicki halted the other late Kings drive by breaking up a fourth down pass. Cleveland’s pick stopped a Kings drive just before half-time.

The victory was the ninth in a row for Lyndonville which is now 9-2 on the season.

The Tigers split a pair of regular season meetings with the Kings.

The following people were arrested during the Rascal Flatts concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

Kelly D. Roth, 23, Hamilton Road, Jamesville, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and disorderly conduct after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return and then causing a disturbance in the parking lot. Roth was jailed on $500 bail.

Christopher A. Shoemaker, 21, Ogden Road, Syracuse, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance while being escorted off Darien Lake property. Shoemaker was jailed on $200 bail.

Brandon R. Innes, 18, Stoughon Lane, Orchard Park, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, disorderly conduct after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return and then causing a disturbance in the VIP parking lot. Innes was jailed on $1,200 bail.

Jessica A. Turner, 19, Taylor Road, Eden, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance while being escorted from Darien Lake property.

Trevor B. Berberian, 19, State Route 80, Tully, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance while being escorted from Darien Lake property.

Kassandra R. Kerves, 24, North Greece Road, Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance while leaving the concert venue.

Danielle A. Schulik, 22, Alfonso Drive, Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting in the parking lot.

BrittaA. Schulik, 25, Alfonso Drive, Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting in the parking lot.

Daniel R. Clever, 20, Bear Lake Road, Stockton, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with security while being escorted from the concert.

Adam E. Kress, 21, Haseley Road, Gasport, is charged with disorderly conduct after causing a disturbance in the parking lot.

Crystal J. Spurling, 20, Strouts Road, Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol under 21 after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana and alcohol.

Timothy M. Lincourt, 65, Rush-Lima Road, Honeoye, is charged with DWI after allegedly being found operating a vehicle in the parking lot while impaired by alcohol.

Anna M. Jones, 19, Victoria Boulevard, Kenmore, issued a citation for allegedly possessing another’s license after being found in possession of another person's NYS driver's license.

Emily H. Thomson, 17, Kent Street, Queenston, Ontario, Canada, issued a citation for allegedly possessing a fraudulent driver’s license after allegedly being found in possession of a fake British Columbia driver's license.

Eric S. Bagne, 20, Main Street, Walworth, issued a citation for possession of another’s license and possession of alcohol under age 21 after allegedly being found in possession of another person's NYS driver's license and alcohol.

(Name redacted), 16, Rockdale Drive, Amherst, issued a citation for possession of an altered license after allegedly being found in possession of an altered NYS driver's license.

The following people were issued citations for alleged possesion/consumption of alcohol under age 21.

Rachel E. Derosia, 19, Hawley Drive, Webster
Casey I. Balsom, 19, Emerson Drive, Amherst
Michael R. Wneck, 20, Whitney Road, Holland
Jacob G. Savage, 20, Parker Road, Holland
(name redacted upon request), 19, Lapp Road, Clarence Center
Zachary A. Savage, 20, Lewis Road, Holland
Alexis M. Reile, 19, Hunters Creek Road, South Wales
Francesca M. Clemente, 19, Bowen Road, Churchville
Nicholas R. Graham, 19, Elwood Drive, Rochester
Kathryn E. Pietropaolo, 19, Sothery Place, Rochester
Thomas M. Clark, 20, German Road, Ransomville
Ryan D. Brosi, 19, Tyler Terrace, Hilton
Jonathan R. Mcdonough, 17, Sherwood Avenue, North Tonawanda
Kiersten A. Kline, 19, Green Street, Seneca Falls
Courtney L. Fox, 18, Hertle Avenue, Buffalo
James D. Palma, 20, Twin Hills Drive, Syracuse
Margaret K. Bailey, 18, Vernon Place, Buffalo
Olivia M. Sunzeri, 18, Apple Street, Bath
Nicole M. Aldrich, 20, Shoshone Street, Buffalo
Devon M. Reynolds, 18, Knox Avenue, West Seneca
Brianna M. Cordova, 19, Concord Road, Springville
Kirstie M. Dlugosz, 18, South Prince Depew

One year makes a big difference in high school football.

To start the 2012 season, Elba/Byron-Bergen had the size and experience over Alexander. The final score that opening game was 40-13.

The way Lancers Head Coach Michael Cintorino sees it, the Alexander players didn't forget that smackdown.

Yesterday in Alexander, the tables were turned and the Trojans came out on top 23-6 victory after dominating a rain-drenched second.

"I think the key to the game is Alexander returned an awful lot of guys who are very well coached," Cintorino said. "Their guys came ready to play. Not that we didn't, but they had a little fire in them from what happened to them last year against us. I think that stayed with those young guys and they put their time in during the off season."

The Lancers were powered last season by the legs of Zach DuBois and the arm of Zac Gillard. Both players graduated.

All but three of Alexander's 19 varsity players hit the weight room hard during the off season, said head coach Tim Sawyer. This year, the Trojans may lack the roster size of some other teams, but they can put some big guys on the field.

Senior running back Dylan Scharlau is 6' and 195 lbs. Quinn Furlong, at TE and LB, is an inch shorter, but the same weight. Alton Rupp and Will Burke check in on offense and defense at 190 and 195 lbs. On the offensive and defensive lines are anchored by Kelsey Patten (225 lbs.), Jonathon George (230 lbs.), Damien Hargraves (200 lbs.) and Alex Jewett (245 lbs.).

With Nelson Burke at QB and Zach Laird at wide out, the Trojans can also run and catch.

"Elba is a physical team," Sawyer said. "But we have some pretty good size this year combined with strength. I thought it was a good, even match-up."

The key to the game may have been the start of the second half, which didn't result in a score for Alexander (penalties killed their drive), but it did help turn the tide.

Up by three after Scharlau's 30-yard field goal gave Alexander a 9-6 lead to end the second quarter; the Trojans had the first possession of the third.

"This doesn’t show on the scoreboard but I think this is huge," Sawyer said. "To start the third quarter, we’re going into a strong wind into a driving rain and possessed the ball for seven minutes. We didn’t get any points, but it chewed up their offensive advantage of the wind and all."

The rain and the wind stayed steady throughout the fourth quarter, when the Lancers offense was facing the western end zone. With the wind at their back, the Trojans were able to engineer two touchdown drives.

Burke hit Laird for a 17-yard pass for a TD and Scharlau pushed the pile forward on a goal line TD run, followed by a two-point conversion pass from Burke.

Elba/BB's lone score came on a pass from Garrett Chapell to Kyle Dougherty, giving the Lancer's a quick 6-0 lead.

Last season the 2-6 Trojans had a tendency to get down early and then find it difficult to battle back, so Sawyer as much pleased with the way his team won as he is with a 1-0 start to the season.

"They boys believed in themselves and kept battling," Sawyer said. "To be down early and finish the game 23-6, that’s a big step for our football program."

Both coaches said they have work to do with their teams.

For the Lancers, there's no one glaring issue, Cintorino said. There's a lot of little things, but mainly the mental errors need to be addressed.

Two fumbles in the second half were costly for the Elba/BB.

"I have confidence in this group and I think we can work on those kinks, coach them up, and get them were they need to be," Cintorino said.

It feels good, Sawyer said, to go into the next week trying to improve the team coming off a win.

"We made some mistakes," Sawyer said. "We have some things to work on. It's nice to get the win, but when I got into the team room, it's going to be like, 'Hey, we've got to shore some things up here.' "

On the game Scharlau carried the ball 26 times for 157 yards and two TDs, plus the 30-yard field goal. Burke was six for 11 for 178 yards and one TD pass. Burke also gave up an interception. He ran the ball four times for 29 yards. Laird caught the ball three times for 44 yards and a TD.  He had six carries for 36 yards. On defense, Patten had two sacks and four tackles. Laird had a sack, four and a half tackles and a forced fumble.

For Elba, Brandon Naylor gained 78 yards on 17 carries. Chapell was 4-13 for 40 yards and one TD. Austin Yockel caught two passes for 25 yards and Dougherty's one catch was the nine-yard TD reception in the first quarter. On defense, Naylor had 16 tackles and one forced fumble. Andy Underhill had 13 tackles and a forced fumble. Austin Hynes Fisher had six tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Dougherty had four tackles and an interception.

Other football action:

• Pembroke beat Charles Finney 41-0. The Dragons gained 300 yards on the ground. Dakota Swimline had 14 carries for 150 yards and three TDs. Cal Neurhor had eight tackles, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
• Batavia beat Edison Technical 22-0 taking command of the game in the first quarter, scoring 16 points. Nick Canzoneri carried the ball 16 times for 81 yards and two TDs. Brandon Stevenson gained 215 all-purpose yards. Dominick Mogazero and Trevor Rittstersback each had 12 tackles.
• Notre Dame crushed Holley 52-0. Tim McCulley came up big throwing for 229 yards and four TDs. He was seven for 10 passing. McCulley ran the ball eight times for 92 yards and one TD. Andrew Mullen taking over as lead man out of the backfield gained 151 yards and scored three times. The Irish had a total of 270 yards on the ground. He had one catch for 49 yards. Notre Dame scored 39 first-half points and notched one TD on Mullen runs in the third and fourth quarters. Cam Chamberlain gained 25 yards on eight carries. Josh Johnson had two TD receptions and gained 83 yards. Luca Zambito caught the ball twice for 47 yards and scored once. Chamberlain had eight tackles. Joe Zickl had five and a half.
• Oakfield-Alabama lost to Attica 45-6. Chris Nanni carried the ball 21 times, gained 72 yards and scored once. Chase Manzella notched 17 tackles. Attica, part of the Genesee Region League, returns with workhorse running back Matt Perry, now a senior, who ran for 228 yards and two TDs on 28 carries.

Football next Friday and Saturday:

• Finney is at Alexander, Friday, 7 p.m.
• Notre Dame at Oakfield-Alabama, Friday, 7 p.m.
• Le Roy at Bishop Kearney, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
• HF-L at Batavia, Friday, 7:30 p.m. (we'll cover this game)
• Pembroke at Elba/BB, Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

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A truck fire is reported on the westbound I-490 near mile marker 2.8. Le Roy Fire Department is responding. The occupants are out of the vehicle.

UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: The scene is close to a small body of water near that mile marker, which is actually in Bergen's fire district. Le Roy is put back in service and Bergen has command. A witness indicated the fire was in the back of a pickup and that the occupants "were seen running from the scene." A Sheriff's deputy is also responding.

UPDATE 3:18 p.m.: Bergen command reports the truck has a blown transmission and that the fire department is not needed. The assignment is back in service.

A medical problem prompted a call for Mercy Flight at the annual Alexander Steam Show and it has just landed in a field across from the main entrance on Gillette Road.

There were three nearly simultaneous calls for medics at the show, for abdominal pain, a diabetic issue and some other medical issue -- as opposed to an accident or disturbance.

One patient was a sign-off, another was transported by Alexander ambulance to UMMC, and the remaining patient is being readied for flight.

Alexander fire and Mercy medics also responded to the scene.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and destined for Buffalo General Hospital.

Coming into last night's game, Hornell was ranked #2 in Section V football and Le Roy was ranked #3 by the New York Sports Writers Association.

That's going to change.

The 68-14 final score of the season's opening game may not tell us yet how much Hornell has slipped since last season, when its 51-game winning streak was snapped by Hoosick Falls in the state championship game, but the near flawless play of the Oatkan Knights gives us a glimpse of just how special this team might be.

"It was a great performance," said Head Coach Brian Moran. "Obviously, it's only week one so we've got to practice and get better."

Hornell came into the game with only two returning starters on offense, but 21 players on the squad and a history of putting together good teams. A coaches' poll ranked Hornell #1 among the smaller schools in Section V.

"Hornell is a great football program," Moran said. "When you play them, you’ve got to get ready and I thought our kids mentally came prepared to play today."

Expectations were high for a battle of two stellar programs under the Friday Night Lights of the Hartwood Park field. And when Hornell stopped the Black Knights of the Oatka on the game's first drive, who would have thought differently?

As it turned out, that was the only Le Roy possession on the night that didn't result in a touchdown.

By the end of the first quarter, Hornell's fate seemed sealed. Unable to stop the Knights on defense, and stymied on offense, the Red Raiders were down 21-0 and would amass only 21 yards of offense in the first half.

For the game, Le Roy would out gain Hornell 459 yards to 137.

Peter Privitera carried the ball across the goal line twice on his way to a 110-yard game on 18 carries. QB Mike McMullen, a junior and second-year starter, was 6 of 10 passing for 174 yards and three TDs.

"I thought Mike threw very well," Moran said.

Anthony Paladino, back with the Knights after a sojourn with Notre Dame, recorded four solo tackles, forced two fumbles and carried the ball 11 yards on a goal line push in the second quarter.

It was a thrill, Paladino said, to make a contribution in a game that makes a statement about the kind of team Le Roy is this season.

"We came out to show everyone that we’re here to play this year and we’re ready to take on anyone," Paladino said.

The lopsided victory was a measure of redemption for Le Roy's players after last year's loss to the Red Raiders 21-7 in the Section V Class C championship game.

It was a great feeling to win a big game against a tough team the first time out for the season, Privitera said.

"We were fired up," Privitera said. "We had a whole lot of energy going. Since day one we’ve been ready for this game. Buckle it up. Smashmouth football. It’s Le Roy. That’s how we play."

While Moran understands some of his players saw Friday night's game as a chance to turn the tables on Hornell, he views the game across the arc of Le Roy vs. Hornell football history -- two top-notch programs clashing on the gridiron.

"Every year's different," Moran said. "You can't really talk about from one year to the next. I kind of just look at playing a great football program in Hornell and that was the number one thing. I know in the back of some kids' minds, that (redemption) was there, to be honest with you. They had a tough loss to a good football team last year. I thought they did the things in the off season in the weight room to get themselves ready and focused. Tonight, I thought it showed."

With the game well in hand in the fourth quarter, Moran pulled many of his starters and gave his second string a chance to get some snaps.

A strong bench helps win championships and the non-starters came up big against Hornell.

Jake Henry had his first carries on varsity and gained 84 yards and scored a touchdown.

Brian Hodges took over at QB and kept the offense moving as Le Roy scored on runs by Henry and Nick Egeling.

Egeling, Henry and Chandler Winling all impressed Moran, he said, both with their second half play and their first half on defense.

"I thought our second group played very," Moran said. "We focused on that this week. We didn’t know we would get to our second group today, but they played very well and I’m impressed with that."

The Knights big offensive and defensive lines had a lot to do with Le Roy being able to dominate the way they did, Moran said.

"Obviously, you’re only as good as those two areas," Moran said. "The offensive line especially. I thought today they got off the ball very well. I thought they played together very well as a unit."

The Oatkan Knights have a lot of weapons to throw at even a good team.

"It makes it difficult on a defense when you’ve got John Pierce on one side and Ryan McQuillen on the other," Moran said. "Those guys can obviously score from anywhere on the field. You really have to think about them and that frees us up to do some things offensively."

Additional stats for the game: Tom Kelso carried the ball eight times for 43 yards and two TDs. He also had one catch for 16 yards. Pierce had two receptions for 77 yards and two TDs. McQuillen had two receptions for 51 yards and one TD.

On defense, Kody Lampkin had three tackles, two for losses and one sack and one fumble recovery. Steve Cappotelli had five tackles. Wingling had six tackles. Kelso, three tackles and Egeling had three tackles. Henry had seven tackles.

Paladino and Henry pull down Hornell's Jason Scialpa.

Privitera finds yet another big hole.

Hornell's Jake Henby brought down on a kickoff return.

Head Coach Brian Moran.

Le Roy's Marching Band always puts on a theatrical performance at halftime.

QB Mike McMullen.

Henry with another big run in the fourth quarter.

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Since its inception in 2009 with only eight schools and 100 participants, the 2013 Dash in the Dark has increased its size to 29 schools from all over WNY including Section 5, 6 and one school from Erie, Pa.

Oakfield-Alabama is the host to the "kickoff of the cross-country season" said Coach Rich Boyce of Batavia. There are four races in a relay format with three team members that run two miles each. There are some obstacles like those shown above -- hay bales and dark areas around the course. Each participant carries the baton and passes it off. Team members from Sweet Home in Section 6 pictured below.

Average race typically last about an hour. Stadium, portable, lighted towers and strobe lights were off in the distance used to help shine some light on the path.

Pictured above / below is the girls varsity race, which had about 170 runners in the event with 57 teams total. Boys varsity had similar numbers.

Girls JV had 29 teams and Boys JV had 63 teams participating. There were two divisions split between large and small schools.  

Large School Division: Albion, Batavia, Canandaigua, East Aurora, Gates-Chili, Grand Island, Lancaster, Orchard Park, Pittsford-Mendon, Starpoint, Sweet Home, and Webster-Schroder.

Small School Divison: Alexander, Attica, Avon, Byron-Bergen, Charter School for Applied Technology, Geneseo, GOW School, Holley, Kendall, Mercyhurst Prep, Mount Morris, Mount St. Mary Acadamy, Newfane, Nortre Dame of Batavia, Oakfield-Alabama, Wayland Cohocton, and Wheatland-Chili.

Winners of each race are pending results.

Photos and story submitted by Steve Ognibene.