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Alexander

Open house and fundraiser to help pay for 'hippotherapy' for disabled children

By Billie Owens

Children with disabilities can benefit from hippotherapy. What's that? It's providing speech therapy and physical therapy using the movement of a horse.

From 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, there will be an open house and fundraiser to benefit ARC of Genesee County for hippotherapy. It will take place at Conrad Country Stables at 2638 Pearl St. (Route 33) just outside of Batavia.

There will be a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, children's games and refreshments.

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Alexander grad among four GCC students honored with SUNY Chancellor's Award

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce four students have been named 2014 recipients of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. They are Michelle Nagle, Yuki Sasao, Emmeline Vacanti and Kelly Wetherby were recognized recently at an awards ceremony in Albany. Each recipient received a framed certificate and a medallion, which is traditionally worn at Commencement.

The Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated the integration of academic excellence and extracurricular achievements. Each year, campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor's Office and are subject to a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award.

This year's honorees from Genesee Community College:

Michelle Nagle, 19, is a key member of the GCC women's volleyball team. She has earned honors as athlete of the week and was named the Western New York Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2013, when she helped the Cougars capture their 18th consecutive Region III Division II title. Nagle, a native of Randolph, is studying Tourism and Hospitality and dreams of one day becoming an event planner. She's spent spring semester 2014 in Orlando, Fla., participating in the Disney College program. Michelle plans to continue her education at Niagara University. She's glad to have started at GCC. "I enjoy the small class sizes and the teachers are friendly and caring." Michelle is the daughter of Tim and Loni Nagle. She has a brother, Travis, and a sister, Jessica.

In Japanese, Yuki Sasao's full name looks like this 笹尾 侑希. The 20-year old came to GCC from Fukuokoa, Japan. She's pursuing a degree in Liberal Arts and Business Administration and plans to continue her education at a SUNY four year school, with the ultimate goal of becoming a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Yuki plays lacrosse for GCC and earned Academic All Conference from the Western New York Athletic Conference and Exemplary Academic Achievement from the National Junior College Athletic Association. She is also a work study student, an officer in three clubs and an active member of the college's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, for which she is the web developer. At GCC Yuki says she has found "lots of help from faculty and staff, unlimited possibilities and affordable tuition!" She is the daughter of Matsumi and Kiyotaka and has two siblings, a sister Haruki and a brother Kouki.

Emmeline Vacanti is a Teacher Education Major at GCC and hopes to one day become an elementary school teacher. She is a President's List student and an active member of Education Club, through which she has participated in many service-learning projects and professional development workshops. This semester she is participating in the Disney College Program, working at the theme park in Orlando, Florida. Emmeline loves GCC for "all of the diverse opportunities including numerous clubs and studying abroad." Upon graduation, she plans to continue her studies at Nazareth College. A native of Alexander, Emmeline graduated from Alexander Central School in 2011. Emmeline is the daughter of Michael and Peggy Vacanti and has two siblings, Eliza and Ben.

Kelly Wetherby, 20, came to GCC because of its highly regarded Fashion Merchandising program. She's studying both Fashion Merchandising and Event Planning and dreams of one day being a wedding planner. Following her studies at GCC, she plans to transfer to Buffalo State for one year and then complete her senior year at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She's grateful for GCC professors. "They take the time to not only teach us the material but motivate us to continue learning outside of the classroom as well," she says. Kelly hails from Allegany, NY and is a 2012 graduate of Allegany-Limestone High School. She is the daughter of Dean and Deanna Wetherby.

"We salute these exemplary students," said GCC President James Sunser. "They have maximized the opportunities GCC offers and serve as an example to all students. With hard work comes success."

Recipients of Chancellor's Awards have an overall GPA of 3.8 and records of significant contributions to their campuses and communities. This year 274 students were recognized for their remarkable achievements.

"Students honored with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence truly embody the power of SUNY," said Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. "As proven leaders and role models, scholar athletes, creative artists and civic volunteers, each student is recognized not just for academic achievement, but also for the profound impact they have on college campuses and local communities across New York State."

Photo: Dead tree on Dorman Road

By Howard B. Owens

Driving back from Attica yesterday around 6 p.m., I stopped on Dorman Road in Alexander and took this picture.

United National Day of Prayer

By Tracy Byrnes

WHOM WILL YOU CHOOSE TO SERVE?
   The bible tells us in the book of Joshua about a man who led the tribes of Israel into the land of Canaan, the land God had promised their forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob they would inherit. (Gen 12:1-3; Exodus 6:2-8) Joshua was a faithful leader who loved God, prayed to God, and was obedient to the instruction God gave him for the people. These are the words Joshua spoke to the Israelites in his final hours, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

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Youth turkey season opens with success for pair of teen hunters

By Howard B. Owens

Kilian Lewis, 14, of Corfu, bagged his first turkey yesterday morning in Alexander as part of a Youth Turkey Hunt, the first day of the Spring youth hunt season (the adult season begins May 1). The turkey had a 10-inch beard. Killian's older brother, Collin, 18, helped call it in. (Photo and info submitted by M. Lewis).

John Zambito, 14, of Elba, got his first turkey this morning while hunting with his uncle Kelly Creegan. (Submitted by Chantal Zambito)

Fire inside shop on Railroad Avenue, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A fire is reported 3505 Railroad Avenue. A bench inside the shop there was on fire. Alexander Fire Department is on scene and shortly after arriving declared the fire out, cancelled a mutual aid request for the Town of Batavia's ladder truck. Now the chief is calling for more manpower from his department. The location is between Sandpit and Buffalo roads.

UPDATE 1:23 p.m.: All Alexander units are returning to quarters, in service.

Law and Order: Woman arrested following alleged altercation on State Street

By Howard B. Owens

Melissa R. Piazza, 25, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass, harassment, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Piazza allegedly told another woman that she was going to kill her, broke a screen window and was trespassing on residential property. The alleged incident was reported at 7:47 a.m. Sunday. Piazza was jailed on $1,000 bail.

A 17-year-old resident of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving with no headlights and failure to keep right. The teen was stopped at 10:20 p.m. Saturday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Jeremy A. Preston, 23, of Prospect Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Preston was stopped at 10:35 a.m. Thursday on Prospect Avenue by Officer Devon Pahuta.

Michael L. Williams, 34, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Williams allegedly slapped a child during a domestic incident. He also allegedly grabbed and punched a woman while a child was watching. Williams was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Bobby L. Mobley Sr., 55, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, refusal to take breath test and driving with inadequate stop lamps. Mobley was stopped at 11:37 p.m. Saturday on Central Avenue, Batavia, by Officer Jason Ivison.

Krisopher A. Anderson, 22, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Anderson was charged following a call for an alleged domestic incident at 2:40 a.m., Saturday.

Sara T. Cupler, 21, of Church Street, Alabama, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Cupler was arrested by Officer Devon Pahuta following a call to assist another agency at a residence on West Main Street, Batavia.

Bernard Lee Evans, 43, of Cato Street, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and aggravated harassment, 2nd. Evans was arrested while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail on new charges stemming from an alleged incident on March 26 on Starr Road, Pavilion. No further details released.

Christopher Edmond Nanni, 18, of Fox Road, Oakfield, is charged with unlawful possession marijuana and speeding. Nanni was stopped on Drake Street Road, Oakfield, at 12:07 a.m. Sunday, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Michael A. Michalow, 56, of Baitz Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with felony DWI, felony aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, driving without an ignitiation interlock, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, no stopping/standing on public highway, refusal to take breath test and unlicensed operation. Deputy James Diehl was dispatched at 9:11 p.m. April 4 to a report of a disabled vehicle blocking the roadway on Ledge Road, Alabama. Following an investigation, Michalow was arrested and jailed on $15,000 bail.

Megan Theresa Gill, 20, of Church Street, Le Roy, is  charged with harassment, 2nd. Gill allegedly grabbed a victim's arms and held them behind his back during a fight, which was reported at 3:32 p.m. April 5 at a location on Perry Road, Pavilion.

Gregory A. Dejesus, 23, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Dejesus is accused of striking a victim in her the face with a closed fist during an argument, which was reported at 3:32 p.m. April 5 at a location on Perry Road, Pavilion.

Aaron M. Hatt, 18, of Alexander, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and harassment, 2nd. Hatt was arrested by State Police following a report of an alleged incident at 11:03 a.m. Friday in the Town of Pembroke. No further details released.

Village of Alexander unified in passing budget, electing mayor

By Howard B. Owens

In a well attended Town Hall meeting Monday night in the Village of Alexander, the budget was passed unanimously and Richard Scharlau (pictured above) was elected mayor without any opposition.

Not one cross word was spoken about anything, even the four-cent property tax increase included in the budget.

The $213,248.89 spending plan received 55 yea votes and zero nays.

The property tax rate increase to $1.83 per thousand was largely the result of higher electric rates, which shot up during the winter, said Vera Antonucci, clerk and treasurer.

All assembled gave Antonucci a round of applause at the end of the meeting for how well the village is being run.

After the budget was passed, nominations were open for the trustee position. The nominees were Emma Grant and Matt Grimes.

Each candidate made a short statement. Grant said she worked for the county for 45 years and served on the Town of Alexander Board for eight years. Grimes moved to the village a year and a half ago, he said, and has been attending village meetings since.

Plain, square pieces of paper were then handed out to the village residents in attendance, then collected and counted. Grant beat Grimes 36 to 18 votes.

When nominations for mayor were open, only Scharlau's name was tossed into the ring. He was elected by unanimous consent.

The tax collector nominees were Nancy Bartz, the incumbent, and Dawn Townsend. Bartz won 41-13.

Nominees for village constable (primary duty, catching stray dogs) were incumbent Troy Robbins and Grimes. Robbins won 37-17.

Law and Order: Batavia resident accused of entering Le Roy business, taking items

By Howard B. Owens

David Michael Mancuso, 56, of Putnam Road, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 3rd, criminal contempt, 2nd, and petit larceny. Mancuso allegedly entered a business in the Town of Le Roy after being served with a court order barring him from the property. Mancuso allegedly removed property owned by the business. Following arraignment, Mancuso was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Wendy Ann George, 49, of Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. George was allegedly involved in a one-car accident at 9:48 p.m. April 1 on Attica Road, Alexander. The accident was investigated by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Adam R. Clark, 23, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with unnecessary noise/excessive noise. Clark is accused of causing a disturbance, creating unnecessary noise for his neighbors, at 11:21 p.m. Monday. Clark was charged under Batavia Muncipal Code and issued an appearance ticket.

Patricia R. Walker-Mosely, 56, of Wellington Avenue, Rochester, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, and forgery, 2nd. Walker-Mosely was arrested by Batavia PD. No further details released.

Chimney fire on Brookville Road, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A chimney fire is reported at 10445 Brookville Road, Alexander. A responder confirms there is heavy black smoke spewing from the chimney area. Alexander fire is responding along with mutual aid from the Town of Batavia.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: The fire is out. Crews are picking up and preparing to leave.

Car wreck, minor injury, on Alexander Road, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident, with a minor injury, is reported at 11053 Alexander Road. The location is between Stroh Road anf Prospect Street. Alexander fire and ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 10:09 a.m.: A Mercy rig is called to respond.

UPDATE 10:12 a.m.: Alexander fire on scene.

Accident reported on Attica Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at the intersection of Attica Road and Buffalo Street Road, Alexander.

Alexander fire and ambulance dispatched.

Unknown injuries.

UPDATE 10:24 p.m.: We've heard no further updates on this accident.

House-trailer fire on Broadway Road, east of Tinkham, in Darien

By Billie Owens

A house-trailer fire is occurring at 1765 Broadway Road, just east of Tinkham Road. Darien fire is on scene. The structure is next to a barn.

UPDATE 7:14 p.m.: Alexander is requested to respond, mutual aid, with a tanker to the scene.

UPDATE 7:32 p.m.: Darien command reports the fire is out; overhauling the structure now.

UPDATE 8 p.m.: Command calls for Wyoming County inmates to respond to help out as needed. It will take an hour or two to make that happen, according to dispatchers in contact with the prison officers.

UPDATE 8:36 p.m.: All Darien units are returning to service.

Rollover accident on Alexander Road

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover is reported at 9922 Alexander Road. The occupants are out. Alexander Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 8:07 a.m.: A responder calls for Mercy medics to respond, non-emergency. Alexander fire is told to stand down.

UPDATE 8:30 a.m.: This assignment is back in service.

Fire heavily damages barn on Brown Road, Corfu

By Howard B. Owens

The initial call came in as a chimney fire, but when East Pembroke Fire Chief Don Newton first got on scene he could see it was more than just the chimney on fire. Nearly the entire back wall of the barn at 2689 Brown Road, Corfu, was on fire.

He immediately called for a second alarm.

Firefighters were initially hampered by a lack of water, so Newton called on more tankers from neighboring departments.

But even facing these difficulties, the volunteer firefighters were able to save much of the structure and most of the contents, including a 40-foot yacht.

Besides East Pembroke, the departments responding were Corfu, Pembroke, Indian Falls, Town of Batavia, Alexander and Darien.

Mercy EMS also responded.

There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire.

(Initial Report)

O-A Elementary School hosts annual Winter Carnival

By Billie Owens

On Friday, March 21, 2014, the Oakfield-Alabama Elementary Community School Organization (E.C.S.O.) will be hosting its Annual Winter Carnival. It runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
 
The Winter Carnival has established itself as a cherished annual event in the eyes and hearts of our elementary student body as well as our community. It also serves as the single largest fundraising event of the year for our elementary school. Funds raised by E.C.S.O. during the school year are used to support and provide elementary students with special events, programs, equipment and supplies.

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Sign-ups for Alexander Youth Football & Cheerleading are March 29

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Sign-ups for the Alexander Youth Football & Cheerleading Program -- the Tri-Town Trojans -- will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, in the foyer of Alexander Elementary School. It is located at 3314 Buffalo St.

On this day only entrants can save $20, so football will be $80 and cheer $130 on March 29.

There are no weight restrictions.

Teams, with ages as of Dec. 1, 2014, consist of:

  • Beginner -- Ages 6-7
  • Mini -- Ages 8-9
  • Junior Varsity -- 10-11
  • Varsity -- 12-13

Tri-Town is proud to be a part of the NOFA Youth Football/Cheer League. Our coaches are trained in heads-up football, and teach the proper tackling techniques to our athletes. We are looking forward to an exciting 2014 season.

For questions or more information, contact Ken Proefrock at (585) 794-6034, or Kris Kramer at (716) 892-1441.

Stove fire reported at residence in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A stove fire is reported at 9865 Route 98, Alexander.

Alexander fire is dispatched. Town of Batavia's ladder truck requested to the scene.

UPDATE 4:09 p.m.: Town of Batavia can go back in service. One responding Alexander engine can continue non-emergency and the other can stage in quarters.

UPDATE 4:23 p.m.: Alexander assignment back in service.

Route 20 bridge over Tonawanda Creek in Alexander restricted to vehicles under 14 tons

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) today announced that the Route 20 (Broadway Road) bridge over Tonawanda Creek in the town of Alexander is being restricted, effective today, to vehicles weighing 14 tons or less. The shoulders are closed.

This posting is being put in place following a recent inspection and engineering analysis that revealed the bridge can no longer safely carry heavier vehicles in its current condition. Tractor-trailers and school and coach buses will not be able to use the bridge.

NYSDOT monitors bridge safety through a thorough and rigorous inspection program. All bridges are inspected at least every two years and are analyzed for their capacity to carry vehicular loads.

This bridge is located just east of the cloverleaf intersection with Route 98. Electronic message boards and several other signs are being placed at key locations along the Route 63, Route 98, Route 19, Route 77 and Route 20 corridors to inform commercial trucks.

Commercial truck drivers should also be aware the structure that carries Route 20 over Oatka Creek in the Town of Pavilion was recently posted at 22 tons.

State forces will be making temporary repairs to both structures over the next several weeks to raise the posting limits. A capital project to replace both structures is being advanced and is expected to be under construction in 2015.

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