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Alexander

Alexander Fire Department's annual carnival and tractor pull will feature rides this year

By Billie Owens

The Alexander Fire Department is happy to announce that the RIDES ARE BACK for the this year's annual carnival/tractor pull on July 9 and 10!

After the absence of rides for the past couple of years, a ride contract with Amusements of Utica (same ride company as Stafford and Warsaw Carnivals) has been secured for the event.

The midway will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 9 and Noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday.

To coincide with the midway, the fire department has also brought back the Kiddie and Grand parades. Both parades will take place on Saturday. The Kiddie Parade will begin at Noon and the Grand Parade at 3:30 p.m.

Also new this year, will be a Teen Tent for the under 21 crowd. Music will be provided by a DJ in the Teen Tent. The Teen Tent will open on Friday and Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m.

The “Who Dats” will perform in the Beer Tent on Friday at 9:30 p.m. and local band “Red Creek” will provide music on Saturday at 9:30 p.m.

On Friday, the Alexander Fire Department Auxiliary will serve a Chicken Barbeque beginning at 4:30 p.m. and the popular Alexander Fireman’s Band will perform a concert on the grounds at 6 p.m.

The Tractor Pull will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The drawing of the prizes on this year’s raffle will take place at 10 p.m. on Saturday. Here's a list of the prizes:

1.    A $350 Gift Certificate Package – provided by Mooch’s Auto Glass
2.    $500 Cash
3.    Says Small Engine Repair Gift Certificate – value $300
4.    Upstate Automotive Group Fluid Maintenance Package – value $499.00
5.    First Choice Travel – Weekend at Splash Lagoon – value $630.00
6.    $750 Cash
7.    Geer Farm Service – Alaska Channing III Coal Stove  - value $2,150.00
8.    Clarks Appliance – 42” HD Flat Screen Panasonic TV with 5 speaker surround sound – value $1,099.00
9.    Clarks Appliance – Frigidaire Washer and Dryer – value $1,600.00
10.    $950 Cash
11.    Alexander Equipment – Storm Package – includes 16” Dolmar Chain Saw, Simplicity Sno Thrower, 7.25 KW 13.0 HP Generator, 16” 22.6cc String Trimmer, Mantis 4 Cycle Tiller – value $3,577.00
12.    GRAND PRIZE – Z & M  - John Deere Lawncare Package – includes X300, 42” Deck Lawn Mower with canopy wagon, trimmer, bagger, and blower – value $4,550.00

For more information on the Alexander Fire Department Carnival/Tractor Pull or to obtain raffle tickets, please call (585) 591-4102.

Truck vs. car accident closes Route 20 at Route 77

By Howard B. Owens

It may be a minor injury accident, but responders are requesting that Route 20 be closed at Route 77.

Alexander Fire and Ambulance responded to the scene of what was reported as a truck vs. car accident with minor injuries.

UPDATE Tuesday, 9:53 a.m.: We've received the accident report on this incident.

A tractor-trailer was westbound on Route 20, reportedly driven by Rashpal S. Jhutty, 43, of Alabaster Road, Rexdale, Ontario, Canada, when the truck apparently strayed into the eastbound lane.

Wendy Green, 52, of Alexander, pulled her 2003 Pontiac sedan out of a driveway in the area of 3082 Route 20.

Her vehicle was struck on the side, the back driver's side area and knocked off the roadway.

The cargo on the truck was reportedly not securely fastened and spilled onto Route 20.

No injuries were reported.

Jhutty was issued three citations, including one for allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road.

The accident investigation was handled by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Police Beat: Drug Task Force raids two homes in county on Wednesday

By Howard B. Owens

Charles Thigpen Gus "Gusto" Williams, 31, of 4213 Cookson Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. The Local Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 4213 Cookson Road, Alexander, on Wednesday afternoon. Williams was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, Hydrocodone, Suboxone and $770 in U.S. currency. Williams was jailed on $15,000 bail.

Dyllon E. Soccio, 20, of 134 Tracy Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, criminal possession of marijuana, 2nd, and three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. The Local Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 134 Tracy Ave., Batavia, on Wednesday afternoon. Soccio was allegedly found in possession of 3/4 of a pound of Psilocybin (mushrooms), about 2 1/2 pounds of marijuana, a quantity of powder cocaine, Hydrocodone, Valium and $2,096 in U.S. Currency.  Soccio was jailed without bail.  Additional charges may be pending.

A 17-year-old resident of Prospect Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of placing items in her purse while at Tops Market and attempting to leave without paying.

Police Beat: Alleged theft of wallet in check out at Walmart leads to grand larceny charge

By Howard B. Owens

Lucinda Dawn Barber, 40, of 141 Tracy Ave., Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Barber is accused of stealing another person's wallet while in a check-out line at Walmart. Barber was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Robert J. Eppolito, 27, of 41 Maple St., Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harrassment, 2nd. Eppolito allegedly pushed a person while that person was holding an infant. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Gregory Robert Lyons, 21, of Dry Bridge Road, Alexander, is charged with trespass. Lyons was allegedly operating an all-terrain vehicle on the old railroad bridge over Creek Road.

Kevin J. Compton, 48, of 9791 Clipnock Road, East Bethany, is charged with DWI. Compton was stopped at 2:10 a.m., Sunday, on Lake Street for alleged failure to use a turn signal.

Adam M. Kreutz, 21, of Byron-Holley Road, Byron, is charged with a felony count of DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and felony unlicensed operation. Kreutz was stopped at 2:04 a.m., Saturday, by Sgt. Greg Walker on Route 237, Stafford.

Stacey Jean Donahue, 36, of Cook Road, Byron, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Donahue is accused of striking another person in the face.

Michael S. Miller, 24, of East Eden Road, Eden, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely. Miller was stopped at 1:05 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy Chris Parker on Route 5, Pembroke.

Thomas M. Cromey, Jr., 33, of Chili-Riga Center Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Cromey was stopped at 12:07 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy Chris Parker, on Route 237, Stafford.

Ashleigh Lynn Daniels, 22, of Kent Road, Kent, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Daniels was stopped at 12:36 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy James Diehl on Route 33, Pembroke.

House fire on Dodgeson Road in Alexander

By Billie Owens

A fire is reported in the basement of a house at 3181 Dodgeson Road, Alexander.

Alexander Fire is responding, along with a tanker and ladder truck from the Town of Batavia, a tanker from East Pembroke and a unit from Darien.

Bethany Fire is called to stand in at Alexander Fire Hall.

Residents are out of the house. The location is between Beaver and Seward roads.

UPDATE: A chief reports, "I don't think we have much of a fire if we can get here and get it knocked down."

UPDATE 3:39 a.m.: An interior firefighter reports, "heavy smoke in the basement." A chief is requesting a second line to the back of the house.  An interior firefighter reports heavy smoke, but no source.

UPDATE 3:48 a.m.: Fire contained. It appears to have been an electrical source in the basement.

UPDATE 3:54 a.m.: Red Cross requested to the scene. Fire is out.


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Water buffalo reported loose on Chaddock Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

Sheriff's Dispatch has received a report of four or five water buffalo loose on Chaddock Road in Alexander.

Attempts to contact the man on Spring Road who is believed to own the water buffalo have been unsuccessful, so a deputy is in process of trying to make contact now.

UPDATE: 8:45 p.m.: A deputy reports that the animals have broken into the pasture of a neighbor and that neighbor has contacted the owner of the water buffalo.


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Photos: Memorial Day in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

These photos of the Alexander Memorial Day observance were submitted by Pamela Dayton and Rick Franclemont. Top photo by Pamela, second by Rick and the ones after the jump by Pamela.

Photos: Today's drive back from Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

I was down in Pavilion today and on the way back I took a few photos.

Above is a horse on Mill Road. 

I love driving along the creek next to Mill Road. There's always wildlife around.  Unfortunately, the bird pictures I tried to capture today didn't turn out.

More pictures after the jump:

There have been some pretty busy beavers along the creek next to Mill Road -- lots of fallen trees.

On old house on Silver Road.

A collapsing barn on Silver Road.

Old John Deere sign in Alexander.

Smell of natural gas reported where dishwasher fire occurred

By Billie Owens

The Alexander Fire Department is responding to a report of the smell of natural gas coming from the same mobile home unit which an hour ago had firefighters on scene because of a dishwasher fire.

The location is Lot 11 in the West Bank Mobile Home Park at 3189 Route 20.

Dishwasher fire reported in Alexander trailer park

By Howard B. Owens

A dishwasher reportedly caught fire in a trailer at the West Bank Mobile Home Park in Alexander.

The address is 3189 Route 20, lot 11.

Town of Alexander Fire and the ladder truck from Town of Batavia is responding.

A caller states she believes the fire is out, but the trailer is full of smoke. The trailer has been evacuated.

UPDATE: Town of Batavia and an Alexander unit are being held in their fire halls while the location is checked with a thermal camera.


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Sons of God Motorcycle Club Bike Blessing

By Robin Walters

The Sons of God Motorcycle Club will be hosting a Bike Blessing at Stan's Harley Davidson 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia, NY  this Saturday, May 15th.

The event will be held from 11:30 AM-4:00 PM.  There will be hotdogs and pop available for $ 3.00.

The band Wales Road will be featuring Live Rock and Roll music. They are a "Blues based metal with a Christian frosting".

For more information call Ron at 585-455-9590 or you can find more information at

www.walesroad.com

Event Date and Time
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Police Beat: Reported domestic fight leads to alleged drug arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua Stanley Martaus, 26, of Batavia, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument, possession of a controlled substance not in its original container and harassment, 2nd. Martaus was arrested at 3:30 a.m., today, following an investigation into a domestic incident on Overlook Drive in Batavia. Martaus was accused of dragging a woman by the hair down a hallway.

A 16-year-old Byron girl is charged with harassment, 2nd. The girl allegedly punched her foster sister in the face. Following arraignment, she was released to the custody of the Department of Social Services.

Richard R. Klaver, 49, of Medina, is charged with two counts of official misconduct, promotion of prison contraband, 1st, and possession of narcotics with intent to sell. The arrest and incident location is in the Town of Pembroke on May 7. Klaver was jailed on an unspecified cash bail. The State Police released no further information on this arrest.

Daniel J. Youll, 46, of Alexander, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Youll was stopped by State Police at 1:42 a.m., Saturday, in the area of 3242 Stannard Road, Alexander.

Accidents from the State Police blotter:

6:34 a.m., May 10, Donahue Road, Batavia, one vehicle; Driver 1: Dennis R. Say, 39, of Batavia. No injuries reported.

National Day Of Prayer

By Tracy Byrnes

        PRAYER...AMERICA'S HOPE

THURSDAY, MAY 6TH

Millions of Americans will unite in prayer at thousands of events from coast to coast to observe the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6th. The theme for this year is “Prayer for Such a Time as This” and is based on the verse from Nahum 1:7 which states: “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”

Event Date and Time
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Police Beat: Man accused of fighting with family member

By Howard B. Owens

David J. Balonek, Jr., 34, of 209 Ross St., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, harassment, 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Balonek is accused of getting in a fight with a family member while a child was nearby.

James Edward Brown, 29, of Oakfield, is charged with failure to obey court order, coercion, 2nd and petit larceny. Brown is accused of stealing a mobile phone as part of a domestic incident at 2 a.m., Thursday. He also allegedly violated an order of protection.

Robert R. Richmond, 46, of 250 Ross St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Richmond is accused of stealing money from the cafeteria at UMMC.

Mykeal Bryan Myers, 20, of Alexander, is charged with criminal trespass, criminal mischief and petit larceny. Myers is accused of stealing fuel from the U.S. Gypsum facility at 2754 Pike Road, Alexander.

Daryl Duane Scott, 29, of Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt and aggravated harassment. Scott is accused of calling and texting an ex-girlfriend, violating an order of protection.

Eric D. Johnston, 31, of Batavia, is charged with conspiracy, 6th, and petit larceny; Matthew J. Long, 20, of Le Roy, is charged with conspiracy, 6th, petit larceny and violation of probation. Johnston and Long were arrested by State Police earlier this week in connection from an unspecified incident on March 9. No further details are available.

Jillian A. Schmidt, 19, of Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. Schmidt was arrested by State Police for an incident on March 12. No further details are available.

Sherry L. Lewis, 25, of Alabama, is charged with conspiracy, 6th, petit larceny and endangering the welfare of a child; Shannon L. Amidon, 30, of Akron, is charged with conspiracy, 6th, petit larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. Lewis and Amidon were arrested at 5:40 p.m., Wednesday, on Veterans Memorial Drive. No further details available.

Police Beat: Alexander man accused of stealing gas

By Howard B. Owens

Jacob James Meinhold, 19, of 2537 Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with two counts each of petit larceny, criminal trespass and criminal mischief. Meinhold is accused of trespassing on the property of U.S. Gypsum, 2754 Pike Road, Alexander, and on two separate occasions, of breaking a lock and stealing fuel. The first alleged incident was on March 23 and the second on March 28. On April 16, it was reported that Meinhold was involved in an alleged burglary.

Mother and grandmother accused of keeping child in squalor appear to be working toward clean up

By Howard B. Owens

Two women who are charged with endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly having a 2-year-old living in squalor are apparently being given a chance to clean up their act.

A neighbor says the child appears to be still living at the home on 3181 Dodgeson Road, Alexander, which yesterday had a Dumpster filled with trash parked in the driveway.

The home is owned by Lynda Rae Morrill, the 44-year-old grandmother charged in the case. She purchased the 1,288-square-foot home from Habitat for Humanity in October, 2003, according to public records. The home, which sits on more than an acre of land, is assessed at $131,900.

A neighbor, who said the yard was quite a mess before the clean up started -- she doesn't know what it was like inside -- said she believes six adults have been living there. She said she was told that Morrill and her daughter, Lisa Rene Richmond, 22, have been given 30 days to clean up the residence.

Eileen Kirkpatrick, commission of the Department of Social Services, said she can't discuss the specific case, but she did talk about general practice in child-welfare cases.

She said when a complaint comes in, there is an investigation, with Child Protective Services trying to determine whether the issue of the complaint -- such as a child not showing up for school -- is the extent of the problem, or if there are other issues in the home, such as abuse.

Child Protective Services does try to work with parents to correct problems, she said, rather than just take the child away.

"It's our job to try and fix the problem," Kirkpatrick said. "We make all attempts to try and keep the child in the home. We try to keep families intact."

If the problem isn't fixed, then the issue can be brought to Family Court.

Jessica M. Maguire-Tomidy, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County, said prospective Habitat home recipients go through an extensive background check. Not only must the applicant meet financial requirements, but references -- including landlords -- are checked.

"After their application is taken, we do a credit check, a criminal background check, a home visit, and send out landlord and employment references to be completed by individuals the family works for and has rented from," Maguire-Tomidy said in an e-mail. "We review all of the above to determine need for decent housing, and willingness to partner with us. Should we feel that they would be a good match for our program, we ultimately take our recommendation to the Board of Directors for a voted approval as a Habitat partner family."

Home recipients do more than pay for the house, they must also work 300-500 hours on the construction of the building.

She said she couldn't discuss any specific recipient.

"We try very diligently to pick the right families, and this is a stringent screening process," Maguire-Tomidy said. "For about every 15 families that come to apply to our program only one will ultimately qualify for recommendation to the Board of Directors."

Grand Jury Report: Bank teller indicted on grand larceny, other charges

By Howard B. Owens

Tracy L. Smith, is charged with 12 counts resulting from an alleged scheme to steal money from the Bank of Castile in Le Roy.

The counts:

  • Grand larceny, 3rd, for allegedly stealing $20,000 from a Brinks delivery some time between Sept. 13, 2005 and June 12, 2008.
  • Forgery, 2nd, for allegedly altering a savings withdrawal slip of a bank customer on Nov. 16, 2009.
  • Grand larceny, 3rd, for allegedly stealing $7,000 from the same bank customer.
  • Forgery, 2nd, for allegedly altering a check written by a bank customer on Nov. 19, 2009.
  • Grand larceny, 4th, for allegedly stealing $3,000 from the same bank customer.
  • Forgery, 2nd, for allegedly altering a check written by a bank customer on Nov. 19.
  • Forgery, 2nd, for allegedly altering a deposit slip written by the same bank customer on Nov. 19.
  • Falsifying business records, 1st, for allegedly making a false entry in the daily night deposit log on Nov. 30, 2009.
  • Grand larceny, 3rd, for allegedly stealing $10,000 on Dec. 16, 2009.
  • Falsifying business records, 1st, for allegedly using a bank instrument illegally on Dec. 16, 2009 to withdraw $10,000.
  • Falsifying business records, 1st, for allegedly making a false vault inventory log on Dec. 16, 2009.
  • Grand larceny, 3rd, for allegedly stealing $5,000 some time between Sept. 14 and Dec. 22, 2009.

For previous coverage, click here.

Stuart P. Newbould, is indicated on a felony count of DWI and with  a felony count of driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Newbould is accused of driving drunk on Jan. 8, 2010, on South Holley Road, Byron.

Darryl J. Lippert is indicated on felony count of DWI and a felony count of driving with a BAC. of .08 or greater. Lippert is accused of driving drunk on Jan. 2, 2010 on Route 20 in Alexander.

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