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Alexander

3rd Annual Prayer Conference

By Tracy Byrnes

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE...Batavia Assembly of God Church is hosting its 3rd Annual Prayer Conference Friday, Sept. 13th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm (registration is from 6pm - 7pm) and Saturday, Sept. 14th, 8:00am to 4pm. The theme for the conference is "Presence, Prayer, and the Power of God". The keynote speaker will be Dick LaFountain. Dick is an accomplished  speaker and a published author of the book, "Time Alone With God". His passion is to motivate a renewed love for prayer and the presence of God in our churches. Workshops will also be available.

Event Date and Time
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Law and Order: Inmate accused of damaging jail property

By Howard B. Owens

Ryan Christopher Riggi, 18, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Riggi is accused of destroying jail property while incarcerated.

Jake F. Dumas, 23, of 260 Whalen Road, Massena, is charged with trespass. Dumas was allegedly told to leave Billy Goats bar and then refused to leave.

Tony C. Bigtree, 23, of 167 Helenea Road, Hoagansburg, is charged with trespass. Bigtree allegedly refused to leave Billy Goats bar after being told to leave.

David William Santry, 21, of Robin Court, West Seneca, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child, 1st. Santry is accused of providing alcohol to people under age 21 at a party on July 6.

Lisa M. Randall, 45, of Kelsey Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Randall is accused of shoplifting at Target.

Terry A. Espinosa, 42, of 26 Ganson Ave., Batavia, is charged with disobeying a court mandate.  Espinosa is accused of allowing her children to have contact with a male acquaintance in violation of a Family Court order.

Patrick Leslie Gugluzza, 34, of Broadway Road, Alexander, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged failure to pay fines related to charges of DWI/drugs, following too closely, criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument.  Gugluzza was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Charlotte Conable passes away at age 83

By Howard B. Owens

Charlotte Conable, the wife of the late Barber Conable, passed away yesterday in Sarasota, Fla., after a long battle with cancer. She was 83.

Conable was a graduate of Lafayette High School, Cornell University and George Washington University and wrote the books "Women at Cornell: The Myth of Equal Education."

Charlotte Williams was born in Buffalo. Her honors included being named a Woman of Distinction, an honorary doctorate from Genesee Community College, and being included in Feminists Who Changed America, 1963-1975.

She was a board member of the Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls and a trustee of Cornell University.

In 1952, Charlotte married Barber Conable, who would be elected to Congress, representing Batavia and parts of WNY, in 1964. He served 10 terms, earning the reputation as the "most respected member in Congress." In 1986, Ronald Reagan appointed him president of the World Bank.

Barber Conable died in 2003.

Charlotte Conable is survived by the couple's four children, Anne, of Bennington, Jane Schmieder, of East Bethany, Emily, of White Hall, Md., and Sam, Sarasota, Fla.

Services will be held in Alexander at a time to be determined.

(Full Obituary)

Alexander student earns degree in Sports Management from Ithaca College

By Billie Owens

Kyle Woodruff, a resident of Alexander, graduated from Ithaca College's School of Health Sciences and Human Performance with a major in Sport Management. The degree was awarded in May.

From day one, Ithaca College prepares students for success through hands-on experience with internships, research and study abroad. Its integrative curriculum builds bridges across disciplines and uniquely blends liberal arts and professional study. Located in New York's Finger Lakes region, the College is home to 6,100 undergraduate and 400 graduate students.
 

Pomeranian on Brookville Road, Alexander, tied outside without water

By Billie Owens

A Pomeranian is reportedly tied outside to its doghouse on Brookville Road in Alexander and has no water, which is a dangerous condition in this hot weather -- 82 degrees wth a heat index of 87. An officer will be responding to check on its welfare.

UPDATE 11:09 a.m.: An animal control officer reports the dog is not outside at this time and it does have water.

Motorcycle rider accused of reaching speeds of 140 mph during pursuit

By Howard B. Owens

It allegedly took 25-year-old Christian John Finkney, a Wyoming resident, a mere 22 minutes to get from the Erie County line to Wyoming early Sunday morning while riding his motorcyle.

That's a distance of nearly 25 miles.

A deputy allegedly clocked his bike at times during the high-speed pursuit at 140 mph.

Finkney faces a laundry list of charges following his arrest by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Reeves originally picked picked up a speeding motorcycle at 1:15 a.m. while running radar on Route 20 going 80 in the 55 mph. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the motorcycle allegedly sped up and started passing passenger vehicles.

The operator was observed allegedly swerving in and out of his lane as he sped east through Darien and Alexander.

The bike driver then reportedly turned onto Molasses Hill Road and started heading south into Wyoming County.

He was eventually stopped on Route 19 in Wyoming.

The State Police and Wyoming County Sheriff's Office assisted in the alleged pursuit along with Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

The South Academy Street resident was taken into custody without incident.

Finkney is charged with:

  • DWI
  • Driving with a BAC of .08 or greater
  • Unlawfully fleeing a police officer
  • Reckless driving
  • Speeding
  • Failure to yield to emergency vehicle
  • Speeding in zone
  • Passing in no passing zone
  • Failure to keep right
  • Unlicensed operator

He was issued an appearance ticket and ordered to appear in Town of Darien Court on July 11 at 5 p.m.

Law and Order: Nine arrests reported in recent days

By Howard B. Owens

Alicia M. Stankwick, 21, of 2880 Transit Road, West Seneca, is charged with disobeying mandate. Stankwick was arrested following a complaint of a woman refusing to leave an apartment on State Street, Batavia.

Glenn H. Wright Jr., 43, of 118 Prospect St., Warsaw, is charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault, 3rd. Wright was arrested by Warsaw PD on an arrest warrant out of City Court.

Douglas Scott Sprague, 46, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with a felony count of criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Sprague was arrested on a warrant issued by Town of Batavia Court.

Timothy Huurman, 23, of Genesee Park Boulevard, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (69 in a 55 mph zone), and refusal to submit to breath test. Huurman was stopped at 11:49 p.m. Sunday on Route 20, Alexander, by Sgt. Ron Meides.

David Michael Snyder, 27, of East Main Street Road, Stafford, is charged with petit larceny. Snyder is accused of shoplifting at Walmart. Also arrested was Destany Ann Marie McNutt, 24, of East Main Street Road, Stafford.

Michael J. Anderson, 24, of Keady Road, Lodi, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Anderson is accused of threatening to shoot another person during a phone conversation, which allegedly violated a court order.

Timothy W. Churchill, 45, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI and DWI with a child in the car, and Joanne M. Riggi, 43, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. A vehicle allegedly driven by Churchill was stopped by State Police at 5:18 p.m. Friday on South Street Road, Le Roy. No further details released.

Thomas M. Szarleta, 49, of Springville, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and improper passing on the right. Szarleta was stopped at 6:04 p.m. Sunday on Sumner Road at Route 77, by a state trooper.

Conor W. Wellott, 25, of North Tonawanda, is charged with DWI. Wellott was stopped at 12:10 a.m. Monday at Route 77 and Route 20 by a state trooper.

Alexander man enters guilty plea to charge of burglary related to an order of protection

By Howard B. Owens

Nicholas Antonucci, already in prison on convictions in Wyoming County and facing multiple felonies in Genesee County, entered a guilty plea today to one count of attempted burglary, 3rd.

The plea deal caps his potential sentence at two years to be served concurrently with his Wyoming County sentence.

In exchange, all other pending charges -- including those not yet indicted -- are satisfied, including accusations that he stole a pair of snowmobiles from a location in Alexander.

The count in the guilty plea stems from Antonucci entering the dwelling of a person he was ordered not to contact in November 2012.

No primary for the GOP in District 6, but Leadley plans to challenge for seat in November

By Howard B. Owens

It smarted, Esther Leadley, when she didn't get the GOP's endorsement for the District 6 seat on the Genesee County Legislature.

The incumbent legislator vowed not to run a primary against the endorsed candidate, Greg Torrey, but that doesn't mean she will give up her seat without a fight.

Leadley announced today that she is running in November's general election.

"I am challenging the endorsed candidate for the District 6 seat on the Genesee County Legislature," Leadley said. "District 6 consists of the towns of Alexander (which includes the Village of Alexander), Bethany and Pavilion. I believe my experience on the Legislature and knowledge of the district and county are of considerable value to District 6 and all residents of the county."

It's been a challenge, Leadley said, to learn the ins-and-outs of running as an independent candidate.

"It smarted when I wasn't endorsed but I never lost my footing and my integrity is intact," Leadley said. "It took several weeks to decide what to do with what had been handed to me.  The outcome of this challenge will be decided at the polls in November."

Leadley also said running primary elections add to county expense and so it's better to run in the general election if she wants to retain her seat.

The new voting machines create an enormous cost because they have to be moved from and back to the controlled storage space," Leadley said. "Staffing at the polls and paper ballots add to the costs. District 6 taxpayers should not have to pay for a political disagreement. The County Board of Elections also sustains large expenses for a primary. Indirectly, those costs come out of taxpayers' pockets at the County level as well. In effect, District 6 taxpayers would pay twice for a primary. I would be irresponsible if I were to force a primary."

Alexander hosts community picnic in Outdoor Classroom

By Howard B. Owens

Alexander Elementary School hosted a community "Picnic in the Outdoor Classroom" this afternoon, which featured a chance for parents and children to explore the park together.

The state police also provided a bycicle helmet fitting booth for children. Above, Trooper John Szymkowiak fits 4-year-old Anna, of Darien, with a helmet.

Alexander Elementary School hosts community-wide 'Picnic in the Outdoor Classroom'

By Billie Owens

Alexander Elementary School is hosting a community-wide "Picnic in the Outdoor Classroom" from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31.

The picnic will include musical entertainment and several interactive displays and opportunities for people to explore the classroom and learn more about how the classroom is being used. The principal says "We are very proud of the classroom, and right now the new plants are really starting to come in and it looks great."

The school is located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander. Phone is 591-1551.

Event Date and Time
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Law and Order: Thorpe Street resident charged with trespass, order violation

By Howard B. Owens

Brodes J. Gibson, 52, of 13 Thorpe St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd (unlawfully entering a dwelling), and criminal contempt, 2nd. Gibson is accused of entering a dwelling on Thorpe Street at 12:24 a.m., Tuesday, and allegedly violating a complete stay away order.

Alicia Ann Burgess, 22, of Sharrick Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely. Burgess was stopped at 1:14 a.m. on Buffalo Street, Alexander, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Three poles, telephone lines down on Dodgeson Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A piece of farm equipment has become entangled in utility lines on Dodgeson Road, Alexander.

Three poles are down, but the lines appear to be telephone lines not power lines.

Alexander fire is on scene.

Dodgeson is being closed on Beaver Road.

UPDATE 10:24 a.m.: One pole is in the road. One secondary line going to a house is down. The rest is phone line.

UPDATE 11:39 p.m.: The Alexander assignment is in service and the road is reopened.

Tased motorcyclist racks up slew of misdemeanor charges following Saturday night's high-speed chase

By Billie Owens

The 22-year-old man who got Tased by a deputy Saturday after a high-speed chase in the Darien area is identified as Nicholas Christian Doell , according to a press release today from the Sheriff's Office.

Doell, who lives on Lippold Road, Darien, was riding a 2003 Harley Davidson at a quarter to nine last night when he allegedly failed to stop for an officer attempting to stop him for allegedly violating traffic law and for having vehicle violations.

After zooming 90 mph through Darien, Alexander and Town of Batavia, the defendant allegedly fled on foot and "was tased to effect arrest" in front of My Saloon on Route 20 in Darien Center.

The motorcyclist racked up a slew of misdemeanor charges, including unlawful fleeing a police officer, resisting arrest and reckless driving.

Other charges are: failure to yield right of way to an emergency vehicle; uninspected motor vehicle; operating without insurance; having modified exhaust on a motorcycle; two counts of improper left turn on a two-way road; three counts of improper / no turn signal; two counts for failure to stop at stop sign; speed in zone (90 mph in a 30-mph zone); speed over 55 mph (90 / 55); and failure to keep right.

Doell was arraigned in Town of Darien Court then jailed with bail set at $5,000 cash. He is scheduled to reappear in town court on June 4.

He was also issued tickets in the Town of Batavia and will appear in court there June 3 on charges of: unregistered motor vehicle; failure to stop at stop sign; speed in zone (90 / 45); improper / no turn signal; and speed over 55 (90 / 55).

In addition, he was issued a ticket for Town of Alexander Court and will appear in that court June 4 for alleged failure to stop at stop sign.

The incident was investigated by deputies J.M. Diehl and K.R. McCarthy.

Possible house fire on West Main Street Road

By Billie Owens

A possible house fire is reported at 3728 W. Main St. Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Alexander's Fast Team.

UPDATE 8:28 p.m. Alexander is cancelled, along with East Pembroke fire.

Grand Jury indicts man for alleged sexual conduct with a child under 13

By Billie Owens

Sean M. Vickers is indicted by the Grand Jury and accused of a course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, a Class B felony. He is an adult accused of engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct, which allegedly included at least one act of deviate sexual intercourse with a child less than 13 years old. The alleged incidents occurred between Nov. 2, 2001 and April 16, 2002.

Joseph E. Marr is indicted by the Grand Jury and accused of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor, and for allegedly driving a motor vehicle on Dec. 14 on Route 5 and/or Keeney Road in Le Roy while under the influence of alcohol. In count two of the indictment, he is accused of having a BAC of .08 or more at the time of the alleged incident. In count three, he is accused of knowingly and unlawfully introducing dangerous contraband into a detention facility or, being a person in jail, knowingly and unlawfully made, obtained or possessed dangerous contraband. In count four, he is accused of driving while impaired by drugs, as a misdemeanor, for allegedly driving a 2001 GMC on Jan. 1 on Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke while impaired by drugs. In counts five and six, respectively, Marr is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, Class D felonies, for allegedly possessing a "black large capacity ammunition feeding device" as well as another such device that was clear/gray, also on Jan. 1 in the Town of Pembroke.

Carrie A. Stewart is indicted by the Grand Jury and accused of tampering with evidence, a Class E felony, on Nov. 15 in the Town of Alexander. It is alleged that Stewart "believing that certain evidence was about to be produced or used in an official proceeding or a propective official proceeding and intending to prevent such production or use, suppressed it by any act of concealment, alteration or destruction, or by employing force, intimidation or deception against any person." This count stems from Stewart allegedly stealing merchandise from Dollar General and then when confronted by management, "threw the merchandise in the Tonawanda Creek where it was carried away by the current." In count two, the defendant is accused of petit larceny for allegedly stealing five pairs of underwear, a hat, socks, gloves, a wallet, and thermal underwear.

Shannon G. Cook is indicted by the Grand Jury and accused of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, for allegedly driving a 2002 Dodge pickup on Jan. 20 on Route 262 while under the influence of alcohol. In count two of the indictment, Cook is accused of having a BAC of .08 or greater at the time of the alleged incident.

Photos from Genesee County, May 4, 2013

By Howard B. Owens

If I'm out in the county driving around on a beautiful spring day, as I was to hit some of the spots on the GO ART! trail, then you know I'm going to make some photos.

Above, dandelions off Jericho Road, Bethany.

This GMC truck is always parked off Route 20 in Alexander, across the street at Ivy Lane Pottery.

At Ivy Lane Pottery.

In the field next to Sticks and Stones on Broadway, Darien Center.

I've published a photo of this barn on Route 20, Darien, before, but from the other side.

Barn at Route 20 and Smithley Road, Darien.

Spring trees off Walker Road, Darien.

Yellow magnolia in front of the Doty Mansion, Jackson Street, Batavia.

Photos: The 2013 Artists Road Show, sponsored by GO ART!

By Howard B. Owens

This afternoon, I made the rounds on a portion of GO ART! 2013 Artists Road Show.

Above, Bernice Yunker and Marilynn Palotti at the studio of artist Terry Weber, 5769 Ellicott Street Road, Bethany (the former East Bethany General Store).

Below, Heather Burroughs, of Alexander, gives a pottery demonstration at Ivy Lane Pottery, 3384 Broadway Road, Alexander. Burroughs is a student of Jean Grinnell and started pottery lessons a year ago when she received the lessons as a birthday present from her parents. Grinnell said Heather has picked up the craft quickly.

Bottom photo, Anita Haefner at Sticks and Stones, 2339 Broadway, Darien Center. Our photos of Michael Haefner, unfortunately, did not turn out. He makes rock sculptures.

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