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Grand Jury Report: Previously convicted of sex abuse, man charged as sexual predator in 2014 case

By Howard B. Owens
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Wesley Thigpen
(2019 photo)

Wesley N. Thigpen is indicted on four counts of predatory sexual assault against a child. Thigpen is accused of engaging in oral sexual conduct with a person less than 13 years old while he was at least 18 years old or older between the dates of June 1, 2014, and August 31, 2014.  He is accused of engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child less than 13 years old over a period of time not less than three months.  He is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with a person less than 13 years old. Previously: Batavia man pleads guilty to sex abuse charge while calling statements against him a lie

Joshua D. Quaintance is indicated on counts of burglary in the second degree and sexual abuse in the third degree.  Quaintance is accused of entering a dwelling in the Town of Alexander on July 11 with the intent to commit a crime in that dwelling.  He is accused of subjecting a person to sexual contact without that person's consent.

Cody A. Bush is indicted on counts of burglary in the second degree, criminal contempt in the second degree, resisting arrest, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree. Bush is accused of entering a dwelling on Walnut Street, City of Batavia, on Oct. 11 with the intent to commit a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of violating an order of protection that day. He is accused of intentionally trying to prevent police officers from placing him in custody. He is accused of illegally possessing Clonazepam and Alprazolam.

Brandon C. Dodd is indicted on three counts of criminal contempt in the first degree, two counts of burglary in the second degree, criminal trespass in the third degree, criminal contempt in the second degree, and three counts of petit larceny. Dodd is accused of violating three orders of protection covering three different individuals on June 29 while in the City of Batavia. He is accused of entering a dwelling on Highland Park on that date with the intention of committing a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of being at that property without the permission of the property owner. He is accused of violating an order of protection on June 14. He is accused of shoplifting from Mr. Wine and Liquore on June 23. He is accused of stealing an air conditioner from a residence on Jackson Street on June 28. He is accused of entering a dwelling on Highland Park on June 23 with the intent of committing a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of stealing a bicycle from a residence on Highland Park.

Christopher J. Wiegman is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Wiegman is accused of knowingly and illegally possessing cocaine, fentanyl, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine on April 21 in the City of Batavia.

Kerwin R. Vega is indicted on counts of felony aggravated DWI, felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, circumvention of an interlock device, and endangering the welfare of a child. Vega is accused of driving a 2008 Toyota while drunk on Route 33 in the Town of Bergen on April 4 while a child less than 15 years old was in the vehicle. Due to a prior DWI conviction, Vega is required to use an interlock device on any vehicle he operates.

Alexander doesn't let up against Notre Dame for 49-35 win

By Howard B. Owens
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The Lady Trojans, entering the game at 6-6, did more than upset the 8-2 Lady Irish on Tuesday. Alexander dominated.

At no point in the four quarters of basketball played in Alexander did Notre Dame seriously threaten the Alexander lead.

The final score helps tell that story: 49-35.

For Alexander, Alyssa Kramer scored 19 points. Emma Kramer scored seven and Melanee Pohl scored six.

For Notre Dame, Lyndsay Weidman scored 14 and Emma Sisson scored 12.

Also in girls basketball on Tuesday:

  • Elba beat Kendall 54-42. Dakota Brinkman scored 18 points, Laci Sewar, 12, Kennedy Augello, 10, and Halie Deville, eight. For Kendall, Elizabeth Snyder scored 17.
  • Attica beat Byron-Bergen 54-53.

In boys basketball, Le Roy beat Pavilion 57-32

 

Notre Dame beats Alexander in first round of Lions Tournament, 66-51

By Howard B. Owens

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The Fighting Irish are advancing to the championship round the 39th Annual Lions Club Tournament in the small school division after beating Alexander on Tuesday 66-51.

Notre Dame will play Oakfield-Alabama at 7 p.m., Thursday.

For the Irish, Cody Henry scored 22 points, Jordan Welker, 17, Ryan Fitzpatrick, 11, and Jimmy Fanara, nine.

For the Trojans, Nick Kramer scored 14 points, Dylan Pohl, 10, and Trent Woods, 8.

For more game photos, click here.

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Hornets defeat Trojans 54-38

By Howard B. Owens

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Oakfield-Alabama beat Alexander in boys basketball on Wednesday night 54-38.

For the Hornets, 

  • Kam Cusmano, 16 points, 8 rebounds
  • Gaige Armbrewster, 16 points, 5 assists
  • Kaden Cusmano, 12 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 5 blocks

For the Trojans: 

  • Trent Woods, 10 points
  • Braydon Woods, 9 points

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

Also, in girls basketball, Elba beat Wheatland-Chili, 49-36.  Game write-up by Drew Muehlig:

Led by senior Dakota Brinkman, Elba defeated Wheatland-Chili 49-36 Wednesday night in Genesee Region girls basketball. 

The senior baller notched a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Lancers. 

Elba also got strong performances from freshman Sydney Reilly (11 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists), senior Adrianna Long (5 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists) and sophomore Halie Deville (8 points and 6 rebounds). 

Elba (1-2) led 29-13 at the half and led by as many as 19, but held off a valiant comeback effort by the Wildcats in the second half. 

Chyene Whitcomb led Wheatland-Chili with 10 points and 3 steals despite being in foul trouble throughout the game. Thailaih Sainpaulin added three 3-pointers to finish with 9 points and Reghan LaMere added 6 points for Wildcats. 
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Alexander entrepreneur adds liquor and fish fries to her business menu

By Joanne Beck

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There was a time when Jenny Wall thought practically about being a prison counselor, which is why she obtained an associate degree in human services.

But, a decent salary and retirement benefits aside, she pushed away practical and went for the dream. Wall, 38, who has owned and operated J Dubs Pizzas and Subs of Alexander for more than a dozen years, just opened Liberty’s Liquor Cabinet in October of this year, and added fish fries to her menu as of Friday (Dec. 3). 

“For the most part, I really liked running a kitchen, and I took a chance,” the Alexander native said during an interview Thursday. “It’s a lot harder than people think. It’s a lot of hours and a lot of sacrifice, but you do make some great relationships in the community. You’re so grateful that you have to do what you can, you’ve just got to keep on keeping on.”

A big part of Wall’s expansion has included the purchase of a building three years ago to house both of her business ventures at 10594 Main St., Alexander. A former appliance store, it took some renovations to make the place restaurant-worthy: a “nice big kitchen” and dining room expansion to accommodate 30 people. 

The pizzeria had formerly been across the street, but a talk with her dad, doing some research, and an entrepreneurial vision prompted Wall to buy the much larger site and move in with room to grow. Two years later another renovation paved the way for the liquor store. The property also contains three apartments and another woman-owned business of a beauty salon. A 12-space back parking lot was added in the last three years. 

Opening a pizzeria wasn’t a random move, Wall said, as she had worked in the pizza industry for about seven years until the last shop she was at closed. The question of working for someone else or going out on her own wasn’t an easy one, she said. 

“I kind of knew what I was doing; I had been doing every aspect of the business,” she said. “I hemmed and hawed for a week, and then I asked the landlord if I could rent the space. It was super scary.”

J Dubs moved into a spot that had been occupied by six pizzerias, all of which had closed in a 10-year span. Wall had a strategy of not using frozen dough; only freshly made from scratch and the same for the sauce. 

“I use really good products. I’ve kind of built a reputation that if you leave my place hungry, something’s wrong. A lot of customers have turned into family.”

The liquor store seemed like a natural fit, she said, and adding fish fries — using fresh haddock and a genuine “light and crunchy” beer batter — will run through Lent. She wanted all three components to be in the same central location.

Wall’s workweek is upwards of 60 hours, which leaves precious time for her to spend with husband Craig Romesser and their 7-year-old daughter Scarlett. Wall credits her family, her husband’s help for much of the renovation work, and her employees for their ongoing support, even when she took a six-week hiatus after giving birth to Scarlett. 

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without my employees; they are wonderful people. There’s no way I could do it without them,” she said. “It’s a wonderful feeling to have such a tight-knit group. I think you should treat your employees with the utmost respect, or you’re not going to survive.” 

As for respect, Wall has had to deal with people making assumptions about her as they ask to speak with the “boss.” She doesn’t think they mean any harm but wants to make it clear that women entrepreneurs are out in full force making a go of the business world. She’s been able to do it with support from friends, family, and the community, Wall said.

“Anybody can run a business, anybody can do whatever they put their mind to … it’s a different day and age,” she said. ”I have such a great circle, and am so grateful for that.” 

J Dubs is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Sundays during football season. Liberty’s Liquor Cabinet is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and seasonal hours are noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Fish fries are served at the pizzeria from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. To order, call 585-591-3827.

Photos by Howard Owens

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Photos: Drive-thru Christmas light at steam show grounds in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

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the Western New York Gas & Steam Engine Association is hosting its second-annual drive-thru Country Christmas Light display at the showgrounds, 3000 Walker Rd., Alexander.

The show is on display every Friday and Saturday night through Dec. 18 from 5 to 9 p.m.  

The cost is $10 per vehicle and $20 for larger vans and buses (cash only).

For more information like our Facebook page or visit www.alexandersteamshow.com

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WNY Gas & Steam Engine Grounds to host 2nd annual drive-thru light display

By Press Release

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Press release:

Come Enjoy the 2nd Annual Drive-Thru Country Christmas Light Display at the Western New York Gas & Steam Engine Grounds.

Bring the family out for a festive holiday experience. Enjoy a mile-long light display and get dinner starting Thanksgiving night, November 25, and every Friday and  Saturday night through December 18th.  Gates open 5-9p.m., enter at 3000 Walker Rd., Alexander, NY.  $10 per vehicle, $20 larger vans and buses. Cash only at the gate, no presale tickets needed. Food and beverages are available. For more information like our Facebook page or visit www.alexandersteamshow.com

Photos: File photos by Howard Owens from last year's display.

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Alexander Annual Christmas Craft and Vendor Show

By Press Release

The Alexander Fire Department, 10708 Alexander Rd., will be hosting our Annual Christmas Craft and Vendor Show on Sunday, November 28th, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Free admission and refreshments will be available.  Over 80 tables have been rented.

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Photo: Grand opening for Liberty Liquor in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

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The Chamber of Commerce joined Jenny Wall, also the owner of J Dubs Pizzas & Subs, for the grand opening of her newest venture in Alexander: Liberty Liquor.

Photo and information provided by the Chamber of Commerce.

Alexander Fire Department Gun Raffle

By Press Release

The Alexander Fire Department is having their annual Fall Gun Raffle, Saturday, November 6th 2021, virtual at 6:00 p.m.  

The $20.00 ticket gives you chances on 19 different shotguns, rifles and pistols.  All tickets will be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing of a Christensen MPR Bolt Action Rifle 27.0" black/black 338 Lapua Magnum.  Guns are supplied by Sugarbush Armory of Attica.  Tickets can be purchased at Alexander Country Deli, J-Dubs Pizza or by calling 716-870-6431 or 585-356-3301.  

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Grand Jury Report: Man accused of strangling a person, attacking a child

By Howard B. Owens

Kaleb J. Bobzien is indicted on counts of strangulation in the second degree, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, two counts of harassment in the second degree, two counts of criminal mischief in the fourth degree, four counts of criminal contempt in the second degree, and three counts of tampering with a witness in the fourth degree. On June 24, in the Town of Batavia, Bobzien allegedly applied pressure to the throat of another person and caused that person to lose consciousness for a period of time. He's also accused of blocking the nose and mouth of another person, a person under age 17.  He also allegedly threatened a victim. He allegedly broke a vape pen that belonged to the victim. He also allegedly damaged the backpack of the underage victim. He allegedly violated an order of protection. He allegedly tried to stop a person from testifying in the case. 

Aaron M. Hatt is indicted on counts of burglary in the second degree, criminal contempt in the first degree, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and aggravated family offense, criminal contempt in the second degree. Hatt is accused of entering a building on Broadway in  Alexander on April 28 with the intent to commit a crime within the building. He is accused of violating an order of protection at that time by intentionally harassing, annoying,  or threatening a person in that residence. He is accused of applying pressure to the throat of a family member.  There was a  child present at the time of the alleged offense. 

Robin S. Brooks is indicted on a count of bail jumping in the first degree.  Brooks is accused of failing to appear for a court hearing on April 20  or within  30 days of the scheduled appearance.

Cesar G. Molina is indicted on a count of driving while ability impaired by drugs as a felony because of a prior DWI conviction.  Molina is accused of driving under the influence on 29 December in the Town of Byron.

Jarrett C.  Coniglio is indicted on two counts of assault in the second degree, a  count of resisting arrest, and a count of obstructing governmental administration. Coniglio is accused of causing injury to a  police officer while attempting to stop the officer from performing his official duties on  July 23 in the Town of Alabama. He's accused of causing injury to another person with a glass bottle. 

Mark L. Farley is indicted on a count of criminal contempt in the first degree, a  count of unlawful imprisonment, a  count of harassment in the second degree, a  count of burglary in the second degree, and a count of criminal contempt in the second degree, On Dec. 31, Farley allegedly violated an order of protection at a  residence on  Harvester Avenue by striking or threatening another person. He allegedly restrained another person. He allegedly went into the building with the intent to commit a crime. 

James D. Weathers is indicted on a count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.  Weathers is accused of knowingly possessing a loaded Glock 19  handgun while in the Town of Stafford on  Oct. 31, 2020.

Connor L.  Andrews is indicted on a count of criminal possession of a  controlled substance in the fifth degree, a count of driving while ability impaired by drugs, and three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th degree. Andrews was charged after being stopped in the Town of Le Roy on May 3. He was allegedly found in possession of cocaine, meth, Alprazolam, and Oxycodone.

Timothy J.  Passage is indicted on a count of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the first degree.  Passage is accused of trying to use a counterfeit $20 bill at the Tim Horton's in Pembroke on March 20.

Jamie A. Dutton is indicted on a  count of criminal mischief in the third degree, criminal trespass in the second degree, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Dutton is accused of damaging the property of another person valued at more than $250 on Feb. 27 at a location in the City of Batavia. He was allegedly unlawfully in a property with permission and in possession of cocaine.

Total team offense, stout defense give Trojans another big win

By Howard B. Owens

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The Alexander Trojans were once again dominant on a Friday night, beating York/Pavilion 43-0.

Alexander used nine running backs amassing 219  yards rushing on 30 carries.  Clayton Bezon had four carries for 61 yards and a TD. Nick Kramer, six carries for 48 yards and two TDs, and Braydon Woods gained 36 yards on seven carries. He scored twice. 

As a QB, Kramer was 7-7 passing for 98 yards including a 23-yard TD pass to Jake Laney.  Laney had four catches for 54 yards.

On Deffense, Kramer had five tackles.  Mason Bump had an interception.

Eric Cline was 6-6 on PATs.

The Trojans are now 6-1 on the season and have recorded four shutouts.

Also on  Friday, Pembroke beat South Seneca 24-8 in a  game that was called with 10:50 left in the second quarter. Caleb Felski gained 64 yards,  scored twice, on four caries. Tyson Totten rushed six times for 47 yards and a TD.

Photos by Philip Casper

Top photo: Nick Kramer QB #3, Jacob Laney TE #7, Gavin Smith-Crandall OL #72, Matt Jasen OL #56, On their way to the coin toss

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Eric Cline K #9 with the kickoff

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Gavin Smith-Crandall DL #72, and Scott Marzolf LB #66 with the tag team tackle

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Jacob Laney DB #7 breaking through the line putting an end to the run

Pancake Breakfast

By Press Release

Press release:

Please join us on Sunday, November 7th, for a delicious breakfast.  Doors open at 7:30a.m.- serving till 12 noon.  Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, sauteed onions, juice, coffee and tea. Served with Real WNY Maple Syrup. Held at WNY Gas & Steam Engine Assoc., 10294 Gillate Rd., Alexander. For more information visit our web site www.alexandersteamshow.com

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Law and Order: Albion woman accused of assaulting person in Byron with a hammer

By Howard B. Owens

Carrie Anne Clay, 27, of Albion, is charged with burglary 2nd, assault 2nd, criminal mischief 4th. Clay was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident reported in Byron at 7:28  a.m., Sept. 25, by Deputy Kevin Forsyth and Deputy Rachel Diehl.  It is alleged that Clay attacked another person with a hammer. She was reportedly thrown out of the residence and broke back in and attempted to attack the same person again. The victim sustained minor injuries and declined EMS assistance. Clay was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and held on $5,000 cash bail.

Tamaneeka T. Perez-Smith, 42, of Britton Road, Rochester, is charged with felony driving while impaired by drugs, felony  DWI, resisting arrest, driving without an interlock device, leaving the scene of a property damage accident,  failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, failure to move over for an emergency vehicle, insufficient turn signal, failure to stop at a stop sign, moved from lane unsafely, unlicensed operator. Perez-Smith was allegedly driving erratically on Park Road in the Town of Batavia and fled from a patrol attempting a traffic stop. She was taken into custody by Deputy Nicholas Chamon and issued an appearance ticket.

Mary Grace Vaughan, 25, of Charlesgate Circle, East Amherst, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely.  Vaughan was arrested by Deputy Zachary Hoy after a report at 12:58 a.m., Oct. 2,  that a vehicle had struck a  guard rail on Main Road in Pembroke.

Colleen Beth Gill, 51, of Spring Road, Alexander, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving without an interlock device, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, driving to left of pavement markings. Gill was stopped at 6 p.m., Monday, on Main  Street, Alexander, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Daniel W. Knauss, 52, Pavilion, is charged with assault 2nd, obstruction governmental administration 2nd, resisting arrest, and criminal contempt 2nd. Knauss was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 3:06 p.m., Sept. 29, in the Town of Pavilion. Knauss was ordered held in jail. No further information about the case was released.

 

Trojans crushes Clyde-Savannah in homecoming game

By Howard B. Owens

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It was Homecoming in Alexander on Friday night under the lights on the gridiron and the Trojans put on quite a show for the hometown crowd, beating Clyde-Savannah 58-0.

The Trojans are now 4-1 on the season. 

QB Nick Kramer was 6-7 passing for 47 yards and two TDs.  Jake Laney had two catches for 25 yards.  On defense, Kramer had six tackles and a sack. Benny Merrill (who also had a TD reception in the game) had four tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery.

Photos by Phillip Casper.

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Nathan Perkins, WR (11) of the Clyde-Savannah Eagles being taken down by Benny Merrill, DB (6), Ricky Townley, DB (5)

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Brayden Woods, RB (2) on the run attempting to break past Christopher Reed, DE (63)

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Benny Merrill, WR (6) after a reception leaving behind Nathan Perkins, DB (11)

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Nick Kramer, QB (3) scrambling while searching for an open receiver

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Eric Cline, K (9) sending through one of many extra points

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Trojans just miss chance to beat Avon

By Howard B. Owens

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The Alexander Trojans suffered the team's first loss of the season at the hands of Avon, 12-10.

The Trojans drop to 2-1 and Avon remains undefeated at 3-0.

Alexander scored first on a 30-yard field goal by Eric Cline to cap a seven-minute offensive drive.

Avon took the lead early in the second quarter on a one-yard TD. A failed extra-point try made the score 6-3.

Alexander's final score of the game came on a Nick Kramer one-yard TD dive followed by a Cline PAT, 10-6.

With two minutes left in the half, Avon scored again on a 23-yard pass,  setting the score at 12-10.

The Trojan's last gasp came with 30 seconds left on the clock and a 37-yard field goal attempt that drifted wide, allowing Avon to hold on  for the win.

Braden Woods carried the ball  19 times for 132 yards.  Kramer rushed for 32 yards and a TD on nine carries.  

Photos By Philip Casper. Top photo: Nick Kramer QB #3 scrambling out of the pocket

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Brayden Woods RB #2

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Nick Kramer QB #3 being brought down after a commanding run

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Eric Cline K #9 with the field goal attempt

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Benny Merrill DB #6

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Trojans special teams making their way onto the field before a field goal attempt

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Clayton Bezon, FB #40 powering through the Avon line

Photos: 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

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Volunteer firefighters from Alexander, Town of Batavia, Le Roy, Darien, and Bethany, along with Sheriff's deputies and State troopers, participated on Friday morning in a remembrance ceremony for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States at Alexander Central School.

Photos by Alecia Kaus.

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