Skip to main content

Alexander

Museum Quilt Guild to host annual show in Alexander on Oct. 14 and 15

By Press Release

img_2503.jpg

Press release:

The Museum Quilt Guild of Batavia will present their biennial show, “Stitches in Time”, on Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be more than 150 quilts displayed at the Alexander Fireman’s Recreation Hall, 10708 Alexander Road (Rt 98), Alexander.

In addition, there will be vendors, demonstrations, a silent auction, a boutique and a basket raffle.

Admission is $5; children under 10 are free.

For more information, contact Elaine (585) 880-0456 or visit our website at www.themuseumquiltguild.com

Photo: Submitted photo. Best of show quilt from 2018

Alexander defeats Notre Dame 49-7

By Howard B. Owens

ndalex-2_websize.jpg

Alexander had all of the pieces working -- offense, defense, and special teams -- in their 49-7 win over Notre Dame on Saturday.

Scoring Summary:

  • First quarter, 8:40, Alexander, Richard Townley 1-yard run. PAT by Dalton Selapack.
  • First quarter, 4:43, Alexander, Richard Townley, 10-yard run.  PAT by Dalton Selapack.
  • Second quarter, 11:14, Alexander, Bryceton Berry punt attempt blocked. Recovered by Kaden Lyons in the end zone. PAT by Dalton Selapack.
  • Second quarter, 7:07, Alexander, Mason Bump 8-yard run. PAT by Dalton Selapack.
  • Second quarter, 5:00, Notre Dame, James Fanara 3-yard pass complete to Ryan Fitzpatrick.  PAT by Brandon Carrick.
  • Second quarter, 2:53, Alexander, Richard Townley 4-yard run. PAT by Dalton Selapack.
  • Third quarter, 7:00, Alexander, Kaden Lyons 20-yard run. PAT by Dalton Selapack.
  • Third quarter, 1:25, Alexander, Mason Bump, 4-yard run. PAT by Dalton Selapack.

Trenton Woods was 6-10 passing for Alexander for 119 yards. 

Townley rushed for 61 yards on 12 attempts. Bump gained 53 yards on nine carries. Ben Merrill had three receptions for 62 yards.

For Notre Dame, James Fanara was 3-13 passing for 39 yards and a TD and he gained 31 yards on the ground on seven carries.

The Trojans remain undefeated at 4-0.  Notre Dame is 2-2.

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

ndalex-4_websize.jpg

ndalex7_websize.jpg

ndalex14_websize.jpg

ndalex-19_websize.jpg

Alexander shuts out South Seneca, Sawyer gets 100th win

By Howard B. Owens

Alexander shut out South Seneca 50-0 to improve to 3-0 on the season and give Tim Sawyer his 100th victory as the Trojan's head football coach.

Trenton Woods threw three first-quarter TD passes. 

Senior tight end Christian Kissell caught a 10-yard strike for a TD just two minutes into the game. 

Tyler Marino scored on a 30-yard pass and then moments later Kaden Lyons hauled in a 20-yard pass. 

Dalton Selapak's point-after kicks and a defensive safety from Cole Dean the Trojans led 22-0 at the end of the first quarter. 

Senior running back Ricky Townley scored on two different runs in the second quarter.  One was a 10-yarder and later on a 4-yard run.

That made it 36-0 at the half. 

Tyler Marino carried the ball into the end zone in the third quarter from 4 yards out and in the fourth quarter and Bryce Feldman scored his first-ever TD on a 1-yard run.

Defensively, the Trojans did not give up a first down on the night.  Sr Defensive Back Benny Merrill had an interception and Cole Dean had a safety and a fumble recovery to go with three tackles.  Jaden Snyder, Bryce Feldman, Christian Kissell, and Trent Woods all had QB sacks.

The Trojans play at Notre Dame next Saturday.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of fighting with deputies following traffic stop

By Howard B. Owens

Kyle John Stack, 36, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd. Stack was stopped on Sept. 15 at 6:15 p.m on West Main Street, City of Batavia, by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush for an alleged traffic infraction. Stack reportedly fled on foot and fought deputies when caught.  He was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. Stack was released on an appearance ticket.

(name redacted upon request), 19, of Batavia, is charged with strangulation 2nd, assault 3rd and petit larceny. xxxx is accused of assaulting a person in a parking lot on Cedar Street on Aug. 29 at 6:26 p.m. xxxxx was arraigned in City Court and ordered to return at 1 p.m. Sept. 14.

  Amber Turner xxxx

Amber L. Turner, 29, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 3rd and petit larceny, and in separate incidents, charged with two counts each of criminal possession of a forged instrument 2nd and petit larceny. Turner is accused of entering a business on Pearl Street, Batavia, on Aug. 23 at midnight with the intention of stealing from the location.  Turner is also accused of giving a person a forged check on Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. at a location on Pearl Street in exchange for money.  She is accused of presenting a forged check in exchange for money on Aug. 14 at 1:44 p.m. at a location on South Main Street, Batavia.

Timmy J. Frazier, 65, no permanent address, is charged with harassment 2nd, trespass and resisting arrest. Frazier is accused of trespassing at a local business on Sept. 10 at 12:18 a.m. When officers attempted to arrest him, he allegedly resisted and attempted to strike an officer.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Thomas Michael Tacito, 62, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th.  Tacito is accused of throwing a rock through a window On Sept. 14 at 1:45 a.m. at a location on West Main Street Road, Batavia. He was ordered to appear in Batavia Town Court on Sept. 27.

Anthony D. Rossi, 42, of Alfonso Drive, Greece, is charged with burglary 3rd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Rossi is accused of entering a shed attached to a residence on Oak Orchard Road, Elba, on Sept. 14 at 4:27 p.m. with the intent to commit a crime inside the structure. He was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine at the time of his arrest. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail, arraigned in Town of Batavia Court, and ordered to return to Elba Town Court on Sept. 27.

Calvin Paul Doctor, 33, of Mitten Lane, Alabama, is charged with two counts of menacing 2nd. Doctor was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident reported at 11 p.m., Sept. 12.  He was arraigned in Alabama Town Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Carlo Robert D'Angelo, 43, River Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. D'Angelo was taken into custody on a Federal arrest warrant and allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest on Sept 17 at 11:30 p.m. at a location on Park Road, Batavia.

Matthew S. Williams, 34, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and resisting arrest. Williams allegedly resisted and fled on Sept. 15 at 10:41 a.m. when Batavia patrol officers attempted to detain him on pending warrants. He was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. He was turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on pending warrants. After processing at the jail, he was released and allegedly threw a cup of juice at a Batavia police officer leading the harassment charge. Williams was also arrested by State Police and charged with criminal contempt stemming from an incident reported on March 24 at 2:10 p.m. in the Town of Elba. He was released on his own recognizance on that arrest.

Nicole K. Dell, 36, of Warsaw, is charged with DWI/drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation, and inadequate lights. Dell was stopped on May 23 at 2:09 p.m. by a Batavia patrol officer on Ellicott Street Road, Batavia. She was arrested on Sept 13 and issued an appearance ticket.

Jamie S. Kraft, 37, no residence provided, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, aggravated harassment and falsely reporting an incident. Kraft is accused of making numerous false reports and threatening phone calls to the Emergency Dispatch Center between Sept. 12 and Sept. 13.  Kraft was released on an appearance ticket.

Dylan J. Wilson, 26, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Wilson was stopped on Sept. 11 at 2:44 a.m. on West Main Street, Batavia, by a Batavia patrol officer.  Wilson was issued an appearance ticket.

Christina L. Holley, 19, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Holley is accused of striking another person during an argument on Sept. 10 at 3:28 p.m. at a location on Swan Street, Batavia. Holley was released on an appearance ticket.

Jarrod K. Fotiathis, 27, no permanent address, and Julie R. Richardson, 31, no permanent address, are charged with criminal trespass. Fotiathis and Richardson are accused of trespassing inside an abandoned residence.  They were issued an appearance ticket and released.

Cameron A. Coles, 29, of Batavia, is charged with Criminal Contempt 1st and Harassment 2nd. Coles is accused of threatening another person in violation of an order of protection on Aug. 26 at midnight at a location on Lincoln Avenue. Coles was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Jamie L. Broadbent, 39, no permanent address, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Broadbent is accused of stealing an E-bike on Sept. 8 at 6:45 p.m. at a location on Bank Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Ericc P. Doleman, 52, of Pembroke, is charged with burglary 3rd and petit larceny. Doleman is accused of entering a business and taking a packet from inside the business on Aug. 22 at 1:09 a.m.  Doleman was arraigned in City Court and ordered to return at a later date.

Matthew R. Taylor, 39, no permanent address, is charged with burglary 3rd and petit larceny. Taylor is accused of entering a business on West Main Street, Batavia on Sept. 12 at 9:43 p.m. and stealing alcohol. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Aaron T. Hendershot, 26 of Batavia (he is also listed as an Auburn resident), is charged with criminal mischief 3rd, obstructing governmental administration, criminal contempt 2nd, criminal trespass 2nd, and criminal mischief 2nd. Hendershot was arrested three times. He is accused of damaging property during a dispute on Ellsworth Avenue on Sept. 10 at 9:45 p.m. He was arrested again on criminal contempt and trespass changes for an incident reported on Sept. 11 at 7:57 p.m. at a location on Ellsworth Avenue. He is also accused of kicking both rear doors of a patrol car resulting in significant damage on Sept .11 at 8:39 a.m. On the criminal contempt charge, Hendershot was ordered held on bail.

Leonard E. Aguayo, 35, of Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Aguayo was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported on Sept. 17 at 6:47 p.m. in the Town of Batavia. Aguayo was issued an appearance ticket. No further details released.

Sugeiry Vazquez, 33, of Rochester, is charged with bail jumping 2nd. The charge is out of the Town of Batavia. He was arrested by State Police on Sept. 17 at 2:30 a.m. in the Town of Cheektowaga and ordered held on bail. No further details released.

Matthew J. Dahl, 30, of Pavilion, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Dahl was stopped by State Police on Sept. 14 at 7:44 p.m. in the Town of Alexander. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Train strikes unoccupied car in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

dsc_5582.jpg

A train struck a vehicle parked parallel to train tracks, between the tracks, near Spring Road in Alexander this evening.

The vehicle was unoccupied.

An investigation is ongoing as to why the vehicle was parked at that location.

Photos by Philip Casper.

dsc_5583.jpg

dsc_5583.jpg

 

dsc_5580.jpg

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of breaking into apartment, assaulting resident

By Howard B. Owens
adam_m._kreutz.jpg
Adam Kreutz

Adam M. Kreutz, 33, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd, burglary 1st, and coercion 1st. Kreutz is accused of burglarizing an apartment on Ellicott Street and assaulting the person inside that apartment on Sept. 5 at 11:40 p.m. Kreutz was arraigned in City Court and ordered held in the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Jarrod K. Fotiathis, 27, of Le Roy, and Julie R. Richardson, 31, of Le Roy are charged with criminal possession of stolen property 4th, unlawful possession of personal identification 3rd, attempted petit larceny, and resisting arrest. They are accused of working together to steal a person's wallet  to purchase items at a local business on Sept. 3 at 9:01 a.m. on Ellicott Street. Fotiathis and Richardson are accused of fleeing from police on foot leading to a chase through the city. Fotiathis later turned himself. Richardson was stopped by a citizen who reportedly witnessed the incident. Both Fotiathis and Richardson were issued appearance tickets.

Christian I. Andrzejek, 26, no permanent address, is charged with burglary 3rd, petit larceny, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Andrzejek is accused of entering a building on Sept. 6 at 8:57 a.m. on Washington Avenue, Batavia, and stealing items from inside. Andrzejek was arraigned in City Court following his arrest and released under supervision.

Feyza Gabrielle Osmancikli, 28, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Osmancikli is accused of possessing crack cocaine, discovered by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush during a traffic stop on Sept. 6 at 3:35 p.m. on Liberty Street in Batavia. Osmancikli was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Joshua Michael Ruffin, 27, of Main Street, Alexander, and Haley Maye Larnder, 23, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th.  Ruffin and Larnder are accused of possessing crack cocaine at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia on Aug. 23 at 3:36 p.m. Both were arrested by Deputy Jacob Kipler, processed at the Genesee County Jail, and released on appearance tickets.

David W. Fielding, 33, of Bigelow Drive, Stafford, is charged with falsifying business records and grand larceny 4th. Fielding is accused of stealing tools from his employer on Godfreys Pond Road, Stafford, and pawing them for money between July 19 and Aug. 25. Fielding was arrested on Sept. 9 by Deputy Jacob Kipler, transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing, and released on appearance tickets.

Deontay Jahmani Sprattley, 21, of Green Avenue, Brooklyn, is charged with petit larceny. Sprattley is accused of skip-scanning multiple items at Walmart on Sept. 10 at 2:38 p.m. and stealing the items. He was arrested by Deputy Alexander Hadsall, processed at the Genesee County Jail, and released.

Jalen Corey Fields, 18, no street address provided, Brooklyn, is charged with petit larceny. Fields is accused of shoplifting at Walmart on Sept. 10 at 3:15 p.m. He was arrested by Deputy Ryan Mullen and issued an appearance ticket.

Matthew R. Taylor, 39, of Batavia, is charged with trespass. Taylor is accused of entering a business on Oak Street he had been banned from on Sept. 4 at 10:01 p.m. Taylor was issued an appearance ticket. He also allegedly trespassed on the same day at 4:49 p.m.

Jeffery T. Dutton, 31, of Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration and littering. Dutton is accused of throwing garbage on city-owned property on West Main Street on Sept. 5 at 3:44 p.m. He was released on an appearance ticket.

James D. Hooten, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Hooten was located by Batavia patrol officers and taken into custody on warrants held by the Sheriff's Office and State Police and allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine at the time of his arrest on Sept. 3 at 3:56 p.m. on Summit Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and turned over to the Sheriff's Office.

Jolene Y. Stevens, 33, no permanent address, was arrested on a bench warrant stemming from an incident reported on March 4 at 1:48 p.m. on East Main Street, Batavia. Stevens is charged with resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, and harassment. At the instruction of Judge Durin Rogers, Stevens was issued an appearance ticket and released.

David M. Camelio, 40, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Camelio allegedly struck another person in the face during a confrontation reported on Aug. 28 at 4:18 p.m. at a location on East Main Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Colin A. McCulley, 18, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and consuming alcohol under age 21. McCulley was stopped by a Batavia patrol officer on Sept. 5 at 1:07 a.m. on East Main Street, Batavia.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Trojans shut out Clyde-Savannah, 34-0

By

dsc_5342.jpg

Game report by Head Coach Tim Sawyer.

Alexander used a dominant first half to grab this victory against a tough Clyde-Savannah team that never quit trying. 

The Trojans won 34-0.

Alexander scored on its first four offensive possessions and then scored a pick-six defensive TD. 

Placekicker Dalton Selapak was 4 for 4 on the PATs.

The scoring opened on a nice drive by the Trojan offense that culminated with a 3-yard TD pass from QB Trent Woods to Flanker Mason Bump from 3 yards out.

On the 2nd drive, RB Ricky Townley scored on a 9-yard run.  He also scored the Trojans' third TD of the game a few minutes later on a 28-yard gallop. 

Townley ended his night with 5 carries for 66 yards.

On the fourth drive of the game, Fullback Kaden Lyons used his speed and toughness to break away for a 22-yard touchdown run.  He ended the night with 4 carries for 35 yards.

The final TD for the Trojans was a 70-yard interception return by Trenton Woods from his free safety spot.

First-year senior RB Brice Feldman had a good night running the ball with 4 carries for 36 yards.

Defensively, the Trojans picked up their first shutout of the season.  Led by Townley from Strong Safety with a whopping 12 tackles.  Christian Kissell had a QB sack. 

The Trojans have a bye in week 3. 

Photos by Philip Casper.

Top photo: Alexander’s Defensive line putting in work stopping the run.

dsc_5452.jpg

RB Ricky Townley #5, Senior

dsc_5413.jpg

QB Trent Woods #2, Junior, scrambling 

dsc_5459.jpg

dsc_5460.jpg

dsc_5426.jpg

WR Christian Kissell #1, Senior

dsc_5394.jpg

dsc_5351.jpg

WR Christian Kissell #1, Senior

Law and Order: Rochester resident accused of fleeing from deputies in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

Anthony Louis Liberi, 50, of Burrow Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd, reckless endangerment 2nd, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, reckless driving, and failure right of way to an emergency vehicle.  Liberi is accused of fleeing from deputies attempting to make a traffic stop at 12:33 a.m., Aug. 27, on Buffalo Road in Bergen. The pursuit ended when Liberi's vehicle struck a median and his vehicle become disabled in the Town of Gates.  Gates PD assisted in the pursuit.  He was arrested by Deputy David Moore and Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Thea Mauritia Irons, 29, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Irons is accused of shoplifting at Walmart on Aug. 29 at 5:02 p.m. and was arrested by Deputy Zachary Hoy. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Donald S. Lewandowski, 44, of Pembroke, is charged with DWI. Lewandowski was stopped by State Police on Main Road, Newstead, on Aug. 23. According to State Police, Lewandowski failed a field sobriety test. He was processed at SP Clarence following his arrest where he allegedly refused a chemical test.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Stanley F. Piasecki, 61, of Alexander, is charged with DWI. Piasecki was stopped at  DWI checkpoint on Broadway in the Village of Alden. State Police say he failed a field sobriety test.  He was arrested and transported to SP Clarence for processing where he allegedly recorded a .11 BAC. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Alfred A Wasielewski, 63, of Pembroke, is charged with DWI and refusal to submit to a breath test. Wasielewski was stopped at a DWI checkpoint on Aug. 25 on Route 33 in the Town of Alden.  He allegedly failed a field sobriety test. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Man pleads not guilty to Alexander dairy farm murder during arraignment

By Alecia Kaus


wilson_princemugmarch2022.jpeg
Prince Wilson, 23, of Albion, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment  Friday morning in Genesee County Court.

Wilson is facing a five-count indictment handed up by a Genesee County Grand Jury last week. Wilson and a Warsaw man, Raul Cruz, 18, are each accused of the crimes of murder, first degree, a class A-1 felony, two counts of murder, second degree, a class A-1 felony, arson 2nd degree, a class B violent felony and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor, in the deaths of Marcelino Gomez Hernandez and Elibander “Ivan” Morales on March 11 while at a local dairy farm located at 10216 Rt. 98 in the town of Alexander. 

At his previous court appearance on July 18 before Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini, Wilson was unhappy that assigned Public Defender Jerry Ader would not give the okay for Wilson to testify at the Grand Jury hearing in his case. Wilson attempted to represent himself during that court appearance. Cianfrini advised Wilson to work things out with Ader or hire his own attorney.

Today, Wilson did not say very much in court. When asked by Cianfrini if he wanted her to reassign the public defender, Wilson responded, "I guess, yeah," allowing Ader to speak on his behalf. Ader then waived a reading of the charges and entered a plea of not guilty. 

District Attorney Kevin Finnell told the court the people are ready for trial, however, Finnell also said his office is still waiting for a swab sample to be submitted by the defendant for a DNA test.

Wilson remains in jail with bail set at $300,000/A, $600,000/B and $800,000/E. He originally was remanded to jail without bail by a local court when first arrested. Wilson is to return at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 24 in Genesee County Court for oral arguments.
 

Photo: Rainbow in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

img_4404rainbow.jpg

A rainbow arched over football practice at the Tri-Town athletic field in Alexander yesterday.

Photo by John Szymkowiak.

One of two defendants accused of killing dairy farm workers arraigned on murder charge

By Howard B. Owens
cruz_raulmarch2022.jpg
Raul Cruz

One of two men indicted by a Genesee County Grand Jury of murder in a double homicide in March was arraigned on those counts in Genesee County Court this morning.

The arraignment of Raul Cruz, 18, of Warsaw, went through standard court procedure -- ensuring all evidence that is available (discovery material) has been turned over to the defense, ensuring the prosecution is ready for trial, setting dates for motions, and reviewing the defendant's bail status.

Cruz entered a not-guilty plea for the murders that occurred in Alexander earlier this year.

There will be more evidence in the case coming from the crime lab, District Attorney Kevin Finnell told Judge Melissa Cianfrini Lightcap.  He indicated there is still a substantial amount of evidence in the case for the lab to process, however, upon questioning by Lightcap, Finnell said he has sufficient evidence already to prosecute the case and is ready to proceed to trial.

Before a trial date is set, the defense has the right to file motions in the case challenging evidence and witness statements, and the prosecution is given time to prepare counterarguments before the court holds a hearing on those motions.

Defense motions are due on Oct. 6, with answers due on Oct. 13.  A hearing on motions is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. Oct. 17.

Cruz is being held without bail, but Genesee Justice has yet to conduct a bail scoring worksheet, which is normally part of the bail review process and provides the judge with information on a defendant's flight risk. Defense Attorney Fred Rarick asked that the worksheet be completed before he makes a motion on his client's bail status.  In the interim, Lightcap ordered Cruz to continue to be held in the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Both Prince N.K. Wilson, 23, of Albion, and Cruz are accused of killing Elibander "Ivan" Morales and Marcelino Gomez Hernandez at 10216 Alexander Road, Alexander on March 11.

Morales was 30 and Hernandez, 29.  Both were born in Mexico and had been employed in the U.S. for an unspecified amount of time.

They were indicted last week by a Genesee County Grand Jury on counts of murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, arson in the second degree, and petit larceny.

Cruz and Wilson are accused of killing Morales and Hernandez, of setting the fire, and of stealing cash, a suitcase, a laptop, and other personal property.

Wilson is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.

Previously:

Two men indicted on murder counts in deaths of two men at Alexander dairy farm

By Howard B. Owens
wilson_princemugmarch2022.jpg
cruz_raulmarch2022.jpg
Prince Wilson Raul Cruz

A Genesee County Grand Jury has indicted two men of murder for the death of two dairy farm workers in Alexander in March.

Raul Cruz, 18, of Warsaw, and Prince Wilson, 23, of Albion, are both charged with murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, arson in the second degree, and petit larceny.

They both face a minimum prison sentence of 15 to 40 years in prison if convicted.

They are accused of killing Elibander "Ivan" Morales and Marcelino Gomez Hernandez at 10216 Alexander Road, Alexander on March 11.

Morales was 30 and Hernandez, 29.  Both were born in Mexico and had been employed in the U.S. for an unspecified amount of time.

Deputies responded to the dairy farm at 9:59 p.m. March 11, when dispatchers received a report of a disturbance in a bunk house. A short time after deputies responded, smoke was seen coming from the bunkhouse and Alexander Fire was dispatched. The fire was quickly extinguished. 

Deputies found two victims dead inside the bunkhouse.

 Cruz and Wilson are accused of killing Morales and Hernandez, of setting the fire, and of stealing cash, a suitcase, a laptop, and other personal property.

Previously:

Photos: 36th Annual Empire State Antique Truck Show

By Howard B. Owens

 

antiquetruckshow.jpg

The Empire State Antique Truck Association held its 36th Annual Truck Show on Saturday at Sunday at the Western NY Gas and Steam grounds in Alexander. 

It was the first time for the show at the steam grounds after traditionally behind hosted at the Stafford Firemen's grounds.

What was the same was dozens of classic trucks and tractors on display along with a flea market.  There was also a tractor pull on Saturday.

Photos by Howard Owens.

antiquetruckshow-2.jpg

antiquetruckshow-3.jpg

antiquetruckshow-4.jpg

antiquetruckshow-5.jpg

antiquetruckshow-6.jpg

antiquetruckshow-7.jpg

Sponsored Post: Genesee Tourism: Antique Truck Farm & Construction Show

By Lisa Ace

Genesee Tourism: Antique Truck Farm & Construction Show

On August 6th & 7th, head to Alexander for the 2-day event that specializes in antique vehicles and farm equipment presented by Empire State Antique Truck Association! Spend the weekend at the tractor pulls, slow truck race, and enjoy searching for hidden gems at the flea market.


This event is open to the public, admission and parking are free. Event details . See our jam-packed events calendar at: GeneseeCalendar.com.

Defendant in double murder claims he's not getting along with his attorney

By Howard B. Owens
wilson_princemugmarch2022.jpg
cruz_raulmarch2022.jpg
Prince Wilson Raul Cruz

Judge Melissa Cianfrini recommended to homicide suspect Prince N.K. Wilson in Genesee County Court today that he find a way to work with his assigned attorney, Public Defender Jerry Ader.

Wilson is apparently unhappy that Ader isn't giving the OK for Wilson to testify at an upcoming Grand Jury hearing on the double murder Wilson and Raul Cruz are accused of committing at an Alexander dairy farm on March 11.

He also apparently thinks his case is proceeding too slowly. He attempted to make a speedy trial motion "pro se" (representing himself), which Cianfrini declined to rule on today because Wilson did not provide any information to substantiate his claim.

Cianfrini patiently -- and in very clear, plain English (no lawyer language) -- explained to Wilson that only an attorney could request a defendant testify at his own Grand Jury hearing, and that in order for her to consider his motion, he needed to provide supporting documents. And, because of the way the motion was made, the prosecution was not aware of the motion until today and by law needed time to prepare a response.

She also told Prince that as part of his motion, he needs to inform the court what it is he would like the court to do if the judge ruled in his favor.

Prince indicated he didn't think he needs an attorney because the Genesee County Jail has a complete law library. 

Cianfrini told Prince he had two choices at this point -- work things out with Ader or hire his own attorney.

Asked if he thought he could work with Ader, Prince said, "I don't know. He doesn't want to see the reason behind my actions.  I'll ask him a question and he will start yelling at me."

Cianfrini said she thought now that she had explained the process to him, perhaps Wilson understood things better and that communications with Ader could improve. 

"I recommend you go back and work on your relationship with Mr. Ader," Cianfrini said.

Wilson, 23, and Cruz, 18, are accused of killing  Elibander Morales, 30, and Marceleno Gomez Hernandez, 29, in a bunkhouse at a dairy farm at 10216 Alexander Road, Alexander.

Alexander ZBA denies company variances to build 650-foot-tall wind turbine

By Howard B. Owens

A proposal to build a 650-foot turbine off Dry Bridge Road in Alexander is just dust in the wind after Alexander's Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to deny Borrego Energy the necessary variances to construct such a massive structure.

The primary variance was to allow the turbine to stand taller than the 500-foot limit for windmills in the town.  The ZBA also turned down variance requests for changes to property setback requirements.

At the ZBA meeting in June, Borrego representative David Strong said the height of the wind turbine was driven primarily by changes in technology and the standards of the industry. It's just no longer possible to build 500-foot tall -- the standard when the Town approved its zoning code -- windmills.

Given that limitation, it's unlikely Borrego will pursue a smaller windmill on the property but, Strong said his company hasn't made any decisions about its options.

"We won't make any decisions at this point," Strong said. "I'm certainly disappointed that the benefits to the town and to the landowner and to the community with 10 percent (reduced cost for electricity) at least won't be realized."

The proposed 4.5-megawatt windmill would have been the only wind turbine on the 147-acre parcel as part of a community-based renewable energy project.

The 650-foot tall turbine is the only real option, Strong had told the ZBA during its meeting in June and, he reiterated that point on Tuesday evening after the project was rejected by the ZBA.

"What was clearly presented to the zoning board were reasons why you can't get turbines that are shorter than 500 feet today, commercially available in the market," Strong said. "That's the challenge today for a viable community wind project that really does give benefits to the local residents. Pilot agreements, host community grants -- these projects can only work with wind turbines around the size that we presented to the board."

Photos: Alexander Fire's Tractor Pull

By Howard B. Owens

dsc_2811.jpg

The Alexander Volunteer Fire Department hosted its annual tractor pulls on Saturday.

Red Creek provided the evening's musical entertainment.

Photos by Philip Casper.

dsc_2834.jpg

dsc_2857.jpg

dsc_2865.jpg

dsc_2907.jpg

dsc_3023.jpg

dsc_2976.jpg

dsc_3042.jpg

l1070883.jpg

l1070898.jpg

l1070902.jpg

l1070904.jpg

Alexander Boy Scout takes 2nd place in Greater Niagara's 2022 Polaris Fishing Derby

By Press Release

20220625_145956.jpg

Press release:

Scout Dimick was happy to add a new microlite fishing pole with a 6 to 1 ratio reel and cork grip to his outdoor gear. This is the third pole in his collection. He started his collection after earning his Fishing Merit Badge at an Iroquois Trail Council Camp Dittmer Merit Badge weekend where he caught three fish in one, a fish inside a fish, inside a fish.

This year's Polaris Fishing Derby took place at Ellicott Creek Park in Tonawanda. The event took advantage of a DEC free fishing weekend. Scouts and guests were welcome, hosted by Greater Niagara Frontier Council's Troop 824 out of Sanborn, NY. The event provided lunch, bait and had BSA Merit Badge Counselors available to answer fishing questions and assist participants.

The Polaris Fishing Derby was scheduled on a DEC free fishing weekend so parents, grandparents and siblings age 16 and older could participate with youth competitors without purchasing a fishing license. The Derby provided seven competitor prizes consisting of fishing poles, reels and a 4th edition copy of Trout Salmon Steelhead Fishing in Western New York. A non-Scout (guest) won the door prize of a brand new bicycle. First place went to a Cub from Pack 193 for a 17" Rudd.

The Trout Salmon Steelhead Fishing in WNY book was donated by a local Cheektowaga chapter of Trout Unlimited. The book is a compilation of almost thirty fishing enthusiasts, detailing several WNY waterways maps, mayfly hatchings, water depth contour maps, twenty fishing flies, and a slew of fishing and conservation information. Trout Unlimited works to maintain the health of our waterways to protect the future of WNY fishing. The organization conducts presentations and classes about fishing to groups, including Scouts.

Scout Dimick was able to identify his catch using the free annual NYS Freshwater Fishing Guide booklet that is available at many outdoor equipment sales counters, local municipalities or directly from the DEC at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html. Sept. 24th & Nov.11th are the two remaining NYS DEC 2022 free fishing days.

National BSA awards require additional Scout accomplishments beyond earning specific merit badges. Participating in the Polaris Fishing Derby meets Scout Dimick's award requirement for the prestigious BSA Angler Award. The award also requires completing the Fishing, Fly Fishing and Fish & Wildlife Management Merit Badges.

Camp Dittmer will be offering the Fishing Merit Badge this summer at Merit Badge Weekends. Information can be obtained by calling the Iroquois Trail Council at (585) 343-0307. Camp Dittmer offers family camping throughout the year.

Submitted photos.

20220625_140738.jpg

20220625_185323.jpg

Wind turbine in Alexander could stretch 650 into the sky and not everybody likes the idea

By Howard B. Owens

alexanderwindmillzba2022.jpg

A proposed 650-foot tall, 4.5-megawatt wind turbine proposed for Dry Bridge Road in Alexander met some opposition at a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting last week.

Some residents said it wasn't needed, they didn't want it, questioned the financial benefit to the town, and suggested it would be an eyesore.

The community-based energy project -- meaning town, village, and school district receive fees and residents get a discount on electricity -- would be constructed by Borrego Energy on property owned by Dale and Brenda Spring. Representatives of Borrego, which included Dave Strong, Brandon Smith and Mark Kenworth, explained the project.

The Spring property is 147 acres and the windmill will be on the northern portion of the property, about 1,954 feet north of Dry Bridge Road and 4,136 feet south of Route 20.

The project will disturb only 8.5 acres of the property, and it came before the ZBA because the town code prohibits wind turbines taller than 500 feet.

Strong explained that each new generation of turbines gets taller and taller, and no developer builds turbines shorter than 500 feet. The new standard is 650 feet and windmills are getting taller across the country and around the world. 

There are no dwellings or structures on the Spring property. 

"This is the smallest we could go to make a project like this work economically," Strong said. "The wind turbine towers have gotten a little bit taller every decade, not too much, but they keep getting a little bit taller." 

That's because of improved technology, he said.

"The thing that's gotten really efficient is the blades. The blades are now made of, like, carbon fiber material. They're very light. You can make them longer and longer."

The improved technology means the days of large windmill farms are coming to a close, Strong suggested.

"It's important to note that we can do one wind turbine where you used to have to do five or six," Strong said. "You'd have to spread them out and they were shorter, like the ones in Orangeville. We're way beyond those wind turbines."

The turbine will be tall
One resident questioned why "little Alexander" needed such a big windmill.

"This is is 650 feet," he said. "It is double the height of the Empire State Building. It isn't going to give us that much more joy in this community than having two Empire State Buildings stacked on top of one another. I mean, let's be honest here. This is all about money. It's all about money. 

Actually, the Empire State Building is twice as tall as the proposed windmill at 1,250 feet, not including the spire.

The height of the windmill is why a ZBA variance is required. Smith said the local code was probably written before technology pushed windmills higher and when available air traffic control made anything taller an issue for Federal Aviation Administration.

"Back when the bylaw was written, there was this idea that 500 was kind of the limit that the FAA would approve," Smith said.

The FAA will review plans for this turbine, Smith said, but he suggested it is likely to be approved.

The height is also a concern of John Volpe, who suggested Borrego's renderings of the proposed windmill are misleading, showing its proximity to a telephone pole in the foreground off Route 20.

He suggested a better comparison was his own rendering of a two-story house, 20-feet tall, next to the 650-foot tall windmill.

Environmental concerns
An environmentalist, Volpe also said there is a community of endangered plants on the Spring property that isn't addressed in documents provided by Borrego.

"I hope the zoning board will understand that this little community that's for special plants, very endangered plants, everything like this is extremely important, especially when there are only 80 other communities within the whole world," he said.

Volpe claimed that Borrego's survey for endangered plants was made on Nov. 18 when most plants are dormant.

Cory Mower paid his respects to the property owner, Spring, whose family has been in Alexander for multiple generations but said he is opposed to the proposal.

"He has his own road name, you know, but this is just ridiculous in my mind as one of the closest houses if not the closest house (to the project)," Mower said. "This is 650 feet tall.  I know for a fact there's a hawk nest not 500 feet from there and there's got to be more. There are eagles, too. There are eagles all over the place, not to mention the other animals that these things kill. I understand money. I understand where this is coming from, but I just can't have it. I mean, I can't."

There are significant environmental regulations for Borrego to navigate, Smith suggested, and the company is working close with the Department of Environmental Conservation to address environmental concerns.

"We've been in close contact with them," Smith said. "As for the impact eagles, birds, =grassland birds, all those sorts of things, we've been working with them to obtain permits and understand the impacts and what we can do to mitigate. For example, bats, as we all know, aren't out in a hurricane.They're out on calm summer nights. Those times we are actually going to curtail, we're going to shut down the turbine at those low wind speeds during the summer when we know bats will be out to try to minimize as much as possible any impact in bats."

Windmills need wind
Some residents questioned whether there was enough wind in Alexander to power such a large turbine.

Yes, in summertime the wind dies down, but in spring, fall, and winter, there is ample wind, Strong said.

"Especially these modern wind turbines with very light carbon fiber blades. Believe it or not, they can make decent electricity even in really light winds," Strong said. "The other thing is, once you get up above the trees, which is one of the reasons we kind of have to go tall, that wind actually is much more consistent than it is when you're down on the ground."

The best deal possible for Alexander
Borrego is building the windmill but won't necessarily own it, Smith said. It could be sold to another company, maybe.

The cost of the project will exceed $4 million, with $3 million being spent just on the turbine.

While the local government agencies will receive fees from the project over the next 15 years, it's not going to be a windfall for the town, Strong said.  He said it's too soon in the project planning to nail down financial returns. He estimated the town will get from $250,000 to $300,000 from the project, or about $20,000 a year, plus another $8,000 in payment in lieu of taxes (that will be part of the economic development tax-incentive package that GCEDC could grant to the project).

That $28,000 is about the same amount the town, Strong indicated, had to increase its spending by this past year.

There are no state subsidies on this project. 

"Wind turbines are, they are not cheap," Strong said. "They're made to last for a long time."

With inflation and supply chain issues being what they are, it's a tough financial environment for renewable energy projects.

"(Wind companies) are actually having trouble staying profitable," Strong said. "I don't know how much money they would make (on this project). It's GE's investment and they're no dummies. I'm sure they will make enough money, but they're not making a heck of a lot of money these days. As far as a proportion of what the town will get, I will say of all wind and solar projects in the state, this is definitely the best deal per megawatt that exists."

It's good he said, because sites appropriate to a project like this are hard to find in New York. You need decent wind, a parcel big enough to be safe, and a zoning code that works for the proposed scope of the project.

"There are not many of these sites in the state, so with respect to what kind of deal the town is getting, it's the best deal going," Strong said.

Support
Among the few voices in support of the project was Don Partridge, a property owner in Alexander but a resident of Batavia, where he has three small windmills on his property. 

"My carbon footprint is zero," Partridge said.

He noted that since the 1920s, there have been telephone and utility poles up and down area roadways, but nobody ever thinks of them as unsightly.  He suggested people will adjust to the presence of a windmill in Alexander.

"I think you need to keep an open mind and how we're going to advance our environment in the future with more and more demands for electricity," Partridge said. "I am in favor of the project."

Top photo, Dave Strong and Brandon Smith.

Photos by Howard Owens

alexanderwindmillzba2022-2.jpg

alexanderwindmillzba2022-3.jpg

John Volpe

Authentically Local