elba

Neither team expected the outcome they got Saturday in the sectional title game for Class D in Brockport, a lopsided win for Oakfield-Alabama/Elba over Alexander 35-7.

"I don't think we were (expecting a lopsided win) either," said OAE Head Coach Tyler Winter. "You know, both teams being undefeated, both teams dominating each game that they've played up to this point. We weren't sure what to expect. The only thing that we knew going into (the game) is that one of us was going to get punched in the mouth early, and both teams were going to be uncomfortable."

The Aggies scored first and that seemed to set the tone of the game.

Trojans' Head Coach gave a frank assessment of his team's performance.

"We just kind of got behind early and never could dig out from it," Sawyer said. "Too many mistakes. We had a couple of bad snaps, and Oakfield-Alabama/Elba was opportunistic on penalties. We just couldn't keep our offense on the field. Defensively we need to tackle better if you're gonna tackle these Oakfield Alabama/Elba boys. So, just not a good day for us today."

Senior running back Noah Currier was the game's MVP.  He rushed 22 times for 156 yards and three touchdowns.  

Bodie Hyde also made all-team. He had 23 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. 

Adding to the scoring was Connor Scott, who dashed into the endzone to close out OAEs scoring in the fourth quarter on an 11-yard run.

On defense, Hyde had eight tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Brayden Smith had nine tackles and a sack. T.J. Andrews had nine tackles. Kyle Porter had four tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception.  Aiden Warner had eight tackles.

The Aggies held Alexander to 105 yards rushing and 14 yards passing.

For the Trojans, Tyler Marino led the team in rushing with 15 carries for 67 yards and a TD. 

OAE Held Alexander to 105 yards rushing and only 14 yards passing.  

Tyler Marino led the Trojans in rushing with 15 carries - 67 yards and 1 TD.  Woods was 2-7 passing for 14 yards and 1 int.

Defensively Kaden Lyons and Mason Bump led the Trojans with eight tackles each.

Coming out of half-time, Winter said he and his coaches felt they had set the pace in the first half and, with some adjustments, take over the game over the final two quarters.

"We thought in the second half, we could play with tempo a little bit, that we could just really put the exclamation point on this game and run away with it," 

The Aggies were up 14-0 at the half and scored three more touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters.

Currier wasn't surprised by the win.

"We knew coming into this game against Alexander, they're a tough team," Currier said. "They're physical. They're fast. But we knew we were better. We just had to come out and execute, do everything perfect. And we did. I think we did."

He thinks his team has something special that helped it deliver a big blow to the Trojans.

"We're bringing the heat every day in practice, every time we're in the game," Currier said. "I'll tell you why. We just have the energy. I mean everyone, not only me, but all 11 on each side of the ball, bring the energy. I think that's what makes us who we are."

Hyde said he was also confident coming into the game, especially coming off of last year's title win.

"You go back to back to the amount of success we had last year, we know what it takes to get back here and have success," Hyde said. "We put in a ton of work over the offseason with whether that's in the weight room, whether that's seven on sevens or 11 on 11 scrimmages in the middle of June at Batavia. We were working all offseason and we knew the work we put in would make us able to get back to this spot and become successful again."

Smith also pointed to weight room work as a key to the team's success.

"We were lifting all summer," Smith said. "My D line, they're strong, they're big, they're fast. They make a new line of scrimmage for us. We can free flow to the ball and we can meet them in the hall and we can take them back and get some TFLs (tackles for losses)."

Winter said all that off-season preparation pays off in the postseason.

"Once November rolls around, we know that that we're going to play our style and our type of game and finish the opponent," Winter said.

Next up for OAE is last year's far-west opponent, Randolf. Hyde, for one, thinks his team is ready.

"I think we can go a long way. I know, obviously, this is really good right now," Hyde said. "We're gonna celebrate this for the next few days, but Monday, it's back to work. We play a really good Randolph team that we know pretty well. We played them last year. They know us, so it's gonna be huge to get back to work and stay locked in to see how far we really can go with this team."

As odd as it might sound, Alexander's season is not over.  There are eleven sections in New York High School Athletics, so to ensure there are 12 teams available for the final brackets, the second-place teams from one section get to play a state tournament quarter-final.  This year, it is Section V's turn to send second-place teams to the quarter-finals. Alexander will represent Section V Class D in Albany next week.

That puts Coach Sawyer in a challenging position -- getting his team ready for another big game after a big defeat in a sectional title game.

"I hope this bothers our kids, it should you know, but on Monday, Monday is the start of a new week and we need to come back and fix a few things and move forward," Sawyer said. "We could sit here and be upset about this loss and waste the next opportunity, which is right here in front of us. I mean, we've got a game in six days and, yes, it's our first loss of the season so these guys haven't had this taste, you know what I mean? And but we'll come back strong and put a game plan together and go try to win out east."

Winter said going into the game, he knew could be in Sawyer's position so he has some advice for the Alexander squad.

"It's funny you say that because that's a perspective that we had to take a look at -- how does a coach pick their team up off the ground after a loss in the sectional files and say, 'Hey, we got to play,'" Winters said. "If their teams is built anything similar to our team, we love each other. We have a lot of fun. So although today might be really tough, and probably tomorrow as well, by the time Monday rolls around, let's say we're at least fortunate that we get to play another game. And if so, maybe they can even use us in the future as a potential motivator. I mean, they might see us again, and I'm sure that they want a different storyline to go with that."

Top four photos by Kristin Smith.  Top photo, game MVP Noah Currier.

Brodie Hyde.

Photos below by Philip Casper.

Tyler Marino scores Alexander's lone touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Alexander's all-team winner, Connor Thompson.

Trent Wood.

Andrew J. Draper is indicted on a count of falsifying business records in the first degree, a Class E felony. Draper is accused of signing a fraudulent bill of sale on June 22 at Pawn Kings on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. He is also indicted on counts of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony, and harassment in the second degree, a violation.  Draper is accused of violating an order of protection and taking physical action against another person on June 17 at a location on Miller Avenue, Batavia.

Andrew A. Searight and Jerrotonia A. Scarbrough are indicted on two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals under Section 353-a(1) of the Agriculture and Markets Law, a felony.  Both are accused of intentionally killing and causing physical injury to two dogs on May 10.

Dustin M. Locicero is indicted on counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, a Class E felony, burglary in the third degree, a Class D felony, and petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. Locicero is accused of signing a fraudulent bill of sale at Pawn Kings on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, on April 26.  He is accused of breaking into a garage on Broadway Road, Darien, on June 5 and stealing a power nailer, an orbital sander, and a battery charger.

Aaron T. Hendershot is indicted on two counts of criminal mischief in the second degree, a Class D felony, and one count of obstructing governmental administration. Hendershot is accused of damaging a City of Batavia patrol vehicle on Sept. 11 and of damaging the tires of a vehicle belonging to a local resident on Sept. 10. He is also accused of intentionally obstructing a public servant from performing an official function on Sept. 11.

Ajie J. Smith-Ezell is indicted on a count of assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony. Smith-Ezell is accused of intending to cause serious injury to another person and causing serious injury to that person on March 12 in the City of Batavia.

Marcella F. Greene is indicted on a count of driving while impaired by drugs, a Class E felony, of reckless driving, a misdemeanor, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Greene is accused of being impaired by drugs while operating a 2003 Dodge on East Main Street and North Spruce Street, City of Batavia, on April 22.

John Saddler, Jr. is indicted on counts of aggravated family offense, a Class E felony, and criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Saddler is accused of violating a court order at 2:33 p.m. on July 10 in the City of Batavia.

Todd A. Kendall is indicted on a count of failure to verify as a sex offender, a Class E felony. Kendall, a registered Level 2 sex offender, is accused of providing a current photograph of himself to authorities in a manner and within a time period required by law.

John C. Hoogasian is indicted on a count of grand larceny in the third degree, a Class D felony. Hoogasian is accused of stealing a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck from a location on Oak Orchard Road, Elba, on Sept. 29, 2021. He is also indicted on a count of bail jumping in the second degree, a Class E felony. He is accused of failing to appear in Town of Oakfield Court as ordered as part of a criminal proceeding.

Arthur J. Brown is indicted on a count of failure to register a change of address as a sex offender, a Class E felony. Brown is accused of failure to register a change of address within the required 10 days as a registered sex offender.

Ledeja K. Wright is indicted on counts of burglary in the second degree, a Class C felony, criminal mischief in the third degree, a Class E felony, and criminal tampering in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor. Wright is accused of entering a residence on Holland Avenue, Batavia, on June 15 with the intent to commit a crime inside the residence. Wright is accused of damaging a television and stereo inside the residence. Wright is also accused of damaging property of another person with the intent to cause substantial inconvenience to another person.

Jeffrey D. Hall is indicted on a count of sexual abuse in the first degree, a Class D violent felony. Hall is accused of subjecting another person to sexual contact by forcible compulsion on May 24 at a location in the City of Batavia.

Joseph D. Krug is indicted on a count of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. Krug is accused of stealing property with a value exceeding $1,000 from a location in the Town of Batavia on Feb. 16.

Jamie M. Cyr is indicted on a count of promoting prison contraband in the first degree, a Class D felony. Cyr is accused of possession of suboxone while confined to the Genesee County Jail on April 16.

New listing - 69 Mechanic Street, Elba! Located in the Village with all the" feels " of country living but with all the best perks-public water and sewer, natural gas and within walking distance of school, park and dining!! This home offers loads of curb appeal with its cozy setting-almost 3 full acres but will surprise you with everything it has to offer! Home is super solid and has been lovingly updated thru out the years-great kitchen with loads of cupboard space, formal dining area, large Livingroom with gas fireplace that just adds to the charm! Huge master bedroom is located on first floor, with 2 additional bedrooms and 1/2 bath up. There is also extra large enclosed back sleeping porch overlooking the greatest of village backyards! Private from the road, this extra deep yard houses two large shop/outbuildings for all your extras and then some! The shop has heat and electric and the attached building has two overhead doors. The additional back outbuilding is 30x40 approximately and has concrete floors and overhead doors as well! What you can do with all this space is endless! This home is a storybook setting and well worth your time to visit! Delayed negotiations until Wednesday November 16 at 9:00 p.m. Click here for more information on this listing.

Click here for 11298 Blair Road, Medina.
Click here for 3861 Ridge Road, Elba.
Click here for 16 Walnut Street, Batavia.

Shawn Wisniewski

Shawn R. Wisniewski, 33, no permanent address, is charged with grand larceny 3rd, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and burglary 3rd. At 7:29 a.m. on Oct. 25, police received a report of a suspicious person in a parking lot on Bank Street. A male was reportedly trying to get into vehicles. A short time later, police received a report of a vehicle being stolen from the parking lot. A vehicle matching the description of the stolen vehicle was spotted traveling westbound on West Main Street in the area of Denny's. The vehicle failed to stop for patrols. After the pursuit was terminated, the vehicle was located in East Pembroke along with a suspect, who was identified as Wisniewski. Through an investigation, officers came to believe that Wisniewski also broke into an office on Washington Avenue prior to the stolen vehicle report. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $25,000 bail, $50,000 bond, or $100,000 partially secured bond.

Ronnie Kevin Johnson, 52, of Federal Drive, Batavia, is charged with rape 1st (forcible compulsion), unlawful imprisonment 2nd, menacing 2nd, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th.  Johnson was arrested by the Sheriff's Office on an arrest warrant on Oct. 27. He was charged following an investigation by Deputy Zach Hoy, Deputy Ayrton Blankenberg, Investigator Chad Minuto, and Investigator Ryan Delong. The Sheriff's Office release states the date and time of the alleged incident is 6:28 p.m. Oct. 27 and the location as Park Road.  Johnson was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered held without bail.

John Sumlin III, 43, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Sumlin is accused of striking a woman in the neck during an argument at 1:46 a.m. Oct. 23, at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. Sumlin was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

John Sumlin III, 43, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with burglary 1st, criminal contempt 1st, criminal mischief 1st, assault 3rd, and menacing 2nd.  Sumlin is accused of unlawfully entering a residence on West Main Street at 5:36 a.m. on Oct. 23. While in the residence, he allegedly held a knife to the neck of a woman and threatened to kill her and her children. He then allegedly broke the television.  He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered held without bail.

Linda L. Betties, 59, of Batavia, is charged with trespass. Betties is accused of trespassing on property at 10:25 a.m. on Oct. 24 that she had been barred from on Cherry Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian M. Raphael, 34, of Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Raphael was arrested on two warrants for alleged failure to appear on an appearance ticket. Raphael was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $5,000 bail, $10,000 bond, or $25,000 partially secured bond.

James A. Colantonio, 53, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Colantonio was arrested following an argument with a co-worker reported at 2 p.m. on Oct. 23 at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Kyle J. Schroeder, 25, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Schroeder is accused of damaging property at a business on Jackson Street, Batavia, at 12:20 a.m. on Oct. 1. Schroeder was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Isaiah L. Poole, 22, of Albion, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Poole was arrested on a warrant, arraigned and ordered held on bail.

Johnnie M. Waston, 39, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Waston is accused of damaging the property of another person on North Spruce Street at 8:13 a.m. on July 21. He was arraigned in City Court on Oct. 21 and ordered to reappear on Nov. 10.  Waston was also arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a prior charge.

Joseph T. Martino, 30, no permanent address, is charged with burglary 3rd and grand larceny 4th.  Martino is accused of entering a business with the intent of committing a crime on East Main Street at 6:58 a.m. on Oct. 9 and then stealing merchandise worth more than $1,000.  Martino was arraigned in City Court and jailed on $5,000 bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond.

Lance Marquette Mercado, Sr., 32, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment 2nd. Mercardo is accused of repeatedly calling another person, threatening physical harm, and causing the victim to fear for his or her safety. The incident was reported at 5:38 p.m. on Oct. 29. Mercado was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered to return at a later date. Mercado is also charged with criminal possession of a weapon.  Mercardo was arrested by Deputy Zachary Hoy following a report on Oct. 29 at 6:44 p.m. at a location on Dodgeson Road, Alexander. Mercado was located at another location, roadside, on Dodgeson Road and interviewed. He was allegedly found in possession of knife knuckles. 

Rebecca Lee Gugel, 38, of Route 5, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd. Gugel is accused of knowingly entering a residence with no right to do so on East Bethany Le Roy Road, Bethany, on Oct. 22 at 11:25 a.m.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

Nickolas Adam Figlow, 20, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and harassment 2nd. Figlow is accused of damaging a victim's vehicle and of following the victim to Walmart on Oct. 27 at 10:30 p.m.  Figlow was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered to return on Nov. 15.

James M. Dimatteo, 42, of Barre, is charged with DWI. Dimatteo was stopped at 9:58 a.m. on Oct. 28 by State Police in the Town of Elba. Dimatteo was released to a third party. 

 

Photo by Kristin Smith, North Byron Road, Elba.

Photo by Tom Tharp.

Crosby's convenience stores have apparently become the target of burglars after closing hours recently.

The most recent burglary was at 12:05 a.m. on Saturday at the Crosby's on Clinton Street Road, Batavia. The store closed at 10 p.m. on Friday night.

A source said it doesn't appear that anything of value was taken, but the burglars did make a mess of the store.

The State Police are investigating the Batavia burglary, said Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Joseph Graff.

He confirmed there was also a burglary at the Crosby's in Elba on Oct. 23, which is under investigation by the Sheriff's Office, and in Albion on Oct. 22.

"Preliminary indications all look to be similar MOs," Graff said. 

OPEN HOUSE this Saturday 11pm - 1pm. Click here for more details on this listing.

 

Isaiah Lorenzo Poole, 22, of South Clinton Street, Albion, is charged with 16 counts of possession of a forged instrument and criminal contempt 2nd. Poole allegedly possessed 16 counterfeit $100 bills at 4:45 p.m., Oct. 23, at the Crosby's in Elba. He also is accused of violating an order of protection. 

Breanna Michelle Cragg, 29, of Richmond Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Cragg was charged following a roadside check at 1:19 a.m., Oct. 23, on Route 33, Stafford, by Sgt. Mathew Clor and Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Johnnie M. Waston, 39, of Dodge Street, Rochester, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment 2nd. Waston is accused of being involved in a disturbance reported at 7:04 a.m., Oct. 21, at a residence on Shady Lane, Batavia. He was arraigned in Town of Stafford Court and released.

Kevin P. Kage, 35, of West Avenue, Medina, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance 5th and criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th. Kage is accused of selling methamphetamine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force in Batavia on two separate occasions. He was arrested on a warrant stemming from a sealed indictment and jailed pending arraignment in County Court. He was arraigned on Oct. 20 and released.

Connie Rae Todd, 51, of Slayton Sett Road, Gasport, is charged with DWI and speeding. Todd was stopped at 1:12 a.m., Oct. 26, on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Sgt. Mathew Clor. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Margareta Tamasi, 75, of Le Roy, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child/alcohol. Tamasi was arrested by State Police on Oct.  24 in the Town of Batavia in relation to an incident reported at 7:04 p.m. on Oct. 21 in Le Roy. She was released on an appearance ticket. No further information released.

3861 Ridge Road, Elba. This home literally is "last home on the road"! Located at end of Ridge Road in the Elba School District this home is perfectly country, secluded & private and surrounded by fields with great views! Solid and super well kept; this home will surprise you with all it has to offer! Completely renovated and upgraded as well as new addition (sq ft not reflected in tax records) with great room/family room AND three car/shop that makes life easy and enjoyable for those that want a great shop to hang out and putter in! Also literally just put end touches on complete kitchen remodel and laundry room that makes domestic life enjoyable! First floor master suite, super cozy living room with wood stove and fieldstone hearth, large bedrooms and super cool family room with dry bar and that is so big that there is room to enclose - a 4th bedroom if desired! All this is situated on almost acre lot but seems endless with all that surrounds you! There is awesome extra large and wide composite front porch for nice nites and pretty back patio outlooking private back yard AND 2 additional outbuildings if you could possibly need anything more-COME SEE!! Delayed negotiations till Monday Oct 31 at 5:00 p.m.
 

Have you seen Elba’s power couple? Although a bit lumpy and odd-looking, the self-titled king and queen stand proudly on Main Street every day.

If you hadn’t noticed them, the firefighters rescuing a cat up a utility pole may have been a distraction. Or perhaps the tired PTA mom caught your attention, poor thing — her life is full of fundraisers and supporting the Lancers.

Those are just some of the entertaining Scarecrows on Main entries for this year’s contest. Sponsored by the Elba Betterment Committee with Genesee-Orleans Council on the Arts funding meant there wasn’t an entry fee this year, Pauli Miano said.

“This is the second year that we have done the Scarecrows on Main.  Last year the village clerk, Jerah Augello, came to the Elba Betterment Committee and asked us to help them sponsor a contest.  We charged $5 per entry and then used the money to pay out prizes,” Miano said. “This year we included the contest in our grant request to GO Art!, so we did not need to charge per entry.  While that made it more alluring, I'm sure, it also made it a little more confusing for us, because a few of these scarecrows just showed up on the street and we weren't sure who they belonged to.”

Not to worry, they got it all figured out, and there are 39 entries, which is 10 more than last year, she said. One change for this year is a display at Elba Central School. With a theme of  “It’s a Small World,” it’s a testament to diversity that exists in the village and town, she said.

“We have many students who are of Mexican descent, and this year we also have two exchange students: one from Italy and one from Denmark,” she said.  

The contest has also drawn more participation from families and businesses, with more than a dozen that include farms, restaurants, M&T Bank, the post office, and other places “that help to make our community such a great place to live,” she said.

Four judges — one from each the town and village boards, a community member and Onion Queen Bella Mateos — have just begun their reviews of the colorful creations, and there is also a People’s Choice option for the public. To view all entries and vote for your top three, go to Elba Betterment Committee.

Adding to the fun is the yearly tribute to the Stumblin Inn, and this year’s display does not disappoint: “it’s even bigger this year,” Miano said.

The contest itself isn’t directly tied to Halloween in the Park, but the month culminates with a seasonal event for local Elba children to enjoy games, candy, refreshments, and photos. That runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

“We have done this in the past and it has really been an awesome event,” she said. “But this is the first time in four years that we are back in the park and open for children from Elba to come on down.”

Photos submitted by Pauli Miano.

When Alondra Longoria moved from Texas to Elba with her parents and two brothers, she was a shy, quiet 19-year-old who spoke no English.

That was about three years ago. And oh, how things have changed for the soft-spoken young lady. She took English as a Second Language classes, graduated with a general education diploma, and is pursuing her citizenship and, most importantly, a future.

“It feels good. You have to have goals to keep going and know what you are going to do with your life,” the now 23-year-old said during an interview at the CORE Learning Center in Batavia. “We have to keep going, and no matter what happens, you have to keep going and complete your goals to be a better person, to learn and keep going with life.”

Nobody said it was easy. The former Alondra was an uncertain teenager who first moved to Texas with her farm-working mom and dad four years ago. They emigrated from Mexico mostly for financial reasons, she said, to earn more money and improve their lives. She left behind family members -- grandmas -- friends, and the only culture she had known.

And Alondra has encountered racism by being told to "go back to your own country."

"We are good people that work every day, and sometimes we work to get this country better too," she said. "Those things can hurt; they're not a good thing to say."

The family obtained green cards, and eventually opted to move across the country to Elba, a community rich in farming opportunities. Alondra’s aunt already lived there, so they had a connection to working the cash crop fields. Her parents get up each weekday to work in the fields from 7 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. five days a week, and a shorter time span on Saturday. Sundays are reserved for cherished family time.

Alondra worked at the Agri-Business daycare in Batavia until she learned about The CORE Learning Center. It offers adult basic education, high school diploma preparation, ESL, college prep and various other certification classes. A spacious classroom was waiting for Alondra at 1 Mill St., and she said she enjoyed working with the staff and students she encountered.

Adult Educator Amy Andrews clearly remembers those first days of seeing Alondra.

“At first we couldn’t get her to talk,” Andrews said with a suggestive laugh. “Now, we can’t get her to stop.”

Her student agreed, adding that “it’s a good thing.”

At first, her life in Genesee County was filled with the inability to read, write or speak any English. She communicated through her one older brother, Alejandro. But as time went by, those English lessons — filled with confusing and contradictory rules — began to make sense, Alondra said.

Although she had graduated from high school in Mexico, that isn't valid in New York State. So she studied for, and passed, a state general education test. She graduated with a diploma in December 2021.

She gave a stern glance to Andrews during the interview, indicating that some lessons were to be kept secret. They both laughed and shared anyway.

“Now that she talks more, she likes to argue with me,” Andrews said.

They encountered words that just didn’t translate from English to Spanish very well, she explained. So when discussing the word “toes,” Alondra argued that they are “foot fingers” according to her native language translation.

Adapting to America was a practical thing to do, Alondra said. “When you don’t have nobody that speaks Spanish, you have to learn it (English),” she said. “I was nervous and it was scary. I grew up speaking Spanish. I have to learn another language and communicate with people who speak with a different language.”

She was in an intimate setting of three classmates, two who spoke Spanish and one Thai-speaking person. They were provided with workbooks, in-person lessons, and a program they could study at home on a computer. Alondra, in turn, brought in homemade cakes to share with the class and staff. One of those yummy creations was a rosca de reyes, a ringed cake with a baby figurine baked into the batter, topped with fruit in the colors of the Mexican flag. Whoever gets the piece of cake with the baby inside has to make tamales for everyone. But Alondra didn't enforce that part of the tradition, she said.

Adding to her accomplishments of a diploma and ability to understand English, Alondra was awarded Student of the Year by the New York Association for Continuing and Community Education, a statewide agency that provides information and support for professionals serving the needs of lifelong learners.

Alondra is one of three recipients from this CORE branch, which covers Allegany, Genesee, Orleans, Livingston, Cattaraugus and Wyoming counties. There will be a presentation at a banquet on Oct. 25 in Albany. Yes, that means putting her new skills to work with an acceptance speech.

As one of the motivational phrases on the wall says, “you got this.” And she does.

“It means a lot to me that people have recognized some of the struggles I have overcome,” she says in her speech. “Four years ago I left my country, and with it, family and friends, behind. I had to start over in a new country without knowing the language. I moved to Texas, and then came to New York, and it was the best decision that I made.”

She found “very good teachers” at Literacy West, a subdivision within CORE Learning Center, and they helped her to complete many goals, including improving her speech and writing. That all led her to one end result, and a new beginning.

“I’m looking forward to learning sign language and starting a career in cosmetology,” she said.

She and fellow award recipients Jerry Finch from the Olean site and Jessie McCray from Warsaw will be accompanied by Literacy West NY staff to receive their awards and take a tour of the capital.

“These students have all experienced adversity and hardships that lead them to our program, and have persevered to reach their educational and occupational goals,” Executive Community Relations Coordinator Adrianna Seewaldt said. “We are proud of their accomplishments and truly believe that they will continue to achieve their future goals.”

For more information, go to CORE2learn.org.

Top Photo: Alondra Longoria, originally from Tamaulipas, Mexico, has become comfortable at the CORE Learning Center in Batavia after taking ESL lessons and graduating with her high school equivalency diploma; Alondra and Adult Educator Amy Andrews chat in the classroom at 1 Mill St., Batavia; Amy Andrews displays one of the lesson boards to incorporate English words into students' vocabulary. Photos by Joanne Beck. Submitted photo of Alondra with her diploma.

A 39-year-old Oakfield man is facing 46 felony charges related to sex crimes over a period of years in the Oakfield and Elba areas.

Ricardo Castillo, Jr., of Maple Avenue, is charged with 13 counts of rape 1st, 10 counts of rape 2nd, 13 counts of criminal sexual act 1st, and 10 counts of criminal sexual act 2nd.

Castillo is accused of raping at least one person under the age of 15.

The rapes allegedly took place between November 2019 and August 2021.

Investigators Howard Carlson and Kevin Forsyth handled the case.

Castillo was arraigned in Town of Oakfield Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

The Oakfield-Alabama Aggies remain undefeated on the 2022 season after swamping Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen 48-13 on Friday night.

It was senior night for the Aggies.

• Noah Currier had Carries, 131 yards, three Rushing TDs, a 32-yard reception TD, and 60-yard fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
• Bodie Hyde, five carries, 121 yards, one TD, 2-4 passing, 59 Yards, two passing TDs, and on defense, eight tackles and a fumble recovery.
• Connor Scott, two carries, 43 yards, 5 Tackles, and a fumble recovery.
• Brayden Smith, 10 tackles
• Aiden Warner, 10 tackles
• TJ Andrews , nine tackles

"It's nice to get a win against a tough opponent like CMBB, but the story tonight was about how we need to continue to work towards cleaning up a few things if we are going to accomplish the goals we want to accomplish," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "Luckily, true progress is not always linear.  We will enjoy the win tonight and look to our next opponent as an opportunity to take steps in the right direction for our team's journey."

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

Just listed - cozy country ranch​ - 6447 Oak Orchard Road, Elba.
Solid and cozy little country ranch located on 1.4 acre peaceful lot. The home has been updated throughout the years including a roof done in 2010 and new septic in approximately 2004. There is central air and a full house generator should bad weather happen. There are three large bedrooms and a nice and large first floor laundry room that is super convenient! The basement is large and could be converted to great workspace area! Current owner has utilized some alternative heat uses so there is that option as well! Also for the shop enthusiast there is a large 3 bay garage/shop-definitely a place to get things done and storage galore!! Yard is private and quiet with a peaceful little creek running along the back edge-definitely a great little piece of country living and only minutes from thruway and shopping! Call Reliant Real Estate today - call 585-344-HOME (4663)

Daniel Goodell

Daniel Lee Goodell, 41, of South Volutia Street, Wichita, Kan., is charged with sex abuse 1st. Goodell was arrested by the Sherriff's Office on a warrant in Kansas and returned to New York. He is accused of sexually abusing children less than 11 years old in 2009 and 2010 in Alexander.  He was arraigned in Town of Alexander Court and ordered held without bail. Goodell was also arrested by State Police and charged with 12 counts of Sexual Abuse 1st, 12 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of sexual conduct with a child. The State Police alleged that between 2019 and 2021, Goodell abused children less than 14 years old on multiple occasions. Goodell moved from New York before the criminal investigation was opened, according to State Police. Goodell was extradited from Kansas on Sept. 30.  On the State Police charges, he was arraigned in Town of Alexander Court and ordered held on $30,000 bail or $60,000 bond.

Delonta R. Curry, 21, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds and criminal possession of a weapon. Curry is accused of possessing a weapon on school grounds on Feb. 13 at 8:26 p.m. on Washington Avenue. He was arrested on a warrant on Sept. 24, arraigned in City Court, and ordered held on bail.

Shawn R. Wisniewski, 33, of Medina, is charged with petit larceny. Wisniewski is accused of stealing from a business on Jackson Street on Sept. 20 at 10:36 a.m. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Chazmar T. Walters, 29, of Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant on Aug. 15. The nature of the warrant was not released. Walters was released and ordered to appear in City Court at a later date.

Daniel T. Henning, 42, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th. Henning is accused of possessing stolen property while on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, on March 28 at 2:55 p.m. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance.

Jolene Y. Stevens, 33, no permanent address, is charged with failure to appear. Stevens was arrested on multiple warrants. She was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $500 bail, $1,000 bond, or $5,000 partially secured bond.

Phillip P. Heale, 44, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Heale is accused of being on property he was previously banned from being on. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Evan F. Maynard, 21, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Maynard is accused of being involved in a disturbance on Sept. 24 at 8:24 p.m. at a location on East Main Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Justin T. Calmes, 44, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Calmes is accused of violating an order of protection on Aug. 29 at midnight. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jennifer L. Cudney, 41, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. Cudney was stopped on Sept. 18 at 7:31 p.m. on Bank Street by a Batavia patrol officer. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Jason H. Freeman, 41, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Freeman is accused of stealing beer from a business on Jackson Street on Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jeffrey A. Hewitt, 43 of Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to properly signal, driver's view obstructed, unlicensed driver, and aggravated unlicensed operation 1st. Hewitt was stopped by a Batavia patrol office on Sept. 25 at 10:37 a.m. on Summit Street. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Laura B. Beatty, 44, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child 1st. Beatty is accused of providing alcohol to a juvenile at her residence on Oak Street on Sept. 24 at 10:05 p.m. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian M. Raphael, 34, of Batavia, and Michelle L. Misiak, 57, of Batavia are charged with petit larceny. Raphael and Misiak are accused of stealing groceries on Sept. 27 from a store on East Main Street, Batavia. Both were issued appearance tickets.

Karrie A. Morrow, 39, of Batavia, was arrested on two bench warrants. The nature of the warrants was not released. She was released under supervision. Morrow was also arrested by State Police on a petit larceny charge. Morrow is accused of stealing merchandise valued at $17.98 from 48 Express Deli on Park Road on Sept. 29. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Renee Lynn Coughlin, 32, of Park Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with falsely reporting an incident 3rd.  Coughlin is accused of falling reporting an incident to police on Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. on Park Avenue in Oakfield. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jamie Lee Broadbent, 39, of Federal Drive, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Broadbent is accused of entering an unsecured storage room and a vacant room at a hotel at 4371 Federal Drive, Batavia, and stealing items belonging to the hotel. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Hunter Joseph Stetz, 19, of Zimmerman Road, Hamburg, is charged with possession of a forged instrument. Stetz is accused of being in possession of a forged NYS driver's license on Aug. 25 at 8:15 p.m. while at Darien Lake. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Dale W. Gress, 54, of Elba, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Gress was stopped by State Police on Oct. 5 at 12:13 a.m. in the Town of Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Click here to check out our new listings

Elba Central School’s Future Farmers of America cleaned house at the New York State Fair, picking up several awards for the 2022 Premier National Junior Dairy Show and All-American Dairy Show.

The students and their awards are:

Senior showmanship

• Maggie Winspear - 12th place and in the finals drive
• Amelia Brewer - participant in the semi-finals

Intermediate showmanship

• Addison Keberle - participant in the semi-finals
• Bing Zuber - participant

Junior showmanship

• Tate Zuber - participant

All-American Junior Show

• Bing Zuber - 16th with his Brown Swiss
• Tate Zuber - 15th with his Brown Swiss
• Amelia Brewer - 10th with her Ayrshire
• Amelia Brewer - 35th her Holstein
• Addison Keberle - 3rd with her Holstein heifer
• Maggie Winspear - 5th with her Jersey heifer
• Maggie Winspear - 3rd place with her Holstein heifer
• Maggie Winspear - 1st place aged cow, senior champion, grand champion

Photo submitted by Elba Central School.

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies scored 38 unanswered points through four quarters on their way to a 38-6 over Le Roy at home on Friday night.

Connor Scott opened the scoring with a 57-yard run at the start of the game to ignite the Aggie's offense.  Brodie Scott completed a pass to Noah Currier for the next score, then hit Connor Scott in the second quarter and scored himself twice in the third.  OAE's final score came early in the fourth quarter when Hyde connected with Kyle Porter on a 51-yard TD reception.

OAE compiled 475 yards in total offense to 188 for the Oatkan Knights.

Hyde completed six of 12 pass attempts for 156 yards and three TDs.  He was intercepted once.

Currier gained 134 yards on 19 runs, Hyde 93 on 16 attempts.

Kyle Porter had two receptions for 70 yards.

On defense, Nate Finta had five tackles.

For the Knights, Adrian Stephens was 5-13 passing for 41 yards. Jackson Fix rushed eight times for 70 yards and a TD. On defense, Tony Piazza had 9.5 tackles.

"A win like this against an opponent like LeRoy is huge for our team," said Aggies Head Coach Tyler Winter. "While the first half still was not the cleanest on our end, the way our guys came out of halftime and kept the pedal down on a good opponent speaks to what we are capable of, both physically and mentally.  They are really taking to our 'process over product' approach, and doing a phenomenal job of taking each opponent as they come.  For them, the next challenge is the biggest one."

Top photo: Le Roy’s Xavien Walker (44) holds on to Connor Scott (22).

Photos by Ed Henry

OAE’s Connor Scott (22) scores a TD early in the game.

OAE’s Noah Currier (20) snags a TD catch.

Le Roy’s Jack Tonzi grabs a reception in the flats.

Le Roy’s Drew Strollo (34) turns the corner.

OAE’s Aiden Warner holds on after an Antonio Martinez collision.

OA-E’s QB Bodie Hyde

OAE’s Angelo Penna (55) and Connor Scott (22) celebrate up top. 

Additional photos below by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.