Critical mistakes at the start of the game put Alexander in a hole that it could never escape in today’s Section V semi-final game against Avon at Marina Auto Stadium in Rochester.

Alexander lost 34-0.

Alexander Head Coach Dave Radley agreed, the first quarter was where the game was lost.

“Definitely. Came out a little jittery, a little scared," Radley said after the game. "A lot of these kids have never been in the big show, any kind of sectional playoff, any kind of tournament. Definately, the first quarter killed us."

Even so, he said, it was a great year for his team and the Trojan players have a lot to be proud of.

"Hold your heads high, you played a hell of a season," Radley said he told his players. "You know, 5-3 for the first time, getting to the semi-finals of the sectionals for the first time ever in the history of the school – it hurts, but hold your heads high, learn from it. Learn from it."

From its first possession, the game didn't go Alexander's way.

The opening kickoff went to Alexander, and a combination of a penalty and a run play pushed back for a loss, had the Trojan’s kicking from the Avon’s 10-yard line. The fourth-down punt snap was fumbled and kicker Lucas Czechowski was sacked on the three-yard line.

Even though the Braves were handed a huge opportunity with the ball just three yards from the end zone, Avon came away with only a three-point field goal.

When the Braves kicked off to Alexander following the field goal, however, mere misfortunate turned into disaster when two Alexander players went for the high bouncing ball on the 40-yard line and both failed to find the handle.

Rich Welch would carry the ball in from the three-yard line just three plays later.

By the end of the quarter, after a 33-yard pass from James Stanton to Pat Campbell, Alexander was down 17-0, and the Trojans were down 20-0 at the half.

To start the third quarter, the Braves scored a TD again, making the score 27-0, where it stood with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.

The Trojans have been unable to make any headway on offense. Alexander managed only 49 yards and three first downs in the first half.

With less than four minutes left in the game, Alexander was again unable to move the ball and following a four-and-out, the Braves scored again when Derrick Quicken carried the ball 40 yards for the score. That made it 34-0, which is how the game ended.

"If you make mistakes against a tough team like Avon, it’s going to be hard to win," Coach Radley said.

In other related action: In Class C, #2 seed Attica beat #7 seed South Seneca, 28-0.

Also in Class C, #6 seed Marcus Whitman played at Holley against the #3 ranked Hawks at 3 p.m.. That score is not yet available.

An obituary appeared today in the Buffalo News for Jared Peters, child of Timothy and Linda Peters.

Friday, Pembroke Central School District announced the death of one of its students. We cannot confirm at this time that the reports are connected.

Visitation will be.. at the Wendel & Loecher Funeral Home, 27 Aurora St., Lancaster, 4 to 8 p.m. tomorrow. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's RC Church, Lancaster, at 8:30 a.m. on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Women's and Children's Hospital.

Jared's sisers are Megen and Kristin.

A suspected 20-year-old drug dealer from Rochester was nabbed in the Batavia Downs parking lot at 5:15 p.m. on Friday.

At the time of his arrest, Steven Anthony Bertolone, of 28 Sand Pebble Drive, Rochester, was allegedly found to possess a wide array of drugs and cash.

Bertolone was identified as a suspect in local ketamine distribution by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. Bertolone allegedly sold ketamine to an undercover agent.

At the time of his arrest, Bertolone was allegedly found holding four packages of ketamine, 10 packages of dimethyltryptamine, 20 packages of LSD, as well as cocaine and marijuana, along with $1,200 in cash.

The charges against Bertolone: Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree (misdemeanors), and unlawful possession of marijuana.

The suspected drug dealer was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Uninformed deputies as well as the District Attorney's office assisted in the investigation and arrest.

Now is the time to step up.

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are in the semi-finals of sectional play, one of four teams remaining in their class, and that means the blue and gold will be facing some tough hombres.

Tomorrow, Notre Dame gets one of its toughest challenges of 2009 when the team takes on the Golden Knights of York. Both teams will enter Marina Auto Stadium in Rochester with 6-1 records.

Notre Dame comes in as the #2 seed vs. York's #3, but Head Coach Rick Mancuso isn't taking anything for granted.

"There’s only four teams left in our class," Mancuso said. "Everybody’s good now. We’re not playing an eight, we’re not playing a seven. We’re playing somebody else who has earned their way here. They’re 6-1. They come from a great league. They’ve beat some very, very good teams. The only loss they had came against a team in an absolute torrential downpour, so you can throw that one out the window. They’re a very good team and they deserve to be where they’re at. They deserve all of our respect, which we’re definitely going to give them."

Mancuso expects Notre Dame's defense to face a team that features an attacking, passing offense.

The Irish managed to win against a passing team -- uncommon in the Genesee Regional League -- this past week in Red Jacket, but gave up more than 200 yards.

"I’m sure they’re going to try and throw the ball," Mancuso said. "It looks like that’s what our weakness is. We’ve got to try and be a little more disciplined and stop that."

In its preview coverage, the Livingston County News also highlights York's passing game, shining a spotlight on wide receiver Adam Illerbrun.

Illerbrun, a 5-foot-9, 155-pound senior wideout, leads the Golden Knights’ air attack with 302 yards on 17 catches (18 avg).

The News also notes that Golden Knights are plus-16 on turnovers, among the best turnover ratios in the section.

Notre Dame's game time is 6:30 p.m..

The winner will face either #4 Cuba-Rushford (5-2) or #1 Dundee (7-0), who square off at 4 p.m. in Rochester.

In other Saturday games, in Class C, #6 seed Marcus Whittman (5-2)  visits #3 Holley (6-1) at 3 p.m. In Class DD, #3 Alexander (5-2) takes on #2 Avon (6-1) at 1:30 p.m. in Rochester.

Tonight, Attica played South Seneca, but that score is not yet available.

I'm speechless, almost. Who can resist a fowl like this, and decked out in baseball duds no less. I say "rah-rah-sis-boom-bah" for this fair-feathered femme. Thus, she's Pet of the Week.

Emma is a chicken. She is a Belgian Bearded d'Uccle Bantam. We currently have 10 d'Uccles. 

Six of them are chicks ranging from the age of  20-days to 13-days old. The adult hens that we have are two-and-a-half years old, and I am unsure of the age of the new rooster that we obtained. I think he's 4 or 5 years old.

Emma won Best of Show at the Genesee County Fair this year along with many other awards. She also won Best d'Uccle at the Poultry Show at the Genesee Country Museum's Agricultural Fair as well.

I have taken her to area preschools and the Byron-Bergen Public Library for visits. And just this past April, she went to the Batavia Nursing home with 4-H (along with some rabbits, a guinea pig and another chicken).

Emma is very friendly and inquisitive. Just this weekend, my husband was getting the boat trailer ready, to go get our boat from the marina, and Emma was right there with him watching him work on the lights!

Here is a picture of Emma last year at Halloween. She dressed up as a baseball player! She was so funny. We called her "Derek Tweeter."

Susan Brownell

Emergency crews from Pembroke and Indian Falls are heading to the Thruway to mile marker 403, westbound, to aid the driver of a tractor-trailer. He's reported to be out of the rig, covered with a blanket and dizzy. State Police are on scene.

Town of Batavia Engine 24 and Mercy EMS are responding to reported vehicle accident at 5210 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia.

There are reportedly injuries, but EMS was just told to respond non-emergency.

UPDATE: Engine 24 being called back. Only Rescue 20 responding at this time.

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Michael L. Jackson -- who is charged with a count of burglary in the third degree, two counts of grand larceny in the third degree, and two counts criminal mischief in the second degree -- was back in Genesee County Superior Court this morning.

He appeared before Judge Robert Noonan, who set a hearing for his case at 10 a.m. on Nov. 18.

Jackson, who lives in Oakfield, is accused breaking into Holland High Lift, 10033 East Road, Bethany. He allegedly stole a 42-inch Viewsonic flatscreen television, a Samsung 22-inch flatscreen television and a Sony digital camera. He also allegedly stole a 2005 Ford Supercab 250.

Jackson also allegedly damaged an office window, a display case, light fixtures, drywall, a motorcycle, computer equipment and an overhead door. He also allegedly damaged the Ford truck. He was one of a group of people alleged to have committed the crimes, although no others have been arrested due to insufficient evidence.

He is also accused of tampering with a witness in the fourth degree after he allegedly went to the home of one of the witnesses and attempted to induce her not to testify before the Grand Jury.

On Sept. 3, Jackson posted a $10,000 bond and is now free awaiting trial.

The 25-year-old Le Roy man accused of robbing Five Star Bank in Pavilion Oct. 5 pleaded guilty this morning in Genesee County Superior Court.

Nick A. Hawkins, of 24 W. Main St., copped to felony robbery in the third degree, which could result in two-and-a-half to seven years in state prison.

When asked by Judge Robert Noonan if he forcibly stole $443 from Five Star Bank, Hawkins said he did.

"I gave her a note that said 'Put the money in the bag now, thanks.' That's exactly what it said," Hawkins testified.

The crime prompted a four-hour manhunt in Pavilion involving deputies from Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston counties as well as State Police and the DEC all-terrain-vehicle unit.

Hawkins also pleaded guilty today to felony burglary in the third degree for breaking into a building at Frost Ridge Campground, located at 8108 Conlon Road, in the Town of Le Roy in April 2001.

The penalty for that is one-and-a-third to four years if his request for youthful offender status is accepted by Judge Noonan.

Sentencing on both charges, which are to run concurrently, is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on Dec. 8. Hawkins remains in county jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Three orders of protection were also set forth by Judge Robert Noonan for the three bank employees present on the morning of the robbery.

Hawkins' attorney, Gary Horton, said afterward that he's probably looking at two-and-a-half years on a concurrent sentence.

City Fire is being dispatched to UMMC for a reported hazardous material situation in an operating room.

Reportedly, approximately four to eight ounces of a noxious material has spilled.

The area has been evacuated and cordoned off.

Engine 12 and Ladder 15 are responding to evaluate the situation.

UPDATE 10:13 a.m.: Fire officials are saying it's a minor spill and can be cleaned up with soap and water.  I believe it is Chief Ralph Hyde who just said, "This is a minor spill that we can handle with no problem."

Robin Lee Buckman, 40, 7 Otis Street, Batavia Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Buckman is accused of shoplifting four DVDs from the TA Travel Center in Pembroke.

Officials of the Pembroke Central School district announced on the district Web site this morning that a student died late Thursday afternoon (pdf).

The notification informs parents that tests for influenza came back negative and that the Genesee County Health Department determined it was safe for children to attend school today.

Counselors are available for students who need to talk about their friend's passing.

No further details were given.

Superintendent Gary Mix is currently meeting with district staff and not immediately available for comment.

UPDATE 10:36 a.m.: Superintendent Gary Mix just issued a written statement to the media, but included no new information apart from the prior statement.  It says, "It is out of respect for the family of our student that we cannot release any additional information at this time."

UPDATE 10:59 a.m.: Randy Garney, interim health director for Genesee County, said he can't legally release any information. A source tells me the death occurred in Erie County.  A woman I spoke to at the Erie Couny Health Department said that department isn't likely to release any information, and that nobody would even be able to return my call until late this afternoon.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: A spokesman for the Erie County Health Department just called. He referred me back to Gensee County, saying that even though the death occurred in Erie County, "it's Genesee County public health case."

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: Gary Mix just released this statement: "As an update, in our most recent consultation with the Genesee County Health Department and the New York State Department of Health, the District has been informed that the cause of death for the Pembroke Central School student is still to be determined."

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: I e-mailed Randy Garney asking for more information.  Here is his response: "This is a pending investigation.  Due to HIPPA Act, by Federal Law, I can not share any patient medical information.  However I will tell you that the NYSDOH or the GCHD has never ruled out influenza as a cause. "

Full announcement after the jump:

It is with a great deal of sadness and sympathy that we are notifying you that one of our
students passed away late Thursday afternoon.

Medical tests did indicate that the influenza screen came back negative, therefore ruling
out the flu.

In consultation with the school district’s physician, who in turn consulted with the
Genesee County Health Department, it was determined that it is safe and appropriate to
have school in session today.

The student’s principal, Mr. Calderon did personally contact the parents of the child’s
immediate classmates to inform them of the loss of a dear friend on Thursday evening.

Plans have been made to provide counseling services for our students who may wish to
talk with a counselor.

If you should have questions please feel free to contact your building principal or school
nurse.

Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Great Kutz is Batavia's newest full-service hair salon. Women, try Great Kutz for a haircut at the incredibly low price of $7, exclusive offer from to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

Kravings, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Try the fresh, skinless haddock fish fry on Fridays. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl St., Batavia, NY: Winter teas, spices and fall colors for your home in stunning floral arrangements and seasonal wreaths are now available at Herbly Wonderful. We have a $25 gift certificate for $11.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

A one-vehicle accident has been reported in the roundabout on Oak Street.

The car apparently hit several traffic cones.

The initial call indicated there may have been an injury and City Fire and Mercy EMS were dispatched. A police officer who was first on scene reported no injuries and fire and EMS were canceled.

UPDATE: Police on scene have requested the nearest available tow. The car is stuck on the median, its front axle is damaged and the rear tire is going flat. The car is a Saturn.

Here's a special request for aid from the Volunteers for Animals of Genesee County:

We had two dogs come into the Shelter with leg injuries this past week. Snickers is a 6-8 month old Boxer who had been on the loose for awhile. She was finally caught, but only after being hit by a car.

An X-ray revealed a fracture to the front leg which has to be surgically repaired. She is scheduled for surgery next week. She may have a slight limp but there is no risk of her losing the entire leg. 

Midnight is an adult Lab mix. He was a stray just looking for someone to take him home. Instead, someone shot him in the hind leg! Midnight was fortunate enough to find a family that called the Sheriffʼs Department and reported the dogʼs condition. An Animal Control Officer responded and immediately took him to the vet.

The leg was too shattered to save, so Midnight was scheduled for a leg amputation the following day. He is doing very well after his surgery and canʼt wait to leave the vetʼs office! 

In spite of their injuries, both dogs are quite sweet and friendly. Midnight is a wonderful guy who just wants someone to pet and love him forever. He is a hit at the vetʼs office. Snickers is quieter and more reserved, but loves to follow you around.

Volunteers For Animals is able to take care of these dogs because of the generosity of people like you. We are asking for assistance to help with the cost of both dogsʼ surgeries. Below is a link to our website where you can make a donation through PayPal. Or you can drop off or mail in a donation. Please make all checks payable to: Volunteers For Animals.

Thank you for your support.

YES, I WANT TO HELP SNICKERS AND MIDNIGHT AND ALL THE ANIMALS AT THE SHELTER!

Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY 14021
www.vol4animals.org

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main St. Road
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 to 3 p.m. (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday - 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Why do a small town's best and brightest young people relocate to big cities?

The common assumption is that they leave to seek better opportunities or more excitement.

Bill Kauffman has a different theory -- our teachers, civic leaders, parents and American culture try to convince rural young people that to be an achiever, you have to go elsewhere. There's little thought to the notion that you can achieve right where you're rooted.

Kauffman discusses this idea in a book review for the Wall Street Journal:

The sharpest insight in "Hollowing Out the Middle" is that "small towns play an unwitting role in their own decline" by inculcating, in school and too often at home, the belief that fulfilling one's promise means leaving for the city lights or the manicured suburbs. The purpose of education today, as Kentucky poet-farmer Wendell Berry argues, is to train young people to leave home. And so, the authors note, "the investment the community has made in them becomes a boon for someplace else."

Batavia is full of bright, young people who have decided to stay, or who have come back. I've met them. Batavia's future would be even brighter if we could convince more of them to stay and help build new businesses and invest in the community that nurtured them.

Read the whole thing.

Old Engine 24 will soon find a new home with a rural fire department in Latin America.

The Batavia Volunteer Fire Department transferred ownership of the engine, which was replaced in July by a new rig, to the 911 FUND today (warning: site has automatic audio).

"The Town of Batavia Fire Department is committed to doing its share to help rural fire departments in Latin America where such assistance could literally mean the difference between life and death for firefighters and the civilian population who they protect," said Michael Jones, president of the department in a statement.  

During the past eight years, the 911 FUND has donated dozens of fire trucks, ambulances, millions of dollars in equipment and extensive training to Latin America and other parts of the world.

UPDATE: I e-mailed Michael Jones with a couple of questions I had about the transfer of the truck. Here is his reply:

The Truck was purchased for $3k by the 911 fund.  Our board didn't feel it would be a responsible decision to give the truck free and clear without recouping some of its value when taking our communities taxpayer's into consideration.   However, the $3k was a deep discount fro the $8k that it was posted for sale as.  In addition to the vehicle we also included pike polls, ladders, hard suction lines, and various other equpiment that will greatly aide those in Argetina, which is the engine's final destination.  The 911 Fund tells us that the engine will be the only vehicle that that rural fire department will have.  Although we are sad to see the vehicle go we are equally happy knowing that our engine will help reduce the loss of life by increasing protection to those fire fighters their community.

Ryan Lee Krupp, 24, 13 Pringle Ave., Batavia (pictured), is charged with criminal possession of stolen property and unlawful possession of marijuana. These are additional charges stemming from his arrest Oct. 16, which involved an alleged escape and an alleged assault on a deputy. At the time of his arrest, Krupp was allegedly found in possession of a stolen credit card and marijuana. Krupp remains in custody without bail.

William Didir Gamble, 18, of 144 Leicestershire Road, Rochester, is charged with harassment. Gamble is accused of striking and threatening two roommates at College Village.

A 10-year-old boy in Pavilion has been charged with sexual abuse in the first degree and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges stem from a report filed with the State Police on Aug. 25.  The arrest was Sept. 11. It was in the State Police blotter today. The boy was released without bail. No further details are available.

Spencer T. Johns, 18, of Castile, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Johns was issued an appearance ticket by State Police after being arrested in the Town of Bethany at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. No further details are available.

In a decision that allowed Batavia City Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian to receive unemployment benefits after her termination from Wal-Mart, an administrative law judge in Buffalo found that Christian's supervisor previously let employees eat damaged food items.

Mark Sokolowski said he found the testimony of Christian about the matter more credible than the testimony of the Wal-Mart representative, who is not named in Sokolowski's ruling.

Rose Mary Christian, who is a candidate for District 7 County Legislature, dropped a copy of the ruling off at The Batavian's office this afternoon. Christian's termination from Wal-Mart became a public issue when former Democrat Tim Paine provide an e-mail to local media where Christian admits to fellow council members that Wal-Mart let her go.  Paine is admittedly disgruntled over what he sees as Christian blocking his plan to run for City Council this year.

The ruling states:

"Although the claimant acknowledged that she was aware that she was supposed to scan a damaged item and throw it out, since the claimant's supervisor allowed deli associates to eat damaged food items as samples, I am not persuaded that the claimant was aware that she placed her job in jeopardy when she ate a piece of cake on January 26, 2008," Sokolowski wrote. "It is also significant that the claimant was not the first associate to eat a piece of cake, reinforcing to the claimant that it would be okay to eat the cake. At worst the claimant used poor judgment when she ate a piece of cake on January 26, 2008, however her poor judgment in this instance does not rise to the level of misconduct within the meaning of the Unemployment Insurance Law."

"Accordingly," he adds, "I conclude that he claimant was separated from her employment under non-disqualifying circumstances."

Sokolowski overturned a prior Department of Labor finding that Christian was not qualified for unemployment benefits because of her termination.