Alexander

Press release:

The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Chapter announced the names of 33 career and technical student inductees this month. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this induction ceremony event was canceled.

These students met the rigorous criteria set forth by this national organization. The minimum grade-point average for acceptance is a 3.0. Students are also selected based upon credit hours completed, attendance, volunteer service, and membership in other student organizations.

2020 Batavia Career and Technical Education Center NTHS Inductees

Animal Science

• Kasey Smith, Alexander

Building Trades

• Quinten Betances, Batavia
• Garrett Totten, Pembroke
• Timothy Walsh, Batavia
• Justin Wight, Oakfield-Alabama

Criminal Justice

• Adriana Cauthen, Pembroke
• Will Minkel, Attica
• Scout Seelau, Pembroke
• Jordan Waterbury, Akron

Cosmetology

• Delaney Ingles, Le Roy
• Madison Masters, Le Roy
• Rylie Merle, Alexander
• Lilia Toland, Attica

Culinary Arts

• Isaiah Merrell, Batavia Academy

Diesel Mechanics

• Joshua Conrad, Attica
• Dillon Weber, Alexander

Electro Mechanical Trades

• Matthew Bills, Batavia
• Devin Dean, Alexander
• Adam Dulski, Pembroke
• Troy Helsdon, Batavia
• Henry Schafer, Notre Dame
• Zachary Strzelec, Attica

Graphic Arts

• Blake Paserk, Batavia

Health Dimensions

• Keri Biggins, Le Roy
• Krysta Hansen, Alexander
• Skye Magoffin, Pembroke

Metal Trades

• Jesse Bray, Batavia
• Daniel Gerstiz, Attica
• Nicole Hume, Alexander
• Chase Pangrazio, Batavia

Programming and Interactive Media

• Riley Atwood, Batavia
• Dominic D’Agostino, Oakfield-Alabama
• Quintin Konieczny, Batavia

About 10 minutes ago, a caller to dispatch reported a small child was left unattended inside a black minivan in a driveway in the 10,000 block of Main Street in Alexander.

The caller was concerned about the child's welfare because of the heat. It is the 90-degree range today. A deputy responded but the vehicle was apparently gone by then because she reported that she had no contact with it.

When temperatures outside range from 80 degrees to 100 degrees, the temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can quickly climb to between 130 to 172, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The temperature inside a closed car rises most quickly during the first 15 minutes that it is left in the sun, according to the CDC.

Joshua Lee Baltz, 44, of Sparks Road, Pavilion, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a felony; driving while under the influence of drugs; and speeding -- going 76 in a 55-mph zone. Baltz was stopped for speeding on Alexander Road in Alexander at 11:51 p.m. on May 23 and allegedly found to be impaired by drugs. He was issued appearance tickets for Town of Alexander Court on July 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Warren David Post, 52, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI -- operating while having a BAC of .08 percent or higher; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; and failure to keep right. On May 24, Post was arrested at 4:44 p.m. on Pearl Street Road in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was released on traffic tickets returnable to Batavia Town Court on July 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Brianna S. Green, 23, of Batavia (no address provided), was arrested and charged with petit larceny following a shoplifting complaint at Walmart in the Town of Warsaw (Wyoming County). On March 29, it is alleged that she stole $65.82 in merchandise. Green was arrested on May 23 on the charge. She is due in Town of Warsaw Court on July 13. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan.

A tractor-trailer and car collided at 10660 Main St., Alexander. The vehicle rolled over; a female passenger is crawling out of the vehicle, according to a first responder on scene. Mercy Flight is on ground standby in Batavia. Route 98 traffic is "totally blocked."

Alexander and Mercy medics are responding. Attica Fire Police are called to shut down Route 98 at Stroh Road. Also, Route 98 is being shut down at "Four Corners." A hook tow truck is called for a full-size semi on its side.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: A first responder says "It looks like we'll have all sign-offs, but they need to be evaluated."

UPDATE 1:34 p.m.: Mercy Flight will not be needed and is put back in service. 

Route information from Bill and Jeanne Freeman​:

Cruising for Mercy Flight is a car-cruise fundraiser that will be held on Sunday, June 7, escorted by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies.

Participants -- including classic automobile enthusiasts, hot rodders, vintage car owners, and people with way cool rides -- will assemble at the Genesee County Fairgrounds at 5056 E. Main St. Road (Route 5) in Batavia, and the procession will leave at approximately 1 p.m.

And this cavalcade surely must include thankful everyday operators who carry a valid license to drive in New York, have a vehicle that has adequate gasoline in the tank, is inspected, insured and runs.

They can all rally around Mercy Flight, a really good reason to enjoy some fresh air with people for a change, whether the weather cooperates or not weather weather permitting.

The Route

• From fairgrounds, turn left onto Route 5 westbound (about 1 p.m.);
• In Batavia, turn right on Route 98 north to Elba (1:15 p.m.)
• In Elba, turn right onto Route 262 going through Byron and into Bergen (1:35 p.m.);
• In Bergen, turn right onto Route 19 southbound through Le Roy (1:45 p.m.);
• Keep on Route 19 south to Pavilion (1:52 p.m.);
• Turn right on Route 63 westbound in Pavilion to go to junction of routes 63 & 20 (1:55 p.m.);
• Turn left onto Route 20 at Texaco Town (2 p.m.);
• Take Route 20 through Bethany and Alexander, to Route 77 westbound to Darien Center (2:15 p.m.);
• Take Route 77 northbound from Darien Center to Alabama (2:35 p.m.);
• Turn right on to Route 63 in Alabama and go to Oakfield (2:45 p.m.);
• Approximately 1 mile down the road, turn left onto Route 262 to Elba;
• In Elba turn right on to Route 98. This will take you back to Route 5 and also to the Batavia Exit on the Thruway.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR MERCY FLIGHT!

We would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, especially Undersheriff Brad Mazur, the Genesee County Agricultural Society, and the Batavia and Le Roy police departments!

We certainly appreciate your support in being a part of this cruise. Be careful on your way home.

We sure hope to see everyone next month.

Stay Healthy and Be Safe,

Bill and Jeanne Freeman

UPDATE 12:28 p.m. May 21: A Mercy Flight Helicopter on a truck and trailer will be in the convoy, being held "in memory of all the former cruisers that have passed before us." A goodwill collection for Mercy Flight will be taken at the start of the event.

Here are the rules:

1. If you get out of your car you have to wear a mask.
2. If you do get out of your car be sure to practice social distancing.
3. If you bring a snack and a beverage with you, please take home any trash. 
4. CARRY IN AND CARRY OUT PLEASE!

Questions, call Jeanne Freeman at (585) 548-7197 before June 7.

With all of the traditional ways seniors celebrate and commemorate their final year of high school canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of parents in and community members in Alexander came together to provide gift baskets to the Class of 2020.

Press release:

Out of an abundance of caution and uncertainty of local and state restrictions/conditions in the month of July, the Alexander Fire Department Truck and Tractor Pull, originally scheduled for July 10^th and 11^th has been cancelled.

It is not the decision that we wanted to make but it was the necessary one for this year. The fans, pullers, sponsors, and vendors deserve the very best from us and given the conditions that we have been placed in with the COVID-19 pandemic it is not feasible at this time. 

We thoroughly love bringing all the people to Alexander Fireman’s Grounds for our event and do not want to compromise anyone. Protecting and serving our community is our first priority and we take our responsibility seriously. 

The Alexander Truck and Tractor Pull is one of our major fundraisers which helps Alexander Fire Department to function and we take great pride in making the Pull a great event each year. We cannot do this without the volunteer help, support of the community and local businesses. We cannot afford to take this risk and endanger the physical and financial condition of our group. 

We appreciate the support of our fans, pullers, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, friends, family, and Empire State Pullers. We look forward to returning July 9^th and 10^th, 2021 and invite you to join us then for some of the best truck and tractor pulling. Mark your calendars!

Thank you,

Alexander Fire Department

Public Notice

The Dry Bridge Road over the NSX railroad tracks in the Town of Alexander is open to all traffic.

Timothy J. Hens, P.E., Superintendent

Genesee County Highway Department

Benjamin J. Dills, 27, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with two misdemeanors: reckless endangerment in the second degree; and fourth-degree criminal mischief. At 3:40 p.m. on May 3, Dills was arrested in the 10000 block of West Bethany Road, Bethany, after a bullet struck a nearby residence when he was allegedly target shooting. The family was at home at the time. Dill was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Bethany Town Court on June 2. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen, Dpeuty Mathew Clor, Deputy Kyle Krzemien, and Environmental Conservation Officer Fay Fuerch.

Robert Edward Gerlach II, 45, of Broadway Road, Alexander, was arrested on April 30 on Broadway Road in Alexander after Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to a complaint of dogs running at large. At 7:14 p.m., deputies responded to an animal complaint and following an investigation, determined Gerlach owns three dogs and was allegedly allowing them to run at large on other people's properties. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Alexander Court on July 14. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

His primary instrument is guitar. He also plays tenor sax, trombone and bass guitar.

Press release:

WHEN ASKED WHAT HIS GREATEST HS MUSICAL MEMORY IS, LOWELL RESPONDED:

"Being a part of the Alexander Jazz Experience was not only the most wholesome and fulfilling introduction to Jazz, but it also left me with a gratitude and sense of preparedness for performing in ensembles."

Lowell's goal is to work in the music industry as a composer/arranger, and songwriter. He currently enjoys spending time composing and producing using Abelton Live.

WHEN ASKED WHAT HIS FAVORITE PERFORMANCE AND VENUE WAS HE RESPONDED:

"The Riviera Theater in Buffalo in 2017 for the Music is Arts Festival with the Alexander Jazz Experience. We played a combination of jazz standards such as Cold Duck Time and St. Thomas as well as some Funk/Fusion jams such as Chameleon and Watermelon Man."

Lowell's main influences are: His teacher Dan Klinczar, Michael League of Snarky Puppy, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Stephen Sondheim.

Lowell will be attending SUNY Purchase in the fall where he will be studying Studio Composition! We wish him luck and are so proud of all of his accomplishments.

A few days ago, we shared a photo from Sarah Wessel, in Alexander, of three eggs in a nest. Today, she shared this photo of two hatchlings.

Sarah Wessel, in Alexander, submitted this photo with a note that said, "Jasmine and Anabelle’s house. Spring is here."

It was a busy day for the Easter Bunny in Genesee County today, among the stops -- the Village of Alexander, where the Bunny was given a ride and escort by the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department for all the children to see.

An accident with unknown injuries involving a tractor-trailer and small sedan have collided at Bowen and Broadway roads in Alexander. Alexander Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE: 9:36 a.m.: No injuries appear to have been reported as no Mercy rig was called. A tow is responding for the sedan.

A dump truck vs. car accident with unknown injuries is reported in Alexander at 10088 Alexander Road (Route 98). Alexander Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Goodman and Sprague roads.

Press release:

The 18th annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner originally scheduled for April 18 has been postponed indefinitely.

The dinner is a joint effort of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, the Genesee County Farm Bureau, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County and Genesee County Soil and Water.  

It is hoped that the dinner, which is held at the Alexander Fire Hall and annually draws more than 300 people, can be rescheduled at a later date.

Press release:

Maple Weekend Announcement

Out of an abundance of caution, the New York State Maple Producers Association has decided to cancel the 2020 NYS Maple Weekend.

In Genesee County, that includes participation by Randall’s Maple Products on Smithley Road in Alexander, which had planned to take part in the educational part of Maple Weekend.

This 25th anniversary festival was scheduled this weekend -- March 21-22 -- and the following weekend -- March 28-29 -- at 187 different locations statewide.

Individual sugarhouses will continue to produce, stock and market their excellent crop of maple products. Please contact them directly to order your favorite maple products.

NYS Maple Producers Association is already preparing for an alternative series of open houses later in the year to showcase both producer and product. Consult MapleWeekend.com for future events. If you have questions, contact us via email at:  mapleweekend@nysmaple.com

Public Notice

Gary W. Hensley is indicted for the crime of burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 7, Hensley knowingly entered, or remained unlawfully, in a building in the 4000 block of Gilhooly Road in Alexander with the intention of committing a crime. In count two, Hensley is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony, for allegedly stealing property consisting of one or more firearms, rifles or shotguns -- in this case a Charter Arms revolver. In count three, Hensley is charged with petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing property of the victim: a wooden jewelry box, loose change, a flashlight, a silver bracelet, a large commemorative penny, bedding and a Snapple box with miscellaneous property inside.