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Person reportedly trapped in hay baler on Alexander Road, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A person is reportedly trapped in a hay baler at 10850 Alexander Road. Alexander fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 10:45 p.m.: A farm worker died in this accident. According to investigators at the scene a farmer and his crew were using a tractor with an attached hay baler and they noticed the baler was not releasing. The farmer and workers attempted to correct the problem and a male became caught in the baler as they were attempting to fix it. It was a newer model baler, investigators said. The accident remains under investigation by the Sheriff's Office and more information is expected to be released later. (Report courtesy Alecia Kaus/Video News Service).

UPDATE 3:36 a.m.: The victim is identified as Scott R. Booth Jr., 23, of 34 Market St., Attica.

Football Round Up: Week #3

By Howard B. Owens

Attica 21, Alexander 9. Alexander played a tough game, but fell to GR rivals Attica, 21-9. The Trojans are now 1-2 on the season and Attica is 3-0. QB Jared Browne was five fo 12 for 113 yards. Samuel Brown was one for two passing for 58 yards and a TD, which was caught by Jacob Riggs. The Trojans were held to 34 yards on the ground on 26 carries. Zack Shilvock made a 45-yard field goal. Ty Laird had seven tackles and Rick Amico, Tristan Aldinger and Riggs all notched six each.

Batavia 41, Hornell 21. The Blue Devils had 350 total yards on the ground. Dominick Mogavero had three touchdowns. 

Photos by Rick Franclemont.

Law and Order: Oakfield resident accused of growing marijuana

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel C. Frey, 50, of Oakfield, is charged with unlawful growing of cannabis and criminal possession of marijuana, 4th. Frey was arrested by State Police at 12:57 p.m. Friday on Klossen Road, Alabama. No further details released.

Jason A. Perry-Murray, 20, of Jackson Street, Batavia, was arrested on warrant for an unpaid parking ticket.

Juan A. Roman, 36, of Portland Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt. Roman is accused of violating a stay away order of protection.

Caitlin A. Hayes, 26, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear on a parking ticket. Hayes was arrested following police contact on an unrelated incident.

Elliot R. Sandoval, 38, of Spencer Court, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Sandoval is accused of kicking another person in the back while that person was walking down a flight of stairs.

Joseph J. Kostanciak, 24, of unspecified address, is charged with petit larceny. Kostanciak is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Sanders A. Kelsey, 27, of Batavia, and Michelle L. Franks, 33, of Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Kelsey and Franks are accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Carol A. Bartucca, 55, of Stafford, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Bartucca was stopped at 10:16 p.m. Saturday on Horseshoe Lake Road by a trooper.

Jeremy D. Eck, 27, of Hornell, is charged with DWI, driving while impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana. Eck was stopped by State Police at 10:27 p.m. Sunday on Route 20 and Browns Mill Road, Alexander.

Lawrence E. Rutkowski, 50, of Orchard Park, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Rutkowski was stopped at 12:11 a.m. Monday on Route 20, Alexander, by State Police.

Brett F. Dieter, 36, of Basom, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Dieter was arrested following an investigation of an alleged incident at 8:10 p.m. Sept. 1 on Lewiston Road, Alabama.

Michael R. Sigl, 21, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Sigl was arrested by State Police following an incident report at 3:32 p.m. Sunday. No further details released. 

Tyler E. Deleys, 20, of Corfu, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, petit larceny and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Deleys was arrested on Hartshorn Road, Pembroke, by State Police following a report of an incident at 3:32 p.m. Sunday. No further details released.

Steven R. Ryan, 36, of unspecified address, is charged with DWI and refusal to take breath test. Ryan was stopped by State Police at 10:10 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke.

Lindsey N. Burdick, 32, of Pavilion, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Burdick was stopped by State Police at 11:29 p.m. Sunday on Route 20, Alexander.

Todd L. Frocione, 50, of Syracuse, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Frocione was stopped by State Police at 11:51 p.m. Sunday on Route 20, Alexander.

Local school districts benefit from 'Pencils 4 Schools' program

By Billie Owens

Over the past two weeks, 80,000 pencils have been delivered to school districts, including Batavia City Schools, Oakfield-Alabama Central, Byron-Bergen Central, Pavilion Central, Alexander Central, and Attica Central as part of the attorney William Mattar Pencils 4 Schools campaign.

It was established in response to ever-tightening school district budgets. Understanding the difficulty school districts and families face in trying to provide supplies for students, Mattar is pleased to donate these pencils to help get the school year off to a great start for the young leaders of tomorrow. This year, the firm received a record number of requests from schools.

School districts can still register for Pencils 4 Schools by calling 444-4444 or by e-mailing dawn@williammattar.com.

Representing clients across New York State with offices in the Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton, and Albany regions, William Mattar, P.C., focuses on auto injury cases for those seriously injured in motor vehicle and truck accidents. For more information about the firm’s community involvement, visit www.WilliamMattar.com

Football Preview: Alexander counting on team speed to make them a contender

By Howard B. Owens

With only one winning record in the previous six seasons, it's tempting to think of last year's 7-1 record and a three-way share of the Genesee Region League title was a bit of a fluke.

After all, in the previous two years the Trojans were 2-6 and 2-5.

Head Coach Tim Sawyer doesn't mind folks around the league thinking that way. After all, they might just be in for a surprise.

"We've had a good camp," Sawyer said. "We've had excellent attendance. They want to be good. It's a new team, but the same goal. Let's see if we can be GR champs. We've got to be perfect six, eight nights to do it, but we've got a chance."

Last year, the Trojans were big and physical. A year ago, Sawyer noted how several of his players hit the weight room hard during the off season. That training paid off.

There was no better proof of that than the season put together by Dylan Scharlau, with 1,663 yards rushing and 19 TDs.

But Scharlau graduated. So did his big offensive line and a strong, rugged QB in Nelson Burke.

At every position, the Trojans are smaller.

But they're also faster, Sawyer said.

Speed will change the nature of the offensive attack and Alexander might rely more on big plays.

Junior Jerad Brown will start at QB and he's got a great instinct for the game, Sawyer said.

Sharing the backfield will be a committee of backs, Sawyer said.

"Scharlau averaged about 27, 28 carries a game," Sawyer said. "We probably won't see that this year. We'll probably see a bunch of boys eight to 12, maybe 15 carries in a game, which I like, because all those boys will turn around and play defense."

Leading the defense will be Ty Laird, a returning starter, and a player Sawyer says is "probably the best football player in GR."

"He's crazy strong and he's running a 4.7 40," Sawyer said.

Perhaps the most interesting player on the squad is Zach Shilvock, a soccer player who last year chose tennis over football, so didn't kick for the Trojans until the last few games of the season (after tennis was over).

Shilvock gives Sawyer a weapon not to many high school coaches ever get to use -- a kicker who can put it through the uprights from as far as 45 yards out.

"I've seen him make 50s," Sawyer said.

Special teams overall could make the difference for Alexander, Sawyer said.  

"We hope that can help us get through some close games," Sawyer said.

It should be an interesting season for green and gold.

"I know people on the outside just glimpsing in think this will be a down year a little bit," Sawyer said. "Obviously, you can look and see, we don't have the size, but we've got some kids who can play."

 

Head-on collision reported on Route 98, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A head-on collision is reported in the area of 10109 Alexander Road, Alexander.

That's between Sprague and Goodman roads.

Alexander fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE(S) 7:06 a.m. by Billie: The road is shut down. Two ambulances were called, then canceled by Alexander command. Now an ambulance is called to the scene to transport an individual to the hospital, despite the person's decline of aid. Two flatbed tow trucks are responding.

UPDATE 7:22 a.m.: An Alexander ambulance is transporting a 30-year-old woman to UMMC with complaints of chest and leg pain. The medic said the vehicles were traveling 55 mph at the time of the collision.

UPDATE 7:40 a.m.: A Mercy rig also transported a patient to a hospital.

UPDATE 7:57 a.m. (by Howard): One driver apparently fell asleep. That driver's car drifted completely into the oncoming lane. The driver in that lane, in an attmept to avoid a collision, drove into its opposite lane. The two cars collided at the center line, front passenger side to front passenger side. 

Law and Order: Man accused of stealing knife at Walmart, using it as tool to steal other stuff

By Howard B. Owens

Christopher James Clark, 34, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Clark allegedly stole a knife at Walmart and then while inside the store allegedly used it to try and open packages containing drill bits. He tried to abandon the alleged stolen property under the vehicle in the parking lot when police arrived.

Carrie M. Capizzi, 30, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, driving without an interlock device and open container. Capizzi was stopped at 10:01 p.m. Thursday at 12 City Centre, Batavia, by Officer Chad Richards.

Kathleen E. Gonzalez, 52, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gonzalez is accused of stealing three packages of steak from Save-A-Lot in Batavia.

Lizbet D. Cramer, 37, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Cramer allegedly left her 4- and her 15-year-olds unattended. The 4-year-old was allegedly abandoned at Austin Park for at least one hour before police were notified.

DaShawn A. Butler, 34, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Butler allegedly issued a verbal threat of harm to another person.

Brandon N. Benz, 19, of Clinton Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and forcible touching. Benz allegedly had inappropriate contact with a person under age 17 while at a playground at Jackson School at 4:33 p.m. on Aug. 11.

Nefetiria L. Turner, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on three warrants for alleged failure to appear on charges of unreasonable noise charge, aggravated unlicensed operation and harassment, 2nd. Turner posted cash bail and was released.

Deavin Herman, 20, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Herman allegedly stole a bicycle from a location on Walnut Street.

Shane Zimblis, 43, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Zimblis was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a warrant arrest.

Scott Allen Cratsley, 43, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. Cratsley's dog was allegedly seen running at large by Officer James Defreze and Sgt. Dan Coffey. That breed of dog, a St. Bernard, has allegedly been seen running at large several times previously.

Alexander L. Jordan, 19, of Pine Terrace, Macedon, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a third-degree menacing charge. Jordan posted $500 police bail and was released.

Michael S. Garrett, 23, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, turned himself in on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a parking on city streets ticket issued March 18.

Forrest Ansel, 24, of Cone Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal contempt. Ansel allegedly went to the residence of a protected person. He allegedly stole property of that person.

Lawrence William Worsley, 34, of Presbyterian Street, Knowlesville, is charged with disorderly conduct. Worsley allegedly became verbally and physically abusive while at the Viper ride at Darien Lake Theme Park at 6:20 p.m., Sunday.

Jared Lewis Long, 44, of Clinton Street Road, Stafford, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Long allegedly took the Chevrolet Equinox of his girlfriend without her permission. The vehicle was returned to the residence and Long was ordered to stay away from the residence. He was later found by Sheriff's K-9 in a field behind the residence. 

Jessica Lynn Hill, 29, of Leonard Street, Mattydale, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to yield right of way and license restriction violation. Hill was stopped at 10:45 p.m. Thursday on West Main Road, Batavia, by Deputy James Diehl.

William Allen Roll, 54, of Clinton Street, Attica, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Roll allegedly punched another person in the face at 3:54 a.m. Saturday while at an apartment on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Roll was jailed on $500 bail.

Karen A. Lemaster, 54, of Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, 1st. Lemaster was stopped at 4:30 p.m. Saturday on Ohio Street, Village of Medina, by State Police.

Rhonda L. Reisman, 42, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or higher. Reisman was stopped at 2:35 a.m. Sunday on Route 33, Stafford, by State Police.

Brian C. Reynolds, 33, of Rochester, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Reynolds was stopped at 11:32 p.m. Thursday on Route 20, Alexander, by State Police.

Erica A. Cook, 26, of Webster, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Cook was stopped at 11:45 p.m. Thursday on Route 20, Alexander, by State Police.

Zachary W. Plath, 21, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08. Plath was stopped at 12:20 a.m. Friday on Route 20, Alexander, by State Police.

Stove fire on Railroad Avenue, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A working stove fire is confirmed at 3517 Railroad Ave. in Alexander. Smoke is showing. The stove is centrally located in the residence. Alexander fire is responding and Town of Batavia, as mutual aid, is called to the scene. The location is next to Z&M Ag and Turf.

UPDATE 5:19 p.m.: This is now a working house fire. Equipment from East Pembroke and Bethany are also called in, along with a tanker from Darien. Plus, a crew from Darien is asked to stand by in Alexander's quarters.

UPDATE 5:31 p.m.: Help from Attica is on the way, too.

UPDATE 5:36 p.m.: A search has confirmed there is no one inside the house.

UPDATE 5:54 p.m.: East Pembroke and Darien tankers are returned to service.

UPDATE 6:25 p.m.: All units back in service.

Child reportedly hit by car on Buffalo Street, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A child has reportedly been struck by a car in the area of 3314 Buffalo St., Alexander.

Alexander fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:54 a.m.: Dispatchers are checking the available of Mercy Flight.

UPDATE(S) by Billie 10:58 a.m.: Mercy Flight 5 out of Batavia is going to the scene and has an ETA of about 7 minutes. The child was struck in front of Alexander Central School and Mercy Flight will be landing in the school's football field.

UPDATE 11:01 a.m.: Mercy medics have arrived. Responders are cautioned that a portion of Route 98 in that area is down to one lane of travel due to construction work.

UPDATE 11:08 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 11:23 a.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and transporting to Women & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 11:50 a.m.: Howard at the scene said a child was crossing Buffalo Street southbound and struck by a Ford SUV that was eastbound. The child suffered possible internal injuries. Howard is about to speak with a Sheriff's sargaent to get more details.

UPDATE 12:07 p.m.: Law enforcement is not releasing the name or age of the child, who was a boy. They don't know at this point exactly what happened, if the child just darted out into the street or what. Speed is not considered a factor and other children were nearby. Witnesses are being interviewed. While there's concern about possible internal injuries, the extent of injuries are unknown at this time. The child did suffer leg injuries.

UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: The Sheriff's Office has issued a press release on the accident. The driver is identified Christopher D. Earsing, 30, of Alexander. The child is 8 years old, but not further identified. He is in stable condition at Children's Hospital. The investigation is being conducted by Deputy Matthew Butler and Investigator Roger Stone.

Law and Order: Alexander resident accused of stealing from employer

By Howard B. Owens

Dennis C. Bump, 33, of Stannard Road, Alexander, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Bump is accused of stealing from his employer at various locations in Batavia. Bump was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Ann M. Capuano, 29, of West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. The underlying charges for her court appearance in this case were not released by police. She had been issued an appearance ticket on a previous matter. Capuano was released on $100 cash bail.

Desmond L. Majors, 21, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd, and disorderly conduct. Majors allegedly struck another person and yelled obscenities in a public place.

Kenisha A. Thomas, 16, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd. Thomas is accused of assaulting another person while in Austin Park at 3:10 p.m., Sunday.

Daniel Robert Ruffner, 28, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Ruffner is accused of being the primary aggressor in a fight with another person.

Laurie J. Lerkins, 37, of Le Roy, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana. Lerkins was reportedly involved in a two-car accident on Route 98, Town of Java. Lerkins allegedly failed to maintain her lane and struck a vehicle driven by Rodney L. Gleason, 53, of North Chili. Upon subsequent investigation by state troopers, Lerkins was allegedly found to be under the influence of drugs. She was issued traffic tickets for failure to keep right, aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation and failure to notify DMV of a change of address.

Also, a Grand Jury indictment:

Cassandra R. Blake is indicted on one count of grand larceny, 4th. Blake is accused of stealing 245 lottery tickets with a face value of $1,028, along with payouts from those tickets and other cash, from the Yellow Goose store in Pavilion on or about June 21 and 22.

Report of smoke in the residence on Telephone Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

Smoke is reported on the first floor of a residence at 3625 Telephone Road, Alexander.

Alexander fire is responding. Town of Batavia also dispatched.

A chief reports, "we've got smoke in the house. It smells like trash. I can't find anything." He asked another responder to check a neighbor's property.

A responder reports, "nobody's burning anything in the area."

A chief asks for the thermal camera.

UPDATE 9 a.m.: Alexander returning in service.

UPDATE 9:08 a.m.: At 9, two Alexander trucks went back in service. Now the assignment is back in service. The chief reports, "burnt hummingbird feeder."

Law and order: Suspect arrested in alleged home invasion assault on Wood Street

By Howard B. Owens

Nathan L. Royse, 22, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 1st, criminal mischief, 4th, assault, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Royse allegedly entered a residence on Wood Street at 10:10 p.m. July 9 with two or three other assailants and assaulted the residents and damaged property. A snow shovel was allegedly used as a weapon. Two people were injured. A child was allegedly present during the assault. Royse turned himself in on the charges.

Samantha Laura Kopacz, 18, of Geise Road, Attica, and a 17-year-old resident of Bailey Street, Cowlesville, are charged with criminal tampering, 3rd. The duo are accused vandalizing Alexander School by writing on numerous windows and doors with window paint and spreading a substantial amount of paper throughout the grounds. 

Christina A. Deluna, 34, of Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation. Deluna was was stopped at 12:43 p.m. Tuesday on West Middlebury Road, Town of Middlebury, by a Wyoming County deputy. Deluna was allegedly driving on a suspended license due to a lapse in insurance coverage.

Rachell O. Soggs, 26, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Soggs is accused of stealing a pair of socks from Dollar General.

Troy D. Schimley, 21, of Sandpit Road, Alexander, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a pair of 2 to 6 a.m. parking tickets. Schimley was released on cash bail.

Kelly J. Rhim, 35, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Rhim is accused of shoplifting from Tops Market.

Juan Antonio Roman Jr., 36, of Portland Avenue, Rochester, is charged with three counts of criminal contempt, 2nd. Roman was allegedly found at the residence of a protected party.

Matthew P. Lenhard, 28, of Corfu, is charged with burglary, 3rd. Lenhard was arrested by State Police for an alleged burglary reported at 2:30 p.m. on March 24. No further details released.

Erica M. Raphael, 29, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Raphael is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Roger E. Godfrey, 66, of Le Roy, is charged with unlawful growing of cannabis. Godfrey was arrested on Harris Road on July 11 by State Police. No further details released.

Kavin M. Lampman, 41, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Lampman was stopped 9:12 p.m. Saturday on Alleghany Road, Indian Falls, by State Police.

Jason M. Thomason, 32, of Wheatfield, is charged with DWI. Thomason was stopped at 11:50 p.m. Saturday on Route 77, Darien, by State Police.

Law and Order: Keeney Road resident accused of grand larceny

By Howard B. Owens

James Joseph Argento, 36, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Argento allegedly stole property with an approximate value of $5,000 from a location on Keeney Road, Le Roy. Argento was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Arlin Joselin Reyes, 31, of Townsend Avenue, Bronx, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Reyes was arrested on a warrant out of Darien Town Court. The incident was reported at 5:30 a.m., Nov. 24. Reyes was arraigned on the charged, entered a guilty plea, paid his fines and was released.

Abraham Lyn Rendon-Matadamas, 31, of Lewiston Road, Alabama, is charged with assault, 3rd. Rendon-Matadamas allegedly struck another person in the face. The alleged victim was treated at Medina Hospital. Rendon-Matadamas was arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and released on his own recognizance. He was also handed an order of protection. 

Devon Michael Husted, 16, of Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal sale of marijuana, 5th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Husted allegedly sold marijuana while at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Michael Anthony King Jr., 16, of Oakfield, is charged with first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. King is accused of sexual contact with a child less than 11 years old. He was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Derek G. Thomas, 37, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and menacing, 3rd. Thomas was allegedly involved in an incident at 9:30 p.m. July 6 on Lewis Place. He is accused of shoving one person and threatening another. 

Alicia May Lyons, 34, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Lyons is accused of wrapping several items in her coat while at Tops Market and then proceeding out of the store without paying for the items.

Thomas C. McJury, 48, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with deteriorated roof covering. McJury was arrested on a City Court warrant stemming from an alleged property maintenance code violation. McJury posted bail and was released.

Emily N. Indovina, 19, of Erie Street, Mt. Morris, is charged with trespass. Indovina is accused of going to a residence she was advised not to visit by a Batavia PD officer the day before.

Konstantin Logvinsky, 28, of Middlesex Road, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Logvinsky was arrested on a warrant, posted bail and was released.

Alexandria C. Pisarek, 21, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Pisarek was arrested by State Police at 2:42 p.m. Saturday in the Town of Batavia on Route 33. No further details released.

Dominique D. Davis, 21, of Rochester, is charged with issuing a bad check. Davis was arrested by state police. No further details released.

State Police looking for information about ATV stolen from family on Old Creek Road

By Howard B. Owens

This little boy misses his parents' ATV (mom and dad miss it, too). It was stolen sometime after June 28. The location of the theft is Old Creek Road, Town of Alexander. It's a 2012 Honda Rancher 4x4 420 CC, green in color. It may have a camouflage duffle bag strapped to the rear rack. License plate, NY 17JF11.

The case is being investigated by Trooper Ryan Dulkiewicz. If you have information that can assist with the return of the ATV, call the Batavia Barracks of the State Police at (585) 343-2200 and tell the dispatcher you're calling about case #5760588.

Baseball team still trying to understand ruling over illegal bat that put them in last place

By Howard B. Owens

The Pine Tar Incident. It's the most famous "illegal bat" issue in the history of baseball. A home run in 1983 by George Brett was wiped out by an umpire, but at least the league didn't strip the Kansas City Royals of all their wins that season.

Unfortunately for the 11- to 12-year-old Tri-Town Dodgers of the Seven Towns League, league officials are forcing them to enter the playoffs as a last place team, essentially erasing their eight regular season wins because a player used an illegal bat.

League rules state that if a player uses a bat not approved for Little League use, the hitter is ruled out and any runners on base cannot advance. There is no other punishment stipulated in the written rules.  

For the Tri-Town Dodgers, based in Alexander, the punishment has gone beyond the written rules. The team was dropped to last place, despite its 8-4 record, which at the time was third best in their division. The standings are important because they effect seedings for tournament play.

There's no other rule violation that carries a penalty of team losing its standing in its division. That sort of punishment isn't contemplated in the written rules at all. The harshest written penalty for a player rule infraction is a three-game suspension for fighting.

Commissioner Brian Krawczyk has not responded to a pair of phone calls requesting comment.

In an e-mail discussion the league officials ruling sent to team manager Christopher Hausfelder, Krawczyk said the ruling was a safety issue "that would make everybody safer for years to come" and that Hausfelder should advise his players should buck up and to learn to accept that bad things happen life.

"I fully understand that it has really effected your team," Krawczyk said. "However, if handled properly, we can all learn something from this situation. Life brings adversity and how you handle that adversity can define who you are. If I was you, I would communicate to your players that they are still the same team that worked very hard and had a great season. Yes, the road to the final destination will be a little tougher. But, we have achieved great things as a team and as a team we will continue to work hard right up to the final out."

The illegal bat was used in the team's 10th game, June 12. Hausfelder said it was bought by the player and no coach noticed it until it was too late. It's the only illegal bat incident on Tri-Town's 11-12 team, though there was a prior, unrelated incident, with the 9-10 team.

For some third-party perspective, The Batavian called James "Beef" Soggs, well known in Batavia for his commitment to youth sports. Soggs serves on the Batavia Little League Board of Directors and is a Little League coach.

"I've got to say, it's ridiculous," Soggs said.

If this was more than a one-time issue with the same team, perhaps a harsh punishment would be an order, but for a one-time incident, he couldn't understand why the team would be knocked down to last place.

"That's really strict punishment for the whole team for something one player did," Soggs said. "That's pretty drastic to move a team from third place to last place."

For George Brett, the umpire was eventually overruled and he got his home run back. For the Tri-Town Dodgers, there is likely no reprieve. It's already the second round of playoff games tonight, with the Dodgers doing the best they can as the bottom seed.

GCC announces Spring semester President's List honorees

By Billie Owens

 

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces that the following students are among 484 students who were named to the President's List for the Spring 2014 semester. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

This year's Genesee Community College Spring 2014 President's List honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Kathleen Kwasniewski of Alexander, NY (14005)

Karly Natalizia of Alexander, NY (14005)

Kyle Natalizia of Alexander, NY (14005)

Brittany Taylor of Alexander, NY (14005)

John Winiecki of Alexander, NY (14005)

Jenna Wozniak of Alexander, NY (14005)

Zachary Chiro of Basom, NY (14013)

Amanda Kent of Basom, NY (14013)

Kerry Mills of Basom, NY (14013)

Jessica Pfalzer of Basom, NY (14013)

Robert Barnard of Batavia, NY (14020)

John Bezon of Batavia, NY (14020)

Rachael Bish of Batavia, NY (14020)

Natalie Brown of Batavia, NY (14020)

Erika Bucci of Batavia, NY (14020)

Danielle Cannella of Batavia, NY (14020)

Lynette Celedonia of Batavia, NY (14020)

Ariel Corcoran of Batavia, NY (14020)

Richard DelPlato of Batavia, NY (14020)

Taylor Doty of Batavia, NY (14020)

Danielle Eddy of Batavia, NY (14020)

Cortney Edwards-Fenton of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sara Elliott of Batavia, NY (14020)

Ashley Elmore of Batavia, NY (14020)

Alec Engel of Batavia, NY (14020)

Daniel Fili of Batavia, NY (14020)

Maria Frieday of Batavia, NY (14020)

Chelsea Gerace of Batavia, NY (14020)

Bernadette Goodenbery of Batavia, NY (14020)

Kelly Goodheart of Batavia, NY (14020)

Joseph Hall of Batavia, NY (14020)

Virginia Henning of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sarah Hulburt-Emerson of Batavia, NY (14020)

Megan Jacques of Batavia, NY (14020)

Cathy Jacques of Batavia, NY (14020)

Lee Johnson of Batavia, NY (14020)

Michelle Kantz of Batavia, NY (14020)

Kimberly Kingsley of Batavia, NY (14020)

Nicole Kline of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sharon Knaudt of Batavia, NY (14020)

Michael Korczak of Batavia, NY (14020)

Janelle Marble of Batavia, NY (14020)

Tony Martyn of Batavia, NY (14020)

Koree McAllister of Batavia, NY (14020)

Macey McCulley of Batavia, NY (14020)

Rebecca Meloon of Batavia, NY (14020)

Jennifer Merle of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sydney Moag of Batavia, NY (14020)

Alexandra Mruczek of Batavia, NY (14020)

Brittney Okoniewski of Batavia, NY (14020)

Maryssa Peirick of Batavia, NY (14020)

Daniel Plath of Batavia, NY (14020)

Robynn Prichett of Batavia, NY (14020)

Andrea Pursel of Batavia, NY (14020)

Crystal Rindell of Batavia, NY (14020)

Kimberly Samuelson of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sarah Sanchez-Anderson of Batavia, NY (14020)

John Sherman of Batavia, NY (14020)

Brenda Smelski of Batavia, NY (14020)

Meghan Tiede of Batavia, NY (14020)

Michelle Williams of Batavia, NY (14020)

Rebecca Woodruff of Batavia, NY (14020)

Courtney Amesbury of Bergen, NY (14416)

Diana Bonilla of Bergen, NY (14416)

Gina Constable of Bergen, NY (14416)

Brandy Hare of Bergen, NY (14416)

Ellen Kirkpatrick of Bergen, NY (14416)

David Mackey of Bergen, NY (14416)

Brendan Murray of Bergen, NY (14416)

Kayla Curry of Byron, NY (14422)

Dawn Fooks of Byron, NY (14422)

Emily George of Byron, NY (14422)

Brandy Harmon of Byron, NY (14422)

Dakota Longhini of Byron, NY (14422)

Heather Balcerzak of Corfu, NY (14036)

Bryan Cox of Corfu, NY (14036)

Alexander Farley of Corfu, NY (14036)

Joelle Fugle of Corfu, NY (14036)

Ryan Graham of Corfu, NY (14036)

Jennie Lipinski of Corfu, NY (14036)

Sandra Buxton of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Christina Haniszewski of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Austin Heberlein of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Jillian Hutzler of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Jennifer McNutt of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Rachel Walker of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Nicole Draves of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Bianca Nolt of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Emily Pelton of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Travis Schmieder of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Alexander Uptegrove of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Jacqueline Joyce of East Pembroke, NY (14056)

Madison Dentino of Elba, NY (14058)

Melissa Engle of Elba, NY (14058)

Christopher Green of Elba, NY (14058)

Tabitha Moreland of Elba, NY (14058)

Ryan Vlack of Elba, NY (14058)

Jaime Arena of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Betsy Griffith of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Peter Hollands of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Kelsey LaVare of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Rebekah Miller of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Jessica Mortimer of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Shelbi O'Geen of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Erica Parker of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Samantha Platek of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Nicole Polisoto of LeRoy, NY (14482)

William Simmons of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Jordan Tillotson of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Hailey White of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Sarah Worley of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Jonathon Cassiano of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Jessica Cherry of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Trevor Dayka of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Stacy Martino of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Carrie Ohlson of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Cara Sceusa of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Kristie Scroger of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Alyse Shamp of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Katie Spence of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Arielle Thompson of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Mellisa Wells of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Richard Apley of Pavilion, NY (14525)

James Babcock of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Trevor Berkemeier of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Brian DeFisher of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Kaitlin Draper of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Charles Janes of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Marissa Kingsley of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Sean Love of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Cody NiCastro of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Johnathan Peritore of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Peter Sherman of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Jennifer Cone of Stafford, NY (14143)

Nicole Moody of Stafford, NY (14143)

Genesee Community College offers more than 60 academic programs and certificates including the new Associate in Applied Science degree in Food Processing Technology which helps meet the demands of the thriving food manufacturing industry in Western New York.

Genesee is accessible through seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as through its online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes, yet state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

Law and Order: arrests for alleged domestic violence, DWI, criminal contempt and forgery

By Billie Owens

John A. Snook, 26, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was arrested June 10 and charged with criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation, second-degree harassment, and unlawful imprisonment. The arrest was made following his release from Orleans County Jail on a separate charge. The new charges stem from a domestic incident in the City of Batavia. Orleans County Sheriff's Department transported Snook to the Genesee County line and he was taken to Batavia City Court and arraigned in front of Judge Balbick. He was then put in county jail and bail was set at $2,500. The matter was investigated by Batavia Police officer Jamie Givens.

Nathen Edward Donald Brege, 22, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. On June 11 he was arrested for allegedly violating an order of protection issued by the Town of Oakfield Court by allegedly threatening the protected individual in an incident on May 31 on South Pearl Street in Oakfield. He was issued an appearance ticket. The matter was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Joseph Loftus.

Sean Robert Doran, 24, of Harper Street, Rochester, is charged with DWI, aggrevated DWI, and speeding over 55 mph on June 11 on Route 20 in the Town of Alexander. He is scheduled to be arraigned on July 1 in Alexander Town Court. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Thomas Edward Bobeck, 44, of Parwood Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more as a first offense, and DWI, first offense. He was arrested on said charges after being observed allegedly driving in an unsafe manner while on Alleghany Road in Darien on June 12. He is to be arraigned on July 8 in Darien Town Court. The matter was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by deputy Brian Thompson.

Ivan Jerrod Walton, 21, of Yates Avenue, Sauk Village, Ill., is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, stemming from an incident on March 25 at the Sears Hometown Store on Lewiston Road, Batavia. The subject was being held in the Livingston County Jail on an unrelated matter. He was arrested on June 9 and arraigned in front of Justice Williams from Batavia Town Court on said charge and returned to Livingston County Jail. Bail was set at $2,500. The matter was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Christopher Parker, assisted by deputy John Baiocco.

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