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Alexander

Commission finds poor bookkeeping in Corfu court making it impossible to account for all the funds

By Howard B. Owens

It's likely the taxpayers of Corfu may never know just how much money went missing from the Village Court during the years that Judge Robert Alexander sat on the bench and his daughter, Brandi Watts, was his court clerk.

Watts has already reimbursed the village $10,128 as part of her agreement to plead guilty last week to a single count of tampering with government records, a Class D felony.

A report issued yesterday by the NYS Judicial Review Commission says its investigation found more than $14,000 went undeposited in the court's bank acount from Jan. 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010.

That's one of the problems with the case, said Special Prosecutor Donald O'Geen -- nobody can agree how much money is missing. The comptroller came up with a different figure and Pam Yasses, the current court clerk, did her own audit and came up with a completely different figure.

At the heart of the judicial commission's review, as it was with the comptroller's original audit, is that the bookkeeping was apparently just plain sloppy during Alexander's administration of the court.

For example, there's more than $51,000 in funds received by the court during the period reviewed by the commission that aren't properly recorded. The commission said there is simply no record of where the money came from.

In 39 out of 50 cash deposits during the time period, the court records and bank documents don't reconcile.

Watts allegedly failed to issue receipts for payments on fines in 379 traffic ticket cases during the review period.

O'Geen said the easiest part of the case to prove against Watts, and what eventually led to her guilty plea, was the paper trail indicating the Watts would charge people paying a traffic ticket by check more than the fine imposed by Alexander. O'Geen said he believes Watts was using that higher charge to back fill for funds she was taking from cash fine payments.

The possibility of more missing money from the same time period isn't likely to lead to new charges against either Alexander nor Watts, O'Geen said. In the case of Watts, it would constitute double jeopardy to charge her for essentially the same crime twice, and for Alexander, there's no indication he ever actually took any money himself.

Alexander is legally liable for any missing funds in the court during his time in office. However, it would be up to the Village of Corfu to decide what it could prove is missing beyond the $10,128 already paid back and any potential higher amount believed missing.

"One of the biggest problems with this case," O'Geen said, "is the records are simply in disarray."

The judicial commission's report also complains that Alexander was reducing the fine amount on traffic tickets and waiving surcharges so that the state wasn't getting its share of the revenue.

More than 2,300 traffic tickets during the review period should have resulted in fines being remitted to the state, but did not, the report states.

O'Geen noted that in just about every jurisdiction in the state, judges routinely reduce traffic violations to a parking ticket with a fine that goes entirely to the local jurisdiction.

To fix that, the state recently added a surcharge to parking tickets, O'Geen said.

The commission also criticized Alexander for hiring his daughter without proper judicial commission approval.

During our conversation, O'Geen also referenced a comptroller's audit in October of the court in the Town of Alexander that found the court failed to maintain good accounting records, with nearly 1,900 traffic tickets still pending that should have been resolved.

The local municipal justice system is broken, O'Geen said.

"They're (Corfu) are not unique and that's part of the problem," O'Geen said. "There's a larger conversation to have that the system is bigger than part-time judges and part-time clerks can handle."

In calling for Alexander's removal from the bench -- Alexander resigned from his remaining court position in Pembroke last week -- the commission used harsh language to criticize the former justice.

The commission said Alexander "failed to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary by failing to maintain high standards of conduct," that he "failed to avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety," that he "failed to respect and comply with the law and failed to act in a manner that protects public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary."

Law and Order: Driver involved in accident on East Morganville Road charged with DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Randall M. Dennis, 67, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Randall was reportedly involved in a motor-vehicle accident at 5:50 p.m. Sunday on East Morganville Road, Stafford. His truck left the roadway, struck a sign and guide rail before traveling down a steep earth embankment into a shallow creek. The investigation is ongoing and there may be additional charges. Dennis was transported by Mercy EMS to Strong Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

Byron Gilbert Keller, 18, of no permanent address, is charged with trespass. Keller was reportedly in another person's vehicle on Route 20, Alexander, while it was parked in a driveway. Keller allegedly refused to leave. Additional charges are possible.

Patrick O'Neil Spikes, 32, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Spikes was allegedly a passenger in a vehicle driven by a person he is prohibited by court order from being with. The driver was stopped for allegedly driving on a suspended registration, suspended license and no insurance.

A 16-year-old from Batavia are charged with two counts of petit larceny. The youth was allegedly caught shoplifting at Walmart and during the investigation was found to be a suspect in a shoplifting case from the previous day. The youth allegedly stole $276.57 in merchandise on one occasion and an unknown amount on the second.

Elizabeth A. Graff, 32, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Graff is accused of stealing from an unspecified location. She was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Alexander battles, but comes up short in bid for first Sectin V title

By Howard B. Owens

Clyde-Savannah Head Coach Nick Dercola said it: "Momentum is such a big thing in high school football."

In the second half of the Class D Section V championship game in Rochester, the Golden Eagles had it. The Alexander Trojans wanted it.

As a result, the final score favored Clyde, 30-24.

The Trojans had a chance to win Alexander's first Section V football title in school history, but a muffed snap on a punt deep in Golden Eagles territory on Alexander's first possession in the second half seemed to have a big impact on the game.

Clyde scored on a 10-yard pass from wide receiver Cal Felker to tight end Jarrod Faniel and with a two-point conversion, Alexander's half-time lead of nine points became a one-point lead, 24-23, and gave Clyde's players a little bit of hope.

Even a quick score on an eight-yard run by Dylan Scharlau following an 80-yard kickoff return by Same Browne didn't dampen Clyde's sense from that point that anything was possible.

"After the fumble on the punt, we had field position for the whole second half," Dercola said. "My kids loosened up a little and started getting after it a bit harder ... We got the momentum in the second half and kept it."

So much of Alexander's offense is dependent on senior running back Dylan Scharlau and after gaining 105 yards in the first half, scoring one TD, the Golden Eagles held Scharlau to just 39 yards in the second half.

It didn't help that Scharlau came into the game with a sprained right ankle and had been on a light practice schedule all week.

"It was a tough second half," Alexander Head Coach Tim Sawyer said. "We just didn't make the plays -- a couple of penalties, we dropped an interception and that was eight points the other way.  We've just got to make plays. We've got to finish."

Stopping Scharlau was an important part of the Golden Eagles keeping the second-half momentum flowing their way.

"We knew they were going to come at us and he's a heck of a runner," Dercola said. "We kept hitting him and he'd bounce off. We knew we had to stop him and we didn't do a very good job in the first half. I thought we did a much better job in the second half."

Alexander had a chance to grab that all-important momentum early in the 4th quarter when an 18-yard pass from Joe Faniel bounced off the chest of an Alexander defender and instead of falling to the ground it hung up long enough for Clyde's Kam Disanto to slip his hands under it giving the Golden Eagles a go-ahead TD.

That was a lead Clyde would not surrender as Alexander's offense was pretty much shut down on its following possessions and Faniel added to Clyde's lead on a two-yard TD run with six minutes left in the game.

It's the fourth straight win for Clyde over a team that came into the game with only one loss.

"I feel bad for our community," Sawyer said. "It was huge that our community was behind us. It's great to get this far. We won a league championship this year for the first time in 36 years. We beat Notre Dame in the semi-finals last week. All of those things are very good things."

Section V awards were given to Scharlau, QB Nelson Burke and Jonathan George.

Those seniors, and all the seniors on the team, made such a huge contribution to the Trojans' run at a Section V title, Sawyer said.

"I'm glad Section V recognized (George) as the best lineman out there today," Sawyer said. "He's been the best lineman in every game he's played in this year, and Nelson Burke, he loves the game. I know this hurts."

Burke finished 4-11 passing for 50 yards. He also ran the ball four times for 15 yards and Tyler Laird had four carries for 37 yards.

The Trojans out gained the Eagles 248 yards to 189 for the game and time of possession 30 minutes to 18.

Laird also had five tackles. Zach Laird had two tackles and a sack.

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State's annual forum for minority- and women-owned businesses hears Alexander success story

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Albany -- Sheila Hess, owner of the Alexander-based environmental resource firm Conservation Connects, addressed more 1,800 minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) owners on the first day of the state's annual forum.

It was held earlier this month at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. Hess was one of four MWBE owners selected to participate in the discussion and to share her thoughts on the “secrets to successful business growth in public sector procurement.” She was also presented with a “Success Story” Certificate of Recognition.

This was another well-attended event for MWBE firms and contractors. Governor Cuomo touted that more than 20-percent utilization of MWBEs in state contracting was achieved for the first time in program history.  According to the Governor’s press release, more than $1.4 billion in contracts from 97 public agencies and authorities were awarded to MWBE firms in the FY 2012-2013.

“I attended last year’s MWBE forum to network with other successful business owners and to gain insight on new market opportunities,” Hess said. “I was pleased to be nominated and recognized as an MWBE success story and I hope that my experience will inspire other business owners to make the most of MWBE resources and map their own personal success stories.”

Hess, whose consulting practice is considered a leading MWBE company, spoke about growing her public-sector portfolio and firm in a challenging business climate. Two years after opening the doors of Conservation Connects, Hess was encouraged by the Development Authority of the North Country, a public authority, to pursue MWBE status. Her public sector business has been growing ever since.

In the last two years, her business has grown by more than 65 percent and she continues to embrace the growth. Hess plans to expand her business and offer consulting services to other New York State agencies and public authorities to promote environmental conservation, sustainability, and compliance in the development of infrastructure projects.

Conservation Connects is engaged in many projects here in Western New York and beyond including habitat assessment in the Niagara River Watershed; development of the Green Genesee Road Map (sustainability planning); environmental review and permitting at the Buffalo East Technology Park and the WNY STAMP (Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park, both in Genesee County; streambank remediation in Livingston County; environmental review and natural resources planning in Jefferson County; and Great Lakes coastal marsh mitigation in Monroe County, Mich.

One-vehicle rollover accident on Alexander Road, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident was reported about 20 minutes ago at 1050 Route 98 in Alexander. (Due to a computer glitch, we were unable to post it then.) The female driver was reportedly unresponsive. Mercy Flight was called, then cancelled. The location is between Main and Stroh roads. Mercy medics and law enforcement are on scene and no further development have been heard on the scanner.

UPDATE 5:02 a.m.: Mercy medic #2 is transporting the patient to Erie County Medical Center. A tow truck is called for the vehicle.

UPDATE 10:52 a.m. (by Howard): In a news release, the Sheriff's Office identified the driver as Ann L. Cox, 42, of Attica. She was driving a 2006 Pontiac G6 south on Route 98 when the car left the roadway and struck a sign post and continued south until it struck a culvert at 10850 Route 98. Cox suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to ECMC by Mercy EMS. The investigation is continuing and charges are pending. The investigation is being handled by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, Deputy Bradley Mazur and Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

Alexander rips Oakfield-Alabama on Senior Night

By Nick Sabato

Alexander kept their hopes alive for a share of the Genesee Region League crown with a 36-8 victory over Oakfield-Alabama on Senior Night.

The Trojans used their muscle to dominate the tempo right from the start, marching 55 yards on 11 plays on the opening drive before recovering a Dylan Scharlau fumble in the end zone to take a 6-0 lead.

Oakfield-Alabama got off to solid start as quarterback Allen Chatt completed his first two passes for 34 yards. The drive, however, was derailed after Alexander recovered a Chris Nanni fumble on their 36-yard line.

From that point on, the Trojans rode their senior Scharlau for the rest of the night.

Scharlau capped off an eight-play drive that took over four minutes off the clock with a 10-yard touchdown run to go up 14-0.

Following a Hornet three-and-out series, Alexander marched 80 yards on 16 plays, taking nearly nine minutes off the clock before Scharlau plunged in from three yards out for his second touchdown of the night, sending the Trojans to halftime with a 22-0 lead.

The senior running back finished the night with 187 yards on 40 carries and three touchdowns in his final home game.

After holding the Hornets to a three-and-out to start the second half, Scharlau finished another 12-play, 65-yard drive that took over seven minutes off the clock, with his third touchdown of the night.

“We always joke about giving [Scharlau] the ball 40 times, but we hadn’t done it yet,” said Alexander Head Coach Tim Sawyer. “By giving him the ball, we were able to dominate time of possession and the first down total in the game.”

Alexander held the ball for over 34 out of 48 minutes of the game, including 18 out of 24 in the first half. The Trojans also out-gained Oakfield-Alabama 363 to 110 for the game.

In a battle of two of the top quarterbacks in the Genesee Region League, Alexander’s Nelson Burke went 5-of-7 passing for 94 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown pass to Sam Browne, while also rushing for another 40 yards on the ground.

Hornet sophomore Chatt, struggled to find his rhythm all night, finishing 5-for-17 for 90 yards, with a 16-yard touchdown to Jon Korzelius, and an interception.

Oakfield-Alabama drops to 3-3 on the season and will play at Holley next Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Alexander (5-1) keeps their hopes alive for a share of the Genesee Region League crown and possible top seed in Class D.

“This was a big win for us,” Sawyer said. “Had we lost, Oakfield-Alabama would have swapped places with us in the standings because of a tie-breaker, but the kids really worked hard this week and really wanted to win this game. It has been a pretty magical season so far.”

Alexander travels to Pembroke next Friday night.

Other Friday night games (update by Howard Owens):

Le Roy 13, Wellsville 0. Peter Privitera rushed for 113 yards and one TD on 30 carries and Nick Egeling carried the ball nine times for 92 yards. Kody Lamkin had 11 tackles. Le Roy is now 6-0 and plays Cal-Mum next.

Pembroke beat Holley 23-20.

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Alexander man accused of stealing copper in Wyoming County

By Howard B. Owens

A Town of Alexander resident is being accused of scrap metal thefts in the Town of Orangeville, Wyoming County.

Todd C. Arnold, 44, of 4272 Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with two counts of grand larceny, 3rd, and one count of criminal mischief, 2nd.

Arnold is accused of stealing copper from the Town of Orangeville Windmill Power Station.

The investigation into the alleged theft was conducted by Acting Sheriff Greg Rudolph, Forensic Technician Deputy Steve Miller, Deputy Katie George, Deputy Miachel Bentham, Attica Patrolman Brian Marsceill, Gensee County Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Meides and Investigator Bill Ferrando.

Following arraignment in the Town of Orangeville, Arnold was returned to the Genesee County Jail, where he is being held on unrelated matters. Bail on the Wyoming County case was set at $150,000.

Town of Alexander GOP seeks candidates to fill two vacancies

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Town of Alexander Republican Committee seeks candidates interested in being appointed to the following vacancies due to resignations:

  • Town Justice, four-year term
  • Town Republican Committee Member, District #2 (must reside east of Route 98)

Send letters of interest no later than Nov. 4 to:

Barbara J. Eddy, chairperson

11054 Alexander Road

Attica, NY 14011

Possible house fire on Telephone Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A possible house fire is reported at 7635 Telephone Road. The homeowner called dispatch and said the house was full of smoke. Pavilion Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Le Roy. The location is between South Street Road and Asbury Road.

UPDATE 2:34 p.m.: The first responder says "I've got a lot of smoke." A second platoon is called.

UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: Mercy medics are also called along with mutual aid from Stafford, which is sending a tanker to the scene and a fill-in crew at Pavilion Fire Hall. The occupants are out of the home. The first floor is fully involved.

UPDATE 2:43 p.m.: Bethany is responding, too. National Grid is called. A power line is down and dangerously close to firefighters -- "about five feet away."

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: Bergen is called as well as Town of Batavia. Caledonia, which is to fill in for Le Roy, will also be asked to help access or set up apparatus to aid the firefighters.

UPDATE 2:53 p.m.: National Grid is asked to expedite the response because "there are power lines down all over the place.

UPDATE 2:56 p.m.: National Grid has a 15-minute ETA. Firefighters can't access part of the structure until power is shut off. "There's a power line right in front of it, can't access the east side at all."

UPDATE 3:01 p.m.: National Grid is on scene.

UPDATE 3:04 p.m.: Wyoming County dispatched Perry to the scene. The power is cut off.

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: Firefighters are told there is gunpowder inside the home along with guns and propane cylinders.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m.: Alexander is on scene.

UPDATE 3:41 p.m.: The American Red Cross is called to provide emergency assistance to one adult. Churchville is called to fill in at Le Roy's Fire Hall.

UPDATE 4:12 p.m.: Inmates from the Wyoming Correctional Facility are being transported to the scene to help.

UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: Brothers James Lawrence Bearce and Kenneth Vincent Bearce lived in the house, along with a couple of dogs, which they saved. Along with brother Jack, they were traveling musicians years ago and had a recording studio in the structure. Ken said he's not sure how much of their inventory of recording tapes are salvageable, ditto for tools that were kept in the basement.

Law and Order: DWI and shoplifting arrests

By Howard B. Owens

John Corey Wolcott, 27, of Day Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, refusal to take pre-screen breath test, failure to change address on license. Wolcott was stopped at 8:14 a.m., Tuesday, on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Shaina Denise Heeks, 22, Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Heeks is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Victoria Ann Sumlin, 26, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Sumlin is accused of shoplifting at Walmart. Sumlin was also arrested on a warrant out of City Court related to an unreasonable noise charge.

Brandon L. Doward, 28, of 12 Gray Birch Court, East Amherst, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Doward was arrested on a warrant out of City Court.

Michael F. Geer, 22, of 11 Willow St., Batavia, was arrested on a warrant out of Drug Court and jailed on $100,000 bail.

Robert D. Griffin Sr., 35, of 319 E. Main St., lower, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI and failure to take breath test. Griffin was arrested following a motor vehicle accident at 5:37 p.m., Wednesday, in the area of 38 Vine St., Batavia.

Mercy Flight dispatched to Alexander HS

By Howard B. Owens

Mercy Flight has been dispatched to the Alexander High School football field for a player who has suffered a possible concussion.

UPDATE 10:31 p.m.: "Mercy Flight has landed."

UPDATE 10:39 p.m.: A person who was at the game said the game was over and field clear by the time an ambulance was called. Two different players were knocked out during the course of the game, he said. 

UPDATE 10:45 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne in route to Erie County Medical Center.

Alexander powder puff football returns

By Rick Franclemont

For the first time in a reported 20 years, powder puff football has returned to Alexander High School.

The Freshmen (red) took on the Juniors (pink) in the first game. Freshmen came out ahead 22 to 6.

The second game featured the Seniors (white) and the Sophmores (purple). The Sophmores took the game 14 to 0.

In the championship game the Sophmores eked out a win against the Freshmen 6 to 0.

Homecoming parade starts at 6 p.m. Friday, with Alexander Varsity football team hosting Attica at 7 p.m.

Pictured above: Kaylee MacIntyre, Alexa Merle, Marissa Scharlau.

Pictured above: Hanna Barnaby kicking off.

More after the jump (click on the headline):

Pictured above: Olivia George, Alex Holderer, and Francesca.

Pictured above: Olivia George and Alex Holderer.

Pictured above: The Junior team.

Pictured above: The Freshmen team.

Pictured above: Karli Phillips, Stephanie McBride.

Pictured above: Sophmore team.

Pictured above: Seniors!

Pictured above: Ryan Dunbar as the Trojan (acting as Freshmen mascot) being chased by Ricky Amico (as the Sophmore mascot)

Pictured above: Senior Coach Zach Laird.

Pictured above: Lydia Spiotta.

For more pictures of the game and festivities please visit:  Francletography Powder Puff Game

Law and Order: Man on probation accused of possessing assault-style rifle, illegal magazine

By Howard B. Owens

Brett William Snyder, 50, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Stafford, is charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (assault weapon and magazine). Following a check on Snyder's residence by the Probation Department, a probation officer contacted the Sheriff's Office for assistance in the investigation of an alleged illegal firearm at the residence. Snyder was allegedly found in possession of a assault-style weapon and a large capacity magazine. Snyder was arraigned, posted $250 bail and released.

Tyler Pasquale Schroeder, 21, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant out of Rochester related to a criminal impersonation charge. Schroeder was turned over to RPD.

Stacey Dawn Mancuso, 43, of Seneca Street, Elma, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Mancuso was stopped at 11:32 p.m., Sept. 17, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, after dispatchers received a report of a vehicle on Route 33 in Pembroke that was unable to maintain its lane.

A 16-year-old of East Avenue, Attica, is charged with trespass. The youth is accused of being at a residence on Broadway Road, Alexander, after being told by the homeowner he wasn't allow on the property.

Ashley Marie Kreutz, 25, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kreutz is accused of shoplifting at Kmart.

Teresa Marie Stephenson, 24, of Moore Road, West Henrietta, is charged with petit larceny. Stephenson is accused of shoplifting at Kmart.

Taylor Laren Schutt, 20, of Seminole Parkway, Cheektowaga, is charged with trespass. Schutt is accused of being on the roof of the bus garage at Alexander Central School.

NOFA Football - Alexander hosts Oakfield-Elba

By Rick Franclemont

This week the Alexander Tri-Town Trojans hosted the Oakfield-Elba Titans in Attica. The rain was persistent throughout the day, causing more than the average amount of turnovers. The beginners started the morning off. (Scores are not kept at this level.)

The mini division saw two teams marching up and down the field, and two defenses making great goal-line stands.

Only one team made it into the end-zone today. Gage Brewmister from Oakfield-Elba scored. The extra point attempt was stopped, leaving the game at 6-0 Oakfield-Elba.

The JV division saw a lot of offense, on the ground and in the air. Only one team capitalized on the yardage though.

Scoring for Oakfield-Elba:

Ty Mott (Extra point by Ty Mott)

Mason Randall (Extra point by Ty Kropelin)

Gabe MacDonald (No extra point)

Bryce Yockel (No extra point)

There was not a varsity division game this week.

Next week Oakfield-Elba hosts Albion in Oakfield and Alexander has a bye.

More pictures from this week may be found here: Francletography - NOFA

Law and Order: Cashier accused of stealing $1K from Walmart

By Howard B. Owens

Samantha Jane Roberts, 22, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny. Roberts is accused of stealing $1,072 in cash from registers at Walmart while employed as a cashier.

Adante L. Davis, 23, of 32 Washington Ave., Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct.  Davis allegedly made obscene gestures and used foul language directed at police officers while the officers were working in the area of West Main Street.

William C. Wurster, 52, 337 Bank Street, Apt. 70, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. During a dispute with a neighbor, Wurster allegedly picked up a 2x4 and swung it around his head in a threatening manner.

Patrick Gilman Kimball, 30, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and failure to dim headlights.  Kimball was stopped at 2:30 a.m., Friday, on Route 5, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Andrew Charles Webster, 20, of North Street, Leicester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Webster was allegedly found in possession of Tramadol during a traffic stop at 11:47 p.m., Sunday, on Gillate Road, Alexander, by Investigator John Weis.

Curtis Paul Howden, 34, of Redman Road, Brockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana, drinking in a motor vehicle and failure to keep right. Howden was stopped at 12:35 a.m., Friday, on South Lake Road, Bergen, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Kasey Ann Woodhouse, 24, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment 2nd. Woodhouse is accused of sending harassing messages to another person via Facebook after being told not to have contact with that person.

Robert L. Peachey, 30, of Oakfield, is charged with conspiracy 5th and grand larceny 4th, and Roy D. Hooten, 52, of Oakfield, is charged with conspiracy 5th. Peachey and Hooten were arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 10:03 p.m., Saturday. No further details released.

McCulley shines as Notre Dame pounds Alexander

By Nick Sabato

Tim McCulley accounted for five touchdowns as Notre Dame routed Alexander 41 to 12.

Both teams entered the contest with 2-0 records, and went toe-to-toe for the first quarter, until the Fighting Irish opened things up.

McCulley started the scoring by capping a 17-play, 88-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run. Alexander would quickly respond though, scoring on a 75-yard drive, finished by a Dylan Scharlau one-yard run.

However two plays later, the Notre Dame senior quarterback ripped off a 63-yard touchdown run and the Irish never looked back. McCulley would hook up with Josh Johnson on a 30-yard touchdown pass to head into halftime with a 20-6 lead.

Notre Dame received the ball to start the third quarter and proceeded to march 67 yards on 11 plays, capped by a 24-yard touchdown toss from McCulley to Luca Zambito.

McCulley would later intercept a Nelson Burke pass, and capitalize with one more touchdown pass to Charlie Herbert to put the game on ice.

One bright spot for Alexander was the play of Scharlau, who ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns, while the Irish defense held Burke to just 2-of-10 passing for 12 yards and two interceptions.

Notre Dame got one final touchdown after Johnson returned a Trojan onside kick 54 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

McCulley finished the game 10-of-21 passing for 171 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, while also rushing for 108 yards and two scores.

Senior Andrew Mullen had a solid game for the Irish, rushing for 124 yards on 21 carries, while Zambito added four catches for 50 yards and a touchdown.

The Fighting Irish improve to 3-0 and will travel to Elba/Byron-Bergen next week. The Lancers have beaten Notre Dame the last two seasons, keeping them from an undefeated record.

Alexander (2-1) will host Attica next Friday night. 

More stats: Scharlau had seven tackles and one sack. Zach Laird had seven tackles. Jonathan George had eight tackles. Kelsey Patten also recorded a sack for Alexander. For Notre Dame, McCulley rushed for 107 yards on 19 carries. Luca Zambio had four catches for 54 yards and a TD. Charlie Hebert had two receptions for 60 yards and a TD. Josh Johnson gained 35 yards on two receptions and scored. Joe Zickl led the defense with 13 tackels. Dakota Weidman notched the team's only sack.

In other football action today, Elba/Byron Bergen moved to 2-1 with a 41-6 over Holley on in the first game on Holley's brand-new football field. Garrett Chapell, who was 3-6 for 67 yards, threw for two TD and ran for one. Brandon Naylor carried the ball in twice. Austin Yockel snatched his third interception on the season. The Lancers had 315 yards total offense to Holley's 50. Mike Shanley had 11 carries for 107 yards. Andy Underhill had 14 tackles and half a sack. Naylor, 10 tackles, Hunter Taylor 11 and 11 for Steel Truax.

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Photos by Howard Owens.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Bull in roadway in Alexander

By Billie Owens

A bull is reportedly in the roadway someplace in Alexander.

"Is that a bull?" says a deputy, not quite sure he heard the call right.

"Yes, with horns, sir," replies the dispatcher.

"Do they accept bulls at the shelter?" the deputy asks.

Didn't hear the reply, maybe it was something like "No. And that's no bull. Sir."

A second officer is heading there "to assist with the bull."

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: "I'll be stopping out at 1100 Chaddock (Road) for the bull," says the responding officer, noting that a second officer's assistance will not be needed.

Law and Order: Another shoplifting arrest at Kmart

By Howard B. Owens

Tracy Lynn Damato, 47, of Horsehoe Lake Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Damato is accused of stealing $19.99 in merchandise from Kmart.

Jordon Elizabeth Prescott, 19, of Ellicott Street Road, Bethany, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and criminal contempt, 2nd. Prescott is accused of being at College Village after being barred from the property. She is accused of violating an order of protection by coming into contact with the security guard that was on duty at College Village.

Travis S. Bartz, 37, of Alexander, is charged with a violation of probation and criminal contempt, 2nd. Bartz was allegedly located at a residence on Route 98, Town of Attica, Wyoming County, by State Police in violation of probation conditions and a current stay-away order of protection.

Kimberley A. Smith, 36, of Alexander, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or higher and failure to stop at stop sign. Smith was arrested at 6:27 p.m. Wednesday on Brookville Road, Alexander, by State Police. Following her arrest, she was released to a third party.

Lamar Iteef Randall, 28, of Spruce Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Randall was arrested on a warrant out of Stafford Town Court upon his release from Monroe County Jail where he was being held on an unrelated charged. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Car crashes into house at the corner of Brookville and Hunn roads, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A car reportedly crashed into a house at 10182 Brookville Road, at the corner of Hunn Road, in Alexander. There are injuries. Alexander fire and ambulance are responding, and as a precaution, a Mercy unit. A responder at the scene tells the others to come in non-emergency.

UPDATE 6:35 p.m.: The first responder says "The car is right here by the pole -- just go in and check the house to make sure it's alright."

UPDATE 8:04 p.m.: Alexander is back in service. At least one patient was taken to an area hospital.

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