Alexander

By Connor Beagle

Women’s Triathlon is an “emerging sport” at the NCAA level. When Alexander Central School alum Jadyn Mullen transferred to Roberts Wesleyan University this past fall, she wanted to give Triathlon a go in hopes of using it as a way to cross train for the upcoming track and field season. 

This past weekend Mullen capped off her successful rookie season as a member of the Redhawks triathlon team with a 43rd place finish at the NCAA DII National Championships, helping lead the Redhawks to a 10th place team finish in their second season as a program.

Mullen had a phenomenal first season with the team, coming in already having a background in running as a cross country and track and field athlete, as well as swimming, three sports she competed in at Alexander Central. All Mullen needed to perfect was her biking.

In her first ever Triathlon event Mullen placed 9th overall, leading her team to a 3rd place finish at the Patriot Sprint in Williamsburg, Virgina. Heading into the second week of the season, Mullen had fallen ill, so she did not compete at the Duquesne University Invitational.

However, Mullen would return the following week and travel with the team to Richmond, Virginia for the Robious Landing Triathlon. Hurricane damage in Virginia eliminated the swim portion of the event, making it a duathlon. Mullen again would lead the way for the Redhawks, finishing 37th overall, helping the Redhawks finish 9th overall as a team and 3rd out of Division II competitors.

Next on the schedule for Mullen and the Redhawks was the NCAA East Region Qualifier in Wake Forest, North Carolina. The Redhawks finished 5th among the Division II teams and 14th overall, with Mullen coming in at 24th overall, which helped secure her spot in the NCAA DII National Championships. 

At the NCAA DII National Championships in Clermont, Florida this past weekend, along with three of her teammates Mullen finished 43rd, fellow Redhawks Joane Arzalluz Garzon, Jenna Maendel, and Paige Kern each finished 53rd, 61st, and 65th out of 69 total Division II competitors.

Last season the Redhawks sent Avon High School Alum Brett VanBoden to Nationals, where she placed 145th overall. This season saw much more success for the Redhawks who managed to place within the top 10 of Division II as a team.

Mullen hopes to continue to grow stronger as a triathlete heading into the 2025 season and help make an impact on the track and field team this season for the Redhawks. Mullen opens up the indoor track and field season at the Mike Kowal Multi Meet at Edinboro University on Dec 7-8.

Press Release:

Plans are already underway for the 20th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner which will take place Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Alexander Fire Hall. This annual event is a celebration of Genesee County’s #1 Industry, Agriculture! The highlight of the night is a delicious meal using all locally sourced foods & products from Genesee County farms & agri-businesses. The dinner is open to the public.

Tickets go on sale December 2nd at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, 8276 Park Road, Batavia. Tickets are $30 each or a table of 10 can be purchased for $275. 

Sponsorships are also available which help support agriculture educational events in Genesee County. Only 400 tickets will be sold. Tickets must be purchased by February 21, 2025. For more information or to download the registrations flyer visit the Chamber’s Website www.geneseeny.com.

The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District and Genesee County Farm Bureau. 

Farms and businesses that donated locally grown food for the 2024 dinner included: Dorman Farms, Farm Fresh First, Inc/Nortera Foods, Fenton’s Produce, SJ Starowitz Farms, Torrey Farms, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc., Daves Ice Cream, Yancey’s Fancy.

For ticket information or questions contact the Kelly B. at The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, 585-343-7440 or kbermingham@geneseeny.com.

Alexander topped Oakfield-Alabama/Elba in a battle of Genesee County rivals in the Class D semifinal at GCC on Friday night.

The Trojans won 14-7. 

For Alexander, touchdowns were scored by Ryder Reichert and Jacob Brooks on a 21-yard pass from Kaden Torres. 

OAE Statistics:

• Sr RB/LB Avery Watterson - 9 Carries, 62 Yards, 10 Tackles, 2 TFLs
• Sr DL Ryan Stymus - 11 Tackles, 2 TFLs
• SR LB Jack Cianfrini - 8 Tackles,  2 TFLs
• JR RB Hunter Tobolski - 1 Rushing TD (5 Yards)

The Class D title will be decided on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Rush Henrietta High School, with Alexander facing the Avon Riverawks.

 Photos by Kristin Smith.

A life sentence. That is what victims of sexual abuse get, District Attorney Kevin Finnell said in County Court on Wednesday morning, a sentiment Judge Donald O'Geen agreed with before sending John Volpe to prison for what is likely the rest of his life.

The 71-year-old Alexander resident, who entered court and left court with the assistance of a walker, was sentenced, in accordance with his plea agreement, to 10 years to life in state prison.

His victim, now a young woman, will deal with the consequences of his sexual abuse and manipulation for the rest of her life, O'Geen said.

O'Geen described the young lady as strong and courageous.

"I have high hopes, based on her comments today, that she will live a good life, especially with the people around her to give her the strength to pull through," O'Geen said.  

Finnell opened his statement to the court before sentencing by noting that Volpe would spend the rest of his life in prison, but the life sentence goes both ways.

"She will have to deal with this the rest of her life," he said. 

He also noted that Volpe's record of good works -- Volpe was an environmental activist -- in the community also couldn't excuse his conduct.

The hearing opened with the victim reading a statement called an allocation, which gives victims an opportunity to tell the court of the true impact of the criminal's crime. 

She said Volpe first sexually abused her when she was five years old. Based on his recommendation, she was removed from public school when she was 12. From age 13 to 17, when she finally told somebody about the abuse, she said she was terrified of him.

"I was brainwashed into thinking it was normal," she said. "That the fear and pain was normal. You convinced me that society was wrong and that you were the best for me. My entire life, I thought my role was to serve you any way you saw fit."

She hoped she would escape it when she turned 18, but Volpe told her that would never happen.

She hoped to escape him when she went to college, but again, he said that wouldn't happen.

"I prayed that I would get away from you when I was married," she said. "You told me that when my husband left for work, you would come over and use me any way you wanted. I said I wanted kids, and you tried to convince me I had to touch them. I told you I wanted to be a nurse and you told me I had to pleasure the old men I cared for. My whole life was decided for me when you met me."

She said when she went on vacations, she had to call him multiple times a day. She had to text him when she went to a friend's house. She had to call him from work, from her apartment when she got home. She said he isolated her from friends and family.

"I had no escape or excuse to get away from you. You used me in every possible way you could," she said. "I have been sexually, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually abused by you. You brainwashed my family and I into thinking the world was going to end. That we had to prepare for the end times. You used native culture as a way to manipulate others. You disgraced a culture for your own personal gain."

Now that she has come forward and Volpe is in custody, she is recovering, she said.

"I no longer have to wear a mask," she said. "I can choose what to do and who to see. I have friends and receive true real love. I learned that I was not damaged but that you were. I am now learning how to live, how to love, and how to laugh again. You took everything from me and I am taking it back. I didn't deserve what I received, but it brings me peace knowing that you will get what you deserve and more, that you will never hurt another child again, that you will never hurt another adult again, that you are going to a place that you are terrified of."

Defense attorney Jamie Walsh revealed that Volpe was also abused as a child and that he has been serving his own life sentence as a result of that sexual abuse. Still, O'Geen rejected that abuse as an excuse for Volpe's conduct. 

He called such a concept "selfish," and asserting such a claim was a "slap in the face" to the victim.

"Because you were abused as a child is no excuse because your response should be the opposite of being an abuser," O'Geen said. "You know what it is to be abused."

Alexander, the #2 seed, plays home vs. #3 seed Oakfield-Alabama/Elba. The date and time TBD

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Alexander beat Notre Dame in football on Saturday at Van Detta Stadium, 49-6.

The Trojans rushed for 355 yards. 

Kingston Woods ran for 118 yards and scored three touchdowns. Damien Hale ran for 100 yards and a TD on 10 carries. Sean Pietrzkowski and Tyler Caldwell also scored rushing touchdowns.

Back Brody Heckman ran an interception back 32 yards for a score in the third Quarter.  

Melissa Sawyer was 3-4 on point after attempts.

Sean Pietrzkowski led the Trojans' defense with eight total tackles, two for loss, and one sack.

Duke Snyder had four tackles and sacks, along with an interception. Damien Hale recorded three tackles and an interception for the Trojans. Jacob Smith, Micah Pulliam and Dylan Pohl all recorded sacks.

No stats were submitted for Notre Dame.

The Trojans are now 7-1 on the season and will host Attica in the first round of sectionals Friday night.

On Thursday at Genesee Community College against Oakfield-Alabama Elba, the Alexander Trojans started hot and keep the heat through all four quarters of football for a 47-14 win.

The Trojans drove down the field with their opening possession, capping the drive with a TD run from Junior Kingston Woods from three yards out.  

A stout defense gave the Trojans their second possession soon after and Brody Heckman tossed a 12-yard TD pass to Duke Snyder. With a two-point conversion, Alexander led 14-0.

On its next possession, OAE put together a drive of its own to make the score 14-7, but Alexander answered with a 92-yard kickoff return by Kingston Woods.

Four minutes later, Damien Hale sprung loose and scored on a run up the middle from 17 yards out. Melissa Sawyer's kick was good, notching the score at 28-7 into the half.

In the third, Ryder Reichert scored from three yards out, extending the lead to 34-7.  

OAE put together another drive of its own, making it 34-14.

Early in the fourth Heckman, ran a keeper from nine yards out for a TD and Sawyer's kick was good 41-14.

Later in the fourth, Hale scored on a 35-yard run that included braking four tackles, wrapping up the scoring at 47-14.

The Northern Lights were visible over Genesee County on Thursday night. Alexander resident  Joe Laney shared these photos he took.

Press Release:

What do Yo-Yos, T-shirts, Hexagons and Cathedrals have in common? They are all types of quilts! You can expect to see these and more at The Museum Quilt Guild’s show on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The display will be at the Alexander Fireman’s Recreation Hall on Route 98 in Alexander.

The quilts are all made by guild members. There will be more than 150 quilts for the public to view. Some are full-size bed quilts- think warm and cozy to sleep under; some are throw quilts to wrap in while watching your favorite TV show or with a book; and some are wall hangings to be used as a beautiful wall décor.

All are made for the love of quilting, as a relaxing activity that has been shown to help reduce stress! It’s a great sense of accomplishment to complete a one-of-a-kind creation! We have members of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned award winners. We provide inspiration and new ideas for each other. We welcome new members to join our guild. We meet at the VA on the 3rd Saturday of the month.

The display quilts are not for sale, but there will be hand-made articles in our boutique that you may purchase. There is also a beautiful bed quilt that we are raffling off, as well as a silent auction and a basket raffle.

Proceeds of the show help to support our community service projects that we do throughout the year. We donate lap quilts to the cancer centers to provide comfort and warmth to cancer patients during treatment. Other quilts are donated to the VA, ARC, Head Start, All Babies Cherished and Crossroads House among others.

Admission to the show is $6 with children 10 and under admitted free. For more information about the show, please visit our website at www.themuseumquiltguild.com or call Elaine at 585-880-0456.

It was a victorious homecoming on Saturday for the Alexander Trojans with a convincing 38-0 win over Geneseo.

The Trojans are now 4-1.

The scoring onslaught started with the opening kickoff. Jacob Brooks returned the kick for a 78-yard touchdown.

Defensively, the Trojans held Geneseo on their first possession. Then, the Trojan offense took the field. Working the run game, the Trojans moved down the field methodically, splitting carries between King Woods, Ryder Reichert, and Kaden Torres. This drive ended with a 12-yard TD Run by sophomore Ryder Reichert.

After another stop, the Trojans' Junior Running Back Kingston Woods scored from two yards out! Melissa Sawyer's PAT made it 19-0. It stayed 19-0 into the half.

In the second half, the Trojans took advantage of the run game, and QB Brody Heckman threw a play-action pass to Duke Snyder for a 55-yard TD.

Later in the third quarter, Kaden Torres scored from two yards out. 

Alexander's final score came in the fourth quarter on an 18-yard run by Reichert.

Defensively, the Trojans completed their third shutout of the season.  The defense was led by Victor Kirsch, Dylan Pohl and Jake Smith with four sacks.  Sophomore Sean Pietrzkowski led all tacklers with eight, two for loss.  JR Brody Heckman had an interception, and SR DE Jacob Smith had a strip sack and fumble recovery.  LB's Damien Hale and Kaden Torres each chipped in six tackles. 

The Trojans will travel to Canisteo Greenwood on Friday. 

Also on Saturday,

Batavia improved to 5-0 with a 32-16 win over Honeoye Falls-Lima at HFL. Bronx Bucholz was 10-18 passing for 147 yards and three touchdowns. He ran for 178 yards on 23 attempts. Zailen Griffin gained 111 yards on 20 carries. Carter Mullin had four receptions for 90 yards and a TD. 

Photos by Philip Casper.

The Alexander Trojans faced a team that has proven a juggernaut so far in 2024 and Friday night's game at GCC proved to be another large-margin win for the Avon Braves.

The Braves beat the Trojans 41-14.

Alexander scored in the second quarter when Brody Hackman carried the ball in from one yard out. The PAT kick was blocked.

In the fourth quarter, Kingston Woods scored on a 14-yard run. The Trojans converted on a two-point run.

Ryder Reichert carried the ball 10 times for 82 yards. Woods finished with 54 yards rushing.

On defense, Dylan Pohl led the Trojans with 2.5 QB sacks, two tackles for loss and three tackles overall.  ree Safety Duke Snyder had eight tackles for the Trojans.  

The Trojans fall to 3-1, and Avon moves to 4-0 on the season

Photos by Philip Casper.

Press Release:

The Museum Quilt Guild of Batavia will present their biennial “Stitches In Time” quilt show on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day.

There will be more than 150 quilts displayed at the Alexander Fireman’s Recreation Hall at 10708 Alexander Rd (Rt 98) in Alexander. All of the quilts have been made by guild members.

In addition to our professionally judged quilt display, we will have vendors, demonstrations, a raffle quilt, silent auction, boutique, basket raffle, and a fabric pool. 

Admission is $6, children 10 and under are free. For more information, contact Elaine 585-880-0456, or visit our website @ www.Themuseumquiltguild.com.

Amanda T. Sterzick, 52, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 2nd, a Class A-II felony, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, conspiracy 2nd, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th,  two counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia 2nd; Michael C. Mirabal, 51, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 2nd, a Class A-II felony, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, conspiracy 2nd,  two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th,  two count of criminally using drug paraphernalia 2nd; 

Paul Crawford, 55, of Batavia is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 2nd, a Class A-II felony, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, and conspiracy 2nd. On Aug. 30, the Local Drug Task Force and Batavia PD executed two search warrants on residences on Central Avenue and East Main Street, Batavia. The warrants were the result of a "lengthy narcotics investigation" that was assisted by the United States Postal Service Investigation Service into the trafficking and distribution of methamphetamine, prescription drugs, drug paraphernalia, and U.S. currency.  The suspects were charged on Sept. 11. By statute, based on the A-II felony charges, the defendants were ordered held at arraignment in the Genesee County Jail pending further court appearances. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are pending.

Charles Philips Stevens, 36, and Shelby Lynn Fryer, 29, both of 11 South Main Street, Batavia, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and criminal use of drug paraphernalia. Carl E. Canterbury, 54, and Christine M. Caplis, 44, both 61 South Main Street, Batavia, and Crystal A. Dale, 48, of Linwood Avenue, Albion, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and criminal use of drug paraphernalia.  The arrests resulted from a narcotics investigation by the Local Drug Task Force that resulted in the Batavia Emergency Response Team executing search warrants at 11 South Main St. and 61 South Main St. in Batavia on Sept. 9. All suspects were issued appearance tickets.

Kahlan Irene VanSchaffel, 22, of undisclosed street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.  VanSchaffel was allegedly found in possession of cocaine in a quantity sufficient to constitute possession with intent to sell at 6:28 on Sept. 15, on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, by Deputy Soren Calderon. VanSchaffel was held pending arraignment.

Jakob John Howland, 22, of Stroh Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Howland was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident on Aug. 18 at 11:18 on Stroh Road, Alexander, that was investigated by Deputy Matthew Wesolowski. Howland was released on an appearance ticket.

Susan Marie Lynch, 69, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Lynch is accused of shoplifting at Walmart at 4:49 p.m. on Sept. 9. Lynch was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Jacob Duane Pieri, 18, East Pleasant Avenue, Eden, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Pieri was stopped at 11:21 on Sept. 7 on Alleghany Road, Darien, by Deputy Soren Calderon. Pieri was issued an appearance ticket.

Brendan Michael Bruce, 26, of Pamela Drive, Depew, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, and driving a vehicle without an inspection certificate. Bruce was stopped at 12:24 a.m. on Sept. 8 on Broadway Road, Darien, by Deputy Stephen Smith. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Ashton Lee Mohney, 34, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mohney is accused of shoplifting at Walmart at 10:19 a.m. on Sept. 6. Mohney was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Molly Elizabeth Hebdon, 35, of unreleased street, Bethany, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child.  Hebdon is accused of leaving her 11-year-old daughter alone at a residence on Putnam Road, Bethany, at 10:33 p.m. on Sept. 8. Hebdon was issued an appearance ticket.

Wayne Daniel Potter, 41, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with failing to register a change of address within 10 days as a sex offender. Potter was arrested at the Genesee County Jail on Sept. 9. He was held pending arraignment.

Clarence Arthur Johnson, II, of Griswold Road, Bergen, is charged with failure to appear and be photographed by law enforcement as a sex offender.  Johnson was arrested on Sept 8. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Mario Richard Handley, 19, of Jackson Avenue, North Tonawanda, is charged with disorderly conduct. Handley is accused of harassing patrons at a location on Alleghany Road at 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 7. He was allegedly engaging in fighting stances and striking passing vehicles. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jose Ranulfo Yamba-Paucar, 30, of Hinkleyville Road, Spencerport, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Yamba-Paucar was stopped at 6:19 p.m. on Sept. 14 on Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, following traffic complaints. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Terry Michael Roth, 49, of Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Roth was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance during a probation home search of his residence. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jared Ryan Burns, 38, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Burns is accused of intentionally damaging the screen door of a residence on West Main Street Road, Batavia, at 9:43 p.m. on Sept. 12. He was held for arraignment.

Samantha Grace Reed, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Reed is accused of shoplifting at Walmart at 6:47 on Sept. 13. She was released on an appearance ticket.

The following arrests were made at the Pitbull concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sept 6:

• Gena Everet, 18, of Java, is charged with criminal trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after previously being ejected.
• Michael Pellegrino-Whittmeyer, 21, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after previously being ejected.
• Erin Coffey, 20, of Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after previously being ejected.
• John Karcz, Jr., 51, of North Tonawanda, is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly striking another person while inside the concert venue.

All suspects were issued appearance tickets.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Alexander Fire is responding to a motorcycle accident with reported injuries in the area of 10248 Brookville Road.

UPDATE 9:25 a.m.: One person transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Press Release:

The Alexander Fire Department will be hosting two Summer Red Cross Blood Drive and Hands on C.P.R. Events at our Recreation Hall, 10708 Alexander Rd., Alexander.

Wednesday, July 31 and Wednesday, August 7 from 1 - 6 p.m. 

To schedule an appointment to give blood you can download the Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

You may schedule an appointment for a Hands-Only CPR Class, which can be scheduled at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., or 5 p.m. The classes are free and only 30 minutes, please call Cate at 1-716-778-4399 to schedule your class.  Walk-ins are welcome if space is available. 

The Red Cross is experiencing a CRITICAL SUMMERTIME NEED. Hospital patients need your help. Please call and schedule today.