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Sectional Basketball: Alexander 61, Letchworth 50

By Destin Danser

The Alexander Trojans were impressive from the start in their first sectional game of the season, taking an early lead in the first quarter and maintaining it for the rest of the game.

Letchworth attempted to claw its way back into the game throughout the second half, however were unable to do so due to several blocked shots by Alexander's Erik Scharlau on defense. Leading scorers for Alexander were Dustin Schmieder (19 points), Matt Geneway (16 points), and Chris McClinic (14 points). 

Photos by Destin Danser Photography. Click here to view the complete gallery and purchase prints. 

Alexander Central School District announces completion of $6.8 million capital improvement project

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Picone Construction has completed Alexander Central School District’s $6.8 million capital improvement project, which addressed energy efficiency upgrades, health and safety improvements, and site work at both the elementary and middle/high schools.

Alexander Elementary School improvements involved the reconstruction and/or replacement of: flooring, exterior masonry, mechanical systems, electrical components, hazardous materials, playground equipment and associated site work, pavement, drainage, and miscellaneous other repairs.

Alexander Middle/High School work included the reconstruction and/or replacement of: roofing systems, pool area and system components, interior and exterior masonry, egress pathways, mechanical systems, electrical components, hazardous materials, running track and associated site work, pavement, drainage, and miscellaneous other repairs.

The Architect of Record is SEI Design Group.

Picone Construction Corp. has been providing Professional Construction Services to the Western New York area since 1931. The firm specializes in general contracting, construction management, design / build, and facility services.

Law and Order: Inmate accused of assault

By Howard B. Owens

Davon Shaquille St. John, 18, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 2nd. St. John is accused of assaulting somebody while confined at the Genesee County Jail at 8:49 p.m., Monday. He was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Wayne L. Pierce, 75, of Alexander, is charged with forcible touching. Pierce is accused of inappropriately grabbing a female employee at the Ben Go's gas station in Attica.

Bishop Williams, 23, of Genesee Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 4th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th. Williams is accused of selling Suboxone in May while in the Village of Wyoming. He was arrested by Wyoming County Drug Task Force following an investigation. He was jailed on $15,000 bail.

Odanis Betances, 21, of Morris Avenue, Bronx, is charged with petit larceny. Betances is accused of stealing $125.99 in merchandise from Kmart.

Brian James Lipinski, 33, of Richley Road, Darien, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument. Lipinski allegedly used a counterfeit bill to pay for food delivered to his residence.

Jarvis Davon Seymore, 33, of Michigan Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unlicensed driving, aggravated unlicensed driving, and speeding. Seymore was stopped at 1:51 p.m., Monday, on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, by Deputy Chad Cummings.

Accident with injuries reported at Dodgeson and Seward roads, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in Alexander at Seward and Dodgeson roads. Alexander Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 9:34 p.m.: Darien is asked to stand by in its own fire hall because Alexander "is working a serious injury accident."

UPDATE 10:10 p.m.: This is a fatal accident. According to Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile, the vehicle appears to have drifted off the roadway for unknown reasons and struck a tree. The victim was not wearing a seat belt and had no pulse when first responders arrived. Speed does not appear to be a factor, Saile said. Identification is pending until notification of family.

UPDATE 11:46 p.m.: We're informed by the Sheriff's Office that family notifications have taken place but we have not yet received the name of the victim yet.

UPDATE 12:45 a.m.: The victim is Jayson W. Dersham of East Main Street Road, Batavia.  The cause of the accident has not yet been determined and it remains under investigation.  Dersham was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Jeff McIntire.

Alexander Defeats Attica 69-56

By Destin Danser

In Friday night basketball the Alexander Trojans defeated rival Attical Blue Devils 69-56. Alexander pulled ahead from the beginning and never slowed down. Top scorers for Alexander were Matt Geneway with 20 points and Dustin Schmieder with 19 points. 

Photos by Destin Danser Photography. Click Here to view and purchase photos.

Local wrestlers pick up a dozen titles at Section V tournment

By Howard B. Owens

Alexander's Dane Heberlein will have a chance to advance toward a third state title after beating Chase Runfola, of Letchworth, 8-6 in the 132-pound division of Class BB of Section V championship wrestling yesterday.

Heberlein was one of a dozen wrestlers from Genesee County to win sectional titles yesterday at the tournament hosted by Byron-Bergen, including four from Byron-Bergen and two others from Alexander.  

Below, after photos of Heberlein's match, Alexander's Nicholas Young defeated Canisteo-Greenwood’s Zach Flaitz, 7-3, and Byron-Bergen’s Chad Toal pinned Le Roy’s Andrew Englerth.

For more results, visit Batavia's Best.

To purchase prints, click here.

Garbage truck reportedly on fire in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A garbage truck is reported to be on fire in the area of the country deli in Alexander.

Alexander fire responding.

UPDATE 10:12 a.m.: A tanker from Bethany requested to the scene.

UPDATE: Photos submitted by Heather Jackson.

Genesee Tourism: Visit Your Local History Museum Series -- Alexander Museum

By Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

Enjoy a peek inside the Alexander Museum located in the only three-story cobblestone town hall in America. The museum's large open space is filled with a wide-ranging collection - from farmers' tools to old record players, there's a lot to explore here.

To visit, contact Historian Katie Goodman at 585-591-1204 or by email to schedule a tour.

Alexander Museum, 3350 Church St., Alexander, NY; 585-591-1204.

Visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more about Genesee County's unique attractions.

Law and Order: Driver reportedly found sleeping in car on Route 20, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

Nicholas Benjamin Wall, 26, of Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and being stopped/standing or parked on a highway. At 12:09 a.m., Deputy Ryan Young and Deputy Jeremy McClellan were dispatched to 1954 Broadway, Darien, for a report of a driver slumped over the steering wheel. Deputies report finding the defendant sleeping in the vehicle with the vehicle in reverse. 

Tony Robert Hoag, 49, of Shacktown Mountain Road, New Berlin, is charged with unlawful possession of untaxed cigarettes, criminal tax fraud and obstructed plate. Hoag was allegedly found in possession of 14,400 untaxed cigarettes during a traffic stop for alleged violations at 11:25 a.m. Friday by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Tickets still available for 15th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner

By Billie Owens

Tickets are still available for the 15th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner! The dinner will take place Saturday, March 18 at the Alexander Fire Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m.  This event is a celebration of Genesee County’s number one industry – Agriculture. The highlight is a delicious meal using locally produced foods prepared by Penna’s Catering.

The dinner is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce (8276 Park Road, Batavia) for $30 each. A table of 10 can be purchased for $275. Sponsorships are available for $350 and help to support agriculture educational events in Genesee County. Tickets will not  be sold at the door.

The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Farm Bureau and Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District. Many local farms and businesses sponsor or donate products to this event.

For ticket information contact the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 585-343-7440, ext. 1027 or chamber@geneseeny.com

Notre Dame edges Alexander, 34-33

By Howard B. Owens

Even with a couple of key players out because of colds, the Alexander Lady Trojans gave Notre Dame a fight for four quarters, falling short at the end when Callie McCulley sunk a pair of free throws to give the Irish a 34-33 victory.

The home team ended the first and second quarters with leads, but Notre Dame's defense helped keep the game within reach.

McCulley finished with 10 points to go with 10 from Margaret Sutherland and five from Natalie Thornton.

For Alexander, Marissa Scharlau, Jordan George, seven, Maci Riggs and Caylin Walton each had six.

Additional charges for suspects in battery theft cases

By Howard B. Owens

Investigators continue to work leads in the case of a series of battery thefts from trucks and farm equipment in Genesee County, and as a result previously arrested suspects face new charges.

Bart Towne, 48, of Alleghany Road, Alabama, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. He was first arrested Sept. 27 and has been charged in the jurisdictions of Byron, Oakfield, Alabama, Elba, Pembroke and Alexander. 

He allegedly stole batteries in each of those towns.

He is being held without bail.

Amber L. Heveron, 28, of Rice Road, Albion, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. She was first arrested Dec. 6. She was previously charged in Alabama, Pembroke, Oakfield and Elba. 

She is out of jail under supervision of Genesee Justice.

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are possible.

Alexander FD installs new officers, recognizes member accomplishments

By Howard B. Owens

The Alexander Volunteer Fire Department held its annual installation dinner and awards presentation at its rec hall on Saturday night.

Above, Ryan Hinz, ambulance captain, and Matt Pietrzykowski, firefighter. Hinz received the Chief's Award for his efforts on behalf of the ambulance service, and Pietrzykowski was recognized for his heroics at a house fire April 30 when he pulled another firefighter from a room in a house fire who had been hit on the head by a falling beam. The firefighter was not seriously hurt, but at the moment couldn't retreat from the burning building on his own. Pietrykowski was a member of the Alexander Fast Team that day.

Alexander's Firematic Officers for 2017:

  • Marshal Merle, chief
  • Paul Hirsch, deputy chief
  • Jim Burkhardt, 2nd assistant
  • Dean Hendershott, 3rd assistant
  • Tom Green, 4th assistant
  • Ryan Hinz, ambulance captain
  • Darlene Merle, ambulance lieutenant
  • Aaron Hirsch, truck captain
  • Carl Homer, truck lieutenant
  • Lance Scharlau, training captain
  • Sean McPhee, training lieutenant
  • Nate Fix, safety officer

Administrative Officers:

  • Dean Hendershott, president
  • Tom Green, vice president
  • Amanda Donnelly, recording secretary
  • Laura Scharlau, financial secretary
  • Jackie Lowe, treasurer
  • Trustees: Sean McPhee, Tom Lowe, Darlene Merle, Amanda Donnelly, Deb Green, Matt Pietrzykowski, Ryan Hinz.

Ladies Auxiliary: 

  • Donna Rhodes, president
  • Ann Buckenmeyer, vice president
  • Kate Goodman, secretary
  • Colette Guarino, treasurer
  • Marge Kelsey, flag bearer
  • Donna Rhodes, chaplain
  • Directors: Sandy Homer, Marge Kelsey, Linda Higley

Jennifer McPhee and Debbie Green received the Presidential Award of Service from President Dean Hendershott. McPhee and Green often volunteer to babysit the children of firefighters responding to emergencies.

Joseph Schmider and Carl Homer were recognized for their 25 years of service by Dean Hendershott and Laura Scharlau.

At the end of the evening, the department hands out a series of gag awards poking fun at some of the miscues of members during the course of the year. Apparently, at the time of the tractor pull, Paul Hirsch accidently knocked over a utility pole with a vehicle. He received a hat for his "new business," the Hirsch Pole Removal Service.

Possible structure fire reported at mobile home park in Alexander

By Billie Owens

A possible residential structure fire is reported in Alexander. "A pellet stove is smoking and won't shut off," says a dispatcher. The location is lot #6 at the West Bank Mobile Home Park at 3189 Broadway Road. Alexander and Town of Batavia fire departments are called to respond.

Lost Pet: Oscar missing in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

Oscar is missing and Tracy Hastings just wants him to come home.

He disappeared from his home in Alexander this morning.

He's friendly, but gets nervous when not in his normal routine.

He's an 8-year-old English bulldog.

If you can help reunite Oscar with Tracy, email her at tahastin1973@gmail.com.

Alexander Boys Varsity Basketball downs Byron-Bergen

By Rick Franclemont

Alexander Boys Varsity took down Byron-Bergen 53 to 40.


Standout sophmore Chris McClinic led Alexander with 21 points, three rebounds, three assists, and four steals.

Adding points for Alexander with strong games:

Matt Genaway -- 12 points, five rebounds
Erik Scharlau -- nine points, 10 rebounds, six blocks
Dustin Schmieder -- nine points

Leading Byron Bergen:
Brandon Burke -- 16 points, seven rebounds
Colin Noeth -- 11 points, eight rebounds


Alexander Coach Josh Bender said "I thought tonight my guys played great disciplined defense. These guys stepped up to the challenge and it was a great team win for us. We are starting to hit our stride and will look to continue to keep improving."

Current records:

Alexander 3-3 overall
Byron-Bergen 3-3 overall

More pictures from this game and other Alexander Varsity games can be found http://francletography.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/Basketball/C0000f.aPItX_A7o

Alexander man facing multiple drug dealing charges

By Howard B. Owens
    Michael Schulz

An Alexander man is facing numerous drug dealing charges after being arrested on a sealed indictment, obtained following an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force.

Michael C. Schulz, 34, of Buffalo Street, allegedly sold cocaine to an agent working for the task force.

He was arrested after being observed driving on North Lyon Street by members of the task force and Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Schulz allegedly committed several traffic violations and was found driving on a suspended driver's license.

He is charged with six counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd.

At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly found in possession of cocaine.

The discovery led to two more counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Schulz was jailed pending arraignment in County Court.

The Orleans County Major Felony Unit assisted in the investigation along with the Genesee County District Attorney's Office.

Alexander fire responding to three-car accident in Attica

By Howard B. Owens

A three-car accident is reported at Route 98 and Prospect Road, Attica.

Unknown injuries.

Alexander fire and ambulance and Attica fire responding. Bennington fire is on standby for its ambulance.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: Traffic is being blocked at Route 98 and Buffalo Road. No extrication will be required.

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