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Law and Order: State Street resident accused of resisting arrest, other charges following traffic stop

By Howard B. Owens

Latoya Denise Jackson, 39, of State Street, is charged with resisting arrest, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, driving with a suspended v vehicle registration, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, and driving without insurance. Jackson was stopped at 4:48 a.m. on Washington Avenue, Batavia, by Deputy Richard Flores. Jackson was allegedly found in possession of two different controlled substances, and she resisted arrest. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Rachelle Nicole Laney, 38, of River Road Xing, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, driving too slow, and equipment violation. Laney was stopped at 11:48 p.m. on Dec. 31 on Roanoke Road, Stafford, by Deputy Andrew Mullen. She was issued appearance tickets.

Kenneth Richard Sheard, 45, of South Lake Road, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment. Sheard is accused of striking a person under the age of 17 at 8:37 p.m. on Jan. 1 at a location on South Lake Road, Bergen. Sheard was held pending arraignment.

David Ryan Paddock, 25, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unregistered vehicle, speed not reasonable and prudent, and moving from lane unsafely. Paddock was reportedly involved in a property damage accident at 7:18 p.m. on Dec. 21 at a location on Warsaw Road, Le Roy and charged following an investigation by Deputy Stephen Smith. Paddock was issued traffic tickets.

Vincent James Auguliaro, 34, of Maple Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Auguliaro was stopped at 12:21 a.m. on Jan. 3 on West Main Street, Corfu, by Deputy Stephen Smith. Auguliaro was issued traffic tickets.

Tyler James Bull, 22, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Bull is accused of violating an order of protection by calling another person 142 times. He was arrested at the Genesee County Jail and released back into jail custody.

Nicholas Adam Pietrzykowski, 48, of East Road, Wyoming, is charged with felony DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and moving from lane unsafely. Pietrzykowski is accused of being involved in a property damage accident at 2:50 p.m. on Jan. 5 on Galloway Road and fleeing into the woods. He was taken into custody by Deputy James Stack and K-9 Rayzor. He was held pending arraignment.

Nicholas Dean Kersch, 29, of Wyoming Street, Warsaw, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, speeding, and moving from lane unsafely. Kersch was stopped at 2:21 a.m. on Jan. 5 on Lake Street, Le Roy by Deputy Zachary Hoy. Kersch was issued traffic tickets.

Hugh Michael Rohrer, 22, of Brandford Place, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving left of the pavement, and moving from lane unsafely. Rohrer was reportedly involved in a two-vehicle accident at 5:56 a.m. on Jan. 1 on Alleghany Road, Alabama and was charged following an investigation by Deputy Jacob Kipler.

Adrian Joseph Aughenbaugh, 27, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Aughenbaugh was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 12:41 a.m. on Jan. 6 on Buffalo Road, Bergen. A search allegedly located a controlled substance. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Jared Ryan Burns, no age provided, no residence provided, is charged with obstruction governmental administration 2nd, trespass, and disorderly conduct. Burns is accused of remaining at the Department of Social Services on East Main Street Road, Batavia, at 11:43 a.m. on Dec. 30. Burns was allegedly uncooperative and attempted to prevent deputies from removing him. He was jailed pending arraignment.

Travis David Gassman, 30, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Gassman was stopped at 6:38 p.m. on Jan. 11 on Perry Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was issued traffic tickets.

William Edward Farnsworth, 40, of Eagle Harbor Road, Barre, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, speeding, and unlicensed driver. Farnsworth was arrested on Jan. 10. He was accused of possessing cocaine during a traffic stop by Deputy Zachary Hoy at 3:24 p.m. on March 30 on Buffalo Road, Bergen. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Feyza Gabriel Osmacikli, no age provided, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th.  Osmacikli is accused of possessing a narcotic during a traffic stop by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell at 10:20 p.m. on Jan. 4 on Oak Street, Batavia. Osmacikli was released on an appearance ticket.

Jose Reyes Ramirez-Perez, 29, of Malone, is charged with DWI, refusal to take a breath test, speeding, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Ramirez-Perez was stopped at 2:05 a.m. on Jan. 12 on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Soren Calderon. He was issued traffic tickets.

Claudie Vern Goodenow, Jr., 42, of Prospect Street, Attica, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation with five or more suspensions, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, lights not to standards, and no inspection sticker. Goodenow was stopped at 2:29 a.m. on Jan. 10 on Broadway Road, Bethany, by Deputy Jacob Kipler. Goodenow was issued an appearance ticket.

Jessica Lynn Goodenow, 43, of Prospect Street, Attica, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Goodenow was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 2:29 a.m. on Jan. 10 on Broadway Road, Bethany. A search allegedly located controlled substances in the vehicle. Goodenow was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Salvatore Michael Schwable, 27, of Oakfield, is charged with possession of a forged instrument 1st and two counts of petit larceny. Schwable is accused of using counterfeit currency to purchase merchandise from a gas station on South Main Street, Oakfield at 10:58 p.m. on Nov. 28. He was arrested Jan. 13 following an investigation by Deputy Soren Calderon. He was held pending arraignment.

Warren Thomas Cotton, 47, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband 2nd. Cotton is accused of possessing homemade alcohol under the bunk of his bed at the Genesee County Jail at 7 a.m. on Jan. 14. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Cori L Cleland, 39, of Perry, is charged with DWAI drugs. Cleland was arrested Jan. 1 in connection with a vehicle accident reported in Septermber. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Davor E. Hodgson-Aguilar, 36, of Long Beach, was arrested on Jan. 8 on a warrant. Hodgson-Aguilar was initially charged with petit larceny in October of 2023. The warrant was issued for alleged failure to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Julie L. Dutton, 29, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Dutton was allegedly involved in a fight on Jan. 2 where she grabbed and shoved another person. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Antwoine D. Lara, 28, of Endicott, was arrested on Jan. 5 as a fugitive from justice. Lara was taken into custody when Batavia PD responded to an incident on Liberty Street. During the investigations, police determined there was a warrant for her arrest issued in Pennsylvania. She was jailed pending extradition.

Zachary R. Whitehead, 31, of Batavia, is charged with criminal impersonation and multiple traffic violations. Whitehead was stopped by Batavia PD on Oct. 8 and allegedly provided officers with another person's name. He was arrested Jan. 5 and issued an appearance ticket.

Brant G. Matthews, 30, of Greece, was arrested on Jan. 3, on a warrant. The warrant stems from a traffic stop on Jan. 18, 2024. He was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Hunter M. Court, 25, of Alexander, is charged with DWI. Court was stopped on Dec. 24 on Court Street. He was issued traffic tickets.

Maresa A. Lodowski, 20, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Lodowski is accused of shoplifting from Dollar General on Dec. 29. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Alexander Republican Committee seeks candidates for 2025 general election

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Town of Alexander Republican Committee is seeking Republican candidates for the following positions that will be placed on the ballot for the November 4th, 2025 General Election.

  • Town Council (2) four-year term
  • Town Clerk - four-year term
  • Republican Committee member, District #1 (west of Route 98)

If interested, please send a letter of intent by January 26 to Chairwoman Barbara Eddy, 11054 Alexander Rd., Attica OR contact by phone at 585-507-9930.

Photos: Alexander Fire Department serves up awards at dinner

By Staff Writer
alexander fire dinner
President Sean McPhee earns the Firefighter of the year award

On Saturday, members of the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department honored its own and installed its 2024 officers at the department's annual dinner, held this year at Attica's 10th Hole.

Photos by Philip Casper.

alexander fire dinner
Regan McPhee, who attended 150 calls in 2024, earns the EMS Provider Award
alexander fire dinner
Deputy Chief Nate Fix earns the Top Responder Award for responding to 168 calls.
alexander fire dinner
Safety Officer Bernie Fix earned the President's Award.
alexander fire dinner
Installation of Officers for 2025
alexander fire dinner
Parade Captain John Meier presented with an award for dedicating 40 years of service.
alexander fire dinner
Assemblyman Steve Hawley, center, and Legislator Gregg Torrey, right, present Bernie Fix with a citation in honor of his 50 years of service with the Fire Department.
alexander fire dinner
Bernie Fix's previous fire departments, Milgrove and Corfu, present him with achievement awards for his dedicated service.
alexander fire dinner
Donna Rhodes thanks all of those who assisted the ladies auxiliary.
alexander fire dinner
Memorial for Alexander Fire Department members who passed away in 2024.
alexander fire dinner
alexander fire dinner
alexander fire dinner
Chaplain Adam Meier delivers the invocation.

Boys Basketball: Alexander tops Pembroke 61-51

By Staff Writer
alexander pembroke basketball
alexander pembroke basketball

Alexander hit nine three-point shots on the way to a 61-51 win over Pembroke in Boys Basketball on Friday.

Trojans stats:

  • Kingston Woods, 15 points
  • Mason Snyder, 15 points
  • Dylan Pohl, 12 points
  • Damien Hale, 11 points

Dragons stats:

  • Josh vonKramer, 16 points
  • Jayden Bridge, 14 points
  • Nolan Peterson, 11 points
  • Caleb Felski, seven assists
Photos by Melissa Brooks.
alexander pembroke basketball
alexander pembroke basketball

Town of Alexander property taxes to be collected by Genesee County treasurer’s office

By Press Release

Press Release:

Beginning on January 1, the Genesee County Treasurer's Office will collect all 2025 property tax payments for the Town of Alexander. Please note that this applies to the Town of Alexander only, all other current 2025 town and county taxes will be collected at the other respective towns.

2025 Town of Alexander tax payments can be made in person or by mail to: 

Genesee County Treasurer’s Office, 15 Main Street Batavia, NY

Checks should be made payable to Genesee County Treasurer. For added convenience, online payments can also be made at: https://genesee.go2gov.net/faces/search.jsp

Important Notice: No tax payments will be accepted at the Alexander Town Hall in 2025, all payments must be made to the Genesee County Treasurer’s Office. 

For questions or additional information, please contact the Genesee County Treasurer’s Office at 585-815-7803.

Alexander tops Notre Dame 58-50 in small school Lions tournament

By Steve Ognibene
Alexander wins small school Lions Tournament at GCC.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Alexander wins small school Lions Tournament at GCC.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

Alexander won the Pete Arras crown in the small school division at GCC on Monday night, beating Notre Dame 58-50. 

The Trojans led at the half 24-16, but the Fighting Irish pulled even three times in the fourth quarter. Alexander hits some key baskets in the final three minutes to seal the victory.

Kingston Woods was selected tournament MVP. 

When Notre Dame challenged in the second half, Alexander coach Justin Smith remained confident in his team.

"Our second half is normally our worst, to be honest, but I felt that they were going to get on a run, and I knew that we just had to settle down," Smith said. "Our offense was going to be there. We just had to be more disciplined on defense. Once we did that, I knew the game would swing our way."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

Alexander advances in Peter Arras tournament

By Staff Writer
Elba vs Alexander Lions Tournament

Alexander beat Elba 68-32 in the first round of the Peter Arras Memorial Basketball Tournament in the small school division at Genesee Community College on Friday.

The final score: 68-32.

Kingston Woods scored 16 points for the Trojans, and Dylan Pohl scored 14.

Nicholas Scott and Ryan Marsceill each scored 10 for the Lancers.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Elba vs Alexander Lions Tournament
Elba vs Alexander Lions Tournament
Elba vs Alexander Lions Tournament
Elba vs Alexander Lions Tournament

Law and Order: Batavia woman accused of forcibly entering residence, slashing person with knife

By Howard B. Owens
tia shmieder
Tia Schmieder

Tia E. Schmieder, 33, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 1st, attempted assault 1st, criminal possession of weapon 3rd, criminal mischief 4th, and menacing 2nd. Schmieder allegedly forced her way into a person's residence on State Street and slashed that person with a knife. She was arraigned and released.

Tyquan D. Bethel, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, and harassment 2nd. Bethel was arrested on Nov. 20 following a report of a disturbance on Pearl Street, Batavia. He allegedly violated an order of protection by holding a person down and refusing to let the person leave. He is also accused of preventing the person to call 9-1-1 by taking away the person's phone. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.

Quincy G. Styles, 26, of Batavia, is charged with robbery 3rd. Styles allegedly stole money from another person at the scene of a motor vehicle accident on Nov. 21 by threatening to punch the driver if he didn't give him money. Styles was arraigned in City Court and released.

Joshua Michel
Joshua Michel

Joshua D. Michel, 34, of Batavia, is charged with tampering with physical evidence, tampering with public records 2nd, falsely reporting an incident 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a disabled person. Michel was charged after an investigation into three separate incidents at the Developmental Disabilities Services Office on New York Place in Batavia, where he was employed. 

John P. Wittkopp, 41, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd. Wittkopp is accused of fighting with another person on Nov. 7 on Spencer Court and causing serious injury. He was arraigned in City Court and held.

Thomas J. Mitchell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and grand larceny. Mitchell is accused of stealing tools from a vehicle on Oct. 9. He was arrested on Nov. 8, arraigned in City Court and released.

Nicholas C. Kingdollar, 29, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Kingdollar is accused of sending a letter to a person he was ordered not to contact while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail. He was arrested on Nov. 24.

Sean M. Conway, no age or residence provided, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Conway was arrested on Nov. 22 on a warrant related to an incident reported on April 26 when he was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. He was arraigned and released.

Doreen M. Boop, 61, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Boop was arrested on Nov. 22 on a warrant related to an incident reported on April 26 when she was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. She was arraigned and released.

Meaghan A. Conti, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Conti was arrested on Nov. 18. Conti was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a welfare check on East Main Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance check.

Warren T. Cotton, 47, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal contempt 2nd. Cotton is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection. Cotton was arrested on Nov. 5 and on Nov. 18. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.

Brandon M. Seppe, 40, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and trespass 2nd. Seppe is accused of entering a residence on Ellicott Street in violation of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket.

William T. Hughes, 68, of Batavia, is charged with forcible touching. He was arrested on Nov. 11 in connection to an incident on East Main Street reported on Nov. 9. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jose A. Rivera, 38, of Bergen, is charged with harassment 2nd. Rivera was charged following a report of a fight on Sept. 26 at The Harvester on Harvester Avenue on Sept. 26. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Alicia M. Lyons, 45, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Lyons allegedly contact a person on Nov. 10 in violation of a stay-away order of protection. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Scott J. Hinze, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd, criminal contempt 2nd, criminal tampering 3rd, and petit larceny. Hinze was arrested on a warrant following an incident in July where he allegedly damaged and tampered with property belonging to another person in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned and released.

Curtis McCall, 37, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. McCall is accused of stealing property from Family Dollar in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Myrin D. Lumpkin, 46, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 27 on a warrant. Lumpkin allegedly failed to appear in court on a disorderly conduct charge stemming from a fight on West Main Street, Batavia, in August. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Zachary R Eichenberger, 40, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Eichenberger is accused of shoplifting from Aldi. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Lyndsay T. Young, 41, of Alexander, was arrested on a warrant on Nov. 26 charging her with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Her arrest stemmed from an investigation into an incident on July 26, where she was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine. She was arraigned and released.

Francis A. Coombs, 57, of Batavia, was arrested on Dec. 3 on a warrant. Coombs allegedly failed to appear in court on a criminal mischief 4th charge from August. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.

Joseph C Jeffords, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Jeffords was charged following a traffic stop on Nov. 26 on Kingsbury Avenue, Batavia, by a Batavia patrol officer.He was allegedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia and crack cocaine. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Sarah A. Malone, 42, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Nov. 26 on charges of aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd and driving without an interlock device. The warrant stems from an incident on Aug. 30 in Batavia. Malone allegedly drove a vehicle on a suspended license and without an ignition interlock. She was arraigned and released.

Amanda S. Dombrowski, 41, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 26 on a warrant. She was charged with bail jumping after allegedly not appearing on prior charges. She was arrested on May 2, 2020, and charged with menacing 3rd and endangering the welfare of a child. She was arraigned in City Court and jailed.

Thomas E. Lowe, 65, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Lowe is accused of damaging the interior of a store on East Main Street, Batavia, on Nov. 25.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Nicholas M. Ricigliano, 40, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 30 on a warrant. Ricigliano is accused of failure to appear in court on a petit larceny charge from Aug. 21. He was arraigned and released.

Marissa B. Torres, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Torres allegedly violated an order of protection on Nov. 12. She was arraigned and released.

Dontre R. Woods, 34, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 12 on a warrant. Woods allegedly failed to appear in court in August. Woods was arraigned and released.

Russell S. Neureuther, 26, of Byron, is charged with aggravated DWI. Neureuther was stopped on Nov. 2 by a Batavia patrol officer on Elm Street. He was issued traffic tickets and released.

Hillary D. Russell, 31, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Russell is accused of throwing an item at another person on Nov. 7 during a fight on Hutchins Street, Batavia. Russell was arraigned in City Court and released.

Ian J. Stothers, 22, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 2nd, reckless endangerment of property, and necessary noise. Stothers and two other people are accused of damaging a parking lot belonging to the city of Batavia on Nov. 9. Strothers was arraigned and released.

Angel R. Del Valle Castillo, 18, of Batavia, is charged with possession of a forged instrument 2nd and possession of a forged instrument 3rd. Castillo was charged following a traffic stop on Nov. 3. He is accused of driving a vehicle with a fictitious license plate and providing officers with a forged insurance card. He was arraigned and released.

Megan J. Courtney, 28, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th and petit larceny. Courtney is accused of allegedly stealing merchandise from Dollar General on Dec. 1. Police officers were initially unable to determine her identification, but she returned to the store the next day attempting to return the stolen items.  Courtney was issued an appearance ticket.

Kody A Wenzel, 32, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Dec. 8 and charged with criminal possession of controlled substance 7th. Wenzel was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine on Aug. 4, 2023. Wenzel was arraigned and released.

Robin F. Schmitt, 40, of Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Schmitt is accused of stealing merchandise from Dollar General on Dec. 3. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Lisa M. Fox, 53, of Albion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, tampering with physical evidence, criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, and traffic violations. Fox was stopped on Dec. 5 on Richmond avenue and allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Dana L. Manes, 60, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Manes is accused of stealing merchandise from Tops on Dec. 10. Manes was issued an appearance ticket.

Alexander alum Mullen completes first pentathlon for Redhawks in record-breaking fashion

By Press Release
jadyn-mullen-2.jpg

By Connor Beagle

Alexander Central High School has produced plenty of athletic talent throughout the years and the Roberts Wesleyan University track and field program has capitalized on all that talent through the college recruiting process.

Two of the most recent stars to come through Alexander have been Hailee Lowe and Jadyn Mullen. In her first collegiate track meet with the Redhawks Mullen managed to break the school record in the Pentathlon at the Susquehanna Early Season Multi & Invitational. 

Mullen scored 3,205 points and won both the high jump and 800 meter run outright in the Pentathlon, jumping 1.56 meters (5' 1.25”) and finishing the 800 in a time of 2:28.62. Mullen was 87 points above the second-place finisher and broke the school record previously held by Hailee Lowe by 33 points, who set it back in January 2023 at the YSU Mid-Major Invitational (3,174 points). Mullen was also named East Coast Conference Field Athlete of the Week for her outstanding performance.

This was not the first record of Lowe’s that Mullen has broken. At Alexander Central Mullen broke Lowe’s record in the 100 meter hurdles and the outdoor Pentathlon. Since graduating from Alexander in 2023, Mullen still holds twelve school records, including outdoor Pentathlon, outdoor long jump, indoor and outdoor high jump, 2k steeplechase, 400 meter hurdles, 100 meter hurdles, 800 meter run, 600 meter run, 55 meter hurdles, indoor shot put, and indoor Pentathlon.

Mullen who was previously at Penn State University for a semester scored 3,124 points at the Bison Opener at Bucknell University to place 5th in the Women’s Orange Pentathlon back in her sole appearance for the Nittany Lions back in December 2023. 

Currently, Mullen sits at 116th in the entire nation with her Redhawk debut score of 3,205 points in the Pentathlon. She is currently 1st in the East Region and East Coast Conference with a converted score of 3,227 points. Her converted score due to track size is just 67 points shy of the NCAA DII provisional standard of 3,294 points, which is needed to have a chance to reach the NCAA DII National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 12 -15.

Mullen will look to improve upon her score and continue her success this season at the Brockport Multi Invitational on February 7 - 8. The Redhawks first meet back from Winter break will take place at the Brockport Rust Buster on January 17. 

Boys Basketball: Pohl's 35 points lead Alexander to 80-41 win over Byron-Bergen

By Staff Writer
alexander over byron bergen basketball

The Alexander Trojans, behind 35 points for Dylan Pohl, dominated Byron-Bergen in Boys Basketball on Thursday for an 80-41 win.

Damien Hale added 10 points for the Trojans.

No Bees hit double-digits in scoring in the game. Noah Clare scored nine, and Cole DiQuattro scored eight.

Before the game, Pohl was recognized for achieving 1,000 career points in the TTrojans' previous game. He is the first basketball player at Alexander to reach this milestone.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

alexander over byron bergen basketball
alexander over byron bergen basketball
alexander over byron bergen basketball

Photos: Heavy snow fell on Alexander

By Staff Writer
alexander snow
A truck is stuck in the snow on Sandpit Road, Alexander.
Photo by Philip Casper.
alexander snow
Traffic on Route 20 was blocked for a time by a state trooper and a sheriff's deputy.
Photo by Philip Casper.
alexander snow
Tractor-trailers at times found Route 20 impassible, including FedEx trucks parked near Gilate Road.
Photo by Philip Casper.
alexander snow
Snowmobilers fueling up at the Alexander Country Deli.
Photo by Philip Casper.
alexander snow
Snow plowing at Alexander Central School
Photo by Philip Casper.
alexander snow
The village of Alexander Department of Public Works had workers out clearing sidewalks.
Photo by Philip Casper.

Former Alexander track star leading the way for triathlon at Roberts Wesleyan

By Press Release
jadyn-mullen.jpg
Jadyn Mullen
Submitted photo.

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.

Celebrate Agriculture dinner tickets go on sale December 2

By Press Release

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 tops OAE 14-7 in Class D semifinal at GCC

By Staff Writer

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.

Alexander OAE football
Alexander OAE football
Alexander OAE football
Alexander OAE football
Alexander OAE football
Alexander OAE football

A life of sexual abuse leads to a life sentence for John Volpe

By Howard B. Owens
john volpe
John Volpe

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's strong running game tops Attica 30-14 in opening sectional round

By Staff Writer
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Alexander got on the board first on the way to a 30-14 victory over Attica in the football Section V Class D quarterfinal at GCC on Friday.
 
Jacob Brooks ran the ball in from 14 yards out off the right side of the offensive line to put the Trojans on the board early at 6-0.
 
After a defensive stop, the Trojans offense once again put together another successful drive.  The big run came from senior fullback Damien Hale on a 64-yard zone run.  The Trojans then went for a 2-point conversion, and SR QB Brody Heckman ran it in for the successful try, making it 14-0.
 
At the end of the second quarter, the Trojans were driving again, but on a 4th and 2 from the Attica 20-yard line, the Blue Devils strip-sacked Heckman. SR LB Logan Albano recovered the fumble and ran it back for a 78-yard fumble recovery TD. Attica converted the 2-point try, making it 14-8 at the half.
 
In the third quarter, following Alexander's third turnover, Attica connected on a 21-yard TD pass after a wild scramble.  14-14
 
In the fourth quarter, the Trojans settled down and pounded the rock with the tailback Kaden Torres. Torres ran for 134 yards on 12 carries in the second half. He scored from 24 yards out, and then Heckman found Duke Snyder on the two-point conversion pass, making the score 22-14.
 
After a defensive stop, the Trojan offense continued to grind out yards, culminating with a Brody Heckman keeper TD from 16 yards out. Heckman then kept the 2-point try for the 30-14 point total.
 
Damien Hale ended the game with 104 yards rushing on 12 carries.  Heckman finished with 77 yards rushing on 10 carries.
 
Defensively, Lbers Damien Hale and Sean Pietrzkowski each had seven tackles and a quarterback sack. Duke Snyder had 1.5 QB Sacks.  Dylan Pohl had six tackles and 1/2 sack.
 
Alexander is now 8-1 on the season.

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

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

Trojans top Fighting Irish on 49-6

By Staff Writer

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.

Volleyball: Pembroke beats Alexander 3-1

By Staff Writer

Pembroke beat Alexander in volleyball on Tuesday in four sets.

Scores: 25-15, 18-25, 25-14, 29-27.

Juliana Cleveland has 26 assists, four aces, two kills and a block. Reagan Schneider had 15 kills and six digs. Angel Neureuter had 13 digs, seven kills and five aces. 

For Alexander, Emily Pietrzkowski had 16 digs, four kills and three aces. Ava Yax had 14 digs and three aces. 

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