Alexander

Submitted photo: Several Alexander JV and varsity volleyball players and parents attended the recent Great Strides Walk at Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County to show their support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and promote the Alexander Volleyball Booster Club’s upcoming fundraiser.

Press release:

The Alexander Volleyball Booster Club will be hosting its 5th annual fundraiser volleyball game Oct. 6 in a match against the Pembroke Dragons. This year’s event at Alexander Central School, located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander, benefits the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

According to event co-chairs Laura Marzolf and Colette Yax, choosing to support CFF hits close to home.

“One of the varsity volleyball players and her family recently lost a loved one to this disorder,” Yax said.

“There is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis – yet,” Marzolf said. “We hope our fundraiser helps make a difference and creates a greater awareness surrounding Cystic Fibrosis and the lifelong struggles that people with CF and their families endure."

The fundraiser includes a basket auction, 50/50 drawing, bake sale and a serving contest with a chance to win prizes from local merchants. The fun begins at 5 p.m. with the JV game, followed by the varsity game at 6:30.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestine. Long-term issues include difficulty breathing and frequent lung infections.CF affects about one out of every 3,000 newborns.

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure Cystic Fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care.

Community members wishing to donate to the Alexander Volleyball Booster Club event may contact Laura Marzolf at 585-322-3748 or Colette Yax at 716-400-3628.

Somebody is stealing batteries from large trucks, buses, and heavy equipment and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office is looking for the public's help in identifying the culprit.

These are known as Type 31 batteries. They retail for as much as $300 and have resale and recycling value.

Investigators say the series of thefts seem confined to Genesee County, particularly in Elba, Oakfield, Batavia, Byron, Alabama and Alexander.

The Sheriff's Office has received more than a dozen complaints of such thefts, which occur overnight.

Anyone with information that may pertain to the case can call (585) 343-5000.

C.G. Finney/Northstar 36 Notre Dame of Batavia 7

Pembroke edged out Holley 34-26. (Photos by Rick Franclemont -- more here)

Alexander moved to 4-0 with a 46-0 win over Oakfield-Alabama/Elba. QB P.J. Brennan was 5-10 passing for 116 yards and three TDs. He had two carries for 20 yards and two TDs. Jacob Bykowski, 12 carries for 51 yards and one TD. Chris McClinic, six carries for 47 yards and one TD reception. Dustin Schmeider, two catches, 26 yards and one TD, and three carries for 53 yards and a TD. Derrick Busch, two receptions for 85 yards and a TD. Dan Heberlein, nine carries for 52 yards. On defense, Heberlein had one interception an three tackles. Job Smith, six tackles and a fumble recovery.

Notre Dame lost to C.G. Finney, 36-7.

In a rare Thursday night game, the Alexander Trojans moved to 3-0 on the season, defeating Holley 41-14.

Job Smith gained 107 yards on only four carries for the Trojans. Derrick Busch had three receptions for 103 yards and Dustin Schmeider caught two passes for 71 yards. Sharing the point-after duties, Grant Cox kicked three through and Hannah Paolucci hit two attempts. On defense, Schmeider had five tackles and eight assists.

TDs were scored by Chris McClinic, Busch, P.J. Brennan, Smith, twice, and Mitchell Gordon.

Tonight:

• Batavia plays University Prep at Sahlen Stadium. Game time is 7 p.m.
• Oakfield-Alabama/Elba hosts Akron, 7 p.m., at Oakfield
• Notre Dame travels to Pembroke to meet the Dragons at 7:30 p.m.
• Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen is at home against Dansville, 7:30 p.m.
• York/Pavilion hosts Bolivar-Richburg in York, 7:30 p.m.

Tomorrow, Le Roy is the home team against Wellsville, but the game is being played in Perry at 7:30 p.m.

Photos are from Saturday.

From yesterday afternoon.

WNY Gas & Steam Engine Association Schedule of Events:
Daily Demonstrations: Threshing, Working Blacksmith Shop, Saw Mill & Model Demonstrations, Pumpkin Cannon.

Thursday, September 8th - Gates Open at 9am
9:00am - Opening of Huge 170 Vendor Flea Market
3:00 - 6:30pm - Pasta Dinner
4:00pm - Consignment Auction - Auctioneer: Bontrager Real Estate
7:00pm - Truck Pull - Street Legal Stock 4x4

Friday - September 9th - Gates Open at 9am
9:00am - Flea Market
12:00pm - Old Time Tractor Stone Boat Pull
3:30pm - 6:30pm - Live Music - “Shopkeepers” Concert
4:00pm - 7:00pm - Live WCJW Broadcast
5:00pm - Steamed Sweet Corn
7:00pm Start - Tractor Pull, Steamer Pulls, Exhibition Team Pulls, Semi Trucks, Superstock, Modified and Superfarm
Tug-A-War - Steam Engine vs. Kids - during evening Tractor Pull Performance
7:30pm-10:30pm - Live Music - “Kelly’s Oldtimers” - Round & Square Dancing

Saturday - September 10th - Gates Open 9am
9:00am - Flea Market
10:00am - Tractor Pull - Antique -Semi-Antique - 1959 & older, EGTPA & Stock - Off the lawn garden tractor & team pulls - continuing through day & evening.
10am - Dick Davis Memorial Dedication
12pm - 50th Rally Parade - Followed by Carla Wright Memorial Dedication
2:00pm - Live Music - “Alexander Firemens Band” Concert
3:30pm - 6:30pm - Live Music - “Shopkeepers” Concert
4:00pm - Benefit Concert for Veterans - Multiple bands - Sponsored by Sacred Heart Productions, LLC
5:00pm - Steamed Sweet Corn
Tug-A-War - Steam Engine vs. Kids - during evening Tractor Pull Performance
7:30-10:30pm - Live Music - “Don Newcomb & Rawhide” - Round & Square Dancing

Sunday September 11th - Gates Open at 9am
9:00am - Flea Market
9:00am - Church Service
10:00am - Car Show
12:00pm - Tractor Pull - Farm Stock & Team Pulls
1:00pm - 3:00pm - Live Music "Niagara Frontier Fiddlers” Concert

For more information on the event, click here to visit us online.

A 16-year-old male, no address provided, was arrested at 11:55 p.m. on Sept. 3 following a reported burglary in progress on Ellicott Street in Batavia. The subject was located at the incident location and was subsequently involved in a foot chase with patrols. He was apprehended on Liberty Street, then transported to Batavia Police headquarters for processing. He is charged with third degree attempted burglary, third degree criminal mischief, and possession of burglar tools. He is scheduled to be in City Court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Lisa Marie Cordier, 32, of Castle Drive, Olean, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort, Cordier waas arrested for allegedly slapping and striking two people. The case was a handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

A 17-year-old who lives on Castle Drive in Olean, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort, the defendant was arrested for allegedly punching and pulling the hair of another person. The case was a handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Steven Richard Holt, 40, of Castle Drive, Olean, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort, the defendant was arrested for allegedly slapping and pushing another person. The case was a handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Carly Marie Fazio, 28, of Trowbridge Street, Buffalo, is charged with resisting arrest and obstructing government administration. At 11 a.m. on Sept. 4, Fazio was arrested for allegedly obstructing government administration during a domestic incident at Darien Lake Theme Park and resisting arrest. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Kevin Michael Jones, 31, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; unlawful possession of marijuana; and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. At 1:39 a.m. on Sept. 4 on Route 5 in Pembroke, Jones was arrested following an investigation into an erratic driving complaint. In addition to the charges, he was ticketed for having inadequate exhaust and driving a vehicle with a broken windshield. He was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Michael Eugene Weichman, 21, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. At 2:40 p.m. on Aug. 31, while investigating a report of a domestic altercation, Weichman was allegedly found to be in possession of a switchblade knife, while having a prior conviction for a crime. He was arrested and jailed in lieu of $2,500 bail. He is due in Batavia Town Court on Sept. 19. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Graff, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Michael J. Antonucci, 33, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 7:24 a.m. on Aug. 24 on Bank Street in Batavia after he allegedly violated an order of protection by having contact with the protected party. He is due in City Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell.

Kiha S. McNear, 18, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 2 on two bench warrants out of City Court. McNear was located at a residence on Walnut Street and was held on bail in jail. McNear is due in City Court on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay. 

Ryan R. Hernandez, 19, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 3 on a bench warrant out of City Court. The warrant was issued after Hernandez failed to appear in court on a misdemeanor vehicle and traffic law charge. He was released on his own recognizance and in due in City Court on Sept. 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

The Alexander Trojans beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a Saturday night game played in Warsaw (because of renovations to Alexander's field) 45-15.

The Trojans scored all of their points in the first half and the Irish scored theirs in the second.

P.J. Brennan was 10 of 16 passing for 198 yards and three TDs and zero interceptions for Alexander. Derrick Busch caught three balls for 75 yards and two TDs. Dane Heberlein rushed for 61 yards on 11 carries and scored twice. Job Smith had 12 yards on three carries and scored. He also had two receptions for 26 yards and scored on a nine-yard TD pass. Chris McClinic caught two passes for 54 yards.

On defense, Eric Scharlau had three sacks and Zach Jasen had a sack and two tackles.

To purchase prints, click here.

      Nicholas Mruczek

The man who shot and killed an Alexander High School graduate last year entered a guilty plea and will serve at least 45 years in prison.

Zachary Ludwig was sentenced in West Chester, Pa., on Friday.

Ludwig admitted to buying an unregistered shotgun, cutting its barrel down to 12 inches and then luring Nichols Mruczek out of his apartment and firing the gun at point-blank range.

Ludwig was angry because Mruczek was in a relationship with his ex-girlfriend.

Reporter Michael P. Rellahan was in court Friday for the hearing and published a detailed account of the proceedings for the Phoenix Reporter. 

Mruczek's parents and brother spoke in court about the devastating loss their family suffered.

“He was one in a million,” said his mother, Dawn Werner, who had traveled from New York to attend the hearing, as had the others. “He had a smile that would light up a room, and he learned at a young age that if he flashed that smile he could melt your heart."

The prosecution consulted the family prior to the plea deal and Nick's brother Justin acknowledged that it would be impossible to fashion a deal that would bring his brother back.

“I wish I could honestly say and think that justice has been served but there is no amount of jail time that can bring back such a beautiful, fun-loving life like my brother’s," Justin said.

Nick's father, Pat Mruczek, recalled how he spoke to his son daily and his mobile phone has become a difficult reminder of what he's lost.

“My cell phone only reminds me of the death of my son," Pat Mruczek said. "How I hate my phone. If it was not for all the pictures (of Mruczek) I have on it I would have thrown it away long ago.

“A big part of my life is gone and I will never get that back,” he added.

Ludwig said he deeply regrets his crime.

“Every day I wish I could bring Mruczek back," Ludwig said. "I can never forgive myself for what I’ve done. I cannot apologize enough.

“I understand if you think I am a monster,” Ludwig added. “I’d have to agree with you.”

Ludwig, who could have received a life prison sentence if convicted by a jury, admitted to third-degree murder, which carried a maximum penalty of 20 to 40 years in prison. However, he was given a 45-90 year sentence because he also entered guilty pleas to attempted burglary, terroristic threats, prohibited offensive weapons, recklessly endangering another person and possession of instruments of a crime.

The 23-year-old Ludwig was offered the plea deal, and the chance to some day get out of prison, according to Deputy District Attorney Michelle Frei, because of his contrition, lack of prior criminal record and relatively young age.

This cat is named Ferdy. Ferdy is missing. He is visiting relatives on Brookville Road in Alexander, in the Old Creek Road area, while his mommy is in the hospital.

As you can see, he is a very large, long-haired orange and white male. Would you believe at times, as depicted here, he is not particularly motivated?

But, then again, freedom can be a powerful motivator.

Perhaps we'll never know if he had been hatching plans to leave captivity and for how long.

What it known is that, according to his temporary nanny Elizabeth Crittenden, "he popped the screen out of the window and escaped," in the predawn hours -- between 2 and 6 a.m. -- Wednesday.

Stealthily, in the dead of night, when all were sleeping soundly. This one is clever. Either that, or Ferdy clumsily fell to earth while lolling around on the window sill. He left, but since this is not his regular stomping grounds, he may not be familiar with the lay of the land and how to return, says a worried Crittenden.

The timing is suspect; the feline may have festive plans afoot for Labor Day Weekend. (An anonymous source told The Batavian he has a reputation as a bit of a bon vivant.) 

Crittenden and her kin are hoping you'll report him without hestitation if you should spot him in your environs. This would foil Ferdy's fun, but he and his family and caretakers will be the better for it.

Crittenden's number is 585-590-2657.

UPDATE Sept. 2: At about 10:30 last night, Crittenden says "He just showed up on the back deck as casual as ever!" No fanfare, no "Burning Man" blowout for Labor Day, no tearjerker rescue story. Just chillin' in Alexander and wondering why all the fuss...

With 15 seniors and a trio of returning all-league defensive players and a new QB with a strong arm and field smarts, Alexander's Head Coach Tim Sawyer likes what he sees so far of the 2016 Trojans.

"I feel like I’ve got a fast and physical group of kids who understand our systems both offensively and defensively," Sawyer said. "It’s been fun. It’s been a good camp this year."

Alexander opens against Notre Dame tonight (at 7 p.m. in Perry, (NOTE: As soon as I hit publish on this story I got an e-mail from a Section V official saying the game has been moved to Saturday in Warsaw) because of renovations to Alexander's home field. 

Sawyer knows the Fighting Irish will be a tough match right out of the gate.

"There's not a lot of kids (at Notre Dame), but they get after it," Sawyer said. "It doesn’t matter the size, those kids will play. They always play tough."

Week two doesn't get any easier because the Trojans face perennial powerhouse Attica.

"Within the first two weeks, we’re going to know kinda where we stand," Sawyer said.

The starting QB is P.J. Brennan, a senior who was Jared Browne's backup last season. He's not big, Sawyer said, but he's got a strong arm and he handles read-options well.

Among his weapons is returning wideout Derrick Busch. He'll also marshal a rotation of running backs.

Josh Hylkema, Dustin Schmeider and Jake Jasen, all over 200 pounds and all all-league on defense last year, are back and ready to anchor a squad that also includes Busch, Dane Heberlein, Jacob Bykowski and Erik Scharlau (who's also expected to have an impact at tight end this season).

And for the first time in school history, Alexander will have a girl on the squad. Rather than play soccer this year, Hannah Paolucci will be one of two place kickers on the Trojans (bottom photo).

Salvatore Sam Sciarpa, 19, Chili Avenue, Chili, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more, DWI, and failure to yield the right-of-way of approaching an intersection. At 10:26 p.m. on Aug. 19, a two-car accident was reported at the intersection of Route 98 and Lockport Road. Upon investigation, Sciarpa was arrested on these charges. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Elba Town Court on Sept. 26. The case was handled by Sheriff's deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Joseph Matthew Barnaby, 20, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 10:10 p.m. on Aug. 19, upon responding to Barnaby's residence for a noise complaint, Barnaby was allegedly found to be in unlawful possession of marijuana. He was released on an appearance ticket to Alexander Town Court on Sept. 13. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Khem Bahadr Adhikari, 25, of Parkway, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The subject was allegedly in possession of a marijuana cigarette during a traffic stop in which he was a passenger in the vehicle. The traffic stop was made at 3:22 p.m. on Aug. 20 on Alleghany Road in Pembroke. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chris Parker.

(Photo by Andy Olenick.)

Thousands of people will step into the past when they attend the Western New York Gas & Steam Engine Association, Inc., (WNYGSEA) 50th Annual Rally.  The golden celebration of this event will be held 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 8 to 11 at the WNYGSEA Grounds, 10294 Gillate Road, Alexander.

The rally celebrates the preservation and ownership of antique vehicles powered by gas or steam. The show will feature more than 1,000 pieces of equipment. By attending this family-friendly event, you’ll learn about how farming and work equipment performed decades ago. It’s a far cry from the vehicles of today that are more often being run by computers.

The event includes antique tractors, steam engines, log sawing, gas engines, threshing, working models, woodworking, daily tractor pulls, flea markets and parades. There will be a blacksmithing demonstration in the ground’s newest building. Attendees can also enjoy live entertainment each day.

Cost of admission is $7 adults, Children 12 & under free. For more information, click HERE.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a missing elderly Alzheimer's patient. Roger Allen Bowler Sr., 79, was last seen at his residence on Alexander Road in Attica at 9:50 this morning (Aug. 9).

Bowler is a white male, about 5'8" and weighing 173 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue plaid shirt and camouflage-colored crocs (footwear).

He may be operating a 2002 Jeep Liberty color red bearing NY Pass plate GFA7188.

Bowler is known to frequent the Batavia and Oakfield areas.

Anyone with information can contact Genesee County Dispatch at (585) 343-5000.

UPDATE: Mr. Bowler has been located. Mr. Bowler was identified by State Police during an investigation of a motor-vehicle accident in Oswego. He was transported to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse for treatment of minor injuries.

Last night, a homegrown youth theater troupe in Alexander performed a special production of the "Wizard of Oz" before dozens of invited guests.

This 25-page adaptation of the famous story was based on a script by 13-year-old Naomi LaDuke, who based her version on a musical performed at Shea's, on silent films, the movie and the book.

These pictures are from the rehearsal Wednesday at the treehouse on Church Street where the actual performance took place.

Naomi also cast the players, designed and sewed Dorothy's costume and created the scenery and props. The musical accompaniment was played by David Lange, the organist at St. James Episcopal Church, which Naomi recorded using Apple's software, Garage Band.

This is the fourth annual production by the kids, under the name of their theater, Open Door Productions.  

There was no admission fee for guests last night, but they were asked to make a donation at the door benefiting Brittany's Hope, a nonprofit in Pennsylvania that assists in international adoptions. The evening's theme was "There's no place like home."

"The kids are hoping to raise money and awareness to bring another child home to their forever family," said Naomi's mother, Karen Laduke. "Two of the actresses are internationally adopted themselves, so this is a theme that hits close to home."

Leigh LeFevre, pictured above, played Dorothy.

Naomi, besides being the writer, director, set and costume designer, also played the Wizard.

The rest of the cast: Lillian McClellan, Sally LaDuke, Jennmarie Schiller, Mya Hardie, Margarite LaDuke, Samual LaFevre, Kylee McClellan, Kathryn McClellan, Katelyn Hardie and Lucy LeFevre.

A house fire is reported at 3391 Dodgeson Road, Alexander. All occupants are out of the structure. Alexander, Darien and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding. EMS is on location.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are asked to fill in at Alexander's fire hall.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: Elba is asked to fill in at Town of Batavia's Station #1. All units responding to the scene told to continue non-emergency. Fire is knocked down.

Erin Marie Van Dorn, 28, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with two counts of harassment. She was arrested following a harassment complaint in the Town of Batavia. She allegedly repeatedly called and messaged two people, harassing them about an incident that occurred at 11 a.m. on West Main Street Road over the Fourth of July weekend. She was released with an appearance ticket to be in Town of Batavia Court on Aug. 4. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Shane H. Houseknecht, 24, of Churchville, was arrested by State Troopers on July 19 and charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, controlled substance in a non-original container, both misdemeanors, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, and speeding. Houseknecht was allegedly observed speeding on Route 33 in the Town of Bergen. Investigation revealed Houseknecht had a suspended driver’s license. Troopers allege they located three Adderall pills and a suboxone strip. Houseknecht was transported to SP Batavia for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket and uniform traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Bergen Court on Aug. 3.

Press release:

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

Alexander Elementary School improvements involve 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 includes 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 design / build, general contracting, and construction management services.