Attica

In Thursday's Scholastic Bowl matches, Batavia and Attica picked up victories.

Batavia scored 230, while Oakfield-Alabama scored 120 and Elba 50.

In the second match, Attica beat Notre Dame 330 to 220.

After the west wall of the Opera House in Attica was heavily damaged in a windstorm last week, Pavilion resident Jolene Coots found her business, Hands of Time Massage, displaced.

It didn't take long for the community to find out and the outpouring of support has been overwhelming, said her husband, Jesse Coots.

"Because of the damage, the county has deemed the building unsafe so she was instantly out of business," Jesse said. "Feeling crushed, we went to Attica yesterday (Monday) to remove what we could then we went for lunch at local diner and people were amazing to Jolene. They gave her hugs and words of encouragement and offered any help we needed.

"We took a walk down Main Street looking for a place to rent. Nothing was advertised for rent and feeling desperate we just walked into a couple of local businesses and asked if they knew if anything. Everyone, and I mean everyone, offered space to Jolene. They offered to share a room and offered to make room for her!

"We were really shocked. We thought she would be out of business for a few months but the community has literally rallied behind her."

Talking about it makes Jolene tear up.

"It's amazing," Jolene said during a phone interview. She started to sob and confessed she thought she had told the story often enough already that she wouldn't cry during the interview.

"Everybody knew," Jolene said. "It's a small town. Word spreads quickly. The expressions of concern when we went out, messages on Facebook, Jesse's friends had spots available, even in neighboring towns, they'd say they have spots available and though know it's not close for a majority of my clients, but they have space. It's been great."

That's the advantage of small-town life, both Jesse and Jolene noted, and why they wanted to share their story.

Jolene has been a massage therapist for 20 years and had her own business in Attica for more than 19 years. The Coots are known, of course, for the Hardcore Happening, which they host at their home in Pavilion every August.

While Jolene is hopeful the Opera House can be repaired -- she believes her landlord expects to repair it -- she now has space for her practice. 

On Monday, while she and Jesse stepped into the Tompkins Insurance office and asked if the staff new of open space downtown. Manager Mike Hardy came out and right away offered a space upstairs. Jolene said it was the most move-in ready space they had seen and Hardy allowed her to move her business into the room immediately.  

"The words of encouragement have meant the most," Jesse said. "I don’t think she ever realized how loved she is or how powerful and supportive a small town can be.

"We’ve had offers from people all over once word got out -- friends who own building in Batavia, Le Roy, Pavilion and Attica have reached out. Other massage therapists have offered space. It really made us feel good to live in such a caring community and feel loved by so many."

Attica gave Batavia a game in the large-school championship of the Pete Arras Lions Tournament at Genesee Community College.

A strategy of ball control -- often running the shot clock down to just seconds -- and a defense that kept the Batavia Blue Devils' high-powered offense from running away with the game meant the visitors had a chance up until their final possession.  

In the end, Batavia defended its crown, securing a 53-51 victory.

Camden White, who scored 21 points, many of them off his eight offensive rebounds (he had 11 total rebounds) was named the tournament MVP.

Zach Gilebarto, who missed the first game of the tournament due to an injury, scored 14 points, hitting four three-pointers. Stone Siverling scored 12 points.

For Attica, Frankie Bisceglie scored 15 points and Tyler Myer hit four three-pointers for 12 points. Ayden Goll scored eight points.

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Batavia resident Justin Warren has opened his own barbershop in Attica called Invictus Barber & Brand.

It's a whole new ballgame for the Batavia Blue Devils now that the team's full squad is showing up ready to play on game night, and Friday Attica got a taste of what a healthy Batavia can put on the court.

After jumping out to a 10-1 lead to start the championship of the larger schools' bracket of Lions Club Tournament in the Anthony Zambito Gym at Genesee Community College, Batavia pretty much controlled the game the rest of the way for a 70-50 win.

Mason McFollins is back in the lineup and the difference is noticeable.

"He's offensively talented and so that helps us out because we were struggling to score while he was out," Coach Buddy Brasky said. "Now, by him scoring it opens up other things for us and it makes it easier for some of the other guys to score. He's a big piece of it because he's our number one option offense."

McFollins, the tournament MVP, scored 19 points against Attica. He hit three shots from beyond the arc.

Joe Martinucci continued his strong play in the painting, scoring 12 points.

Twin brothers Caeden White and Camden White also missed the start of the season but are back on the court causing problems for opposing defenses; Caeden always a danger to hit from the outside and Camden adding strength under the boards.

Caeden White scored eight points and was named to the All-Tournament team and Camden White scored six points.

They're very committed to basketball," Brasky said. "They come to everything we offer in the off-season. They are great kids, very coachable. And Caeden can really shoot it. Camden is a force inside. You wouldn't know they were twins just by looking at them. But it's kind of nice inside outside punch for us."

Camden White and Martinucci give the Blue Devils and nice inside rotation, Brasky said.

For the most part, Batavia was able to shut down Attica's big man, Dawson Nelson, except in the third quarter, when he scored 15 of his 19 points.

"We were trying to front them and trying beat them to across the lane not let them cut in front of us," Brasky said. "They like that high-low look where they flash the one forward up high and then he tries to dump it in low. We were trying to apply some more pressure to the passer to make the pass harder. I thought we did a decent job early, but in that third quarter we couldn't stop Dawson. He kind of took the game over in the third quarter."

McFollins, the Whites, Andrew Francis and Martinucci aren't all Batavia has going for them this season, Brasky said.

"Jake Humes is shooting the ball well for us," Brasky said. "Luke Grammatico is doing a lot of nice things for us. He hit a big three in the corner there when they're making a little bit of a run. So you know, they do some things on the court that don't maybe necessarily show up on the scoreboard but did their part.

"We've got like eight-man rotation going right now and they're part of their rotation and it's important that they can get (Andrew) Francis and Caeden and McFollins some rest."

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Le Roy kept things close against Attica in the first round of the larger school bracket of the Lions Club Tournament at Genesee Community College on Thursday but fell short, taking a 50-45 loss.

The Knights' Reece Tresco led all scorers with 15 points while Attica's Dawson Nelson scored 14 points. Tresco had seven rebounds and Nelson had nine.

For Le Roy, Ethan Smith scored 12 points and for Attica, Frankie Bisceglie, Devon Henderson, and Ayden Goll had eight each and Tyler Meyer scored seven points.

It will be Blue Devils vs. Blue Devils as Attica and Batavia battle it out for the larger school bracket championship at 8:30 tonight at the GCC Anthony Zambito Gym.

The Lions Club is offering several souvenirs for fans and players at the game for the first time. Below, LeeAnn Mullen and Hal Mitchell share what is being offered at the concession stand.

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Pembroke fell to Attica in a Friday night matchup in Attica, 55-59.

Attica's Dawson Nelson led all scorers with 16 points. He also had 15 rebounds and two assists. Tyler Meyer added 13 points and Frankie Biscelgilie scored 15.

For Pembroke, Trevor Vaughn scored 14 points and Jarrod Ludwig scored 10 points.

From Attica Head Coach Rob Crawley:

"Attica Held Pembroke to five field goals in the second half, but Pembroke was 20-22 from the free-throw line. 

"I am incredibly proud of our team tonight. With it being such a later season opener for us, I was very concerned about going up against a well-prepared and well-coached team like Pembroke. We kept our composure from start to finish which shows a lot of growth from our players.

"We used our depth tonight nine players scoring for us. Bisceglie hit back-to-back 3s to start the second half. Nelson did a great job inside as well. All of our guys stepped up and accepted their role tonight to help us get the win."

Shots from yesterday's afternoon show of the Attica Rodeo.

A Darien Center woman has been accused of spearheading a fundraising effort in Attica with the goal of raising money for a toddler bitten by a dog and then keeping the money for herself.

Attica PD is asking the public's assistance in determining how much money was raised so that restitution to the boy can be ordered by a court.

Heather M. Rheinheimer, of Alleghany Road, Darien Center, is charged with scheme to defraud, 2nd, and petit larceny.

According to Attica Police Chief Dean Hendershott, Rheinheimer was employed at Meisner's Deli in Attica when she learned that 8-month-old Maverick Brumsted-Shaw, of Varysburg, had been attacked by a dog, so she started at "Tough Like Mav" fundraiser at the deli. 

The fund drive, Hendershot said, was billed as an attempt to help with medical expenses from the April 1 incident. She was selling candy bars and other candy to customers under the pretense of raising money for Maverick.

Deli owner Nicholas Campanella supported the effort, including providing financial support.

Once the fund drive was over, Rheinheimer moved on to another job.

Then a member of Maverick's family came into the deli and Campanella expressed his support for Maverick, wished him well, and said he hoped the donated funds were helpful.

Campanella was told the family had not received the funds.

At that point, Campanella contacted Attica PD, which opened an investigation.

Hendershott said the police can still use the public's assistance. He's asking anybody who donated money or bought candy with the intention the money go to Maverick's medical expenses to contact him at (585) 591-0881.

The information will help a court, he said, determine how much restitution Rheinheimer must pay. All restitution funds will go to Maverick's family, he said.

Leah R. Wimmer is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 17 at the Rite Aid store on Prospect Avenue in the Village of Attica, Genesee County, that she knowingly possessed stolen property -- a Visa debit card belonging to another person. In count two, she is accused of second-degree forgery, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that Wimmer falsely signed two debit/credit card receipts in the name of the victim, one for $186.95 and another for $105.95.

Beau T. Bressler is indicted for the crime of driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs or of alcohol and any drug or drugs, as a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 29 in the Town of Le Roy that Bressler drove a 2006 Pontiac on West Main Street (Route 5) while his ability to do so was impaired by the combined influence of drugs or  of alcohol and any drug or drugs. In count two, the defendant is accused of circumvention of an interlock device, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on Oct. 29, while subject to a court-ordered ignition interlock device, Bressler drove the Pontiac, which was not equipped with an ignition interlock device. In count three, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for driving while knowing or having reason to know that his driving privilege was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. It is further alleged in count three that Bressler was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug at the time.

Alexander volunteer firefighters along with the hazmat team for Genesee County Emergency Services and with the county's emergency management coordinators responded to a train derailment in the Town of Attica today.

The accident was in the area of Route 238 and reported at 4:05 p.m.

Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yaeger said the accident was in a pretty inaccessible location in Wyoming County and because of that, an engine fire was being allowed to burn itself out. There was no hazmat concern other than the diesel fuel of the engine. The hazmat team set up booms to contain any potential fuel.

As a precaution, the City of Batavia was contacted to temporarily close the water intake from the Tonawanda Creek.

Eleven cars derailed along with two engines from the Norfolk Southern line.

Two crew members self-extricated and were transported to an area hospital. They suffered non-life-threatening injuries, Yaeger said.

Town of Batavia fire responded to Alexander's hall as a fill-in.

UPDATE 8:14 p.m. (By Billie): All Genesee County responders are clearing the scene. Federal, state and local officials involved at the scene will remain for now. Heavy equipment will be forthcoming to remove some train cars so that Route 238 and Main Road in Attica can be reopened. Train crossing sites should be reopened by 10 o'clock tonight. The diesel fuel is allowed to continue to burn.

UPDATE: Press release from the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office:

On Feb. 15,  at 4:03 p.m. hours, the Communications Division at the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call of a train derailment near the East Main Road intersection in the Town of Attica.

The Attica Fire Department responded to the scene. Attica Fire Chief Jay Myers reports, “two engines and approximately 10 railroad cars derailed of the Norfolk Southern Railroad. The railroad cars were carrying new cars as cargo.” 

Chief Myers also stated there were two railroad personnel on the engine who were injured. They were taken to Erie County Medical Center. 

“The lead engine is on fire and in coordination with the Norfolk Southern, the engine will remain burning, primarily due to the difficult location of the derailment,” Myers said. 

Wyoming County Emergency Services Director Anthony Santoro is on scene, coordinating efforts from the federal, state, local and railroad resources.

Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory Rudolph says “an initial investigation was conducted and we are turning over our investigation to the Norfolk South Railroad Police and the Federal Railroad Administration and a cause has not yet been determined.” 

Director Santoro says, “the mutual-aid resources that responded and assisted were the: Alexander Fire Department, Varysburg Fire Department, Bennington Fire Department, Wyoming County Emergency Services and Hazmat Team, Genesee County Emergency Services and Hazmat Team, the New York State Police, the Attica Fire Department and Wyoming Correctional Facility.” 

Norfolk Southern personnel are on scene and making efforts to clear the Route 238 and East Main Road intersections with an estimated time of 10 p.m. The long-term cleanup of the damaged engines and railcars will be days.

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When 25-year-old Nikki McMahon’s grandmother was reaching retirement, she decided last month to take over Parson’s Place, a Christian book and gifts store her grandmother started in Attica.

Sally Harding, McMahon’s grandmother, launched the business in 1991. It's located at 11157 Alexander Road on Route 98. McMahon started working for her grandmother during busy seasons and breaks during schooling.

“I’ve been around Parson’s Place my whole life,” McMahon said. “I wanted to see this place go on. I didn’t want to see it end with her.”

McMahon has traveled to Europe, lived in North Carolina and Florida for a period of time, but grew up in Attica, down the street from her grandmother.

After taking over the business, McMahon decided that she wanted to create more of an online presence for the store.

“I’ve been posting on Facebook more,” McMahon said. “We are also on Google now. So, when you search ‘Christian Book Stores’ Parson’s Place shows up. It’s been helping a lot.”

More things are also being added online to their website, located here, including an online store.

“I’m hoping we have a more thriving online store eventually,” McMahon said.

McMahon is trying to think outside the box with advertising and other things to get the word out about the store. An open house was held a couple weeks ago, which was popular, McMahon said.

“I’m just hoping to bring in some newer things,” McMahon said. “I’m focusing on inspirational gifts rather than books. Even though we do still have the books, the gifts are more popular right now. I want to bring the influence of the next generation into the store.”

McMahon said being a young business owner is a lot more work than she anticipated.

“Honestly, it’s great working for myself,” McMahon said. “It's rewarding and I love talking to customers that come into the store.”

Parson’s Place is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“My grandma opened this store as a source of inspiration in ministry for Western New York,” McMahon said. “I intend to do the same for as long as I can.”

Tatiana C. Lugo, 22, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree harassment;third-degree robbery; endangering the welfare of a child; tampering with physical evidence; and criminal mischief, 4th. Lugo was allegedly involved in a fight with a male on Bank Street at 1:02 p.m. Sunday in the presence of two young children. During the course of the investigation by officers Kevin DeFelice and James Prusak, Lugo allegedly stole property from the victim. Lugo was ordered held without bail.

Patrick Ervin Say, 57, of Nesbitt Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving left of pavement markings, and failure to keep right. Say was allegedly involved in a single-car accident on Molasses Hill Road, Bethany, at 5:43 p.m. Sunday. The accident was investigated by Deputy Ryan Delong and Sgt. Jason Saile. (Initial Report)

Shane Lee Hoehn, 43, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, failure to notify DMV of address change, and driving over the divide on a divided highway. Hoehn was stopped at 2:16 a.m. Sunday on East Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Clifford W. Matthews, 43, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Matthews was allegedly involved in an accident on Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Stafford, at 4:43 p.m. Friday. The accident was investigated by Deputy Jenna Ferrando and Sgt. Eric Seppala.

Shawn Micheal Koegl, 30, of Alleghany Road, Attica, is charged with: DWI; driver view obstructed; possession of an open container; failure to keep right; and uninspected motor vehicle. Koegle was arrested following an investigation by deputies Mathew Clor and Eric Meyer into an accident at 2:02 a.m. Saturday on Route 77, Darien.

Passiona C. McConnell, 39, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with a curfew violation under the Batavia Municipal Code. McConnell was charged after her underage son was located in public after curfew. The youth was located at 12:59 a.m., Oct. 7, in the area of 20 Main St., Batavia, by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Michael J. Henry, 50, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Henry allegedly refused a lawful order by police to disperse at 10:45 p.m. Saturday while at Van Detta Stadium. Henry was arrested by officers Frank Klimjack and Stephen Cronmiller.

Joseph R. Paner, 37, of Cheekwood Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Paner's vehicle was located after a complaint at 9:27 p.m. Saturday on Genesee Street, Pembroke, of a vehicle being operated erratically. Deputy Ryan DeLong initiated a traffic stop. Assisting in the investigation was Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello and Deputy Eric Meyer.

John M. Lippold, 42, of Bethany, is charged with DWI. Lippold was stopped by State Police in the City of Batavia at 9 a.m. Friday. No further details released. 

The Pembroke Dragons hosted The Attica Blue Devils Friday night for their annual homecoming game. The Dragons capitalized on multiple turnovers by the Blue Devils, helping them to secure a convincing 35-20 victory. 

Zach von Kramer rushed 42 times for 322 yards and three touchdowns. Reid Miano was 3-9 for 58 yards and a TD. Jacob Miller had a 23-yard TD reception.

Photos by Destin Danser Photography. To view complete gallery or purchase prints, click here. 

Alexander High School's football team beat Attica on Friday on a night that junior running back Chris McClinic gained 221 yards and scored three touchdowns 20-3.

After four games, McClinic has gained 814 yards on the season and scored 12 touchdowns.

Attica's only score game on a field goal in the second quarter, after that the Trojan defense locked down the home team and Alexander's offense took over.

McClinic scored on a 29-yard run in the second quarter.

In the third, the Trojans forced a three-and-out to start the half and then the offense engineered a long, clock-consuming drive that ended in a nine-yard run by McClinic.

The Trojans scored again on another long drive dominated by Alexander's offensive line and fullback Mitch Gordon until McClinic closed things out with a 47-yard TD run.

Freshman Terrez Smith gained 54 yards on three carries and Gordon gained 30 to helped the team gain a total of 343 yards on the ground.

On defense, Gordon and Jake Jasen had nine tackles each. Danny Burns had eight.

Alexander is now 4-0 on the season and Attica falls to 2-2.

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