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Le Roy

Elderly Le Roy woman rescued before train smashes into her car

By Howard B. Owens

An 81-year-old Le Roy narrowly escaped death Monday after her car got stuck on train tracks in Steuben County and another person pulled her from the car just before a train struck it.

Angeline Pascucci was reportedly disoriented, driving on the tracks and refused to get out of her car. A passerby had to physically remove her from the vehicle.

Pascucci was not injured.

The hero was Laurie Eldridge.

Eldridged dragged Pascucci from the car just before a northbound train broadsided it at 40 mph.

(via YNN)

HUGE Community Yard Sale in Le Roy on Saturday

By Billie Owens

There will be a HUGE Community Yard Sale at the Le Roy Federal Credit Union from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 11. (Rain date is June 18.)

The credit union is located at 7093 W. Main Road in Le Roy. Space is still available. Please stop in or call at 768-7207.

College's 'ACE' program honors four local students, eight teachers

By Billie Owens

Four Genesee County students were the finalists for Outstanding Scholar Awards in Genesee Community College's Advanced Studies program. The awardees were honored at a ceremony and reception on Wednesday, June 1, in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia campus.

Advanced Studies is part of the college's ACE program, or Accelerated College Enrollment, and allows high school students the opportunity to earn college credit from Genesee while attending class within their high school. High school teachers approved as Genesee adjunct faculty teach all Advanced Studies courses. Some of the most enterprising young students earn enough transferable Advanced Studies credit to enter their first year of college as sophomores.

"We're pleased we could make this a special evening for our Advanced Studies students and their families," said Ed Levinstein, associate dean of the ACE program. "The students honored are some of the best and brightest students in our local region."

A total of 21 finalists were selected from 163 nominations in the five subject areas of mathematics, science, social science, foreign language and English. As in years past, a committee of academic professionals from Genesee Community College selected the award winners, listed by subject area and high school:

  • English -- Alaina Chapman, Pembroke
  • Foreign Language -- Paige Radney, Pavilion
  • Mathematics -- Russell Marchese, Notre Dame
  • Science -- Paige Radney, Pavilion
  • Social Science -- Christina Mortellaro, Batavia

In addition to the students being honored for their academic achievements, 18 faculty members were honored for having 10 years of service teaching in the ACE program. Listed below are the eight Genesee County teacher honorees and their high schools:

  • Mike Silivestro Monroe, #1 BOCES  
  • Neal Jones Monroe, #2 BOCES
  • John Tomidy, Byron-Bergen
  • Barbara Harkness, Oakfield-Alabama
  • Jane Neff, Pembroke
  • Karen LaDuke, Alexander
  • Robert Mullen, Batavia
  • Olga Babich, Notre Dame

For more information about the Advanced Studies program at Genesee Community College, call 345-6801 or go to <http://www.genesee.edu/ACE.>

Police Beat: Le Roy man accused of passing forged prescription

By Howard B. Owens

Ronald L. MacGregor, 42, of 66 Lake St., Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. MacGregor was arrested following an investigation by Le Roy Police into an allegation that MacGregor entered a local pharmacy possessing a forged or altered prescription script and passed it to pharmacy staff. MacGregor was jailed on $3,000 bail.

Martin Fitzgerald Jones, 40, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Jones was arrested on a warrant out of city court.

Dwayne William Brown, 25, of North Main Street, Holley, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (90 mph in a 55 mph zone), passing in a no passing zone, operating out of class. Brown was stopped at 2:53 a.m. Saturday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Frank Bordonaro. Bordonaro allegedly observed Brown riding a motorcycle on Route 33 while going 90 mph.

Joseph Thomas Bortle, 39, of Knowlesville Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Bortle is accused of trying to shoplift $26.97 in batteries from Kmart. During the investigation, Bortle was allegedly found in possession of a narcotic analgesic pill for which he didn't have a prescription.

Jordan Gerard Merica, 19, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Merica was stopped on Route 77, Darien, for alleged traffic violations at 4:40 p.m. Friday by Deputy Patrick Reeves. 

Brian Patrick O'Grady, 46, of Lyman Road, Bergen, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and alcohol. O'Grady was allegedly involved in a property damage accident on Dublin Road, Bergen, at 11:45 p.m. Sunday. O'Grady allegedly left the scene of the accident and was located at his residence a short time later.

Elizabeth Ann Lindner, 24, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with forgery, 2nd. Lindner is accused of passing a forged check.

Four local students named to SUNY Geneseo's Deans' List

By Billie Owens

The State University of New York at Geneseo has announced its Deans' List for the spring semester 2011. To be on the list, a student must have achieved a 3.5 grade-point average (out of 4) while taking at least 12 credit hours.

Students on the list from this area are:

  • Alex DiFrancisco, from Le Roy
  • Alex Spinello, from Le Roy
  • Matthew McCracken, from Oakfield
  • Alicia Rohan, from Oakfield

SUNY Geneseo is a public liberal arts college recognized nationally for excellence in undergraduate education and for its professional and master's level programs.

Seven local students achieve academic excellance at SUNY Oswego

By Billie Owens

Seven area residents have been named to the President's and Deans' lists for the spring semester at SUNY Oswego. Showing academic achievement, with their major and honor in parentheses, are:

Emily C. Mahaney, of Indian Falls Road in Corfu, a sophomore (journalism, Deans' List).

Shannon E. Christiansen, of Phelps Road in Corfu, a sophomore (communication, Deans' List).

Nikki M. Parlato, of Seven Day Road in Darien Center, a  junior (public justice, Deans' List).

Sarah E. Olear, of North Street in Le Roy, a senior (zoology, Deans' List).

Vincent S. Kovach, of Keeney Road in Le Roy, a sophomore (wellness management, Deans' List).

Samantha M. Kidder, of Oak Street in Oakfield, a junior (sociology, President's List).

Kate E. Wilcox, of Craig Road in Pavilion, a senior (marketing, Deans' List).

The President's and Deans' lists represent the academic top 25.4 percent of the Oswego student body. Students who achieve grade averages of 3.80 and above on the 4.00 scale are named to the President's List, the top 6.5 percent of Oswego students. To be included on the Deans' List, students must have a semester grade average of 3.30 to 3.79.

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News named it among the "Top Public Regional Universities in the North" for 2011, and the Princeton Review includes Oswego in its college guidebook "The Best Northeastern Colleges."

A 150-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls more than 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Communication, Media and the Arts, and School of Education.

Pavilion, Le Roy fire responding to serious injury accident in Covington

By Howard B. Owens

Pavilion and Le Roy fire departments are responding to a serious injury accident on Old State Road in Covington.

Covington is part of the Pavilion Fire District.

There are two victims, and adult and a child. At least one victim was entrapped.

One Mercy Flight helicopter is in route.

UPDATED: Search of Oatka Creek suspended until daylight

By Howard B. Owens

UPDATE 7:25 a.m.: Chief Chris Hayward said Dustin G. Nicometo, 24, called his mother at 4 a.m. and said he was OK, but would not divulge his location. The search for this morning was cancelled.

UPDATE 5:17 a.m.: A family member just sent a text message: "The young man has been found and is OK." No further details available at this time.

The search for a missing Le Roy man who apparently walked into Oatka Creek shortly after 10 p.m. has been suspended for the night.

The young man, whose identify has not been released, was last seen by a Le Roy police officer floating in the creek. All of his clothing -- except for his underwear -- were found downstream on an island in the creek.

"Our best hope is that he got himself out and doesn't want to be found yet," said Le Roy Police Chief Chris Hayward.

The missing man was described as intoxicated at the time he went into the water.

Hayward said the search was suspended because of concerns for the safety of rescue personnel. It's a moonless night and Oatka Creek is running high and swift.

Shortly before 11:30 p.m., Le Roy Fire Department was put back in service, though a Geneseo K-9 unit continued to try and track the man along the banks.

The search will resume at 6:30 a.m., if he hasn't turned up by that time.

Several family members were on scene and expressed both disappointment and understanding at the search being called off.

Mercy Flight was called in to for an air-to-ground search with spotlights, but could not locate him.

Le Roy fire personnel responded first with generators and lights and their own powerful flashlights, searching along the banks from the area of the footbridge down past the graveyard.

Bergen fire was dispatched to the area of Buttermilk Falls to keep an eye on the creek. Buttermilk Falls is approximately 1.2 miles down stream from where the search was centered.

When the search resumes in the morning -- if the young man doesn't turn up before then -- a State Police helicopter will be brought in to assist.

(Initial report)

Person may be in Oatka Creek in Le Roy, may have jumped off foot bridge

By Howard B. Owens

A person is believed to have jumped off the footbridge over the Oatka Creek in Le Roy.

Le Roy Police are on scene. The person was last seen in the water, but it's unclear if he's still in the water.

Le Roy firefighters are asked to respond with a boat.

Le Roy Ambulance dispatched.

The subject went into the water "by the bike rack south of the footbridge." Unclear if he jumped or just went into the water.

UPDATE 10:15 p.m.: Chief requests generator and lights to the scene.

UPDATE 10:23 p.m.: Lights and thermal camera set up at Church Street. Nothing visible.

UPDATE 10:24 p.m.: A Le Roy officer has apparently found some of the person's clothing on an island in the creek.

UPDATE 10:28 p.m.: State Police helicopter requested to the scene.

UPDATE 10:30 p.m.: Bergen requested mutual aid to stage in the area of Buttermilk Falls.

UPDATE 10:37 p.m.: No confirmation yet of State Police helicopter being available. A Mercy Flight helicopter requested to the scene. 

UPDATE 10:39 p.m.: Caledonia requested to stand by at Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 10:43 p.m.: Mercy Flight in route.

UPDATE 10:46 p.m.: Geneseo K-9 in route.

Unknown type fire reported in back yard on Cole Road, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

An unknown type of fire has been reported in the back yard of 6972 Cole Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy Fire Department responding.

UPDATE 11:01 p.m.: Landowner on scene tells a chief he thinks it may be over by Bernd Road, so the chief is checking that area.

UPDATE 11:02 p.m.: Assignment being held to one truck for now.

UPDATE 11:03 p.m.: It appears to be a campfire.

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.: Le Roy assignment back in service.


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Dryer fire reported on Myrtle Street, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A dryer fire was reported at 61 Myrtle St., Le Roy, in the basement.

Flames were showing.

An assistent chief responded to the scene and knocked the flames down with an extinguisher.

Le Roy Fire is responding and Bergen is responding mutual aid, non-emergency.


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Le Roy sextet takes 12th Place in big Roc City BBQ contest

By Billie Owens

The local six-person team of Dave Pepper, Millie Tomidy-Pepper, Matt and Becky Ashley and Gerry and Maureen Calmes, all of Le Roy, placed 12th in the Roc City Rib Fest Cook-off.

The festival is held during Memorial Day weekend at Ontario Beach Park (Charlotte Beach). More than 115 teams competed from around the nation and Canada.

 

Le Roy resident honored as 2011 Woman of Distinction in New York State

By Billie Owens

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer honored Millie Tomidy-Pepper this week as the 2011 Woman of Distinction for the 61st Congressional District at the 14th Annual Senate Women of Distinction ceremony.

She was honored for her outstanding contributions in enriching the quality of life for the community and beyond.

"Without women such as Millie, there would be a huge void in Genesee County," Ranzenhofer said. "Her initiative and tireless advocacy has led to the creation and development of so many services at the Mental Health Association in Genesee County...these programs have served the needs of the community and have had a positive impact on a countless number of lives."

In response to the recognition, Tomidy-Pepper said: "To have an honor such as this bestowed upon me by Senator Ranzenhofer and be included among a group of women that have inspired me and whom I hold in the highest regard has left me speechless. I owe a great deal of gratitude to the countless women who came before me and worked tirelessly to pave the way so that I could be blessed with opportunities in my life  to do work that I find both meaningful and rewarding."

Tomidy-Pepper has worked at the Mental Health Association in Genesee County for more than 17 years, serving the past 10 years as executive director. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Mental Health Association of New York State. During her tenure, she has established numerous support groups and programs, including Trauma Services program, Transportation Services, and Mental Illness/Chemical Abuse Services program.

She is a contributor to the Community Services Board-Mental Health Subcommittee, Mental Health Court, Crime Victims’ Rights Week Planning Committee, Genesee Veterans Support Network, GCC Human Service Committee and the Genesee Area Personnel Association.

In addition, she volunteers at the Batavia Animal Shelter and has traveled to New Orleans four times after Hurricane Katrina to help with rebuilding efforts.

She and her husband, David, reside in Le Roy.

In her spare time, Millie enjoys spending time with family and participating in outdoor activities, including skiing, kayaking, hiking and flying.

The Women of Distinction program was created in 1998 to honor great New York women. Past honorees include the late comedienne Lucille Ball, 19th Century suffragist Katherine Davis and other women accomplished in sciences, academics, business and the arts.

The Mental Health Association in Genesee County promotes mental wellness through education, advocacy and support for the community thereby improving quality of life and instilling hope.

Le Roy man admits to drug possession, assault and DWI

By Howard B. Owens

A Le Roy man who got in a tussle with members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force in April will go through a drug treatment program before facing a possible sentence of up to four years in prison on drug and alcohol charges.

Craig A. Tiberio-Shepherd, 21, of 22 Lathrop Ave., Le Roy, entered a guilty plea today to criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, and assault, 3rd. He also admitted to driving drunk in August 2010.

Still in police custody for today's hearing, Tiberio-Shepherd will be released under supervision to Hope Haven for rehab.

On April 21, Tiberio-Shepherd was apprehended by members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force in Batavia and found in possession of at least 1/8th of a gram of cocaine. During his arrest, he wrestled with task force members. Two detectives suffered minor cuts and scrapes.

On Aug. 14, 2010, Tiberio-Shepherd was arrested and charged with felony DWI. Just five days prior to his arrest he was convicted of DWI in Le Roy Town Court.

The drug and assault charges carry a maximum four year prison sentence and the DWI charge is a one-and-a-third to three-year sentence. As part of the plea agreement, Tiberio-Shepherd could serve the sentences concurrently.

Nine local residents earn degrees from Nazareth College

By Billie Owens

The following local residents were among more than 555 graduate students from Nazareth College who received master's and doctoral degrees during the college's 84th Commencement Exercises held on May 8.

Laura Hungerford, of Bergen, received a BS degree in Nursing.

Sara George, of Byron, received a  BS degree in Nursing.

Kristin Glazier, of Byron, received a MSW degree in Social Work.

Kimberly Barber, of  Leroy, received a BA degree in History.

Kristine Wolcott, of Oakfield, received a MSE degree in Art Education.

Melissa Cutcliffe, of Pavilion, received a DPT degree in Physical Therapy.

Jessie Janes, of Pavilion, received a BA degree in Sociology.

Riley Carhart, of Stafford, received a BS degree in Accounting.

Sara Churchill, of Stafford, received a MSE degree in Inclusive Education.

Founded in 1924, Nazareth College is located on a close-knit, suburban campus in the dynamic, metropolitan region of Rochester. It offers challenging academic programs in the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs in health and human services, education, and management.

African Drumming at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Thursday, June 30, 7-8 p.m. In this adult program you will experience the music of West Africa through authentic African Drums. It is led by Katie Zelig and registration is required. There is a $3 fee. You may call 585-768-8300 or sign up at the front desk.

Event Date and Time
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Four local students named to Elmira College Dean's List

By Billie Owens

Elmira College has released its Dean's List for Academic Achievement for the Winter 2011 term, which was from January through April.

The Dean's List recognizes students that have a grade point average of 3.6 or highter.

Alicia Hough, of Elba. Alicia is majoring in Business Administration and is the daughter of Valeria Moore and Albert Hough.

Alicca Vigneri, of Elba. Alicca is majoring in Business Administration and is the daughter of Phil and Janette Vigneri.

Matthew Gale, of Le Roy. Matthew is majoring in Childhood Education and Sociology and Anthropology and is the son of Mr. Christie and Mrs. Cynthia Gale.

Megan Lowe, of Le Roy. Megan is majoring in Adolescence Education: Mathematics and is the daughter of John and Lynda Lowe.

Elmira College, located in the Finger Lakes Region of beautiful, historic Upstate New York, is one of the great small colleges of the nation. To learn more about what Elmira College has to offer, navigate to www.elmira.edu or call 800-935-6472.

Le Roy meth dealer given time in federal prison

By Howard B. Owens

A Le Roy resident caught dealing methamphetamine from his home during a multi-agency law enforcement investigation will spend 210 months in a federal penitentiary.

Donald G. Vanelli II, 48, was sentenced to 17-and-a-half years in a Rochester federal court today.

Vanelli had previous entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Documents released by federal authorities at the time of his arrest indicated that Vanelli, president of the Road Agents Motorcycle Club, was head of a meth ring involved in acquiring meth in Monroe County and distributing in Genesee County.

The operation, headed by the FBI with assistance for the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, included wiretaps and a video camera positioned on a pole near his house and well as the use of an informant.

As a result of the investigation, authorities concluded that Vanelli obtained between five and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine from drug suppliers.

Arrested the same day -- July 13, 2010 -- as Vanelli were David H. Cohen, 49, of 918 Goodman St., Rochester, Donna L. Boon (aka Donna McAuley), 44, of 3658 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road; Andrew W. Chapman, 40, of 5 Cedar St., Batavia; and Kerry A. Ball, 51, of 7202 Meadville Road, Basom.

The cases against the other defendants are still pending.

In late April, Boon's husband, James Henry McAuley Jr. (aka "Mitch"), 62, was accused by federal authorities of being a leader in the Rochester Hells Angels and charged with racketeering.

Police Beat: Disorderly conduct charge in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Eric J. Bratcher, 22, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with disorderly conduct. Bratcher is accused of shouting numerous profanities while outside a residence. At the time, there were many other individuals, according to Le Roy police, who were capable of overhearing the vulgar language Bratcher was allegedly using.

Ryan Thomas Covell, 20, of Polish Place, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Covell was allegedly found in possession of a partially smoked marijuana blunt during a traffic stop on Route 63 in Pavilion at 11:35 p.m., Friday, by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Kenyon Hanks Barnes, 26, of Clinton Street, Batavia, and Lisa Marie Horn, 21, of Clinton Street, Batavia, are charged with endangering the welfare of a child and unlawfully dealing with a child. Barnes and Horn are accused of providing alcohol to a 17-year-old girl while at their residence, 5100 Clinton St., Lot #4.

Stephany Marie Demorcy, 21, of East 161 St., Bronx, is charged with petit larceny. Demorcy is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Mazariegos Rene Roblero, 26, of McGregor Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to dim headlights, unlicensed driver and unsafe tire. Roblero was stopped at 2:20 a.m., Saturday, on Main Street, Village of Oakfield, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Timothy Wood, 22, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Wood is accused of threatening to harm a woman.

Woodrow C. Horseman, 35, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Horseman is accused of shoplifting from the Wilson Farms on East Main Street, Batavia. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

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