Le Roy

The season of joy sometimes carries notes of sadness for those who miss loved ones, whether those close to them passed recently or many years ago, and with that in mind, Le Roy First Baptist Church held a "Blue Christmas" service on Wednesday evening.

The service called on those in attendance at the annual service to remember those whom they miss and recall God's comforting love.

"We invite you to reflect on the pain, the loneliness, and the sadness; you may feel an offer to God or healing and transformation,' said Pastor Edris Hitchcock. "We pray that you will find hope and comfort to know that you are not alone."

After a service of Bible verses, poetry, responsive texts, and hymns, people were invited to light candles in remembrance of those dear to them who have passed.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Tanner Bernard Wiley, 35, of Bennington Hills, Conn., is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd, obstructing governmental administration. Kimberly Ann Brodsky, 32, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, and criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. When officers attempted to stop a vehicle reportedly driven by Wiley at 1:09 a.m. on Dec. 7, Wiley allegedly fled from the traffic stop, leading to a pursuit of the vehicle from the City of Batavia into the Town of Pembroke, where Wiley allegedly attempted to flee on foot. Wiley and Brodsky were held pending arraignment.

Robert Alva Wright, 64, of Brooklyn Street, Warsaw, Rick William Reed, 42, of Maiden Lane, North Java, and Jesse James Schmidt, are each charged with assault 2nd. The three men are accused of participating in an assault at 11:11 p.m. on Sept. 8 at 2630 Attica Road, Alexander, the location of the Hillside Tavern.  All three men were arraigned on Dec. 4 and released on their own recognizance. The incident was investigated by deputies Erik Andre and Kevin McCarthy.

Talia F. Joubert, 21, of Le Roy, is charged with DWAI Drugs, speeding, and two counts of harassment 2nd.  Joubert was arrested on Dec. 5 in connection with a traffic stop conducted by a Batavia patrol officer on Dec. 5 at an undisclosed time and location. Joubert is accused of striking two police officers while at the police station. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian C. Johnson, 26, of Cheektowaga, is charged with harassment 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd. Johnson allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with staff at UMMC while being treated in ER. He allegedly tried to flee police when officers attempted to take him into custody. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Wayne D. Potter, 40, of Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment 2nd. He was arrested on Dec. 2 after an investigation by Batavia PD into an incident reported on Nov. 4 at an undisclosed time and undisclosed location where Potter allegedly fought with another person. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Cornelius Welch, 44, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Welch was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop by Batavia PD while Welch was riding his bicycle at an undisclosed location and at an undisclosed time. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Lisa Ann Centi, undisclosed age, undisclosed residential street, of Chili, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, criminal possession of a weapon 4th, false personation, insufficient signal, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd.  Centi was arrested following a traffic stop by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell at 9:58 p.m. on Dec. 1 on Forest Edge Drive, Batavia. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Kenniva Sharee Imoni Couser, 23, of Finch Street, Rochester, and Rickia Leshay Bryant, 25, of Clifford Avenue, Rochester, are charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and Bryant is charged with petit larceny. Couser and Bryant are accused of parking in a fire lane on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, at 2:51 p.m. on Dec. 6. There were reportedly children in the vehicle when the exterior temperature was 30 degrees.  The information related to the petit larceny charge was not released. Both were issued an appearance ticket. "Rickia Leshay Bryant" seems to be a name or a phrase.

Stacy Ramon Moss, 34, of Bates Road, Medina, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, seeding, and driving without a license. Moss was charged following a traffic stop by Deputy Stephen Smith at 2:03 a.m. on Dec. 4 on Lewiston Road, Batavia. Moss was processed at the Genesee County Jail, issued tickets, and released.

Taylor Marie Goodenow, 21, of Route 5, Le Roy, is charged with burglary 2nd, menacing 3rd, and conspiracy 4th. Riley Lucas Semaj Robinson, 19, of Route 5, Le Roy, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, criminal mischief 3rd, and criminal possession of a weapon 4th. Goodenow and Robinson are accused of entering an apartment in Pavilion by force at 3:43 a.m. on Dec. 3, menacing the occupants and causing property damage.

Matthew Ryan Bankes, 36, of Mayflower Street, Rochester, is charged with DWI and speeding. Bankes was stopped at 2:52 a.m. on Dec. 10 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan Mullen.  Bankes was issued an appearance ticket.

Sasha O. Wilson, 37, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Wilson was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 4:15 p.m. on Dec. 11 in the Town of Batavia. Wilson was issued an appearance ticket. Troopers did not release further information.

Jeanie L. Graham, 38, of Rochester, is charged with bail jumping 3rd. Graham was arrested by State Police on Dec. 11 and ordered held on cash bail. Troopers did not release further information.

A Le Roy Central School District has resigned, and his conduct is being investigated by Le Roy Police, according to Superintendent Merritt Holly.

Holly issued a statement to The Batavian following an inquiry about the status of a possible investigation involving a teacher.

According to Holly, John Beckler resigned his teaching position on Tuesday following an investigation by the district.  Holly said the district determined that Beckler violated the district's staff-student relations (fraternization) policy by communicating with students via text message and social media on matters unrelated to school.

"The District also referred the matter to the Le Roy Police Department, which is conducting a separate investigation," Holly said. "The district is cooperating fully with that investigation.  Because that investigation is ongoing, we will not provide any further comment.  The District’s top priority is ensuring a safe learning environment for our students."

Holly invited anyone with additional information to contact Detective James Prusak at (585) 768 - 2527 ext. 2024 or via email - jprusak@leroypolice.org.

Le Roy voters on Tuesday approved a $12.5 million capital improvement project that will fund facilities repairs and a new multipurpose sports field.

There were 517 residents who turned out for the vote, passing the measure 323 to 194.

Superintendent Merritt Holly said, "Thank you to all district residents who came out to vote."

Previously: Le Roy Central Schools reviewing $12.5 million capital project for facilities repairs, multipurpose sports field

A house fire is reported at 26 North St., Le Roy.

The caller reported the fire and hung up without providing more information.

Le Roy Fire, City Fire, Bergen Fire, Pavilion Fire, and Le Roy Ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 6:47 p.m.: All occupants are out of the house. Stafford and the Town of Batavia also responded. The fire reportedly started on the first floor and climbed through the wall into the attic.  There is heavy smoke damage.

Photos by Howard Owens

A few shots from Winterfest in Le Roy on Saturday.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Germayne D. Fifer, 19, of Inkster, Mich., Elijah A Davis, 22, of Inkster, Mich., and Tyrese I. Heard, 19, of  Ypsilanti, Mich., are charged with grand larceny 3rd and conspiracy 5th. The trio is accused of engaging in a credit card scam at Speedway in Batavia on Nov. 9 when they allegedly stole $5,000 in gift cards. Batavia patrol officers located the suspects' vehicle on Oak Street. The three suspects were arraigned in City Court and released.

Ameriquay J. Scott-Whitaker, 18, of Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 3rd, reckless endangerment 1st, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of burglar's tools, and unlawful fleeing police in a motor vehicle 3rd. On Nov. 3, Batavia patrol officers attempted a traffic stop on Clinton Street of a vehicle that had been reported stolen in Rochester. The vehicle did not stop, which initiated a pursuit. State Police deployed spike strips to stop the vehicle on Route 33 near Route 19 in Bergen. Scott-Whitaker, along with four juveniles, were taken into custody. Scott-Whitaker was arraigned and is due in City Court and released.

Jamie S. Kraft, 38, of Bath, was arrested on Nov. 8 on a warrant. Kraft was initially arrested on Sept. 13 and charged with aggravated harassment 2nd, obstructing governmental administration 2nd and falsely reporting an incident 3rd. Kraft allegedly made numerous 911 calls in which he falsely reported that people had been struck by lightning. He then allegedly threatened to stab police. Kraft was arraigned and released on his own recognizance. 

Jimmy Ramirez, 41, of Rochester, is charged with felony DWI. Batavia patrol officers responded to a report on Nov. 4 of a possibly intoxicated driver on Lewiston Road and stopped a vehicle allegedly driven by Ramirez as a result. He was issued traffic tickets and released.

Edwin L. Bethel, 57, of Rochester, is charged with assault 3rd, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief 4th, of petit larceny. Bethel is accused of causing injury to another person, damaging property, and stealing car keys during a disturbance on South Main Street in Batavia on Nov. 11 while in the presence of two children. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Kate J. Long, 39, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. It is alleged that Long sent numerous "unwanted" emails to Batavia City School District board members for "no legitimate" purpose. Long was issued an appearance ticket.

Stephanie L. Coley, 41, of Lockport, was arrested on Nov. 16 on a warrant. Coley was initially charged on Sept. 24, 2021, with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. A warrant was issued after she allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arraigned and released under supervision.

Michael J. Torres, 40, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 15 on a warrant. Torres was initially charged on April 12 with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd (Intent to Sell) and obstructing governmental administration 2nd after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop on a bicycle. He was arraigned and released.  Torres is also charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled 7th. Torres was arrested following a traffic stop at 6:17 p.m. on Nov. 15 by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. He was allegedly found in possession of cocaine and buprenorphine. He was held at the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment.

George J. Budzinack, 43, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 16 on a warrant. Budzinack was initially arrested on Sept. 27 after an investigation into the larceny of a bicycle, on East Main Street in Batavia. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. Budzinack was arraigned and released.

Christine M. Caplis, 43, of Elba, is charged with criminal tampering 3rd. Caplis is accused of tampering with security cameras in an apartment building on Liberty Street on Nov. 13. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Thomas A. Griffin, 36, of Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Griffen is accused of driving while impaired on Oct. 10 and was arrested on Nov. 14. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Timothy M. Pendleton, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, and several traffic violations. Pendleton was stopped on Nov. 2 on East Avenue by a Batavia patrol officer. He was allegedly found in possession of narcotics and then fought with police while officers attempted to take him into custody. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Dorian D. Batchelor, 56, of Williamsville, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Batchelor is accused of violating an order of protection by entering the protected party's residents on Nov. 15. He was arraigned and released.

Benjamin G. Evans, 35, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 9 on warrants issued by City Court. Two of the warrants were related to separate petit larceny charges. The other resulted from charges of trespass and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. He was arraigned and released.

Jeanine D. Fuller, 37, no residence provided, was arrested on Nov. 9 on a warrant. The warrant was issued as a result of Fuller allegedly being found inside of the vacant Days Inn Motel on Oak Street on Aug. 23. She was arraigned and released.

Marcus A. King, 22, of Rochester, is charged with harassment 2nd.  King is accused of striking another person in the face at a location on Pearl street on Nov. 6. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Gregory M. Wansha, 23, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Wansha is accused of slashing the tire of another person's car on Nov. 11 at an undisclosed location. Wansha was issued an appearance ticket.

Adam J. Kaczanowski, 22,  of Eden, was arrested on Nov. 17 on a warrant. Kaczanowski was originally charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd after being involved in a motor vehicle accident on Sept. 26. He was issued an appearance ticket but allegedly failed to appear in court. Kaczanowski was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Terrance L. Falk, 25, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 6 on a warrant issued by City Court. The original charges stem from an incident on Washington Avenue where Falk allegedly threatened another person with a knife. He was arraigned and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. 

Krystal L Frye, 33, of Jamestown, was arrested on a warrant on Nov. 20. Frye was initially arrested on April 2, 2019, and charged with grand larceny 4th after an investigation into an incident where she allegedly stole a debit card. A warrant was issued after Frye allegedly failed to appear for a court appearance. She was arraigned and released on her own recognizance. 

Kenneth B. Jordan, 31, of Albion, was arrested on Nov. 13 on a warrant. Jordan was originally charged on Jan. 16 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd, after a traffic stop on River Street. Jordan was issued an appearance ticket but allegedly failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court and released. 

David Henry Kendall, 39, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with promoting prison contrand and criminal possession 1st of a controlled substance 7th. Kendal is accused of knowingly obtaining and possessing a narcotic drug on Nov. 18 inside the Genesee County Jail.  Kendall was arraigned and remanded back to the custody of the jail. 

Anthony Leo Vanelli, Sr., 46, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a narcotic drug and promoting prison contraband. Vanelli is accused of knowingly and unlawfully introducing a narcotic into the Genesee County Jail on Nov. 18 and giving the drug to another inmate. Vanelli was arraigned and is being held without bail.

Dustin Albert Huffer, 40, of Silver Springs, is charged with felony DWI, speeding, aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed driver, and reckless driving. Huffer was stopped at 2:48 a.m. on Nov. 19 on Route 5 in Pembroke by Deputy Stephen Smith. Huffer was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Maranda Lena Button, 30, no street address provided, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and insufficient signal. Button was allegedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop at 12:21 a.m. on Oct. 28 by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. Button was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Anthony Ross Morrow, 40, of Niagara Street, Lockport, is charged with petit larceny. Morrow is accused of stealing a crossbow from Dick's Sporting Goods at 8:02 p.m. on Nov. 24.  Morrow was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released.

Samuel Robert Baudanza, 26, of Buffalo Street, Bergen, is charged with assault 3rd and criminal mischief. Baudanza was arrested following a report of a disturbance at Ralph and Rosies on Lake Avenue in Bergen at 10:04 p.m. on Nov. 25. Baudanza is accused of fighting with two people and damaging merchandise. Baudanza was held for arraignment.

Nicole M. Trapp, 21, of Buffalo, is charged with harassment 1st. Trapp was arrested by State Police on Nov. 28 in connection with an incident reported in the Town of Alabama at 10:54 a.m. on July 2. She was released on an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Virginia A. Marks, 44, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Marks was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 11:12 a.m. on Nov. 27 in the Town of Batavia. She was released on an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Charles A. Kohorst, 54, of Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Kohorst was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 12:56 p.m. on Nov. 27 in the Town of Pembroke. He was held in custody. No further information was released.

Heidi S. Kollarik, 51, of Oakfield, is charged with DWI. Kollarik was stopped by a Batavia patrol officer on Nov. 9 at an undisclosed time on East Main street, Batavia. She was issued traffic tickets and released.

Press Release:

Tee's Golf Sim, the first and only indoor golf simulator facility in Le Roy, is excited to announce its grand opening at 12 Main St., 2nd Floor, Le Roy. Since its opening on Nov. 15, Tee's Golf Sim has been offering a unique and immersive golfing experience to local enthusiasts, inviting them to enjoy their passion for golf all year round.

At Tee's Golf Sim, golfers of all skill levels have the opportunity to play on world-renowned courses without leaving the comfort of their hometowns. The facility currently boasts one high-end simulator featuring hundreds of courses, with plans to expand and add a second simulator station in the near future. This state-of-the-art technology not only provides an incredibly realistic golfing experience but also offers players the chance to analyze and improve their game regardless of the weather outside.

Understanding the busy schedules of modern golfers, Tee's Golf Sim has made booking sessions as convenient as possible. Tee times can be easily scheduled directly through their website, teesgolfsim.com, ensuring that golf enthusiasts can fit a round into even the most hectic schedules.

Owner Antonio Calabrese, says, “We’re thrilled to bring this unique golfing experience to LeRoy. Our goal is to create a space where golfers can practice, play, and enjoy the game of golf year-round, regardless of the weather.”

Tee's Golf Sim is not just a facility; it's a community hub for golf lovers. Whether you're looking to escape the cold, improve your game, or simply have a fun outing with friends, Tee's Golf Sim offers an unparalleled indoor golfing experience.

For more information or to book your tee time, visit teesgolfsim.com. Stay updated on our latest news and offers by following us on Facebook at facebook.com/teesgolfsim and Instagram at instagram.com/teesgolfsim.

Submitted photos from Tee's Golf Sim.

A two-vehicle accident is reported on Main Street at Clay Street in Le Roy.

No word on injuries.

Reported airbag deployment.

One vehicle is blocking a lane of traffic.

Le Roy Fire and Le Roy Ambulance dispatched.

A touchdown 16-yard pass from Payton Bradley to Isaac Maddox with six seconds left in the Far West Regional broke a 13-13 tie, giving Salamanca the win 21-13 and delivering Le Roy its first and final defeat of 2023.

Scoring up to that point had been tit-for-tat on Saturday. Le Roy scored in the first quarter on a one-yard run by Drew Strollo, and Jack Currin converted the point-after. In the second, Arlen Newark scored on a 45-yard pass for Salamanca. Newark also kicked the extra point.

Le Roy answered two minutes later on a 3-yard run by Strollo, but the PAT kick was blocked.

Midway through the third quarter, Salamanca knotted things up on a 33-yard Isaac Maddox run but also had its kick blocked.

For Le Roy, Strollo gained 68 yards, scored two touchdowns, gained 17 yards on three receptions, and on defense had five tackles.

Tonny Piazza gained 77 yards on 19 carries.  Tommy Condidoria was 4-7 passing for 12 yards.  Holden Sullivan and D.J. O'Geen had six tackles each on defense.

The Oatkan Knights finish 2023 with an 11-1 record. That 11th win was the program's record-setting 16th Section V title.

The Oatkan Knights won their record-setting 16th sectional title at SUNY Brockport on Saturday with a 27-14 win over Attica/Alexander in Class C.

The Blue Devils opened the scoring in the first quarter with a Joseph Parkhurst 31-yard field goal (one of two FGs for Parkhurst), but Le Roy answered quickly with a Drew Strollo four-yard run for a TD followed by the PAT from Jack Currin. Le Roy held the lead the rest of the way, with Tony Piazza scoring twice and Tommy Condidorio capping things off with a two-yard run.

The final score for AA came in the waning seconds, a 30-yard pass from Trent Woods to Sam Strzelec.

Strollo rushed for 134 yards on 23 carries.  Piazza carried 20 times for 88 yards.

On defense, Strollo had five tackles, D.J. O'Geen, five plus a sack, Piazza, four, and Connor Hegeman, four.

Attica/Alexander did not submit stats.

Press Release:

Expanding the capabilities of its Western New York (WNY) management team, Tompkins Community Bank has appointed two new branch managers, Jacob Hale in Chili and Sean Valdes in Perry. In their new roles, Hale and Valdes will oversee their respective branches, cultivating relationships with other businesses in the communities and ensuring that customers’ needs are met.  

“The addition of Jacob and Sean to our management team ensures that we will continue to provide personalized guidance to help clients grow our community,” said Laura Geary, vice president, and community banking manager. “I am personally excited to see Sean’s and Jake’s experience in action and know that our clients and community in both Perry and Chili will benefit from working with these dedicated professionals.”  

Previously, Hale served as the assistant manager of Tompkins’ Batavia branch. A dedicated employee, Hale has consistently been recognized by Tompkins, earning the company’s Rising Star and Top Sales Performer Awards in 2020 and then again in 2022 as well as externally, recently winning GLOW’s Best of the Best Banker for 2023. Hale currently serves as a board member for the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation, Rochester Regional Health (UMMC), and volunteers with the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation and Junior Achievement of Western New York. He and his fiancée, Alicia Alexyn, reside in Chili and are expecting their first son this November.  

A SUNY Brockport’s business administration program graduate, Valdes previously owned and operated D & R Depot Restaurant & Catering Services, in Le Roy, for over 25 years. Valdes consistently grew his business, fostering relationships within the community to encourage economic development. Valdes hopes to bring this customer-centric view to his new role, working to ensure that members of the Perry community have access to the banking solutions that will help them achieve their goals. A founding member of the Kiwanis Club of LPS (Le Roy, Pavilion, and Stafford), Valdes also served as the vice president of small business for the Le Roy Business Council. Additionally, the Le Roy Rotary Club recognized Valdes with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in 2021. Valdes currently resides in Le Roy with his wife, Jen, and two daughters.

A six-month investigation into the possession, transportation, and sale of crack cocaine in and around Genesee County has led to the rest of a 36-year-old Batavia resident.

Philp R. Chin, of McKinley Avenue, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and one count of tampering with physical evidence.

Chin was taken into custody on a sealed indictment warrant issued by Genesee County Court on Thursday evening following a traffic stop in the Village of Le Roy initiated by members of the Local Drug Task Force. 

He is accused of selling crack cocaine to an agent of the task force in Batavia on two separate occasions.

During the traffic stop, Chin was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and attempted to conceal it from arresting officers.

Following arraignment in County Court, Chin was released on his own recognizance in accordance with current New York State bail laws.

The task force was assisted by uniformed deputies, Le Roy patrol officers, and the District Attorney's Office.

Le Roy beat East Rochester/Gananda 37-6 to win the Section V Class C semifinal at Hartwood Park on Friday.

With Attica/Alexander's win, 42-0, over Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry, it sets up a championship game between the #1 seed Le Roy against the #2 seed Attica/Alexander on Saturday at 5 p.m. and SUNY Brockport.

For Le Roy, Tony Piazza rushed for 122 yards and a TD on 23 carries, and Drew Strollo rushed for 112 yards and a TD on 22 carries.

On defense, Peter Clark had three tackles, a sack, and three pass breakups. Luke Lathan also had a sack, and Connor Hegeman had five tackles.

Attica/Alexander's lone loss on the season came against Le Roy on Sept. 29, 44-27.

A vehicle has reportedly crashed into a house at 7824 South Lake Road, Le Roy.

No word on injuries.

Le Roy Fire, Le Roy Ambulance, and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 5:23 p.m.: A chief on scene reports the vehicle struck a porch and not the house.  Bergen had also been dispatched and is now back in service.

UPDATE 5:26 p.m.: No injuries.

Press Release:

The fundraising committee of the Hope Center has been putting the final touches on their more than 50 donated baskets in preparation for Saturday’s fundraiser, and donations are still rolling in. It will be a back-to-back event, starting with a basket raffle at the Masonic Community Center at 12 Bank Street in LeRoy from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winners will be drawn starting at 3 p.m. The Masons will be cooking lunch as well. 

The second part of the day will be a gift card raffle which will take place right across the street at the Le Roy Moose Family Center, 21 Bank St.. During their Fall Harvest Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m., Hope Center volunteers will have a table set up with over a dozen gift cards to be raffled. Winners will be drawn starting at 6:30 p.m. For both events, tickets will be $5 for a sheet of 26, and winners need not be present to win. 

“We’ll be calling the lucky winners on Monday and pickups will be scheduled at the Hope Center,” said their Director, Diane Sia. “We are so excited to be partnering with two of Le Roy’s fine organizations and so grateful for the support of our community for this event! That support has come in the form of donated baskets, gift cards, or funds to purchase items for baskets.”

“We have a small army of volunteers who are very dedicated to the programs we offer such as our Fresh Start Tutoring for children in grades K-6, and our Senior Moments Lunch Club Alzheimer’s respite. Although these programs are free, there is always a cost, so fundraising is helping us continue to serve. Our volunteers have really stepped up to make our event a success; we’re praying for a big turnout this Saturday!” 

The Hope Center invites everyone to check them out on their new website: hopecenterofleroy.org, or to follow their Facebook page where there’s always something to share about the wonderful work they do.

Voters in the Le Roy Central School District will be asked to vote on a proposed $12.5 million capital improvement project that would provide upgrades to buildings and facilities in the school district and not result in additional taxes levied on properties in the district.

The vote was approved by the Board of Education on Tuesday and is scheduled for noon to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 in the Library Media Center of Wolcott Street School.

For more details about the proposal, see The Batavian's previous story: Le Roy Central Schools reviewing $12.5 million capital project for facilities repairs, multipurpose sports field

A 99-year-old World War II veteran who would have graduated in 1942 if he hadn't left school to support his family received an honorary diploma on Tuesday from the Le Roy Central School District Board of Education.

Steve Vernaccini went to work for Lapp Insulators at age 17. A year later, he was drafted and became a radar operator in the U.S. Army for nearly three years.

"I can't explain to you how gratifying this is to receive this," Vernacinni said. "I'd like to have had this a long time ago, but Uncle Sam wanted me, so I did what he wanted." 

Vernacinni will celebrate his 100th birthday on Oct. 16.

While attending Le Roy Schools, Vernacinni was a member of the High School Band. He played the baritone horn for five years. He was also the track manager.

Principal David Russell presented Vernaccini with his honorary diploma with his family in attendance.

Russell said Vernaccini is a person who embodies the true spirit of what it means to be an Oatkan Knight.

"On December 8, 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously stated, 'The American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.' The 'absolute victory' referred to by President Roosevelt would not have been possible without people like Mr. Steve Vernaccini. Mr. Vernaccini answered the call to serve during World War II, and in doing so, sacrificed the opportunity to make many memories with his family and friends."

Information and photos courtesy Le Roy Central School District.

The Batavia Blue Devils and Le Roy Oatkan Knights capped Soccer Saturday with a Girls Soccer game that ended with a 3-2 OT win for Batavia.

The boys lost their OT game to Wilson/Early College 3-2.

"It was a wonderful night for our boys and girls senior soccer players," said Roger Hume, head coach for Batavia. "Le Roy didn’t make it an easy win."

In the nightcap, Batavia started the scoring early in the first half with a breakaway run and finish by Ella Shamp, with an assist from Jaimin MacDonals.  

Le Roy scored the next two goals, leaving it senior Ella Radley to tie up the game with two minutes left.  

Batavia came out strong in OT, and senior Anna Varland finished the game with a goal five minutes into the first OT.  

"Batavia did a fantastic job coming back from two goals to one to make this its 12th win of the season," Hume said.  

The Blue Devils remain undefeated.

The Batavian did not receive scoring stats from Le Roy.  Le Roy is  9-4-1 on the year.

The girls' next game is Monday away at Livonia.

In the boys' game, goals were scored by Quintin Cummings, assisted by Troy Hawley, and Troy Hawley, assisted by Rylan Bohn.

 Batavia’s record is now 8 wins and 5 losses on the season.

To view more photos or purchase prints, click here.