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Le Roy science instructor named to Master Teacher program

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

Le Roy Central School is proud to announce that Jr.-Sr. High Science teacher Michael Chiulli was one of the 228 educators from across the state selected to join the New York State Master Teacher Program. He is in his 12th year teaching at Le Roy and has taught AP Biology, Living Environment, and Infectious Diseases over his years with the Oatkan Knights.

From Chiulli:

"When I learned about the NYS Master Teacher Program, I spoke with those who were involved and discovered it was the type of educational initiative that would not only enhance my pedagogy and content knowledge, but also allow me to collaborate and network with outstanding teachers.

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with and learn from the master teachers in the program and share my own experiences and skills with them. The kinds of professional development offered in the program will expand upon and strengthen my teaching skills and increase my content knowledge and allow me to offer more opportunities for success for my students."

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Congratulations to Chiulli on being selected to join an elite group of educators in the New York State Master Teacher Program! His dedication to teaching, especially in the area of Science, has been a great resource for the Le Roy Central School District as he continues to encourage more students to pursue STEM studies and careers.

To join a list of 228 new members and more than 1,200 total Master Teachers across New York State is a great individual honor for Chiulli and for Le Roy Central School District students.

Merritt Holly, Le Roy Central School District Superintendent:

"This is such a deserving honor for Mike to be selected for the NYS Master Teacher Program. Mike is the ultimate dedicated professional who reaches all of his students and has created so many opportunities in and out of the classroom and, for some, has propelled them into a career in science!

"He is a very reflective teacher who has continued to evolve his practice to best prepare his students all while wearing his daily famous lab coat! Mike represents the teaching profession at its best and we congratulate him and his family for this prestigious honor!"

Tim McArdle, Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School Principal:

This is a four-year program that Mr. Chiulli will be participating in. He is the second Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School teacher selected, following Mrs. Taryn Nole's acceptance last year. He will be engaging in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities.

"He will work closely with pre-service and early career teachers to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers, attend required regional cohort meetings, and participate in and lead several professional development sessions each year.

Case of student accused of making threat that closed schools in Le Roy referred to Family Court

By Howard B. Owens

A student at Le Roy Junior-Senior High School is being charged as a juvenile in connection with an alleged threat posted on Snapchat that led to classes and activities being canceled at Le Roy schools on Friday.

Le Roy PD announced today that the unnamed juvenile is being charged with falsely reporting an incident, 3rd, and that the matter is being referred to Genesee County Family Court.

Police say the youth posted a message on Snapchat threatening to harm students. A parent of one of the students who received the message contacted the Safe School Helpline to advise officials of the threat.

Superintendent Merritt Holley said he was informed of the threat early Friday morning and made the decision -- based on what was known at the time, leading him to believe it was a credible threat -- to cancel classes and activities at both Wolcott and the Jr.-Sr. high.

Previously: More than single Snapchat post apparently used to determine need for school closure today in Le Roy

Police trying to locate dirt bike rider fleeing on foot in quarry off of Circular Hill Road, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A Le Roy PD officer is in a foot pursuit of a dirt bike rider in a quarry off of Circular Hill Road in Le Roy.

The rider failed to yield when the officer tried to make a traffic stop.

Deputies are arriving on scene to assist in the search for the rider.

UPDATE 3:16 p.m.: A deputy is with a dirt bike on Gulf Road. Unclear if it's directly related to the previous report or if there is a rider with this bike.

UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: It sounds like at least one person is detained.

More than single Snapchat post apparently used to determine need for school closure today in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens
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While officials have declined to discuss thus far the specific nature of a threat made on Snapchat overnight that led to the closing of the schools in Le Roy today, Superintendent Merritt Holley did indicate during a press conference this morning that it was more than just the words used in the Snapchat post that caused concern.

"From my end of it right now, I think because we know what the threat was, we know who the person is, I think from that end, this is exactly -- I'm not going to use the word, there's nothing textbook when you get into these, but I think if you have a situation where we have finality to what we know -- I think that's exactly where you want to be, and I think if we could have gotten that, we think about the time frame of where we're trying to get that information and go," Holley said. "I think closing the school today looks very small in the big scheme of things."

A reporter at the press conference suggested that Holley was saying there was more context to the situation than just what was posted on Snapchat and Holley said, "you can interpret that."

Neither Holley nor Le Roy Police Sgt. Emily McNamara would discuss details about the content of the Snapchat post, nor why police and school officials determined the threat should be taken seriously and considered credible.

The school district was alerted at 5 a.m. by a service set up two years ago to field anonymous tips about safety threats at schools, and Holley said he immediately contacted Le Roy PD. By 8 a.m., the Junior-Senior High School student who made the post had been identified.

Holley said both the student and the student's family are cooperating with the police investigation.

The situation is resolved, both Holley and McNamara said, and school activities return to normal on Saturday.

"This was an isolated incident and I really want to emphasize to the community and to the students at the school that we don't believe that there's any cause for any further concerns or alarm," McNamara said.

She said this is still an open investigation and while charges are possible, it's too soon to say what those charges might be.

As a result of the Snapchat posting, both Wolcott School and Le Roy Junior-Senior HS were closed and all school activities, including tonight's football game in Avon, were canceled.

"This is far from a prank," Holley said. "I think with the investigation going on, I don't want to get specifically into what was said and what was put out, but 'credible' is the key term and with any threat in this day and age that we're in right now, any school district, not only here in Le Roy but across the state, across this country, it's our duty and responsibility to look into every possible situation, and we have to do our due diligence and I think we did that in this in this situation."

GCC names cast for 'Rocky Horror' as sets are being built, costumes 'being bloodied'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The sets are being built, the costumes are being bloodied and now the talent has been cast for next month's production of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at Genesee Community College!

Brodie McPherson, director of the show and also GCC's instructor of Theater Technology, released the cast list today (Sept. 27) for what promises to be the college's biggest theater production of the season!

GCC's Forum Players Theatre Company will perform Richard O'Brien's “The Rocky Picture Horror Show,” Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and again Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. in the College's Stuart Steiner Theatre.

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" will feature GCC students representing many majors and four different countries, as well as a GCC alumnus. Audiences will enjoy the talent, style and a little craziness from the following:

  • Tiago Marques, of São Paulo, Brazil, as Frank-N-Furter
  • Runo Suzuki, of Hokkaido, Japan, as Janet Weiss
  • Samuel G. Rigerman, of Batavia, as Brad Majors
  • Benjamin Reiner, of Pembroke, as Riff Raff
  • Lacey Sloat, of Bergen, as Magenta
  • Fu Kikuchi, of Fukuoka, Japan, as Columbia
  • Chris Barbis, of Pavilion, as Rocky Horror
  • Jack Diskin, of Le Roy, as Eddie and a Phantom
  • Grant Calcote, of Le Roy, as Dr. Everett V. Scott and a Phantom
  • Josh Pacino, (GCC classes of 2008 and 2009), of Batavia, as The Narrator
  • Marissa Carbonell, of Batavia, as Trixie The Usherette and a Phantom

And playing Phantoms throughout the productions will be:

  • Marissa Carbonell, of Batavia
  • Sam Ciesla, of Hamburg
  • Haylea-Ann Nicole Self, of Brockton
  • Brittany Mayes, of Medina
  • Jessie Pierce, of Batavia
  • Tiffany Smith, of Arkport
  • Brandon Ribbeck, of Warsaw
  • Ai Jitozono, of Nagasaki, Japan
  • Ayaka Nakamura, of Osaka, Japan
  • Francesca Pieter, of Willemstad, Curaçao
  • Alyssa Young, of Brockport
  • Andrew DeMeo, of Staten Island

This show will take full advantage of all the high-tech sound and lighting equipment at the College's state-of-the-art theater. The full scene and costume shops provide dynamic sets, clothing and special effects to take this production over the top. In addition, special "Goodie Bags" to be sold for $5 are in development as is some pre-show, intermission and post-show opportunities for the audience to interact with the cast.

"This show promises to be among the most memorable experiences not only for GCC's Forum Players, but also for our audience and supporters. It really is not to be missed," McPherson said. "Everyone should enjoy the perfect prelude to the Halloween season with a performance that is 'out of this world!' "

Tickets for "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," performed by GCC's Forum Players Theatre Company, are: $8 for adults; and $5 for seniors (55+) and students (16+) and GCC faculty/ staff. GCC students with ID are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket.

To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office today at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814. Seating is limited and advance reservations are strongly advised. The show is designed for mature audiences only.

Le Roy schools shutdown because of threat

By Howard B. Owens

Press release from Chief Chris Hayward, Le Roy PD:

The School received a report of a possible threat and we are currently investigating. The School received it early this morning and given the hour, made the decision to close to allow us to try to determine if the threat was credible or not. Given the ongoing investigation, we will not be making anyone available for on-camera interviews.

Via text message this morning, Hayward said there will be a press conference at a time to be determined.

A parent in Le Roy tells The Batavian that her household received a robocall from the school early this morning informing them that both Wolcott School and the Junior-Senior High School were closed for the day and that all after school and extracurricular activities were canceled because of a "credible" threat on SnapChat made last night.  

WBTA received a call from the school's athletic director informing them that tonight's football game in Avon in is canceled.

Ten local students enrolled at Canisius College

By Billie Owens

Canisius College embarked on its 150th year of educational excellence by welcoming 660 new students to campus (560 first-year students; 100 transfer students) for the 2019-20 academic year.

The incoming class represents 224 high schools from 25 states and five countries. The following local students are enrolled at Canisius College:

  • Zachary Brown, of Linwood 
  • Griffin Della Penna, of Batavia 
  • David Doan, of Batavia 
  • Harrison Dodson, of Bergen 
  • Calvin Herrick, of Le Roy
  • Ava Horgan, of Le Roy 
  • Trevor Maier, of Oakfield 
  • Bella March, of Batavia 
  • Spencer Misiti, of Batavia 
  • Mary Warner, of Le Roy

Consistently ranked among the top regional institutions in the Northeast, Canisius is a master's-level, comprehensive university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional programs that are distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration and experiential learning opportunities that transform the mind and spirit.

The premier private university in Western New York, Canisius is one of 27 Jesuit, Catholic colleges in the nation.

Anita Dziekan and Bruno DeFazio named 2019 Italian Americans of the Year

By Billie Owens

From the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation:

The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation Fall Awards Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday Oct. 24th, at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.

The Foundation welcomes two recipients this season, Anita Dziekan and Bruno DeFazio

We will also have our 20/20 Raffle, which supports our Senior Scholarships for high school students.

Tickets event are available from the Foundation board members and VJ Gautieri Constructors Inc., located at 45 Liberty St. in Batavia, and Ben's Appliance, Kitchens and Bath, which is at 634 E. Main St., Batavia.

About Anita Dziekan

Anita Dziekan is the daughter of James R. Mocciaro and Louisa Scammaca from Sicily, who settled in Batavia and had 14 children.

Anita married Richard Dziekan; they had three children Christina, Kathy and Thomas. Anita and her late husband love their grandchildren, Casey, Karlie, Ryan (deceased), Mason and Carson.

A graduate of Batavia High School, she worked at the Surprise Store and the Hiding Place.

But Anita is best known for working at John Kennedy School, where she baked for three Batavia elementary schools. She was the onsite manager at Robert Morris School, Anita worked 26 years for the Batavia School District.

Anita’s ambition for volunteering came from her parents who taught her and other siblings the importance of family values and hard work. She grew up learning to help one another, to love, be respectful of her family and friends, and be proud of her heritage. She is passing this Italian mindset to all who know her.

Anita’s volunteer accomplishments are many. She volunteers at St. Jerome Gift Shop, the United Memorial Medical Center waiting room and she distributes menus to patients. She also assists in the visitor’s booth at the Chamber of Commerce, and for the MOPS -- Mothers of Preschoolers -- at Northgate Free Methodist Church.

In addition, she lends a hand at the Annual Mammoth Sale at St. Joseph Regional School. She's a Counter and Sacristan at Resurrection Parish, helps at the Crossroads House Annual Garage Sale, and donates her time to the American Red Cross blood drive and for Catholic Charities.

Anita is currently a member of OFA Advisory Board, Sodality at Resurrection Parish, St. Jerome Guild, UMMC League, and RSVP for the county Office for the Aging. She serves as an inspector for Genesee County Board of Elections and belongs to the Suncatcher Garden Club.

She participates in planting for Business Improvement District on Main Street downtown and assists in maintaining flowers at the Richmond Monument at the Harvester Cementary.

The spice of Italian life is essentially Anita Dziekan. Her family life, upbringing, culture and care are quintessentially Italian and completely deserving of this Paolo Busti Italian American Award.

About Bruno DeFazio

Bruno DeFazio was born in Teglio, Italy in 1952. He lived there for seven years.

In April 1959 with the help of Catholic Charities he was adopted by Alphonso and Genevieve (Caccamise) DeFazio.

He attended St. Joseph’s School and graduated in 1970 from Notre Dame High School. He graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree from Genesee Community College in 1972.

In 1973 he married Elizabeth (Lee) Costa and together they raised two beautiful daughters, Christina (Tim) Carvel and Stacy (Jason) Wentworth.

His family is the most important part of his life. He is always there for them and now can spread the love and support with his six grandchildren as well: Brayden, Nolan, Matthew, Addison, Tyler and Dominic.

Bruno is an active member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Le Roy.

He retired from Le Roy Central School District in 2017 where he was a maintenance mechanic.

Living in Le Roy for 46 years, he has been active in many organizations and sports programs. He was one of the first coaches for Le Roy Youth Soccer, and he also coached Le Roy Youth Football and Le Roy Little League. He was supportive of his daughters during their involvement in sports and continues to cheer the local teams.

He has served on several boards including: Le Roy Jaycees; Knights of Columbus Edward Powers Council 2936; the Le Roy Historical Society -- where he currently oversees all building maintenance; the Le Roy Christian Community Project; Oatka Festival Committee; and as councilman for the Town of Le Roy, where was once was deputy supervisor. He currently serves on the Genesee County Parks and Water Commission.

Just last week, the Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion, Le Roy, announced De Fazio is this year's “LeRoyan of the Year."

His community involvement is a tribute to his Italian-American heritage, good work ethics, and strong family foundation instilled by his family. If you live in a community be a part of it. It’s the right thing to do! The Paolo Busti Italian American Award is being proudly presented to him.

(Photo of DeFazio, courtesy of Joan Fernaays.)

Rollover accident reported on the eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 380.4. Unknown injuries. Le Roy Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:26 p.m.: The responding Le Roy unit is told to continue in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 2:31 p.m.: No injuries; medics can go back in service.

Three people injured in Le Roy accident

By Howard B. Owens
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Three people were hurt today in a head-on collision on Route 19 in Le Roy but none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening, according to the deputy investigating the case.

One person was transported by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital as a precaution.

According to Deputy Chris Erion, it appears a blue Toyota crossed the centerline and struck a green Kia. The vehicles clipped each other's front driver-side fenders.

The names of the people involved have not yet been released.

(Initial Report)

Head-on collision reported on Lake Street Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A head-on two-car collision is reported at 8042 Lake Street Road in Le Roy. Unknown injuries. There is entrapment.

The vehicles are blocking traffic. Smoke is coming from one of the vehicles.

Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding, and Bergen and Pavilion are called for mutual aid.

UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: Le Roy Fire Police are called to shut down Route 19 in the area of the accident.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: Mercy Flight has been dispatched.

UPDATE 1:29 p.m.: Mercy Flight is hovering nearby and plan to land in the roadway. The pilot asked for a fire engine to be moved and for firefighters to vacate the landing zone.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: Both ends of Parmalee Road are shut down for traffic control. The trapped patient has been extricated and will be boarded on Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 1:56 p.m.: Fire police are or have opened Parmalee Road.

UPDATE 2:12 p.m.: Route 19 is reopened. The assignment is back in service.

Three-car crash reported on eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A three-vehicle accident is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 383.9. All occupants are said to be out of the vehicles. Unknown injuries.

Le Roy Fire Department and Ambulance Service are responding and Bergen fire is called for mutual aid.

UPDATE 12:04 p.m.: The assignment is back in service.

Dirt bike rider dies following accident on Linwood Road, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

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A 21-year-old Le Roy resident died Wednesday night after a dirt bike he was driving collided with a minivan on Linwood Road in Le Roy.

The accident occurred at about 7:30 p.m.

According to state police, the victim, whose name has not yet been released, was southbound on Linwood Road. The van was heading north when it turned left into a driveway. The motorbike T-boned the minivan.

The victim died in the ambulance in route to the hospital.

State Police are investigating the accident and will release more information when it becomes available.

Information gathered by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service. Photos by Alecia Kaus.

Press release from the State Police:

On Sept. 18 at 7:38 p.m., troopers out of SP Batavia responded to Linwood Road in the Town of Le Roy for a two-vehicle collision.

Further investigation revealed that a 2013 Kawasaki dirt bike operated by Michael T. Leubner, 21, of Le Roy, was traveling southbound on Linwood Road and struck a 2018 Toyota van traveling northbound as it was turning into a driveway.  

Leubner was transported to Erie County Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. Leubner was traveling without a headlight.

New York State Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in this investigation.

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Law and Order: Wallace Street man accused of assaulting and injuring victim over 65

By Billie Owens
         Eric Olverd

Eric James Olverd, 47, of Wallace Street, Batavia, (inset photo, right) is charged with: obstruction of governmental administration; resisting arrest; two counts of reckless endangerment; second-degree assault with injury to a victim over age 65; second-degree harassment; criminal mischief, and endangering the welfare of a child. Olverd was arrested at 7 p.m. on Sept. 15 on Wallace Street following a domestic incident. He was jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. He was due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Darrell Smith, 52, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault. Smith was arrested at 9:33 p.m. on Sept. 16 on Highland Park. He allegedly punched a person in the face, causing injury. Smith was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in city court on Oct. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

John Joseph Saddler Jr., 32, of Orange Grove Drive, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree and disorderly conduct. At 1:44 p.m. on Sept. 17, Saddler was arrested while standing in front of Judge Robert Balbick in Batavia City Court after being warned not to use obscene language in the courtroom. He allegedly continued to use obscene language, causing a disruption in the courtroom. Saddler was arraigned in city court by Judge Durin Rogers then put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail. He is due back in city court at 1 p.m. this afternoon (Sept. 18). The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile.

Michael S. Carter, 33, of Eagle Harbor Road, Albion, is charged with operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, driving while intoxicated and failure to keep right. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Carter at 2:37 a.m. on Sept. 7 on East Main Street in the City of Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket for this morning (Sept. 18) in Batavia City Court but held at the Genesee County Jail on a violation of parole warrant. Officer Arick Perkins assisted in the case.

Jacqueline R. Garrett, 40, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with illegal use of toxic vapors. Garrett was arrested after she was allegedly observed inhaling a toxic substance while in public at 11:53 a.m. on Sept. 16. The incident location is Eastown Plaza on East Main Street in the City of Batavia. She was processed at Batavia Police Department and released on an appearance ticket. She is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

A 17-year-old male who lives in Batavia was arrested on Sept. 14 by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post and charged with second-degree harassment. At 6:46 p.m. on Sept. 9 on Ellicott Street in Batavia, the male allegedly had unwanted contact with a person. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 24. Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence assisted with the case.

Randy S. Turner, 63, of Burke Drive, Batavia, is charged with having a dog that was running at large. He was arrested following an investigation of a complaint that he allegedly allowed his family's dogs to run at large at 6:15 p.m. on Aug. 29 onto a neighbor's property on Burke Drive. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 24. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson.

Kakeen K. Ithna-Asheri, 59, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. The defendant was arrested at 12:34 p.m. on Sept. 15 after he allegedly stole a package of batteries from a store on East Main Street in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and was due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Steve B. Nesbitt, 34, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with owning an unlicensed dog. He was arrested at 1:44 p.m. on Sept. 16 on Holland Avenue, then released on an appearance ticket. He is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Jesse Daniel Bowman, 27, of Vine Street, Batavia, turned himself at Batavia Police Department Sept. 15 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court. He was arraigned at 10:39 a.m. in city court, then released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to court on Oct. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Bruno DeFazio chosen as 2019 LeRoyan of the Year by American Legion Post #576

By Billie Owens

LE ROY -- Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion, Le Roy, announced with great pride and pleasure Bruno DeFazio as its selection for the 2019 “LeRoyan of the Year Award."

DeFazio has been a resident of Le Roy since his marriage to is wife Elizabeth (Lee) Costa, 46 years ago. They have two daughters, Christina (Tim) Carvel and Stacy (Jason) Wentworth, and six grandchildren, Brayden, Nolan, Matthew, Addison, Tyler and Dominic.

DeFazio is a graduate of Notre Dame High School and has a Associate of Applied Science degree from Genesee Community College.

He has been active with many school programs, including PTA and the Le Roy Sports Boosters. He was one the of the first coaches for the Le Roy Youth Soccer and also coached Le Roy Youth Football and Le Roy Little League. He has always been a strong supporter of Le Roy Athletics, supporting his daughters during their involvement, and still continuing to cheer on the local teams.

He has been a member and served on the board of the Le Roy Jaycees, Knights of Columbus Edward Powers Council 2936, the Le Roy Historical Society (currently oversees all the building maintenance ), and Le Roy Christian Community Project. He was also on the Oatka Festival Committee for several years.

He is an active member of the Our Lady of Mercy Parish.

DeFazio also serves his community by being elected as a councilman for Town of Le Roy and at one time was its deputy supervisor. He also serves as a member of the Genesee County Parks and Water Commission.

To honor him, the 51th annual LeRoyan of the Year Award Dinner will be held on Oct. 26. Social hour is at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 6:45 p.m., at the American Legion at 53 W. Main St, Le Roy. Tickets are available at the American Legion or at Mickel’s Nickels, 80 Lake St., Le Roy. Cost is $25 per ticket.

Information and photo submitted by Joan Fernaays.

GO ART!'s annual Open Studio Tour is Sunday

By Billie Owens
GO ART!'s annual Open Studio Tour in Genesee County will be held on Sunday, Sept. 22. Time is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
 
Help GO ART! bring back weekend drives, artist style.
 
Hop in your car and travel to some amazing art studios in our county.
 
Some of our artists will be located at public venues since they do not have a studio. Please feel free to support all these locations by buying art, food or a drink from them!
 

For a map of the tour locations, click here.

Maps can also be purchased for $5 at GO ART!, located at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

This year's Genesee County participants are:

  1. David Burke art (David Burke, Ell Bee Arts (Lyndsay Baker), Miranda Fix (Linda Fix), at GO ART’s Tavern 2.o.1, 201 E. Main St., Batavia;
  2. Ivy Lane/The Potter’s Nest (Jean Grinnell) – 3384 Broadway Road, Alexander;
  3. Art a la Carte (Kimberly Argenta) – 39 Jackson St., Batavia;
  4. Shelley Acquard Moore art (Shelley Acquard) – 9510 Alleghany Road, Corfu;
  5. the ART of Mandy (Mandy Humphrey), 20 Main St., Le Roy;
  6. Julie Lambert Coleman – 44 Summit St., Le Roy;
  7. Eric Wulfgang – 23 Lincoln Ave., Le Roy;
  8. Bethany Arts and Antiques (Terry Weber) – 5769 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany.

For more information, contact GO ART! at 343-9313, or email Executive Director Gregory Hallock at: ghallock@goart.org

Yesterday's 'Fight WITH Ike' Euchre Tourney & Raffle in Le Roy helped Batavia family

By Billie Owens

Family, friends and the local community got together Saturday for the second annual “Fight WITH Ike” Euchre Tournament & Raffle at the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. in Le Roy.

The benefit was held in honor of Batavia local Ike Styer.

Ike is battling stage 4 brain cancer known as glioblastoma and has been unable to work while undergoing several treatments to fight this aggressive disease.

In addition to the everlasting support of his loving wife, Jen, and young children, Chastin and Hailey, he has community support.

To make a donation to help his family at this critical time, here's the link to his GoFundMe page. Of his fundraising team's $25,000 goal, $8,115 has been raised so far.

To follow more about Ike’s journey, visit the “Fight WITH Ike” Facebook page.

(Photos courtesy of Lisa Ace.)

Aspiring filmmakers use Le Roy locations for award-winning short film

By Billie Owens

LE ROY -- Aspiring Le Roy filmmaker Andrew Rich wrote an email to The Batavian this morning announcing that a film he helped create called "Sojourn" won three awards after being nominated in six categories for the Buffalo 48-hour Film Project.

Rich did not specify what the awards are for, but noted that "Sojourn" was screened at project film fest and viewed internationally.

The short fantasy film, 6:06 in length, used five Le Roy locations and he says they were assisted by the Village of Le Roy Police Department.

"Sojourn" was first aired on YouTube Aug. 22. To view it, click here.

It is about a young girl who likes to read and becomes part of the stories she reads. There is mild violence and a touch of gore, even a zombie who can't be felled by bullets.

The film company's name is Shut Up Mom I'm Making a Film Productions. It also participated in last year's Buffalo 48-hour Film Project. The project website is here.

The cast and crew of "Sojourn" is comprised of people who live in Genesee and Erie counties.

In addition to Rich, they are:

  • Allen Thomas
  • Avery Munger
  • Chris Mukendi
  • Danny Kubiak
  • Kallia Shannon
  • Liz Pool
  • Nadine Heroux
  • Brian Barrett
  • Danielle Titus
  • Jason Berardi
  • Kathy Rich
  • Mike Francione
  • Rosanna Dziama Pfeifer
  • and Sara Forte

Semi leaves roadway at Exit 47 in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A semi-truck has reportedly left the roadway at Exit 47 off the Thruway and traveled well into a field.

Unknown injuries but the driver is reportedly passed out.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance responding.

Reader submitted photos.

Law and Order: Pair of Ohioans accused of being obscene and disorderly at Darien Lake

By Billie Owens

Rachel M. Grace, 30, of 638 N. Buckeye St., Wooster, Ohio, and Jeremy R. Triesler, 39, of 9318 Lincoln Way East, Orrville, Ohio, were arrested at Darien Lake Theme Park on Alleghany Road in the Town of Darien on Sept. 7. At 7:20 p.m. deputies responded to a criminal mischief complaint. It is alleged that Grace became angry and threw a bucket of water at a food service employee, causing $594.15 in damages. Triesler allegedly became belligerent and used obscene language, which caused a disturbance at the theme park; then he allegedly shoved a security officer when they attempted to intervene. Grace is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. Triesler is charged with second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Brock Cummins, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

James Darrell Hooten Sr., 30, of Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct. At 5:35 p.m. on Sept. 7, while attempting to arrest another subject on a warrant on Sunset Parkway in Oakfield, Hooten Sr. was arrested. He allegedly attempted to prevent the arrest of another person. He is also accused of threatening Genesee County Sheriff's deputies and Probation officers and using obscene language in public. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Oakfield Town Court on Oct. 7. The case was handled by Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Nancy M. Storms, 46, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with second-degree harassment -- physical contact. At 7:45 p.m. on Sept. 2, Storms was arrested on North Street in Batavia for allegedly pushing another person during an altercation. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Lakeisha A. Gibson, 33, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. On Sept. 3 at 6:42 p.m. Batavia police responded to Lewis Place for a complaint of criminal mischief. Gibson was arrested for allegedly damaging a vehicle window. She was issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 17 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Brian E. Freeman, 46, of Genesee Park, Monroe, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI -- a BAC of .18 or more; and speeding. Freeman was arrested at 12:37 a.m. on Aug. 31 on Oak Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Joshua M. Gaudioso, 30, of Albion Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. At 6:42 on Aug. 15, Gaudioso was arrested following a larceny complaint in the Village of Oakfield. He allegedly stole a NYS license plate that did not belong to him. Following his arrest, he was taken to jail then released on an appearance ticket. He is due in Corfu Village Court on Oct. 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Ebony S. Sanders, 41, of Lake Avenue, Rochester, is charged with possession of marijuana in the second degree and speeding. On Sept. 3 at 10:30 a.m., Sanders was stopped on Interstate 490 in the Town of Le Roy following the alleged observation of a vehicle/traffic violation. Upon conducting a roadside interview with Sanders, the odor of burnt marijuana was allegedly detected. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Le Roy Town Court on Oct. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Chad Minuto.

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