Le Roy

Press Release:

Expansion projects in Bergen and LeRoy advanced Wednesday by the Genesee County Economic Development Center Board of Directors have an estimated $4 million positive fiscal impact for Genesee County.

The GCEDC board of directors advanced an initial resolution for Appletree Acres, LLC in the town of Bergen and approved a final resolution for 9 Lent Avenue, LLC (Rochester Davis Fetch Corp.) in the village of LeRoy at its December 18 meeting. 

Appletree Acres, LLC is proposing to add a 15,000 square-foot expansion to an existing 50,000 square-foot warehouse in the Apple Tree Acres corporate park. The $1.015 million investment would create four full-time equivalent positions with an estimated annual salary range between $45,000 and $65,000 plus benefits.

Appletree Acres, LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $48,160 and a property tax abatement estimated at $142,785 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the expansion. The project is estimated to generate $2.99 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $19 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

A public hearing for the proposed project agreements will be scheduled in the town of Bergen. 

9 Lent Avenue, LLC is proposing to construct an 8,000 square-foot light manufacturing and storage facility in the village of LeRoy. The $265,000 project will be in addition to a current $3.8 million project renovating a separate facility on the property.  The expansion will create two additional full-time equivalent positions with an estimated annual salary range between $62,000 and $72,000 plus benefits. 

9 Lent Avenue, LLC has requested a sales tax exemption estimated at $13,200 and a property tax abatement estimated at $86,016 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the expansion. The project is estimated to generate $1.49 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $17 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

Press Release:

Expansion projects by companies in Bergen and LeRoy submitted to the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) are projected to generate over $4 million in local benefits. 

The GCEDC board of directors will consider an initial resolution for Appletree Acres, LLC in the town of Bergen and a final resolution for 9 Lent Avenue, LLC (Rochester Davis Fetch Corp.) in the town of LeRoy at its December 18 meeting.

Appletree Acres, LLC is proposing to add a 15,000 square-foot expansion to an existing 50,000 square-foot warehouse in the Apple Tree Acres corporate park. The $1.015 million investment would create four full-time equivalent positions with an estimated annual salary range between $45,000 and $65,000 plus benefits.

Appletree Acres, LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $48,160 and a property tax abatement estimated at $142,785 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the expansion. The project is estimated to generate $2.99 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $19 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

The GCEDC Board of Directors also will consider a final resolution for 9 Lent Avenue, LLC for a proposed 8,000 square-foot light manufacturing and storage facility in the village of LeRoy. The proposed $265,000 project is in addition to an active $3.8 million project renovating a separate facility on the property. The expansion would create two additional full-time equivalent positions with an estimated annual salary range between $62,000 and $72,000 plus benefits.

9 Lent Avenue, LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $13,200 and a property tax abatement estimated at $86,016 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the expansion. The project is estimated to generate $1.49 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $17 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

The GCEDC board meeting will be Wednesday, December 18 at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. 

Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting are available at www.gcedc.com.

Douglas G. Goodwin, of Basom, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd, criminal nuisance 2nd, stalking 4th, unlawful fleeing a police officer 3rd, aggravated harassment 2nd, menacing 2nd, burglary 2nd, speeding, failure to obey traffic control devices, failure to stop at a stop sign, speed not reasonable prudent, failure to signal, driving an unregistered vehicle, reckless driving, and aggravated unlicensed operation 1st. Basom was arrested by the Sheriff's Office in Corfu on Nov. 27 following an investigation by the Attica Police Department.  Attica PD reports that in the evening hours of Sept. 16, officers responded to the parking area of Sokol Drive in the village to investigate a report of a suspicious and dangerous person. State troopers and Wyoming County deputies assisted in the response. When patrols arrived, the subject of the call fled on a performance-style motorcycle at a high rate of speed. The driver reportedly failed to respond to commands from police to stop and continued in a reckless and unsafe manner, almost striking a police vehicle. After a short chase the pursuit was terminated to protect the safety of residents.  Through an investigation, Goodwin was identified as the suspect. An arrest warrant was obtained based on witness statements and a victim statement. He reportedly has 14 license suspensions. Goodwin was arraigned in Attica Village Court and ordered held on $20,000 bail, $40,000 bond, or $80,000 unsecured bond. Chief Dean Hendershot stated, "I appreciate the dedication, effort and assistance of all involved, including the Wyoming County, NY Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and the Genesee County, NY Sheriff’s Office. The residents of the Village of Attica can continue to live peacefully in a safe community they each deserve.”

Shawn P. O'Connor, 35, no residence provided, is charged with criminal mischief 2nd, unlawful fleeing 3rd, and reckless endangerment 2nd. O'Connor was arrested on Nov. 24. He allegedly fled from deputies attempting a traffic stop on Route 63 north into the village of Oakfield, where he crashed his vehicle after hitting a Sheriff's patrol vehicle in the parking lot of the Oakfield-Alabama Central School. He was taken into custody without incident. Multiple objects in the parking lot were reportedly struck by O'Connor's vehicle. He was issued 17 traffic tickets and held pending arraignment. Additional charges are pending.

Nyejay Nasir Braction, 20, of Wyoming Street, Buffalo, is charged with assault 2nd. Braction is accused of attacking a corrections officer at the Genesee County Jail at 6:50 p.m. on Oct. 15 and breaking the guard's finger. He was arrested on Nov. 15. He was arraigned and held.

Carl E. Canterbury, 54, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Canterbury was arrested on Nov. 14 on a sealed indictment following an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force into the possession, transportation, and sale of crack cocaine in the city of Batavia. Canterbury is accused of selling crack cocaine to an agent of the task force on two occasions while in the city of Batavia. He was arraigned in County Court and jailed.

Jerad Michael Stalker, 40, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with falsifying business records 1st and criminal possession of stolen property 5th. Stalker is accused of selling stolen merchandise to Pawn King on Veterans Memorial Drive on Aug. 26 and signing a form stating he was the rightful owner. He allegedly stole the merchandise from a vehicle on West Main Street, Batavia. He was arrested Nov. 19 and processed at the Genesee County Jail.

Reanne Pauline Reed, 30, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Reed was allegedly involved in a scuffle at Batavia Downs at 9:14 p.m. on Nov. 20. Reed was taken to the Sheriff's Office and issued an appearance ticket.

Ryan Michael Bobzin, 35, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 1st, driving while impaired by drugs, and unlicensed driver. Bobzin was stopped at 4:28 p.m. on Oct. 2 on Townline Road Bergen by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was arrested on Nov. 20. He was issued traffic tickets and released.

Ryan Philip Harrison Clarke, 35, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and harassment 2nd. Clarke allegedly violated a "refrain from" order of protection by yelling in a person's face at 4:20 p.m. on Nov. 21 at a location on East Main Street, Corfu. He was held pending arraignment.

Zachary N. Knapp, 27, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving a vehicle on a highway. Knapp was stopped at 2:29 p.m. on Nov. 23 of Veterans Memorial Drive in connection with an investigation into a larceny in the area by Deputy Ryan Mullen. Knapp was released on an appearance ticket.

Mossy Earl Jones, 21, of Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Jones was stopped at 2:04 a.m. on Nov. 23 on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, by Deputy Nicholas Jennings. He was released on appearance tickets.

Matthew Ryan Clarke, 32, of Middleport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, dazzling headlights, speeding, and moving from lane unsafely. Clarke was stopped at 1:31 a.m. on Nov. 24 on Route 77 in Pembroke by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. He was issued on traffic tickets.

Sarah Ann Malone, 42, of Graham Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Malone was arrested on a warrant issued by the Town of Bethany Court on Nov. 26 and held pending arraignment.

Nichole Marie Boldt, 25, of Route 237 Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and inadequate lights. Boldt was stopped at 6:02 p.m. on Nov. 27 on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, by Deputy Zachary Hoy. She was issued traffic tickets and released.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press Release:

The Republican Party of Le Roy is now holding regular monthly meetings. We are actively seeking candidates for the 2025 Fall Election Season. The following positions will be up for election in 2025:

• County Legislator
• Town Justice
• Town Board (2)

Republicans are also needed on the committee level, to help grow the party and assist local candidates in the election process. Please come join us.

We have a facebook page for news and updates https://www.facebook.com/groups/527076802990956. All inquiries can be made to the Chairman at leroyrepublicans@gmail.com.

Press release:

Due to a water main break that will not be fixed until tomorrow afternoon, the Wolcott Street School will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Teachers and staff do not need to report.  

The Le Roy Jr/Sr High School is not impacted and will be open tomorrow.  

With all his friends from Le Roy asking John Spyropoulous when he would open a restaurant in Le Roy so they wouldn't need to drive so often to Settlers in Batavia, along with the increasing number of people coming to him looking for work, Spyropoulous decided to take the hint and open a new eatery in the former L.B. Grand location on Main Street.

"You know, I've got that place (Settlers Restaurant) running so good now, and my employees are so great, they don't even need me there. They kick me out," Spyropoulous said in an exclusive interview with The Batavian. "So, I said I'd give it a shot. I need a new challenge."

Settlers Select officially opens on Monday.

Starting a new restaurant in Le Roy is a sort of homecoming for Spyropoulous.

When Spyropoulous family first moved to Genesee County more than five decades ago, they rented an apartment in Le Roy.  John's father, Steve Spyropoulous, immigrated to the U.S. from Greece as a young man with just a suitcase. He started his restaurant career washing dishes in a restaurant in Rochester that members of his family owned. He saved his money and opened a restaurant in Fairport.

That was going pretty well until he learned the drawbridge over the canal was going to be closed for restoration work. So he sold the restaurant where he could and brought the family to Le Roy, looking for his next opportunity. 

Steve looked at a location in Le Roy -- the space that was most recently Moony's on Lake Street -- and another location in Attica, but neither deal worked out, so he turned his attention to the former Red Barn location in Batavia. 

Settler's opened in 1985, and Steve ran the restaurant until his death in 2018 at age 66.

"My father took it over and made it a gem," John said. "You know, it's a staple now. He did good for himself. He worked hard."

The new restaurant, Settlers Select, at 37-39 Main Street, Le Roy, is more of a bistro than a classic American diner.

The breakfast menu remains the same.

"Breakfast is breakfast," John said.

On the lunch and dinner menu are items such as roasted cauliflower with a spicy aioli, pitas, and hot pepper dip, a French onion burger, and breaded pork cutlets served with mashed potatoes and braised cabbage.

John's wife Miranda leads the kitchen, preparing sauces and entrees. 

Settlers Select also has a full bar -- completely refurbished from the L.B. Grand days. Settlers in Batavia doesn't serve alcohol.

Spyropoulous expects customers to find the same friendly atmosphere at Settlers Select as they do at Settlers Restaurant. 

"All my staff in Batavia, all the waitresses I have, are very talkative with customers," Spyropoulous said. "Everybody enjoys themselves when they come in. I get so many good reviews about how good my staff is, how good everybody treats customers there. I just want the same thing here, you know, and a bunch of the new people that I've hired, I think we're gonna be all right."

Press Release:

It is the Rotary International vision statement that perhaps says it best “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” 

Rotarians are a collection of people of action, and we share a strong sense of purpose. For several generations Rotarians have risen to meet the needs of their community and the world. Driven by that sense of purpose that the Rotary Club of Le Roy regularly holds community fundraising events.

This fall the club has decided to organize a Holiday Cash Raffle in lieu of the traditional Appliance Raffle.

The tickets for the cash raffle are $10 each and are available at the Tompkins Community Bank in Le Roy, Five Star Bank in Le Roy, made. Salon, from any Le Roy Rotarian and online through the club’s Facebook Page.

There are four cash prizes worth a total of $3,000, the top prize being $1,500. Winners will be drawn at 6 p.m. on December 7 and contacted by phone.

Proceeds from the cash raffle will be used to support funding requests from various community organizations and events. Past recipients include the Le Roy Central School Music Program, Joy Project, Le Roy Winter Fest and several local Youth Sports organizations. 

The Rotary Club of Le Roy takes pride in its funding over $25,000 in Milne Scholarships, awarded to local seniors annually.

Individuals or businesses interested in supporting our community can make contributions by mailing a check to the Rotary Club of Le Roy, Attention: Holiday Cash Raffle, PO Box 141, Le Roy. Any questions can be directed to Scott McCumiskey at: scottmccumiskey.com or (585)993-1875. 

Daquan J. Butler, 28, of Brooklyn, is charged with assault 1st, burglary 1st, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Butler is accused of illegally entering a residence on Liberty Street, Batavia, on Aug. 25, 2023, and stabbing an adult male inside the residence. A child was in the house at the time. Butler was located in New York City by U.S. Marshals and returned to Batavia. He was arranged in County Court and jailed.

Asa A. Wooton, 20, of Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment 2nd, menacing 2nd, criminal possession of. weapon 4th, and criminal mischief 4th. Wooten is accused of threatening another person with a knife and damaging property on Oct. 28 during a fight on Mill Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Devonte T. Griner, 30, of Rochester, is charged with reckless endangerment 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, harassment 1st, and vehicle and traffic charges. Griner is accused of following another vehicle in the city of Batavia on Oct. 28 and using his vehicle to intentionally attempting to run the other vehicle off the road. Griner was located a short time later and taken into custody. He was arraigned and released.

Shquanebin Lone, 38, of Akron, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Lone is accused of unlawfully entering a dwelling on Bloomingdale Road, Basom, at 7:42 p.m. on Nov. 3. Lone allegedly committed crimes in the dwelling in the presence of a child. She was held pending arraignment. 

Megan Marie Gray, 22, of Alabama, is charged with trespass. Gray was reportedly barred from Walmart and allegedly entered the store at 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 6. She was released pending arraignment.

Reinaldo Aponte, 60, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 4th, DWI, unlicensed operation, stopped on a highway, and failure to signal turn. Aponte was stopped by Deputy Jeremy McClellan at 1:59 a.m. on Nov. 3 on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Apointe was arraigned and released.

Thomas Duane Booth, 48, of Conlon Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Both allegedly violated an order of protection on Nov. 12 at a location in Le Roy. He was arraigned and was released.

Paul Donald Rich, 63, of Crane Road, Medina, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Rich was arrested by Deputy Alexander Hadsall after a vehicle was found on its side  at 8:57 p.m. on Nov. 12 on Knowlesville Road, Alabama. Rich allegedly had a BAC of .17. He received treatment for possible injuries in the accident at ECMC. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

John Alano Dirosa, 44, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with assault 3rd. Dirosa was charged following an investigation into a fight reported at 9 p.m. on Nov. 12 on Main Street in Elba. 

Keith A. Lowery, 55, of Little Canda Road, Bethany, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, five or more suspensions, equipment violation, and dirty/covered plate. Lowery was stopped at 1:01 a.m. on Nov. 14 on Richmond Avenue, Batavia, by Deputy Stephen Smith. Lowery reportedly had four active warrants at the time of the stop.e was held pending arraignment.

Rhiannon Joy Graff, 44, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or higher, driving without insurance, aggravated unlicensed operation, and registration suspended. Graff was stopped at 12:54 a.m. on Nov. 15 on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Mason Schultz. Graff was prossed at the jail and released.

Lakara Denise Johnson, 34, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving while intoxicated with a child less than 16 in the vehicle, endangering the welfare of a child, and open container. Johnson and a male passenger were reportedly involved in a physical domestic fight in a car while driving back from Rochester at 9:52 p.m. on Nov. 10, with three children in the car. The vehicle was stopped on Seven Springs Road by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.  Johnson was ticketed and released.

Michael Charles Riggi, 54, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Riggi is accused of stealing $40 cash from another person while at Walmart on 3:55 p.m. on Nov. 15. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Trevon L. Armstrong, 39, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 16. Armstrong was initially arrested on a charge of criminal mischief 4th, for allegedly damaging a window on Nov. 16, 2023. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to reappear in court. Armstrong was arraigned in and held on bail. 

Justin R. Nadrowski, 32, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Nadrowski is accused of entering the Spirit Halloween store on Oct. 26 at 1:05 a.m. through an unlocked door. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Donald D. Ryan, 41, is charged with petit larceny. Ryan is accused of taking down payment to complete work at a residence on Clifton Avenue but never showing up start the job. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Cori L Cleland, 39, of Perry, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Cleland was allegedly found unresponsive in her vehicle on Oct. 21. She was issued an appearance ticket.\

Cody A. Bush, 38, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Bush allegedly injured another person during a fight on East Avenue on Oct. 18. He was arrested on Oct. 26 and issued an appearance ticket.

Brant G. Matthews, 30, of Le Roy, was arrested on Oct. 26 on three warrants. Matthews allegedly failed to appear in court on three separate criminal cases. He was arraigned and released.

Thomas J. Mitchell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. Mitchell is accused of running from police when they attempted to detain him on Oct. 20 in connection with a separate incident. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Le Roy made its fifth-straight appearance in a volleyball sectional champion game on Friday and came away with its third title in that span.

After Avon won the first set 25-20, Le Roy won three straight (25-15, 25-22, 26-24) to secure the Class C1 title.

"That (last) set was definitely a nail-biter," said senior Kylee Green. "I mean, we got down on ourselves, but we realized that we needed to pick it up to win, play our game and do what we do best. So I knew I had to pick my head up. I got down a few times, but I knew I had to focus, get the serves that I got and pick it up for the team."

Stats:

• Kylee Green, nine service points, two aces, 19 digs
• Sierra Burk, eight service points, two aces, 16 digs, three kills
• Kylie Wilson, seven service points, two aces,19 digs
• Shea Williams, 14 digs, 11 kills, one block
• Eleah Dowell, nine kills, five blocks
• Gabby Zitz, eight kills, five blocks

Le Roy's tournament all-stars were Gabby Zitz, Green, and the MVP was freshman Shea Williams.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press Release:

The Joy Project, an exhibit inspired by the former Sibley’s Department Store in downtown Rochester, brings old-time Christmas to life at the Exhibit Hall at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 East Main Street, Le Roy. 

There is a huge Christmas village and train display to enjoy as well as “department store windows” with animatronics and accompanying story, an idea that came directly from the Sibley’s Enchanted Tunnel of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Hand-painted murals of Christmases of yesteryear by local artist Lorie Longhany were funded by a grant from GoArt! (Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council).

A key feature of this exhibit is the one-of-a-kind diorama of the 1937 radio show “The Cinnamon Bear.” Constructed by a Chicago-area model builder in the 1980s, it was displayed in a Chicago department store Christmas display, and when it needed a new home, this location was selected.  

An extensive newscast was aired last year on Chicago PBS station WETA about this diorama and the need for a new home.  https://www.pbs.org/video/man-created-miniature-maybeland-in-his-portage-park-home-18h/

This exhibit is open and free to the public on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. from November 30 through December 22 between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And, yes, kazoos will be available for sale—just like they were at Sibley’s!

Brigette K. Thornton, 33, of Glenhaven Drive, Amherst, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th, grand larceny 4th, and act in a manner injurious to a child less than 17. Deputies responded at 5:41 p.m. to a report of a larceny in progress at Dick’s Sporting Goods on Veterans Memorial Drive. Deputies were told the suspect fled in a white Nissan Sentra. Deputies located a vehicle matching the vehicle description within moments of the initial report. Thorton was allegedly found in possession of stolen goods with a child in the car.  The value of the stolen goods was not disclosed. Thornton was issued an appearance ticket.

Johnathan David Fuhrman, 37, of Covington Road, Leicester, is charged with criminal mischief 4th, harassment 2nd, and menacing 3rd.  Fuhrman was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 28 in connection with an incident reported at 10 a.m. on Nov. 27, 2023, at a location on Park Road, Batavia. He was held pending arraignment. 

Janell M. Sauer, 48, of West Main Street, Pembroke, is charged with burglary 34d and petit larceny, and Sean M. Conway, 47, of Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th. On Oct. 23, deputies responded to a report of a theft in progress at Walmart. Sauer allegedly walked out with $101.71 in stolen merchandise. As an asset protection agent approached her, Sauer reported walking away and dropping the bag. Conway is accused of picking up the bag, knowing it contained stolen merchandise, and leaving with it.  Batavia patrol officers later located Conway on Lockport Road. Sauer had previously been barred from Walmart property. Conway was released on an appearance ticket. Sauer was located the following day, arrested, and held pending arraignment.

Marissa Bea Torres, 34, no address provided, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Torres is accused of possessing Fentanyl and drug paraphernalia at 10:45 a.m. on Oct. 17 at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Peter Joseph Mancuso, 36, of Deerfield Drive, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Mancuso was arrested based on a complaint received at 9:56 a.m. on Oct. 19 at a location on X Main Street, Batavia (whether it was East or West Main was redacted from the report). No narrative was provided regarding Mancuso's conduct. He was held pending arraignment.

Susan Marie Da Silveira, 43, no permanent address, is charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and trespass. Da Silveira is accused of harassing employees and customers at a gas station on Park Road, Batavia, at 6:36 p.m. on Oct. 10, and she allegedly tried to prevent deputies from arresting her. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Clarence Arthur Johnson, 66, of Griswold Road, Le Roy, is charged with a sex offender, failure to appear for a photo. Johnson was arrested on Sept. 20 on a warrant and held pending arraignment.

Joseph William Freeman, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Freeman is accused of reentering Batavia Downs after being barred from the property at 8:52 p.m. on Oct. 19. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Juan Luis Figoura, 21, of Willow Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Figoura was the subject of a traffic stop at 2:21 p.m. on Oct. 23. A person he was ordered to stay away from was allegedly in the vehicle. He was held for arraignment.

Candace De Dibartolomeo, 27, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Dibartolomeo is accused of failure to properly take care of a child after deputies responded to a complaint at Big Tree Glen at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 24. Dibartolomeo was released on an appearance ticket.

Christopher James Johnston, 48, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Johnston allegedly entered Batavia Downs at noon on Oct. 26 after previously being barred from the facility. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jennifer Lynne Fraser, 36, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Fraser is accused of stealing $51.20 in merchandise from Walmart at 4:17 p.m. on Oct. 28. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Le Roy Mini Knights finished out their 2024 season with a perfect 10-0 record with a 19-14 win over Albion on Saturday.

Submitted photos.

When Ashley Manuel’s grandmother, Norma, was at the end of her life, instead of focusing on death, she was able to truly to live out her remaining days with joy and peace — and her daily red lipstick — thanks to a comfort care home atmosphere, Manuel says.

By comparison, her other two grandparents went into a hospital, where it was drastically different, with a sterile environment that was “scary,” uninviting and cold for visiting family.

That contrast has made Manuel, an independent end-of-life doula who trained with Crossroads House founder Kathy Panepento, a firm believer in comfort care homes. She will be a speaker for an upcoming Genesee Valley Regional Community Cares meeting about an initiative to get a second comfort care home into Genesee County.

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Monday at Stone Presbyterian Church, 7549 South Lake Road, Bergen. 

“So, in my experience in end-of-life care, and mostly with families and people who are dying, they don't feel like they have a lot of choices anymore. I watched them, the family, struggle with what do we do next. How do we handle this? And by having comfort-care homes and someone to come into your own home, or wherever you are at the time, a hospital, nursing home, and say, ‘listen, there's so much more we can do, and you can be an advocate in your own death.’ And I don't think even society knows that,” Manuel said to The Batavian. “I watched people who came through Crossroads House when they kind of would say, well, what is an end-of-life doula, you know, and what can you do that hospice can't or what can you do? And what I want people to understand is dying starts with the mental, so you start to process your death way before the body even feels it.

“As soon as someone gets a prognosis, that's where it starts. Whether you're in pain or your disease has pain, or you're just dying of old age, that's where an end-of-life doula, and that's where comfort care steps in,” she said. “I’ve done legacy projects. And life review and guided imagery. I mean, it's so beneficial. And when I first stepped into it, I was even skeptical of how much this could help someone. Because you can't fix it, right? Yeah, this is going to happen. But the more I worked with people and sat with them and got to know them and created a bond with them, I've done guided imagery and people's last breaths, and within minutes after I was finished, they were gone.”

That happened because the person became relaxed enough to do what’s necessary to die in peace, she said: let go. Her passion, coupled with a belief in the practice and philosophy of facilitating that for people, motivates Manuel to be part of this second comfort care home in some way, she said.

“I really believe that death isn't a medical event; it’s a social event. It's a communal event. We did it for years and years and years before there were hospitals before people started taking their loved ones to the hospital. When they were dying, they kept them at home. But because the medical industry has bloomed, I guess you would say, around the 60s and 70s … We now have organ transplants and medicines and curative treatments and such. And that's all wonderful and great, and it has saved many lives or extended life,” she said. “But there does have to become a conversation of, okay, that's not a possibility any more, where do we go from here? And that's where I think comfort care homes and people who are trained really well in end-of-life care can pick that up and say, ‘this is what we can do.’ And it's not just for the person dying, it's for the family around them.”

Genesee Valley Community is a group of local people, led by Stone Presbyterian Church in Bergen, with a desire to create a comfort care home to serve those suffering with end-of-life issues. 

This project was first explored in 2019 by the Rev. Robert “Mike” Stuart, Louie Crocker, Keven Kent and the small but dedicated membership of Stone Church. Then Covid came along, plus other obstacles, and the project was put on hold. The church has now partnered with Genesee Valley Regional Community Cares, a newly incorporated not-for-profit dedicated to the creation of comfort care facilities. 

Frank Strock, a local who had married Diane Howe in Byron, experienced his own hospice type situation after his wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019. Home care and Hospice was taking care of her at the family homestead, and after she died in May, a counselor remarked that the property would make a great comfort care home in his wife’s name. 

“And I said, ‘you know, my father-in-law built this home in the 50s. We have 15 acres. I know Kathy Panapento, she's a wonderful person, and she could guide us in the right direction. I'd love to do that,” Strock said. “Well, as it turned out, in the interim, I met an elder from the Stone Church and he said they had been working on this program since 2019, and would I like to get on board with Mike and a fellow named Keven Kent who's an elder at Stone Church? I said sure.”

A professional organizer versed in working with unions in New York City, Strock suggested that they file for a not-for-profit and begin to raise money. The 200-year-old church will not only have a mission, he said, but a legacy to revitalize what’s left for the 14 remaining members. 

He is grateful that Stuart, who was a minister at Stone Church, donated his salary to the nonprofit to get this initiative going, and that has meant an $18,000 boost to the coffers.

“He felt so much behind this comfort care program. He had a history of over 10 years working with home hospice out of the Buffalo area, and then he went over and did an interim position at Stone Church, and he said, ‘I’m going to donate my salary to the future of a comfort care home in Stone Church.’ So you can imagine, when I heard these things, I said, you know, something's happening here, and I just have to help them,” Strock said. “And with the church as small as 14 members, even though it's been there for 200 years, and knowing that the people may not have the energy to do this work, we feel that as we grow as an organization, Genesee Valley Regional Comfort Cares, that we will find the resources.”

Father Scott, based out of Our Lady of Mercy in Le Roy, and who works with some nine or so different Catholic churches, has shared the effort with his congregations, and “there’s so many members that have a history of working in healthcare that they would be wanting to be on board as volunteers,” Strock said, and it seems to be good timing with Crossroads founder Kathy Panepento retiring.

“It’s almost like, with all her life that she’s given to Crossroads, it’s now time for others to help pick up the ball and try something new,” he said. 

The objective is to establish a two-resident home “filled with love and support,” and to provide “individualized care for those who have been medically determined to be in the last three months of their life,” similar to Crossroads House in Batavia. 

Staff would include doctors, registered and licensed practical nurses, aides and specially trained volunteers. Preference would be given to those residing in the Genesee Valley and admission granted regardless of religion, race, age, sex, or other distinctions. 

Referrals can come from physicians, social workers, discharge planners, healthcare agencies, clergy, individuals or other sources that provide care for individuals approaching the end of life.

Organizers are hoping that members from the community and at least some of the 55 Presbytery churches attend this first meeting and become an active participant. They’re looking for people to join the association board and/or volunteer for one of the many facets of the comfort care home needs by providing ideas, healthcare, design, construction, clerical, tech support, bookkeeping or well-intentioned prayer. 

“In particular, we ask for your prayers that a donor will come forward with a donation of a lot upon which we can build our facility,” Strock said. “We welcome all. Your heart and soul will be the foundation for this cornerstone of service.”

Tax-deductible donations may be made to GVRCC Inc., 6613 North Bergen Road, Byron, NY, 14422.  

A 37-year-old Le Roy resident was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on Monday on a conviction off possession of child pornography by U.S. District Court Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

Jordan E. Brodie was charged following an investigation that revealed he traded child pornography through an online chat application in May 2023. Brodie was accused of uploading at least one image to another platform, which reported the image to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

The State Police opened an investigation based on the complaint and determined the image was uploaded from Brodie's home in Le Roy. A search warrant was executed, and his phone was seized. 

He was found with images that included violence against children.

Brodie was convicted of child pornography possession in May 2021, leading his supervision by the Genesee County Probation Department.

More than 50 people from eight states gathered at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Le Roy to learn more about Jane Boyer.

As a 10-year-old in Le Roy in 1834, Boyer created a sampler that is popular with cross-stitch enthusiasts today.

St. Mark's hosted a full-day seminar on Boyer and her work in the neighborhood where she grew up and attended church. The seminar included three lectures on Boyer and visits to the Le Roy House and the Jell-O Museum. Each participant received two fully-kitted cross-stitch projects based on her sampler to work on during the retreat and a digital PDF chart of the full reproduction sampler at the end of the retreat.

Leslie Delooze, host of the event, School Girls Samplers of Western New York, said, "it was very common for girls in the early to mid 1800s to make these (samplers) as part of their education."

Samplers allowed the girls to demonstrate their skills at cross-stitch patterns and other embroidery stitches.

D&R Depot Restaurant catered lunch.

Photos by Howard Owens.

A hunter who heard a crash victim's screams called 9-1-1 leading to a response from Le Roy Fire, Le Roy Ambulance, and Le Roy PD, according to a release from the police department.

An unidentified 61-year-old resident of Brockport was seriously injured after he apparently lost control of his motorcycle at about 4:30 p.m. on Friday on Circular Hill Road, Le Roy.  

The driver's motorcycle had left the roadway and would not have been visible to any passersby, according to police.

Le Roy Officers Trerrez Smith and Sgt. Jordan Wolcott were first on scene.  They administered life-saving measures, including the application of a tourniquet to stop serious bleeding. 

The operator was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight. He is listed in critical condition, according to Le Roy PD. 

"We would like to sincerely thank the hunter for his quick action in calling 9-1-1," said Chief Greg Kellogg.  "His timely response was crucial; without it, the operator could have remained undiscovered for an unknown period.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation but preliminary indicates the driver failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway.

Photos courtesy Le Roy PD.

Lazavia M. Price, 25, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment 1st, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, strangulation 2nd, menacing 2nd, and assault 3rd. Price is accused of fighting with another person on Oct. 4. He allegedly strangled the other person and threatened him with a knife. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.

Supreme R. Hines, no age nor address provided, is charged with tampering with physical evidence, attempted grand larceny 4th, criminal possession of stolen property 5th, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd, and conspiracy 6th. Eric L. Ball, Jr., is charged with tampering with physical evidence, attempted grand larceny 4th, criminal possession of stolen property 5th, obstructing governmental administration, and conspiracy 6th. Hines and Ball are accused of attempting to steal a large amount of merchandise from Dick's Sporting Goods at 4:21 p.m. on Oct. 15. Hines was allegedly the driver of a Honda Accord that fled from the scene. Three deputies responded and spotted a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic stop at Oak Street and Park Road. The deputies pursued the Honda Accord onto the Thruway. During the pursuit, the suspects allegedly started discarding stolen property.  The vehicle was eventually stopped by the combined efforts of deputies, troopers and officers with Le Roy PD on the I-490 in Le Roy. Hines was held for arraignment and Ball was issued an appearance ticket.

Jason Matthew Wood, 37, of Freeman Road, Byron, was arrested as a fugitive from another state on Oct. 11. The arrest warrant was issued by the Adams County Sheriff's Office in Colorado. Wood was wanted on two counts of sexual assault on a child, sexual assault on a child pattern of abuse, and two counts of sexual assault on a child from a position of trust. While deputies were at Wood's address, they noticed him pass the location on an eclectic bike. They were able to catch up with Wood and take him into custody without incident.  He was jailed pending extradition to Colorado.

Raymond A. Amaro, 38, no street address, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Amaro is accused of entering a dwelling unlawfully at 5:40 p.m. on Oct. 6 on West Main Street Road, Batavia, and of damaging the property of another person. He was held pending arriagnment.

Phillip P. Heale, 46, of Batavia, and Jessica D. Delcour, 41, of Batavia, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Heale and Declour were allegedly found in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia during a home probation search on Oct. 7. They were reached and issued appearance tickets.

Dean D. Root, 43, of Le Roy, was arrested on Oct. 8 on a warrant. The warrant was issued for Root when he allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Hillary D. Russell, 31, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Russell is accused of shoplifting at Save-A-Lot in Batavia on Sept. 30. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Trace G. Brewer, 24, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd and resisting arrest. Members of the Batavia Police NET Unit spotted Brewer on Watson Street on Oct. 4 and attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant. Brewer allegedly ran from officers but was eventually taken into custody. He was arraigned and released.

Terrance H. Riley, 36, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Riley is accused of fighting with another person in the presence of three children on Oct. 1. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Trevor N. Christman, 34, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 4. Christman allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued an appearance ticket for a misdemeanor crime. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Morgan A. Schoonmaker, 28, of Perry, was arrested on Oct. 3 on a warrant. Schoonmaker allegedly failed to appear in court on a misdemeanor traffic ticket. She was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. 

Booker T. Ricks, 53, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Ricks is accused of punching another person several times on Sept. 28 causing injury. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Kevin Allan Knickerbocker, 53, of West Main Street, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Knickerbocker is accused of violating an order of protection at 3:32 a.m. on Oct. 12 at a location in Byron by placing the protect party in fear for his or her safety. Knickerbocker was issued an appearance ticket.