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Le Roy

Local Landmark: The Machpelah Chapel in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Village of Le Roy resident Ryan Crossett sent in these pictures on this information on the Machpelah Chapel in the Machpelah Cemetery on North Street, and it's pretty interesting.

The chapel was designed by architect Robert Fayfield of Buffalo and was built in 1910-11 of local stone by masons Charles Sherman and Ray Peck. The total cost was $5,126.75

It was renovated in 1950 through a gift from Helen Woodward Rivas.

Further renovations were made in 1953 through a gift by Rev. Raymond Calkins in memory of his wife’s family, the Lathrops. A stained-glass window was installed in the west wall at that time

The present stained-glass window was installed in 1959 by Rev. Calkins because he was displeased with the previous window. This window was crafted by the Willet Stained Glass Studio in Philadelphia, and is known as the “Lathop Window.”

The theme of the window is taken from the Gospel of Matthew 28:1-6, and the description is as follows:

“It represents Christ’s victory over death, bearing aloft the banner of the Church Triumphant. His tri-radiant nimbus signifies His Divinity, and the rayed vesica His glory. The two guards are turned away in wonder and awe at the miracle.”

The Chapel seats 60 and is available for religious ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.

The Chapel is maintained by a bequest from Rev. Raymond Calkins. Recent projects have included: painting of window frames and doors; repairs to the slate roof; painting of masonry walls and parts of the foundation; replacement of the ceiling fan; repairs to the chimney; replacement of the north roof soffit; and replacement of the front door frame.

Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School Marching Knights wow Disney World's EPCOT Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School “Marching Knights” became stars of their own Disney show on April 25 when they entertained guests at EPCOT Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. They traveled over 1,000 miles from Le Roy to take part in the Disney Performing Arts Program.

The student performers, under the direction of Bradley Meholick and Tim Denmark, put on a musically delightful show as they marched through the Canadian Pavilion in World Showcase toward Future World taking them past Space Ship Earth.

Their performance included The Foundations' “Build Me Up Buttercup” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” By being part of this special show production, the students got an inside look at what it is like to be a professional in the entertainment industry.

This was the marching band’s second visit to the resort since their 1997 march at EPCOT Park.

Vocal, instrumental and dance ensembles from around the world apply to perform each year as a part of Disney Performing Arts at both the Disneyland Resort in California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Once selected, they are given the opportunity to perform at the resort for an international audience of theme park guests. Millions of performers have graced the stages of the Disney Parks in the more than 25-year history of the program.

For more information, visit www.DisneyPerformingArts.com or call 1-800-603-0552.

Three-car crash on eastbound Thruway, minor injuries, Le Roy responding

By Billie Owens

A three-car accident with one person suffering minor facial and leg injuries is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 383.3. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding along with mutual aid from Mercy Medics.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: Le Roy medics are en route to Strong Memorial Hospital. A second patient complained of back and neck pain and was also transported to a hospital. The Le Roy assignment is back in service.

Car and truck accident with minor injuries reported on the Thruway in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A tractor-trailer has reportedly rolled over in the westbound Thruway in the area of mile marker 380.8 in an accident that also involved a car.

Minor injuries are reported.

The trailer is reportedly a flatbed hauling some sort of equipment. No leaks or fire reported.

A first responder reports a truck on its side and a car off the road.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance responding.

UPDATE 6:34 a.m.: Mercy EMS requested to the scene. Multiple people reportedly injured. Three people were in the car. The injuries are reportedly minor.

UPDATE 7:05 a.m.: An ambulance is transporting to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Possible electrical fire inside house on Ellicott Street Road

By Billie Owens

A possible electrical fire is reported inside the residence at 6173 Ellicott Street Road. Pavilion and Le Roy fire departments are responding. The location is at the corner of Transit Road.

UPDATE 11:11 a.m.: National Grid is called to the scene.

UPDATE 11:56 a.m.: National Grid is there now.

UPDATE 12:18 p.m.: The assignment is back in service.

Le Roy grad newest deputy with Sheriff's Office

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff Office recently hired Joseph D. Loftus to fill the position of Deputy Sheriff; a position that was left vacant by a Deputy Sheriff who was promoted to Sergeant earlier in the year.

Deputy Loftus is a 1997 graduate from Le Roy High School. Following high school, Deputy Loftus earned a bachelor of science degree in Criminal Justice, graduating cum laude, from Brockport State College.

Deputy Loftus was previously employed by Le Roy Police Department and McNeil/AECOM Security. Deputy Loftus recently graduated from the Rural Police Training Academy at Genesee Community College in March and and was Captain of his class.

Sheriff Maha stated, Deputy Loftus has been participating in our 14-week field-training program and is performing exceptionally well. He will be a great addition to our road patrol.

Man indicted on four felony counts after allegedly putting Deputy Brian Thompson at 'grave risk of death'

By Billie Owens

These are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury.

Scott A. Kopper is indicted on first-degree assault, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 8 in the Town of Pembroke, with intent to cause serious injury to another person, he caused injury to such person or to a third person, in this case Sheriff's Deputy Brian Thompson, by means of a dangerous instrument -- a vehicle. In count two, Kopper is accused of the crime of reckless endangerment, 1st, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on the same day, "under circumstances evincing a depraved indifference to human life," he recklessly engaged in conduct which created a grave risk of death to another person by closing the window of his vehicle thereby trapping Deputy Thompson's arm, and started to drive away, dragging Deputy Thompson with him. In count three, Kopper is accused of second-degree assault, also a Class D felony, for acting with intent to prevent a police officer from performing a lawful duty, causing physical injury to such person, Deputy Thompson. In count four, Kopper is accused of second-degree assault, another Class D felony, for allegedly intending to cause physical injury to another person, and causing injury to such person, Deputy Thompson, by means of a dangerous vehicle -- a vehicle.

Antonio A. Ayala and Ashley L. Alvord are indicted on drug-related charges stemming from contact with law enforcement on Nov. 19 in the Town of Bergen. Ayala is indicated for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug, cocaine, with intent to sell it. In count two, Alvord is indicated for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, a Class C felony, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances with an aggregate weight of one-eighth ounce or more. In count three, both Ayala and Alvord, are accused of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of child less than 17 years old, in this case a 4-year-old child.

Alissa A. Fodge is indicted for third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony, for allegedly stealing property valued in excess of $3,000 from a convenience store in the Town of Bergen between Aug. 19 and Oct. 16. The value of the property is about $7,040.

Aaron M. Zastrocky is indicated for driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, for allegedly driving a 1998 Jeep on South Lake Road in the Town of Le Roy on Dec. 20 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggrevated driving while intoxicated, also a Class E felony, for having a BAC of .18 or more at the time.

Law and Order: South Lyon Street resident accused of resisting arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Richard Scott Ishmael, 49, of South Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest. Ishmael allegedly ignored Police Officer Peter Flanagan's commands and made lewd comments to the officer in front of his daughter, who is under age 17. While Ishmael was being placed in custody, he allegedly resisted arrest and continued to ignore officer commands.

A 17-year-old resident of Niver Road, Conesus, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. The youth was allegedly found at 9:10 p.m. on April 26 at 127 North St. in possession of heroin.

A 17-year-old resident of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a minor. The youth is accused of knowingly hiding a juvenile runaway who had been reported missing for more than a week.

Eric M. Malecki, 33, of Prune Street, Batavia, was arrested on warrants for alleged parking on city streets between 2 and 6 a.m. Malecki was arrested following a traffic stop. He posted $200 bail and was released.

Harvey A. McMurray, 46, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. McMurray was arrested following a law enforcement and ambulance response to a medical call T.F. Brown's at 1:50 a.m., Sunday.

Gregory Seppe, 55, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with appearance in public under the influence of drugs. Seppe was arrested following a request to check the welfare of a person on Ganson Avenue at 11:02 p.m., Sunday.

Lawrence E. Hanley, 63, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, failure to keep right, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and improper right turn.  Hanley was allegedly involved in a property damage accident at 7:57 p.m., April 20, on Walnut Street. The accident was investigated by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Landrea D. Ames, 41, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Ames allegedly stole $142.65 worth of meat from Tops.

Fabian Vazquez, 34, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failing to signal a turn and aggravated unlicensed operation, three or more suspensions on three or more dates. Vazquez was stopped at 8:54 p.m., April 26, on East Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Chad Richards.

Adam D. Jett, 21, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Jett was stopped by Officer Darryle Streeter at 3:14 a.m., April 24, on East Main Street, following a report of an intoxicated male getting into a car and leaving the parking lot of a convenience store.

Lisa Marie Vega, 45, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Vega allegedly stole a jacket from the lobby of the Genesee County Mental Health Office.

Structure fire at Oatka Creek Mobile Home Park, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A structure fire is reported at the Oatka Creek Mobile Park at 8131 E. Main Road. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 1:57 p.m.: A Caledonia pumper is en route with a full interior crew.

UPDATE 1:59 p.m.: Le Roy Engine 63 on scene; reporting nothing showing.

UPDATE 2:01 p.m.: Le Roy command reports there is some black smoke but it's from a kerosene heater; no fire.

UPDATE 2:06 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is in service.

'Country Done Come To Town' concert at The Ridge

By Billie Owens

Western New York's newest family recreation and entertainment venue -- "The Ridge NY" -- hosts the 2014 Jam At The Ridge Concert Series. The series touts major recording artists along with regional and local favorites.

Starting at just $5 with children 12 and under FREE, some tickets have already sold out. Le Roy, NY/U.S.A. (less than an hour from Buffalo, Exit-47 from the Thruway) SAVE THESE DATES!

Event Date and Time
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Lineup of 2014 concert series in Le Roy announced, hosted by 'The Ridge NY'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Western New York's newest family recreation and entertainment venue -- "The Ridge NY" -- hosts the 2014 Jam At The Ridge Concert Series. The series touts major recording artists along with regional and local favorites.

Starting at just $5 with children 12 and under FREE, some tickets have already sold out. Le Roy, NY/U.S.A. (less than an hour from Buffalo, Exit-47 from the Thruway) SAVE THESE DATES!

  • May 31st -- Country Done Come To Town (2 to 10 p.m.)
  • June 7th -- Josh Thompson (5 to 10 p.m.)
  • June 21st -- John Michael Montgomery (5 to 10 p.m.)
  • July 12th -- Preacher Stone (5 to 10 p.m.)
  • July 26th -- Jason Michael Carroll with Zach Lockwood (5 to 10 p.m.)
  • Aug. 9th -- Blackberry Smoke (5 to 10 p.m.)
  • Aug. 23rd -- Phil Vassar (5 to 10 p.m.)
  • Sept. 6th -- Marshall Tucker Band (5 to 10 p.m.)

***All concerts subject to change; please double-check the Web site for confirmation.

The Ridge NY has done an excellent job of keeping costs and prices low so that everyone may participate while bringing exceptional talent to Western New York. Limited camping is available for those who'd like to Camp With The Bands.

The Ridge management attributes this success to a family friendly environment with activities and events for ages 2 through 92. Tents to large RVs are welcome and cabins are available for those who don't have their own equipment. There is something for just about everyone. If you’re looking for fun, The Ridge NY is the place to be.

Contact:
The Ridge NY
 info@TheRidgeNY.com
www.TheRidgeNY.com <http://www.TheRidgeNY.com>

www.JamAtTheRidge.com <http://www.JamAtTheRidge.com>

585-768-4883

801 Conlon Road, Le Roy, NY, 14482, U.S.A.

Local Gardeners Give Tips- Part 2, registration required

By Trisha Riggi

Thursday, May 8,  6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Three local gardeners will each talk briefly, based on a suggested list of topics related to their gardening experience, including organic gardeing. Questions and answers with discussion to follow.  Presented by:  Mary Margaret Ripley, Rita Wallace, and Donna Phillips.

Participants may come to Part 1 and/or Part 2. 

Registration is required.  You may reister online at www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org or by calling 585-768-8300.

Event Date and Time
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Local Gardeners Give Tips- Part 1, registration required

By Trisha Riggi

Wednesday, May 7,  6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Three local gardeners will each talk briefly, based on a suggested list of topics related to their gardening experience.  Questions and answers with discussion to follow.  Presented by:  Barbara Tinney, Frank Davis, and Sandy Brady.

Participants may come to Part 1 and/or Part 2 (Part 2 is on Thursday, May 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.. 

Registration is required. You may register online at www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org or by calling 585-768-8300.

Event Date and Time
-

Law and Order: Suspect arrested for alleged fight at local bar

By Howard B. Owens

David J. Swartz, 53, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Swartz is accused of punching another person while at The Harvester at 1 a.m., Thursday. Swartz was issued an appearance ticket and released.

A 16-year-old resident of Thorpe Street is charged with harassment, 2nd. The youth was allegedly involved in an incident on State Street at 3:09 p.m., Monday. She allegedly grabbed the hair of another person and began a physical altercation with her.

Wassim S. Issa, 50, of Sunnyside Road, Shinglehouse, Pa., is charged with issue a bad check. Wassim was arrested by Lancaster PD and turned over to Batavia PD in Corfu. Issa posted cash bail and was released.

Chad Ryan Smith, 19, of Church Street, Middleport, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under age 21 and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Smith was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 1:13 a.m. Thursday on Judge Road, Oakfield, for alleged traffic violations by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Daivid Lea Stanley, 20, of Nichols Street, Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, speeding, failure to dim lights and side wings/windows non-transparent. Stanley was stopped at 1:13 a.m. Thursday on Judge Road, Oakfield, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Debra Lynn Haccket, 55, of Craigie Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and moved from lane unsafely. Hackett was stopped at 12:39 a.m. Wednesday on Main Road, Stafford, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Alex S. Dumbleton, 20, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Dumbleton was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute with his girlfriend at 1:30 p.m. Monday. Dumbleton was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Brandon P. Duell, 32, of Saint Helena Street, Perry, is charged with failure to appear. Duell is accused of failure to appear on a traffic citation. Duell posted cash bail and was released.

Miguel A. Vargas, 23, of Rochester, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Vargas was stopped at 7:15 p.m. Monday on Route 237, Stafford, by State Police.

Le Roy FD shows off community pride with Oatkan Knights logo on trucks

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

With the arrival of the fire department's new rescue truck the Le Roy Fire Dept. truck committee, with permission from commissioners, wanted to place a new decal on our apparatus to show our support to the community. What better way than through our kids... we decided to go with the school logo.

With the assistance from Principle Tim McArdle, who was able to send us the school logo, we then forwarded it to the company that letters all our apparatus and they were able to match the correct size and make the logo reflective.

The first set of decals arrived and was placed on the new rescue about a week ago and the others should be on shortly. The truck was brought to the school on April 21. Pictured below with the truck is Principle McArdle, Vice Principle Linda Lowe, Athletic Director Brain Moran and Coach Moran 3rd period gym class. Thank you to everyone involved and GO KNIGHTS!!!

Truck slams into pole on West Bergen Road, driver still inside

By Billie Owens

A pickup truck slammed into a pole at 8596 W. Bergen Road. The driver is still inside but can talk, according to a responder on scene. Le Roy fire and ambulance responding. Fire police are requested to shut down West Bergen Road at Quinlan and at Randall roads.

UPDATE 4:33 p.m.: Once the driver was extricated and evaluated by medics, he declined further medical assistance. National Grid is on scene to fix the pole. The road remains closed until the truck is towed and a tow-truck company is en route.

Law and Order: Man accused of marijuana and fireworks possession

By Howard B. Owens

Brandon Michael Woodham, 22, of Wheeler Road, Medina, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful dealing with fireworks. Woodham was stopped at 5:27 p.m. Friday on Veterans Memorial Drive by Deputy Joseph Loftus and found to allegedly possess fireworks and marijuana.

Scott M. Walton, 57, of Spencerport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to dim lights. Walton was stopped at an unspecified time and unspecified location by a Le Roy PD officer.

Jamie L. Rennicks, 30, of Pembroke, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Rennicks was stopped at 2:10 a.m. Saturday on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by a State trooper.

Le Roy native and GGC grad now a police officer in Florida and published author of two books

By Billie Owens

Press release:

From the Village of Le Roy to Florida's Treasure Coast, John Scanlan may now live far from his childhood home, but the lessons he learned in Western New York and at Genesee Community College are still with him. A police officer in Palm Beach, Fla., Scanlan is also a writer. His second crime novel, "Victims of Circumstance," has just been published by Sunbury Press, Inc. His first book, "Of Guilt and Innocence," was Sunbury's best seller for February and March 2013.

Scanlan grew up in Le Roy, where his parents Mary and John Jr., and siblings, Beth, Tim and Tom still live. He now lives in Stuart, Fla., with his wife, Jessica, and children Alexandra (5), Taylor (4), and Ben (9 months).

After graduating from Le Roy High School in 1999, Scanlan came to Genesee Community College where he majored in Computer Science and played on the Cougar baseball team. He graduated in 2001 and continued his studies at the College at Brockport.

"Two great spring training trips to Myrtle Beach, SC., and Cocoa Beach, Fla., as well as the everyday camaraderie with my teammates really enhanced my time at GCC," he recalls. "Though I changed my major to Criminal Justice after leaving GCC, the things I learned while earning an associate degree in Computer Science have really helped me in my job as a police officer.

"Having more than just a working knowledge of computers certainly gives me an advantage in law enforcement, not to mention helps with my other job as a writer."

From 2001-2004, Scanlan worked for the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Border Patrol. In 2005 he joined the police department in the Town of Palm Beach where he serves on the Crisis Intervention Team and regularly encounters material that inspires his writing.

His first book, "Of Guilt and Innocence," tells the story of a 5-year-old girl's kidnapping from an affluent community in Boca Raton, Fla. Reviewers on Amazon call it an "amazing book" with a "really exciting conclusion." "I could not put it down." There are similar reviews for his second novel, "Victims of Circumstance," which chronicles how new evidence sets a convicted killer free and how that impacts the victim's husband.

Scanlan believes his ability to write about the emotions involved in a criminal investigation sets his writing apart.

"I know what investigators go through when they deal with difficult situations. And as a father...I know how that then affects your perspective on things," he said in an interview on the blog Author Quiz.

Scanlan says his writing began as a "secret hobby" that he pursued further when he found himself with some quiet hours at home. Depending on his schedule, he writes between one and three hours a day, but sometimes doesn't write at all.

"I never push it and that keeps it fun and me looking forward to it," he said on another blog.

Copies of both of Scanlan's books will soon be available at GCC's Alfred O'Connell Library.

Grand Jury indicts two people for DWI crimes

By Billie Owens

Here are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury.

Duane L. Garlow is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 18, in the Town of Le Roy, he drove a 2013 Chevrolet on Perry Road while intoxicated. In count two, Garlow is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, per se, also a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time.

Robin L. Santarini is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 17, Santarini drove a 2014 Chevrolet on I-90 and in the Pembroke Service Area parking lot while intoxicated. In count two, Santarini is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, per se, also a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC or .08 or more at the time.

Le Roy PD asks for information on residential burglaries reported Wednesday

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy PD is looking for the public's assistance in identifying suspects involved in daytime residential burglaries Wednesday.

The burglaries occurred in the area of 90s block of Lake Street and the 50s block of Myrtle Street, most likely between 3 a.m. and 9 p.m.

No information was released on what may have been stolen.

Le Roy PD is asking residents to keep their doors and windows locked in order to make their homes less attractive targets for thieves. 

Anyone having any information or who saw any suspicious persons in those areas during that time are asked to please call the Le Roy Police Department at 585-345-6350.

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