Le Roy

Le Roy Fire Police are told to shut down Munson Street at both ends -- Wolcott and at Gilbert -- so a flooded basement can be pumped out.

UPDATE 2:56 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is back in service.

A one-vehicle rollover, unknown injuries, is reported at 7213 Quinlan Road. Le Roy Fire Department and Ambulance Service responding.

UPDATE 5:23 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is back in service.

Village living conditions were of the greatest concern to residents at a candidates' forum in Le Roy on Monday night.

Property upkeep by landlords and homeowners, vacant and abandoned properties, the care for the village demonstrated by downtown business owners, and the condition of streets and sidewalks were all touched on by residents at some point.

Meanwhile, the candidates talked of their love for Le Roy and desire to make the village a place where people want to live and raise families.

"We choose to live here," said Jennifer Keys. "We're not lifelong residents. We're here because it's a great community. You can walk down the street after dark and be safe. I love the architecture. The community. These are things we can sell to get other people to come here."

Keys, who won her first term on the village council four years ago, is seeking reelection along with incumbent Robert Taylor. There are two four-year terms up for election and joining the fray in the March 18 election are John Mangefrida and William Kettle.

Keys opened the forum in the dining room of the Greens of Le Roy by talking about her first bid for election four years ago. She campaigned on the pool, the comprehensive plan, working better with the town, and the matter of blighted houses. She said she was able to work with others to help get the pool reopened, which now serves record numbers of patrons, communications with the town have improved, and the council is still working on the comprehensive plan. Blighted houses, she said, remain an issue.

Kettle noted his dedication to the village as a Main Street property and business owner.

"If you're going to be in the game, you've got to be able to step up to the plate and I'm willing to do that," Kettle said. "I'm committed to Le Roy. I'm invested. I'm vested. I love Le Roy, as everybody here on the board does."

Mangefrida, whose been a trustee before, said he decided to run again because he loves the village. He recalled that during his military duty he knew he could count on the people of the community to help watch over and care for his family.

"It isn't about policies," Mangefrida said. "It's about maintaining the quality of life in Le Roy. We need to take care of our infrastructure and take care of the things that have gotten us here. If elected, I'm going to listen to everyone and make informed decisions and represent the people of Le Roy."

Taylor noted that except for the years he was away in college, he's lived his entire 72 years in Le Roy.

"We do this because we all love the community, and that's the only reason," Taylor said. "Without a good foundation, nothing lasts forever, and we've lasted a long time because Le Roy has a good foundation."

When the Q&A started, much of the discussion focused on vacant and abandoned housing. It's a vexing problem because these are typically properties that the banks refuse to foreclose on because it's cheaper just to pay the taxes and any fines related to lack of upkeep.

There's also a problem with property owners -- both landlords and homeowners -- who let their property fall into disrepair to the point of them being a nuisance to neighbors and other residents.

 "We all have a right to live in a village that is kept up and if it takes a sharp stick, then we need code enforcement that does it," Kettle said.

These are tough problems, Taylor said.

"The amount of problems we have are not going to be fixed in 10 minutes, but they are being addressed," Taylor said.

One resident called for a full-time code enforcement officer.

Mangefrida took a realist tact to the question and said the money to pay for a full-time officer, rather than a shared part-time officer with the town, would have to come from somewhere.

"Do we hire a full-time code enforcement officer?" Mangefrida asked. "If we hire a full-time code enforcement officer with the current budget are we willing do without one of our part-time police officers? Because that's what it's coming down to in running a village in the State of New York."

Another residents probed candidates on how much they know about the comprehensive plan, which he suggested needed to be revised to meet changing times.

Keys said the plan was last revised in 2007 and has been under review during her time in office.

John Mangefrida

William Kettle

Robert Taylor

Jennifer Keys

Tonia M. Doell, 44, of 14 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with three counts of menacing, 2nd, one count of criminal possession of a weapon, and one count of attempted assault, 2nd. Doell is accused of requesting medical assistance at 2:21 p.m. and when Mercy EMS personnel arrived at her residence and attempted to enter, Doell allegedly threatened them with a kitchen knife. Doell was arraigned and jailed without bail.

Jason D. Lang, 27, and Ashley R. Keene, 26, both of 244 Liberty St., Batavia, are charged with grand larceny, 4th. Lang and Keene are accused of stealing 10 pairs of eyeglass frames valued at more than $1,600 from the Lencrafters location in Hamburg. Hamburg detectives received several calls identifying Lang and Keene as the suspects after police posted pictures of the shoplifting suspects on Facebook and Buffalo media outlets picked up the story. Upon further investigation, Lang and Keene were asked to appear at Hamburg PD and did so voluntarily. Hamburg detectives report that Lang and Keene confessed to the theft. They were issued appearance tickets.

Pamela Kristene Goerss, 43, of Oak Hill Road, Silver Springs, is charged with DWI, speed not reasonable and prudent, unlicensed operator, leaving the scene of an accident and parked in roadway. Goerss was reportedly operating a 2011 Volkswagan Jetta southbound on Perry Road at 3:16 a.m. Sunday when she was involved in an accident. The other vehicle left the scene. Goerss also allegedly tried to drive away from the scene, but her vehicle became disabled. The Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in identifying the other vehicle and driver. Anybody with information can contact Deputy Frank Bordonaro at (585) 343-5000. Goerss was jailed on $500 bail.

Brian Lee Smith, 52, of Colonial Boulevard, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and aggravated family offense, a felony. Smith is accused of yelling a vulgar word at the victim, who has an active order of protection in place, Smith allegedly yelled at the victim while she was in her own driveway. Smith was jailed on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond.

Bryan R. Bartholomew, 27, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Bartholomew allegedly violated an order of protection by being at the residence of the protected party. Bartholomew was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Matthew D. Derrick, 29, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Derrick is accused of being involved in a domestic incident March 6.

Dariel A. Giffith, 21, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Griffith is accused of striking another person in the hand during a dispute on South Swan Street at 4:56 p.m. March 6.

Jon David Vega, 48, of 78th Street, Howard Beach, was arrested on two bench warrants for alleged failure to appear. Vega was arrested upon his release from the Monroe County Jail on unrelated charges. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Christina M. Colantonio, 27, of Snipery Road, Corfu, is accused of failure to appear after appearance ticket served. Colantonio was located walking westbound on West Main Street near Union Street by Officer James DeFreze and she was arrested on an active warrant. Colantonio posted $500 bail and was released.

Heather Daffney Stone, 19, of Elwood Drive, Rochester, was arrested on a bench warrant related to a third-degree burglary charge. Stone was released from Monroe County Jail on an unrelated matter and taken into custody on the burglary charge. Stone was held without bail.

Johnny Uylesse Troche, 28, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Troche allegedly threatened another person with a knife at 9:26 p.m. Saturday.

Francisco Rodriguez, 37, of Portland Avenue, Rochester, is charged with possession of untaxed cigarettes. Rodriguez was stopped at 8:43 p.m. Saturday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, for alleged failure to dim high beams by Deputy Joseph Corona. Rodriguez was allegedly found in possession of more untaxed cigarettes than legally allowed.

Christina Sandra Baudanza, 37, no address given, was arrested on a Family Court warrant. Baudanza was arrested upon her release from the Wyoming County Hospital. She was arraigned in Family Court and released to a social service worker who took her to temporary housing.

Katie Lee Winnie, 20, of Exchange Street, Attica, was arrested on bench warrants related to charges of petit larceny and possession of marijuana. Winnie allegedly failed to appear for a court date in the Town of Batavia. She turned herself in and was jailed on $500 bail.

Eric X. Williams, 22, of Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Williams was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 10:46 p.m. on Feb. 24. No further details released.

Joshua J. Clark, 37, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Clark was stopped at 1:50 a.m. Friday at the junction of routes 5 and 63 by State Police.

A Pavilion mother twice arrested under provisions of Leandra's Law will have to serve six months in jail after blowing a chance to avoid lockup given to her by Judge Robert C. Noonan a year ago.

Angela R. Kruse, 42, will also be on probation for five years.

Kruse was first arrested in Le Roy for driving drunk with her children in her car in June 2012. She was arrested again four months later in Wyoming County following a rollover accident.

Kruse appeared before Noonan last March after going through rehab and was told if she could stay out of trouble for 11 months she could have a chance to put her Genesee County charge behind her, but she violated the terms of her release and appeared before Noonan again today to answer for the lapse.

A car smashed into a tree in the area of 7587 Griswold Road. The female driver "was not sure on injuries but is quite shaken up." Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding.

About 150 students at Le Roy High Sschool are busy in rehearsals and stage set up for upcoming performances of "Legally Blonde: The Musical."

The show stars, above, John Snyder, Rachel Glucksam, Danny Weaver and Ashley Webb.

Performances are at 7 p.m. March 20, 21, and 22, in the auditorium at Le Roy HS. Tickets are available online at www.leroycsd.org and are $8 or $10 at the door.

The show is directed by Jacqueline McLean. She described the themes of the show as appropriate for school children in fourth grade and older.

"We picked the show because we had a lot of strong girls, but we also wanted to talk about some things in society that are a little controversial but important," McLean said. "The overlying theme of the show is the overall acceptance of people and people with differences. "

Roger L. Lashure Jr. is indicted for first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. He is accused of violating an order of protection. It is alleged that on Oct. 8 in the City of Batavia Lashure slapped a woman in violation of the court order not to have contact with her.

The Grand Jury returned no bill against Steven A. Desmore, who was accused of two counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd, for incidents which allegedly occurred Oct. 15 in the Town of Le Roy.

Here are a few pictures from my travels today.

Above, taken from Black Street Road, Le Roy.

A pony on Bernd Road, Le Roy.

Route 5 coming into Batavia from the East. It was not long after sunset so there was a bit of color, but I decided I liked the mood better as a black and white.

From this afternoon on Ellicott Street.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported on westbound Thruway at mile marker 380.7. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding. A crew from Pavilion is staging in Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 1:27 p.m.: The Thruway Authority says there is reportedly another accident along the same stretch of roadway at mile marker 388.7 and the Town of Batavia was called to respond. "It may be one and the same accident. ... It is unfounded at this point," says the dispatcher.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: Le Roy and Pavilion are back in service.

A structure fire CO detector is activated at 9259 Route 19, in the area of Robbins Road, Le Roy. Le Roy Fire Department and Ambulance Service responding, with mutual aid from Pavilion standing by in quarters.

UPDATE 9:54 p.m.: This was a CO detector call, not a structure fire.

UPDATE 9:56 p.m.: Pavilion standing down.

John J. Astrologo, 20, of 107 State St., Batavia, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal nuisance for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party at his residence on State Street in Batavia on Saturday. He was released on an appearance ticket and ordered to appear in Batavia City Court on March 11.

Evan W. Horton, 19, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal nuisance for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party on Saturday. He was released on an appearance ticket and is set to return to Batavia City Court on March 4.

Lukas M. Baildon, 18, of Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, was arrested on Saturday following an investigation into an underage drinking party and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in Batavia City Court on March 11.

Brody A. Jorgenson, 19, of Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of alcohol following an investigation into an underage drinking party on State Street in Batavia on Saturday. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on March 4.

Christopher Douglas Ball, 41, of Park Road, Batavia, is accused of 33 counts of criminal contempt. It is alleged that he violated an order of protection issued by Family Court on several occasions by sending 30 text messages, having two phone conversations, and by having personal contact with the protected person. Following his arraignment on Thursday, he was jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. He is set to reappear in Town of Oakfield Court on March 3.

Christian Gerand Santana, 32, of Kally Street, Rochester, was arrested Friday and charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing merchandise valued at $129.99. He is also charged with possession of burglar tools for allegedly using a cutting instrument to aid in the theft, as well as second-degree harassment for allegedly pushing loss prevention personnel when they attempted to detain him. Following his arraignment in Town of Batavia Court, he was jailed on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond. He is set to reappear in town court on March 3.

Courtney A. Gaebler, 36, of Soccio Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and failing to maintain lane after crashing her car into a utility pole on Liberty Street on Wednesday, causing significant damage to the pole and car. She will be arraigned in City Court on March 11.

Sharon Jean Chase, 55, of Route 19, Le Roy, was arrested last Monday and charged with third-degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing several items from the apartment of an acquaintance. She is scheduled to appear in Le Roy Town Court on March 20.

Michael E. Mistler, 48, of East Main Street, Batavia, turned himself into Batavia Police after a bench warrant was issued for failing to answer a traffic summons. He posted bail and is scheduled to return to City Court on Tuesday.

Jake Ross Simmons Jr., 27, of North Hill Parkway in Atlanta, Ga., was arrested on Friday for aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree following a traffic stop. It is alleged that he was driving while his privileges are suspended. He was also cited for failure to keep right.

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

Nathan W. Larson is indicted on four counts. The first is the crime of first-degree attemped rape, a Class B felony, for actions which allegedly occurred on Aug. 3 in the Town of Le Roy. He is accused of attempting to engage in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion. In count two, he is accused of first-degree sexual abuse, A Class D felony, for allegedly subjecting another person to sexual contact by forcible complusion. In count three, he is also accused of first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly subjecting another person to sexual contact when the person was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless. In count four, he is accused of first-degree criminal sexual act, a Class B felony, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct or anal sexual conduct with another person who was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless.

Steven E. Palmer is indicated for allegedly driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. He is accused of driving a 1998 Acura on Route 5 in the Town of Le Roy on Nov. 8 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, also a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more.

Stephen J. Holdaway is indicted for allegedly driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. He is accused of driving a 2004 Ford pickup on Route 33 in the Town of Batavia on Aug. 21 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, also a Class E felony, for having allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more.

Shawn Powers, 48, of Wyoming County, is charged with failing to register a change of address. Powers, a registered Level 2 sex offender, was arrested by Le Roy PD for alleged failure to register a change of address as required by state law for registered sex offenders. He was previously a resident of the Village of Le Roy. Powers has a prior conviction for the same offense, making the new charge a Class D felony. He was jailed on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

Richard Thomas Elliott, 82, of West Park Street, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and operating with driver's view obstructed. Elliott was stopped at 1:54 a.m., Wednesday, on Cato Street, Pavilion, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Andrew J. Paladino, 34, of Shelter Street, Rochester, was arrested on Family Court warrant for alleged support violation. Paladino turned himself in on the warrant. He paid $200 toward his support obligation and was released pending his next court appearance.

Amir Alivy Barulich, 34, of Pearl Street, Tampa, Fla., is accused of failure to pay fine imposed by the court. Barulich allegedly did not appear as ordered in Genesee County Court on April 28, 2011. He was arrested on a warrant by New Rochelle PD and turned over to the Sheriff's Office.

Joseph T. Burr, 20, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Burr was stopped at 3:41 a.m., Sunday, on Washington Avenue, Batavia, by Sgt. Thad Mart, following a report of a suspicious condition in the parking lot of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Timothy G. Taggart, 23, of Brigham Road, Fredonia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Taggart was arrested following an investigation into an suspicious vehicle parked at Bank of America on Main Street, Batavia, at 2:27 a.m. Friday by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Kyle D. Clark, 23, of Hyde Park, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Clark was arrested on a bench warrant on a harassment, 2nd, charge stemming from an incident in which he allegedly held a woman down and slapped her several times.

Bishop Edward Williams, 20, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Williams is accused of shoplifting from Walmart on Friday. He was located Saturday by Le Roy PD at a location on Bacon Street.

Juan Michael Chavez, 27, of Gaslite Lane, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, speeding and driving wihtout a proper license. Chavez was stopped at 9:19 p.m. Friday on Clinton Street Road by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Edward Dexter McDonald III, 24, of South Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, speed not reasonable or prudent, moving from lane unsafely and refusal to submit to breath test. McDonald was arrested by Sgt. Michael Hare after his vehicle was allegedly found buried in the snow along East Main Street, Le Roy. McDonald allegedly failed to negotiate a turn onto South Street at 1:18 a.m. Saturday. McDonald was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Both the boys and girls track teams from Batavia High School won Class C Section V championships in a meet at RIT last night.

Le Roy boys won the Class D title and the Le Roy girls came in second.

Batavia boys finished with 117.50, edging out Aquinas Institute, 74.50. The girls had 113 points and Wayland-Cohocton came in second with 110.

Le Roy boys beat UPrep Rochester 86-79, while the girls came in behind Marion, 71-60.

Individual event winners from Genesee County:

• Kimmy Lovett, Byron-Bergen, girls 600 meter run
• Batavia girls, 4x800 meter relay
• Kristyn Mott, Batavia, girls pole vault
• Julianna Lauricella, Le Roy, girls 600 meter run
• Becca Schwan, Le Roy, girls 1000 meter run
• Raelynn Moskal, Alexander, girls 1500 meter run
• Le Roy girls, 4x400 meter relay
• Le Roy girls, 4x800 meter relay
• Alex Egeli, Batavia, boys 55 meter dash
• Alex Egeli, Batavia, boys 55 meter hurdles
• Batavia boys, 4x200 meter relay
• Batavia boys, 4x400 meter relay
• Devon Koepp, Batavia, boys shot put
• Ryan McQuillen, Le Roy, boys 55 meter dash
• John Woordworth, Le Roy, boys 1000 meter run
• D.J. Ohlson, Alexander, boys 55 meter hurdles
• Le Roy boys, 4x800 meter relay
• D.J. Ohlson, Alexander, boys high jump
• Ryan McQuillen, Le Roy, boys long jump
• Ryan McQuillen, Le Roy, boys triple jump

Photos submitted by Nicholas Burk

Michele L. Difalco, 25, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument. Batavia PD assisted NYS Parole at the residence of Difalco. Difalco was allegedly found in possession of a hypodermic instrument.

Dustin M. Fleming, 26, of Telephone Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Fleming was arrested after Batavia PD officers responded to Denny's Restaurant to investigate a complaint of an intoxicated person at that location. Fleming was found allegedly in possession of a small amount of marijuana and a glass pipe.

John Thomas Harley, 35, of Rich Place, Lacawana, is charged with operating with a suspended registration and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Harley was arrested on a warrant upon his release from the Erie County Jail. Following arraignment in Darien Town Court, he was jailed on $500 bail or $1,000 bond.

Le Roy almost pulled off an upset against archrival Cal-Mum on Wednesday night.

But there's no almost in basketball. And there are no moral victories.

"They played good," said Rick Rapone, Le Roy's first-year head coach. "But you've got to play 32 minutes. You can't play 31 minutes and 50 seconds. You've got to play it the whole way out."

With the score knotted at 57, the Red Raiders took possession of the ball with less than 20 seconds left on the game clock.

It only took a couple of passes to get the ball to a wide open Chris Wilson just beyond the arch. His three-point swoosh gave Cal-Mum the lead with only 4.8 seconds left.

Three points is a big deficit to erase with only a few ticks to go and the Oatkan Knights were forced to settle -- no matter how well the game was played for 31 minutes and 50 seconds -- with a 60-57 loss.

"I told the kids I'll feel good when we finish one of these games off," Rapone said. "We've got to play 32 minutes."

Le Roy finishes the regular season with a 7-11 record and will open sectional play Feb. 18 against Bath-Haverling (8-10).

An upset over the 17-1 Red Raiders would have given Rapone's program a nice boost, but he still feels good about his team heading into the championship rounds.

The Oatkan Knights under Rapone play a fast-paced offense and pressure defense that should give a lot of teams fits.

"You really don't want to play us," Rapone said.

"Our program is going in the right direction," Rapone said. "We have gotten better every single week since I started and we're hoping now this catapults us into the tournament."

The Knights certainly had Cal-Mum's Dan Dickens pulling at his collar in the second quarter and the Raider's fans on the visitors' side of the bleachers grumbling, "we're better than this."

With the Raiders down by a dozen points in the second period, Dickens called a time out, sat his starters down and gave them a good tongue lashing.

A Raider's fan told another, "they deserve it."

But it's hard to stop a hot hand and Knights certainly had that going for them in the first half, dropping six three-point shots (compared to none in the second half).

As the second quarter wound down, Cal-Mum cut Le Roy's lead to two points and the second half would be a battle with neither team gaining a clear advantage until those fateful closing seconds.

"We held them to 60 points," Rapone said. "I don't think they've been held to 60 points very many times this season."

Zack Moore led the Knights with 20 points, including two threes, and going four of six from the foul line. Nick Egling had 10 points, including a pair of threes in the first quarter. Mike McCullen was four of five from the foul line and finished with six points. Ethan Witkowski and Kody Lamkin had seven points each.

Kurtis Haut and Will Van Auken had 18 points each for Cal-Mum and Chris Wilson scored 13.

For Le Roy, Lamkin had eight rebounds and Moore had seven. Steve Cappotelli and Moore each had three assists.

For Cal-Mum, Van Auken was a monster on the boards with 13 rebounds. He also blocked four shots.

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