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Le Roy

Mumford man charged with grand larceny

By Howard B. Owens

Richard Andrew Auguliaro, 53, of Mumford, is charged with grand larceny 4th.  On Aug. 15, the Sheriff's Office received a report of a wallet, containing a debit card, stolen from a location in Le Roy. Auguliaro was arrested and charged following an investigation by Deputy Robert Henning and Investigator Ryan DeLong.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Michael Wesley Flint, 22, of Spring Street, Mount Morris, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Flint was allegedly found in possession of heroin at the time of his arrest on a violation of probation warrant.  Flint was issued an appearance ticket and then turned over to the Livingston County Sheriff's Office on the warrant.

Corey Amber Knapp, 19, of North Street, Medina, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Following a traffic stop at 7;23 p.m., Jan. 1, by Deputy Jacob Gauthier, Knapp, who was a back seat passenger, was allegedly found in possession of fentanyl and cocaine.

American Legion accepting nominations for Le Royan of the Year

By Press Release

Press release:

The Le Roy American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post 576 is seeking nominees for selection as the 2021 “LeRoyan of the Year Award”.  This year will mark the 52nd year in which the Award has been presented.

The award is sponsored as part of the four pillars of the American Legion”Americanism” program and recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualities:

  • A man or woman who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of flag and country, regardless of race, color or creed;
  • Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond what is expected;
  • Service to the community, signified by excellence in a life of purpose and accomplishments.

The deadline for submission of nominations is Saturday, September 11th, 2021

Award Banquet will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

Blood drive in memory of Buddy Oderkick in Le Roy on Aug. 19

By Press Release

Press release:

The entire community is invited to join the family and friends of Buddy Oderkirk to help save lives by donating blood through the American Red Cross on August 19, 2021, from 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. at The American Legion 53 West Main Street Le Roy, NY 14482 in his memory.

A 2014 graduate of Pavilion High School where he graduated 4th from his class, Buddy was a member of National Honor Society. He loved traveling and following his high school graduation he took an eleven day European vacation where he fell in love with the country of Switzerland. An accomplished wrestler throughout high school, Buddy began wrestling at the age of 6. He served as a mentor to many younger wrestlers and volunteered much of his time to ensure their success. He was a student at Genesee Community College with the aspirations to transfer to Monroe Community College to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. A member of Genesee County 4-H and the NIOGA Holstein Club. He enjoyed trading sports cards, playing fantasy football, and loved listening to music. 

Through out all of his treatment he never once complained and was always the epitome of grace, hope and most of all kindness. 

To know Buddy was to understand what it meant to be the bigger person and to always remain true to 

who you are regardless of the circumstances. Buddy was diagnosed with 4th stage Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in May 2015 just before his 18th birthday he was determined to beat it and went into a 54 week treatment  plan with a tenacity that left many in admiration. Buddy, unfortunately, lost his battle on November 15, 2016.  As his Mom I am so proud of the young man he was and I always say the he made me a better person. This blood drive is to honor the strength and memory of a truly amazing young man who touched so many lives in his short lifetime. 

According to the Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. All blood types are needed.

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Rollover accident reported on the Thruway in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A one-vehicle rollover is reported in the eastbound lane of the Thruway in the area of mile marker 384.9 in Le Roy.

Dispatch has received two calls on the accident.

A male is reportedly unconscious.

Mercy Flight is put on ground standby.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance responding.

UPDATE 11:44 p.m.: A chief reports that the victims are out of the vehicle. Medical is going to evaluate them. Everybody still responding can "take it easy coming in."

UPDATE 11:45 p.m.: A ground contact is being established for Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 11:5 p.m.: The eastbound Thruway is closed for Mercy Flight to land.

UPDATE 12 a.m.: Mercy Flight is informed that the patient to be transported in conscious and alert.

UPDATE 12:03 a.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground.

UPDATE 12:27 a.m.: Mercy Flight is in route to Strong Memorial Hospital. One lane of the eastbound Thruway is being reopened.

UPDATE 12:34 a.m.: Le Roy is back in service.

Alianna Baris of Le Roy named 2021 Fair Queen

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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Alianna Baris, a 2021 graduate of Le Roy High School, is the 2021 Genesee County Fair Queen.

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day at the fair. Here's the schedule:

7 AM—4-H Livestock may arrive (Beef steers, dairy steers, sheep, goats, hogs)

10 AM – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open

NOON—4-H Market Auction Final Weigh In (steers, lambs, goats, hogs)

1 PM—4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon (Main Show Ring)

4 PM— 4-H Market Auction Goat Show (Main Show Ring)

6 PM—4-H Livestock Judging Contest

10 PM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Alianna Baris and 2019 Fair Queen Taylor Schofield.

Jasmine Turner, who won Dutchess.

Gabriella Zocco, who won Princess.

Zoe Castro.

Alivia Kennedy, Little Miss winner.

Brook Pagels, winner Miss contest.

Law and Order: Oakfield man accused of menacing and attempted assault after fighting with three victims

By Billie Owens

Michael Thomas Martinez, 37, of Church Street, Oakfield, is charged with: second-degree menacing; two counts of first-degree attempted assault; two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; two counts of second-degree harassment; and trespass. He was arrested at 1:55 a.m. July 21. After an altercation between Martinez and two victims, it is alleged that Martinez hit both victims with a closed first. He then allegedly pulled out a knife and attempted to slash at the two victims with a knife, stating he was going to stab and kill them both. Martinez did allegedly cut the arm of one of the victims. He then left the scene and returned to his residence. A relative of a victim watched Martinez's house to make sure he did not leave before deputies arrived. Martinez allegedly came out of his house with a black metal pipe, which started a separate altercation. He then threatened to hit the third victim, the family member, with the pipe. Martinez then allegedly told the third victim he was going to get a gun from his house and shoot the third victim unless he left. Martinez returned to his house for a short time, then came outside. He was taken into custody by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies and NYS troopers. Martinez was arraigned in Oakfield Town Court and put in GC Jail on $10,000 cash bail. The incident was handled by GC Deputy Jacob Gauthier and Deputy Austin Heberlein with assistance from state police.

Ida Marie Vanorden, 35, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree attempteed assault and third-degree assault. She was arrested July 22 after an investigation for allegedly assaulting two people at 3 a.m. on July 14 on North Lake Road in Bergen. She was arraigned in Bergen Town Court and is due back there on Aug. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

Pamela A. Morrow is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or greater -- second offense within 10 years, and DWI -- second offense within 10 years. At 6:20 p.m. July 21, Morrow was arrested on Linwood Road in Le Roy. She was processed at Genesee County Jail then released on appearance tickets. She is due in Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 3. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Elizabeth Michelle Thompson, 31, of Monclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 12:50 p.m. July 21. It is alleged that she stole $113.28 worth of merchandise from Walmart. She is accused of walking past all points of sale without paying for the items. She was processed at Genesee County Jail, then released on an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court Aug. 19. The case was handled by GC Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.

LeRoy Democratic Committee announces 2021 candidates for Nov. 2 General Election

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

The Le Roy Democratic Committee is pleased to announce its 2021 candidates.

After a large turnout at their caucus Tuesday evening, the Le Roy Democrats have chosen their candidates for the Nov. 2 General Election.

Robert Fussel Jr. is a teacher at Attica Correctional Facility. Together with his wife, Stacey, they have raised their two daughters here in Le Roy.

“I am running because I believe in doing the rightthing regardless of what others may think or say about you personally,'' Fussell said after receiving the nomination for Town Board candidate.

Sara Krzemien is a full-time student and mom of two girls as well. She is also running for the Le Roy Town Board.

“I am ready to be that fresh voice at the council table," Krzemien said. "We can have progressive ideas without compromising our small town feel. It’s why many of us have chosen to live here.”

Both candidates are seeking to build a stronger community and allow for more transparent local governing.

Nominated for Town Justice is Carol DiFrancisco, who recently retired from Le Roy High School after teaching there 35 years.

“You have to listen and be fair," DiFrancisco said. "You can’t be partial. I believe that from my experience as a mother, a teacher and as a member of this community, I have the ability to make tough and fair decisions. I am honored to be your candidate.”

There are two seats open for town board and one position for town justice.

Two-car accident with injuries reported in front of Tops in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported in front of Tops market at 128 W. Main St., Le Roy. It is blocking traffic. Le Roy fire and an ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 11:16 a.m.: Medics are cancelled. A flatbed tow is called for one of the vehicles involved.

Possible structure fire reported in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A possible structure fire is reported at a business at 53 Church St. in Le Roy. Le Roy fire responding, along with city engine #11.

Village police are on scene. Possibly involves sawdust from a side vent; exterior only. Venting now; building evacuated. Caledonia is also called. All units to proceed until there's confirmation of no smoke or fire.

Orcon Industries is the business located at this address. The vent in question is on the second story.

UPDATE 11:22 a.m.: The city is returning to fire headquarters.

UPDATE 11:25 a.m.: Church Street command says a sawdust vent appears to be faulty; investigating.

UPDATE 11:36 a.m.: Firefighters located a small fire in the dust collectors. It's knocked down and responders are picking up and returning to service.

Le Roy teen is flying high, competing nationally, in motocross

By Howard B. Owens

The first time he saw it, the first time he went to the motocross track in Pavilion, there was something about the speed, the dust, the bikes flying over hills, the racing, that made then 8-year-old Joey Spadaro tell his dad, "I want to do that."

Seven years later, Joseph Spadaro says of his son, "He's a beast on the bike. A hard worker. Super competitive. He absolutely hates to lose. He will go above and beyond most boys, most men, because he doesn't like to be behind anybody."

That competitive spirit has won Spadaro his second trip to the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., starting on Aug. 2.

"That’s the most fun event," said Joey, who is now 15 and in the 10th grade at Le Roy High School. "Everyone there is fast. Everyone there knows what they’re doing. A bunch of people. The atmosphere is cool."

Joey didn't win his first race -- at Area 51 -- when he was 8 but he figures he's won more than 400 races in the local area since. He made it to the national event by finishing in the top six at the regional meet in Unadilla, NY. At that event, Joey ran three races coming in fourth, first, and ninth, for a fourth-place overall finish.

His father figures that makes Joey one of the 40 best in his class in the nation as he heads off to nationals.

"He's been a gear-head since he was tiny," Spadaro said. "He never rode a bike. He went from walking to riding a dirt bike. He never rode a bicycle until he was already riding a dirt bike. From his first race it was like, 'Woah, you already know how to do this.' "

Before this season, Joey raced in Class C and won more titles than he can count both at home and away. He's moved up a class and will be able to race in that class for two seasons.

Before going to Pavilion, Joey said, he had training wheels on his 50cc dirt bike. Those quickly came off after Pavilion and he took off to the races.

"I just thought it was really cool," Joey said. "I never thought I would be as good as the people I watched and it turned out I became better than the people I was watching."

He now runs a KTM 125 and a KTM 250.

During the off-season this year, Joey will travel to Chesterfield, S.C., where he will train at a motocross club. That off-season training is what helps elevate Joey to a pro-level rider, Spadaro said.

"If he can train in the off-season like the pros do, I think he can be a pro at a higher level," Spadaro said.

Yes, Joey does want to race dirt bikes for a living. It's what he loves to do and he loves to win.

"I enjoy it because I'm good at it," Joey said. "It's just fun to be good at something you love to do."

Alabama man with multiple arrests sent to prison on 'road rage' incident, other convictions

By Howard B. Owens
      Jason Klinkbeil

An attorney for a 32-year-old Alabama man in court to be sentenced on multiple crimes expressed regret Wednesday that his client had missed his chance at a drug rehab stint before the man rammed his car into another vehicle on Bliss Road in Oakfield in December.

The timing just didn't work out Christian Catalano suggested before recommending a minimum prison sentence for Jason Allen Klinkbeil on his convictions for grand larceny, 3rd, and falsifying business documents -- one and a half to three years on each count to run concurrently.

Klinkbeil had also previously admitted to first-degree vehicle assault and Victor Mui represented Klinkbeil on that conviction.

The assault incident occurred less than two weeks after Klinkbeil was indicted by the grand larceny on the falsifying business records counts; Mui also asked for a minimum prison term.

Both attorneys said Klinkbeil doesn't have much of a criminal record, noting only one felony conviction for aggravated unauthorized operation, 1st, and should be given some consideration for his admission of guilt and seeking treatment for his substance abuse problem.

Catalano said his client was addicted to opiates.

For his part, Klinkbeil told Judge Charles Zambito that he takes responsibility for his actions and recognizes he has a drug problem he needs to address. He said he's been working and taking care of his family since his arrests in December.

"I realize I had a lot of wrong views before I had a family," Catalano said. "That's why I'm here today, trying to get things straight so I can get back to my family."

At the start of the hearing, Mui said his client wanted to ask for a two-week continuance in the sentencing so he could spend more time with his kids. District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said he saw no reason to delay the sentencing and Zambito denied the request.

Friedman had asked Zambito to impose the maximum possible sentence under the terms of the plea agreement, which was five and a half to 11 years.

Zambito said Klinkbeil's criminal actions are an example of "the harm substance abuse or alcohol abuse can produce, not only for yourself but for people around you and people you don't know."

The grand larceny charge, Zambito noted, involved a theft to obtain more drugs, and the falsifying business documents charge stemmed from trying to pawn items taken from a friend.

In the first case, Zambito said Catalano was right. That might have been a case that was eligible for transfer to drug court but in the second case, Zambito said he didn't believe Klinkbeil had accepted responsibility for his actions. Zambito had said that Klinkbeil had in some prior statement tried to blame his friend for the situation.

Klinkbeil, who had mostly been sitting between his attorneys at the defense table with his head down, looked at Zambito at this point and sat forward as if he was about to speak.  He didn't.

Zambito sentenced Klinkbeil to one and a third years on the grand larceny conviction and two to four years on the falsifying business records conviction, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Klinkbeil was sentenced as a second felony offender because of a prior aggravated unlicensed operation conviction, 1st. Contrary to the attorney's statements that Klinkbeil has a minimal criminal record, Zambito noted he's been arrested multiple times and that he had a prior probation violation.

Klinkbeil's prior criminal record includes arrests for:

  • Possession of a controlled substance, 7th, in Le Roy in July 2012
  • Criminal trespass, 3rd, in Le Roy in September 2012
  • Petit larceny in Le Roy in February 2013
  • Petit larceny in the City of Batavia in March 2014
  • A DWAI in Livonia in May 2016
  • Petit larceny in Greece in July 2016
  • AUO, 1st, in Livingston County in October 2016

On the business record charge, Zambito also ordered Klinkbeil to pay $372.60 in restitution.

Then Zambito turned to the vehicular assault conviction, which he said was the far more serious charge, calling it a "road rage" incident.

"You put the physical safety and lives of others at stake," Zambito said.

The judge noted the incongruity of Klinkbeil's desire to take care of his family and the fact that his wife was in the car at the time of the incident.

"This was all fueled by substance abuse," Zambito said. 

When Zambito reiterated that Klinkbeil didn't seem to show any remorse for the falsifying business records, Klinkbeil did speak up but Catalano told him not to speak.

"There must be a prison sentence but must it be the max?" Zambito said. "I'll give you the benefit of the concurrent sentence and give you three-and-a-half to seven years."

Fourteen GC students earned degrees in May from RIT

By Billie Owens

 Rochester Institute of Technology conferred more than 4,000 degrees at all of its campuses in the 2020-2021 academic year. Due to New York state COVID-19 occupancy restrictions, commencement was celebrated May 14-15 in smaller ceremonies by college and were livestreamed for graduates' family and friends.

  • Thomas Berggren, of Bergen, received a BS in physics.
  • Tiffani Bragg, of Pavilion, received an ACT in engineering psychology.
  • Jordan D'Alba, of Oakfield, received a BS in mechanical engineering.
  • Mikayla Johnson, of Le Roy, received a BS in biology.
  • Patricia Lane, of Batavia, received an MS in health systems management.
  • David Lapierre, of Oakfield, received a BS in mechanical engineering technology.
  • Melissa Mountain, of Batavia, received a BFA in interior design.
  • Celia Mercovich, of Bergen, received a BS in physics.
  • Don Pangrazio, of Le Roy, received an MS in product development.
  • Alex Rosse, of Byron, received a BS in computing security.
  • Chase Roth, of Alexander, received an AAS in mobile app development.
  • Bailey Russo, of Batavia, received a BS in game design and development.
  • Charlie Stevens, of Le Roy, received a BS in mechanical engineering technology.
  • Cassidy Territo, of Corfu, received an MS in secondary education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

For news, photos and videos, go to www.rit.edu/news.

Grand Jury: Man accused of seriously injuring deputy, another of intentionally seriously injuring two pet dogs

By Billie Owens

Andre L. Roberts is indicted for the crime of assault on a police officer, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 21 in the Town of Alexander, that Roberts, with intent to prevent a Genesee County Sheriff's deputy from performing a lawful duty, caused serious physical injury to the officer. In count two, Roberts is accused of resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor, for intentionally preventing or attempting to prevent a police officer from arresting him or another person.

Robert J. Williams is indicted for the crime of aggravated cruelty of animals, contrary to NYS Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353a(1) -- a felony. On Jan. 14, with no justifiable purpose, Williams is accused of intentionally killing or intentionally causing serious physical injury to a companion animal with aggravated cruelty. In count two, Williams is accused of the same crime involving a second animal. In counts three and four, Williams is accused of fourth-degree criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor contrary to Penal Law Section 145.00(1), for intentionally damaging property belonging to another -- to two dogs.

Dejon J. Smith is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 25 in the City of Batavia that Smith knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with the intent to sell it. In count two, Smith is indicted for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged in count two that on that day, he knowingly and unlawfully possessed one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing the narcotic cocaine; these had an aggregated weight of one-eighth ounce or more. In count three, Smith indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for knowingly and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance -- alprazolam. In count four, Smith is accused of tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count four that Smith, believing certain evidence was about to be produced or used in an official proceeding, intentionally acted to prevent this. He is accused of hiding some cocaine behind a stack of storage container lids in a storage shed while hiding from a uniformed officer who was searching for him. In count five, Smith is indicted for the crime of second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count five, that Smith intentionally obstructed, impaired or perverted the administration of law or other government function by means of intimidation, physical force or an independently unlawful act.

Shane M. VanName is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 1 while in the first block of North Street in the Town of Le Roy VanName violated an order of protection. He is accused of intentionally harassing, annoying, threatening or alarming a protected person, or subjecting the person to physical contact or threatening to do so. In count two, VanName is indicted for second-degree criminal contempt, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that he intentionally disobeyed a court order of protection out of Darien Town Court issued Oct. 23. In count three, is indicted again for second-degree criminal contempt. It is alleged in count three that he intentionally disobeyed a court order out of Darien Town Court to stay away from a second person at the same address on North Street in Le Roy.

Alexander L. Baldwin is indicted for third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony. It is alleged that between November and December that Baldwin stole property from a couple -- U.S. currency valued at more than $3,000. In count two, Baldwin is accused of the same crime for receiving funds in excess of $3,000 from the couple to perform home improvements, thus creating a trust, and then appled the funds for a purpose other than the trust intended.

Christopher L. Taylor is indicted for the crime of third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 16 in the Town of Pembroke that Taylor stole property with a value in excess of $3,000.

Myles D. Macleod is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 27 on Route 77 in the Town of Darien that Macleod rode a 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle while he had a BAC of .18 percent or greater. In count two, the defendant is accused of DWI as a Class E felony for operating the motorcycle that day while he was intoxicated. In count three, Macleod is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree for riding his motorcycle that day in Darien while his driver's license was suspended or revoked by the NYS DMV Commissioner and while he was under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count five, the defendant is indicted for circumventing a required ignition interlock device, since the motorcycle did not have one. In count five, Macleod is accused of refusing to submit to a breath test. In count six, he is accused of the violation of operating an unregistered motorcycle that day on Route 77. In Special Information filed by Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Macleod is accused of having been convicted of DWI as a Class E felony on Nov. 5, 2014 in Genesee County Court. The conviction forms the basis for the suspension or revocation referred to in the current indictment and it was still in effect on the day of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Joel Morales Cruz is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 25 in the City of Batavia that Cruz drove a 1996 Honda on Oak Street while his driver's license was suspended or revoked by the NYS DMV Commissioner. In count two, Cruz is accused of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor, that day on Oak Street. In count three, Cruz is indicted for DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three, that Cruz drove on Oak Street that day while he had a BAC of .08 percent of more. In Special Information filed by Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Cruz is accused of having been convicted of driving while intoxicated as a misdemeanor on April 22, 2010 in Batavia City Court and the conviction forms the basis for the suspension or revocation referred to in the current indictment and was still in effect.

St. Ann's Community at The Greens is raising minimum wage to $15 an hour

By Press Release

Press release:

St. Ann’s Community is proud to announce that the organization is raising its minimum wage to $15 an hour for all new and current team members.

This new minimum wage will be fully implemented by the end of 2021.

The impacts of COVID-19 have fundamentally changed the workforce -- this wage increase demonstrates St. Ann’s commitment to existing and future team members, who care for the most important people on Earth.

In 2019, St. Ann's acquired The Greens of Le Roy. The independent living facility for seniors is now known as St. Ann's Community at The Greens. It is located at 1 West Ave., Le Roy.

In New York State, the minimum wage increase to $15 is being phased in. New York City large employers -- 11 or more workers -- were the first required to make the increase as of Dec. 31, 2018, followed by NYC small employers on Dec. 31, 2019. Long Island and Westchester are now at $14 an hour and will go up to $15 the end of this year.

The remainder of the state, including the Finger Lakes Region, went to $12.50 an hour at the end of last year.

Continuing increases until the $15 hourly minimum wage is met for the remainder of the state will be announced annually by the NYS Department of Labor on or before Oct. 1.

The raise will be based on percentage increases determined by the director of the Division of Budget, based on economic indices, including the Consumer Price Index. Therefore, it is undetermined when $15 an hour will be the requirement in this region.

Year after LeRoyan's death from extreme heat, parents and OSHA remind employers to provide water, rest, shade

By Press Release

Press release:

On July 7, 2020, 35-year-old Timothy Barber, of Le Roy, collapsed at the end of his shift after working on the Genesee River Bridge Project in Geneseo. Treated for heat stress and heat exhaustion, he died from hyperthermia on his second day on the job.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Barber’s parents, Le Roy residents Jim and Kathy Barber, are recognizing his death today in order to raise awareness of occupational heat hazards and safeguards among employers, workers and the public in Genesee County and Western New York. They hope to prevent additional work-related heat illness and deaths.

​Recognizing the anniversary of Barber’s death, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration reminds Western New York employers and workers that when temperatures soar, so does the degree of danger associated with work in high temperatures. OSHA also urges all to take proper actions to work safely in hot weather.

An OSHA investigation into Barber’s death found he had been performing light-duty work -- sorting bolts in 90-plus degree temperatures. Working alone without shade, he was without water and not acclimated to the heat.

OSHA also determined that his employer, Pavilion Drainage Supply Company Inc., of Pavilion, failed to train him and implement other safeguards to protect him and other employees against extreme heat hazards.

“Timothy Barber should not have died," said OSHA Area Director Michael Scime in Buffalo. "We call attention to this worker’s death so that other workers do not suffer from or succumb to heat-related death and illnesses. They are preventable. Employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards. This includes protecting workers from extreme heat.”

“We hope something positive comes out of the tragic death of our son, Tim,” said James and Kathy Barber, his parents. “We join OSHA in wanting to bring awareness to the dangers of heat stroke to businesses for the safety of their employees. No family should have to suffer a loss that is completely preventable.”

Symptoms of excessive heat exposure include heat stroke, heat stress, cramps, headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, heavy sweating and confusion. Occupational factors that may contribute to heat illness include: high temperature and humidity; low fluid consumption; direct sun exposure; no shade; limited air movement; physical exertion; or use of bulky protective clothing and equipment.

Employers with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish and implement a heat-illness prevention program and communicate it to supervisors and workers. This includes:

  • Providing workers with water, rest and shade;
  • Allowing new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize to, or build a tolerance for, working in the heat;
  • Planning for emergencies and training workers on heat hazards and appropriate first aid measures;
  • Monitoring workers for signs of illness and taking prompt action if symptoms occur.

“Don’t wait until a worker is sickened to address heat stress – take action,” Scime said. “Employers in Western New York and other areas must take action to keep workers from becoming ill.

"Effective preparation and knowledge of the hazards of heat can save lives today, and in the future. Three simple words: water, rest, shade can make a huge difference when implemented in the workplace.”

OSHA’s Occupational Exposure to Heat page explains what employers can do to keep workers safe and what workers need to know, including factors for heat illness, adapting to working in indoor and outdoor heat, protecting workers, recognizing symptoms and first aid training. The page also includes resources for specific industries and OSHA workplace standards.

OSHA has numerous other heat safety tools and information available free for employers and workers including a heat safety app for Android and iPhone devices at www.osha.gov/heat.  

Learn more about OSHA.

Law and Order: Man accused of holding Oakfield woman against her will and strangling her

By Billie Owens

Wade Jared Murphy, 48, of Francher Road, Clarendon, is charged with: second-degree strangulation; first-degree unlawful imprisonment; and third-degree assault. At 5:35 p.m. on July 12, Genesee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to Sunset Parkway in the Town of Oakfield for a reported physical altercation. After an investigation, Murphy was arrested. The parolee allegedly held a female against her will and strangled her. He was arraigned in Oakfield Town Court and put in GC Jail without bail. Murphy is due in GC Court at a later date, unspecified. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Mathew W. Ianiro, 26, of Le Roy, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; reckless driving; speeding over 55 mph; operation in violation of conditional license; consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle; and consumption of cannabis in a motor vehicle. A traffic complaint led to Ianiro's arrest on July 9 in the Town of Warsaw. It is alleged he had been forcing other vehicles off the roadway. Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of an erratically driven vehicle that had just entered Route 19 in the Town of Covington. Deputies intercepted the vehicle on Saltvale Road at Burke Hill Road in Warsaw. Following a traffic stop, Ianiro  was found to be the operator and sole occupant. He was also allegedly found to have open bottles of liquor and concentrated cannabis inside his vehicle and it is alleged he exhibited signs of alcohol impairment. The driver was also found to have a NYS Conditional Driver's License from 2020 that was suspended for driving while ability impaired by alcohol. It is alleged he performed poorly on field sobriety tests and he was taken into custody when his vehicle was towed from the scene. He was transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office for a chemical breath analysis. He was arraigned in Warsaw Town Court and his driver's license was suspended. Ianiro was released on his own recognizance in compliance with NYS Bail Reform. The defendant is due back in Warsaw court July 26.

Parker E. Payton, 22, of Pavilion, was arrested July 8 after a traffic stop on Wallace Road in the Town of Covington for having a revoked driver's license. Deputies familiar with Payton stopped him after observing him driving. He has two active revocations and two active suspensions, one of them a revocation due to a conviction for driving while ability impaired by drugs. Payton was arrested roadside and issued an appearance ticket for the charges of: aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; and unlicensed operation. Payton is due in Town of Covington Court July 26.

Le Roy senior makes strong showing at national clay target championship

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy's Aaron Leone finished out his high school trap shooting career with his third appearance at the USA Clay Target National Championship in Mason, Mich.

On the first day of the competition, he shot 97/100. On the second day, 98/100 with a reverse run of 81 straight hits to finish 32nd of 1,684 competitors.

Information and photo submitted by Tim McArdle.

One teacher, a thousand students, more than five decades in the classroom add up to 'an incredible ride'

By Anne Marie Starowitz

When I began this article, I wanted to write about my second retirement from teaching. I was going to share my beautiful memories of the 1,000 students I have taught.

I wanted to talk about the fantastic field trips, classroom drama productions, learning about local history, and using the Holland Land Office Museum as a textbook. I was about to begin to expound on those treasured memories when my train of thought took me to what it was like to be a teacher for over five decades. 

It was 1972; I was a lucky college graduate to have a teaching job. I was a young unmarried woman and my maiden name was Anne Marie Peca. It was a time of miniskirts, long hair, and the Viet Nam War. You just left your college and were entering your classroom with so many new things to learn.

You had to hand in a lesson plan in advance for the administration to review, learn how to set up your classroom, learn your students' names, spell them, and locate the faculty bathroom. In your first year of teaching, you learned right along with your students.  

Everything was new, and it was so exciting and overwhelming.

You had to know where to find films for your filmstrip projector and how to thread a 16 mm movie. If you needed copies for your students, you made and ran off a ditto on a ditto machine.

You never slept the night before the first day of school, no matter how many years you taught.

My first job was at Wolcott Street School in LeRoy (in 1972, inset photos above and below). I have so many treasured memories from my five years of being on their faculty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My next teaching adventure was being a nursery school teacher at the YWCA. This allowed me, now Mrs. Starowitz, to teach but also be home with our daughters.

In 1985, I was hired to be on the faculty of the Batavia City school system. I spent the next 34 years on their faculty as a teacher and then as a substitute teacher.

I ended my career this year as a teacher at St. Joseph Regional School, where I graduated from eighth grade in 1964.

Over the years, teachers were required to change with the times. Many innovations such as teaching strategies, behavioral plans, grade-level subject changes would be introduced, and as a teacher, you were mandated to add them to your curriculum. 

As far as technology, a teacher could now have a cassette tape player instead of a record player, and possibly one computer in the classroom using floppy discs.

Later on, there were groups of computers in a classroom, and today most children have a Chromebook as their personal computer.

There was a new classroom configuration called the multiage classroom, where you would have two classes in the same room. There was also looping where you take your class from one grade level to the next. 

The Education teacher needs has also changed over the years. There is so much a young teacher needs to do before they have a classroom.  

There were so many beautiful memories as a teacher, but there were also tragic memories. The saddest memory was losing a student and attending the funeral. There are never any words for those tragedies.

On Jan. 28, 1986 my fourth-grade class watched Christa McAuliffe, a teacher, go into space to die in an explosion on the NASA space shuttle "Challenger."

I taught through the Viet Nam War, Persian Gulf War, Iraq War, war in Afghanistan, and the 9/11 terrorism attacks. I taught children how to behave in a fire drill, evacuate a building, and practice a lockdown drill. This past year, I taught 18 students sitting 6 feet apart wearing a mask — socially distanced learning during the coronavirus pandemic -- so many changes.  

The one thing that is a constant is how many hats that a teacher wears. Yes, you have a curriculum of what to teach, but you have to earn your student's respect before you can teach.

They are so intuitive; they know if you care about them. At times you are a parent, a nurse, and a therapist. We wear these hats proudly, and today my hat is off to all the excellent teachers I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. They indeed are heroes. I love this saying, "If you can read, thank a teacher!"

I can't end this without mentioning all the beautiful children I have taught over the last five decades. Those 1,000 students have left an imprint on my heart. To those students, thank you for giving me a lifetime of cherished memories. It has been an incredible ride.

"The greatest sign of success for a teacher...is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.' "

-- Maria Montessori

Two inset black and white images above are from O-At-Kan LeRoy Yearbook 1972.

Photo below, Mrs. Starowitz's last class -- from St. Joseph Regional School​ -- in a teaching career spanning more than five decades.

Company planning community solar project in Le Roy told to take proposal back to ZBA for review

By Howard B. Owens

Concerned about setting a bad precedent, the Genesee County Planning Board on Thursday rejected a proposed public utility use variance for a solar project on farmland at 7120 Thwing Road, Le Roy.

County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari told Ty Baccile, project manager, solar development for Washington, D.C.-based CleanChoice Energy, that the company was going in the wrong direction requesting a public utility use variance.

"I think you skipped a step in not getting an interpretation from the (Le Roy) Zoning Board of Appeals," Oltramari said. "It falls under their jurisdiction to provide a definition for a public utility. If they determine you fall within that definition, then just apply for a special use permit."

CleanChoice Energy began working with Gary W. Clark and his family of farmers in 2019 on siting the project but since developing the initial proposal, the Town of Le Roy has passed new solar farm regulations. The regulations' new code means a project such as this must fall within the definition of a public utility.

Based on prior case law and state codes, Oltramari said the county planning board can't make that determination without setting a precedent that would affect solar project zoning codes in other towns.

However, if the Le Roy ZBA determined the project fit the public utility definition, then the decision remains confined to how Le Roy interprets its own codes.

The Clark family, three generations of farmers with more than 575 acres of cropland in Le Roy and Stafford, settled on a solar project as a way to supplement and diversify their company's revenue stream. The proposed project represents 5 percent of the farm acreage and is considered less suitable farmland.

CleanChoice Energy is proposing a 4.95-megawatt solar project on the property.

The project, under state law, is defined as a "Community Solar Project." Solar power from such projects is only distributed locally and cannot be carried to other regions via transmission lines.

There is a limited hosting capacity for these types of solar projects.

Substations and three-phase distribution feeds can only support a small number of these projects and facilities must be sited close to substations.

The projects are also limited by a shortage of land suitable for hosting them. Environmental, regulatory, and permitting constraints at potential host sites eliminate many properties from consideration. Prime farmland, wetlands, land hosting threatened and endangered species, and acreage that's just too expensive are not viable options. 

Among the selected parcel's advantages are: that it is relatively flat; will connect to existing National Grid power lines; will not interfere with farm operations; few trees will need to be removed; and existing trees and bushes create a visual barrier; it sits at the top of a hill --making it less visible to surrounding residents (nobody is looking down on it).

Motorists on Thwing Road won't be able to see the solar project as they drive by, said project manager Baccile.

Electricity generated by the project would be transferred to National Grid for distribution daily to customers enrolled in the CleanChoice's Community Solar Program. The project would generate enough energy to power 800 to 850 homes in the Town of Le Roy and surrounding towns.

According to a document from CleanChoice, "Based on National Grid Standard Service electric supply rate and a customer average monthly use, the project is expected to create an energy supply saving of approximately $60,000 annually. Energy bills are a combination of supply prices, which are based largely on market conditions, and delivery prices, which are set by regulation. Customers choosing to subscribe to the project benefit by the monthly savings regardless of usage, weather, or market price fluctuations."

Town of Le Roy residents would get the first shot at subscribing to the program.

Photo: Aerial photo from the project proposal application.

Trio of GC students heading to Clarkson University in Potsdam this fall

By Billie Owens

Read about some of the new students who will attend Clarkson University as members of the Class of 2025.

  • Colby Leggo, of Bergen, will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam as a member of the Class of 2025. Leggo, who will be majoring in Electrical Engineering, will begin studying at Clarkson in the fall.
  • Cooper Mattice, of Batavia, will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam as a member of the Class of 2025. Mattice, who will be majoring in Environmental Engineering, will begin studying at Clarkson in the fall.
  • AJ Schmidt, of Le Roy, will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam as a member of the Class of 2025. Schmidt, who will be majoring in Aeronautical Engineering, will begin studying at Clarkson in the fall.

High school students can schedule a personalized visit to Clarkson, which includes things like a campus tour tailored to their interests and a visit with an admissions counselor. Students can always check out Clarkson's virtual viewbook & interactive campus map. Just contact the Admissions Office at admission@clarkson.edu.

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

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