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New Le Roy business: The Photography Co-Op to offer gallery space, camera room, classes, events

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

LE ROY --Two open houses will introduce a new business at 43 Main St., Le Roy, on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13-14.

The Photography Co-Op will offer a gallery, a camera room and meeting space for events and classes.

The open houses are on Friday, Sept. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All are welcome.

This is the third business venture for Jim DeLooze on Main Street in Le Roy. After working at Kodak in the research labs for 16 years, he took an early buyout and opened a photography studio specializing in weddings and portraits. After retiring, he ran “58 on Main,” which was a gallery and coffee shop.

The Photography Co-Op offers photographers a space to show their work and to use a camera room at affordable prices; the gallery is commission-free.

Participants can rent gallery space and the camera room/studio for a month at a time or on a yearly basis and have the option to use the meeting area for show openings, classes or other events.

Upcoming events include “Travelog: Alaska” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, featuring the photography of Linda Keister. On Friday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m., Jim Dusen will present a 3-D Photography Show.

Both of these are free and open to the public. Please e-mail Delouse at jim@delooze.com to reserve a space for Oct. 18.

Photography classes are being planned and will include a basic photo class on the Exposure Triangle and a Drop-In Shoot for tabletop photography where photographers can work along with Jim on getting the best still-life photographs. Future classes will include crafting with photos.

More information is available at delooze.com and by e-mailing Jim at jim@delooze.com. Information on classes and events is also on the Facebook group “Photography Enthusiasts of Western NY.”

Notre Dame starts promising season with decisive victory

By Howard B. Owens
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With QB 1 Colin McCulley out of action for six weeks after suffering a broken collar bone in a preseason scrimmage, Notre Dame called on Gabe Macdonald on short notice to take over the reins of the team's offense and Macdonald delivered in a 35-16 win at home Saturday over York/Pavilion.

Macdonald, taking snaps for the first time in a regular-season game, was 6 for 7 passing for 153 yards and two TDs. He also rushed for 37 yards on eight carries and scored a two-point conversion.

Jed Reese and Mark Sanders also helped pick up the offense. Reese rushed for 208 yards and two touchdowns on 22 attempts. Sanders caught two passes for 127 yards and two TDs and rushed three times for 39 yards and a TD. He also had an interception on defense and eight tackles.

Macdonald had nine tackles and two interceptions on defense.

The Fighting Irish surged to an early 19-0 lead but in the middle of the third quarter, York/Pavilion made some adjustments stopped ND's momentum, making the score a more competitive 19-16 at the half.

Reese also sat out several minutes of game time during this stretch with an injury.

"We came out so high and we have high expectations and they were doing a great job early on," Head Coach Joe Zambito said. "Then Judd got a little nicked up and it hurt us a little bit there for awhile but he came back, and he's a tough kid, and he came back into the game.

"York did a good job. I told their coach they could have quit and hats off to him because they did an awesome job and we just came out and our kids played a good football game in the second half."

The Notre Dame game was the only local game on Saturday.

On Friday:

Alexander beat Lyons 48-14. Hayden Walton had 11 carries for 86 yards and two TDs. Jay Morrison, six carries, 72 yards and a TD. Ty Woods, seven carries, 54 yards, and two TDs plus 25 yards receiving. Dylan Busch 4-for-4 and 127 yards passing, with two TDs. Devin Dean had 10 tackles and two sacks. Nick Kramer, eight tackles, one fumble recovery. Eric Cline 6-for-7 on PATs.

Batavia 42, Wayne 12 (click here for game coverage)

Le Roy 46, Wellsville 14: Andrew Englerth carried the ball for 88 yards on nine rushes and scored at TD. Nate Andrews, seven times on the ground for 75 yards and a TD. Kyler LaCarte, nine carries, 55 yards, and a TD. Alex Panepento, three carries, 34 yards, and a TD. Jake Hill was 5-6 passings for 82 yards and two TDs. Cody Lytle had two receptions for 14 yards and two TDs. Tom Saunders had 10 tackles.

Grand Jury: Woman accused of driving drunk and leaving scene of serious injury accident in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Lorie A. Litolff is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on March 30 in the Town of Le Roy that Litolff drove a 2003 Chevrolet on Route 19 (Lake Street) while intoxicated. In count two, she is accused of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting it, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that she drove the Chevrolet when an incident occurred that resulted in serious physical injury to a person and she knew this but failed to stop. And when no police officer was in the vicinity when the injury was sustained, she failed to report it as soon as she was able to.

Ronald G. Besemer-McLean is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a CLass E felony. It is alleged that on March 2 in the Town of Le Roy that Besemer-McClean drove a 2006 Acura on I-490 when he knew his driver's license was suspended or revoked and while he was under to influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, he is accused of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. In count three, he is accused of tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count three that he defied police orders and placed a plastic baggie containing an unknown substance in his mouth and swallowed it. In count four, Besemer-McClean is accused of resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, the defendant is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on Nov. 7, 2012 in City of Rochester Court. The conviction forms the basis for the suspension or revocation referred to in count one of the current indictment.

Environmental agencies continue to work on Lehigh TCE spill, but contamination will linger for decades to come

By Howard B. Owens

Federal and state environmental agencies are continuing to monitor and work on cleanup of contaminants at the Lehigh Train Derailment Superfund Site off of Gulf Road, according to information obtained by The Batavian.

The elimination of TCE contaminants from groundwater in the four-mile-long plume area, which stretches from Gulf Road to four miles east and southeast of the derailment site, is not likely to occur in most of our lifetimes.

The derailment site cleanup was largely forgotten until 2011 when it became the focus of speculation during the Le Roy tic issue when about a dozen high school girls developed spontaneous tic-like movements.

Bob Bowcock, an environmental scientist brought to Le Roy by environmental activist and lawyer Erin Brockovich, determined then that there was no TCE reaching the school property, and it was unlikely the spill site and the tics were linked (the girls were diagnosed with conversion disorder and no scientific evidence ever emerged to contradict that diagnosis).

Information about the spill site made public by the Environmental Protection Agency since then confirm Bowcock's analysis.

In 2017, the Lehigh Valley Railroad corporation, under the direction of the EPA and the DEC, completed a vapor-extraction program at the spill site.

Michael Basile, regional spokesman for the EPA, said the vapor removal effort, which lasted for two years, did remove some TCE, but vapor extraction cannot remove all of it.

"It has been determined that there is TCE embedded in the rock/gravel at the site that cannot be removed via the SVE system," Basile wrote in an email. "Consultants for the responsible party have recently completed a study that has looked at several remedial measures that may be feasible to address the contamination at the site. It is under review by EPA and New York State. EPA will determine the appropriate next steps."

TCE, or trichloroethylene, according to the EPA website, is "a volatile organic compound." It is a clear, colorless liquid that has a sweet odor and evaporates quickly. TCE is a toxic chemical with human health concerns."

After the Lehigh Valley derailment in 1970, a plume of TCE quickly spread to the east and southeast for about four miles, in a human-foot-shaped pattern and groundwater forces around it have kept it contained to that area. It has become embedded in the bedrock of the plume area making it impossible to completely remove.

Eventually, it will all evaporate as hydraulic action brings more and more of it to the surface, but that process will take five decades or more.

"Considering the railroad derailment occurred in December 1970 -- where it was estimated that 30,000 to 35,000 gallons of TCE were spilled onto the ground contaminating the soil and groundwater -- even with the most sophisticated hydrogeological equipment it is very difficult to estimate how much contamination still exists in the area," Basile said.

The EPA says current vapor levels in the plume area are generally below the levels of human health concerns.

Basile said 13 residences in the plume area have been affected by the spill and have vapor-mitigation systems installed in their homes and the EPA continues to monitor these properties.

The public water supply has been protected from the plume, according to the EPA.

"With the extension of the public water supply to the affected homes and businesses, the installation of the soil-vapor mitigation systems on the affected homes, plus continual monitoring of the groundwater, public health and safety concerns continue to be achieved," Basile said.

Top photo: Vapor removal pipes still in place at the derailment site. The vapor removal effort has ended but the pipes remain in place while the EPA and DEC evaluate what steps to take next.

FIle photo: What the site looked like in 2012. The barrels were removed within weeks after this photo was taken, which was during Bob Bowcock's inspection of the site.

Below is a video produced by the EPA in 2017 about the spill cleanup. It goes into a great amount of detail about the hydraulics of the spill, its history, and how it's being monitored and remediated.

Reminder: Euchre players, gift cards, raffle baskets needed for 'Fight WITH Ike' event Sept. 14 in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Family, friends and the local community are bonding together again for the Second Annual “Fight WITH Ike” Euchre Tournament & Raffle on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. in Le Roy. The benefit is being held in honor of Batavia resident Ike Styer.

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

While he has the everlasting support of his loving wife, Jen and young children, Chastin and Hailey, it’s time to show Ike he also has the support of this great community. You can help by donating or attending this fun, family event.

Donations in the form of themed baskets, gift cards and other prizes are graciously being accepted on or before Sept. 10.

They can be dropped off at Grace Baptist Church -- 238 Vine St., Batavia. Or call for pick up: Linda Styer (585) 813-3351.

All are welcome to attend and show support by joining in the euchre fun, or just taking part in the rest of the festivities.

To name a few, there will be music, a video gaming truck, good eats, and raffles including 50/50, gift cards and hotel stays, and many themed baskets. There will be something for everyone!

  • Saturday, Sept. 14 @ 3 p.m.
  • Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co.  -- 10 Lent Ave., Le Roy
  • Cost is $30 for Euchre, T-shirt, food & festivities OR $20 minimum donation for food & festivities.

Euchre players wanted, call or text: Peggy Paladino (704) 254-4663.

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

Law and Order: Judge Road man accused of harassment, strangulation, petty theft and trespassing

By Billie Owens

Andrew J. Rock, 33, of Judge Road, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree harassment; second-degree strangulation; petit larceny; and second-degree criminal trespass. Rock was arrested following an alleged domestic incident at 3 a.m. on Sept. 2 at an apartment on North Spruce Street in the City of Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He is due in city court at 1:30 p.m today (Sept. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell.

Justin R. Swift, 40, of Le Roy, was arrested Aug. 29 following a traffic stop by Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies on Route 20A in the Town of Orangeville. Swift was pulled over at 11:38 p.m. for allegedly speeding and failing to signal for lane changes. Swift also allegedly continued driving for a distance when police were attempting to pull him over. Swift was found to have an open container of alcohol in his vehicle along with a 7-year-old child. Swift allegedly failed roadside standardized field sobriety testing and was taken into custody. The child was transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office where she was later released to a family member. Swift was also taken to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office where he refused to submit to a breath chemical test. Swift was charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated – child in vehicle; DWI; refusal of pre-screen breath test; consumption of alcohol in motor vehicle; failure to yield right of way to emergency vehicle; no signal; and speed over 55 mph. He was arraigned in the Town of Warsaw Court where his license was suspended pending a DMV Refusal Hearing. He was put in Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond, and he is scheduled to return to the Town of Orangeville Court on Oct. 2 for further proceedings. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Bliss, assisted by Sgt. Colin Reagan.

Minnie M. Henry, 31, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. She was located and arrested after an investigation into an alleged domestic incident at 6:15 a.m. on Aug. 22 at an apartment on Hutchins Street in Batavia. She is due in Batavia City Court this afternoon (Sept. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Jenna L. Josephite, 30, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested after a larceny investigation at a local business. She was transported to Genesee County Jail for processing and given an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Tonya M. Weber-Jackson, 35, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested on two warrants out of Batavia City Court. On Sept. 1 she was delivered by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies to the Batavia Police Department headquarters on the warrants. She was arraigned at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 2 and jailed on $1,000 bail. She is due back in court on Sept. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Patrick B. Shores, 32, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with failure to appear. Shores turned himself in at Batavia Police Department headquarters at 9:15 a.m. on Aug. 25 on an arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in city court on Sept. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Law and Order: Ross Street man accused of injuring victim with blunt object, threatening another

By Billie Owens

Ryan Matthew Sharlow, 49, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault, second-degree menacing with a weapon, and fourth-degree criminal mischief. At 10:42 p.m. on Aug. 28, deputies were dispatched to a residence on School Road in the Town of Stafford for a reported disturbance. Sharlow allegedly struck a victim with a blunt object, which caused physical injury, and he allegedly threatened another victim. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond. He is due in Stafford Town Court at 1 p.m. on Sept. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Shannon Gene Draper, 45, of Transit Road, Pavilion, was arrested after allegedly damaging another person's property following a domestic incident at 10 p.m. on Aug. 29 on Transit Road, Pavilion. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and released on his own recognizance after temporary orders of protection were issued for the victims. He is due in Pavilion Town Court at 3 p.m. on Tuesday (Sept. 3). The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Alejandro, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Michael E. George, 56, of Lewiston Road, Oakfield, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child under age 16 as passenger -- with a prior conviction within 10 years; DWI with previous convictions; and moving from lane unsafely. At 12:03 a.m. on Sept. 1, Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore conducted a traffic stop on Route 63 in the Town of Batavia. George was subsequently arrested, arraigned in Town of Batavia Court, and jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,500 bond. He is due in Town of Batavia Court at 2 p.m. on Sept. 23.

Jordan Lee Hull, 25, of Alpine Lane, Caledonia, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .18 percent or more; DWI; moving from lane unsafely; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle; and unsafe tire. He was arrested following the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident at 10:03 p.m. Aug. 31 on Circular Hill Road in Le Roy. He is due in Town of Le Roy Court on Sept. 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Jenna Lynn Josephite, 30, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree and promoting prison contraband in the second degree. At 8:35 a.m. on Aug. 29, Genesee County correctional officers were processing Josephite after her arrest in the City of Batavia for petit larceny. It is alleged that she knowingly and unlawfully entered the Genesee County Jail while in possession of contraband -- drug paraphernalia. This was a metal smoking pipe commonly used for narcotics. She is currently under supervision of NYS Parole for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. Parole was notified and a parole detainer was issued. Josephite was transported to Batavia City Court and arraigned, then jailed in lieu of $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Correctional Officer D. Stone and Correctional Officer Philip Mangefrida.

Jeremiah D. Welchruth, 18, of Lockport, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving while intoxicated; and speeding. At 11:08 p.m. on Aug. 29, Welchruth was arrested on Main Road in Pembroke following a traffic stop. He was issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 19 in Pembroke Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Christine Marie Hulme, 53, of Kensington Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI -- operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving left of pavement markings; and operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile phone. Hulme was arrested at 10:18 p.m. on Aug. 30 on Sumner Road in Darien. She was issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 17 in Darien Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

Bobby James Mulder, 40, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more, and driving while intoxicated. He was arrested at 3:48 a.m. on Aug. 31 on Lake Street in Le Roy after an investigation into a complaint of an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Mulder was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 12. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

Le Roy boy, 4, drowns in neighbor's pool this morning

By Billie Owens

From the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

A 4-year-old boy is dead in what authorities are calling an apparent accidental drowning in the Town of Le Roy this morning.

The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call at about 7:55 a.m. Aug. 28 concerning a missing 4-year-old from a Le Roy residence.

Personnel from the GC Sheriff's Office, Le Roy Police Department and NYS Police responded to the area and initiated a search for the child.

The child was found at about 8:34 a.m. in a swimming pool in a nearby yard. morning.

Immediate medical assistance was rendered at the scene and the child was rushed via Le Roy Ambulance Service to UMMC where he was pronounced dead.

The preliminary investigation indicates an accidental drowning.

The case is being investigated by the Sheriff's Office.

The name of the boy and any additional details are not being released at this time.

Law and Order: Sex offender from Florida accused of failing to register and falsifying form at GC Jail

By Billie Owens

Junior D. Benedict, 40, of West Bay Street, Englewood, Fla., is a registered sex offender charged with failure to report a change of address within 10 days -- a felony, and falsifying business records in the first degree, also a felony. At 7:40 p.m. on Aug. 25, Benedict was arrested following an investigation. He allegedly failed to register his change of address within 10 days to the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Sex Offender Registry. It is also alleged that he falsified a sex offender address change form at the Genesee County Jail, which is in the City of Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and put in jail without bail. He was due to return to Batavia Town Court on Aug. 25. He is scheduled to appear in the City of Batavia Court to answer the falsifying business records charge on Sept. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre.

Carlos Daniel Dejesus, 20, of Clifford Avenue, Rochester, is charged with: two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance; unlawful possession of marijuana; plate display violation; and operating a motor vehicle without a driver's license. At 10:22 p.m. on Aug. 23, Dejesus was stopped on Route 490, mile marker 0.1 in Le Roy for allegedly not having a distinctive rear license plates displayed on his vehicle. It is alleged that he was subsequently found to be operating without a license. "Criminal indicators" were observed and the vehicle was searched. Dejesus's passenger, and Angelle L. Dreier, no age or address provided, was also charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. Both were allegedly found to possess cocaine and marijuana. They were issued appearance tickets for Town of Le Roy Court on Sept. 12. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Le Roy and Batavia residents get free admission to GV Country Village & Museum in Mumford this weekend

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Over the this coming Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31 through Sept. 2, Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford will offer its neighbors a sweet deal: free admission for residents of Le Roy and Batavia (as well as Caledonia, Mumford, Scottsville and Avon).

Residents of those communities need only show proof of residency (i.e. ZIP Code) to get in for free, including on Labor Day when the Museum celebrates its Hop Harvest Festival.

In addition, a shuttle bus will run from Buffalo and Batavia to the Museum and back on Monday, offering a safe and convenient way for people to enjoy the day.

The bus will stop at the Williamsville AAA office and Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel before heading to GCV&M in the morning, then return on the same route for afternoon drop-offs.

Bus reservations are required and there is a $10 fee for bus tickets, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy Hop Harvest and all the tastings on offer. Details can be found on the Museum’s website, gcv.org.

As one of New York State’s original cash crops, hops are enjoying a revival with the burgeoning craft beer industry that’s been thriving locally. During the Hop Harvest Festival on Labor Day, the Museum will take visitors on a tour of hop history, and provide a taste of the present day with their own signature craft brews, created from historical recipes and brewed locally by CB Craft Brewers.

Visitors to the Museum can tour the only working 19th-century brewery in the United States and see the hops being harvested on site. In addition to the signature Fat Ox and Intrepid Ales on tap, there will be beer-inspired food tastings on hand throughout the village, as well as demonstrations and crafts all related to the theme of hops and history.

For families, games and sack races make for a fun day for all ages, plus a walk down to visit the farm animals is always a popular option. In the John L. Wehle Gallery, two exhibits are currently running, the popular "Victoria’s Closet" and the engaging "Working Like a Dog."

Genesee Country Village & Museum is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, plus Labor Day.

Presale tickets for Hop Harvest are discounted $2 each when purchased through the Museum website for a reduced cost of $20 adults/$17 seniors/$17 college students/$12 youth/free for children 3 and under. GCV&M members receive free admission.

Support for the Hop Harvest Festival provided by Market NY through I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism as a part of the Regional Economic Development Council awards. This event is also generously sponsored by Tomkins Bank of Castile.

About GCV&M

It is the largest living history museum in New York State with the largest collection of historic buildings in the Northeast. The Museum, with its John L. Wehle Gallery, working brewery, vintage baseball park, and Nature Center, is located in Mumford, 20 miles southwest of Rochester and 45 miles east of Buffalo. Visit www.gcv.org for more information.

Top photo: Grieves Brewery at work, courtesy of Loyd Heath.

Bottom photo: Visitors at the farm, courtesy of Ruby Foote.

Hunter falls out of tree stand in Morganville

By Billie Owens

Stafford and Le Roy fire departments are called to rescue a hunter who fell out of a tree stand and is injured in the area of Mullen and Morganville roads. A friend of his called the dispatch center to report it a few minutes ago.

The area where he is located is said to be in a northeasterly direction, east of the creek, "way out in the woods," and west of Route 237. The dispatcher is trying to recontact the caller.

Mercy medics are roadside, awaiting directives. Le Roy's ATV unit is called to respond.

UPDATE 12:50 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to land in a nearby field.

UPDATE 12:59 p.m.: The victim has been located and command calls for a rescue basket to put him in to bring him to the field.

UPDATE 1:02 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 1:12 p.m.: Rescuers are inbound with the injured hunter in the basket.

UPDATE 1:27 p.m.: The patient has been extricated from the woods.

UPDATE 1:36 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne, heading to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

UPDATE 1:46 p.m.: The Stafford assignment is back in service.

Le Roy teen and her horse Trouble Skip N Town win Reserve Award at NYS Fair

By Billie Owens

Photo and information from reader Judy Anderson:

SYRACUSE -- Miranda Gallo, 13, of Le Roy, and her horse Trouble Skip N Town won the American Quarter Horse Association Level 1 Youth Champion Reserve Award at the New York State Fair.

Miranda and Trouble Skip N Town competed in Halter, Showmanship, Western Pleasure and Western Horsemanship.

They are under the guidance of trainer Jeff Steer (in photo above with Miranda) at The Homestead in Ionia. The Homestead Team brought home many other championship awards this past week from the AQHA Show at the fair.

The young equestrian has just returned home from showing her horse. She is the daughter of Jason and Amanda Gallo in Le Roy.

"It's well deserving," said her grandmother Judy Anderson this afternoon. "It's hard work, that's for sure. She's very dedicated to her horse."

Gently used children's clothing store offers affordable back-to-school shopping option in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Story by Mary Margaret Ripley:

Le Roy – Alex Wood is the proud new owner of Le Roy Little Ones, a gently used children’s clothing store on Mill Street in Le Roy. 

Wood, a native of Pavilion, opened her storefront on Oatka Festival weekend July 13 and has seen steady business since.

What prompted her to want to open her own retail store was the constant outgrowing of clothes her young son went through and the expense and travel it took to buy new and used clothing in the city.

“I don’t know how people can afford brand-new clothing for their kids, especially when they outgrow them so fast,” Wood said.

After the bank she worked at in Elba closed, and after discussing it with her boyfriend, Wood started looking for locations that would suit her plan for a retail store.

Enlisting a local real estate agent, Wood found the perfect location at 3 1/2 Mill St. (across from the side of the Post Office) and the owner of the building, Bill Kettle, was thrilled by his new tenant's plans.

“I think it’s a great idea that helps a lot of families not only in Le Roy but all the surrounding communities!” Kettle said. “Given how quickly our kids grow and the cost of new clothing, a store like Le Roy Little Ones keeps kids in the right size clothes while making it very affordable at the same time.”

Most of the clothing and footwear in the shop costs $5 or less. Sizes are infant premie to kids' large. While not a consignment shop, Wood does take clothes and shoes in excellent condition for store credit.

All major credit cards accepted.

Hours of operation for Le Roy Little Ones are: Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Phone is 297-8058.

Photo by Mary Margaret Ripley.

Le Roy PD seeks public's help in finding hit-and-run driver, damage occurred on Lake Street in Village

By Billie Owens

From the Le Roy Police Department:

The Le Roy Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in determining who was involved in a hit-and-run property damage auto accident, which occurred on Lake Street in the Village of Le Roy sometime between 10:30 last night and 9 o'clock this morning.   

From the evidence left at the scene, the suspect vehicle appears to be a 2015-2018 year Mitsubishi Lancer, probably in an off-white or eggshell color, and it possibly has passenger side damage with the passenger mirror torn off. There may also be black paint transfer on the passenger side of the suspect vehicle.

It was reported that the victim’s vehicle was parked unoccupied on the west side of the roadway, facing south, in front of 99 Lake St. when the suspect vehicle, apparently driving southbound, swerved too far the right, striking the victim’s vehicle and then left the scene. 

If you have any information as to the suspect vehicle, please contact Detective John Condidorio at the Le Roy Police Department 768-2527, ext. 2219.

Le Roy artist completes her biggest project yet -- a mural on the side of L.B. Grand

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and story by Mary Margaret. 

LE ROY -- Local artist Mandy Humphrey has completed her colorful mural on the outside wall of the L.B. Grand Restaurant on Main Street in the Village of Le Roy and it’s her biggest project to date, she said.

Humphrey has a master’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in Art Education and owns The ART of Mandy, a studio in Le Roy, which offers classes to all ages.

In order to complete a mural of this size, which according to Bill Farmer, owner of L.B. Grand, is 33 x 96 feet, Humphrey learned to use a high lift and worked on sketching out the artwork ahead of time for scale.

Details and drawings of her vision for the mural were submitted to both Farmer and GO ART! for approval. After reviewing her submission, the project was greenlighted by both parties and she received a grant from GO ART! to complete the creative project.

“I hope this artwork helps to beautify our town as well as inspire others to create," Humphrey said. "Art, simply put, is a form of communication but it doesn’t need to be straight forward – everyone can interpret what they want from this and it can evoke different emotions.

"In a world where we are constantly told what to think, how to feel and how to act, it’s refreshing to take a step back and wonder a little bit.”

Humphrey hopes to work with other business owners in the future who might like a mural on the sides of their buildings. She just completed a freshening up of the colors of the American flag on the Tully’s restaurant building on East Main Street in Batavia.

Second annual 'Fight WITH Ike' Euchre Tourney & Raffle is Sept. 14 -- raffle baskets, gift cards wanted

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Family, friends and the local community are bonding together again for the Second Annual “Fight WITH Ike” Euchre Tournament & Raffle on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. in Le Roy. The benefit is being held in honor of Batavia local Ike Styer.

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

While he has the everlasting support of his loving wife, Jen and young children, Chastin and Hailey, it’s time to show Ike he also has the support of this great community. You can help by donating or attending this fun, family event.

Donations in the form of themed baskets, gift cards and other prizes are graciously being accepted on or before Sept. 10.

They can be dropped off at Grace Baptist Church - 238 Vine St., Batavia. Or call for pick up: Linda Styer (585) 813-3351.

All are welcome to attend and show support by joining in the euchre fun, or just taking part in the rest of the festivities.

To name a few, there will be music, a video gaming truck, good eats, and raffles including 50/50, gift cards and hotel stays, and many themed baskets. There will be something for everyone!

  • Saturday, Sept. 14 @ 3 p.m.
  • Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co.  -- 10 Lent Ave., Le Roy
  • Cost is $30 for Euchre, T-shirt, food & festivities OR $20 minimum donation for food & festivities.

Euchre spots are limited so call or text: Peggy Paladino (704) 254-4663.

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

The American Legion post in Le Roy hosted Membership Workshop on Saturday

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion in LeRoy hosted the 7th and 8th District “Membership Workshop” on Saturday, Aug. 17.

More than 40 representatives from 11 counties attended this event.

In observance of the 100th year Anniversary, the American Legion is aggressively seeking new members as a result of the “LEGION Act” -- Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act.

In a significant legislative victory for The American Legion, President Trump signed a bill July 30 that declares the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941.

The American Legion sought the declaration as a way to honor approximately 1,600 U.S. servicemembers who were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.

The LEGION Act also opens the door for approximately 6 million veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.

Car hits tree on Vallance Road, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly hit a tree in the area of 8214 Vallance Road, Le Roy.

A subject reportedly has a head injury.

Le Roy Fire dispatched along with an ambulance from South Byron.

An ambulance from Monroe County is also being dispatched.

Big rig breaks tree branch in Le Roy, which smashes through car's windshield

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer traveling on North Road in Le Roy struck a tree branch, which broke off and crashed into the windshield of the vehicle behind it. There are children in the vehicle. The address is 8549 North Road.

Le Roy fire and ambulance are called to respond.

UPDATE 1:03 p.m.: Caledonia's ambulance is responding in lieu of Le Roy's. Traffic control is needed at the top of the hill.

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