Le Roy

Le Roy track and field standout Ruben Owens, front row center, signed a national letter of intent yesterday to attend the University of Arkansas on a full scholarship.

Owens has won Section V titles in the high jump, long jump and triple jump. In all, for both winter and spring seasons, Owens holds 11 Section V titles.

He holds the school records in the high, long and triple jump.

Information and photo submitted by Tim McArdle.

A one-vehicle rollover accident, with minor if any injuries, is reported on the westbound Route 490 at mile marker 2.5, between the Bergen and Le Roy exits. However, the occupants are unable to get out of the vehicle. Le Roy fire and and an ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 8:22 a.m.: The occupant(s) is out of the vehicle and unharmed. The ambulance is cancelled. There is another accident not far from this one in which a car is off the road, but no one is injured. A Mercy medic who was headed to that scene before being cancelled, said the road is covered with black ice. Both the Le Roy and Bergen assignments are back in service. The DOT is to be notified that the road conditions on the 490 "are just terrible."

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

John J. Saddler is indicted on four counts. The first is for the crime of attempted rape in the first degree, a Class B felony, for allegedly attempting to engage in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion. This allegedly occurred Aug. 31 in the Town of Batavia. In count two, he is accused of touching the victim's genitals by forcible compulsion, a Class D felony. In count three, he is accused of forcing the victim to touch him on the genitals by forcible compulsion, also a Class D felony. In count four, Saddler is accused of unlawful imprisonment in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly restraining the victim in a motel room.

Dortha L. Penders is indicted for aggrevated driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, for allegedly driving a 2008 Dodge while intoxicated on Sept. 22 on Route 5 in the Town of Batavia while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, she is accused of committing the same crime with a BAC of .08 or more, also a Class E felony, and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger.

Donald W. Sczepanski is indicted for driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, for allegedly operating a 2004 Pontiac while intoxicated on Route 238 on Aug. 2 in the Town of Alexander. In count two, he is accused of committing the same crime with a BAC of .08 or more, also a Class E felony.

Thomas P. Lester is indicted for driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, for allegedly driving a 1998 Dodge while intoxicated on Sept. 12 on Townline Road in the Town of Byron. In count two, he is accused of committing the same crime with a BAC of .08 or more, also a Class E felony.

Robert C. Hinett is indicted for driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, for allegedly driving a 2003 Subaru while intoxicated on Aug. 23 on Lake Street in the Town of Le Roy.

The Grand Jury issued No Bill for Kiernan W. Kinney after considering evidence relating to possible charges of sexual abuse in the first degree for incidents which allegedly occurred on April 10 in the Town of Pavilion.

Jesse Woods, 18, of 41 Lake St., Le Roy, is charged with assault, 3rd. Woods is accused of punching a relative, causing bleeding, bruising and a fat lip. Woods was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Henry L. Banks, 43, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on City Court warrant for alleged front yard parking. Banks was arrested following a traffic stop by Deputy Joseph Corona and turned over to Batavia PD on the warrant. Banks posted $100 bail.

Five people are accused of gathering at a residence in Le Roy on Saturday for the purpose of unlawful conduct leading to their arrest on marijuana charges.

Members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force executed a search warrant at 9 Union St., Le Roy.

Joshua M. Bratcher, 23, of Union Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal nuisance, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

His apparent guests where charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. They are Samantha L. Pomeisl, 25, of Union Street, Le Roy; Jesse D. VanBuren, 22, of Alwardt Road, Wyoming; and, Alexander A. Chandler, 22, of Bacon Street, Le Roy.

Investigators said they recovered a quantity of marijuana and several smoking devices.

All five individuals were issued appearance tickets.

Assisting in the case were the District Attorney's Office, Deputy Chris Erion and canine Destro, and Le Roy PD.

CORRECTION: We left out a name: Erica C. Puleo, 25, of Union Street, Le Roy. Charged with criminal nuisance and unlawful possession of marijuana.

The brother of a man already sent to prison for stealing high voltage hire from businesses in Le Roy has a chance to avoid a prison term after pleading guilty today to possession of stolen property.

Dustin Nicometo entered his plea in County Court in satisfaction of two felony indictments against him that included burglary and grand larceny counts.

Nicometo, now a Bernville, Pa., resident could be sentenced in April to an intermittent jail term followed by a period of probation as part of the plea deal.

The 26-year-old man will need to abide by the terms of his release under supervision until his sentencing date in order to preserve the deal.

On Jan. 21, Michael Nicometo was sent to state prison for at least three and a half years and ordered to pay $86,017.57 in restitution to Dolomite and Troy Manufacturing.

Dustin Nicometo admitted to possessing wiring and equipment from the Troy job, but when asked if he knew the items were stolen at the time, Dustin Nicometo told Judge Robert Noonan, "no."

Noonan asked him why he was pleading guilty if he didn't know the items were stolen.

Nicometo said he didn't know the items were stolen and after a little more back and forth, Noonan explained that in order for him to plead guilty he had to admit that either he knew the items were stolen or he had a reason to believe the items were stolen and Nicometo agreed that he had a reason to believe the items were stolen.

No doubt, a good time was had by all in Le Roy last night as the Harlem Wizards came to town for a charity game (for the PTSO) against Le Roy Central Schools faculty and staff.

The final score? Does it matter? Especially with the Wizards stopping the Le Roy team 10 points here and there (hint: the Wizards won). 

Above, Timothy Stukes, a.k.a., Tomahawk jumps into a picture with some young fans.

Space Jam, Leon Sewell, does what he does best.

Athletic Director Brian Moran tackles the Oatkan Knights' mascot.

Space Jam hoists a young fan.

A-Train, Arnold Bernard, left, stopped the game and yelled, "hey, photographer, photographer, take our picture," and pulled Eric "Broadway" Jones to his side.

A fan gets her purse back for the price of a kiss on the cheek.

Brian Moran shooting a three-pointer. He was given three tries to make it, but later in the half, Moran sunk a shot at the buzzer from half court.

There were lots of Harlem Wizard souvenir basketballs in the crowd.

Brian Herdlein and Tomahawk battle for a loose ball.

Space Jam during a break in the game when all of the children were invited onto the floor to dance with the team.

Space Jam throwing out souvenirs.

A fan gets a Wizards ball autographed by Tomahawk.

To purchase prints, click here.

A caller reports a suspicious condition in the Town of Le Roy. A man was seen putting "a small dog" in the trunk of his car. He was toting a rifle over his shoulder. Law enforcement is responding to check it out. "Several guys I talked to were out coyote hunting this morning," says an officer.

City fire hosted a demonstration today at Dewitt Recreation Area of a rescue vehicle designed to handle snow, ice and open water to rescue people who might be stranded in dangerous conditions.

The vehicle is made of a snowmobile and a foam-filled platform that can keep it floating on water. Propulsion is created by the snowmobile's chain drive.

"It gives stability and a safety factor to firefighters that simply doesn't exist in any other vehicle," said Roger Bailey, CEO of WISE Technology, which is based in New Hampshire. 

This was the first demonstration of the vehicle in WNY.

The demonstration was set up by Bob Valvo of LVA Sales, a manufacturers' rep company with offices on Harverster Avenue.

The city has no immediate plans to purchase the vehicle.

Le Roy fire was also on hand for the demo.

Video by Alecia Kaus, Video News Service.

Press release:

On Jan. 27th at the Le Roy Village Hall the Le Roy Democratic Party held a nominating caucus for two positions for the Village Board election to be voted on March 18th. Jennifer Keys won a nomination to run for a second term on the Board and newcomer Bill Kettle was the Party's choice for the second position.

Keys, who has been a strong advocate for the Le Roy Pool and Main Street Revitalization, looks forward to running for a second term. She is an active member of The Le Roy Business Council and the Le Roy Farmers Market. Her goals for a second term include updating the Comprehensive Plan, remediation of abandoned properties, continued support of small businesses (on and off Main Street) and economic development in the Village.

Kettle, a lifelong Le Royan, has a working knowledge of village government and has been participating in board meetings. Bill is also currently serving as one of the directors of The Le Roy Business Council and is an active member of the Main Street Revitalization group. Bill has a wealth of experience to bring from more than 20 years of his professional career as well as his knowledge as a small business and Main Street property owner/investor. Bill is currently employed as a Business & Development Manager for JMT, a manufacturers' representation agency based in Rochester, New York.


Brian Moran, with 194 career wins and 14 sectional titles, announced at Le Roy's annual football banquet Sunday evening that next year, his 26th leading the Oatkan Knights, will be his last as head coach.

"At the end of next year, I'll be 55 and I'll have either coached or played since I was 12," Moran said. "When we hired Brian Herdlein (left in photo), we had a conversation with him as a district about taking over for me. He's been in the program long enough and it just feels like it's time for him to take over the program."

Le Roy will return to the gridiron with a pretty talented team for the 2014 season, which should give Moran a great opportunity to notch his 200th career win, a milestone he said is in fact something he'd like to achieve.

"You think about it when you're young, getting to 200, but when you get here what you think about most are the memories," Moran said. "People don't realize as you get older, those are the things that are important. I've had a lot of great memories with a lot of great coaches and players and the support of our community, which just makes it a privilege to coach here."

Each senior player, such as Brandon Van Grol, above, received a small football helmet on a plaque. In each case, Moran shared a word of praise for each player.

The Le Roy Fire Department held its annual installation dinner Saturday night and presented its annual awards.

Above, Chief Tom Woods, Mike Green (Fireman of the Year) and 2nd Assistant Chief Tim Hogle.

Christina Marinaccio and Mike Green received the Chief's Award for a boat rescue near Red Bridge.

The department's top responders for 2013.

Photos and information submitted by Chief Tom Woods.

A car has reportedly hit a tree in the area of 8786 Keeney Road, Le Roy.

Injuries are reported.

Le Roy fire and Mercy EMS responding. Le Roy Ambulance is tied up. Bergen's ambulance requested to stage in quarters.

UPDATE 10:45 p.m.: Dispatchers are informed everyone is out of the vehicle. A Le Roy chief has just arrived on scene.

UPDATE 10:46 p.m.: A chief on scene reports the assignment can be held to one Le Roy engine and Mercy EMS. He requests notification of Monroe County Water. The car is on the hydrant.

UPDATE 10:50 p.m.: A chief reports they won't know if the hydrant is damaged until the car is removed from on top of it.

UPDATE 10:52 p.m.: One person from the car reports neck pain. The other two occupants report no injuries.

UPDATE 11:19 p.m.: A chief has requested the Le Roy Ambulance respond in emergency mode for a victim from the accident with a head injury.

UPDATE 11:22 p.m.: The vehicle is off the hydrant. No apparent damage.

UPDATE 11:35 p.m.: Le Roy is back in service.

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Press release:

The Harlem Wizards are coming to Le Roy.

The world-famous Wizards will bring their brand of "Trick Hoops and Ally-Oops" to a fund-raising game against Le Roy school faculty and staff on Thursday, Jan. 30, at Le Roy Junior-Senior High School gymnasium. Proceeds will benefit students via the Le Roy Parent Teacher Service Organization.

Doors open at 6 p.m. The game will start at 7 p.m.

The Wizards have been delighting fans for more than 50 years with their magical display of tricks, coordinated ball handling, fancy passing and athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and audience participation. Throughout their history, the Wizards have played thousands of games across the United States and abroad, while helping raise millions of dollars for schools and non-profit organizations.

Proceeds from the Jan. 30 game will benefit the PTSO, which provides grants to support activities and projects that directly benefit all students at every grade level, pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade.

Refreshments and souvenirs will be sold at the game. A free autograph session will follow.

Student admission is $9 in advance and $10 at the gate. General admission is $10 in advance or $12 at the gate.

Tickets are available to the general public, and can be purchased in advance at the Junior-Senior High School main office, 9300 South Street Road, (585) 768-8131; or at the Wolcott Street School office, 2-6 Trigon Park, (585) 768-7115.

James R. Kosiorek, 21, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny.  Kosiorek allegedly stole a Playstation 3, three controllers and 13 games from a location where he was residing on East Main Street and sold those items at a video game store in the city. Kosiorek is being held in the Genesee County Jail on a parole warrant.

Sath Paul Dhanda, 33, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Dhanda was arrested after allegedly showing up at T.F. Brown's and being informed that he was banned from the restaurant by management. Dhanda was reportedly informed by staff to leave the restaurant. Dhanda reportedly did leave, but returned a short time later and allegedly caused a disturbance. Dhanda was jailed on $500 bail.

Glenn E. McClurg, 46, of Summit Street Road, Le Roy, was arrested on a bench warrant out of City Court. McClurg posted bail and is scheduled to return to court Jan. 29.

Jerald Alfred Shuler III, 20, of Graham Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unsafe start. Shuler's vehicle was stopped at 2:45 a.m. Jan. 18 at Porter Avenue and Washington Avenue by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Michael P. Beedham, 55, of Prospect Avenue, Attica, is charged with assault, 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Beedham was allegedly involved in a domestic incident in a vehicle that was parked on Lewiston Road, Batavia. Beedham allegedly punched a juvenile victim in the ribs causing sweling and bruising.

Joshua A. Musielak, 27, of Alden, is charged with trespass and criminal mischief, 4th. Musielak was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 5:54 a.m. Jan. 15 on Seven Springs Road, Batavia. No further details released.

A car reportedly rear-ended a school bus at Lake and Mill streets, Le Roy, at about 6:50 a.m.

No injuries were reported.

There was air bag deployment on the passenger vehicle, but the driver claimed no injuries.

A Le Roy fire chief responded to the scene and determined that fire police could handle traffic and Le Roy's engine need not respond so traffic could be kept moving.

By 7:09 a.m., the vehicles were moved off the road and Le Roy fire was back in service.

Le Roy Ambulance reported no injuries to the school bus passengers either. A school official arrived on scene to take charge of the three passengers on the bus.

A convicted rapist slated to spend 18 years in prison has been charged with a new crime: criminal solicitation, 4th.

Charles Daniel Johnson Jr., 29, allegedly tried to convince another person to harm a Genesee County Jail corrections officer.

Sgt. Greg Walker said not a lot of information about the case is available  tonight. 

He said Johnson apparently made no offer of money or other compensation to the person he contacted, but he did try to get another person to hurt a corrections officer.

It's not known at this time how serious of an injury Johnson allegedly wanted to inflict on this officer or why the officer was targeted.

The corrections officer allegedly targeted has not been publicly identified.

Judge Robert C. Noonan sent Johnson to prison for 18 years Jan. 17 for the home-invasion rape of a woman in Le Roy.

Johnson has been incarcerated at the county jail pending the NYS Department of Corrections accepting him into the DOCS system.

A serious injury, head-on collision is reported at 6372 Route 5 in front of A.D. Call & Sons Trucking company. One victim has a compound leg fracture. Extrication will be needed. Two Mercy rigs are called. Route 5 is completely blocked in both directions and will be shut down at Route 237. Mercy Flight is in route. Stafford Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Le Roy. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 6:55 a.m.: Stafford Fire Hall will be the landing zone.

UPDATE 6:57 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 7:09 a.m.: Town of Batavia's Engine 24 is at the Stafford Fire Hall. The state DOT is notified that a lot of salt will be needed on the roadway before Route 5 can be reopened.

UPDATE 7:17 a.m.: The victim has been extricated.

UPDATE 7:22 a.m.: An ambulance is transporting a patient to the landing zone at the fire hall.

UPDATE 7:30 a.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 7:34 a.m.: Le Roy is returning to service. The second ambulance called in is also back in service.

UPDATE 8:01 a.m.: The roadway is reopened. Stafford and mutual aid back in service.

UPDATE 9:20 a.m. (By Howard): One person suffered leg serious leg injuries in the accident. Because the Chevy sedan's airbags didn't deploy and the driver did not appear to be wearing a seat belt, there is concern of internal injuries. The patient was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight. He had not yet been identified.

The driver of the pickup truck was Timothy Parmenter. Parmenter said he was westbound on Route 5 when he saw the sedan on the north shoulder heading eastbound. The sedan's driver tried to correct and get back into the eastbound lane.

"I was trying to head away from him, but he was kind of following me and I couldn't get away from him," Parmenter said.

Parmenter was not injured.

He said when he got out of his truck, another person was tending to the driver of the sedan, "trying to calm him down."

Deputy John Duyssen said it appeared that the front windshield of the sedan was completely iced over -- on the inside.

Duyssen said there were two uninvolved eastbound cars that were immediately behind the Chevy sedan. The drivers did not stop at the scene. He said it's very important the drivers in those cars contact investigators and provide witness statements. He's asking that the drivers immediately call either Investigator Kris Kautz or Deputy Chris Parker at (585) 343-5000.

UPDATE 5:19 p.m.: The driver of the sedan has been identified aas Robert C. Putney, 55, of Main Road, Stafford. Citations were issued for allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road and not wearing a seat belt. Putney reportedly told Deputy Chris Parker that his windshield was not defrosted and that he couldn't see clearly.