Le Roy

When Le Roy Board of Education members were warned that special education students were not making adequate progress, Denise Duthe asked, “When you look at where we are putting our money and where we are focusing our time, what are we doing? What do we need to do?”

Consultant Bonnie Whitney, Ph.D., responded, “Before you start more programs, I think we need teachers to be able to teach kids to think … There needs to be more intervention with just helping the students understand themselves.”

The special education program consultant update was a main focus at the Tuesday board meeting.

Whitney said that she and Le Roy special education faculty members have developed learning models for teachers of underperforming students with special needs.

“One of the observations that was very clear is our students were being helped to complete tasks. That’s not learning,” she said. “If the students cannot walk away and say, ‘I know how I did this,’ they haven’t learned.”

In addition to concerns about the lack of student progress in special education classrooms, Whitney spoke about compliance issues with New York State Department of Education requirements.

Due to poor data maintenance in past years, the district was only able to recover full state funding for special education programs from 2016 to 2019. Whitney said that Chelsea Eaton, the new director of special education and student services, will ensure future data collection is done correctly.

Whitney said, “It’s a mistake that we couldn’t recover completely, but we can move forward. Those are not easy processes to do.”

Whitney recommended new lesson plan templates for special education teachers to remedy student performance issues. The templates explain how instructors can better understand developmental disabilities, identify factors that disrupt learning, and set goals for students with special needs.

Whitney said special education teachers have been very responsive to improvements in compliance and program effectiveness.

“We really looked at whether the teachers are instructing the students to gain information to help them either cope with their disability, overcome their disability, but certainly not succumb to their disability,” Whitney said.

In other action, the Board:

— Recognized the varsity baseball and track and field teams for their athletic and sportsmanship achievements during the spring sports season.

— Discussed the breakfast and snack packages that will be provided for elementary Summer Academy students. A new feature of this summer learning program is that students are allowed more flexibility in attendance as they participate in the academy.

— Developed a new District-wide School Safety Plan, which is open for public comment until June 23.

A Le Roy police officer has been dispatched to the Main Street bridge over the Oatka Creek to investigate a report of "three young kids" jumping off the bridge into the creek.

UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: An officer is clearing the scene after speaking to the juveniles. 

A motor-vehicle accident, a car into a tree, with unknown injuries, is reported in the area of 8251 W. Bergen Road, between Randall Road and Selden Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 11:33 p.m.: Law enforcement on scene reports the driver is out of the vehicle and walking. Responding units can come in non-emergency.

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UPDATE 10:41 a.m.: The person has been identified and has been in contact with police. The investigation and interviews are continuing.  No further update from Le Roy PD pending further investigation.

A man is suspected of approaching young girls in the area of Wolcott Street School and asking them if they had any piercings followed by a request to photograph the piercings claiming he was going to post them on his web site.

Police are asking the public's assistance in identifying the man.

He is described a white male, late 20s to early 30s, with short/buzzed hair, wearing a gray t-shirt with an unknown logo and "size matters" on it, along with gray shorts, and gray shower shoes/slip-on sandals.

He was carrying a DSLR camera.

Police believe the man was picked up by another individual driving a red/burgundy four-door sedan.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m., Saturday.

Anyone with information on the identity of the male subject or anyone that has been approached or has had a child approached by the subject is asked to contact the Le Roy Police Department at (585) 345 6350.   

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved incentives for a 6,000-square-foot warehouse project at 52 Cedar St. in the City of Batavia at its June 6 board meeting.  

Cedar Street Sales & Rentals (Mucher & Clark LLC) will receive approximately $37,000 sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions to support the $165,000 project.

The project will generate revenues of about 28,000 into the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity (BP2) fund over 10 years. The project supports 10 existing jobs and 1.5 new positions.

The GCEDC board also approved the acceptance of an application from W&M Humphrey Associates LP for a $3.1 million expansion for facilities on Munson Street in the village of Le Roy, which are leased to the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP).

W&M Humphrey Associates is seeking incentives of approximately $465,000 in property, sales and mortgage tax exemptions.

The 11,000-square-foot project includes the addition of flexible conference rooms, training areas, offices and support spaces, and is estimated to add 2.5 full-time equivalent positions to the 525 supported by GVEP.

“The BP2 program is an important collaboration between various entities, including the City of Batavia, Batavia City Schools, and Genesee County to enhance economic development opportunities in Batavia,” said GCEDC Board Chair Paul Battaglia.

Le Roy Fire Department, with assistance from Le Roy PD and Le Roy Ambulance, staged a simulated DWI fatal accident to help make seniors at Le Roy High School more aware of the dangers of distracted driving, and drinking and driving.

Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew kicked off its 2019 Battle of the Bands on Thursday night with two acts taking the stage and a check presentation to Golisano Children's Hospital for $3,100.

This season's goal: $5,000.

The lineup for the remainder of the summer series:

• June 20: MoodPill and Deep Blue
• July 18: Pentanol and The John Payton Project 
• July 25: Midnight Cruisers and Ice Cream Social
• Aug. 1: Element 36 and Johnny 9 & The Scream
• Aug. 15: Stupid November and 585 Shindig

Michael A. Jamil, 35, of Hart Street, Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. Following the investigation of a harassment complaint at 12:47 p.m. on May 20 at Kibbe Park, Jamil was arrested. He allegedly removed his pants while at the park, intentionally exposing his genitalia and his buttocks to another person several times while at the park. Jamil was later released on an appearance ticket and was due in Batavia City Court on May 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Daniel S. Kuczka, 75, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with trespass. He was arrested after he returned to Richmond Memorial Library at 3 p.m. on May 29 after being advised that he was no longer welcome there because he allegedly violated the library's code of conduct. Kuczka was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Kevin Czora.

Daniel H. Mooney Jr. is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree burglary. He was arrested after an investigation into a burglary on Jackson Street at noon on May 30. Mooney allegedly forced his way into a dwelling and damaged property while inside. He was arraigned in city court then jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or bond. He was due to return to city court on May 31. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Thomas L. Powers, 66, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. It is alleged that at 5:57 p.m. on May 29 that Powers struck another person in the head with a broom on East Main Street in Batavia. He was located outside his Liberty Street residence, arrested and issued an appearance ticket. He is due in Batavia City Court on June 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Vincent A. Sanfratello, 53, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief -- intentionally damaging property. It is alleged that at 9:56 p.m. on May 24 on Liberty Street that he destroyed property belonging to another person. He was released on an appearance ticket and was due in city court on May 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Miranda Lynn Goetz, 28, of Vallance Road, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. She is accused of stealing property from Sally Beauty Supply in Towne Center of Batavia at 7:17 p.m. on May 31. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on June 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider approving incentives for a project in the City of Batavia and accepting an application for incentives for a project in Le Roy at the board’s Thursday, June 6^th, meeting.

Cedar Street Sales & Rentals (Mucher & Clark LLC) is seeking sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions to support a $165,000 project that would include the construction of a 6,000-square-foot warehouse at 52 Cedar St. Mucher & Clark LLC is seeking incentives totaling approximately $37,000.

The project supports 10 jobs and is located adjacent to a highly distressed census tract in the City of Batavia and is estimated to generate revenues of approximately $28,000 into the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity (B2P) fund over 10 years.

W&M Humphrey Associates LP is submitting an application for incentives for sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions to support a $3.1 million project in Le Roy that would expand the Munson Street facilities leased to the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP). The expansion supports 525 full-time jobs.

W&M Humphrey Associates is seeking a $285,517 property tax exemption, a $149,610 sales tax exemption, and a $30,000 mortgage tax exemption. Since incentives total over $100,000, the GCEDC will schedule a public hearing if the board accepts the application.

The GCEDC Board meeting will take place at its offices on 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 6th. The meeting is open to the public.

Law enforcement is asked to respond to Linwood Road and East Main Street in Le Roy for a report of ATVs and dirt bikes traveling down the roadway.

Le Roy beat Wellsville 7-1 on Sunday to win the Class B2 Section V Championship.

Video and photo by Tim McArdle.

There were 87 graduates in the Class 2019 at the Le Roy HS commencement ceremony on Saturday, including Emma Lawrence, who was joined on stage by her father, Board of Education member Rich Lawrence, as she posed with her diploma with Principal Tim McArdle.

Miranda Keaton

Assistant Principal Lynda Lowe and Joshua Hamilton

Abigail Cacioppo was the valedictorian and Calvin Herrick the salutatorian.

Xachary Carr 

Alex Cole

Branson Jeanotte, Scott Keister, Jakob Ashley, Andrew Ayers, and Scott Bollin-Shggarts.

Submitted photo and press release:

State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer welcomed Thomas E. Feeley, corporal in the Marine Corps and Le Roy resident, to Albany to be inducted into the Veterans’ Hall of Fame it was announced today.

“Tom has dedicated his life to serving our country, through his military career, career in law enforcement and his service with the Le Roy Fire Department," Ranzenhofer said. "It is a privilege to be able to induct him into the Veterans’ Hall of Fame.”

Feeley was a corporal in the Marine Corps from 1990-1993, serving in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Afterward, he served as an elite Embassy Marine at the American Embassy Lusaka, Zambia, and the Consulate General Munich, Germany.

Following his military service, Corporal Feeley began his federal law enforcement career in 1996 in Miami. In 1998, he assisted in the opening of the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia.

After 9-11, he became a Federal Air Marshal in Atlanta, serving from 2002-2006. Corporal Feeley was a Course Developer/Instructor and Branch Chief at the Immigration and Customs Academy from 2006-2008, and was then promoted to Assistant Field Office Director in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In 2017, Feeley joined the Senior Executive Service and became Buffalo Field Office director, covering 48 of the 62 counties in New York State.

“I am honored to be recognized by the Senator," Feeley said. "My entire career and civilian life have been dedicated to public service in one way or another.

"I don’t have a lot of spare time, but I do have some time and I think that’s important. Just giving back to my community is enough for me, to be recognized for it on such a grand scale with my family present was an amazing experience.”

Feeley is a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (with two bronze service stars), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (with one bronze service star), Marine Security Guard Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia and Kuwait).

He also received the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal in 2016. This award recognizes “exceptional individual leadership that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance” and is the second highest award given by the Secretary.

Feeley is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Le Roy Rotary, Association of Rochester Police and Area Law Enforcement Retirees and Genesee County Criminal Justice Advisory Council. He is also an active member of the Le Roy Fire Department.

Press release: 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today proudly announced that more than $9 million has been awarded to improve the availability of two affordable housing projects and revitalize the surrounding community.

Frances Apartments II in the Town of Sweden was awarded $3.4 million to create 48 affordable apartments, and $6.3 million was awarded for La Rosa Villas in the Village of Le Roy, creating 60 affordable apartments for seniors close to the village's main street and transportation.

“Home ownership is ingrained as part of the American dream, and helping our seniors and most vulnerable New Yorkers achieve safe, affordable and comfortable living situations is a primary responsibility we all realize as lawmakers,” Hawley said.

“I am proud to see such a large investment injected into the communities of Le Roy and Sweden, as these investments will lift up all residents, but especially those seeking affordable housing. I am pleased to take part in such an important announcement and look forward to these developments serving residents for years to come.”

The funds were made available through New York State Homes & Community Renewal's 2018 Unified Funding Application, a streamlined process to apply for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and low-interest loans for affordable, multifamily developments.

Benjamin Santiago Jr., 30, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. After a larceny investigation at Crocker's Ace Hardware in Le Roy, Santiago was arrested May 18 for allegedly stealing $800 worth of tools from the store at 3:25 p.m. on May 14. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Le Roy Town Court on June 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Heather Nicole Holbrook, 34, of Byron-Holley Road, Byron, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; endangering the welfare of a child; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; and having an indequate muffler. At 10:08 p.m. on May 16, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of West Main Street and River Street in the City of Batavia. Following an investigation, Holbrook was arrested. She is accused of operating a motor vehicle while her driver's license was suspended and while in possession of a controlled substance, with two children as passengers. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on May 29. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Deputy Robert Henning.

Heather Nicole Holbrook, 34, of Byron-Holley Road, Byron, is charged with failure to appear. She was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court and arraigned at 10:58 a.m. on May 17. She is accused of failing to appear in Batavia City Court on May 9. She was released on her own recognizance and is to return to city court on May 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Michael David Senay Jr., 25, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree menacing; fourth-degree criminal mischief; criminal obstruction of breathing; unlawful imprisonment in the second degree; and second-degree harassment. At 9 p.m. on May 17, following the investigation of a domestic incident in the Town of Batavia, Senay was arrested. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court. He is due back in court on June 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Lee Christopher Clark, 39, of 8202 Lewiston Road, upper, Batavia, is a convicted sex offender charged with failure to report a change of address/status within 10 days as required. It is alleged that Clark failed to register Internet accounts with the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services within 10 days. He was transported to the GC Sheriff's Office for processing and released on an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia Town Court on June 4. The case was handled by GC Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Sara Tea Cupler, 26, of Starr Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and unlawful possession of marijuana. Cupler was arrested at 8:33 p.m. on May 18 after a call to the Emergency Dispatch Center for a welfare check on a female unconscious in a vehicle on South Lake Road, Pavilion. Cupler was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Pavilion Town Court on June 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Robert G. Whitehead, 28, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court on May 13. He is accused of failure to appear in court on Sept. 13, 2012. He was arraigned at 1:54 p.m. and then put in jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond. He was due back in city court on May 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Katrina Lynn Drake, 29, of Locust Avenue, Lockport, was arrested on May 21 and charged with trespass. It is alleged that at 5:39 p.m. on May 9 there was a disturbance on Tracy Avenue in Batavia and Drake allegedly went onto a porch and kicked a door. She is due in Batavia City Court on May 21 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Bryan Jose Alvarado-Arce, 22, of Studley Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Alvarado-Arce was arrested at 6:29 p.m. on May 17 after a traffic stop on Townline Road in Bergen. He was a passenger in the vehicle. He was released on an appearance ticket and he is due in Bergen Town Court on June 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

On Saturday, Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576, hosted the American Warrior Festival, organized by Dan Clor, leader of the rock band Weapon-X. The party included a cornhole tournament, open bowling, and later in the night, live rock-'n'-roll.