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Le Roy

Photo: There's a village election in Le Roy today

By Howard B. Owens

Bob Taylor and Jim Bonacquisti at the Village Hall in Le Roy this afternoon after they had just finished voting into today's village board election.

There are three candidates for two seats.

Bonacquisti is currently serving and has two years left on his term (correction: he was not on the ballot this year). Taylor sat out this race after 10 years of service to the community. 

The polls close at 9 p.m.

Le Roy PD offers class to provide citizens with information on how to respond if confronted by active shooter

By Howard B. Owens

More than three dozen Le Roy residents attended a class Monday evening at the Village Hall led by Officer Greg Kellogg and Detective John Condidorio on how citizens can react and respond if they find themselves in an active shooter situation.

Using lecture, videos, and question and answer, Kellogg covered such issues as having a plan -- thinking ahead, knowing where the exits are, what objects can be turned into weapons, what you will do to protect yourself if a bad guy with a gun showed up. Imagining various scenarios and how you would respond, not as a hero, but as somebody who can escape or hide, and perhaps help others do the same, will help you avoid panic.

The first rule, they said, is to get out of you can. Then call 9-1-1. Once out, if police are already on scene, follow their orders.

Your priorities, they said should be:

  • Avoid (escape or hide);
  • Deny (barricade);
  • Defend (fight back only when there is no other option).

If it gets to the defend point, knowing ahead of time what items can be turned into a weapon to either disable or disorient the shooter -- a chair, a table, a fire extinguisher, a pen -- can help save lives.

Kellogg said Le Roy PD can provide additional classes for the community upon request.

Sgt. Hare takes retirement after 20 years with Le Roy PD

By Howard B. Owens

After 20 years of service to the community of Le Roy, Sgt. Michael Hare called out of service for the last time at 7 a.m. and was saluted by his colleagues as he prepared to leave the Village Hall.

Hare started his career in his hometown of Warsaw and after five years took a job in Le Roy because the department offered more advancement opportunities.

He also said, "it’s tough working in your hometown. It’s nice to get out and not be arresting the people you went to school with."

As for retirement, he's working on getting his license to drive a bus so he can take a job driving for the Caledonia-Mumford School District.

Hare, who usually worked night shifts, said he's also looking forward to spending more time with his family.

"The most rewarding thing (about being a police officer) is just being able to help people out and being able to see the end results," Hare said. "Sometimes it’s not always the best, but you try to make it the best and it’s a great opportunity to help the public."

Two juniors at Le Roy HS chosen as Empire Girls State reps by Botts Fiorito AL post

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Botts Fiorito Post 576 in Le Roy announces Empire Girls State program representatives. The auxiliary is honored to have Ava Horgan, pictured left, representing Unit 576 and Samantha Call representing Genesee County.

American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State program will be held July 1- 7 at The College of Brockport in Brockport.

Empire Girls State is a hands-on weeklong educational workshop, focusing on Americanism and the political process, sponsored by the New York State American Legion Auxiliary. The goal of the program is to help students to better understand democratic ideals and the part individuals play in carrying out these ideals.

Ava is a member of Botts Fiorito Post 576 and a junior at Le Roy High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council vice president, also an attorney for the Mock Trial Team. She is the daughter of Dan and Sarah Horgan, of Le Roy.

Samantha is also a junior at Le Roy High School. She is a member of the Honor Society, French Club and enjoys playing hockey, dance, and musicials. "Sam" is the daughter of Stephanie and James Call, of Stafford.

Law and Order: Woman accused of stealing more than $23K from employer in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens
      Lisa Sinclair

Lisa Marie Sinclair, 43, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with forgery, 2nd, and grand larceny, 3rd. Sinclair, employed by a company in Stafford, allegedly falsified checks on her employer's bank account, enabling her to steal more than $23,000. She was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Philip David Amedio, 18, of Hartland Road, Gasport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Amedio was charged following an investigation by Deputy Matthew Bailey of an accident on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, at 3:18 a.m. Wednesday.

 

Wyoming County Drug Task Force nabs suspected dealers from Batavia and Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens
      Lance Mercado
     Mitchell Freeman

Among the 11 people arrested on drug sales charges over the past few weeks in Wyoming County were two Genesee County residents, according to arrest reports released today by the Wyoming County Drug Task Force.

Mitchell Freeman, 29, of Quinlan Road, Le Roy, was arrested Feb. 17, and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 4th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Freeman is accused of selling buprenorphine in the Village of Attica in the fall. He was ordered held in the Wyoming County Jail.

Lance Mercado, 27, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 4th, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Mercado is accused of selling buprenorphine on two occasions in the fall in the Village of Attica. He was arrested Feb. 1 and jailed on $25,000 bail.

Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory J. Rudolph said the task for continues to seek several other suspects on drug indictment warrants and that his office will continue to do its part to help fight the current drug epidemic.

“The Wyoming County Drug Task Force continues to diligently investigate in the enforcement piece of this drug epidemic," Rudolph said in a press release. "Enforcement will not combat addictions and intense treatment is needed to tackle that difficulty, however, we as a law enforcement community are all committed to investigating and arresting drug dealers who prey and profit from those addictions.

"It is also our hope that taking drug dealers off the street contributes to the prevention piece of this epidemic, particularly with our youth. Stemming the opioid crisis is a multi-prong approach and the Wyoming County Drug Task Force is resolved in doing our part.”

Cows need time to adjust to daylight savings time

By Howard B. Owens

Press release from American Dairy Association North East:

Do you have trouble adjusting to daylight saving time? If you do, then you aren’t alone. Dairy cows do, too.

“Like many of us, cows are creatures of habit,” said Natasha Stein Sutherland, dairy farmer and owner of Stein Farms in Le Roy. “That first week after the time changes takes a little adjustment for everyone on the farm – cows and farmers alike.”

To ease the transition, some farmers will make gradual adjustments to the cow’s schedules – shifting milking times in 30-minute increments over two days. Others find it’s just as easy to make the switch all at once.

“It really depends on the individual farm and their management practices,” said Stein Sutherland. “There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dairy farming. But, keeping cows comfortable and content is something we all practice every day.”

According to Stein Sutherland, research shows that more light helps cows produce more milk and ideally, cows should have 16 to 18 hours of daylight each day. Farmers use a variety of practices – including lights on timers – to ensure cows have the light they need.

This year marks the 44th year when clocks are set forward one hour. President Nixon signed into law the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act in 1974. The extra hour of daylight will last until Nov. 4.

Photo submitted by Stein Farms.

Grand Jury Report: Man accused of seriously injuring another person in assault

By Howard B. Owens

Joseph J. Cavico is indicted on counts of assault in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, and menacing in the second degree. Cavico is accused of causing serious physical injury to another person by means of the use of a deadly weapon in the Town of Le Roy on Dec. 15. Cavico is accused of possessing a .357 magnum handgun with the serial number obliterated. He is accused of placing another person in reasonable fear of death or serious physical injury by displaying a deadly weapon in a menacing manner.

Joshua J. Bush is indicted on a count of rape in the first degree and two counts of rape in the third degree. Bush is accused of compelling a person to have sex Oct. 4 at a location in the Town of Bergen. He is accused of sex and oral sex with a person without that person's consent. 

Cindy M. Auberger is indicted on a count of felony DWI. Auberger is accused of driving drunk Oct. 29 in the Town of Bergen. Auberger has a prior DWI conviction in 2009.

Le Roy student accused of threatening others at school

By Howard B. Owens

A 16-year-old Le Roy HS student has been charged with making terroristic threats following an incident at the school yesterday where the student threatened to shoot people.

The youth was jailed on $10,000 bail

The Sheriff's Office received a call at 3:15 p.m. yesterday after school officials reported a student had made the threats.

An investigation revealed the male student who was charged was involved in a confrontation with several other students in a hallway and allegedly made the threat during the confrontation.

No weapons were displayed and no weapons were located.

There were no injuries.

The charge is a Class D felony.

From the press release:

The Sheriff's Office commends the school's administration and staff for their quick notification and assistance during the investigation and reminds citizens that we have a 'no tolerance policy' for any violence or threats of violence directed at anyone in or about school.

Le Roy HS presents 'The Little Mermaid' for three performances starting tonight

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy High School presents three performances of "The Little Mermaid" starting tonight.

The current goes up at 6 o'clock and tickets are $10 at the door or available online (click here).

There are also performances at 6 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday.

Yesterday, the cast and crew of 115 students performed twice for students in grades 7 through 12, and grades 1 through 6.

"We hope you will join us in celebrating our amazing hometown talent and enjoy a night of great laughs and fun," said Le Roy Principal Tim McArdle. "This show is going to be so spectacular and, as always, the Pat Patton backdrops take this show to the next level."

Photos by Don Dessert, except bottom photo, by Tim McArdle.

Law and Order: Woman accused of driving drunk with three children in vehicle

By Howard B. Owens

Amy M. Page, 32, of North Road, Scottsville, is charged with felony DWI and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Page was stopped by Le Roy PD on March 4 after a caller, who followed a vehicle on Route 5 from Stafford, reported a vehicle almost hit two vehicles, drove in the wrong lane and went off the road numerous times. Page is accused of driving with a BAC of .18 or greater with three children in the vehicle. She was jailed on $2,500 bail and issued a full stay away order of protection for the children.

Jeffrey Ellinwood, 58, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI and other traffic offenses. Ellinwood was stopped Feb. 26 in the Village of Le Roy by Le Roy PD. He is accused of driving with BAC of .18 or greater.

Danielle Derenzo, 53, of Hartshorn Road, Corfu, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, suspended registration, and driving without insurance. Derenzo was stopped Feb. 27 in the Village of Le Roy by Le Roy PD.

Chad Giesler, 34, of Barks Road, Caledonia, is charged with DWI, and other traffic offenses. Giesler was stopped March 1 in the Village of Le Roy by Le Roy PD.

Phoenix Webb, 18, of County Route 37, Central Square, is charged with misdemeanor criminal possession of marijuana, 4th. During a traffic stop in the the Village of Le Roy on March 3 a police officer smelled the odor of burnt marijuana. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, Webb was found in possession of more than two ounces of marijuana. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Felix Cabreralopez, 65, of Emerson Street, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and uninspected vehicle. Cabreralopez was stopped at 8:51 p.m. Tuesday on South Lake Avenue, Bergen, by Deputy James Stack. He allegedly had his privileges revoked or suspended 10 times on 10 different dates. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Danielle Renee Tooley, 33, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with bail jumping, 3rd. Tooley is accused of missing a scheduled court appearance.

Travis Tritt, Quite Riot, Blackjack Billly, among top acts headlining The Ridge in 2018

By Howard B. Owens

The Ridge NY (Frostridge) has announced its 2018 concert lineup, which includes a return of Blackjack Billy (file photo), along with the American Warrior Concert, Quiet Riot, Little River Band, the Outlaws and Travis Tritt to close out the season.

Friday and Saturday, June 1st and 2nd
- American Warrior Concert (A benefit for WNY Heroes, a veterans' organization)
  2 Days, 30 Bands, Vendors of all kinds, Amazing Food, Great Cause.

Friday, June 15th
- JASON MICHAEL CARROLL w/ special guest Rebels Posse

Saturday, June 16th
- RODNEY ATKINS w/ special guests Steven Cali and Branded

Friday, July 27th
- QUIET RIOT w/ special guests Savage Cabbage and

Saturday, July 28th
- LITTLE RIVER BAND w/ special guests The Coupe' De Villes and Boneshakers Blues Band

Friday, Aug. 3rd
- BLACKJACK BILLY w/ special guest Gunner and The Grizzly Boys

Saturday, Aug. 4th
- THE OUTLAWS w/ special guest Bishop Gunn

Friday, Aug. 24th
- Zac Brown Tribute Band

Saturday, Aug. 25th
- TRAVIS TRITT with special guests James Wesley and Savannah Harmon

For concert and camping information, visit theridgeny.com

A legacy rekindled, a history preserved at Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn

By Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

In July 2017, we welcomed a new business to Genesee County – but its building has history dating back to the 1820s. On Main Street in Le Roy sits the beautiful Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn.

Walk in the front doors and you’ll find yourself in a cozy downstairs tavern and restaurant. Journey upstairs, and you’ll be blown away by the stunning gathering spaces and overnight accommodations. And no matter where you step, you’ll be able to see the view of the Oatka Creek bed – stunning in both the summer and winter months.

With so much beauty and finery, you’d never know that Farmer’s Creekside has a rich and tragic history. The building was constructed in the 1820s and was one of Main Street, Le Roy’s first locations. Over the years, the building served as a hat factory, a bank office, and several private residences. But in 2004, a fire nearly claimed the building for good, destroying almost all of the structure and interior.

Restoring this building and opening Creekside has truly been a labor of love for owner Bill Farmer. He acquired the building in 2007 and is welcoming visitors to enjoy the space – 10 years later.

Now that the wait is over, it’s time to make your reservation. Executive Chef Sean Wolf offers a tavern menu with sandwiches, salads and snacks, and a more upscale dinner menu featuring modern expressions of classic tavern fare. You’re bound to find something to make your mouth water. And with a well-stocked bar featuring 18 beers on tap and a selection of regional and global wines, there are plenty of drink options to complement your meal.

Once you’ve filled your belly, check out the view – or check into one of three brand new suites. Each one is decorated differently and features a modern yet timeless design that perfectly blends into the building’s brick walls, black Marcellus shale, and original wood beams.

On occasion, Farmer’s Creekside will host special events that are open to the public. They also offer space for private events and gatherings with advance reservation.

Support Genesee County’s newest offering! Farmer’s is open for lunch and dinner, Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. The Bar is open for extended hours in the evenings, and overnights can be booked year-round.

Learn more about Farmer’s Creekside and their story at: http://www.farmerscreekside.com/. Or visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more about Genesee County's unique attractions and local offerings.

Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge class attended by 37 local volunteer firefighters

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The second Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge (L.A.C.K.) class of 2018 was attended by 37 Genesee County volunteer firefighters.

The L.A.C.K. program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center on Feb. 15 was a four-hour program providing  an opportunity for fire officers, training officers and chief offers to improve their personal and organizational skill set.

Ongoing eduction and training of our first responders is essention for awareness, prevention and safe and effective response.

Visit the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management FACEBOOK or department Web page for future training opportunities.

February L.A.C.K. participants in Genesee County included: 

ALABAMA FIRE DEPARTMENT 

Richard Brunea                 

Sidney N. Eick

Aron J. Kehlenbeck                 

Ryan Thompson                 

Todd M. Thompson                 

BATAVIA, TOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott T. Maloy                 

BERGEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott R. Mayne                 

BETHANY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Jeff R. Fluker

Christopher M. Page

Jeff Pietrzykowski

BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Justin T. Baxter                 

Robert A. Mruczek

CORFU VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Gregory S. Lang                    

Matthew R. Lenhard

Rob G. McNally

Daniel P. Smith

DARIEN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Joe T. Marino                 

David W. McGreevy                 

Timothy E. McGreevy                 

EAST PEMBROKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lloyd J. Casselbury                    

Destin G. Danser                 

James R. Gayton                    

Paul J. Kirsch                 

Donald E. Newton Jr.                    

Jocyelyn Perry                    

Julie Waldron                    

David A. Winters            

ELBA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Kevin W. Dart                    

Nicholas J. Esten                    

Leonard  Peterson                    

Caitlin E. Zipfel                  

INDIAN FALLS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Edwin F. Mileham Jr.                  

LE ROY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Timothy L. Hogle                          

PAVILION VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dewey A. Murrock

Donald A. Roblee                          

SOUTH BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dean L. Bates                  

Scott A. Blossom

Vehicle on fire in cornfield off Lake Street Road, Selden Road, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A caller reports that he wasn't in an accident, but his car is on fire and it's in a cornfield off of Lake Street Road and Selden Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire dispatched. A chief request the first engine out be the brush truck.

UPDATE 7:07 p.m.: Because of the distance off the road, more brush trucks requested to the scene. It is a working fire. Pavilion, Bergen and Stafford all requested to the scene.

Hope Center of Le Roy opens with multiple programs for the community

By Howard B. Owens

It's the vision of Rev. Henry Moore and the team at the Hope Center of Le Roy that the new ministry 42 Main St. will provide the community with a place of hope and help.

"We just want to show God's love through all of us and everything that we're doing," Moore said. "That's a lot of what we're based on, the fact of God's love and things will take shape from there."

The Hope Center, which is still just barely furnished, offers several programs for the community already.

There is L.I.F.T., which stands for Ladies in Faith Together. It's a program for single moms, where single moms can meet and support each other, share a meal, and grow in faith together.

The King's Table provides support for caregivers of children with special needs. 

"A couple of ladies who have special needs children took it upon themselves to start the program," Moore said. "Since then they've begun to bring families in and it gives them an opportunity to just meet together."

Fresh Start Literacy is a program for children to get extra help with reading.

"We really feel like this is going to be a powerful one because so many families have children who struggle to read," Moore said. "It's tough in a school atmosphere to get one-on-one help. We're willing to offer that."

Moms United in Prayer is a chance for women to pray together on a regular basis for children and schools.

Annually, the center offers Go Pro Spa Day and the Prom Dress Give Away.

Planned programs include Celebrate Recovery, a disaster relief program, children and teens programs and a New Life Clothing Center.

Much of Moore's ministry is based on the work, including the Prom Dress Give Away, he was doing with the Living Waters Church.

The Hope Center is now a separate nonprofit, and Moore is seeking donation and community support. The Hope Center has also started a building fund with the hope of eventually owning its own building.

"What we really want to do is get the community involved get all the churches to come together," Moore said. "I mean, no one person has a vision to make everything happen. One of the things we found was that someone has a vision and they don't know how to make it happen. We want to help that."

The rest of the leadership team includes Donna Friedman, Pat Bedford and Amy Bolton.

The motto of the Hope Center is that "hope is more than a wish. It is a confident expectation."

Moore said it's his goal to see the new ministry provide that kind of confident expectation to the Le Roy community.

Le Roy resident promoted at Tompkins

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Tompkins Insurance Agencies announces Kevin Robertson has been promoted to assistant vice president, personal lines supervisor. Robertson is responsible for overseeing personal lines account managers throughout the entire Western New York region. He has been with Tompkins Insurance for six years. Robertson holds his New York State Insurance Brokers License for property and casualty, in addition to a master’s degree from SUNY Brockport. Robertson currently resides in the Village of LeRoy.

A dozen local students named to SUNY Geneseo's fall 2017 dean's list

By Billie Owens

The State University of New York at Geneseo has announced its Dean's List for the fall semester 2017. To be on the list, a student must have achieved at least a 3.5 grade-point average while taking a minimum of 12 credit hours.

SUNY Geneseo is a premiere public liberal arts college dedicated to developing socially responsible citizens with skills and values for a productive life.

Dean's List -- Fall Semester 2017 at SUNY Geneseo:

Madison Rodgers from Pavilion, NY (14525)

Daniel Hayes from Le Roy, NY (14482)

Mika Swanson from Le Roy, NY (14482)

Analiese Vasciannie from Le Roy, NY (14482)

Ashley Montgomery from Bergen, NY (14416)

Emily McCracken from Oakfield, NY (14125)

Alison Reiner from Corfu, NY (14036)

Thomas Grammatico from Batavia, NY (14020)

Madison McCulley from Batavia, NY (14020)

Mica Pitcher from Batavia, NY (14020)

Adam Weaver from Batavia, NY (14020)

Emmeline Vacanti from Alexander, NY (14005)

Le Roy, Pembroke, Elba advance in first round of basketball playoffs

By Howard B. Owens

In boys basketball, Le Roy beat Rochester Early College 54-34 on Tuesday to advance in the first round of Section V's Class C1 playoffs.

Canyon Roster scored 21 points, nabbed four rebounds, had three assists, and two steals. Cole Biggins scored 11 points and had six rebounds. Reece Tresco scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds.  For Early College, Jahkier Moore scored 12 points and had 15 rebounds.

Also on Tuesday:

  • Pembroke, Class C1, moved to 21-0 on the season, beating Holley 59-37;
  • Also in C1, Avon beat Byron-Bergen, 66-43;
  • Geneseo beat Oakfield-Alabama, Class 2, 55-47;
  • Elba beat Friendship in Class D1, 59-23.

In girls basketball, Pavilion beat HAC 48-37.

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