Le Roy

An apparent serious injury accident is reported in the area of 8251 W. Bergen Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire and Pavilion fire dispatched.

Traffic is shut down between Randall Road and Selden Road.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 5:01 p.m.: A Mercy medic unit that was also dispatched to the scene is put back in service.

UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: Two vehicles are involved and two tows are requested to the scene.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: The road is reopened.

UPDATE 6:11 p.m.: Troopers responded to a two-vehicle accident on West Bergen Road in the Town of Le Roy. Preliminary investigation reveals that a Chevy Monte Carlo traveling northbound lost control and crossed into the southbound lane, and was T-boned by a Ford pickup truck. After extrication, the Monte Carlo operator was taken via ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital in critical condition. The driver and a passenger in the pickup truck, which was not heavily damaged, were taken to UMMC in Batavia for evaluation. The investigation is still pending. -- From NYS Police Troop A in Batavia, Public Information Officer James O'Callahan, courtesy of Alecia Kaus, Video News Service.

Photos courtesy of Alecia Kaus, Video News Service.

Chris Merica, of Le Roy, shot this nine-pointer on the first day of the bowhunting season. His girlfriend, Jenna Read, who shared this photo, said, "He practiced so hard all summer for this exact deer! He’s been waiting quite some time for his trophy buck. I just wanted to give him a little shout-out, he earned this!"

A car vs. deer accident with injuries is reported in Le Roy on Lake Street (Route 19) in the area of North Road. The vehicle involved is a black Chervolet Equinox. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 7:02 a.m.: A first responder says the accident is just north of the intersection of Lake Street and North Road, and that there was air bag deployment.

UPDATE 7:05 a.m.: Injuries are minor. Fluids are leaking from the vehicle.

UPDATE 7:14 a.m.: Law enforcement is en route.

UPDATE 7:22 a.m.: Le Roy fire is back in service.

From Martha Bailey:

The Women of the Moose in Le Roy, held their pig roast and chicken BBQ event in August. The proceeds were used to buy new outerwear for K-6 students at Le Roy's Wolcott Street School. The items were delivered Wednesday.

The Women of the Moose are proud to make a difference and help our children. We would like to extend our thanks to the community for coming out and supporting our event. Due to COVID-19, it was a drive-thru event, but we made the best of it.

We would also like to recognize the Men of the Moose for their help and support as well.

The outerwear will be distributed to those in need by the school counselors and nurse. If a family is struggling and could use some help with winter wear, they should contact the school.

Photo, from left, Catherine Campbell, Martha Bailey, Wolcott Street School Assistant Principal Jamie Clark, and Shelly Nichols.

Photo courtesy of Martha Bailey.

Press release:

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, residents of the Le Roy Central School District will be asked to participate in a capital project referendum. Two separate capital project propositions will be offered on the ballot for their consideration and vote.

Proposition 1 consists of district-wide building and site improvements focused on safety, asset preservation, and academic program enhancements. Critical needs addressed in this part of the project include exterior building reconstruction, such as masonry repointing, window replacements, roof replacements at the Wolcott Street School, and the Jr.-Sr. High School, and reconstruction of the deteriorating parapet at the Wolcott Street School.

Water accumulation in the Wolcott Street School boiler room and at the Lapp Building would also be addressed, as well as age-related deterioration to various stairways and entryways at both schools. Window film would be applied at both school buildings to enhance student safety and security.

Program enhancements would include gymnasium refinishing and locker room improvements at the Wolcott Street School, plus improvements to the existing soccer field at the Jr.-Sr. High School, including a multipurpose playing surface, lighting, and new bleachers. Both schools would also receive auditorium house lighting upgrades, plus theatrical lighting improvements at the High School.

Proposition 2, which is contingent on approval of the first proposition, incorporates additional improvements to our physical education and athletic programs. A multipurpose playing surface would be added inside the existing track at the Jr.-Sr. High School, along with new stadium field lighting and a pedestrian path leading from the school to the field. This work would put the final touches on our stadium.

Both propositions put forth in this proposed project represent an important continuation of the facilities planning initiatives we began with the R.I.T.E. project.

We encourage you to learn more about the project propositions at the public information meeting on Oct. 14 and to cast your vote on Oct. 28.

The public information meeting on Oct. 14 is in the Jr-Sr High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. and the referendum vote is from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 28 at Wolcott Street School.

Download: Information sheet (pdf).

NOTE: The referendum was originally scheduled to go before voters in May. The video was made for the school district before the coronavirus pandemic struck.

Akeem R. Gibson is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 29 in the City of Batavia that Gibson possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with intent to sell it. In count two, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged in count two that on that day he knowingly possessed one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances with an aggregate weight of 1/8th ounce or more. In count three, Gibson is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on that day Gibson drove a 2005 Chrysler on Ellicott Street while his driver's license was suspended by authorities.

Stephen M. Esposito is indicted for the crime of aggravated vehicular assault, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 7 on Route 98 in the Town of Batavia that Esposito engaged in reckless driving and caused serious physical injury to another person. He is accused of driving a 1999 Ford F250 Supercab truck while his ability to do so was impaired by use of a drug and that he operated the vehicle in a manner that caused serious physical injury to a person. In count two, he is accused of driving while ability impaired by drugs, a Class E felony, for driving that day while his ability to do so was impaired by drugs. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Esposito is accused of having been convicted of the crime of driving while ability impaired by drugs on March 10, 2016 in Town of Stafford Court and that conviction is within 10 years of crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Patrick O. Spikes is indicted for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 24 that Spikes knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a building in the first block of Porter Avenue in the City of Batavia with intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that on that day he violated of an order of protection, that he acted with intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm the protected person, and subjected that person to physical contact or threatened to do so. In count three, Spikes is accused of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on that day, he applied pressure to the throat or neck of the protected person with the intent to impede normal breathing or blood circulation.

Edward C. Simmons is indicted for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 16, 2019, that Simmons knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime. The building was a dwelling in the 2600 block of East Shelby Road in the Town of Oakfield.

Kyle A. Scheuerlein is indicted for the crime of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on March 8 in the City of Batavia, Scheuerlein impeded the breathing or blood circulation of another person by applying pressure on that person's throat or neck. In count two, he is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that on that day, with intent to cause physical injury to a person, that he cause such injury with a dustpan with a long handle. In count three, he is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count three that on that day he possessed a dangerous instrument -- a dustpan with long handle -- with intent to use it unlawfully against another person. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Scheuerlein is accused of having been convicted in in the Circuit Court of the 18th Judicial District, in Du Page County, Ill.: of: (1.) theft of stolen property with intent to deprive, a Class A misdemeanor, Aug. 2, 2011; (2.) theft -- unauthorized control with intent not exceeding $300, a Class A misdemeanor, Aug. 2, 2011; (3.) burglary, a Class 2 felony, on Aug. 2, 2011; (4.) retail theft, possessing displayed merchandise not exceeding $300, a Class A misdemeanor, Feb. 10, 2012; (5.) theft -- unauthorized control with intent to benefit between $500 and $10,000, a Class 3 felony, Feb. 10, 2012; (6.) consumption of alcohol by any person under age 21, a Class A misdemeanor, Feb. 17, 2012; (7.) retail theft -- possession of displayed merchandise, a Class A misdemeanor, June 25, 2013; (8.) retail theft -- possession of displayed merchandise not exceeding $300, a Class A misdemeanor, on June 25, 2013. These convictions form the basis for count three in the current indictment.

Eric J. McGill is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count one that on Nov. 5 in the area of Hutchins Place in the City of Batavia that McGill possessed a dangerous instrument -- a bat, with intent to use it unlawfully against a person. In count two, McGill is accused of second-degree menacing, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on that date he intentionally placed or attempted to place another person in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by displaying a dangerous instrument -- a bat. In count three, McGill is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. In count three, it is alleged that on April 12 in the same area, he possessed a billy (an expandable baton). In count four, he is accused of the same crime as in count one, for allegedly possessing an electronic stun gun April 12 in the same area. In count five, he is accused of the same crime as count one, for allegedly possessing a billy on May 2 in the same area. In count six, McGill is accused of the same crime as in count one, for allegedly possession a billy in the same area on June 18. In count seven, the defendant is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class D felony, for allegedly possessing a billy on June 18, with intent to use it against another person. In count eight, McGill is accused of the same crime as in count one, for allegedly possessing an electronic stun gun June 18 in the same area. In count nine, McGill is accused of a second count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, for allegedly possessing an electronic stun gun June 18 in the same area with intent to use it against a person unlawfully. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, McGill is accused of having been convicted: on Nov. 10, 2008, in Orleans County Court of attempted making a terroristic threat, a Class E felony; on Sept. 7, 2017, in Town of Shelby Court, of third-degree menacing, a Class B misdemeanor; and on June 13, 2018, in Town of Albion Court, of attempted petit larceny, a Class B misdemeanor. The convictions form the basis for all counts in the current indictment except count two.

Laura Vazquez Coronado is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class D felony. It is alleged that on May 13 in the Town of Byron that Coronado drove a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt on Griswold Road while she was intoxicated. In count two, Coronado is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class D felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In count three, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony, for allegedly knowing at the time that her driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities and she was driving while allegedly under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Coronado is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on July 25, 2018 in Town of Elba Court, and of the same crime Nov. 28, 2018 in Town of Elba Court. The convictions form the basis for count three of the current indictment.

Samantha G. Reff is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while ability impaired by drugs, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 3 on Route 5 and Kelsey Road in the Town of Batavia that Reff drove a 2006 black Pontiac Torrent while her ability to do so was impaired by use of a drug and that she did so while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, Reff is accused of aggravated driving while her ability was impaired by drugs, a Class E felony, and while a second child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count three, Reff is accused of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class a misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17. In count four, she is accused of the same crime as in count three because a second child less than 17 was involved. In count five, Reff is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly possessing buprenorphine and naloxone. In count six, she is accused of the same crime as in count six for allegedly knowingly possessing alprazolam.

Derrick R. Kio is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 21 in the Village of Le Roy that Kio intentionally disobeyed or resisted a stay away order of protection. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree, an unclassified misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on that day Kio operated a vehicle in the Village of Le Roy while his driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities. It is further alleged that at the time, he had three or more suspensions imposed on three separate dates for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Kio is accused of having been convicted of second-degree criminal contempt, a Class A misdemeanor, on Dec. 19 and that conviction was within five years of the crime alleged in the current indictment.

John M. Tullar is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 3 in the Town of Bergen that Tullar operated a 2010 Ford on Route 33 while he was intoxicated. In count two, Tullar is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Tullar is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on Nov. 23, 2010 in the Town of Ogden Court, Monroe County, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Andrew Theodore Pape, 31, of Chili Riga Road, Churchville, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; operation of a motor vehicle with suspended registration; refusal to take a breath test; unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree; and moving from lane unsafely. Pape was arrested at 9:49 pm. Sept. 18 on Jerico Road in Bergen following the investigation of a property damage accident that occurred at 9:10 p.m. He was issued appearance tickets for Nov. 4 in Bergen Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Jacob William Cobti, 18, of Burdick Road, Akron, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by alcohol; refusal to take a breath test; and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. On. Sept. 20 at 7:54 a.m., Cobti was arrested after an investigation of a disabled vehicle on Alleghany Road in Pembroke. He was issued traffic tickets and released. He is due in Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

David Gerard Sankel, 68, of Spencerport Road, Spencerport, is charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test. He was arrested at 12:55 a.m. on Sept. 19 on South Lake Road in Le Roy after an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Sankel was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Le Roy Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

A group of area residents came together Saturday night to hold a vigil in Le Roy in memory of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away Friday at age 87.

Ginsburg was appointed to the court in 1993 following an already distinguished legal career as an advocate for equal rights for women.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Photo: Miss Anne Marie Peca's third-grade class at Wolcott Street School in 1972.

It was September 1972 and I was about to begin my first year of teaching at Wolcott Street School in LeRoy. My whole life I had wanted to be a teacher but to be able to teach where my mother grew up and where my grandmother still lived made it all the more exciting and memorable.

I have so many memories from that first year. My first week at Wolcott Street School I was in the workroom making dittos (mimeograph copies) by hand when a teacher who I think taught my mother came in and yelled at me and said students are not allowed to use the machine and ordered me back into the high school building.

I will always remember my very first class, of third-graders, and the many rules I broke. I didn’t realize you needed permission to take your class for a walk or you shouldn’t adjust the thermostat in your classroom to 90 degrees to teach the children about what it’s like to live in a desert. My thermostat regulated the heat for the entire second floor.

That year we did the play "Mary Poppins" on the big stage (above is a "ditto" of the program).

I do have so many treasured memories of being a teacher in LeRoy but I also have so many memories living in LeRoy.

One highlight was visiting my grandmother who lived at 25 South St. I loved going to mass with her at Saint Joseph’s Church and visiting Saint Francis Cemetery. We would water all the flowers on the graves of our relatives and it seemed like it was half the cemetery.

Later on, when I was a teacher in LeRoy I learned to appreciate the beauty of the village.

In 1974 I was married and we moved to LeRoy and lived at 15 Lake St. in Mr. Miceli’s upstairs apartment. It was a beautiful two-bedroom apartment with a living room, kitchen and a storage room. The rent was $100 a month and that included utilities.

I always enjoyed walking to school to teach because walking down Main Street was so beautiful, plus we only had one car. I would walk past the village hall and I would wave to Mrs. Fernaays, who I always thought was the mayor of LeRoy.

After school on my way home I would stop at the LeRoy Drugstore to pick up a prescription or a card. My next stop was Peck’s Meat Market to buy two pork chops or a half pound of ground beef. On Saturday, our date night we would walk to the LeRoy Theater and watch a 50-cent movie and then stroll home.

I do remember one thing that took getting used to was a very loud siren that would go off if there was a fire. We lived very close to the village hall and the first time we heard the siren go off, we jumped out of bed and thought we were being attacked.

I will always treasure my time in LeRoy, not just the beautiful village, but the wonderful friends I made, and the outstanding teachers I had the privilege to work with. I was also able to create treasured memories with my beautiful grandmother, Jennie Bellow.

Now when I visit St. Francis’s Cemetery it is to visit my grandparents, aunt, uncle and baby sister’s gravestones. As I sit there I remember that little girl running all around the cemetery watering flowers with her grandmother.

The Village of LeRoy is as beautiful today as it was when we lived there in the '70s.

My memories can’t compare to someone who is a true LeRoyan but I want to thank all of you for letting me be one for a few years!

Images courtesy of Anne Marie Starowitz.

From Anna Sorensen:

I am organizing a Ruth Bader Ginsburg candlelight vigil tonight at 8 o'clock at Le Roy Village Hall, located at 3 W. Main St. We will be meeting by the women's suffrage post.

Wear black, wear a mask, and bring a candle. Parking may be an issue. Please consider walking if possible!

Photos taken this evening in Le Roy.

The Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576 this evening honored those who were captured and never returned or lost in war as part of POW/MIA Recognition Day with an empty chair ceremony at their post in Le Roy.

Jennifer D. Abrams, 29, of Locust Street, Rochester, and Tarus O. Fluitt, 47, of Rochester (address not provided), are both charged with: third-degree burglary, a felony; second-degree criminal mischief, a felony; third-degree attempted burglary, a felony; third-degree criminal mischief, a felony; and two counts each of fifth-degree conspiracy, a misdemeanor. In addition, Fluitt only is also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a misdemeanor. At 2:12 a.m. on Sept. 16, two suspected allegedly attempted to gain entry to the Kwik Fill gas station at 7010 W. Main Street Road, Le Roy, by throwing large rocks through the glass front door. The suspects then fled the scene after not being able to make entry. At 2:27 p.m., the same two suspects allegedly made entry to the Crosby's gas station at 5267 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, by throwing a large paver stone through the front glass door. The suspects entered the store and were allegedly in the process of stealing about $3,500 worth of cigarettes, when a Genesee County Sheriff's Office patrol arrived to check on the business, and they confronted the two suspects inside the store. The suspects fled out an alternate entrance, and went into a wooded area behind the store. They were apprehended a short time later. It is alleged they caused more than $1,500 in damage while inside the store. They were arraigned in Genesee County Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. Fluitt remains in custody and is awaiting arraignment. The Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate this incident as well as similar incidents that have occurred in recents weeks. The case was investigated by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, Deputy David Moore, Deputy Ryan Young, Deputy Jordan Alejandro, Investigator Christopher Parker, and Chief Deputy Joseph Graff. They were assisted by members of the NYS Polive Department, Batavia Police Department, Le Roy Police Department, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and other members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Kyle Allen Hawley, 30, of Chili Riga Road, Churchville, is charged with: second-degree burglary; criminal mischief -- intentionally damaging property; and criminal tampering in the third degree. On Sept. 15, members of the Genesee County Probation Department took Hawley into custody on an active, outstanding bench warrant out of Genesee County Court. It stems from an incident reported at 9 p.m. April 20 on South Lake Avenue in Bergen. Hawley was arraigned in county court at 3:05 p.m. and put in jail without bail. Hawley also had an arrest warrant out of Bergen Town Court and he was arrested on that warrant and released on his own recognizance. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen.

From Jerry Diskin:

Commander David Rumsey announces that at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18th, there will be a brief ceremony for POW/MIA Recognition Day at the memorial park outside the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576, located at 53 W. Main St. Village of Le Roy.

What is National POW/MIA Recognition Day?

The United States’ National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. Many Americans take the time to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those who are missing in action (MIA), as well as their families.

The event will begin at 6 o'clock sharp! with a brief ceremony, presenting the “POW/MIA” Missing Man table ceremony, followed by a salute from the Color Guard and Firing Squad.

All are welcome to attend. "For God and Country..." 

Le Roy Principal Tim McArdle produced this video.

The Farmer Family released the following statement yesterday about their decision to close the L.B. Grand Restaurant in Le Roy.

To our patrons and community members,

After significant and careful consideration, it is with a heavy heart that we share with you we have made the decision to permanently close the L.B. Grand Steak and Spaghetti House restaurant.

This determination was not made lightly, and only after considerable review of all options. Despite our best efforts to succeed, over the past few months it has become increasingly apparent that keeping our doors open is no longer possible.

The factors that led to this decision are primarily a consequence of the pandemic including the resulting required closure and subsequent restrictions on indoor dining. With no available outdoor seating, a current mandated capacity of only 50% indoors, and the rising cost of food due to supply chain interruption, it is not feasible for us to continue operations.

We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to our wonderful staff for their years of service. A special thanks is in order for their truly exceptional resilience and patience over the last few months in handling continually changing regulations and procedures due to the pandemic. We sincerely appreciate their hard work and dedication.

In addition, we would like to thank the Piazza Family for the opportunity to be a part of the L.B. Grand family and to serve our community. We remain fully committed to the town of Le Roy and are proud that we are able to continue to provide service in other capacities.

Sincerely,
The Farmer Family

Rochester and Southern Railroad is in the process of replacing a bridge abutment on Mill Street in Le Roy that was heavily damaged July 15 when a Waste Management garbage truck struck the bridge.

The truck was powered by compressed natural gas with the tanks on top of the truck. With the tanks, the truck stood 13' 6" tall. Unfortunately, the bridge clearance was only 12' 6". The gas tanks exploded on impact, causing a large crack in the foundation of the bridge.

A spokesman for R&S said crews still take at least another three weeks to replace the abutment but with the work, the bridge will be ready to "meet the next century."

Rail service is not affected by the repair. there are temporary structural supports under the bridge during the project.

Mill Street is closed to thru traffic during the repairs.

For 34 years, Myrtle Burrell dedicated herself to keeping the children of Le Roy safe as they crossed Main Street at Wolcott. In honor of the crossing guard, who passed away in July at 92 years of age, a bench was dedicated to her today at the intersection.

Along with community members and local leaders, Burrell's family was on hand for the dedication.

Pictured above, from left, are Jim Burrell, Brendan Burrell, Michael Burrell, Danielle Grzymala, Gregg Burrell, Evan Grzymala, Greg Grzymala, Matt Burrell and Corlin Burrell.