Le Roy

Kiha Samuel McNear, 19, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct, obstruction of governmental administration, and resisting arrest.On May 27, Batavia PD responded to an address on Jackson Street for a reported disturbance. While on location, police allegedly observed McNear acting in a "violent and tumultuous way." McNear was taken into custody after a brief physical altercation. The defendant was arraigned and jailed on $1,000 cash or bond. McNear is due back in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Michael Bryan German, 34, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18 percent or higher, and moving from lane unsafely. At about 1 a.m. on May 27, Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young was traveling east on Route 5 in the City of Batavia when a Ford pickup truck allegedly moved from its lane unsafely, almost striking Deputy Young's vehicle. Deputy Young initiated a traffic stop on the pickup truck. After a brief investigation of the driver, German was taken into custody and charged as noted. German was issued appearance tickets and released. The defendant is due in City Court on June 21 to answer the charges.

Darazian "Willie Paul" Williams, 23, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree and failure to keep right. At 7:29 p.m. on May 25 on Alexander Road, Alexander, Williams was arrested following a property damage accident. He allegedly possessed amphetamine pills at the time. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Alexander Court on June 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Chris Kaboingo Mukendi, 28, of Mill Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Mukendi was arrested at 7:29 p.m. on May 25 on Alexander Road in Alexander followinf a property damage accident. Mukendi allegedly possessed amphetamine pills at the time. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Alexander Court on June 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Alan P. Ellis, 36, of Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree -- violating a valid order of protection. Ellis allegedly sent text messages to a protected party on Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, in violation of a duly served order of protection out of Batavia City Court. He was subsequently arrested and jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Philip S. Pompey, 28, of Lark Street, Buffalo, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, 3rd. He was arrested May 27 on a warrant out of City Court and is due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Darryle Street.

Katrina L. Thigpen, 34, of Thrope Street, Batavia, is charged with offering to file a false instrument in the first degree and issuring a false financial statement with intent to defraud. Thigpen was arrested at her residence after she allegedly provided GC Probation Department with false NYS and Federal tax return information on May 15. She was issued an apearance ticket and released. She is due in Batavia City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Paul E. Tenney, 71, of East Morganville Road, Stafford, responded to Batavia Police Department Headquarters on his own accord after a bench warrant was issued. He was subsequently arrested for NYS Fire Code violations, which allegedly occured at 198 Ellicott St. at 1:30 p.m. on May 19. He is due in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

A 17-year-old who lives on Slocum Road, Perry, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Following a complaint on May 28 at 9:54 p.m. on Veterans Menmorial Drive, the defendant was arrested for allegedly possessing a small quantity of marijuana and issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on June 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Photos submitted by Rob Radley.

The Oatkan Knights won Le Roy's first Section V championship in baseball since 1988 with a 4-3, eight-inning victory last night over Geneseo.

Reece Tresco had the game-winning RBI on a double to right center with two outs in the top of the seventh inning. He scored Cody Fitzsimmons. 

Tim McMullen and Josh Laurie combined for the win on the mound

Knights go to 13-9 on the season and ill play C2 Champ Avon Tuesday at Dwyer Stadium. Game time, 4:30 p.m.

Photos and info submitted by Tim McArdle. 

This just in...just in time for summer...a caller reports that their porch furniture has been stolen. Le Roy PD is responding to the complaint on Wolcott Street.

At about 7 a.m., a car was reported off the road and into the woods on Route 490 in the Le Roy - Bergen area.

The original caller reportedly spoke to the driver, a female, who said, "I'm in a lot of trouble if law enforcement shows up."

Le Roy fire and Bergen fire responded. By the time the chiefs were scene, the driver had left the area.

The car is registered to a female in Hamburg, born in '37. 

The driver may be injured from a side-impact collision.

Dispatchers have checked with UMMC and Strong for any patients who have come in for emergency care and a deputy checked the service area near the location for the woman.

Hamburg PD is responding to the residence of the registered owner to see who might have been driving the car.

No description is available of the driver.

Fire units and ambulance went back in service at about 7:30 a.m. A tow truck is responding to retrieve the car.

Press release:

The Botts Fiorito American Legion Auxiliary 576 announces that the 2017 Poppy Girl is Ellison Williams, who is a third-grader at Wolcott Street School in Le Roy. She is the daughter of Dave and Mindy Williams, Granddaughter of Dave and Bee Hyde and Jim and Peggy Williams.

She comes to the Auxiliary from a long line of American Legion Members her Great Grandparents were  Hank and Mary Zimmerman. Ellison participates in dance and also enjoys drawing, playing basketball, volleyball and swimming.  

Ellison will be at Tops Market on Saturday with Poppies please stop by to meet her. Also, Poppies will be available at Tops Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m.

Press release:

We are thrilled to announce that Lowe’s has awarded the Le Roy Jr. /Sr. High School $3,500 in funding for our “Builders Club” project.

The grant was written as a collaboration between our instructional tech coach, Jen Bertrand, and our Technology Education teacher, Matt Kleehammer. The grant application was based on the goal of an authentic opportunity for our students to project plan, build, create, and connect with our school and surrounding community.

We look forward to sharing the “Builders Club” with the Le Roy community. We expect that this project will be up and running this September with students able to take real-time staff or community building requests and turn them into a reality.

Our school and community will greatly benefit from this grant. We wish to thank our friends at Lowe’s for generously supporting this important project! 

All K-12 public schools in the United States are eligible for the Toolbox for Education program. More information is available at www.ToolboxforEducation.com.

Nicole K. Sullivan is indicted for the crime of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that on June 10 in the Town of Stafford, Sullivan recklessly caused serious physical injury to a male victim by means of a motor vehicle. In count two, she is accused of the crime of endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physical disabled person in the first degree, a Class E felony. In count two, it is alleged that Sullivan knowingly acted in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a person who was unable to care for himself because of physical disability, mental disease or defect. In count three, Sullivan is accused of leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it, a Class E felony. In count three, Sullivan allegedly drove a motor vehicle and caused serious personal injury to a male victim and failed to stop, and when no police officer was in the vicinity of the place where injury occurred, she failed to report the incident as soon as physically able at the nearest police station.

Shannon M. McGill is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on July 30 in the Town of Stafford, McGill operated a 2013 Ford on Main Road while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, she is accused of driving while intoxicated per se, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that she had a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In count three, she is accused of second-degree vehicular assault, a Class E felony, for allegedly causing serious physical injury to a male victim as a result of driving while intoxicated. In count four, McGill is accused of second-degree vehicular assault, another Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of.08 percent higher at the time she caused serious physical injury to the victim.

Brandon S. Beil is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 18 in the Town of Le Roy, Beil operated a 2009 Chevy on Clay Street while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, Beil is accused of resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally preventing or attempting to prevent a law enforcement officer from making an authorized arrest.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Cole Road and East Bethany - Le Roy Road. One of the vehicles is in a ditch. Le Roy fire and Mercy medics are dispatched.

UPDATE 3:54 p.m.: Le Roy ambulance is dispatched and the Mercy rig is to proceed in non-emergency mode.

Customers of RTS will find it easier to get from Le Roy to shopping in Batavia, or from Batavia to neighboring counties, or from Batavia to Genesee Community College now that the transportation company has devised a new plan to help people get around better; it's based on an efficiency study RTS conducted.

• There are new connections between Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays;
• There are now 10 trips a day to and from Big Tree Glen, the new apartment development on West Main Street;
• Trips to and from GCC have been bumped up from five to six;
• There is one new trip to and from Le Roy, which is an afternoon route, and times have been changed for two other Le Roy trips (to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.).

The routes are also linked together more smoothly, so it's easier to change buses in a timely manner.

“Somebody coming in from Le Roy can go all the way to Tops, all the way to Walmart, all the way to Kmart," said Jamie Mott, regional manager for RTS for Genesee and Orleans. "With the current system, if you come in from Le Roy, you’re done at the City Centre and then you have to wait. Now it’s a little bit different. You can actually continue on."

The former dial-a-ride service in the city and the current countywide service have been combined to add flexibility to the program. Riders more than a quarter mile off the regular routes can make appointments for pick up and drop off at least 24-hours in advance of their planned trips.

All these changes came with the requirement from RTS management that service be expanded without increasing expense.

"We had to do redesigns based on what we were already budgeted for, so that was a big challenge -- to figure out how we could expand our services, especially when you have on-time performance that you have to maintain," Mott said.

Press release:

Empire Girls State is an educational Americanism program developed to offer a better perspective of the practical government operations and to emphasize the integral part that individuals have within a democratic government.

This program, which has been accredited by the New York State Board of Regents, is a nonpartisan attempt to teach the love of “God and Country” to America’s youth.
 
This year the program will be held at SUNY Brockport, qualified high school juniors are selected to participate in a weeklong, educational experience with hands-on workshops on government and the political process, designed to create a government from the county to the state level.
 
These service-oriented high school juniors are both scholar athletes that rank prestigiously at the top of their class. Sponsored by the local Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy are Camryn Arthur, of 8631 North Street Road, Le Roy. Daughter of Robert and Justine Lathan-Arthur, her two older sisters are Casey and Kylynn. Camryn is currently Junior Class President at Le Roy Central and plays both varsity soccer as well as varsity tennis.
 
Attending Pavilion Central High School is Kimberly Davis (alternate), of 11050 River Road Pavilion. Kimberly is the daughter of Dale and Susan Davis and has one older brother, Christopher, and a younger sister, Anna. Kimberly is currently Junior Class Treasurer and plays for her school's soccer, basketball and track varsity teams.
 
This Empire Girls State program creates a mythical 51st state allowing students to learn the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society. These young women work tirelessly throughout the week as their participation allows them a greater understanding of their role within a democracy.
 
With the expertise of the department of Americanism chairman, 360 high school juniors from across the state will also learn proper flag etiquette during their week at Girls State. Students will participate in the creation and execution of either a flag lowering or raising ceremony. The citizens will also receive information on some of the programs that are important components of the organization.

• National Anthem sung by Mary Brady
• Reading of names and placement of flags for veterans who have died over the past year
• Memorial Day Guest Speaker: Rev. David Jones
• Musical selections by the Le Roy High School Band
• Closing with playing of “Taps” and Firing Squad Volley

Merritt Holly, a Le Roy resident since 2009, never thought he wanted to go into administration. In the beginning of April, Holly started as the superintendent of the Le Roy Central School District.  

“I’m very humble to be in a position like this, to represent teachers, students and staff here at Le Roy,” Holly said.

After a month and a half in his position, Holly said he has not seen any negatives to his job as superintendent.

“Everyone has been so supportive, from inside here and in this community. They’ve been so supportive and I can’t be thankful enough,” Holly said. “You need that in order to be successful running a school district.”

Holly was a graduate of Pavilion High School in 1992 and went to Genesee Community College, later transferring into SUNY Brockport.

Holly’s teaching career began in 1999 when he was hired out of college as a Global Studies teacher at Oakfield-Alabama Central School District and coached varsity basketball. In January 2007, he was asked by the superintendent to carry out the rest of the year as the dean of students.

“I never thought I wanted to go into administration but it was a good opportunity to try it out and see if I liked it,” Holly said.

Holly stayed on to be the dean of students for the 2007-2008 school year and started taking classes for an administrative degree.

In 2008, Holly started as the middle school principal, making an impact for Oakfield-Alabama students in grades six through eight.

Before becoming superintendent of Le Roy Central School District, Holly served as principal of Caledonia-Mumford High School since 2011.

“I’ve worked with great leaders,” Holly said. “I’ve had a chance to learn under a lot of good people. I’ve had the chance to be involved in some great staffs at [Oakfield-Alabama] and [Caledonia-Mumford High School].”

Le Roy Junior-Senior High School is ranked in the top 10.3 percent in the country, earning a Silver Medal, according to U.S. News & World Report magazine's ranking of the Best High Schools.

Holly said he has been impressed with what Le Roy offers its students and the passion for the programs.

“Not only do we have strong academics, but if you look at what we’re doing with extracurricular [activities] and you’ve got a perfect scenario for kids to thrive with and be successful,” Holly said.  

Holly said that many students are coming in to rural area schools with a variety of needs and issues. One of his goals as superintendent is to look at how to best help those students.

“I think the whole group instruction concept that I was a part of as a student is not going to work in this day and age right now,” Holly said. “We have to think in a differentiation type of way that we have to meet our kids at their level.”

Holly said that it does not mean to lower standards and expect less from students.

“I think kids come in with a keen skill set that I don’t think I had when I was their age,” Holly said. “I think that kids aren’t changing in the sense of the academics, I think we have to adjust to what their interests are, different from where they were five to 10 years ago.”

Tim McArdle, the principal of Le Roy High School, said he has worked closely with Holly as neighboring principals over the years.

“To have him now on our team has been tremendous,” McArdle said. “It has been awesome seeing him start every day in our bus loop, greeting our students as they enter the building. He is a very caring and genuine person who wants nothing but the best for this community.”

McArdle said Holly’s transition into his new position was smooth. Prior to starting as superintendent, Holly was able to spend multiple days visiting and meeting informally with staff and students. McArdle said it allowed Holly to hit the ground running from day one.

“[Holly’s] presence has been felt from the bus loop, to the classroom, to the extracurricular events,” McArdle said. “He truly understands the importance of being visible and supporting our Knights.”

Daniel Lee Green, 47, of Randall Road, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree unlawful surveillance, a felony. He is accused of installing "an imaging device in a location where there was a resonable expectation of privacy." The incident time and date was 4 p.m. on April 25 in the Town of Le Roy. No other details were provided in the report. The investigating officer was Genesee County Sheriff's Youth Officer John Dehm. Green was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court.

Darrell D. Smith, 50, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with: first-degree coercion; first-degree unlawful imprisonment; second-degree menacing; fourth-degree criminal mischief; criminal obstruction of breathing; fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon; and criminal tampering. Smith was arrested at 3:43 a.m. on May 6 following a disturbance at 7 Hutchins St., upper. Smith was jailed without bail and was due to reappear in City Court later on May 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Joseph Bailey James, 36, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree assault; third-degree criminal mischief; fourth-degree criminal mischief; resisting arrest; and second-degree harassment. James was arrested at 2:55 a.m. on May 7 at 34 Columbia Ave., Batavia. He was jailed without bail and was due in City Court May 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Bolles, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Matthew Robert Reiner, 29, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with: aggravated DWI -- a BAC of .18 percent or more; DWI, first offense; unreasonable speed through a yield sign; failure to yield right of way at a yield sign; and moving from lane unsafely. Reiner was arrested at 12:37 a.m. on May 12 on Route 98 in Elba after a one-car accident. He was issued appearance tickets for Town of Elba Court on June 14 and released after processing. The case was handled by Genesee County Deputy Howard Wilson, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Mary K. Shaffer, 38, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 7:09 p.m. on May 5 at 107 State St. after a domestic incident wherein Shaffer is accused of hitting another person in the face. She is due in City Court May 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Matthew H. DeLosh, 26, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operator -- under the influence of alcohol; DWI -- first offense; and DWI -- with a BAC greater than .08 percent. DeLosh was arrested at 10:54 a.m. on May 8 on Ellicott Street following a traffic stop. Upon further investigation, it was learned that his driving privilege was previously suspended for a prior alcohol-related offense. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Office Jamie Givens.

Deborah S. Rodriguez, 49, of Farnsworth Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, a Class A misdemeanor, and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, a misdemeanor. The defendant was arrested May 11 by the county Local Drug Enforcement Task Force in the afternoon following a traffic stop on Holland Avenue in the City of Batavia. She was alllegedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia and to be operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver's license. She was issued appearance tickets returnable to City Court on May 23.

Thomas A. Gilliatt, 51, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, a Class A misdemeanor. The defendant was arrested May 10 by the county Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, which was conducting a surveillance in the School Street municipal parking lot in Downtown Batavia when members allegedly witnessed what appeared to be a drug transaction. The task force conducted an investigation and allegedly found Gilliat in possession of a quantity of hydrocodone pills. He was arrested and issued an appearance ticket for City Court May 16.

James R. Smahol, 31, of Coronado Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and possession of a hypodermic needle. He was stopped at 7:05 p.m. on May 11 on Genesee Street in Pembroke following a traffic complaint. Smahol was allegedly found in possession of three packages of Suboxin without a prescription, plus several baggies of suspected heroin, and three hypodermic needles. He was released on an appearance ticket for Town of Pembroke Court on June 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Danielle M. Rozell, 35, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of DWI. She was arrested at 2:05 a.m. on May 7 following a report of a possibly intoxicated female operating a vehicle at a gas station. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in City Court on May 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia GeGroot, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Corey Green, 22, of Smith Street, Warwick, R.I., and three others whose ages and residences were not provided -- Sean A. Goncalves, Bala G. Belmiro and Fernando Campos Roldan -- are all charged with soliciting without a permit. On May 5 at about 10:30 a.m., Batavia Police officers Frank Klimjack and Kevin DeFelice responded to the area of 400 E. Main St. for the report of subjects soliciting for cellular service, according to the police report. During the investigation, it was discovered that the employees did not have permits issued by the City of Batavia Clerk's Office. They were arraigned in City Court where they each pled guilty and were fined $150. They were released after paying their fines. 

Mathew John Heimbrecht, 28, of Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with resisting arrest, trespass, and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested  May 9 on a bench warrant for charges issued on April 6 on Park Road in Batavia. He was arraigned in Town of Darien Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $750 cash or $1,500 bond. He is due in court May 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by a sargeant.

Jared D. Elliott, 19, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was stopped at 12:32 a.m. on East Main Street in Batavia and allegedly found to possess marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for May 23 in City Court, then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer James Ivison.

Justin W. Bird, 28, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bird was arrested on West Main Street in Batavia at 7:05 p.m. on May 7 following an investigation into a complaint and he was allegedly found to possess marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on May 16, then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Amar S.M. Zainelabdin, 29, no permanent address, is charged with failure to appear on an appearance ticket. Zainelabdin was located by the Erie County Sheriff's Office and turned over to BPD on a City Court arrest warrant. The defendant is scheduled to appear in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Leonard E. Hahn IV, who committed his sexual assaults on young children when he was only 17, will spend 10 years in prison and then spend another 20 years on parole, Genesee County Court Judge Chuck Zambito determined this afternoon.

Zambito could have considered Hahn for youthful offender status, but that would have limited his maximum prison term to only two years and then once released, Hahn would not have been required to register as a sex offender.

Hahn, now 18, is clearly a threat to children in the community, Zambito said.

"I think it will be important for the public to know who you are and where you are," Zambito said.

The 10-year term was the maximum number of years Zambito could give Hahn under the terms of the plea arrangement.

The plea saved the victims from being forced to testify and trial.  His guilty plea was connected to a single victim, whom Hahn assaulted in a bathroom even as other people were in the residence, according to Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini.

The victim, just a child, was traumatized by the rape, Cianfrini said.

"She didn't even understand what was going on," Cianfrini said. "This is going to trouble her for years and years to come."

Defense Attorney Lisa Kroemer  said Hahn regretted his actions -- Hahn didn't speak in court -- but suggested that even he didn't comprehend his crime.

"I understand the seriousness of the crime," Kroemer  said. "I understand that this happened to a young child, but I'm not even sure he understands why this occurred."

The investigation into Hahn's crimes began with a single complaint from a student at school and included law enforcement officials in Genesee and Wyoming counties.

During the investigation, additional children came forward and made similar allegations. 

Hahn was initially charged with multiple counts of rape.

All of the children involved under 11 years old. 

Zambito said he put Hahn on parole for 20 years, the maximum time period available under the law, because Hahn will still be only 28 years old when he gets out of prison.

Press release:

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has honored Town of Le Roy resident Randa Williams, as a Woman of Distinction at the 20th annual ceremony, for her involvement with Girl Scouts for more than five decades.

“Randa’s hard work and commitment to the Girl Scouts has introduced the value of community service to thousands of girls, and her efforts have paved the way for many women to serve as firefighters. She exemplifies the true spirit of America as a business executive, citizen and dedicated servant to our community,” Ranzenhofer said.

Williams has participated in every aspect of scouting, from Assistant Den Mother to Day Camp Director and Cookie Manager. The Genesee Valley Girl Scouts has recognized her service with many awards, including Great Scout Award, Green Angel Award, Achievement Award and Honor Award. More recently, she is involved with her granddaughter’s troop.

“I am humbled and grateful for Senator Ranzenhofer's recognition,” Williams said. “I hope to continue to be deserving of it for many years to come.”

In the early 1980s, she decided to join a local volunteer fire department, but her application was denied because of her gender. She sued the town, village and three fire clubs to allow women to serve as firefighters, and her case became national news. She ultimately prevailed.

In the past 10 years, she has rescued many horses from being slaughtered. She currently owns and cares for five horses that she has saved. Additionally, she has also served as lead speaker at the Take Back the Night Program at SUNY Brockport.

From 1982 to 1995, Williams owned and operated Sams Auto Parts; she is current owner of MHL Performance, a speed parts company in the Town of Bergen. She received a Bachelor of Science from SUNY Empire and a master’s degree from SUNY Brockport. She has four children– Trisa, Emma, Thomas, and James– and 14 grandchildren.

A group of writers and photographers, mostly food and wine critics from Monroe County, were in Le Roy last night to be the first to experience Farmer's Creekside Inn.

Ten years have passed since Bill Farmer, chairman of Catenary Construction in Rochester and a specialist in historical preservation of concrete and masonry buildings, saw the Creekside Inn for the first time.

It wasn't a pretty sight. Three years earlier the Creekside had been destroyed by a fire people in Le Roy still talk about.

"Part of it is the environment," Farmer said about what attracted him to buying and restoring the 200-year-old building. "It was a vision when I first looked at the building, and it was in dire shape.

"It was collapsing. It was ravaged by fire. But I took a look at the environment, the setting, the historic structures that are across the creek, the composite of the village itself, the post office across the street, and I thought this was just an unbelievable setting that was unrecognized."

He decided to set out and create a dining and hospitality destination that was second to none in Western New York.

The preview dinner last night was the first time Farmer could see that vision start to come into focus in a meaningful way. There's still a lot of work to do on the interior of the building before Farmer's Creekside Tavern & Inn opens to the public on June 5, but Farmer said he has the right people in place to make it happen.

"It’s really overwhelming-- this event, this private little dinner we hosted tonight was a culmination of a fast track of putting the kitchen together, hanging the final fixtures," Farmer said. "The floors are only three days old. It’s really a tad overwhelming to see it come so beautifully, full of life, and so many people here enjoying the experience and seeing the staff perform. I just feel so flattered and honored to have the staff we have."

It's been eight years since The Batavian first paid a visit to the Creekside and met Farmer. We've dropped in several times over the years since and been impressed each time with the attention to detail; the quality Farmer is investing in the building. The new floors are real hardwood; the interior railings are oak, the fixtures are the highest quality and the amenities -- exterior patio and bar with a gas fireplace, a tavern, a fine dining room, guest rooms on the top floor -- are well thought out and designed.

As the opening day approaches, it's clear Farmer has given the same attention to detail in hiring his staff, with Chris Grocki as general manager and Sean Wolf as executive chef.

"I’ve always felt blessed by the people that I employ," Farmer said. "I've had people working for me now for well into a 30-year span. I value my employees. I recognize their efforts. It’s just so rewarding when you put together a good team, and they go out and execute the plan. That holds true with everything we do whether it’s real estate development or masonry and concrete services, masonry restoration services, and now it's going into our food and hospitality services."

Farmer said he decided on Grocki and Wolf as his top leadership in the restaurant several months ago and said throughout the process he's convinced he made the right choices.

During his opening remarks before the dinner, Grocki was equally effusive about his new boss.

"Opening a restaurant is a labor of love, and we’ve got a family here that has no shortage of it," Grocki said, adding, "I’ve never had the pleasure of working for somebody who has gone for it in quite this way. You always say, 'You don’t do anything like anybody else does.' and clearly that’s true."

One of the key people in helping the restaurant, tavern and inn come together so beautifully, Farmer said, was interior designer Jason Longo. Longo said Farmer was a special client.

"Chris and I had worked on a project before, and I called Chris one night," Longo said, "and I was nearly in tears, and I said, 'I can't believe that in my career' -- which has been going on for some time now -- 'that I've ever worked on a project where people gave everything, from the carpenters to the electricians. Every single person who has worked on this project is so invested and so involved.' "

Farmer said he just had a passion for the project since the day he saw the building and has made sure he's had the right people in place to make sure the vision became a reality.

"It seemed pretty clear to me when I came to the building, looked at the site, saw the surroundings, stone building, 200 years old almost, I hate to say it, but for me, it was a no-brainer to get involved in," Farmer said.

"You’ve got to have a passion for it," he added. "I think that’s the driving force. I fell in love with this place. I fell in love with the building. The site. Part of the experience of rehabbing and building it and meeting all the challenges and solving all the issues are a great part of it."

The dinner consisted of multiple courses loosely paired with wines, mostly from the Finger Lakes. It started with a ceviche of Alaskan halibut, bitter spring greens, truffle chicken, followed by a surf and turf and a dessert of foie gras. Wines included a Hermann J. Wiemer Blanc de Noir 2011, Ravines Dry Riesling Argetsinger Vineyard 2012, Palo Cortado 'Peninsula' Sherry' and a Benanti Etna Bianco 2015, among others.

The idea, Grocki said, was to give guests a sample of what will be served in the tavern and in the fine dining room, known as the Cleveland Room, which will serve fine dining, destination, and special occasion meals four days a week. The fine dining room, the tavern, the patios, all told, will seat 400 people.  

Farmer thinks the Creekside Inn will become a destination location, drawing people from throughout the region, especially Buffalo and Rochester.

"I had no idea initially how important of a project this would be, but over the years it’s become apparent," Farmer said. "I’ve realized this is a significant, significant project for Western New York, the Town of Le Roy, the county. It’s a very meaningful project, and I’m flattered and privileged to be that guy doing it."

Truffle chicken

Surf and turf

The tavern, still under construction

One of the inn's guest rooms.

Bill Farmer, Sean Wolf, Chris Grocki

Bill's son, Bill, daughter Hailey, who will run fine dining, her son Ryder, and Bill Farmer.

Jeffery M. Brodsky, 45, of Morrow Road, Hilltop Acres, Covington, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Brodsky is accused of providing cocaine in both Genesee and Wyoming counties. He is accused of selling cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force in Genesee County on two occasions. He was jailed pending a bail review.

Travis L. Bartz, 21, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant while being held in the Genesee County Jail on unrelated charges.

Devon D. Rogers, 30, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Rogers was allegedly involved in an incident reported at 1:50 a.m., May 2, on Pearl Street, Batavia.

Amanda L. Dixon, 31, of Oak Orchard Road, Albion, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Dixon allegedly failed to appear in City Court on a traffic violation. She was arrested by Medina PD and turned over to Batavia PD. Dixon posted $500 bail and was released.

Kimberly M. Douglas, 35, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Douglas allegedly failed to appear for a previous court date.

Michael Adam Jude Salter, 36, of North Service Road, Beamsville, Ontario, Canada, is charged with petit larceny and harassment, 2nd. Salter was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 2:19 a.m. on May 1.

Garrett A. Jurewicz, 19, of Crittenden Road, Akron, is charged with DWI, driving while ability impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, and driving left of pavement marketings. Jurewicz was stopped at 2:30 a.m. on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Jacob Anthony Hazzard, 22, of Hudson Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, unauthorized stickers on rear window, insufficient tail lamps, and unlicensed operator. Hazzard was stopped at 9:59 p.m. Saturday on Drake Street, Oakfield, by Deputy Micheal Lute.

Brett Nelson Magoffin, 41, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, is charged with assault, 3rd. Magoffin is accused of assaulting another person during a dispute at 5:01 p.m., Thursday.

Michael Evan Wilson, 23, of Macedon Center Road, Palmyra, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana, speeding, and unregistered motor vehicle. Wilson was stopped at 3:06 a.m. Friday on Lake Street Road, Le Roy, by Deputy Ryan Young.

A 17-year-old resident of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was charged following an investigation into a reported suspicious condition in the parking lot of Alexander Deli in the Village of Alexander by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Linda Eileen Grimes, 52, of Transit Road, Elba, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful imprisonment, 2nd. Grimes is accused of physically preventing a 13-year-old from leaving a room in a residence in Byron and of allegedly touching the youth inappropriately.

Darrel T. Wilder, 29, of Bates Road, Medina, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to notify DMV of address change, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway. Wilder was stopped at 11:45 p.m. April 29 on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Melanie M. Matesz, 51, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. She was arrested at 9:38 p.m. on April 30 on Dellinger Avenue following a domestic incident wherein she alllegedly intentionally damaged property in excess of $250. She was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on May 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Marissa M. Lehto, 27, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. At 2:14 p.m. on April 27, Lehto was arrested for allegedly shoplifting more than $200 in groceries from Top's Market on West Main Street in Batavia. She was jailed and due in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Elijah J. Richardson, 20, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree robbery, petit larceny and second-degree harassment. He was arrested on April 30. It is alleged that at 4:58 p.m. on April 29 that Richardson forcibly stole property from another person on Thorpe Street in Batavia. He was jailed without bail and was due back in court May 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Richard Dean McKague Jr., of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with first-degree contempt and second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 7 a.m. on May 1 on West Main Street Road for allegedly striking his girlfriend during a domestic dispute, in violation of a duly served "refrain from" (contact) order of protection. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on June 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

The Le Roy Police Department arrested 21-year-old David J. Welninski, of 285 Skyview Drive, Arcade, and a 17-year-old female after a complaint and subsequent traffic stop in the Village of Le Roy. The complaint was received on May 2 at about 7:25 p.m. in which the caller stated she allegedly observed the female in the vehicle wrapping Welninski’s arm and then using a needle to inject him. The vehicle was located on Route 19 in the Village of Le Roy and after a brief investigation, needles and heroin were allegedly found inside the vehicle. Both Welninski and the 17-year-old female were arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and were issued appearance tickets to face the charges at a later date.

Timothy Michael Weinstein, 45, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense. He was arrested on May 3 after allegedly making several phone calls to a protected party. He was jailed and is due in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew ale.

On April 28, Tatiana C. Lugo, 22, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal contempt. It is alleged that on April 24 at 2:42 p.m., Lugo violated a complete stay away order of protection. She was issued an appearance ticket for May 2 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Mitchell Cowen.

Elizabeth A. Finnin, 47, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. At 7:18 p.m. on April 29, Finnin allegedly stole a pack of cigarettes from the Family Dollar store on East Main Street in Batavia and was quickly apprehended. She was issued an appearance ticket for May 2 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

James J. Spivey, 19, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, was arrested at 1 p.m. on May 2 on a bench warrant issued out of City Court following his alleged failure to comply with court conditions. He was jailed with unspecified bail and is due in court on May 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Eric M. Smith, 31, of Iroquois Road, Caledonia, was arrested at 9:22 p.m. on May 1 on a City Court bench warrant. He was jailed on $1,500 bail or bond and was due back in court today (May 4). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.