Le Roy

Donald Frisby (inset photo left), 64, was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department on July 16 and charged with one count of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D felony.

It is alleged that in the month of July, while in the Village of Le Roy, that Frisby subjected a female to sexual contact by forcible compulsion. Frisby was arraigned before the court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Jeremy D. Lyons (inset photo, below right), 34, of Perry Road, Le Roy, is charged with one count each of the misdemeanors of third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. A violent domestic/assault led to the arrest of Lyons, a parolee, in the Village of Le Roy on Aug. 6.

The domestic incident was reported in the early morning hours on Church Street in which the victim reported that Lyons was staying with the female on Church Street, allegedly in violation of his parole conditions. It is alleged that Lyons tackled the female to the ground then punched her multiple times in the face and choked her.

Afterward, Lyons ran off. Lyons was located later that day by police after a small search, in which Lyons was discovered hiding in the weeds in the area of the Little League Field between East Main Street and St. Marks Street. Following his arrest, Lyons was arraigned and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $750 bail. A parole violation warrant was also issued due to this incident.

Darrell D. Smith, 52, of Highland Parkway, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. He was arrested after a domestic incident at midnight on Aug. 8 on Prune Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Carlos E. Flores, 27, of Rand Street, Rochester, is charged with second-degree harassment. Flores was arrested after an incident at 8:35 p.m. Aug. 11 on Bank Street in Batavia. He allegedly threatened a person using gestures with his hands during a verbal dispute that caused the victim to be in fear. He was issued an appearance ticket and released and is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Darius Lamar Jones, 27, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance; unlawful possession of marijuana; speed violation -- exceeding 55 mph; and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. At 9:02 p.m. on Aug. 7 on Route 33 in Byron, Jones was arrested after a traffic stop. It is alleged that "criminal indicators were observed," leading to a search of Jones and his vehicle. The search allegedly yielded marijuana, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. He was issued appearance tickets for Sept. 9 in Byron Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Linda Marie Clemens, 58, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated and DWI. At 11:23 p.m. on Aug. 7, deputies responded to the parking lot of Batavia Downs on Park Road for a reported motor-vehicle accident. When they arrived they located Clemens in her vehicle. It is alleged that Clemens struck a parked vehicle in the parking lot. She was released on appearance tickets for Aug. 26 in Batavia Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Brock Cummins, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

(name redacted upon request), of Farwell Drive, Batavia, is charged with unreasonable noise. He was arrested following a loud music complaint at 11 a.m. on Aug. 9 on Farwell Drive. He was released on an appearance ticket for Aug. 20 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Carrie A. Stewart, 39, of Church Road, Darien, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested after an investigation of a larceny that occurred at 11:47 a.m. on Aug. 10 on East Main Street in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 20.

Christine Wark, 34, of School Street, Le Roy was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department on July 22 and charged with one count of petit larceny after a complaint from a local business that Wark was allegedly seen shoplifting inside the store. Upon arrival of the Le Roy Police, Wark was arrested and released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Le Roy Court at a later date.

Cody N. Proefrock, 26, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested after allegedly shoplifting from a local store at 5:20 p.m. on Aug. 6. He turned himself in. He was issued appearance tickets and released and is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 20. The case handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Tony J. Aguglia, 39, of Main Street, Clarence, is charged with failure to appear. He responded to Batavia Police station at 1 p.m. on Aug. 6 and turned himself in on an arrest warrant. He is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

It was Southern Rock weekend at The Ridge NY in Le Roy. Here's Black Stone Cherry performing "It's In My Blood." 

Yesterday, we posted a video of a performance by Friday's headliner, Bishop Gunn.

The public is invited to the Batavia Radio Control Flying Club's "Wings & Wheels" Fun Fly and Car Show on the weekend of Aug. 17-18 in Le Roy.

It takes place from 10 a.m. to dusk each day at 6684 Randall Road. Children are encouraged to attend with their families.

Show off your special ride! Classic muscle and antique cars and motorcycles welcome. Flyers: Turbines welcome; pilot AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) required.

Entry is FREE. No landing fees either.

Food and beverages available.

50/50 raffles throughout the day.

Primitive camping allowed -- no hookups.

For more information, call Gary Bobzin at (585) 354-4880.

Submitted photos and press release:

TOWN OF BATAVIA

• William J. Allen Jr. 
• Josh K. Boyle
• Thomas M. Garlock 
• Clayton A. Gorski 
• Thomas E. Marlowe 
• Bryan A. Moscicki

EAST PEMBROKE

• Matthew N. Allen 
• Samantha M. Cavalieri

One of five modules required to earn  the Fire Officer 1 certification, the Company Training & Community Risk Reduction course covers the basic responsibilities of the fire officer as they relate to community relations, company-level building inspections and community risk reduction.

Additionally, this course provides potential fire officers with the basic knowledge of how to determine company-level training needs, teaching from a lesson plan, documentation of training activities, and different methods to conduct company-level training. 

Over the past 14 years, Jesse and Jolene Coots have thrown a party at their home on Linwood Road that has steadily grown into what is the largest classic car and hot rod event in Genesee County but outside of the gearheads who enjoy it, only a few other people in the county, apparently, have known about it.

More than 2,000 people attend now and until The Batavian showed up Saturday -- to a warm welcome from Jesse and Jolene -- no news outlet in the region had ever covered the Hardcore Happening.

In photo, from left: Ryan Duffy, director HLOM; Kathy Jasinski, committee member; Sean Valdes, co-owner of D&R Depot; Alice Chapell, committee member; and Linda Johnston, committee member.

Submitted photo and press release:

CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST? While some people are taking vacations and enjoying the summer, several dedicated volunteers at the Holland Land Office Museum are preparing for the 2019 Wonderland of Tree’s Gala Opening on Friday, Nov. 22nd. Pictured above are some members of the Wonderland of Tree’s Committee, who recently met at the D&R Depot in Le Roy to discuss the menu for the upcoming Gala with Sean Valdes, co-owner of the restaurant and catering service.

D&R Depot will be catering the 2019 Wonderland of Tree’s Gala Opening.

The Wonderland of Trees Gala Opening, at the historic Holland Land Office Museum, kicks off the holiday season for the Genesee County Community. It will have the traditional display of trees, music and great food that people have enjoyed over the past 16 years. Many new ideas are being incorporated into the regular Gala to provide a wonderful holiday event for everyone.

More information will be available soon -- you can call the Holland Land Office if you are interested in setting up a tree at 343-4727.

A car fire, five feet from a residence, is reported at 81 Wolcott St., between Union and Clay streets in the Village of Le Roy. Le Roy Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 12:34 p.m.: A first responder on scene reports a working car fire.

UPDATE 12:36 p.m.: A chief at the scene says "fire appears to be knocked down. Continue the equipment."

UPDATE 12:51 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is back in service.

Press release:

The Le Roy Police Department is requesting assistance in determining the owner of the items depicted in the attached photographs. These items were recovered during the investigation of a rash of larcenies from vehicles, which were entered during the overnight hours in the Village of Le Roy.

If you recognize any of these recovered items, please contact Detective John Condidorio of the Le Roy Police Department at 585-768-2527, ext. 2219.

Proof of ownership may be requested before the property can be released.

Press release:

Do you know the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? Learn the facts during a free educational program in Batavia."Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia" is a free program that will be presented by experts with the Alzheimer’s Association® Western New York Chapter at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

The Genesee County Office of Aging at 2 Bank Street will host the class.

While Alzheimer’s disease currently cannot be prevented or slowed, there are steps to take and recommendations to follow in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise and cognitive activity that promote healthy aging.

Learn more during a free educational program offered by dementia experts at the Chapter in August. "Healthy Living for your Brain and Body" will be presented at 1 p.m. at the New York State Veterans Home at 220 Richmond Ave. in Batavia on Monday, Aug. 12.

Registration is required for both programs by calling the Chapter office during traditional business hours at (716) 626-0600, ext. 313, or 24-hours a day, 7-days a week at 800-272-3900.

Additionally, the Chapter oversees several monthly caregiver support group meetings across the county, which allow caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges and hear advice for overcoming them:

• 3^rd Wednesday (Aug. 21) at 7 p.m. – Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St. in Batavia
• 3^rd Thursday (Aug. 22) at 1 p.m. – Genesee County Office for the Aging, 12 Bank St. in Batavia
• 2^nd Monday (Aug. 12) at 2 p.m. – The Greens of Le Roy, 1 West Ave. in Le Roy

Community social programs, or respites, are also available every month in Batavia and Corfu. This program provides relief to those who care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia and offers them some time to refresh and recharge, while their loved one is engaged in social activities in a safe environment.

First Presbyterian Church of Batavia offers this free service on the fourth Monday (Aug. 26) from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For additional information, please call Mickey Rodak at (585) 455-5940.

Local residents now have a second Batavia location for this service. On the second Monday of each month (Aug. 12) St. James Episcopal Church at 405 E. Main St. will offer a four-hour program, starting at 10:30 a.m. Those interested in this respite should call Barbara King at (585) 343-6802.

Indian Falls United Methodist Church at 7908 Allegany Road offers a respite program on the third Wednesday (Aug. 21) from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, call Celinda McQuiston at (585) 762-9105.

To learn more about other Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, contact the WNY Chapter office at 800-272-3900.

You can also access dementia care programs and resources by calling the Genesee County Office for the Aging at (585) 343-1611.

At its first event on Saturday, Empowered Arrow offered the community a chance to get creative by decorating a fairy door at the Farmers Market.

Part of its “Get Outside” fundraiser the newly formed not-for-profit encouraged people to register to be part of the first annual Fairy Home Tour of Le Roy taking place Aug. 17 at the Farmers Market.

The registration fee includes a wooden platform and special fairy home items, which can be used to design the fairy home.

To find out more about Empowered Arrow’s mission or to register for the Fairy Home Tour event contact Program Director, Jessie Held at info@empoweredarrow.org.

Above, a trio from Le Roy High School Class of '55.

Story by Pat Iamon. Photos courtesy of Agnes Snyder.

LE ROY -- This year marked the 22^nd Annual Alumni Banquet and the committee decided to bring it back home to Le Roy. In fact, it was held on Friday, July 12 in the old Holy Family School gym; currently the Our Lady of Mercy gym.

More than 150 alumni and guests were in attendance on that beautiful afternoon. The oldest class, the Class of 1944, had four members celebrating their 75^th-reunion year. The largest class represented was 16 from the Class of 1958. 

Folks came from far and near and exchanged warm greetings, hugs and kisses.

Joe Riggi from the Class of 1960 emceed the afternoon’s event. He began by asking everyone to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance, he then requested a moment of silence to honor deceased alumni. Riggi, an Air Force veteran, then asked that all veterans remain standing while everyone else was seated so that the veterans could be recognized for their service with an enthusiastic round of applause.

Don Antinore from the Class of 1958 gave a blessing and a delicious buffet was served up.

Following dinner Riggi introduced Luetta Boothe McColl from the Class of 1950. McColl talked briefly praising the hard work of the founding committee members who were responsible for establishing the Alumni Banquet some 22 years ago: Germaine Lauwereins Bostwick, Class of 1946; Lois Stevens Stella and Margurite Rogers Green, Class of 1947, were recognized for their hard work and dedication over the years. She also thanked the current committee for their work putting this year’s banquet together.

Throughout the afternoon, folks were encouraged to visit the Chinese Auction table which had a variety of baskets donated by many of the classes in attendance and also many gift cards and certificates from local restaurants and businesses. There was also a 50/25/25 raffle. The proceeds of both will go toward next year’s reunion.

(Above are seven members of the Iannello family who attended the reunion.)

Riggi announced that there were seven members of the Iannello family present, he asked that they stand and be recognized. For the Iannello family it was a family reunion, too!

Riggi’s program included a selection of photos of the students over the years in clubs, sporting events, scouts and in class. He also spoke of the history and construction of the Le Roy Post Office and the bridge over the Oatka Creek. Photos of both as well as photos of Downtown Le Roy’s storefronts brought enthusiastic comments from the room.

Toward the end of the event, four large beautifully decorated sheet cakes were served and winners of the raffles were announced.

The event ended around 4 p.m. and folks began to head out, but many of them exited at the back door and took some time to watch the ongoing construction of the apartment buildings below on Mill Street. Someone yelled out for them to turn around for a photo of the old (folks) and new (construction). That brought a chuckle to everyone which was a nice end to an even nicer day!

These ladies took care of registration at the 22^nd Annual Alumni Banquet of Le Roy High School.

High school sweethearts Rose and Dick Scott, seated, Class of '58, are still an item.

Ryan M. Sharlow, 49, of West Bergen Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief and resisting arrest. At 12:15 p.m. on July 16 on West Main Street Road in Le Roy, deputies were conducting an investigation into an incident in which Sharlow allegedly damaged the property of another person. While attempting to take Sharlow into custody, he allegedly tried to resist arrest by grabbing and attempting to punch a deputy. He was issued appearance tickets for Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 8. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

Jessica Leigh Culver, 29, of Walker Road, Le Roy, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate; and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree. At 8:43 p.m. on July 21, Culver was stopped on Batavia Stafford Townline Road for alleged vehicle and traffic violations. It was determined upon investigation that she was driving on a suspended license. A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly led to the discovery of controlled substances in her possession. She was issued appearance ticklets for Aug. 15 in Stafford Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Alexandra R. Lasky, 29, and Alexander Scheg, 24, both of Seven Springs Road, Stafford, are charged with unlawful growing of cannabis by an unlicensed person. At 12:55 p.m. on June 26, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to an address on Seven Springs Road following the report of a domestic incident and an unlawful marijuana-growing operation. After an investigation, they were issued an appearance ticket for unlawful growing on cannabis. Lasky was also issued an appearance ticket for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree following the alleged discovery of a controlled substance on location. Both are due in Batavia Town Court on Aug. 13. The case was handled by Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Ronald Welker. The investigation was also assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati and members of the GC Drug Task Force.

A post on Facebook by a woman who is apparently a former employee of Mooney's Bar and Grill complaining that the Le Roy restaurant is rat-infested has gotten the attention of thousands of local residents.

In response, the Genesee County Health Department released the following statement.

The Genesee County Health Department is aware of the public’s concerns regarding vermin at Mooney’s Sports Bar and Grill located in Le Roy.

Public Health sanitarians have been working diligently with the restaurant manager and a licensed exterminator. An inspection by the department was conducted this morning, July 19, and no public health threats were identified.

The facility remains open and we will continue increased inspection frequency.

In the original post by Kayla Gangarossa, she writes, in part:

I’ve wanted to say something for so long but because I’m a mother of three and need an income I’ve kept my mouth shut! But due to recent events the public and all my regulars there have a right to know what’s going on!!! I’m sorry to all my fellow coworkers this may affect but it had to be done! Mooneys sports bar and grill in Leroy ny 65 lake st of Leroy to be exact has RATS!!! Hey we had them for MONTHS!!

Gangarossa included eight pictures she claimed to have been taken at the restaurant Wednesday night. The pictures showed what appeared to be at least one dead rat, another dead animal that may have been a mouse, some mousetraps and a whole in a door or wall.

She concluded her post with the statement, "Do NOT eat at Mooney’s ..."

The post has been shared nearly 2,000 times and has more than 1,500 comments.

Press release:

The Walk of Hope (formerly Relay for Life) is a 12-hour walk to raise money for Genesee Cancer Assistance in Batavia.

The event is held at the Le Roy High School track. Participants form teams of any size and come out for the day to walk the track.

One member from the team should be walking at all times. Teams set up tents along side the track where they can relax in between walking.

Each team should have a simple event day fundraiser ( water sale, cookie sale, jewelry sale, etc.).

There will be music, food and games all day and night.

Themed games and laps will happen every hour.

• 12-hour Event: Aug. 3rd @ Noon - Aug. 4th @ Midnight
• Registration $10 per person
• Individual walkers and teams welcomed! 
• Free T-shirt with preregistration 
• 1st lap at the event with survivors 
• 2nd lap joined by family and support people
• Luminaries "in honor" or "in memory" of loved ones available for sale.
• Food available, basket raffle, music and more! Bring the family!

Set up a tent for your team -- ask your friends, family or co-workers to help us raise money for cancer patients. All money raised stays local and will help residents of Genesee County.

Call the GCA office for more information (585) 345-0417.

Submitted photo and press release:

Today marked a new day for shoppers in the Le Roy community as Tops Friendly markets cut the ribbon on $1.6 million dollars in renovations in its hometown grocery store.

This impressive investment includes everything from new flooring, energy efficient equipment, and shopping carts, to a whole new interior décor, giving the store a refreshed and warm appearance. A Grand Reopening at the store, located at 128 W. Main St. took place at 11 a.m. today.

Shoppers found an expansion of Tops’ deli/carry out café areas with a remodeled seating area and bakery as well as a wider selection of natural and organic and gluten-free offerings conveniently integrated throughout the main aisles.

Throughout the store, shoppers also saw expanded refrigerated produce allowing for more variety and convenience, an increase of antibiotic-free meat and seafood selections, and a much larger selection of beers, including local favorites, in Tops Brew Market.

“I am so proud of the changes we have made to this store which will only enhance our customers shopping experience,” said Tom Brigham, store manager of the Le Roy Tops Friendly Market.

“You’ll find the store is designed to bring you more selection, more convenience, more organics, and more grab-and-go meals prepared fresh every day, all at a great value.”

Additionally Tops is proud to partner with more than 200 local growers. Some of these partners are family farms that have been growing for generations and many have been part of the Tops family for decades.

Fenton’s Produce, located in Batavia, brings our shoppers everything from corn, and potatoes, to summer squash, and peppers.

Tops has also been proud to support product grown by New York State farmers who adhere to the New York State Grown and Certified program’s requirements, which includes verification of safe food handling practices and participation in environmental sustainability programs.

An added bonus for Le Roy shoppers is the gas station conveniently located on the property. As customers shop at Tops, they’ll earn points toward fuel savings! Ready to fill up? Just scan your TOPS BonusPlus^® card at the pump and watch your gas price drop! You’ll save 10 cents per gallon for every 100 GasPoints you redeem at a Tops Gas Station. With so many ways to earn, it’s easy to save 30, 40, 50 cents, even a dollar a gallon!

Le Roy Tops shoppers will also save time by using Tops Grocery Delivery services. With fast, online ordering, get your favorite items and the best deals in town that you love-delivered from our store to your door.

Customers can visit TopsMarkets.com/Instacart and enter their zip code to get started. Exclusive to Tops our customers can use the promo code "TakeOff15" when they visit TopsMarkets.com/Instacart and receive $15 off their first order of $35 or more.

Craig L. Fien Jr. and Carla L. Catalano are indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that in late October through early November in the Town of Le Roy that the defendants knowingly possessed stolen property consisting of one or more firearms, rifles or shotguns, in this case a Savage Arms Stevens model 320 pump shotgun. In count two, the duo is accused by the district attorney of fifth-degree conspiracy, a Class A misdemeanor, for intentionally engaging in conduct that constituted a felony.

James M. Mucci is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 21 in the Town of Batavia that Mucci drove a 2006 Chevrolet on the Thruway while he was intoxicated and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, He is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for having a BAC of .08 percent of more at the the time and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count three, Mucci is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor, of have a BAC of .18 or more at the time. In count four, he is accused of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly acting in a manner that day likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17.

Sharnice S. Gibson, is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 14 in the Town of Alabama that Gibson drove a 2002 Saturn on Route 63 while intoxicated and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, she is accused of aggravated DWI, as a Class E felony, for driving while intoxicated while a second child age 15 or less was a passenger.