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Le Roy

Tompkins promotes Mickey Hyde to VP position in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Tompkins Bank of Castile has promoted Mickey Hyde to vice president, branch manager of the Le Roy branch.

Hyde has been with Tompkins for over 13 years. In his work managing the Le Roy branch, Hyde concentrates on developing relationships with small businesses throughout the community as well as tailoring a wide variety of personal banking solutions to our local customers.

“Mickey has done a phenomenal job as our Le Roy branch manager,” said Diane Torcello, senior vice president, community banking. “He has a strong commitment to helping members of the Le Roy community with their personal and business related finances, and Tompkins Bank of Castile is lucky to have him on our team.”

Hyde is very involved in the community, serving as the chair for the steering committee for Leadership Genesee, on the Junior Achievement Advisory Board, and as a member of the Rochester Press-Radio Club. He is also a member of the Le Roy Moose Club, the LPS Kiwanis and the Sons of the American Legion. He volunteers in many capacities with Le Roy Central School, such as in Junior Achievement, Lunch with Leaders, Mock Interviews, Career Day and the Le Roy Job Fair. Hyde has been inducted into both the Genesee Community College and the Pavilion Central School’s Hall of Fame. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Eckerd College.

He and his wife, Toni, live in Le Roy with their two daughters, Naomi and Samantha.

Crowd at Smokin' Eagle cheers Le Roy resident's appearance on Wheel of Fortune

By Howard B. Owens

Lauren Fritz doesn't have regrets about that one spin. She knew she could solve the puzzle. The answer was obvious to her. "The National Mall in Washington." But she played an aggressive game and flicked the wheel around one more time. She hit the big black "Bankruptcy" card on the big wheel on Wheel of Fortune.

"I've thought about it a lot," Fritz said. "I thought about it on the plane ride back, but I wouldn't change a thing."

Appearing on Wheel of Fortune was a lifelong dream for Fritz. As soon as she turned 18, she started applying. When the online application was just putting in her name, she applied. When she had to write a paragraph, she applied. When they started asking for pictures, she applied. When they required a video submission, she applied.

She's not embarrassed to admit, she said, that she's applied hundreds of times, more times than she can count, and during some periods in her life, she's applied every single day to get on the Wheel of Fortune.

She finally made it this year and last night, the episode where she played and hit that bankruptcy aired. The Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew in Le Roy hosted a viewing party for Fritz, her future in-laws, friends and anybody else who showed up, and a lot of people showed up.

She thought it was pretty awesome that her adopted hometown, where she hasn't even lived for that long yet, came out to cheer her on.

And the crowd cheered. They cheered when her face first appeared on the six or seven TV screens in the bar and she was introduced as a resident of Le Roy, NY, which meant more cheers, and they booed when the other contestants were introduced. They cheered when she solved the opening phrase. They moaned in anguish when she hit that bankruptcy.

She won $17,000, which includes a $6,000 trip to North Carolina. That's good enough for Second Place.  

The First Place winner on the episode pocketed $60,000 after qualifying for, and winning, the bonus round.

The way the game played out, Fritz thinks the guy would have made it to the bonus round even if she hadn't hit the bankruptcy. If she hadn't taken one more spin, she would have claimed only a few hundred dollars if she had solved the puzzle at that point.

"I was very happy for him," Fritz said. "It was something I always wanted to do, my lifelong dream. I wish I had made it to the bonus round, obviously, but he has a young family and like anybody, he can use the money, so I was very happy for Lou."

The whole experience was great, said Fritz, who is originally from Grandhaven, Mich. Pat Sajak, Vanna White and the whole Wheel of Fortune crew were super nice, she said. It was touching how they opened their hearts, the studio and the set for two youngsters who spent the day at the studio as part of their Make-a-Wish Foundation wish.

The excitement and fun of the TV show appearance was enhanced, she said, by the getting the support she did from the Le Roy community at the Smokin' Eagle last night.

Fritz is engaged to Jake Whiting, son of Reid Whiting. Lauren and Jake met at the University of Michigan Law School. They will be married in September. Fritz is now an attorney in Rochester and Jake Whiting works with his brother in his father's law firm in Le Roy.  

The couple will settle in Le Roy, she said.

"I appreciate everything everyone has done for me," she said. "It feels like my hometown. Everyone has been so nice."

Grand Jury: Man indicted for allegedly possessing counterfeit bills

By Billie Owens

Christopher T. Walker Jr. is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the first degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on July 4 in the Town of Darien that Walker -- with knowledge that it was forged and with intent to defraud, deceive or injure another -- possessed a forged instrument, a counterfeit $20 dollar bill. In counts two through 10, Walker is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the first degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on the same date he possessed nine more counterfeit $20 dollar bills (a total of 10).

Chase J. Francis-Whipset 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 June 4 in the Town of Le Roy the defendant knowlingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug, cocaine, with intent to sell it. In count two, the defendant is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on the same date he knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance, cocaine, which weighed 500 milligrams or more. In count three, Francis-Whipset is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree, an unclassified misdemeanor, for allegedly operating a motor vehicle in the Town of Le Roy while knowing or having reason to know that his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and at the time of operation he had in effect three or more suspension imposed on at least three separate dates for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine.

Possible dryer fire reported at Le Roy Manor

By Billie Owens

A second alarm is called for a possible dryer fire at Le Roy Manor, located at 8678 Lake Street Road. Le Roy Fire Department is responding and mutual aid is requested from the city's Fast Team, Bergen and Stafford.

Tompkins Bank of Castile makes donation to Le Roy Food Pantry

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Tompkins Bank of Castile prides itself on being a community bank, and one of our core values is our commitment to the communities we serve. During the holiday season, our staff in each branch selects local organizations to receive special contributions to make the holidays brighter. Our Le Roy branch selected the Le Roy Food Pantry to receive a $500 donation. The Le Roy Food Pantry has provided for people in need, free of charge, without question for several years. It is maintained by volunteers and is an effort among the local churches in the Le Roy community.

Mickey Hyde, Le Roy branch manager; Christine Orto, teller in the Le Roy branch; and Danielle Clark, Tompkins Insurance account manager, present checks to Judy Riley (second from left) of the Le Roy Food Pantry.

Genesee Tourism: Farmer’s Creekside Inn in Le Roy bustling with activity – opening soon!

By Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

On Wednesday afternoon, the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce staff received a sneak preview of Farmer’s Creekside Inn in Downtown Le Roy. With the structural and outside work mostly completed, the interior of the restaurant was buzzing with activity as they strive for a spring opening. Without giving away all the details (we’ll let the restaurant do that), Farmer’s Creekside Inn is going to be a must-visit restaurant for the people of Le Roy, Genesee County and beyond. The owner and management are working hard to create something special – with the results evident during our visit. The facility’s multiple dining rooms and outdoor seating areas overlooking the serene Oatka Creek spillway will create many different opportunities for patrons.

Here are a few photos:

Visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more...

Car drives into Burger King building in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A car has driven into the Burger King on West Main Street in Le Roy.

There are no injuries, no utilities damaged. The driver is out of the car.

Le Roy fire responding. Le Roy ambulance dispatched as a precaution.

UPDATE 8:19 a.m.: Le Roy assignment back in service. Scene turned over to law enforcement.

UPDATE: Reader-submitted photos added.

Psychiatric exams confirm Kyle Johnson has mental disorder, a danger to society

By Howard B. Owens
      Kyle Johnson

After completing mental health evaluations, two doctors have found that Kyle G. Johson, who killed a neighbor and then set his own house afire on Selden Road in Le Roy on Dec. 1, 2015, is a present danger to himself or others because of a psychological disease or disorder.

Based on the medical reports, Interim Judge Micheal Pietruszka this morning confirmed the finding and ruled that Johnson has a dangerous disturbance of his behavior, thinking, feeling or judgment.

In August, Johnson was confined to the mental hospital in Rochester and ordered to undergo care, counseling and rehabilitation. This morning, Pietruszka confirmed the sentence and ordered him held until he is found to no longer be a danger or mentally disturbed, if indeed he is ever deemed mentally healthy again.

The morning of Dec. 1, 2015, Johnson walked to a neighbor's house, entered through an unlocked door and went into the bedroom of Norman Ball and shot him in the head while he slept.

Johnson then returned to his residence and set it on fire. 

When firefighters and a police officer arrived at the fire, Johnson tried to shoot them.

After a several-hour stand-off that involved emergency response teams from Genesee and Monroe counties as well as law enforcement officers from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD, Le Roy PD and Monroe County, Johnson was taken into custody without any further violence.

For prior coverage about Kyle Johnson, click here.

Photos: A tour of St. Mark's in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Le Roy held an open house today. 

Photographers were invited to take pictures for a photo contest being sponsored by the church in anticipation of its 200th anniversary as a congregation in 2017.

The church building itself was constructed in 1869.

Grand Jury: Inmate accused of selling heroin while in county jail

By Billie Owens

Bradley J. Broadbent is indicted for the crime of promoting prison contraband in the first degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on April 24 at the Genesee County Jail, Broadbent, while confined in the detention facility, knowingly or unlawfully made, obtained or possessed dangerous contraband -- heroin. In count two, Broadbent is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled subtance, a Class B felony, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug -- heroin -- with intent to sell it while at the jail. In count three, he is accused of the crime of criminal sale of a controlleged substance in the third degree, a Class B felony, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully selling a narcotic drug -- heroin.

Roberto F. Fuentes Jr. is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on July 14 on Alleghany Road in Corfu, Fuentes drove a Pontiac while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, also a Class E felony, for allegedly having a .08 BAC at the time. In Special Information filed by the district attorney, Fuentes is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on May 28, 2014 in the Town of Amherst, Erie County, and that occurred within 10 years of the crimes alleged in this indictment.

Nicole A. Mickey is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on July 10 on Richmond Avenue in Batavia, Mickey drove a 2004 Toyota while intoxicated.

Sergio A. Forte is indicted for the crime of unauthorized use of a vehicle in the second degree, a Class E felony. It is alleed that on June 30 in the Town of Le Roy that Forte, while knowing he did not hoave the owner's consent, took, operated and exercised control over, rode in or otherwise used a 2003 Ford Focus. In Special Inofrmation filed by the district attorney, Forte is accused of having been convicted of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor, on March 10, 2007, in the Town of Le Roy, and that occured within 10 years of the crime alleged in this indictment.

Duo accused of stealing pit bull from animal shelter after lengthy search in the woods off Quinlan Road

By Howard B. Owens
   Giancarlo Miranda      Haleigh Ogden

After a search of the woods last night in the area of Keeney Road and Quinlan Road, Le Roy, two suspects in a series of incidents were located and arrested.

The call to police started with a report to Le Roy PD of suspicious activity at the Kwik Fill in Le Roy, followed by the report of an accident on Keeney Road at about 10:13 p.m.

Two people were seen fleeing into a wooded area.

Deputy Ryan Young along with the K-9 patrol led by Livingston County Deputy Michael Wade responded and started a search. 

Also assisting were other Le Roy PD officers, local deputies, troopers and State Police aviation.

After a lengthy search, the suspects were located and identified as Haleigh I. Ogden, 18, of East Avenue, Batavia, and Giancarlo A. Miranda, 18, of Clipnock Road, Stafford.

During the course of the investigation, Ogden and Miranda were identified as suspects in a burglary that occurred sometime between Dec. 8 and 9 at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. A pit bull was stolen from the shelter. 

Last night, they were found in possession of the pit bull.

Both were charged with burglary, 3rd, and jailed on $15,000 bail each.

The pit bull was returned to the animal shelter.

(initial report)

Possible burglary thwarted in Quinlan Road area of Le Roy, suspects flee on foot

By Howard B. Owens

Deputies are looking for possible burglary suspects in an area north of Quinlan Road in Le Roy.

The suspects may have tried to flee in a vehicle and it either crashed or they abandoned it and ran into the woods.

There are reportedly two males and a female.

A neighbor has also pursued them into the woods, according to dispatchers.

A K-9 unit from Livingston County is requested to the area to assist in the search.

Apartment in Le Roy filling up with gasoline fumes

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy fire is requested to 18 Genesee St., Le Roy, for an apartment that is filling up with gasoline fumes.

UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: Le Roy Ambulance now requested to the scene to check on a female who may have breathed in fumes.

Grand Jury: Two men indicted for first-degree burglary of Central Avenue apartment

By Billie Owens

Daniel J. Gilbert is accused of the crime of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 28, Gilbert knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling -- an upper apartment on Central Avenue in Batavia -- with the intent to commit a crime therein and when entering or immediately fleeing from the dwelling, he or another participants in the alleged crime caused physical injury to a person who was not a participant in the crime. In count two, Gilbert is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count two that Gilbert or another participant, in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempted commission of a felony, caused physical injury to a person others than one of the alleged participants.

Marquis K. Saddler is accused of the crime of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 28, Saddler knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling -- an upper apartment on Central Avenue in Batavia -- with the intent to commit a crime therein and when entering or immediately fleeing from the dwelling, he or another participants in the alleged crime caused physical injury to a person who was not a participant in the crime. In count two, Saddler is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count two that Saddler or another participant, in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempted commission of a felony, caused physical injury to a person others than one of the alleged participants.

Marlek E. Holmes is accused of the crime of criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on June 23 at the Genesee County Courts Facility Holmes intentionally disobeyed or resisted the lawful process or other mandate of a court by violating an order of protection issued by Batavia City Court on Dec. 2, 2015. Holmes allegedly violated the portion of the order which directed him to refrain from communication or any other contact ny mail, telephone, email, voice-mail or other electronic, or any other, means with the protected person. In addition, he is alleged to have violated that portion of the order of protection which directed him to refrain from harassment or any other criminal offense against the protected party.

Tammy L. Strassner-Noble is accused of the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on June 18 in the Town of Le Roy, that Strassner-Noble operated a 2012 Cadillac on Main Street while knowing, or having reason to know, that her driver's license in New York was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn. It is further alleged that the defendant was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, Strassner-Noble is accused of the crime of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on Main Street in the Town of Le Roy on April 6 and of operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count three, she is accused of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor, on June 18 on Main Street in Le Roy.

Photos: New communications tower going up in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A new 165-foot communications tower is being installed today on Town of Le Roy property off of Asbury Road (the site at one time of an airport).

The tower is part of the county's upgraded 800 megahertz digital communications system and will help fill in some dead spots in the town and village of Le Roy. It will also help in spots in Le Roy where communication was harder inside of buildings.

Steven Sharpe, director of emergency communications for Genesee County said the tower will also help complete the phase of building interoperable capabilities with Monroe County's emergency dispatch center, which will then also create a bridge for communications with Ontario County.

"Our goal is to improve interoperable capabilities throughout the region," said Sharpe (in the bottom photo, taking a video of the shelter for communications equipment being lowered into place.

The tower is funded with a $3 million grant from the state.

Man in U-Haul reportedly 'violently handled dog'

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch says a man "violently handled a dog" a short while ago before moving out of the Royal Apartments at 103 W. Main St. in Batavia Le Roy.

He and others left in a U-Haul truck, driving on Main toward Tops Market. No other details/description provided.

Law enforcement is responding.

Law and Order: Elma resident charged with felony DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Stacey Dawn Mancuso, 46, of Jamison Road, Elma, is charged with two counts of felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and no right and no left turn signal. Mancuso was stopped at 2:22 p.m. Sunday on Pratt Road, Batavia, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster. A passenger in the vehicle was reportedly 5 years old, leading to a charge under Leandra's Law. She also allegedly had a prior DWI conviction within the past 10 years. She was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Daniel John Moore, 36, of Asbury Road, Pavilion, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Moore was arrested after deputies responded to a report of a domestic incident in Pavilion at 8:10 a.m., Nov. 30. Moore allegedly had physical contact during the argument with a person who had called 9-1-1 and Moore allegedly terminated the 9-1-1 call. He reportedly left the scene before deputies arrived and was later located that night and arrested.

Dylan Michael Cobernus, 20, of Maxon Street, Brockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Cobernus was stopped at 10:37 p.m. Wednesday on Route 98, Elba, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Devan Dashaun Hazel, 22, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with trespassing. Hazel is accused of trespassing on College Village property at 5:43 a.m. Sunday.

A 17-year-old resident of Harris Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, criminal impersonation, 2nd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Micheal Lute into an incident reported at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 5 on Route 77 in Pembroke. The youth was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Taheed Mical Moffett, 31, of Arnet Boulevard, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana. Moffett was arrested after deputies were dispatched at 12:11 a.m. to the Econo Lodge on Route 77, Pembroke, to check the welfare of an individual.

Humphrey joins Whiting Law Firm

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Whiting Law Firm and Robert F. Humphrey, Esq., are pleased to announce that Mr. Humphrey will become “of counsel” to the Whiting Law Firm effective January 1, 2017.

Mr. Humphrey will continue to practice at 3 Main Street, LeRoy, NY - where he and his staff have been serving clients for the past 42 years - until July 1, 2017.  Thereafter, his office and practice will be located at 31 West Main Street, LeRoy, NY.

The Whiting Law Firm has its main office at the 31 West Main Street, LeRoy, NY location, where Reid Whiting and his two sons, Jake and John, will continue to provide a broad range of quality legal services.  The Whiting law Firm also maintains an office at 104 Bank Street, Batavia, NY, where conferences are held by appointment.

Mr. Humphrey is a general practitioner who has been limiting his practice to commercial and residential real estate, estate planning and administration and small business matters.  The Whiting Law Firm offers a broader range of services including the foregoing, as well as family law matters, divorces and other matrimonial issues, personal injury, and general litigation.

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