Le Roy

Kristopher Martin Driffill, 37, of Norwich Drive, Rochester, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. Driffill was arrested at 2:46 a.m. on March 11 on Park Road in Batavia following an investigation into an incident in the Town of Batavia. The defendant allegegedly stole an amount of money exceeding $1,000 from another person at a local establishment. He was jailed in lieu of $5K cash or $10K bond and is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Michael Lute.

Todd F. Smith, 51, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Smith was arrested at 10:05 p.m. on March 13 at 122 Bank St., upper rear apartment, Batavia, following an investigation into an incident wherein he allegedly threatened a neighbor. He was issued an appearance ticket for March 21 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Cory Robert Lapp, 24, of Main Street, Attica, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher -- first offense; failure to yield the right of way when entering a roadway; and failure to use turn signal. At 2:18 a.m. on Union Street in Batavia, Lapp was arrested for DWI and the others charges. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 5 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Howard Wilson.

Samual D. Saxman, 19, of Sackett Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment and stalking in the fourth degree. At noon on March 19, Saxman was arrested for allegedly harassing and stalking another person on East Main Street Road, Batavia. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and released on his onw recognizance. He is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Mark James Salven, 55, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; operating a motor vehicle without inspection certificate; and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. At 4:57 p.m. on March 18, following a traffic stop on Keeney Road in the Town of Le Roy, Slaven was arrested for DWI. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 20 in Town of Le Roy Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Le Roy Police Officer Cameron Leight.

Zachary James Walsh, 23, of Route 237, Byron, is charged with operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, DWI, and failure to keep right. Walsh was arrested at 2:07 a.m. on March 18 on Walnut Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was allegedly found to have a BAC of .10 percent and subsequently was issued several appearance tickets for Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale.

George John Budzinack Jr., 37, of Augustine Street, Rochester, is charged with: first-degree aggravated operation; DWI; refusal to take breath test; consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle; moving from lane unsafely; and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 9:19 p.m. on March 14, following the investigation of a single-car accident on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford, Budzinack was arrested for DWI and charged with offenses cited. He was issued an appearance ticket for March 21 in Stafford Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Deputy Cassidy Longhini.

Antonio Javier Santiago, 20, of Transit Road, Pavilion, is charged with second-degree harassment. The defendant was arrested at 11:33 a.m. on March 18 after a domestic dispute on Ellicott Street Road in Pavilion in which he allegedly grabbed a former girlfriend during an argument. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 11 in Pavilion Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Richard L. Mosher, 50, of Zingarra Road, Conyers, Ga., is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol. He was arrested at 9:58 p.m. on March 14 on Alleghany Road, Pembroke, following a domestic incident on Route 77. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court, then released on his own recognizance. He is due in Town of Pembroke Court on April 11. The case has handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Carlton L. Beardsley, 22, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 1:54 a.m. on March 10 on West Main Street, Batavia, following a shoplifting complaint at Tops Friendly Market where several alcoholic beverages were stolen. He was arrested on scene, then released on an appearance ticket for March 21 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

A 17-year-old resident of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. The youth was arrested following a complaint at Speedway, located at 204 W. Main St., Batavia, about an incident at 11:40 p.m. on Feb. 7. The youth was released on an appearance ticket for April 14 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Rajea S. Thomas, 28, of Sutorius Drive, Rochester, turned himself in at Rochester Police Dpeartment on a Batavia City Court bench warrant for failing to appear on a charge of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. The defendant was released on an appearance ticket for March 22 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Ahdeosun R. Aiken, 18, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, had an active bench warrant out of City of Batavia Court for failure to pay a fine. The fine stemmed from an incident on Feb. 9, 2016 wherein it is alleged that Aiken damaged glass at the Batavia Centre City shopping mall. The defendant was arrested without incident on March 13. After arraignment, Aiken was released after paying part of his restitution at Genesee County Probation Department. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Ghislaine Pena, 25, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested at 3:18 a.m. on March 11 on a bench warrant for failure to appear on an unspecified incident that occured on July 16. Pena posted $300 cash bail and was released on an appearance ticket for March 22 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels.

A fire alarm sounded at Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy. No signs of smoke or fire. The library, located at 7 Wolcott St. was evacuated as well as Wolcott School. Le Roy and Pavilion firefighters are on scene. The alarm was tripped by an electrician working at the library. Pavilion is going back in service. The schoolchildren are being allowed to return to school. Le Roy will remain on scene a few more minutes.

A washer fire with smoke showing is reported in the mobile home park on Lake Street Road in Le Roy. Le Roy Fire Department is responding with mutual aid from Bergen and Pavilion to 8769 Lake Street Road, Lot #12.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: A first responder on scene reports a light haze inside the structure.

UPDATE 2:11 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is returning to service.

Rachel Ann Baehr, 30, of Linwood Road, Le Roy, is charged with third-degree assault. On March 15, at 1:25 a.m., Baehr was arrested following an investigation of a domestic incident that occurred at 9101 Linwood Road in the Town of Le Roy. She allegedly bit another person's face, causing them to bleed. Baehr was arraigned, then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. She is due back in Le Roy Town Court on April 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Richard Dean McKague Jr., 26, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. On March 14, at about 11:16 a.m., McKague was arrested for allegedly possessing a Kung Fu Star during a probation home check. He was issued an appearance ticker for April 11 in Batavia Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Chad Cummings.

A fire in a wall is suspected at 8180 W. Bergen Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire dispatched along with an engine from Pavilion and ladder from Bergen.

City of Batavia and Stafford asked to stage in quarters for possible second alarm.

UPDATE 12:21 p.m.: Second alarm. City of Fire, Stafford, second engine from Pavilion for working trailer fire.

UPDATE(S) 1:01 p.m. (By Billie): The Bergen assignment is back in service.

UPDATE 1:10 p.m.: The American Red Cross is called to the scene to aid the displaced: A man, a woman, a child, a dog, a cat. Also, a code enforcement officer will be responding to the trailer in an hour or so.

David Lane Handley Jr., 54, of Ontario Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with burglary, 3rd, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Handley allegedly broke into the Yellow Goose Store in Pavilion at 2 a.m. Feb. 12. The investigation was conducted by Deputy James Diehl.

Jeffrey Allan Youngs, 56, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, inadequate headlamps, driver's view obstructed, and open container. Youngs was stopped at 1:20 a.m. Sunday on Route 20 in Alexander by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Timothy K. Smith, 23, of South Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, driving without insurance, inadequate headlamp, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and unregistered vehicle. Smith was stopped at 9:56 p.m. Saturday on West Main Street, Le Roy, by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Chad Allen Cooper, 21, of Emily Court, Bergen, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. During a "check the welfare" request, Cooper was allegedly found in possession of heroin.

Ghislaine Pena, 25, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and failure to stop. Pena was arrested on a warrant during a traffic stop at 2:07 a.m. Saturday on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Shamir Kamran Aslam, 29, of Landstone Terrace, Rochester, is charged with menacing, 2nd, and two counts of criminal contempt, 1st. Aslam allegedly drove his vehicle at a high rate of speed and swerved by a person covered by a protective order when leaving the Genesee County Courts facility at 11:05 a.m., March 1.

Mark Joseph Amico Jr., 29, of Route 237, Le Roy, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Amico allegedly called another person and made several threatening statements at 6:07 a.m., March 7.

David J. Mylar IV is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 3, 2013, that Mylar knowingly entered or remained unlawfully inside a building on Main Road in the Town of Pembroke, with the intent to commit a crime.

Gregory J. Rodak is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 17 in the Town of Bergen that Rodak drove a 2007 Volkswagon on Townline Road while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, also a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time.

Beverly B. Meadows is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Dec. 6 in the Village of Le Roy that Meadows drove a 2003 Chevrolet on North Street while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, she is accused of DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In count three, Meadows is accused of the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that at the time of the crimes alleged in counts one and two, that she knew or had reason to know that her driver's license was suspended or otherwise withdrawn by authorities.

National Grid appears to making progress on restoring power to its customers in WNY, but there are still more than 100 outages in Genesee County affecting more than 10,000 customers.

All of Le Roy and most of Stafford and Bethany are reportedly without power and there are 39 separate outages in the City of Batavia.

There are now more than 800 outages reported for National Grid in WNY, but the total number of customers affected has dropped to 68,000.

Le Roy High School has rescheduled tonight's musical, a performance of "Bye Bye Birdie." A performance has been added for 1 p.m., Saturday. Tickets purchased for tonight's show can be used for any remaining show -- 7 p.m. tomorrow, 1 p.m. Saturday and also at 7 p.m. Saturday.

RWC Bohn's on Clinton Street Road in Batavia is offering a series of discounted entrees this evening for residents without power (the restaurant was without power last night). The meals are $9.99 each and include strip steak, fish fry, broiled haddock, chicken parm, penne pasta with a bolognese sauce and fettuccine Alfredo.

UPDATE: The John Ferrara fundraiser at the American Legion in Le Roy tonight has been postponed.

Here are a couple of more pictures from readers of storm damage:

From Bob Jarnot of a tree down in Stafford.

Lilya Kotmel, a seventh-grader, sent in another picture from yesterday, this one on North Street.

There's a report of smoke in the residence of 8286 E. Main Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire dispatched with mutual aid from Pavilion.

UPDATE 1:07 p.m.: There may be a problem with an electrical outlet. A thermal camera is requested in the house.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in the area of 112 W. Main St., Village of Le Roy.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

A caller reports a person has started a bonfire in the driveway of 31 Myrtle St., Le Roy.

Le Roy fire dispatched.

There are unknown injuries after a car hit a utility pole in the area of 7332 Quinlan Road.

Lines are down.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

Jonathan E. Seiger is indicted on 18 counts, 17 of which are Class E felonies and one is a Class A misdemeanor. In count one, he is accused of the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged that between Aug. 5 and Nov. 15 in the Town of Le Roy, Seiger stole property -- U.S. currency -- with a value exceeding $1,000. In counts two through nine, the defendant is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property with intent to benefit himself or a person other than the owner, or to impede the recovery of the property -- in this case, an ATM card -- by an owner of it. In counts 10 through 17, Seiger is accused of the crime of identity theft in the third degree. It is alleged in counts 10 through 17 that on various dates in August and in November, the defendant knowingly and with intent to defraud, Seiger assumed the identity of another person by presenting himself as that person, or by acting as that person by using personal identifying information of that person, and thereby obtained goods, money, property or services or used credit in the name of the person, causing financial loss to the person. In count 18, Seiger is accused of the misdemeanor crime of fifth-degree conspiracy for intentional conduct that constituted a felony to be performed, and he agreed with one or more people to engage in or cause the perfomance of such conduct.

Scott H. Spencer is indicted on 18 counts, 17 of which are Class E felonies and one is a Class A misdemeanor. In count one, he is accused of the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged that between Aug. 5 and Nov. 15 in the Town of Le Roy, Spencer stole property -- U.S. currency -- with a value exceeding $1,000. In counts two through nine, the defendant is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property with intent to benefit himself or a person other than the owner, or to impede the recovery of the property -- in this case, an ATM card -- by an owner of it. In counts 10 through 17, Spencer is accused of the crime of identity theft in the third degree. It is alleged in counts 10 through 17 that on various dates in August and in November, the defendant knowingly and with intent to defraud, Spencer assumed the identity of another person by presenting himself as that person, or by acting as that person by using personal identifying information of that person, and thereby obtained goods, money, property or services or used credit in the name of the person, causing financial loss to the person. In count 18, Spencer is accused of the misdemeanor crime of fifth-degree conspiracy for intentional conduct that constituted a felony to be performed, and he agreed with one or more people to engage in or cause the perfomance of such conduct.

Kayleigh J. Allen is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 26 in Town of Batavia that Allen drove a 2012 Chevrolet on Route 98 while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, she is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for the same crime while having a BAC of .08 percent.

Press release:

When members of the Class of 2018 graduate from Byron-Bergen and Le Roy Central school districts next June, their high school transcripts will include a certificate, endorsed by the Genesee County Economic Development Center, indicating completion of a training program in professional skills.

With support from the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation and the America’s Best Communities grant, a timely program is being developed in the two districts to provide graduating seniors with a repertoire of skills that employers perceive as lacking in the majority of first-time job applicants.

“We are constantly looking for strategies to develop our local workforce in preparation for emerging career opportunities,” said John Jakubowski, GCEDC Workforce Development consultant. “Honing professional skills gives our students the edge in a competitive market.”

Professional skills, sometimes referred to as “soft” skills, include effective communication, teamwork and collaboration, problem solving, critical observation, and conflict resolution. While they may be difficult to quantify, their absence is obvious and problematic for conducting business efficiently and professionally.

“Our students are developing a growth mindset as early as elementary school,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Mickey Edwards. “We reinforce the belief throughout all grades that intelligence and character can be developed and that human potential really is without limits.

"With this new program for seniors on their way out our doors to higher education, the service or employment, we are equipping them with a refinement of skills to position them for success in whatever route they take.”

The professional skills training will rely on the expertise of school counseling staff, the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership Business Education coordinator, and local employers as guest presenters. 

“When our students can interact with a company president or a human resources manager from our geographical area, they not only learn the importance of professional skills, they also get a feel for the wide variety of opportunities that exist close to home," said incoming Le Roy Superintendent Merritt Holly.

"With the exciting initiatives transpiring in projects like the Le Roy Food & Tech Park, we want our graduates to be ready to take advantage of any career path that presents itself. But professional skills are universally in demand and will serve our children well for a lifetime.” 

While the professional skills training program is being designed specifically for Byron-Bergen and Le Roy high school seniors, the model is highly replicable and can be adapted easily in other districts.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) continues to pursue a $1.2 million phase one shovel-ready project to build a business park on a 75-acre parcel in the Town of Le Roy. Similar efforts in the towns of Batavia, Pembroke and Bergen have yielded major corporate investment. The plan for the GCEDC is to replicate this business attraction model in Le Roy.

The GCEDC has purchased the land for the project, requested a rezoning of the property from the Town of Le Roy and has received an award through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process administered by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council for $420,000 to begin site engineering and infrastructure construction.

The GCEDC estimates that at full build out, the Le Roy Food & Tech Park will have approximately 600,000 square feet for office, advanced manufacturing and distribution/warehousing space that could employ as many as 1,000 people.

“The GCEDC has a proven track record in making sites shovel ready through smart investments and market these sites to businesses locally, regionally, nationally and internationally and we are confident that this can be accomplished in Le Roy,” said Genesee County Legislator Shelley Stein (Le Roy). 

“Collaboration is critical to this type of effort and it’s good to see how our local government leaders and economic development and education professionals are working together to make this project a reality,” said Genesee County Legislator Robert J. Basuch (Elba, Byron and Bergen).

“We continue to move forward with the GCEDC to make this site shovel ready,” said Le Roy Town Supervisor Stephen R. Barbeau. “We have the real potential to create new jobs, secure new investment and grow the tax base in our community.”

“We think our strategy of building a shovel-ready site in Le Roy will enhance market opportunities for existing buildings and infrastructure in the vicinity of the park,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “This is similar to the development strategy deployed around the county where shovel-ready parks are located at the edge of population centers.”

The Le Roy Food & Tech Park is located on a 75-acre parcel on Route 19 and West Bergen Road in the Town of Le Roy bordering the Village of LebRoy. The GCEDC estimates that when developed it will be able to attract companies and investment to the site that will enable additional commercial infill into the Village.

To prepare the local workforce for these new jobs, the towns are partnering with Le Roy Central School and Byron-Bergen Central School through a Professional Skills Training program.  The program is being funded through a grant from America’s Best Communities award that the towns of Le Roy and Bergen won in 2015. 

Professional skills include various interpersonal skills such as how to interact with people, emotional intelligence, verbal communications skills and other skills to help people perform in the workplace. The lack of professional skills has been identified by employers as one of the biggest challenges for the next generation of workers. 

“We need to work together to not only bring new jobs to our community but also to provide the next generation of our workforce the tools to be successful once they graduate from school,” said Donald S. Cunningham, Town of Bergen supervisor.

“There are a number of exciting initiatives taking place in Bergen and Le Roy and this project has the potential to really have a positive impact on both communities,” said Anna Marie Barclay, Village of Bergen mayor.

Nicholas Anthony Esposito, 31, of North Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, menacing and harassment, 2nd. Esposito was reportedly involved in an incident at 2:55 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of Walmart where he allegedly damaged the property of another person, struck the owner of that vehicle with a closed fist and placed a woman in the vehicle in fear of physical injury.

Tomy Lee Velasquez, 24, of Fisher Road, Warsaw, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, false personation, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and rental vehicle without an ignition interlock device, and loud muffler. Velasquez was stopped Feb. 20 for an alleged traffic violation by Le Roy PD.

Cassy Drury, 23, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with two counts of rape, 3rd. Drury, being a person over 21, allegedly had sexual intercourse with a person under 17 years old between Jan. 16 and Feb. 20. She was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Douglas Edward Artman, 26, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Artman was stopped at 7:44 p.m. Thursday on Route 77, Darien, by Deputy Eric Meyer. He was allegedly found in possession of a marijuana smoking pipe containing marijuana.

Le Roy easily dispatched North Rose-Wolcott in its quest for possible Section V title with a 79-32 win on its home court. 

Ryan Boyce scored 13 points, hitting two of two three-point tries. Canyon Roster added 12, Josh Laurie, 11, and T.Y. Williams and Jason Doemling each had nine. Boyce and Roster also each had seven rebounds.

Rose-Wolcott's Tyler Norris, who had been averaging more than 30 points a game recently was held to 15 points. He was 0-6 from beyond the arch.

Photos by David Boyce.

Returning from an appointment in Le Roy today, I stopped to snap a few scenic shots on a beautiful afternoon.

Top, along Hebbard Road.

Along North Road.

And the two shots below, along Route 19.

Edward Jordan White, 21, of Michigan Street, Lockport, is charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. White, who is currently on parole, was stopped by Batavia police officers after being observed driving in the city. During the traffic stop he was allegedly found to have a suspended license and in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was jailed on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. The Local Drug Task Force assisted in the investigation.

Billy Joe Johnson, 39, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with forcible touching. Johnson allegedly forcibly touched the intimate parts of another person while in a store on Veterans Memorial Drive at 9:15 p.m., Feb. 14.

Sergio Antonio Forte, 51, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant stemming from a charge of unauthorized of a use of a vehicle, 2nd. Forte turned himself in at the Sheriff's Office on the warrant. He was jailed without bail.