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Le Roy

Driver hospitalized after truck strikes tollbooth in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

From our news partner, WBTA:

State Police suspect a driver may have suffered some type of medical problem causing him to crash into a concrete barrier of the Thruway at the Le Roy exit.

Troopers said the unidentified driver was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital with head injuries and chest pain.

The accident happened at 2:30 Thursday afternoon. Entrance and exit lanes were closed for more than an hour.

According to State Police, a Ford 350 pickup truck crashed into the concrete barrier that protects the toll booth. The impact bent one of the steel supports that supports the roof of the booth.

The pickup truck proceeded through the exit lane and flipped over on its roof.

(Photos submitted by Greg Luetticke-Archbell.)

Drug task force announces arrest of three alleged dealers

By Howard B. Owens
Terrence Butler

Terrence D. "Spaz" Butler, 33, of Swan Street, Batavia, has been arrested on a sealed indictment warrant for allegedly selling crack cocaine on two occasions.

Butler was taken into custody when located as a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Le Roy PD at midnight Saturday in the Village of Le Roy.

Butler is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Butler was jailed on $25,000 bail or $50,000 bond.

Mark McWethy

Mark W. McWethy, 47, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, was arrested on warrants stemming from the alleged sale of oxycodone to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force and for allegedly possessing drugs with the intent to sell during a traffic stop on Law Street, Batavia, in August 2014.

At the time of the stop, McWethy allegedly possessed heroin, with the intent to sell, and cocaine.

He was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th.

McWethy was jailed on $25,000 bail.

Michael Hahn

Michael A. Hahn, 36, of Lincoln Avenue, Attica, was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Darien Court for allegedly selling methamphetamine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force.

He is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th, and criminal sale of a controlled substanc, 7th.

Hahn was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Softball equipment stolen from Le Roy HS

By Howard B. Owens

More than $2,000 in softball equipment and other items were stolen from a locked closet in the home dugout of a ball field at Le Roy High School sometime between Thursday and Monday, according to Investigator Roger Stone, Sheriff's Office.

Stone released a report indicating thieves made forced entry into the closet.

Stolen were:

  • DeMarini CF6 softball bat 33/23
  • Demarini CF6 softball bat 32/33
  • DeMarini CF8 softball bat 33/23
  • DeMarini CF7 softball bat
  • DiMarini Vendetta softball bat
  • Easton CXN softball bat
  • Three Rawlings Coolflo softball batting helmets
  • One Wilson softball helmet
  • Two dozen Easton Incrediball softballs
  • 3/35 packs of Wegmans bottled water
  • 2/12 packs of Gatorade
  • Box of assorted Nestle candy
  • Three Frito-Lay assorted snack boxes

If caught, the thieves face possible charges of burglary, 3rd, criminal mischief, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th.

Assisting in the investigation are Deputy Chad Minuto and Le Roy PD's school resource officer, Officer Eric Miller.

Tips can be phoned in to (585) 343-5000.

58 on Main celebrates one-year anniversary

By Traci Turner

(Shaina Czudak and Jim DeLooze)

58 on Main, the art gallery and coffee shop in Le Roy, has been providing locals with art, coffee and a friendly place to chat for a year now.

In celebration of its one-year anniversary, the shop handed out free birthday cake and gave customers a chance to win a photo booth party.

Jim DeLooze, local artist and photographer, and Sean Valdes, co-owner of D & R Depot, run the shop together.

The combination of art and coffee has been a hit in the community. Customers can take painting, pottery and photography classes as well as enjoy a coffee and pastry. Paint nights and pottery painting classes are offered on Friday nights. Photography classes for beginners are offered on Saturday mornings.

The shop also has room for events like small parties. The parties come with the option of catering from D & R Depot and a photo booth.

"It's a real accomplishment for a small startup business to survive a year," DeLooze said. "The art gallery and coffee shop really complement one another and I don't think I could have ran the gallery as a stand alone business."

In the future, the shop hopes to offer pottery birthday parties for children and welcomes any local artists who would like to teach a class to contact them.

Of course, the course of the course changes after big storm hits Le Roy CC

By Howard B. Owens

It it rains, it floods at the Le Roy Country Club, at least when it rains like it has recently. 

A creek that cuts through the lush green fairways on the front 9 often overflows with an abundance of water, and according to course pro Robbie Sinclair, the "lake effect" is often teeming with wildlife after a big storm. I tried to make it out today while several herons were at the pond, but only came across this duck hen and her ducklings.

All 18 holes remain open for golf, though the normally par 4 second is reduced to a par 3, with a tee shot over a lovely water hazard.

Law and Order: Duo in Le Roy accused of possessing a gun, drugs for sale, in presence of child

By Howard B. Owens

Harvey J. Lockhart, 32, of Batavia, and Kevin Q. Thomas, 26, of Batavia, are charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Lockhart and Thomas were arrested following a traffic stop in the Village of Le Roy by Le Roy PD. As a result of an investigation, Lockhart was allegedly found in possession of loaded .22-caliber handgun in his shorts pocket as well as 10 bags of crack cocaine. Thomas was also accused of possessing a handgun and crack cocaine. A child was reportedly in the vehicle. Lockhart was held without bail and Thomas was held on $10,000 bail.

Bryan Henry Fetterly, 29, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with criminal tampering, 3rd. Fetterly allegedly threw property belonging to another person into a garbage dumpster that contained garbage. The alleged incident was reported at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Dekota Starr Leiser, 23, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of marijuana. Leiser allegedly stole tools from a business on Bank Street Road, Batavia. During the investigation by Deputy Joseph Graff, Leiser was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Philip William Czaja, 31, of Elm Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to pay fine. Czaja turned himself in. No further information released.

Kristen Anne Cianfrini, 30, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Cianfrini was arrested after a passerby found her 3-year-old child unattended, wandering near the roadside of Route 5, by a passing motorist. It's alleged that Cianfrini did not know her child had walked out of their residence and that the child had been wandering near the road for an undetermined period of time while Cianfrini was sleeping. The alleged incident was reported at 9:10 a.m. Saturday.

Adam Michael Jellison, 37, of Sierk Road, Attica, was arrested for an alleged probation violation. Jellison was issued on a warrant out of Wyoming County. He was arrested after he went to the Sheriff's Office on Park Road to retrieve found property and the warrant was discovered.

Melissa Courtney Cicatello, 23, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief. Cicatello allegedly intentionally damaged the car door of another person's vehicle.

Law and Order: Woman allegedly entered Bergen home and stole jewelry

By Traci Turner

Nicole L. Green, 29, of Court Street, Geneseo, is charged with burglary, 2nd. Green is accused of entering a Bergen residence without authorization and stealing jewelry. She allegedly sold the items at a jewelry store in Pittsford. She was held on $500 bail.

Melissa M. Lesage, 36, of Lake Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a Batavia City Court bench warrant following a traffic stop by Deputy Christopher Camp on East Main Street, Batavia. Lesage allegedly failed to appear for a previous aggravated unlicensed operation charge. She was put in Genesee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

Kimberly A. Brodsky, 23, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Brodsky was issued an appearance ticket regarding a shoplifting complaint at Tops Markets in Batavia on May 21. She had two outstanding warrants out of Lancaster and was turned over to Lancaster Police Department.

Julie L. Dutton, 20, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, was arrested on a Batavia City Court bench warrant after Officer Marc Lawrence allegedly found her walking toward Central Avenue in Batavia. Dutton allegedly failed to appear in court for criminal contempt, 1st. She was also arrested on a violation of probation warrant. She was put in Genesee County Jail.

Erica L. Dhanda, 33, of South Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Dhanda was issued an appearance ticket after she allegedly struck another motorist after a road rage incident on West Main Street, Batavia.

Patrick A. Garbutt, 26, of Wendhurst Road, Greece, was turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office by the Greece Police Department for an outstanding bench warrant out of the Town of Darien Court. Garbutt allegedly failed to pay a fine for a previous trespassing charge. He was put in Genesee County Jail on $250 bail.

Holly R. Hawkins, 19, of Niagara Falls, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd, following an incident on Route 77 in Darien. Hawkins allegedly violated a stay-away order of protection by subjecting the protected party to physical contact.

Thomas James Rose, 19, of Ford Road, Elba, is charged with promoting prison contraband, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. While incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail, Rose was allegedly found in possession of a marijuana cigarette and matches.

Austin Lee Wester, 20, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a minor. Wester was seen in the parking lot of Raceway 5 allegedly consuming alcohol. He also allegedly possessed two small bottles of alcohol. 

Nateeka Marie Gibson, 26, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gibson is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Howard Owens contributed to this report.

Graduate of Le Roy Central School to attend Clarkson University in Potsdam

By Billie Owens

Billie Elizabeth Hens, of Le Roy, a graduate of Le Roy Central School, will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam as a member of the Class of 2019. Hens, who will be majoring in Chemical Engineering, will begin studying at Clarkson in the fall.

"We look forward to having Billie join us on campus in August," said Dean of Admissions Brian T. Grant.

High school students can schedule a personalized visit to Clarkson, which includes a campus tour tailored to their interests, the opportunity to sit in on a class, a visit with an admissions counselor, and a one-on-one meeting with a professor. Just contact the Admissions Office at 800-527-6577 or admission@clarkson.edu.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and the health professions, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

Law and Order: Youth suspected in jar theft in Corfu accused of marijuana possession

By Howard B. Owens

A 17-year-old resident of Buffalo is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth's arrest started with a report of a jar being stolen from a residence on Allegheny Road, Village of Corfu, that is used to collect money from campfire wood sales. The jar was empty at the time the youth allegedly swiped it. The youth was seen running into a wooded area and Corfu Officer Micheal Petritz began a search of the area, with assistance from Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 "Destro" and Deputy Kevin McCarthy. State Park police also assisted. The youth was located at the entrance of Darien Lake Theme Park. The owner of the jar declined to press charges but the youth was found to allegedly possess a quantity of marijuana. (Initial Report)

A 16-year-old resident of Brighton was arrested on a warrant. The youth was spotted by Le Roy PD on Lake Street. When the youth saw that an officer spotted him, he reportedly fled on foot. He was arrested a short time later with the assistance of Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 "Destro" along with other deputies and troopers. The youth, whose name was withheld by Le Roy PD, was jailed on $2,000 bail or $4,000 bond.

Andrew Wolf, 22, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with trespass. Wolf allegedly entered an establishment in the Village of Le Roy at 2:25 a.m. Sunday, after previously being advised he was no longer welcome at the establishment.

Ryan N. Jordan, 29, of Viking Way, Brockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Jordan was arrested following a report of an erratic driver in the Village of Le Roy at 6:30 p.m., Friday.

Marie Arcarisi, 51, of Le Manz Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Arcarisi was stopped in the Village of Le Roy at 12:48 a.m., Saturday, by Le Roy PD.

Michelle A. Curtin, 23, of East Shelby Road, Medina, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Curtin was stopped at 1:32 a.m. Saturday on Route 33, Batavia, for alleged failure to dim headlights by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

A 16-year-old resident of Casey Road, Basom, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely and failure to keep right. The youth was reportedly involved in a one-vehicle rollover accident at 6:50 a.m. Sunday on Albion Road, Oakfield. There were no injuries reported. The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff.

Kevin Matthew Mazgaj, 26, of Bedell Road, Grand Island, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd. Mazgaj was allegedly on the grounds of Darien Lake Theme Park at 2:14 a.m. Sunday while the park was closed.

Carrie Ann Capostagno, 40, of Caswell Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, refusal to take breath test, speeding and driving left of pavement markers. Capostagno was stopped at 3:17 a.m. Saturday on Byron Holley Road, Byron, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Hanna Jorose Beveridge, 24, of Gillett Road, Spencerport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Beveridge was stopped at 8:20 p.m. Friday on Route 63, Oakfield, by Deputy Jason Saile. Also charged, Anthony Shane Mykins, 19, of Lyell Road, Rochester.

Jessica Mae Pfenninger, 32, of Creek Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Pfenninger allegedly stole a purse and other merchandise from Walmart and then abandoned the property in a drainage ditch behind another nearby business.

Dawn M. Morford, 54, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Morford allegedly sold zolpidem to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force. Morford was arrested on a warrant and jailed on $2,500 bail.

Jenna J. Condoluci, 24, of Groth Road, Holly, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument. Condoluci was allegedly found in possession of a hypodermic instrument by members of the Local Drug Task Force.

Deputy: 'The worst part of my job is to notify a parent a child has died'

By Traci Turner

Le Roy Jr./ Sr. High School held its third DWI drill to make students think twice before stepping behind the wheel drunk.

The drunken driving simulation emphasized the consequences of a two-vehicle accident that involved six high school students. In the simulation, the driver of a Chevy Suburban was intoxicated and responsible for crashing into a Chevy pickup truck. The student in the passenger side of the Suburban died from injuries sustained and one of the students in the back seat suffered critical injuries. The other three students involved in the crash had minor injuries. 

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Le Roy Police Department, Le Roy Fire Department, Stafford Fire Department, Mercy Flight and the Genesee County Coroner participated in the simulation. Deputies from the Sheriff's Office and Le Roy police went through the process of administering sobriety tests. Le Roy firefighters demonstrated auto extrication to get the passengers out of both of the vehicles. Stafford firefighters set up an emergency landing zone in the parking lot for Mercy Flight so the passenger in critical condition could be flown out.

The drill takes place every two years at different high schools in Genesee County so all the juniors and seniors witness the simulation at least one time. 

Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Parker hopes today's simulation will influence students to question the offense and make good decisions.

"In the past, there have been crashes where kids have been killed on prom night in Elba and Oakfield," Parker said. "The worst part of my job is to notify a parent a child has died."

Detective John Condidorio, from the Le Roy Police Department, wants to make young adults aware of the consequences of drunk driving. Drunk drivers can face jail time, fines and probation. The consequences go beyond the charges as well.

"How is the driver going to deal with the fact that he kill his best friend or sister?" Condidorio asked. "The emotional toll is something that will long surpass jail time."

Jerry Diskin, past Le Roy fire chief, thought the simulation had a good turnout and educational presentation.

"It's important for kids to know the consequences of drunk driving and witness a crash because it's an important lesson you don't learn in school," Diskin said. "I hope it will stop accidents from happening in the near future."

Tim Hogle, assistant Le Roy fire chief, hopes the students realize the seriousness of drunk driving so he doesn't get called out for a crash for Le Roy's prom tomorrow night. To deter drunk driving, faculty will be randomly breathalyzing students at the prom.

Students participating were Tom Wood, Brian Hodges, Ashley Swartzenburg, Haley Steen, Emily McVicker and Karl Ehrhart.

Le Roy Ambulance service also participated.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Le Royan and Elban named amoung state's Junior DAIRY LEADERS

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Thatcher Mowry, of Le Roy, and Kayla Wormuth, of Elba, are among the 29 New York Junior DAIRY LEADERs, representing 17 counties, that will graduate at Empire Farm Days on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. in the Dairy Profit Seminar Center at Empire Farm Days, the Northeast’s largest outdoor farm show at Rodman Lott & Son Farms in Seneca Falls.

Junior DAIRY LEADER Program coordinator Deborah Grusenmeyer and assistant coordinator Betsey Howland, both with the Cornell PRO-DAIRY Program, will welcome families and visitors to the graduation that includes a presentation of the program year by the 29 graduating members, and recognition of the 2015 Junior DAIRY LEADER class sponsors.

The Cornell PRO-DAIRY Junior DAIRY LEADER is a statewide program for youth between the ages of 16 and 19 with an interest in learning more about career opportunities in the dairy industry and gaining hands-on experience in the field.

The Junior DAIRY LEADER graduation ceremony at Empire Farm Days gives young people the opportunity to highlight their year-long experiences and demonstrate to visitors, family, friends, agribusiness professionals, and educators the dynamic aspect of dairy education and career options.

The Junior DAIRY LEADER Program begins in September with a seven day trip to Madison, Wis., to tour dairies and agribusinesses, followed by attending the annual National 4-H Dairy Conference. Throughout the year, class members participate in eight workshops, focusing on team building, personality styles, resume development, change, and leadership skills development, as well as facets of dairy production, tours, and exposure to numerous career options in the dairy field.

Hands-on workshops offer learning opportunities on specific facets of the dairy industry, including veterinary science, dairy nutrition, production management, and on-farm production analysis, plus interaction with dairy producers, industry professionals, and other dairy-interested young people. Building communication and leadership skills enhanced by a team approach to problem solving adds to the Junior DAIRY LEADERS’ personal and professional development.

The 2015 sponsors of the Junior DAIRY LEADERS program are PRO-DAIRY, the Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation, Professional Dairy Producers Association, DEHM Associates, SHUR-GAIN USA, Genex-CRI, Select Sire Power, Northeast Farm Credit AgEnhancement Program, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Northeast Ag and Feed Alliance, New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association, and the Cornell University Department of Animal Science, and New York’s dairy producers.

The 2015 Junior DAIRY LEADER class members are:
. Chautauqua County: Justin Dye, Trenton Meeder
. Columbia County: Benjamin Gardner, Courtney Dearnley, Emily Ooms
. Delaware County: Dylan Walley
. Erie County: Natalie Strub, Zane Hubbard
. Genesee County: Thatcher Mowry, Kayla Wormuth
. Jefferson County: Krystle Burger, Joshua Chisholm
. Lewis County: Harley Hancock
. Montgomery County: Justin Ryan
. Oneida County: Stephanie Finn, Andrew Smith
. Ontario County: Jacob Maslyn, Thomas Mueller, Alfredo Resendiz-Rojo,
  Robin Smithling
. Otsego County: Rachel Stone
. Rensselaer County: Lindsey McMahon
. Schoharie County: Eric Bates
. Tompkins County: Brian Lampman
. Washington County: Margaret Brownell, Kaylah Gulley
. Wayne County: Jessica Skellie
. Wyoming County: Emily Lampson, Katie Sondericker.
 
Empire Farm Days is the Northeast’s largest outdoor farm show, held on 300 acres at the Rodman Lott & Son Farms in Seneca Falls. Admission is free; parking is $10 car. Find a full schedule of activities and more information for the Aug. 11-13 show at www.empirefarmdays.com

Law and Order: Man accused of felony criminal possession of a weapon

By Traci Turner

David A. Simpson, 34, of Pittsford, was charged with speeding, aggravated unlicensed operator, 2nd, and felony criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, on Route 77 in Corfu. Simpson is accused of having a butterfly knife after he was previously convicted of a crime. He was jailed on $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond.

Dillon M. Brito, 23, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell, a Class C felony. Brito was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine in the parking lot at Kibbe Park. He was jailed without bail.

Nicholas J. Elmore, 26, of Colonial Boulevard, Batavia, was charged and arraigned on a bench warrant for theft of services charge. Elmore allegedly committed the offense in the City of Batavia. He was held on a detainer from the City of Batavia Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash/bond.

Shane M. Nugent, 30, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after he was pulled over on Route 77 in Corfu for speeding, uninspected motor vehicle and aggravated unlicensed operator, 3rd.

Samantha A. Talmon, 26, of Main Road, Corfu, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and operation of an uninspected motor vehicle on Main Street in Oakfield.

Dustin R. Benham, 25, of Darien Center, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Benham was allegedly stopped on Route 77 in Corfu for not wearing a seat belt.

Scott D. Smith, 39, of Ridge Road, Brockport, was pulled over for allegedly possessing a small quantity of marijuana and speeding on Route 77 in Pembroke.

Coty A. Patrizi, 24, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with the unlawful possession of marijuana and operating a vehicle without brake lights on Main Street in Batavia. Patrizi allegedly possessed a marijuana grinder and some marijuana.

Larry D. Williams, 57, of Elba, was charged with violation of ENCON laws. Williams was accused of burning tires.

Stephen M. Tytler, 28, of Beahan Road, Rochester, voluntarily turned himself in to the Batavia Police Department after he allegedly failed to appear in court for an aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, 3rd. The City of Batavia had issued an active bench warrant on him. 

Scott R. Krieger, 39, of Dumon Street, Rochester, is charged with having an unlicensed vehicle on his property on Law Street, Batavia. Krieger was arrested on a warrant issued by the Batavia City Court. He is accused of being in violation of the Batavia Municipal Code for an unlicensed vehicle on various dates in 2007. 

Megan J. Thomas, 33, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Thomas allegedly left two children unattended in a running vehicle at the Batavia City Centre.

Garrett C. Gildner, 40, of Andiron Lane, Rochester, was arrested on two Batavia City Court warrants for allegedly failing to pay a fine for municipal violations. Gildner was previously charged with Batavia Municipal Code violations for hedge height and corner visibility and a loose metal fence on West Main Street in Batavia. 

Alicia M. Warney, 29, of West Ridge Road, Brockport, was arrested for a bench warrant on West Main Street in Batavia. Warney allegedly failed to appear in jail for a violation. She was held on $1,000 bail.

Andrew J. Darling, 40, of Route 237, Stafford, was charged with petit larceny. He is accused of stealing a cell phone valued at $200. The incident happened on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

A Le Roy youth is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. He allegedly caused damage to a closet door. He was arraigned in the Le Roy Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $250 bail. An order of protection was also issued.

Barn fire reported near Conlon and North roads, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A barn fire is reported in the area of the intersection of Conlon and North roads. Le Roy Fire Department and Ambulance Service are responding, along with mutual aid from Bergen, Mumford and Caledonia.

UPDATE 1:19 p.m.: The call has gone to a second alarm. Pavilion, Stafford and the Town of Batavia Fast Team are called. A firefighter on scene reports seeing flames inside the structure.

UPDATE 1:24 p.m.: A burner is being used at the barn, a firefighter confirms. No barn fire. Units are told to go back in service.

 

Sponsored Post: Open house this Sunday 12pm-2pm, 15 Lathrop Avenue in the Village of LeRoy!

By Lisa Ace

Don't miss this open house - Sunday from 12-2.
Walk in and fall in love with all of the charm this quant, well maintained home is filled with. Many updates, with many of them being recent; new dining room, bathroom and floors throughout downstairs, new gutters, new thermal windows and deck etc. There's also a nice yard that is fenced in. All natural woodwork throughout. This home is in a great neighborhood and LeRoy schools are excellent! The price of this home was just drastically reduced as owners are motivated to sell. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please feel free to call Matthew or Stacey Gabbey at (585) 734-5824 if you have any questions or we hope you will venture out on Sunday. 

Photos: First round of Battle of the Bands at the Smokin' Eagle in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

The Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew in Le Roy kicked off a summer series Battle of the Bands on Wednesday night.

For each of the next 10 weeks, 10 bands will compete to move on to the next round. One band each Wednesday is playing from at least 8 to 9 p.m. (the period of judging, the bands may play longer).

The series kicked off with a performance by JP Shaggy, from Syracuse.

There will also be bands in the competition from the local area as well as Buffalo and Rochester, said Jimmy B, from Jimmy B entertainment, who is organizing the event with Smokin' Eagle co-owner Jon Marcello.

There is a panel of five judges. They will judge the bands on stage presentation, time management, sound quality, band synchronization, band enthusiasm, and attitude and audience response.

The top six bands move onto the semi-finals. Round 2 will be three weeks of two bands each week, top seed vs. bottom seed. 

The finalists will compete Sept. 19, which is a Saturday, from 2 to 10 p.m. That event will be a fundraiser for a charity yet to be selected. There will be other entertainment along with raffles and drawings.

JP Shaggy is Jason Krueger.  To find out more about him, visit his Facebook page.

Librarian receives national recognition

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership is pleased to announce that Brian Mayer was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker for 2015. This recognition honors his work, both locally and nationally, for the development of gaming programs to support libraries and classrooms.

“Brian's recognition as one of 50 Library Journal Movers & Shakers this year is greatly deserved, said Christopher Harris, director, School Library System at the Partnership. “He exemplifies the goal of the School Library System to deliver local support and services at a national level. Brian’s work with game-based learning in our districts and his dedication to service within the Games and Gaming Round Table of the American Library Association are great success stories.”

Locally, Mayer is a regular visitor to many of the Partnership’s component-district schools where he co-teaches in libraries and classrooms using games from our curriculum-aligned board game library. As a game developer himself, Mayer has also helped lead local classes in exploring game design as a way to promote critical thinking and creative expression of student understanding.

Nationally, Mayer has been a huge force within the Games and Gaming Round Table of the American Library Association. For the past few years, he has led the move to reinvigorate the ALAPlay gaming event at the ALA Annual Conference. Last year, more than 400 people came to the event to play board games, interact with cosplayers, and learn more about running game programs in libraries. Mayer was also able to bring game companies back to the ALA exhibit floor through creative partnerships with the GameRT booth.

This summer, things will continue to grow with the addition of a pre-published game review event at ALAPlay and the inclusion of a board gaming space for attendees and families on the ALA exhibit floor.

Mayer joins fellow Partnership employees, Christopher Harris, director, School Library System and Andy Austin, library technology specialist, who were previously recognized as Movers & Shakers. The Partnership is now the only School Library Services organization in the country that is fully staffed by Library Journal Movers & Shakers.

Caption: Brian Mayer. Photo credit: JMS Studio and Gallery.

Law and Order: Suspect accused of selling suboxone to undercover agent

By Howard B. Owens

Zachary J. Ayres, 21, of Bankside Drive, Hamlin, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 4th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Ayres was arrested on a warrant for allegedly selling suboxone to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force. He was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Shaun Claude Connors, 36, of Bissell Avenue, Depew, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Connors was arrested after being found sleeping in an unsecured, parked car on South Lake Road, Pembroke, at 8:21 a.m., May 20. 

Kimberly L. Winn, 61, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, inadequate exhaust and unlawful possession of marijuana. Winn was stopped at 9:09 p.m. Thursday in the Village of Le Roy.

Mark D. Nash, 56, of Curtis Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to pay fine. Nash has a conviction for issuing a bad check. He was arrested at the Monroe County Jail and jailed in Genesee County on $105 bail.

Rae Charlene Cook, 26, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass and resisting arrest. Cook is accused of entering a residence without being invited nor having the owner's permission to enter. Cook reportedly left the residence before officers arrived, but allegedly returned later and was located on the front porch of the residence and taken into custody after a struggle.

Mark Jackett, 45, and Courtney Hewitt, 33, of Irving Parkway, Oakfield, are charged with eight counts of offering a false instrument for filing, 1st, and one count each of third-degree grand larceny. Jacket and Hewitt were arrested following an investigation by the Department of Social Services. Jackett and Hewitt are accused of submitting an application, recertification and wage verification forms that failed to report Jackett's correct income. As a result, Jackett and Hewitt allegedly received $9,747.09 in Medicaid benefits they were not entitled to between Dec. 1, 2010 and March 31, 2013. Jackett and Hewitt turned themselves into the Sheriff's Office, were arraigned and released.

Eric K. Ricks, 36, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, unlawful possession of marijuana and criminal obstruction of breathing. Ricks was allegedly involved in a domestic incident on State Street. He's accused of strangling and punching another person. He was also allegedly found in possession of marijuana. He was jailed on $2,000 bail or $4,000 bond. Ricks was also arrested by the Sheriff's Office on a charge of disobeying a court mandate for allegedly violating an order of protection.

Charles I. Farraro, 27, of Barron Road, Mount Morris, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test, moving from lane unsafely and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Farraro was stopped at 11:56 p.m. Tuesday on Walnut Street, Batavia, by Officer Darryle Streeter.

Samantha Lynn Gibbs, 27, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a computer. Gibbs is accused of gaining access to a computer network of another person and posting items on that network.

Jason Scott Stanley, 22, of Judge Road, Alabama, is charged with trespass. Stanley was arrested following an investigation into an ATV accident at 10:14 p.m. Monday at 7394 Hutton Road, Oakfield. Stanley was allegedly on private property without permission when she was involved in an ATV accident. Also charged, Amber Lynn Sharick, 22, of Lewiston Road, Batavia.

Stacey Lynn Santillo, 39, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Santillo is accused of shoplifting from Kohl's.

Two local women open 'No Finer Diner' in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A fun, friendly atmosphere where people can enjoy a good, homestyle meal -- that's the goal for Lori Trader and Cindy Eggelston, proprietors of Le Roy's newest eatery, the No Finer Diner, right on Main Street, Downtown.

Longtime residents will remember the location as the former Tyler's Restaurant.

Eggleston said is their very basic goal is "We want happy customers."

In the tradition of great American diners, No Finer offers a big breakfast spread and the usual fare for lunch and dinner of burgers and hot dogs, sandwiches, melts and salads, along with entre staples such as ham steak, liver and onions and a seafood basket. There's also a veggie lasagna for those who go meatless and a lasagna in the opposite direction that substitutes veggies for pasta and is filled with turkey for those looking for lean protein with fewer carbs. There's also a kids' menu.

Opening a restaurant of her own had long been a dream, said Trader, who worked for years as a waitress at various local establishments.

"I would walk my dogs by this restaurant almost every day and just imagine what it could be, see the people in there, and I was excited about it," Trader said.

Eggleston had a background in catering and was thinking about finding a commercial kitchen so she could expand her business.

"On April 6, Lori said, 'I really want to open the old Tyler's and I said, 'Ok, let's do it,' Eggleston said. "By the end of that week, we were at the attorneys signing all of our corporate paperwork."

It all came together that quickly, and soon the buzz started spreading around Le Roy that the diner would reopen, run by a couple of local women.

"One of my customers came to my house two days ago and said he's never seen a community so supportive and so excited about somebody opening a diner," Trader said.

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