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Unknown type fire reported in back yard on Cole Road, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

An unknown type of fire has been reported in the back yard of 6972 Cole Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy Fire Department responding.

UPDATE 11:01 p.m.: Landowner on scene tells a chief he thinks it may be over by Bernd Road, so the chief is checking that area.

UPDATE 11:02 p.m.: Assignment being held to one truck for now.

UPDATE 11:03 p.m.: It appears to be a campfire.

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.: Le Roy assignment back in service.


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Dryer fire reported on Myrtle Street, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A dryer fire was reported at 61 Myrtle St., Le Roy, in the basement.

Flames were showing.

An assistent chief responded to the scene and knocked the flames down with an extinguisher.

Le Roy Fire is responding and Bergen is responding mutual aid, non-emergency.


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Le Roy sextet takes 12th Place in big Roc City BBQ contest

By Billie Owens

The local six-person team of Dave Pepper, Millie Tomidy-Pepper, Matt and Becky Ashley and Gerry and Maureen Calmes, all of Le Roy, placed 12th in the Roc City Rib Fest Cook-off.

The festival is held during Memorial Day weekend at Ontario Beach Park (Charlotte Beach). More than 115 teams competed from around the nation and Canada.

 

Le Roy resident honored as 2011 Woman of Distinction in New York State

By Billie Owens

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer honored Millie Tomidy-Pepper this week as the 2011 Woman of Distinction for the 61st Congressional District at the 14th Annual Senate Women of Distinction ceremony.

She was honored for her outstanding contributions in enriching the quality of life for the community and beyond.

"Without women such as Millie, there would be a huge void in Genesee County," Ranzenhofer said. "Her initiative and tireless advocacy has led to the creation and development of so many services at the Mental Health Association in Genesee County...these programs have served the needs of the community and have had a positive impact on a countless number of lives."

In response to the recognition, Tomidy-Pepper said: "To have an honor such as this bestowed upon me by Senator Ranzenhofer and be included among a group of women that have inspired me and whom I hold in the highest regard has left me speechless. I owe a great deal of gratitude to the countless women who came before me and worked tirelessly to pave the way so that I could be blessed with opportunities in my life  to do work that I find both meaningful and rewarding."

Tomidy-Pepper has worked at the Mental Health Association in Genesee County for more than 17 years, serving the past 10 years as executive director. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Mental Health Association of New York State. During her tenure, she has established numerous support groups and programs, including Trauma Services program, Transportation Services, and Mental Illness/Chemical Abuse Services program.

She is a contributor to the Community Services Board-Mental Health Subcommittee, Mental Health Court, Crime Victims’ Rights Week Planning Committee, Genesee Veterans Support Network, GCC Human Service Committee and the Genesee Area Personnel Association.

In addition, she volunteers at the Batavia Animal Shelter and has traveled to New Orleans four times after Hurricane Katrina to help with rebuilding efforts.

She and her husband, David, reside in Le Roy.

In her spare time, Millie enjoys spending time with family and participating in outdoor activities, including skiing, kayaking, hiking and flying.

The Women of Distinction program was created in 1998 to honor great New York women. Past honorees include the late comedienne Lucille Ball, 19th Century suffragist Katherine Davis and other women accomplished in sciences, academics, business and the arts.

The Mental Health Association in Genesee County promotes mental wellness through education, advocacy and support for the community thereby improving quality of life and instilling hope.

Le Roy man admits to drug possession, assault and DWI

By Howard B. Owens

A Le Roy man who got in a tussle with members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force in April will go through a drug treatment program before facing a possible sentence of up to four years in prison on drug and alcohol charges.

Craig A. Tiberio-Shepherd, 21, of 22 Lathrop Ave., Le Roy, entered a guilty plea today to criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, and assault, 3rd. He also admitted to driving drunk in August 2010.

Still in police custody for today's hearing, Tiberio-Shepherd will be released under supervision to Hope Haven for rehab.

On April 21, Tiberio-Shepherd was apprehended by members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force in Batavia and found in possession of at least 1/8th of a gram of cocaine. During his arrest, he wrestled with task force members. Two detectives suffered minor cuts and scrapes.

On Aug. 14, 2010, Tiberio-Shepherd was arrested and charged with felony DWI. Just five days prior to his arrest he was convicted of DWI in Le Roy Town Court.

The drug and assault charges carry a maximum four year prison sentence and the DWI charge is a one-and-a-third to three-year sentence. As part of the plea agreement, Tiberio-Shepherd could serve the sentences concurrently.

Nine local residents earn degrees from Nazareth College

By Billie Owens

The following local residents were among more than 555 graduate students from Nazareth College who received master's and doctoral degrees during the college's 84th Commencement Exercises held on May 8.

Laura Hungerford, of Bergen, received a BS degree in Nursing.

Sara George, of Byron, received a  BS degree in Nursing.

Kristin Glazier, of Byron, received a MSW degree in Social Work.

Kimberly Barber, of  Leroy, received a BA degree in History.

Kristine Wolcott, of Oakfield, received a MSE degree in Art Education.

Melissa Cutcliffe, of Pavilion, received a DPT degree in Physical Therapy.

Jessie Janes, of Pavilion, received a BA degree in Sociology.

Riley Carhart, of Stafford, received a BS degree in Accounting.

Sara Churchill, of Stafford, received a MSE degree in Inclusive Education.

Founded in 1924, Nazareth College is located on a close-knit, suburban campus in the dynamic, metropolitan region of Rochester. It offers challenging academic programs in the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs in health and human services, education, and management.

African Drumming at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Thursday, June 30, 7-8 p.m. In this adult program you will experience the music of West Africa through authentic African Drums. It is led by Katie Zelig and registration is required. There is a $3 fee. You may call 585-768-8300 or sign up at the front desk.

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Four local students named to Elmira College Dean's List

By Billie Owens

Elmira College has released its Dean's List for Academic Achievement for the Winter 2011 term, which was from January through April.

The Dean's List recognizes students that have a grade point average of 3.6 or highter.

Alicia Hough, of Elba. Alicia is majoring in Business Administration and is the daughter of Valeria Moore and Albert Hough.

Alicca Vigneri, of Elba. Alicca is majoring in Business Administration and is the daughter of Phil and Janette Vigneri.

Matthew Gale, of Le Roy. Matthew is majoring in Childhood Education and Sociology and Anthropology and is the son of Mr. Christie and Mrs. Cynthia Gale.

Megan Lowe, of Le Roy. Megan is majoring in Adolescence Education: Mathematics and is the daughter of John and Lynda Lowe.

Elmira College, located in the Finger Lakes Region of beautiful, historic Upstate New York, is one of the great small colleges of the nation. To learn more about what Elmira College has to offer, navigate to www.elmira.edu or call 800-935-6472.

Le Roy meth dealer given time in federal prison

By Howard B. Owens

A Le Roy resident caught dealing methamphetamine from his home during a multi-agency law enforcement investigation will spend 210 months in a federal penitentiary.

Donald G. Vanelli II, 48, was sentenced to 17-and-a-half years in a Rochester federal court today.

Vanelli had previous entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Documents released by federal authorities at the time of his arrest indicated that Vanelli, president of the Road Agents Motorcycle Club, was head of a meth ring involved in acquiring meth in Monroe County and distributing in Genesee County.

The operation, headed by the FBI with assistance for the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, included wiretaps and a video camera positioned on a pole near his house and well as the use of an informant.

As a result of the investigation, authorities concluded that Vanelli obtained between five and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine from drug suppliers.

Arrested the same day -- July 13, 2010 -- as Vanelli were David H. Cohen, 49, of 918 Goodman St., Rochester, Donna L. Boon (aka Donna McAuley), 44, of 3658 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road; Andrew W. Chapman, 40, of 5 Cedar St., Batavia; and Kerry A. Ball, 51, of 7202 Meadville Road, Basom.

The cases against the other defendants are still pending.

In late April, Boon's husband, James Henry McAuley Jr. (aka "Mitch"), 62, was accused by federal authorities of being a leader in the Rochester Hells Angels and charged with racketeering.

Police Beat: Disorderly conduct charge in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Eric J. Bratcher, 22, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with disorderly conduct. Bratcher is accused of shouting numerous profanities while outside a residence. At the time, there were many other individuals, according to Le Roy police, who were capable of overhearing the vulgar language Bratcher was allegedly using.

Ryan Thomas Covell, 20, of Polish Place, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Covell was allegedly found in possession of a partially smoked marijuana blunt during a traffic stop on Route 63 in Pavilion at 11:35 p.m., Friday, by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Kenyon Hanks Barnes, 26, of Clinton Street, Batavia, and Lisa Marie Horn, 21, of Clinton Street, Batavia, are charged with endangering the welfare of a child and unlawfully dealing with a child. Barnes and Horn are accused of providing alcohol to a 17-year-old girl while at their residence, 5100 Clinton St., Lot #4.

Stephany Marie Demorcy, 21, of East 161 St., Bronx, is charged with petit larceny. Demorcy is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Mazariegos Rene Roblero, 26, of McGregor Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to dim headlights, unlicensed driver and unsafe tire. Roblero was stopped at 2:20 a.m., Saturday, on Main Street, Village of Oakfield, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Timothy Wood, 22, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Wood is accused of threatening to harm a woman.

Woodrow C. Horseman, 35, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Horseman is accused of shoplifting from the Wilson Farms on East Main Street, Batavia. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Pole, live wires blocking North Street Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A telephone pole is completely blocking the roadway, with live wires down, in the area of 8631 North Street Road in Le Roy. A farm truck reportedly caught a wire, snapping the pole.

Le Roy Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 10:52 a.m.: Fire police are asked to shut off traffic at North Street and Route 19 up to the railroad tracks.

UPDATE 11:58 a.m.: A National Grid representative is on scene.

UPDATE 12:06 p.m.: A fire official says the road will probably be closed for at least another three or four hours.

Two county residents earn honors for Garfinkel Essay Contest

By Billie Owens

Two local Genesee Community College students were recently honored for their entries in the Annual Garfinkel Essay Contest. It's sponsored by the Historical Society of the Courts of the State of New York.

GCC student Kevin Volk, of Batavia, was awarded Second Place for his essay, "A Brief Examination of the Difficulties in Finding Justice for the Victims of the Triangle Factory Fire, 1911."

Volk's essay points out the importance the 1911 Triangle Factory Fire had in New York State, and how this tragedy began the wheels of change to protect factory employees and improve working conditions.

His award-winning essay can be found on the following Historical Society of the Courts Web site: http://www.courts.state.ny.us/history/essay/2011/essay11.htm

Phyllis Washburn, of Le Roy, received an honorable mention.

The Historical Society of the Courts was chartered to preserve the legal history of New York state and foster understanding and public appreciation of court history.

Police Beat: A pair of DWIs

By Howard B. Owens

Shyqwan D. Foster, 20, of 188 Elmdorf Ave., Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to dim headlights and moving from lane unsafely. Foster was stopped at 3:21 a.m. on West Main Street by Officer Darryl Streeter.

Ryan Charles Bishop, 20, of 9 Lathrop Ave., Le Roy, is charged with DWI and aggravated driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Bishop was stopped Friday morning in the Village of Le Roy by Le Roy Police.

Police Beat: Painter accused of taking money, not doing work in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

James D. Qutermous, 52, of 9484 Putnam Road, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Qutermous is accused of accepting a $1,500 down payment to paint a house in Le Roy, and cashing the check, but never returning to start the work or return the money.

Troy Anthony Hokenson, 42, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hokenson is accused of stealing $49.11 worth of merchandise from Kmart.

Police Beat: Darien woman accused of using fake ID to get Time Warner service

By Howard B. Owens

Rachellyn G. Burek, 29, of 4131 Broadway Road, Apt. #4, Darien, is charged with identity theft in the third degree. Burek is accused of using the identity of another person from December 2006 to August 2007 to obtain service from Time Warner Cable. Burek allegedly received more than $900 in services. The case was investigated by Det. Pat Corona, Batavia PD.

Kelly J. McMurty, 34, of Benedict Street, Perry, and Linda L. McMurty, 55, of Embury Avenue, Silver Lake, are each charged with petit larceny. The women are accused of stuffing clothing items in their purses and then walking past the last point of purchase without paying for the items. 

Edward S. Wiosinski, 60, of 1364 Rush Henrietta Townline Road, Rush, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Wioskinski was arrested by Le Roy Police for allegedly harassing another person.

"Jack and the Beanstalk" at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Wednesday, May 11,  3:15-4:15 p.m. for grades 1-3. Read and watch, Jack and the Beanstalk, then decorate a planter cup and plant a seed. Take it home and watch it grow. Will it become a giant beanstalk? Registration is required. Call 585-768-8300 to sign up.

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Mother who used ATM to steal money from nursery school in Le Roy sentenced

By Howard B. Owens

A Le Roy mother accused of stealing $6,200 from a nursery school where she served as treasurer will spend five years on probation, Judge Robert C. Noonan ruled this morning.

Jennifer M. Riggi, 29, of 47 Lake St., Le Roy, will also serve on community work details each weekend for the next two months.

Riggi, speaking hoarsely and softly, said in halting sentences, "I admit it was wrong. I feel awful that it happened. It's a mistake I made."

On Feb. 27, Riggi plead guilty to grand larceny, 4th. As part of her plea deal, she was required to make restitution prior to sentencing, which she did.

Meg Roberts, president of the board of directors for the school, said Riggi's actions were harmful to the school.

"We trusted you to help run the school for our children and your children as well," Roberts said. "You completely misled us that you had the best interest of the children at heart.

"You had direct knowledge about how misappropriating funds would hurt the school and our ability to pay our teachers. I never would have expected another mother to steal from our school."

Noonan said he really didn't understand Riggi's motivation.

"When I read the presentence investigation on somebody who violated the trust of an institution or organization that vested them with (financial responsibility), I'm really trying to look for a reason why," Noonan said.

"Some would do it often times because of drug or other substance abuse issues. Sometimes it's a gambling problem. Sometimes it's a drastic change in financial circumstances. Often times people say, as you did, that they intended at the time to return what they took and just got in over their heads.

"But with a spouse who has adequate income so that you're not forced into the position where you must steal to feed your children, it does suggest a real character flaw. That is something you are going to have to deal with, not just for the period of probation term, but for the rest of your life.

"What could make you feel that you could go and take money just because it was available to you, I don't understand," Noonan concluded. "It's not my job to understand it. It's just a curiosity to me."

PHOTOS: Mothers Day Celebration at Batavia Gardens

By Robin Walters

Care-A-Van was at Batavia Gardens for their weekly grocery distribution.  A group of women had gotten together to celebrate one of their friend's  birthday. Instead of bringing gifts for her, they all brought items that could be used to bless other mothers on Mother's Day. They  then created and donated the blessing boxes to Care-A-Van to distribute to moms and  and to children to have a gift to give to their mom on Mother's Day.

Here below is Bridget Ohlson, Co-Founder of Care-A-Van blessing one of the women that came to the truck today.

 

Double-fatal DWI accident re-enacted for Le Roy HS students

By Howard B. Owens

About 200 Le Roy High School students witnessed one of their classmates being carried away in a body bag by four volunteer firefighters on Friday.

The student wasn't dead, just an actor in a multi-agency demonstration for the youths about what happens when people drink and drive and get into serious auto accidents.

The event was put together by Tim Hogel and Christina Marinaccio of the Le Roy Fire Department. Also participating were the Stafford Fire Department, Le Roy Ambulance (who's members also assisted to planning and setting up the drill), Mercy Flight, Le Roy Police, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Genesee County Emergency Services and Coroner Bob Yungfleisch.

"We wanted them to know, to have a firsthand experience," said Le Roy Chief Mike Sheflin. "We can read statistics to them all day long, but we wanted them to really see what happens, to have a friend being put under an orange blanket and in a body bag."

The scene set up in the parking lot of the high school involved two cars, four student actors and two mannequins. The demonstration, lasting more than an hour, showed students what happens when first responders arrive on scene -- from providing immediate medical treatment to extricating people trapped in cars.

The re-enactment portrayed a double fatality accident with one person being trapped in a car and the other being thrown from a vehicle. Yungfleisch pronounced both victims dead at the scene and went through all the steps he normally would in documenting the deaths.

Two other students were "transported" by ground ambulance and a third student was transported in a Mercy Flight helicopter. (He described the ride as "bumpy.")

At least three students --Lindsay Snyder, Ashley Russo, Shelby Joshlin -- said the demonstration had a real impact on them.

"It’s traumatizing for everyone," Lindsay said. "Even if you don’t know them, it still impacts you. Even in just acting, it kind of makes you stop and think, what if that happened to me?"

Ashley said the demonstration really showed her that driving while intoxicated is really bad and Shelby added that she would do everything she could to keep people from drinking and driving.

"If somebody needs a ride, even if I’m not friends with them, they can give me a call and I’ll come and give them a ride," Shelby said. "I don’t want to see this happen to anybody I know."

Hogel said he's known five young people over the past five years involved in fatal DWI accidents, which was part of the reason he wanted to put this demonstration together.

"If we can influence just one person not to drink and drive then I’m happy with it," Hogel said.

Of course, just about every volunteer firefighter, police officer and EMS responder has dealt with a fatal accident. Often people they know are involved, so how these accidents effect their own families is never far from their minds.

The 17-year-old daughter of Scott Kibler, 1st Assistent for Stafford Fire, was in the audience, and Kibler said he's warned his daughter many times about drinking and driving.

"Of course, she's only 17 and shouldn't be drinking at all, but I can't be with her twenty-four-seven," Kibler said.

“I’ve told her I’ve seen what happens firsthand at fatal accidents involving alcohol," Kibler said. "As a parent, the last thing I want to do is get woken up in the middle of the night to go to a fatal where she’s involved, whether she’s involved injured or uninjured."

UPDATE: Here's the names of the students who participated. Ben Eadie road in the bird, Chelsie Hixenbaugh had the broken leg, Emily Hogle had an arm injury, Gino Forte was the drunken driver, Chris Merica played the role of DOA.

More pictures after the jump:

 

Police Beat: Tire slashing suspect from February arrested

By Howard B. Owens

Glenn R. Price, 57, of 128 W. Main St., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Price is accused of slashing tires in the parking lot of Walmart, 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, at 12:04 a.m., Feb. 21. The case was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker and Investigator Kristopher Kautz.

Mark Laney, 31, of Clinton Street Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Laney is accused of violating an order of protection out of Family Court. He was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Christopher Patrick Ball, 28, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Ball is accused of harassing his ex-girlfriend during a phone conversation, in violation of an order of protection. Ball was jailed on $2,500 bail.

A 16-year-old resident of West Bergen Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. The youth is accused of violating an order of protection out of Family Court. The youth was jailed on $750 bail.

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