The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of a newly updated Barn Quilt Trail brochure and companion website, enhancing the way locals and visitors can experience one of the largest collections of hand-painted barn quilts in New York State.
Created by Le Roy Historian Lynne Belluscio and the Le Roy Historical Society, the self-guided driving tour now features nearly 120 barn quilts throughout Le Roy and the surrounding countryside. The updated brochure and interactive website at LeRoyBarnQuilt.org offer full-color photos, quilt stories, and four scenic driving routes that guide travelers through the rural beauty and charm of Genesee County.
“Folks really like the new brochures and are amazed at all the new barn quilts that have gone up recently,” said Belluscio. “Even local people who thought they had seen them all are going back out to find the new ones. They also enjoy using the barcode to learn more about the stories behind each quilt. We hope folks will see the billboard on the Thruway, take Exit 47, and enjoy the rural byways. Now’s a great time to look for them before the leaves come out—and of course, we hope they’ll stop to have something to eat while they’re in town.”
The Barn Quilt Trail began in 2011 as a bicentennial project for the Town of Le Roy and has since grown into a beloved regional attraction. Barn quilts now adorn barns, garages, homes, and other structures, each one a piece of public art that shares a unique story rooted in family heritage, community spirit, and local pride.
These updated trail materials celebrate that storytelling tradition while making the experience more accessible and engaging for travelers seeking authentic, heritage-rich adventures. Barn quilt trails have become a hallmark of rural tourism, and in Le Roy, they represent a deep connection to agriculture, art, and history.
Printed brochures are available locally at the Genesee County Visitor Center (8276 Park Road, Batavia) and at many Le Roy locations, including:
Crocker’s Ace Hardware, Attic to Basement, Le Roy Post Office, Woodward Library, Le Roy Historical Society, Town and Village Offices, JELL-O Museum, No Finer Diner, Frost Ridge Campground, Timberline Campground, Genesee Country Campground, Tracy B’s Microbrewery, and Pully’s Farm Market.
A 40-year-old Le Roy woman is facing a reckless endangerment charge in connection with a house fire reported at 4 Union St., Le Roy, on Monday at 10:55 a.m.
Det. Kaden Vangalio and Officer William Riley, Le Roy PD, were the first on scene, and helped an elderly woman, the suspect's mother, from the burning building.
"Their actions, along with the efforts of LeRoy Fire, EMS, and all assisting agencies, ensured that all occupants were safely evacuated and no lives were lost," said Le Roy Chief Greg Kellogg.
The occupants of an adjoining unit, a mother and son, were also displaced by the fire.
According to Le Roy PD, Kelcia Storey admitted to smoking crack cocaine on Sunday night in a second-floor bedroom. In the morning, she allegedly attempted to light a cigarette using two broken lighters while sitting on her bed. Investigators believe this attempt ignited the mattress and surrounding materials, sparking the fire.
Storey allegedly left the residence and drove to Rochester to purchase more crack cocaine. She drove her mother's vehicle to Rochester. She allegedly admitted to using her purchase before driving back to Le Roy on a revoked driver's license.
Kellogg credited Vangalio and Riley for the investigation that led to Storey's arrest.
Red Cross is assisting the residents.
The department thanked Le Roy Fire, Genesee County Emergency Management, along with the mutual aid companies that responded to the scene for their teamwork and professionalism.
2023 File Photo of John Bolton at Main St. 56 Theater in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens
While it’s nice to memorialize someone after death, a group of Broadway actor John Bolton’s friends and colleagues decided to forego that route and do something while the living can also soak in how much he is appreciated, Jackie McLean says.
That’s why Bolton, a Le Roy High School graduate who has never forgotten his humble roots, is instead being honored — alive and in person — with a Lifetime Achievement Gala next month.
“Millie Tomidy is a community member in Le Roy and one of John’s very best friends from high school, and she also graduated in 1980 with John. She had been talking to retired music teacher Denise Duthe about how she wants to do something for John; he’s had such an impact on the community and in the school itself and the students in the region,” said McLean, Le Roy Central School’s music director. “And it just always felt like we always wait to celebrate people often until after they’ve passed away, and we’re honoring their life, and Millie and Denise are like, why are we waiting?
“We want to celebrate him, and we bounced a bunch of ideas around, and we talked to the school and (Superintendent) Merritt Holly and colleagues, because we wanted to have the school involved,” she said. “And we wanted to do a gala ceremony to just show John how much we appreciate him and how much he’s given back to the community, but also to celebrate all of his achievements.”
The Gala has been set for 3 p.m. May 18 at Le Roy Central High School, 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy. Doors open at 2 p.m., and a Taste of Le Roy Reception is to follow the ceremony. There is no charge, however, donations are welcome at the door.
Other Le Roy faculty, students, residents and alumni have jumped on board, including Laura Williams and Jim Bonacquisti, McLean said. There are to be speeches from a variety of community members “to make John realize how important he is to all of us,” she said.
A committee has been formed and everyone is “throwing our different expertise together,” she said, for the different components of the event, including speakers, performances and some “secret surprises.” There will be a Taste of Le Roy, featuring a dish from several local restaurants for a reception after the ceremony.
Will there be music? Oh yes. “A good amount of music,” she said, with a performance from current students from the musical “because John has so graciously attended our shows over the last few years and shown that support to those kids,” plus “some special shout-outs via videos, and a bio and video about John so that anyone who doesn’t know him can get a taste of why we’re celebrating him.”
So why are they celebrating him?
"For years he has given back to the Le Roy Community as well as the Rochester area," she said. "Working with students, budding actors, and schools, we are all so fortunate to know him."
According to Bolton’s bio, he is best known as a Broadway theater actor, starring on Broadway and nationally in "Anastasia," "Wicked," "Hello, Dolly!," "A Christmas Story: The Musical," "Dames At Sea," "Curtains," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," "Young Frankenstein" and "Damn Yankees."
He was in the original Broadway productions of "Titanic," "Contact" and "Spamalot," all three of which won the Tony Award for Best Musical. Nominated for Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Lortel, Astaire, and Rivera awards, Bolton headlined sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. The world of TV has not ignored him, with appearances in "The Good Wife," "Gossip Girl," "Madam Secretary," "Belles du Jour," "Con Heir," "Boardwalk Empire," and "Where the Vile Things Are."
Perhaps not quite as well known were his roles as a soloist with the NY Philharmonic in 2012, or appearances in the David Letterman Show skits about a singing cowboy, an accountant guarding Oscar ballots, and a crazed Letterman fan.
Similar to the myriad past and present students and community members, McLean has her own story of how Bolton was gracious with his time and earned wisdom while in Buffalo touring with “Hello Dolly.” The Covid pandemic shut his show down, and a day later also shut down Le Roy’s musical.
“However, we were able to do what we called an open dress rehearsal for the Stars of Tomorrow judges, and John didn't know what was happening, nor did any of us, obviously. And he was in Le Roy with a friend, and he said, ‘I really I want to go over to the high school and see these kids. You know, their show is closing,’ and on a night that was kind of the worst for a bunch of teenagers thinking all this work they'd put in for five months and the school year ending with barely being able to open the show,” she said. “And John shows up and gives them this amazing speech and comes into the theater and talks to them about, how this might just be a pause, and how theater will be back. And obviously, he was right. It was a very inspiring speech. It really meant a lot to the students. Several of the students who were part of that cast are actually coming back for this event to share their talents.”
His gesture to offer them some words of comfort “was so kind,” McLean said, and the two have become good friends since. He supported student Evan Williams, a 2023 Stars of Tomorrow winner who went to the Jimmy awards, and was very supportive of McLean, an inspiring teacher award recipient, she said.
Bolton also came to Batavia in 2023 to help support a Main St. 56 Theater fundraiser and to teach a master class for Batavia Players.
“He is a special, special teacher and a good friend,” she said. “He is humble, but look at all the people he’s worked with, the shows he’s been in … the idea of legacy is so important to John, and he has definitely left one.”
RSVPs are requested by May 1 to ensure an accurate count for food. Go HERE to register.
John Steward and Beth Burger. Photo by Howard Owens.
There are no microwaved meals at Kade's Scratch Kitchen, 15 Main St., Le Roy.
All meals are made to order. They're not reheated entrees. They're not made in a commercial kitchen in another state.
There isn't even a microwave in the kitchen. The only microwave is behind the dining counter.
"We use it to heat brownies," said co-owner Beth Burger. "That is the only reason we have it."
Burger's partner, John Steward (also her fiancé) describes the cuisine at Kade's as "classic family fare foods" that have been elevated. Every item fits into the "scratch kitchen" concept.
"We dedicated a whole month before we opened into research and development," Steward said. We went through trial periods for the burger alone. There were days when we would literally open up six or seven different burgers, try each one, compare and contrast, and then do another tasting. And same with the french fries. So, you know, I have a lot of this knowledge I carried over from my previous jobs, but we are trying to have an immersive team effort and a collaborative effort with our management team."
What might you find on the menu? Pizza, chicken French, chicken parm, spaghetti and meatballs, linguini and clams, steak frites, and burgers. And for dessert, cookies, cannoli, fudge brownies, cheesecake, and sundaes.
Burger and Steward discussed several food items, the process for selecting quality ingredients, and the development process.
One item that comes in frozen is the french fries, but even there, the team paid attention to the details, trying five different products before settling on the winning candidate.
"We do get the best on the market," Steward said. Our french fries are actually the same french fries that McDonald's uses, minus the preservatives."
For soft-serve ice cream, the couple did thorough research.
"We went and drove everywhere within a 15-mile radius to try the soft serve ice cream, to see what we liked the best," Burger said. "We found it. We were really happy about that, too. Our soft serve is delicious. It's dangerous. If you have an ounce of it, you're like, 'Okay, I'm done.' It's so rich It's actually custard.
The bread is a milk bread, which Burger describes as unique and special. It's baked in-house.
"Our bread is delicious. It's called milk bread - just so light, airy, and buttery," she said.
When you get a sandwich, it's coming on the milk bread and usually with a sauce developed at the restaurant.
"I'm particularly fond of our wicked smart hot sauce," Steward said. "It's really hot, but it's got a very good depth profile in flavors. So now you get the heat, but you don't get, like, the heat of straight capsaicin."
Burger described it as very layered.
"It’s quite pleasant, actually. So even someone who doesn't like, is afraid of spice, it's still likable. It's so flavorful," she said.
There is also a medium hot sauce and a mild sauce available
"We want families to be able to come in here with their kids, because we have our own children, and we want it to be a nice, a family-friendly place, but it's also a place that you can bring a date," Burger said. "We have some really nice wines. We really care about customer service and going the extra mile for our guests."
If you go to Kade's for dinner, you might want to cap off your meal with the cheesecake (your correspondent was provided with a slice).
The team tried out eight or nine house-made cheesecake recipes before hitting the right notes.
"I'll be honest," Burger said. "I was a little bummed about it, because I wanted the classic cheesecake, and they wanted to do their little thing where they just kind of changed the products around, and I was more annoyed that they were right. It's the best I've ever had. Yeah, it's really good."
Burger and John Steward both have extensive backgrounds in the restaurant business. They met when she was a bartender at Farmers Creekside and he was the sous chef. Burger, a lifelong Le Roy resident, was co-owner of Woody's Deli and a bar manager at Batavia Downs. From Creekside, Steward went to Terry Hills as executive chef, then returned to Creekside. COVID hit, and he worked at Sweet Betty's (the same location now occupied by Kade's). He was cook at the Lake House before helping to own a restaurant in Rochester.
That experience helped convince him it was time to reach for his end goal: to own a restaurant.
"It was always the end game," Steward said. "Throughout my career, I've compiled a lot of numbers in my head, data, and I got to the point, after opening up the steak house in Rochester, I looked at Beth, and I was like, 'I don't want to keep doing what I do for others. I want to do it for ourselves.' And so there was a lot of sacrifice leading up to that point, and a lot of missed times, a lot of missed firsts for me with our kids, and I didn't want that any more. Beth was on board immediately. Immediately after we talked about it -- it was funny -- when we talked it, Sweet Betty's literally dropped the news about closing permanently within 24."
Steward and Burger definitely have a mutual admiration society going.
"People (in Le Roy) know Johnny as a cook extremely well, and they don't even understand how good he is on the admin and in the back end," Burger said. "It's ridiculous how intelligent he is. Very, very smart and extremely talented. People have been waiting for him to do this. And so there's that excitement about it."
Steward said Burger's genius is at running the front of the house.
"She adds the layer with the best expertise in the front, and how she can handle talking with guests and training the staff appropriately," Steward said. "We both come from corporate backgrounds, too. So we also understand the importance of training. The importance of the good and the bad of corporate practices. Training is high emphasis for corporate. But then the other practices of corporate is really bad when it comes to the interpersonal, and so we want the best of both worlds."
It's all about balance, Burger said.
"As I was telling him, we want that nice balance where you have all the rules and regulations, but we want them (employees) to still be themselves, to be likable, approachable, kind, entertaining. That's what we're looking for here."
Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Emmanuel Fisher of Le Roy, and assigned to the Company E, 427th Brigade Support Battalion, received a promotion on March 14 to the rank of private 1st class.
Wendy Lagunas Perez of Elba, and assigned to the Company A, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, received a promotion on March 13 to the rank of specialist.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a Soldier's overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism, and future development potential.
These promotions recognize the best qualified Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
Le Roy Ambulance Service is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant from the New York State Dormitory Authority, enabling the purchase of two new emergency vehicles to strengthen our ability to serve the community. The grant, valued at approximately $350,000, fully reimburses the cost of the vehicles with no expense to the organization.
This funding supported the acquisition of a 2023 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor First Response Vehicle - commonly referred to as a “flycar” - which replaces our 2010 Chevy Suburban. After 15 years of reliable service, the Suburban has made way for this modern upgrade, ensuring our team is equipped with the latest technology for rapid response. We officially placed the new flycar into service on April 10.
The grant also covers the purchase of a new ambulance - an exact match to our 2023 Chevy Ambulance, which was funded entirely through local fundraising efforts. This new vehicle will replace our 2018 Ford Ambulance, which has already logged over 100,000 miles. These fleet upgrades are essential to maintaining the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our operations as we continue providing exceptional emergency medical care. While ambulances take longer to produce, we are hopeful to take delivery later this year.
Between this generous grant and our recent fundraising success, we anticipate being free from monthly vehicle payments for the next 5 to 10 years. This financial flexibility will allow us to redirect limited funding toward other critical operational and capital needs - a tremendous advantage for the sustainability of our service.
A 45-year-old Le Roy resident has been charged in a 2023 burglary of Crocker's Ace Hardward.
Officer Matthew Nielson worked the cold case and identified the suspect, who allegedly stole thousands of dollars in merchandise in the overnight heist.
Nielson had few leads to work with, according to Chief Greg Kellogg.
"Through persistent follow-up, detailed investigative work, and strong attention to detail, he successfully identified the suspect and personally made the arrest," Kellogg said. "This arrest is the result of Nielson’s dedication and resolve, demonstrating the commitment of the LeRoy Police Department to holding offenders accountable — no matter how much time has passed. His work on this case reflects the professionalism and determination that the department strives to deliver every day."
Andrew J. Paladino was taken into custody. He is charged with burglary. No other charges were listed in the release. His release status is unknown
Jamie Clark, assistant principal and athletic director at Le Roy Jr/Sr High School, has been named the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) Region 12 Secondary School Assistant Principal of the Year.
"What a great honor for all the work that Jamie does for our students each and every day," said Superintendent Merritt Holly. "Mr. Clark is student-centered and always prioritizes the success and well-being of every learner."
"Mr. Clark continually demonstrates a positive attitude and team-oriented approach, and his ability to connect with stakeholders and willingness to approach any challenging situation have helped contribute to the success of the Le Roy Central School District," said Dr. David Russell, principal at the high school.
Each year, SAANYS honors exceptional New York State administrators with a state awards program in their honor. This program was established to recognize educators who demonstrate outstanding leadership skills and have contributed exceptionally to the educational process.
Clark will be honored on Monday, May 5 at a SAANYS event in Cheektowaga.
Imani I. Hurd, 23, of Buffalo, is charged with attempted grand larceny 3rd and possession of a forged instrument 2nd. Hurd is accused of attempting to cash a forged check at the M&T Bank branch in Batavia. She was arraigned and released.
Dominic O Mogavero, 20, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd, conspiracy 4th, and criminal facilitation 4th. Mogavero is accused of being an accessory to a burglary on Hutchins Street on Jan. 12. He was arrested on March 24. He was arraigned and released.
Leroy Thornton, III, 34, of Batavia, is charged with sex offender failure to report change of address. Thornton, a Level 3 sex offender, was arrested March 27. He allegedly failed to report a change of address within the required 10 days. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Dominic Mogavero
Jonathan C. Perrine, 42, of Batavia, was arrested on March 22 on a warrant charging him with criminal mischief 3rd. He is accused of damaging windows on a vehicle on March 28. He was arraigned and released.
Katelyn L. Walsh, 30, of Batavia, is charged with felony DWI. Walsh was arrested on March 22 following a traffic stop by a Batavia patrol officer on Chase Park. Walsh was issued traffic tickets and released.
Rhiannon J. Graff, 44, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and petit larceny. Graff was accused of drinking and driving on March 21 after police responded to a suspicious vehicle on East Main Street. Graff is also accused of shoplifting at Quicklee's On Oak Street on March 18. She was issued appearance tickets.
Hillary D. Russell, 32, of Batavia, was charged with petit larceny. Russell is accused of stealing merchandise from Dollar General on March 19. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Brandon C. Dodd, 38, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Dodd is accused of stealing merchandise from Family Dollar on March 18. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Christine J. Saab, 20, of Batavia, was arrested on March 10 on a warrant. She was initially arrested and charged with harassment 2nd, following a fight at the Mobil gas station on East Main Street. She allegedly failed to appear in court on the charge as ordered. Saab was arraigned in City Court and released.
Michael J. Hilton, 34, of Le Roy, was arrested on March 22 on a warrant charging him with petit larceny. Hilton is accused of stealing merchandise from 7-Eleven on Feb. 26. He was arraigned and released.
Lisa M. Fox, 53, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Fox was arrested by a Batavia patrol officer on March 14 following a traffic stop on Clinton Street. She was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. She was arraigned and jailed.
Nicholas H. Heide, 28, of Port Jefferson, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. He was arrested March 15, accused of slashing a vehicle tire in the parking lot of Copperhead Creek. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Michael A. Fanizza, 31, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. He was arrested on March 14 and accused of slamming another person to the ground during a fight on Jefferson Avenue. He was arraigned in City Court and released.
Bruce Warren, 62, of Batavia, is charged with sex offender failure to verify. He was arrested on March 17 and is accused of failing to verify his information, as required every 90 days as a registered sex offender. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Donyel E. Walker, 26, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal contempt 2nd. Walker was arrested on March 14, accused of entering a residence in violation of a stay-way order of protection. He was arraigned and released.
Shane Anthony Porter, 54, of Roosevelt Highway, Hamlin, is charged with menacing 2nd. Porter was arrested following a report of an incident on Lake Street Road, Le Roy, at 7:44 p.m., March 22. A narrative of the events was not released. Porter was held or arraignment.
Tyler James Bull, 22, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Bull was arrested on March 25 at the Genesee County Jail in connection with an incident reported at 6:39 p.m. on Feb. 23. Bull allegedly violated an order of protection by making a phone call to the protected party. He was transported to the Town of Batavia Court and arraigned.
Megan June Courtney, 29, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Courtney was arrested on March 28. He is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection at 9:54 a.m. on March 26 at a location on West Main Street Road, Batavia.
Garrett Michael Pyc, 33, of South Lake Road, Pembroke, is charged with issuing a bad check. Pyc was arrested on March 28. Pyc is accused of issuing a bad check at 6:51 p.m. on Jan. 8 at a location on South Lake Road, Pembroke.
Dylan Jay Carli, 18, of Route 20, Pavilion, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and harassment 2nd. Carli was arrested on March 28 after deputies responded to a location on Linwood Road, Pavilion, to investigate a harassment complaint. He is accused of damaging property and harassing another person. He was held pending arraignment.
Daniel Francis Bower, 70, of Antlers Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving while using a mobile phone, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and moving from lane unsafely. At 4:13 p.m. on March 30, Bower was allegedly involved in an accident on North Byron Road, Elba. The accident was investigated by Deputy Zachary Hoy. Bower was issued an appearance ticket.
Lee Carl Zimmerman, 54, of South Lake Avenue, Bergen, is charged with DWI, moving lane unsafely, and inadequate plate lamps. Zimmerman was stopped at 10:02 p.m. on March 31 on South Lake Avenue, Bergen, by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was held pending arraignment.
Tanisha A. Nealy, 36, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant on March 16. Nealy was initially arrested on July 31 and charged with menacing 2nd and criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. She allegedly threatened another person with a knife. She was arraigned and released.
Christian Pierre-Louis, 27, of Batavia, was charged with DWI. Pierre-Louis was stopped on March 15 by a Batavia patrol officer on South Main Street. He was issued traffic tickets and released.
Kyle W. Nash, 37, of Le Roy, was arrested on March 18 on a warrant. Nash allegedly failed to appear in court on traffic tickets issued on Jan. 10. He was arraigned in City Court and released.
Bill A. Thomas, 65, of Batavia, was arrested on March 14 on two warrants. He was previously charged with trespass and criminal trespass 3rd in separate cases. He allegedly failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court and released.
Reilly Schwenebraten and Erica Jeremy love reading, and they love teaching children to read, which explains their enthusiasm for organizing the Wocott Street School Book Fair and PARP Fest.
PARP stands for Pick A Reading Partner.
Schwenebraten is a Pre-K teacher at the Le Roy school,l and Jeremy is a teaching assistant.
"We actually spend the whole month focused on reading and activities," Jeremy said. "Then, to culminate the month, we have this event for an hour and a half on Friday night to bring the kids in a lot of free activities."
There is dancing, games, face painting, pizza, and other snacks for the kids. The student bookstore is also open.
"Our theme this year was 'Rock Out With A Good Book,' said Schwenebraten. "All of our activities have been based around music. So on Mondays, it was Move It Monday, where we were dancing throughout the day. Tuesday was Name That Tune Tuesday, where we'd play a song, and they'd have to guess it. On Wednesdays, we would dress up in different themes. Then, on Thursday, we had guest readers. So we drew in people from the community to read to our kids in lunch, and then on Fridays, we would all wear our PARP shirts."
Why is reading important to you?
Jeremy: "Reading is important to me because it's the basic fundamental of everything you will ever learn, whatever career you want to go into, whatever job you want to have, whether you're reading a book, whether you're reading song lyrics, whether you're reading a map, whether you're reading recipes, you've got to have that knowledge to be able to go anywhere in life."
Schwenebraten: "Reading is important to me, because it brings a lot of memories for me, just with my family and how important reading was for my mom, and what I want to bring to my kids, and obviously what I bring to my students, and just like Erica said that it's the basis of all skills that you need for life, is to read. So finding ways to bring enjoyment and allow children to have enjoyment through reading is really important, and so motivating them to do that is our goal this month."
Erica Jeremy, a teaching assistant, and Reilly Schwenebraten, pre-K teacher.
Erica Jeremy, a teaching assistant, and Reilly Schwenebraten, pre-K teacher. Photo by Howard Owens.
New York State is sticking with a plan to require school districts to begin the conversation to electric buses in 2035.
Starting that year, school districts will be prohibited from purchasing gas or diesel buses.
Le Roy Central School District is working to delay buying its first electric bus as long as possible.
"Most communities are not in this category of wanting EV buses, and I think we're in that boat," Superintendent Merritt Holly said. "With our plan, we're trying to set ourselves up so that we don't have any pressure until prices come down and infrastructure is in place. We're buying ourselves time with our fleet that we have right now so that we're not forced into buying something until we're ready to do it."
District voters recently approved a plan, on a vote of 61-7, to purchase more buses at a cost not to exceed $700,000, with $200,000 from the 2019 capital reserve fund.
The district will purchase:
Two 65-passenger diesel buses
Two 35-passenger gas minibuses, one with a wheelchair lift
Two passenger hybrid vans (one will be used for taking students to events outside the district, and the other will be a utility van on campus)
Currently, electric school buses cost from $400,000 to $500,000 each.
Holly said the mandates are beyond the district's control.
"What we can control is waiting around with our fleet to make sure that when the time comes, when the infrastructure is there, and when costs are coming down -- because right now, these are not popular decisions inside many communities. It's not inside of Le Roy."
Le Roy Superintendent Merritt Holly. FIle photo by Howard Owens.
Increased costs, even with a dip in enrollment, is driving a $986,846 budget increase in the Le Roy Central School District, Superintendent Merritt Holly told the Board of Education at Tuesday's regular meeting.
"You get the rising cost of doing business and what I would call employee costs, (such as) health insurance," Holly said. "Just inflationary costs, again, of doing business, our buildings and the repairs. People sometimes forget that Woodwood Memorial Library is our responsibility and there's no aid back to that, and that falls on our budget to make that happen."
Business Administrator Brian Foeller said there will be six staff retirements and only two positions will be replaced.
Foeller also mentioned other cost pressures, including employment contract obligations, increased enrollment at BOCES and the P-Tech Academy, and repairs needed at the junior/senior high school parking lot.
The district plans to purchase choral risers, wrestling mats, musical instruments, and utility vehicles in 2025/26.
The total proposed spending plan is $32,055,588. The levy is expected to increase 1.7%, which is below the tax cap limit. The district won't calculate the new tax rate for property owners until assessments are settled in August.
The board will vote on the budget at its April meeting, with a public vote in early May.
After the meeting, Holly spoke with The Batavian about national and state issues that may or may not affect the school district.
A looming issue is the possible closure of the Department of Education. On March 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order eliminating the department, but even Republican members of Congress reminded him that Congressional approval is needed to eliminate the department, a point Trump has conceded.
Holly said the biggest issue the district might face is the potential loss of Title 1 funds. The executive order carved out Title 1 as a program to continue, but perhaps run by another agency. Title 1 assists schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families.
The funds can account for 10 to 15 percent of district spending each year, Holly said. That could mean a $3.5 to $5 million in lost revenue for the district if Title 1 is eliminated.
In the near term, Holly isn't worried about closing the DOE. So long as the Title 1 funds remain in place, the federal department has little to do with local schools.
"Yeah, I think the impact could be more down the road," Holly said. I think some of the movement by the Trump Administration, and what they're doing is, at face value, trying to look at costs, just like everybody else is trying to do to be efficient. I think the part that's most concerning for schools is, will those federal dollars come back to our schools, and to our states, then back to our schools. And I think that with that being said, that's the part of it that's the unpredictable nature of where we don't know where that's going to end."
Even though Congressional approval is uncertain, and there are lawsuits pending that attempt to block the executive order, and Trump has said Title 1 should continue, Holly thinks the district should ponder a future without the department and the funds.
"What will that impact mean if the federal dollars are not coming our way?" Holly said. "What's that going to mean for states? What are they going to do, and then what are we going do at the local level? So, I think we can start to gear up for some of those conversations."
Other than funding, most of the operations of the DOE -- collecting data on schools and education research, recommending education reforms, enforcing enforcing civil rights laws, and administering Pell Grants -- have little to no impact on local schools.
Some of the arguments about whether to keep the DOE is a two-sided coin. Elimination, theoretically, helps return control of schools to the state and local districts. On the other side, the DOE doesn't interfere with local schools.
"I think, listen, I want -- this is my opinion --I want to have local control," Holly said. "I think that's what originally started -- our Board of Education, our community. I want local control as much as possible on that always; it is hard because at the same time, we're asking for federal dollars back but again, the impact should be local, local decision-making is where I believe education should start and end."
Which brings up a natural question: how about state control of local school districts?
"I think the unfunded mandates place huge burdens on districts that they don't think about that sometimes," Holly said.
An example, he said, is the electric bus mandate.
"I still don't think it has been well thought out, though the other side would disagree," Holly said.
Another mandate Gov. Kathy Hochul is pushing is for a ban of mobile devices by students during school hours. Holly said that is another issue that should remain up to the local school districts.
"That shouldn't be handled at the state level," Holly said. "It should be handled at the local level where we know what is best for students."
At the end of the interview, Holly provided The Batavian with a list of 152 state and federal unfunded mandates.
Curriculum requirements include Conservation Day and programs for the Irish Potato Famine, Humane Treatment of Animals, Patriotism and Citizenship, and Care for the Flag.
Seat time requirements
Staffing ratios and class sizes
Costs for students attending state schools for the blind and deaf
Local law enforcement officers were the first on scene on Monday afternoon for a house fire at 24 Lincoln Ave., Le Roy, and jumped into action with three fire extinguishers and a garden hose to help keep the fire under control until Le Roy Fire arrived on scene.
The responding officers were Officer Terrez Smith, Detective James Prusak, and Deputy Jenna Fernando.
The fire was reported at about 1:40 p.m. with smoke and flames showing.
Bergen Fire, Pavilion Fire, and Stafford Fire also responded.
Edmund Acres, LLC, a participant for the past 12 years with Genesee County Soil and Water and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, was honored on Saturday night in Alexander as Conservation Farm of the Year.
Located in Le Roy, Edmund Acres is owned by Nate Edmund. It is a grain crop farm that grows corn, soybeans, and wheat on over 1,000 acres.
Edmund has worked with Soil and Water on best management practices for soil health, with a focus on reducing tillage through strip-till and no-till practices and improving soil organic matter with cover cropping. Edmund also follows an integrated pest management plan and a nutrient management plan.
The Celebrate Ag Dinner was served at the Alexander Fire Hall and featured local products from:
Alayna Streeter of Le Roy, was named to Hartwick College's Fall 2024 Dean's List. Streeter, who is pursuing a major in Nursing, was among the approximately 425 students who were named to the Fall 2024 Dean's List.
Making the Dean's List is an indication of excellence in academic work. To qualify, students must complete at least 12 academic credits during a term with a grade point average of at least 3.50 and no incompletes.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) visited T.J. Connor Elementary, Wolcott Street School and Dorothy B. Bunce Elementary for Read Across America Day. Hawley read There’s No Place Like Space to students as they learned about topics such as the solar system. This event has been a longstanding tradition for Hawley and his office, and he is proud to be able to host it for another year.
“Read Across America Day highlights the important role books have in our classrooms,” said Hawley. “Through reading, our students are able to expand their minds and create a passion for learning. I want to thank all of the schools, teachers and staff members for making this event possible and for putting their time, talent and energy into educating the next generation.”
The high school musical version of The Wizard of Oz has all the elements of the classic tale of dreams and wishes and a newfound appreciation for home and family.
Le Roy Jr./Sr. High presents the L. Frank Baum classic this weekend in three performances.
The musical version of The Wizard of Oz follows the tale of Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who dreams of adventure beyond her mundane life.
Swept away by a tornado, Dorothy lands in the magical land of Oz, where she kills the Wicked Witch of the East and frees the Munchkins.
Guided by Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, Dorothy embarks on a journey along the Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard of Oz, who she hopes can help her return home. Along the way, she meets a Scarecrow seeking a brain, a Tin Man wanting a heart, and a Cowardly Lion desiring courage.
Together, they face challenges from the Wicked Witch of the West and ultimately discover that the Wizard is a humbug, but Dorothy learns the true power to return home lies within herself. With a newfound appreciation for her life, Dorothy clicks the heels of her magical ruby slippers and says, “There’s no place like home,” returning to her family and friends in Kansas.
Don Santini, a Section V football coaching legend who coached the Le Roy Oatkan Knights early in his career, died Wednesday.
He was 85.
Santini was the head coach in Le Roy from 1966 through 1974 before returning to his alma mater, Fairport High School (1957).
He led the Knights to the program's first-ever undefeated season (8-0) in 1966. The team won four league championships with Santini at the helm.
He was the first coach in Section V history with 200 wins, finishing his career with 2004, which now ranks fourth on the all-time list.
He compiled a 57-15 -2 record at Le Roy.
Santini started his coaching career in 1963 in Morrisville.
After returning to Fairport, Santini became rooted in the community and led the Red Raiders to seven Section V titles. His Fairport teams also won two state titles.
Even though Santini spent only eight years in Le Roy more than five decades ago, he is fondly remembered by Le Roy's football faithful.
Ed Henry wrote on social media, "Don Santini stressed his athletes to stay focused on game day as they were playing for pride and tradition. He was the ultimate motivator who inspired excellence in his teams. He was enthusiastic, excitable, fiery, and had a work ethic with no equal."
Jim Bonaquisti, who started his playing career a year after Santini returned to Fairport, said the former Knight's coach was still a coach he and other Le Roy players wanted to impress.
"We scrimmaged Fairport my junior and senior season," Bonaquisti wrote on social media. "I know I played a little bit harder because even though he wasn't my coach, I didn't want to let him down. Coach always showered you with praise for the great effort."
Santini was inducted into the Section V Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
