It is the Rotary International vision statement that perhaps says it best “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
Rotarians are a collection of people of action, and we share a strong sense of purpose. For several generations Rotarians have risen to meet the needs of their community and the world. Driven by that sense of purpose that the Rotary Club of Le Roy regularly holds community fundraising events.
This fall the club has decided to organize a Holiday Cash Raffle in lieu of the traditional Appliance Raffle.
The tickets for the cash raffle are $10 each and are available at the Tompkins Community Bank in Le Roy, Five Star Bank in Le Roy, made. Salon, from any Le Roy Rotarian and online through the club’s Facebook Page.
There are four cash prizes worth a total of $3,000, the top prize being $1,500. Winners will be drawn at 6 p.m. on December 7 and contacted by phone.
Proceeds from the cash raffle will be used to support funding requests from various community organizations and events. Past recipients include the Le Roy Central School Music Program, Joy Project, Le Roy Winter Fest and several local Youth Sports organizations.
The Rotary Club of Le Roy takes pride in its funding over $25,000 in Milne Scholarships, awarded to local seniors annually.
Individuals or businesses interested in supporting our community can make contributions by mailing a check to the Rotary Club of Le Roy, Attention: Holiday Cash Raffle, PO Box 141, Le Roy. Any questions can be directed to Scott McCumiskey at: scottmccumiskey.com or (585)993-1875.
Daquan J. Butler, 28, of Brooklyn, is charged with assault 1st, burglary 1st, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Butler is accused of illegally entering a residence on Liberty Street, Batavia, on Aug. 25, 2023, and stabbing an adult male inside the residence. A child was in the house at the time. Butler was located in New York City by U.S. Marshals and returned to Batavia. He was arranged in County Court and jailed.
Asa A. Wooton, 20, of Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment 2nd, menacing 2nd, criminal possession of. weapon 4th, and criminal mischief 4th. Wooten is accused of threatening another person with a knife and damaging property on Oct. 28 during a fight on Mill Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Devonte T. Griner, 30, of Rochester, is charged with reckless endangerment 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, harassment 1st, and vehicle and traffic charges. Griner is accused of following another vehicle in the city of Batavia on Oct. 28 and using his vehicle to intentionally attempting to run the other vehicle off the road. Griner was located a short time later and taken into custody. He was arraigned and released.
Shquanebin Lone, 38, of Akron, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Lone is accused of unlawfully entering a dwelling on Bloomingdale Road, Basom, at 7:42 p.m. on Nov. 3. Lone allegedly committed crimes in the dwelling in the presence of a child. She was held pending arraignment.
Megan Marie Gray, 22, of Alabama, is charged with trespass. Gray was reportedly barred from Walmart and allegedly entered the store at 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 6. She was released pending arraignment.
Reinaldo Aponte, 60, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 4th, DWI, unlicensed operation, stopped on a highway, and failure to signal turn. Aponte was stopped by Deputy Jeremy McClellan at 1:59 a.m. on Nov. 3 on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Apointe was arraigned and released.
Thomas Duane Booth, 48, of Conlon Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Both allegedly violated an order of protection on Nov. 12 at a location in Le Roy. He was arraigned and was released.
Paul Donald Rich, 63, of Crane Road, Medina, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Rich was arrested by Deputy Alexander Hadsall after a vehicle was found on its side at 8:57 p.m. on Nov. 12 on Knowlesville Road, Alabama. Rich allegedly had a BAC of .17. He received treatment for possible injuries in the accident at ECMC. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
John Alano Dirosa, 44, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with assault 3rd. Dirosa was charged following an investigation into a fight reported at 9 p.m. on Nov. 12 on Main Street in Elba.
Keith A. Lowery, 55, of Little Canda Road, Bethany, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, five or more suspensions, equipment violation, and dirty/covered plate. Lowery was stopped at 1:01 a.m. on Nov. 14 on Richmond Avenue, Batavia, by Deputy Stephen Smith. Lowery reportedly had four active warrants at the time of the stop.e was held pending arraignment.
Rhiannon Joy Graff, 44, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or higher, driving without insurance, aggravated unlicensed operation, and registration suspended. Graff was stopped at 12:54 a.m. on Nov. 15 on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Mason Schultz. Graff was prossed at the jail and released.
Lakara Denise Johnson, 34, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving while intoxicated with a child less than 16 in the vehicle, endangering the welfare of a child, and open container. Johnson and a male passenger were reportedly involved in a physical domestic fight in a car while driving back from Rochester at 9:52 p.m. on Nov. 10, with three children in the car. The vehicle was stopped on Seven Springs Road by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. Johnson was ticketed and released.
Michael Charles Riggi, 54, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Riggi is accused of stealing $40 cash from another person while at Walmart on 3:55 p.m. on Nov. 15. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Trevon L. Armstrong, 39, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 16. Armstrong was initially arrested on a charge of criminal mischief 4th, for allegedly damaging a window on Nov. 16, 2023. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to reappear in court. Armstrong was arraigned in and held on bail.
Justin R. Nadrowski, 32, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Nadrowski is accused of entering the Spirit Halloween store on Oct. 26 at 1:05 a.m. through an unlocked door. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Donald D. Ryan, 41, is charged with petit larceny. Ryan is accused of taking down payment to complete work at a residence on Clifton Avenue but never showing up start the job. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Cori L Cleland, 39, of Perry, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Cleland was allegedly found unresponsive in her vehicle on Oct. 21. She was issued an appearance ticket.\
Cody A. Bush, 38, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Bush allegedly injured another person during a fight on East Avenue on Oct. 18. He was arrested on Oct. 26 and issued an appearance ticket.
Brant G. Matthews, 30, of Le Roy, was arrested on Oct. 26 on three warrants. Matthews allegedly failed to appear in court on three separate criminal cases. He was arraigned and released.
Thomas J. Mitchell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. Mitchell is accused of running from police when they attempted to detain him on Oct. 20 in connection with a separate incident. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Le Roy made its fifth-straight appearance in a volleyball sectional champion game on Friday and came away with its third title in that span.
After Avon won the first set 25-20, Le Roy won three straight (25-15, 25-22, 26-24) to secure the Class C1 title.
"That (last) set was definitely a nail-biter," said senior Kylee Green. "I mean, we got down on ourselves, but we realized that we needed to pick it up to win, play our game and do what we do best. So I knew I had to pick my head up. I got down a few times, but I knew I had to focus, get the serves that I got and pick it up for the team."
Stats:
Kylee Green, nine service points, two aces, 19 digs
Sierra Burk, eight service points, two aces, 16 digs, three kills
Kylie Wilson, seven service points, two aces,19 digs
Shea Williams, 14 digs, 11 kills, one block
Eleah Dowell, nine kills, five blocks
Gabby Zitz, eight kills, five blocks
Le Roy's tournament all-stars were Gabby Zitz, Green, and the MVP was freshman Shea Williams.
The Joy Project, an exhibit inspired by the former Sibley’s Department Store in downtown Rochester, brings old-time Christmas to life at the Exhibit Hall at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 East Main Street, Le Roy.
There is a huge Christmas village and train display to enjoy as well as “department store windows” with animatronics and accompanying story, an idea that came directly from the Sibley’s Enchanted Tunnel of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Hand-painted murals of Christmases of yesteryear by local artist Lorie Longhany were funded by a grant from GoArt! (Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council).
A key feature of this exhibit is the one-of-a-kind diorama of the 1937 radio show “The Cinnamon Bear.” Constructed by a Chicago-area model builder in the 1980s, it was displayed in a Chicago department store Christmas display, and when it needed a new home, this location was selected.
An extensive newscast was aired last year on Chicago PBS station WETA about this diorama and the need for a new home. https://www.pbs.org/video/man-created-miniature-maybeland-in-his-portage-park-home-18h/
This exhibit is open and free to the public on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. from November 30 through December 22 between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And, yes, kazoos will be available for sale—just like they were at Sibley’s!
Brigette K. Thornton, 33, of Glenhaven Drive, Amherst, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th, grand larceny 4th, and act in a manner injurious to a child less than 17. Deputies responded at 5:41 p.m. to a report of a larceny in progress at Dick’s Sporting Goods on Veterans Memorial Drive. Deputies were told the suspect fled in a white Nissan Sentra. Deputies located a vehicle matching the vehicle description within moments of the initial report. Thorton was allegedly found in possession of stolen goods with a child in the car. The value of the stolen goods was not disclosed. Thornton was issued an appearance ticket.
Johnathan David Fuhrman, 37, of Covington Road, Leicester, is charged with criminal mischief 4th, harassment 2nd, and menacing 3rd. Fuhrman was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 28 in connection with an incident reported at 10 a.m. on Nov. 27, 2023, at a location on Park Road, Batavia. He was held pending arraignment.
Janell M. Sauer, 48, of West Main Street, Pembroke, is charged with burglary 34d and petit larceny, and Sean M. Conway, 47, of Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th. On Oct. 23, deputies responded to a report of a theft in progress at Walmart. Sauer allegedly walked out with $101.71 in stolen merchandise. As an asset protection agent approached her, Sauer reported walking away and dropping the bag. Conway is accused of picking up the bag, knowing it contained stolen merchandise, and leaving with it. Batavia patrol officers later located Conway on Lockport Road. Sauer had previously been barred from Walmart property. Conway was released on an appearance ticket. Sauer was located the following day, arrested, and held pending arraignment.
Marissa Bea Torres, 34, no address provided, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Torres is accused of possessing Fentanyl and drug paraphernalia at 10:45 a.m. on Oct. 17 at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Peter Joseph Mancuso, 36, of Deerfield Drive, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Mancuso was arrested based on a complaint received at 9:56 a.m. on Oct. 19 at a location on X Main Street, Batavia (whether it was East or West Main was redacted from the report). No narrative was provided regarding Mancuso's conduct. He was held pending arraignment.
Susan Marie Da Silveira, 43, no permanent address, is charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and trespass. Da Silveira is accused of harassing employees and customers at a gas station on Park Road, Batavia, at 6:36 p.m. on Oct. 10, and she allegedly tried to prevent deputies from arresting her. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Clarence Arthur Johnson, 66, of Griswold Road, Le Roy, is charged with a sex offender, failure to appear for a photo. Johnson was arrested on Sept. 20 on a warrant and held pending arraignment.
Joseph William Freeman, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Freeman is accused of reentering Batavia Downs after being barred from the property at 8:52 p.m. on Oct. 19. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Juan Luis Figoura, 21, of Willow Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Figoura was the subject of a traffic stop at 2:21 p.m. on Oct. 23. A person he was ordered to stay away from was allegedly in the vehicle. He was held for arraignment.
Candace De Dibartolomeo, 27, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Dibartolomeo is accused of failure to properly take care of a child after deputies responded to a complaint at Big Tree Glen at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 24. Dibartolomeo was released on an appearance ticket.
Christopher James Johnston, 48, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Johnston allegedly entered Batavia Downs at noon on Oct. 26 after previously being barred from the facility. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Jennifer Lynne Fraser, 36, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Fraser is accused of stealing $51.20 in merchandise from Walmart at 4:17 p.m. on Oct. 28. She was released on an appearance ticket.
When Ashley Manuel’s grandmother, Norma, was at the end of her life, instead of focusing on death, she was able to truly to live out her remaining days with joy and peace — and her daily red lipstick — thanks to a comfort care home atmosphere, Manuel says.
By comparison, her other two grandparents went into a hospital, where it was drastically different, with a sterile environment that was “scary,” uninviting and cold for visiting family.
That contrast has made Manuel, an independent end-of-life doula who trained with Crossroads House founder Kathy Panepento, a firm believer in comfort care homes. She will be a speaker for an upcoming Genesee Valley Regional Community Cares meeting about an initiative to get a second comfort care home into Genesee County.
The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Monday at Stone Presbyterian Church, 7549 South Lake Road, Bergen.
“So, in my experience in end-of-life care, and mostly with families and people who are dying, they don't feel like they have a lot of choices anymore. I watched them, the family, struggle with what do we do next. How do we handle this? And by having comfort-care homes and someone to come into your own home, or wherever you are at the time, a hospital, nursing home, and say, ‘listen, there's so much more we can do, and you can be an advocate in your own death.’ And I don't think even society knows that,” Manuel said to The Batavian. “I watched people who came through Crossroads House when they kind of would say, well, what is an end-of-life doula, you know, and what can you do that hospice can't or what can you do? And what I want people to understand is dying starts with the mental, so you start to process your death way before the body even feels it.
“As soon as someone gets a prognosis, that's where it starts. Whether you're in pain or your disease has pain, or you're just dying of old age, that's where an end-of-life doula, and that's where comfort care steps in,” she said. “I’ve done legacy projects. And life review and guided imagery. I mean, it's so beneficial. And when I first stepped into it, I was even skeptical of how much this could help someone. Because you can't fix it, right? Yeah, this is going to happen. But the more I worked with people and sat with them and got to know them and created a bond with them, I've done guided imagery and people's last breaths, and within minutes after I was finished, they were gone.”
That happened because the person became relaxed enough to do what’s necessary to die in peace, she said: let go. Her passion, coupled with a belief in the practice and philosophy of facilitating that for people, motivates Manuel to be part of this second comfort care home in some way, she said.
“I really believe that death isn't a medical event; it’s a social event. It's a communal event. We did it for years and years and years before there were hospitals before people started taking their loved ones to the hospital. When they were dying, they kept them at home. But because the medical industry has bloomed, I guess you would say, around the 60s and 70s … We now have organ transplants and medicines and curative treatments and such. And that's all wonderful and great, and it has saved many lives or extended life,” she said. “But there does have to become a conversation of, okay, that's not a possibility any more, where do we go from here? And that's where I think comfort care homes and people who are trained really well in end-of-life care can pick that up and say, ‘this is what we can do.’ And it's not just for the person dying, it's for the family around them.”
Genesee Valley Community is a group of local people, led by Stone Presbyterian Church in Bergen, with a desire to create a comfort care home to serve those suffering with end-of-life issues.
This project was first explored in 2019 by the Rev. Robert “Mike” Stuart, Louie Crocker, Keven Kent and the small but dedicated membership of Stone Church. Then Covid came along, plus other obstacles, and the project was put on hold. The church has now partnered with Genesee Valley Regional Community Cares, a newly incorporated not-for-profit dedicated to the creation of comfort care facilities.
Frank Strock, a local who had married Diane Howe in Byron, experienced his own hospice type situation after his wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019. Home care and Hospice was taking care of her at the family homestead, and after she died in May, a counselor remarked that the property would make a great comfort care home in his wife’s name.
“And I said, ‘you know, my father-in-law built this home in the 50s. We have 15 acres. I know Kathy Panapento, she's a wonderful person, and she could guide us in the right direction. I'd love to do that,” Strock said. “Well, as it turned out, in the interim, I met an elder from the Stone Church and he said they had been working on this program since 2019, and would I like to get on board with Mike and a fellow named Keven Kent who's an elder at Stone Church? I said sure.”
A professional organizer versed in working with unions in New York City, Strock suggested that they file for a not-for-profit and begin to raise money. The 200-year-old church will not only have a mission, he said, but a legacy to revitalize what’s left for the 14 remaining members.
He is grateful that Stuart, who was a minister at Stone Church, donated his salary to the nonprofit to get this initiative going, and that has meant an $18,000 boost to the coffers.
“He felt so much behind this comfort care program. He had a history of over 10 years working with home hospice out of the Buffalo area, and then he went over and did an interim position at Stone Church, and he said, ‘I’m going to donate my salary to the future of a comfort care home in Stone Church.’ So you can imagine, when I heard these things, I said, you know, something's happening here, and I just have to help them,” Strock said. “And with the church as small as 14 members, even though it's been there for 200 years, and knowing that the people may not have the energy to do this work, we feel that as we grow as an organization, Genesee Valley Regional Comfort Cares, that we will find the resources.”
Father Scott, based out of Our Lady of Mercy in Le Roy, and who works with some nine or so different Catholic churches, has shared the effort with his congregations, and “there’s so many members that have a history of working in healthcare that they would be wanting to be on board as volunteers,” Strock said, and it seems to be good timing with Crossroads founder Kathy Panepento retiring.
“It’s almost like, with all her life that she’s given to Crossroads, it’s now time for others to help pick up the ball and try something new,” he said.
The objective is to establish a two-resident home “filled with love and support,” and to provide “individualized care for those who have been medically determined to be in the last three months of their life,” similar to Crossroads House in Batavia.
Staff would include doctors, registered and licensed practical nurses, aides and specially trained volunteers. Preference would be given to those residing in the Genesee Valley and admission granted regardless of religion, race, age, sex, or other distinctions.
Referrals can come from physicians, social workers, discharge planners, healthcare agencies, clergy, individuals or other sources that provide care for individuals approaching the end of life.
Organizers are hoping that members from the community and at least some of the 55 Presbytery churches attend this first meeting and become an active participant. They’re looking for people to join the association board and/or volunteer for one of the many facets of the comfort care home needs by providing ideas, healthcare, design, construction, clerical, tech support, bookkeeping or well-intentioned prayer.
“In particular, we ask for your prayers that a donor will come forward with a donation of a lot upon which we can build our facility,” Strock said. “We welcome all. Your heart and soul will be the foundation for this cornerstone of service.”
Tax-deductible donations may be made to GVRCC Inc., 6613 North Bergen Road, Byron, NY, 14422.
A 37-year-old Le Roy resident was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on Monday on a conviction off possession of child pornography by U.S. District Court Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Jordan E. Brodie was charged following an investigation that revealed he traded child pornography through an online chat application in May 2023. Brodie was accused of uploading at least one image to another platform, which reported the image to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The State Police opened an investigation based on the complaint and determined the image was uploaded from Brodie's home in Le Roy. A search warrant was executed, and his phone was seized.
He was found with images that included violence against children.
Brodie was convicted of child pornography possession in May 2021, leading his supervision by the Genesee County Probation Department.
More than 50 people from eight states gathered at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Le Roy to learn more about Jane Boyer.
As a 10-year-old in Le Roy in 1834, Boyer created a sampler that is popular with cross-stitch enthusiasts today.
St. Mark's hosted a full-day seminar on Boyer and her work in the neighborhood where she grew up and attended church. The seminar included three lectures on Boyer and visits to the Le Roy House and the Jell-O Museum. Each participant received two fully-kitted cross-stitch projects based on her sampler to work on during the retreat and a digital PDF chart of the full reproduction sampler at the end of the retreat.
Leslie Delooze, host of the event, School Girls Samplers of Western New York, said, "it was very common for girls in the early to mid 1800s to make these (samplers) as part of their education."
Samplers allowed the girls to demonstrate their skills at cross-stitch patterns and other embroidery stitches.
A hunter who heard a crash victim's screams called 9-1-1 leading to a response from Le Roy Fire, Le Roy Ambulance, and Le Roy PD, according to a release from the police department.
An unidentified 61-year-old resident of Brockport was seriously injured after he apparently lost control of his motorcycle at about 4:30 p.m. on Friday on Circular Hill Road, Le Roy.
The driver's motorcycle had left the roadway and would not have been visible to any passersby, according to police.
Le Roy Officers Trerrez Smith and Sgt. Jordan Wolcott were first on scene. They administered life-saving measures, including the application of a tourniquet to stop serious bleeding.
The operator was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight. He is listed in critical condition, according to Le Roy PD.
"We would like to sincerely thank the hunter for his quick action in calling 9-1-1," said Chief Greg Kellogg. "His timely response was crucial; without it, the operator could have remained undiscovered for an unknown period.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation but preliminary indicates the driver failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway.
Lazavia M. Price, 25, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment 1st, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, strangulation 2nd, menacing 2nd, and assault 3rd. Price is accused of fighting with another person on Oct. 4. He allegedly strangled the other person and threatened him with a knife. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.
Supreme R. Hines, no age nor address provided, is charged with tampering with physical evidence, attempted grand larceny 4th, criminal possession of stolen property 5th, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd, and conspiracy 6th. Eric L. Ball, Jr., is charged with tampering with physical evidence, attempted grand larceny 4th, criminal possession of stolen property 5th, obstructing governmental administration, and conspiracy 6th. Hines and Ball are accused of attempting to steal a large amount of merchandise from Dick's Sporting Goods at 4:21 p.m. on Oct. 15. Hines was allegedly the driver of a Honda Accord that fled from the scene. Three deputies responded and spotted a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic stop at Oak Street and Park Road. The deputies pursued the Honda Accord onto the Thruway. During the pursuit, the suspects allegedly started discarding stolen property. The vehicle was eventually stopped by the combined efforts of deputies, troopers and officers with Le Roy PD on the I-490 in Le Roy. Hines was held for arraignment and Ball was issued an appearance ticket.
Jason Matthew Wood, 37, of Freeman Road, Byron, was arrested as a fugitive from another state on Oct. 11. The arrest warrant was issued by the Adams County Sheriff's Office in Colorado. Wood was wanted on two counts of sexual assault on a child, sexual assault on a child pattern of abuse, and two counts of sexual assault on a child from a position of trust. While deputies were at Wood's address, they noticed him pass the location on an eclectic bike. They were able to catch up with Wood and take him into custody without incident. He was jailed pending extradition to Colorado.
Raymond A. Amaro, 38, no street address, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Amaro is accused of entering a dwelling unlawfully at 5:40 p.m. on Oct. 6 on West Main Street Road, Batavia, and of damaging the property of another person. He was held pending arriagnment.
Phillip P. Heale, 46, of Batavia, and Jessica D. Delcour, 41, of Batavia, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Heale and Declour were allegedly found in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia during a home probation search on Oct. 7. They were reached and issued appearance tickets.
Dean D. Root, 43, of Le Roy, was arrested on Oct. 8 on a warrant. The warrant was issued for Root when he allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.
Hillary D. Russell, 31, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Russell is accused of shoplifting at Save-A-Lot in Batavia on Sept. 30. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Trace G. Brewer, 24, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd and resisting arrest. Members of the Batavia Police NET Unit spotted Brewer on Watson Street on Oct. 4 and attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant. Brewer allegedly ran from officers but was eventually taken into custody. He was arraigned and released.
Terrance H. Riley, 36, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Riley is accused of fighting with another person in the presence of three children on Oct. 1. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Trevor N. Christman, 34, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 4. Christman allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued an appearance ticket for a misdemeanor crime. He was arraigned in City Court and released.
Morgan A. Schoonmaker, 28, of Perry, was arrested on Oct. 3 on a warrant. Schoonmaker allegedly failed to appear in court on a misdemeanor traffic ticket. She was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.
Booker T. Ricks, 53, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Ricks is accused of punching another person several times on Sept. 28 causing injury. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Kevin Allan Knickerbocker, 53, of West Main Street, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Knickerbocker is accused of violating an order of protection at 3:32 a.m. on Oct. 12 at a location in Byron by placing the protect party in fear for his or her safety. Knickerbocker was issued an appearance ticket.
The Le Roy Town and Country Garden Club proudly celebrated a momentous occasion on October 9 as they honored founding member Janet Fitch on her remarkable upcoming 105th birthday. Surrounded by friends and fellow garden club members, Janet was greeted with heartfelt wishes, a beautifully decorated cupcake, and a vibrant bouquet of flowers.
Janet Fitch has been a cornerstone of the Le Roy Town and Country Garden Club since its inception in 1954. Members expressed their gratitude for her guidance and passion for environmental stewardship. Her passion for gardening and her commitment to nurturing both plants and relationships have left a lasting impression on all who have had the privilege to know her.
For more information about the Le Roy Town and Country Garden Club and upcoming events, please contact LeRoyNYGardenClub@gmail.com.
The first-ever Basket Raffle and concert is scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday (today) at Tracy B's to help support Maryland, a Haven for Horses, a nonprofit based in Le Roy.
The OHMS band will perform, and food will be available. Plenty of beer will be on tap, the greenhouse will be filled with basket raffles and there will be a 50/50. All of the proceeds will go to the horses at MaryLand to help them get hay and supplies to get them through the winter months.
On Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., law enforcement agencies across Genesee County and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will provide the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
There will be three locations across the county where citizens can dispose of their medications. Sharps will only be accepted at the Batavia location which moved from the Alva lot this year. The service is free and anonymous, and no questions are asked.
The Batavia Police Department, in conjunction with United Memorial Medical Center, will be accepting prescription drugs and sharps at the Batavia Police Department, located at 10 W. Main Street, Batavia.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will accept prescription drugs ONLY at the Pembroke Town Hall, 1145 Main Rd. Corfu.
The LeRoy Police Department will accept prescription drugs ONLY at their headquarters, 3 West Main Street, Le Roy.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.
In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, there are many other ways to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs every day, including the 11,000 authorized collectors that are available all year long.
The Batavia Police Department Headquarters has one for everyday collection of drugs located in the lobby at 10 West Main St., Batavia.
Containers are also located at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on Park Road, Batavia, and the Le Roy Police Department.
Sharps are accepted at United Memorial Medical Center, 127 North Street, Batavia.
The FDA also provides information on how to dispose of prescription drugs properly. More information is available here: www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or the April 27 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Emmanuel Fisher from Le Roy, assigned to the Company E, 427th Brigade Support Battalion, received a promotion September 15 to the rank of private.
Makenzie Lafreniere from East Bethany, assigned to the 222nd Military Police Company, received a promotion August 16 to the rank of sergeant.
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.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors approved a final resolution for a project by 9 Lent Avenue, LLC in the village of Le Roy at their meeting on Thursday, October 3.
The proposed $3.8 million project will renovate an existing 32,500 square-foot structure at 9 Lent Avenue and create 4 new jobs.
9 Lent Avenue, LLC has requested assistance valued at $267,725 in property tax abatements and $77,600 in sales tax exemptions, with the project estimated to generate $3,382,738 in fiscal returns based on new employment and new municipal revenue.
Le Roy-based American Warrior, a non-profit that serves veterans and helps guide high school students into military careers, produced a video to promote the veteran's umpire training program run by Wounded Warriors in Carlisle, Pa.
Dan Clor, president of American Warrior, said the program prepares veterans to to become umbires in youth baseball programs as well as in high school and college baseball games. A board member of Wounded Warrior is part of the American Warrior team, Clor said.
The program, Clor said, provides veterans with a renewed sense of purpose.
"All Wounded Veterans who could use something to believe in can apply (to the program)," Clor said. " It's all expenses paid, including travel and equipment. We're also seeking individuals who would like to donate to the cause.
"Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy is much more than an Umpiring Camp. It's a way for Veterans to heal, grow and inspire. With a renewed sense of purpose, WWUA Veterans thrive in their communities through the love of baseball and an overall sense of belonging."
A 44-year-old man from Batavia was ejected from his pickup truck while still belted in his seat as the result of a collision on Friday in the Town of Le Roy.
Gregory Baker was transported by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The accident was reported at 7:32 a.m. on Friday at Griswold Road and West Bergen Road.
According to a preliminary investigation by the Sheriff's Office, Baker was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 eastbound on Griswold when he apparently failed to stop for a stop sight. The truck collided with a 2005 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by Richard McCullough, 29, of Le Roy.
Neither McCullough nor the child in the semi-trailer was injured in the accident.
The accident is still under investigation.
Assisting the Sheriff's Office at the scene were State Police, Le Roy PD, Le Roy Fire, Mercy EMS, and Le Roy Ambulance Service.
Matthew R. Taylor, 41, of Batavia, is charged with assault 1st, robbery 1st, and menacing 3rd. Taylor is accused of engaging in violence with another person on East Main Street on Sept. 22. He is accused of demanding money and causing serious injury to the other person. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.
Jeffrey A. Tyler, no age provided, of Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, criminal possession of stolen property, and multiple traffic offenses. Tyler was stopped at 12:17 p.m. on Sept. 6 by Officer T.J. Mummery of Le Roy PD. During an investigation, Mummery determined Tyler was a convicted felon and was allegedly in possession of an unregistered handgun, which was also loaded. Tyler was reportedly towing a trailer that contained a stolen ATV. Tyler was held pending arraignment.
Sugeiry Vazquez, 35, of Otis Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful fleeing from a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd, reckless endangerment 1st, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, unlicensed drive, and speeding. Deputy Alexander Hadsall initiated a pursuit of a vehicle on Route 20 in Darien at 10:40 a.m. on Sept. 24 after learning that a vehicle had fled a T.J. Maxx in Erie County after the theft of clothing items. Hadsall attempted to stop the vehicle but the vehicle did not yield to emergency lights. The pursuit continued into the town of Byron, where it crashed into the front lawn of a residence. The occupants fled on foot and were later located in a cornfield by the Sheriff's Office K-9. The driver of the vehicle was arrested. Vazquez was arraigned and released under supervision.
Christina L. Riley, 36, of Batavia, is charged with attempted robbery 3rd, grand larceny 4th, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Riley is accused of fighting with another person on Sept. 21 at an unreleased location and of attempting to steal that person's child while several children were present. Raily was arraigned and released.
Jennifer A. Schellerer, 38, of Batavia, and Dennis J. Williamson, 42, of Rome, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Schellerer and Williamson were arrested on Sept. 20 after police received a report of two people passed out in a car at the Mobile gas station on East Main Street, Batavia. They were allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine. Williamson was also charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th for allegedly possessing a stolen license plate. They were issued appearance tickets.
Michael J. Holler, 38, of Rochester, was arrested on a warrant on Sept. 22. Holler was initially arrested on a charge of petit larceny on Sept. 18. He allegedly failed to appear in court as ordered. He was arraigned and released.
Gracien R. Ibambasi, 30, of Batavia, is charged with menacing 3rd and endangering the welfare of a child. Ibambasi is accused of threatening another person in the presence of two children. He was arrested on Sept. 22, arraigned in City Court and released.
Phillip P. Heale, 41, of Batavia, and Jessica D. Delcour, 41, of Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Heale and Delcour are accused of shoplifting at Aldi in Batavia on Sept. 14. Based on an investigation, they were charged with a second count of petit larceny. They are accused of shoplifting on Aug. 8 at the same store. They were issued an appearance ticket.
Patrick O. Spikes, 43, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Spikes is accused of hitting another person during an argument on Central Avenue on Sept. 17. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Jennifer L. Stack, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. She was arrested on an arrest warrant on Sept. 13. She was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine during a traffic stop on Jan. 18. She was arraigned and released.
Cylie Rose Gebo, 27, of Macedon Center Road, Palmyra, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Gebo was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and a pipe by Deputy Robert Henning at 8:25 a.m. on Sept. 26 on West Bergen Road, Bergen. She was issued an appearance ticket.
David Allen Leach, 30, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with assault 3rd. Leach is accused of attacking two people during an argument at 10:19 p.m. on Sept. 25, at a location on Main Road, Pembroke. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and held pending arraignment.
Joseph Allen Hogan, 56, of Prairie Trail, West Henrietta, is charged with petit larceny. Hogan was arrested on Sept. 25, accused of stealing $494 from another person at Batavia Downs at 1:04 a.m. on Sept. 17. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Zachary James Pernick, 26, of Paradise Lane, Tonawanda, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Pernick is accused of damaging a wall inside Batavia Downs at 2:31 a.m. on Sept. 28. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Shaunda Lee Hill, 35, of South Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Hill is accused of shoplifting at Walmart at 4:41 on Sept. 27. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Devin Ralph Zortman, 25, of Highland Avenue, McKees Rocks, Pa., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or more, failure to signal, and drinking alcohol or consuming cannabis in a motor vehicle. Zortman was stopped at 12:29 on Sept. 29 on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, by Deputy Mason Schultz. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Christopher James Johnston, 48, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. The details of the alleged incident where not released other than it was reported 12:54 p.m. on Oct. 1. Johnston was held pending arraignment.
The LeRoy Police Department would like to commend Officer Smith and Matthew Nielson for their actions during a recent emergency call, which ultimately provided a critical window of time for a driver experiencing a medical emergency to spend precious final moments with his family.
On August 23 at approximately 10:40 a.m., Officer Terrez Smith and Matthew Nielson responded to a report of a car accident on State Route 19 near North Road in the Town of LeRoy.
The scene revealed a vehicle that had gone off the road, and the driver, a 79-year-old male, was found unresponsive inside.
Quickly realizing that the situation was more than just an accident, Officer Smith and Nielson conducted a swift assessment and determined the driver was experiencing a severe medical event.
Demonstrating exceptional training and composure, Officer Smith and Nielson administered first aid, performed CPR, and utilized their department-issued Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to stabilize the individual. These immediate actions successfully revived the driver, who regained a pulse and began to show signs of life.
The driver was then transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by LeRoy EMS for continued medical treatment. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the medical team and the immediate care provided by Officer Smith and Nielson, the driver passed away nearly a week later. Crucially, the life-saving measures taken at the scene afforded the driver the valuable opportunity to be with his family, who remained by his side during his final days.
The quick response exhibited by Officer Smith and Nielson exemplifies the highest standard of service and dedication. While the outcome is deeply saddening, we take comfort in knowing that his actions allowed the family to have a meaningful time together during these difficult days.
Our condolences go out to the driver's family and loved ones. Officer Smith and Nielson’s swift intervention underline the importance of the continuous training and preparedness of our first responders.