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Le Roy business certified veteran-disabled owned

By Press Release

Press release:

Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced that the following six businesses were recently certified by the Office of General Services’ (OGS) Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development (DSDVBD):  

  • Travani Tile, located in Carthage, NY, installs ceramic and vinyl flooring.
  • Supply Chain Analytics LLC, located in Victor, NY, provides inventory and warehouse management.
  • Lounsberry Septic Service LLC, located in Scio, NY, specializes in septic tank services.
  • Next Generation Solar LLC, located in Liverpool, NY, provides utility-scale solar field construction services.
  • Maclean Health LLC, located in Sacramento, CA, is a healthcare supply distribution company.
  • ALI Consulting Services LLC, located in Le Roy, NY, is a healthcare quality auditing consultant. 

The Division was created by Governor Andrew Cuomo in May 2014 with the enactment of the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act. There are 864 certified businesses.

The Act promotes and encourages participation of SDVOBs in NYS public procurements of public works, commodities, services, and technology to foster and advance economic development in the State. More information on the program and the certification process can be found here https://ogs.ny.gov/Veterans/

Le Roy springs into new season with 19-0 victory over Dansville

By Howard B. Owens
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Spring is in the air and so are footballs with several of them tossed last night at Cal-Mum by Alex Penepento to lead the Le Roy Oatkan Knights to a 19-0 win over Dansville to open the pandemic-shifted 2021 season.

Penepento was 11-17 passing for 151 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 63 yards on 14 carries.

Nate Andres carried the ball 11 times for 26 yards and a TD. Andrews also caught four passes for 65 yards.  

Cody Lytle caught three passes for 46 yards and two TDs.

Cole Rauscher led the defense with six tackles.

The Knights gained 228 offensive yards to 103 for Dansville. The Knights also led in first downs 15 to 6.

Law and Order: Warsaw Road man accused of allowing his dogs to bark habitually

By Billie Owens

Charles Lewis Hull Jr., 63, of 9460 Warsaw Road, Le Roy, is charged with allowing his dogs to bark loudly habitually, in violation of Le Roy Town Code Section 63-11 sub 3, according to a report from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to his home at 12:13 p.m. March 13 for an animal complaint, which alleges he allows his dogs to bark habitually thereby disrupting other citizens in the neighborhood. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Le Roy Town Court at 1 p.m. on April 6. The case was handled by Deputy Zachary Hoy, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Christine Michelle Jones, 33, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny and offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. She was arrested and arraigned in Genesee County Court on March 16, then released on her own recognizance. She is accused of filing an application for SNAP benefits on May 1, 2018 that either contained false information or omitted information, and as a result she received $17,197 in benefits that she was not eligible for. The investigation was completed by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi and she was arrested by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, assisted by Deputy Chad Cummings.

Trina Leigh Grimmer, 49, of Townline Road, Byron, is charged with third-degree grand larceny and six counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. She was arrested and arraigned in Genesee County Court on March 17, then released on her own recognizance. She is accused of filing applications for SNAP benefits that either contained false information or omitted information, and as a result she received $8,104 in benefits that she was not eligible for. The investigation was completed by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Dakota Nicholson and she was arrested by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Dawn Marie Puleo, 54, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny and four counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. She was arrested and arraigned in Genesee County Court on March 16, then released on her own recognizance. She is accused of filing applications for SNAP benefits on Nov. 1, 2018 that either contained false information or omitted information, and as a result she received $4,555 in benefits that she was not eligible for. The investigation was completed by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi and she was arrested by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, assisted by Deputy Chad Cummings.

Erin Marie Rutoskey, 34, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and fifth-degree conspiracy. At 7:52 p.m. on March 3, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to Walmart in Batavia. After an investigation, Rutoskey was arrested for allegedly stealing property valued in excess of $1,000 and allegedly damaging property. She is due in Batavia Town Court on April 8. The case was handled by Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Angeline Ella Lorreine Escudero, 28, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and fifth-degree conspiracy. At 7:52 p.m. on March 3, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to Walmart in Batavia. After an investigation, Escudero was arrested for allegedly stealing property valued in excess of $1,000 and allegedly damaging property. She is due in Batavia Town Court on April 8. The case was handled by Deputy Zachary Hoy, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship in Le Roy seeks volunteers for its expanding program

By Press Release

Press release:

Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization located in Le Roy, is in need of additional volunteers to help in its expanding program.

The mission of Purple Pony is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of special needs riders through horseback riding and equine assisted activities.

Purple Pony is currently seeking volunteers to assist with riding lessons for the Spring 2021 session, from May 4st to June 18th. Forty-five minute lessons will be offered Tuesday and Friday at 4:45, 6 and 7:15 p.m. at the KD Ranch in Le Roy.

The  ranch is located at 8321 Lake Street Road.

Volunteers are needed for rider assistance as a horse leader or side walking. Training is provided on April 13 and 16 at 6 p.m.

To participate, or for more information, please contact Gail at (585) 721-9080 or e-mail:  gail@purplepony.org

Le Roy wrestlers pick up two titles at Section V tournament

By Howard B. Owens

Two Le Roy wrestlers came away from the Section V tournament on Saturday with championship titles.

Brock Flint won at 160 pounds and Joey Brennan won at 162 pounds.

Coming in second at 138 pounds, Cole Rauscher, and at 152 pounds, Nate Andrews.

Photos by Tim McArdle.

Brock Flint

Joey Brennan

Pair of students from Le Roy and Bergennamed to dean's list at SUNY Morrisville

By Billie Owens

SUNY Morrisville recently announced those students who were named to the dean's list for the Fall 2020 semester. To be named to the dean's list, a student must achieve a 3.0 to 3.99 grade-point average for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

Jason Doemling, of Le Roy, majoring in Automotive Management -- BBA

Braeden Zimmerman, of Bergen, majoring in Autobody Technology -- AAS

SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2021 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2021 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit or connect with us at: www.morrisville.edu.

Wolcott Street School kindergarten registration for 2021-2022 is Wednesday and Thursday

By Billie Owens

Le Roy Central School District kindergarten registration for the 2021-22 academic year begins Wednesday, March 10.

Pick up a registration packet at the Wolcott Street School Main Office, located at 2 Trigon Park in the Village of Le Roy, on Wednesday between the hours of 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. AND 4 to 6 p.m., OR Thursday, March 11, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Working horse barn fire reported in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A working horse barn fire is reported at 7147 Thwing Road, Le Roy, between West Bergen and Warner roads. Le Roy Fire Department is responding, along with a ladder truck from Bergen, a city engine and Le Roy EMS.

UPDATE 3:18 p.m.: Command reports fire is out. Holding responders to Le Roy apparatus only.

UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: National Grid is called to the scene.

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: An emergency coordinator is called to investigate.

UPDATE 3:36 p.m.: Thwing Road was closed in the vicinity of the barn, but is being reopened.

Three local students transfer to SUNY Canton

By Billie Owens

More than 200 students transferred to SUNY Canton for the Spring 2021 semester.

The college's Director of Admissions Melissa J. Evans said, "We pride ourselves on our ability to provide the right programs and services for our transfer students."

In addition to traditional college freshmen and transfer populations, Evans said the college's current recruiting strategy includes reaching students who attended college but never completed a degree.

"We are able to walk people through the process of applying to college whether they've been away for a few months or 10 years," she said. "We can help evaluate transcripts before beginning the application process." 

Among the students who transferred are:

  • Dawn Hunter, a SUNY Canton Legal Studies major from Batavia;
  • Zechariah Gowanlock, a SUNY Canton Emergency Management major from East Bethany;
  • Tonya Smith, a SUNY Canton Health Care Management major from Le Roy.

About SUNY Canton 

As Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs, SUNY Canton delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton Online offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 22 online degree programs. The college placed first in 14 categories in a SUNY-Wide Student Opinion Survey, most notably in career services, tutoring, library resources, and classroom facilities. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also features varsity esports and cheerleading.

Grand Jury: Duo accused of breaking into Kwik Fill in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Jennifer D. Abrams and Tarus O. Fluitt are indicted for third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 16 in the Town of Le Roy that the defendants unlawfully entered the Kwik Fill on West Main Street Road intending to commit a crime. In count two, they are accused of third-degree criminal mischief for alllegedly intentionally damaging the property of another person in an amount exceeding $250 -- the front glass door of the Kwik Fill. In count three, Abrams and Fluitt are accused of fifth-degree conspiracy, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally agreeing to engage in conduct that constituted a felony.

Alex S. Dumbleton is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 11 Dumbleton violated an order of protection while at a residence on Pearl Street in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that on that day he acted to intentionally harass, annoy, threaten or alarm a person protected from him by a court order and did this by striking, kicking, shoving or subjecting the victim to physical contact, or threatening to do so. In count two, the defendant is accused of second-degree criminal contempt, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that Dumbleton intentionally disobeyed an order of protection issued on April 26 by Batavia City Court. In count three, he is accused of endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly acting that day in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child under age 17. In count four, Dumbleton is accused of fourth-degree attempted criminal mischief, a Class B misdemeanor. It is alleged in count four that the defendant attempted to damage another person's property -- the driver's side door of the victim's vehicle. In count five, Dumbleton is accused of second-degree harassment for allegedly intentionally harassing, annoying or alarming another person by striking, shoving, kicking or otherwise subjecting a person to physical contact.

Cody A. Bush is indicted for the crime of third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor. On Feb. 14 in the City of Batavia he accused of intentionally causing physical injury to a person. In counts two and three, Bush is accused of fourth-degree criminal mischief, for allegedly intentionally damaging another person's property -- a bedroom door and a cell phone, respectively. In count four, the defendant is accused of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony, for allegedly taking a cell phone from a person. In count five, he is accused of a third count of fourth-degree criminal mischief for allegedly intentionally damaging an entryway door. In count six, he is accused of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony, for entering a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime and then allegedly causing physical injury to a second victim. In count seven, Bush is accused of third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally causing physical injury to the second victim.

Warren D. Post is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 24 in the Town of Batavia that Post drove a 2003 Chevrolet on Pearl Street while his license to drive was suspended or revoked by authorities and while he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Post is accused of having been convicted of driving while ability impaired by consumption of alcohol on June 18, 2018 in Town of Coxsackie Court. That conviction forms the basis for the license revocation referred to in count one of the current indictment.

Roy A. Newton is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 30 in the Village of Le Roy that Newton drove a 2009 Hyundai on Main Street while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, also a Class E felony, for having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Newton is accused of having been convicted of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a misdemeanor, on Nov. 22, 2017 in Town of Perry Court. The convicted was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

LIVE: Interview with Merritt Holly, Superintendent, Le Roy Central schools

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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Interview with Merritt Holly, superintendent, Le Roy Central schools, about going back to full-time in-class teaching and the school's capital project.

Le Roy falls to Haverling 60-45

By Howard B. Owens

Both Bryn Luckey and Jillian Curtis did their part Thursday night in Le Roy but it wasn't enough for the Lady Knights to overcome Haverling.

Haverling won 60-45.

Luckey scored 23 points and Curtis scored 13 and pulled in 12 rebounds. Goose Dunn had nine rebounds.

In other girls basketball:

  • Pavilion beat Keshequa 60-13
  • Batavia beat Sutherland 48-33 (game story)

Photos by Tim McArdle.

Le Roy beats Letchworth 61-30 on Senior Night

By Howard B. Owens

On Senior Night, Le Roy beat Letchworth 61-30.

Jillian Curtis scored 22 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and knocked back five shots. Bryn Luckey scored 25 points and snatched four steals. Zharia Newton scored eight points and had seven rebounds. Jen Pullyblank scored 10 points.

Also in girls basketball, Pavilion beat Cal-Mum 50 to 18.

Photos by Tim McArdle.

Gas line break reported in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A gas line has reportedly broken and is leaking gas at 111 Lake St., Le Roy.

Le Roy fire dispatched.

UPDATE 1:05 p.m.: Ice fell on the line.

UPDATE 1:30 p.m.: Le Roy cleared the scene and the residents are awaiting a repair crew from RG&E.

Cherry wriggles to victory in Jell-O Gallery Museum's debut virtual favorite flavor contest

By Billie Owens

Ta-Da!

Cherry bumped off Raspberry to win the first virtual poll of favorite flavors hosted by the world's only Jell-O Gallery Museum, located in Le Roy.

This year, 530 people picked a flavor they found most toothsome in honor of Le Roy's first celebration of National Jell-O Week.

The final tallies were totaled up on Saturday. And it was the votes counted last -- from fourth-graders at Wolcott Street School -- who shook things up.

There were 458 voters from 40 of the 50 U.S. states, including Hawaii. Missing were votes from: North and South Dakota, Idaho, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. They also had voters in Canada, England, Italy and Scotland.

Then 72 fourth-grade students at Wolcott Street School weighed in with their choices. 

Early results forecast Lime in a slight lead over Cherry, followed by third-place Raspberry. Then when the bulk of votes were added up, Raspberry was just jiggling past Lime -- 104 to 100.

Here are the tallies before and after the kids had their say (as denoted by the number after the addition sign):

  • Cherry -- 93 + 20 = 113
  • (tie) Raspberry -- 104 + 6 = 110
  • (tie) Lime -- 100 + 10 = 110
  • (tie) Orange -- 70 + 5 = 75
  • (tie) Strawberry -- 61 + 14 = 75
  • Lemon -- 13 + 1 = 14
  • Black Cherry -- 11 + 1 = 12
  • Grape -- 6 +13 = 19
  • Watermelon -- 0 + 2 = 2

Lynne Belluscio, director of the Le Roy Historical Society, Village Historian, and museum director, was gobsmacked.

"Lime and Raspberry are now tied at 110!" she says, and then here comes "Cherry climbing to first at 113!"

Orange was out in front of Strawberry by one vote, now they, too, are tied for third-place honors at 75.

"It was too close to count," Belluscio said drolly. "Have had a demand for a recount. LOL."

(Couldn't hurt, right?)

Things got a little complicated when factoring in numerous "write-in ballots." 

Some people couldn't choose just one and voted for “all.” Some people, likely contrarians, voted against a flavor -- Lime). Some people voted for pudding. (Jell-O makes pudding but it's not a gelatin dessert -- hello!)

Other flavors mentioned, honorable all (with the possible exception of Celery, of course), were:

  • Strawberry Banana;
  • Blue / Red;
  • Pineapple;
  • Sparkling White Grape (debuted in 1997);
  • Celery (created in the 1960s);
  • Mango;
  • Black Currant from England although not a Jell-O brand.

So when adding on 31 votes for "random" flavors, pudding, votes for "all flavors," and even ballots cast stating "I hate jello" (sic), the total vote count was higher than the 530 votes for standard flavors.

In all 561 voters had their say.

Belluscio initiated the virtual voting campaign because the museum has been closed most of the past year due to COVID-19.

Thousands of visitors who would normally vote throughout the year could not do so, so she began accepting votes through different Facebook pages.

The polls remained open through Feb. 21, the last day of National Jell-O Week. Le Roy celebrated it for the first time this year -- and a week early at that.

And as always, people from all over voted, just as they do in person. In fact until 2020, the Gallery recorded votes with Zip Codes from all 50 states.

​"So that is the count through Jell-O Week, but we will continue to take votes and zip codes through the year," Belluscio said. "We expect to reopen the last weekend in March and anticipate going to a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday schedule in April.  

Previously: The jig is up: Le Roy 'jumped the gun' to celebrate National Jell-O Week early

COVID cases wash out three games for Ice Devils

By Howard B. Owens

Two members of the Ice Devils, the hockey team that represents Batavia, Le Roy, Alexander, Elba, and Oakfield-Alabama, tested positive for COVID-19, meaning all players and coaches must quarantine at home until Feb. 24.

Three regular-season games have been canceled and won't be rescheduled.

Batavia Athletic Director Michael Bromley said one person tested positive last week and after consulting with the health department and the school's medical director, they would quarantine the team if a second person tested positive. That positive test came in on Tuesday.

This is only the second time a Batavia-affiliated team has been required to quarantine during the regular season. It happened previously with the Alpine Ski team.

Bromley said he can't emphasize enough how important it is for a parent to keep a child home from practice and games if a player is showing any symptoms because it can affect the whole team.

The Ice Devils were 0-4 on the season. The three missed games will be counted as "no contest." There will be five games left in the regular season once the team returns to the ice. Bromley said it will take multiple wins in those final five games for the team to reach the playoffs.

Le Roy loses at home to Hornell 57-52

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy sustained another close loss Thursday night, dropping a hoops match to Hornell 57-52.

Cody Lytle scored 17 points and had 12 rebounds. Andrew Loftus, 12 points and 10 rebounds, Mitch Hockey 11 points, and Zach Vanderhoof scored 10 and had six rebounds.

The 1-2 Knights play the next five games on the road.

Also in boys basketball, Pavilion beat Mount Morris 47-38.

Photos and info submitted by Tim McArdle.

Car fire reported at residence on West Main Street, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A fully involved car fire is reported near a structure at 73 W. Main St., Le Roy.

Le Roy fire is on scene.

Fire police are closing Route 5 between Royal Drive and Gilbert Street.

UPDATE 6:31 p.m.: Fire is knocked down.

32 GC students named to fall 2020 dean's list at RIT

By Billie Owens

The following local residents made the dean's list at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2020 Fall Semester.

Undergraduate students are eligible for Dean's List if their GPA is greater than or equal to 3.40 for nine credit hours of traditionally graded coursework; they do not have any grades of "Incomplete," NE, D, or F; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.

Nicholas Kelly, of Byron, who is in the Software Engineering program.

Celia Mercovich, of Bergen, who is in the Physics program.

Erik Scharlau, of Alexander, who is in the Physician Assistant program.

Andrew Pickard, of Batavia, who is in the Software Engineering program.

Ava Vescovi, of Le Roy, who is in the Business Administration-Marketing program.

Bethany Zwolinski, of Corfu, who is in the Biomedical Sciences program.

Sophia Zwolinski, of Corfu, who is in the Mechanical Engineering program.

Tyler Henry, of Bergen, who is in the Illustration program.

Haley Scripp, of Le Roy, who is in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.

Taylor Schofield, of Pavilion, who is in the biomedical engineering program.

Lauren Burke, of Bergen, who is in the applied mathematics program.

Amelia Pestillo, of Batavia, who is in the management information systems program.

Maddi Howard, of Elba, who is in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Cambria Kinkelaar, of Bergen, who is in the Mechanical Engineering program.

Alex Warren, of Corfu, who is in the Computer Science program.

Alex Rosse, of Byron, who is in the Computing Security program.

Grace Vogler, of Corfu, who is in the Business Administration-Management program.

Lily Mercovich, of Bergen, who is in the Film and Animation program.

Charlie Stevens, of Le Roy, who is in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.

Melissa Mountain, of Batavia, who is in the Interior Design program.

David Lapierre, of Oakfield, who is in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.

Rachel Schauf, of Batavia, who is in the Applied Arts and Sciences Program.

Brett Lubberts, of Linwood, who is in the Computer Science program.

Ella Frank-Doyle, of Batavia, who is in the Medical Illustration program.

Molly Huber, of Batavia, who is in the Robotics and Manufacturing Engineering Technology program.

Will Palmer, of Batavia, who is in the New Media Design program.

John Mercovich, of Bergen, who is in the Mechanical Engineering program.

Chase Roth, of Alexander, who is in the Mobile App Development program.

Charles Carroll, of Oakfield, who is in the Chemistry program.

Ethan Stone, of Batavia, who is in the Computer Engineering program.

Colin Hunt, of Batavia, who is in the Packaging Science program.

Matthew Pencille, of Le Roy, who is in the Biomedical Engineering program.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education programis one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

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