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Le Roy

Woodward Memorial Library closed due to COVID-19

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Woodward Memorial Library is closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in effect as long as deemed necessary.

Our online resources are available 24/7. E-books, e-audiobooks, comics, videos, music, and digital magazines are available through Overdrive, Hoopla, and RB Digital. These are all available as free apps that can be downloaded to smart devices or links are available through the library’s website.

The library’s Wi-Fi works well from the grounds 24/7. No library card necessary.

We will keep you updated through our Facebook page, Instagram, and website. We will also be posting storytime videos and craft tutorials to our Facebook and Instagram stories. Follow us on Instagram @wmlib. Our website is www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org.

We look forward to reopening as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.

Stay safe and well,

Betsy Halvorsen

Library Director

Town of Le Roy declares State of Emergency today for at least 30 days

By Billie Owens

DECLARATION OF A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY

A State of Emergency is hereby declared in the TOWN OF LE ROY, effective at 12 p.m. today, March 19, 2020.

This State of Emergency has been declared due to the existing and continuing declared States of Emergency at the Federal, State, County, and Town of Le Roy, related to COVID-19.

This situation threatens the public safety.

This State of Emergency will remain in effect for thirty (30) days or until rescinded by a subsequent order.

As the Chief Executive of TOWN OF LEROY, County of Genesee, State of New York, I, James R. Farnholz,exercise the authority given me under Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of this Municipality.

I hereby direct all departments and agencies of TOWN OF LEROY to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.

James R. Farnholz

Le Roy Town Supervisor

March 19, 2020

Starting tomorrow Tops markets will offer early morning shopping Tuesdays and Thursdays just for seniors 60+

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In these uncertain times we at Tops Friendly Markets feel the need to address the concerns of our most vulnerable population, our seniors 60 years of age and older.

We've heard you and therefore, effective Thursday, March 19, and until further notice, Tops will open its doors for this select audience only, allowing them to shop from 6 – 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

Rest assured we will not be asking for identification as we trust the community will not abuse this privilege. Tops also has curbside and pickup delivery as an alternate shopping solution.

Please visit Topsmarkets.com to shop online.

Tops markets change hours again to keep pace with customers' needs during COVID-19 pandemic

By Billie Owens

Press release:

As we continue to do all we can to serve the needs of our customers, beginning Wednesday, March 18, Tops Friendly Markets -- with locations in Genesee County in Batavia and Le Roy -- will change hours of operation at most of our stores from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. to restock and continue to maintain the increased sanitation levels in our stores.

Stores that typically open later and close earlier will maintain their existing hours of operation. This also pertains to Tops Fuel sites. These revised hours will be in effect until further notice.

For more information on these and other details re: COVID-19 updates, please visit our website.

RECORDED LIVE: Interview with Le Roy Central Schools Superintendent Merritt Holly

By Howard B. Owens
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We interviewed Merritt Holly, superintendent of the Le Roy Central School District, live and this video is a replay of that stream.

We'll get an update on how the district is dealing with the closure, what's available for students, and families, and how things are going in Le Roy.

If you're unable to view the stream on our home page, click here.  Also, if you follow that link, there is a live chat on YouTube where you can ask questions that I will try to incorporate into the interview.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, and I don't know why, the interview cuts off a minute or so early, a problem on YouTube's end I imagine.

Tops changes hours to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. in order to restock and maintain increased sanitation levels

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets, with Genesee County locations in Batavia and Le Roy, are temporarily limiting hours of operation.

As we continue to do all we can to serve the needs of our customers, we will be changing our hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. to restock and continue to maintain the increased sanitation levels in our stores.

Stores that typically close earlier will maintain their existing hours of operation. These revised hours will be in effect until further notice.

For more information on these and other details re: COVID-19 updates, please visit our website.

Le Roy Central Schools offering free Pre/K-12 meals

By Howard B. Owens

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District announcement:

We will offer FREE breakfast/lunch meals to all students Pre K-12 starting 3/17 until further notice!‬ Click for more information about pickup.

‪Meals can be picked up at the Wolcott Street School's main entrance for outdoor pickup Mon-Fri between 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.‬

‪We encourage our families to take advantage!‬

Law and Order: Four suspected of DWI, another accused of stealing from Speedway

By Billie Owens

Michael Robert Simcick, 26, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; refusal to take a breath test; unlawful possession of marijuana; failure to stop at stop sign; and moving from lan unsafely. At 1:26 a.m. on March 8, Simcick was arrested on Perry Road in Pavilion after a traffic stop for a violation of vehicle and traffic law. An investigation allegedly determined him to be intoxicated by alcohol and in possession of marijuana. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Pavilion Town Court on March 17. Genesee County Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush handled the case, assisted by Deputy Austin Heberlein, and the Le Roy Police Department.

Shane R. Reisman, 50, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: failure to stop at a stop sign; driving while intoxicated; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway; and refusal to take a breath test. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Reisman at 2:36 p.m. on March 2 on Trumbull Parkway in Batavia after a traffic stop. Reisman was later released with appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on March 18.

Baltazar de la Rosa Sifuentes, 26, of Parkland Creek Lane, Chili, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; and moving from lane unsafely. At 9:30 p.m. on March 6, Sifuentes was arrested after an investigation of a single-car accident on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford. He was released with appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on March 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Jessica Lyn Revier, 35, of Hall Road, Holley, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated; DWI; failure to stop at a stop sign; and speed not reasonable and prudent. At 7:55 a.m. on March 7, Revier was arrested on North Bergen Road in Byron. She allegedly drove her vehicle off the roadway while in an intoxicated condition. Revier was released on appearance tickets and is due in Byron Town Court on March 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Phillip Detraell Byford Jr., 29, of Brockport Spencerport Road, Brockport, was arrested March 3 on two separate warrants out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged that Byford stole from the Speedway convenience store at 204 W. Main St. in Batavia at 8:44 p.m. on Jan. 24 and then failed to appear in court after his appearance ticket was issued. He was arraigned in city court and released. He is due back in court on March 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Austin Hedges, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Free prom dresses to be given out next Saturday at Le Roy's Hope Center -- 'Girls Helping Girls'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Hope Center of Le Roy is undertaking the 10th annual “Girls Helping Girls” prom dress giveaway from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14th. Girls from all over the region are welcome.

The Hope Center is located at 42 Main St., Le Roy. It is decorated exquisitely and loaded with loving encouragement for next Saturday's event.

Several hundred dresses, some gently used but many brand new ranging in size from 0-24 have been donated and will be on display at the Hope Center of L e Roy.

Girls can find their size and color and try them on, according to Hope Center Director Rev. Henry Moore, whose wife, Valerie, was inspired to start this giveaway to relieve families from the pressure of buying a dress for a one-time event, precious as it is.

The dresses have come from individuals and stores around the area and are checked for condition and cleanliness. Volunteers from the local community staff this event to help girls’ sort through the displays, find matches to their tastes, and guide them to dressing rooms.

“Sometimes people can’t believe that these dresses are really free,” according to Rev. Moore, “but there really are no strings attached. This is a gift to the young girls of this region.

"We want them to know that they are loved by God, that He made them beautifully, and that their lives deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”

The Hope Center spreads the benefit of this even beyond American shores.

"From the beginning, we wanted to provide these dresses strictly as an act of kindness, but some people insist on wanting to make cash donations out of appreciation” Valerie Moore said. “So, we decided to keep the ‘Girls Helping Girls’ theme going and pay it forward.

"The dresses are free, and we mean that; but if anyone really wants to make a donation out of gratitude, we will pass on any donations to Tanzania’s House of Hope in the City of Moshi. The House of Hope is a large home being built to rescue girls from a life of certain sex slavery; it will be a place where the girls can be equipped and trained for a life of meaning and purpose beyond their wildest dreams. It’s a Win-Win!”

But again, there as here, the emphasis is that these dresses are given freely.

The Hope Center was established with a vision to provide spiritual and material support to area citizens and, through the message of hope, call the community to reach its God-given destiny and over the past nine years it has donated upwards of 500-plus dresses to young women across five different counties here in Western New York.

Event coordinator Val Moore will be stepping down after this year’s event, so this year may mark the last year that the Hope Center will sponsor the event.

Her prayer is that someone from the local community will have the same heart and desire that she had that would love to carry this outreach to a whole new level.

Individuals or organizations that may be interested can contact the Hope Center, at which point the remaining dresses will be passed on. For more information, please contact the Hope Center at 585-768-8184, or at:   info@hopecenterleroy.org

Grand Jury: Two people accused of possessing fentanyl in Byron with intent to sell it

By Billie Owens

Chance J. Barnwell-McClary and Marvelous C. Williams are indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 10 in the Town of Byron, that the defendants knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- fentanyl -- with the intent to sell it. In count two, Barnwell-McClary and Williams are accused of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on Oct. 10 in the Town of Byron that the defendants knowingly possessed or sold gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, vials, capsules or other material suitable for packaging individual quantities of narcotic drugs or stimulants under circumstances that evinced the intent to use or unlawfully manufacture, package or dispense narcotic drugs or stimulants.

Niasia S. Jiggetts is indicted for the crime of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that in 2017 at an apartment in the 4000 block of West Main Street Road, Town of Batavia, that the defendant, being age 18 or older, intentionally caused physical injury to a person under age 7. In count two, she is accused of another count of second-degree assault. It is alleged in count two that last year on Thomas Avenue in the City of Batavia that the defendant, an adult, intentionally caused physical injury to a person less than 7 years old.

Edwin Peart Jr. is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 29 in the City of Batavia the defendant knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug, cocaine, with the intent to sell it. In count two, Peart is accused of promoting prison contraband in the first degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that Peart introduced dangerous contraband -- cocaine -- into the Genesee County Jail. In count three, he is accused of tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count three that on Aug. 29, believing certain evidence was about to be produced, he tried to suppress it, by an act of concealment, alteration, destruction, intimidation or force. Peart is accused of retrieving bags of cocaine from his underwear while being processed at the jail, placing them in his mouth and chewing them, "refusing all commands to open his mouth and spit the substance out."

Walter H. Bennett is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 24 in the City of Batavia that he knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with the intent to sell it. In count two, he is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on Oct. 24 in the City of Batavia that he knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance -- cocaine.

James R. Blakeslee is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 28 in the Town of Le Roy on Route 19, Blakeslee drove a 2003 Dodge while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony. In is alleged in count two that the defendant had a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time, according to an chemical analysis of his breath. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Blakeslee is accused of having been convicted of DWI as a misdemeanor on Sept. 16, 2014 in Wyoming County Court, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Schnell A. Ogletree is indicted for the crime of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Sept. 14 in the Town of Stafford that Ogletree drove a 2012 GMC Terrain on Route 33 while her ability was impaired by the use of drugs. In count two, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that when she drove that day she knew or had reason to know that her driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities. In count three, Ogletree is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on that day she knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance -- cocaine. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Ogletree is accused of having been convicted of driving while ability impaired by the consumption of alcohol. It is alleged in Special Information that the defendant was convicted of this on June 12 in the Town of Onondaga and this conviction forms the basis of count two in the current indictment.

Shamya Brown is indicted for the crime of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 19 in the Town of Batavia that Brown stole cosmetics and/or skin care items having a value exceeding $1,000.

Law and Order: Le Roy man accused of grand larceny, identity theft and criminal impersonation

By Billie Owens

Kyle Christopher Madden, 27, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with: fourth-degree grand larceny; third-degree identity theft; and criminal impersonation in the second degree. Madden was arrested after an investigation of a larceny complaint at 5:52 p.m. Feb. 10 on Lake Street Road in Le Roy. He was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Le Roy Town Court on March 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Robert Henning, assisted by Investigator Christopher Parker.

Nashiem R. Harris, 21, of Batavia, and a 17-year-old female, also of Batavia, were arrested by Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies following a traffic stop on Route 246 in the Town of Covington at 7:45 a.m. on March 4. Harris is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree, and failure to keep right. The juvenile is also charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree, and stopping on pavement. A 2012 Ford Fusion was observed by law enforcement stopped in the middle of the driving lane on Court Road by Silver Lake Road. Two subjects exited the vehicle, switched seats, and then continued driving on Court Road, according to the report prepared by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan. Officers followed the vehicle and observed as the vehicle was being driven entirely on the left-hand side of the roadway. A traffic stop was conducted and the odor of burned marijuana was allegedly detected. A partially smoked marijuana blunt was allegedly located in the center console during a subsequent vehicle search. Both drivers allegedly performed poorly on field sobriety tests and were then evaluated by a Certified Drug Recognition Expert at the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, who determined them to be impaired by the use of drugs.

Video: Purple Pony receives Special Service award from Chamber of Commerce

By Howard B. Owens
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Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship has been named the Special Service Recognition of the Year award winner by the Chamber of Commerce. The volunteers of Purple Pony will receive the award at the Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner tonight Quality Inn & Suites.

Le Roy Women of the Moose raise more than $400 at Cake Walk to support Knights Closet

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Le Roy Women of the Moose Chapter 370 held their annual Cake Walk on Feb. 15 and raised $429 to purchase personal care items for Knights Closet at Le Roy High School.

This fun event involves dessert donations, a DJ, and the game of musical chairs, with the aim of winning a dessert. Along with a 50/50 raffle and basket raffle, the money helped buy toiletry items for students that may not have access to them at home.

Some students use the school facilities to get ready for the day. The Knights Closet is open to all students and students that need extra support may contact Lindsey Dailey for a private meeting. They gladly accept donations of personal care items and gently used clothing. 

After the desserts were all won, it was time for the Men’s Fashion Show. Our Moose men are good sports as they dress up and parade around to see who will win.  

Pictured from left: Lindsey Dailey, school counselor, Catherine Campbell, Club recorder and Martha Bailey, chairperson. The Men’s Fashion Show was chaired by Sharyll Hume.

Law and Order: Teenage girl living on Jerome Place accused of striking police officer

By Billie Owens

A 17-year-old female who lives on Jerome Place in Batavia is charged with second-degree harassment. She is accused of striking a Batavia Police officer during an incident at 12:27 p.m. Jan. 24 on Central Avenue in Batavia. At 1:56 p.m. on Feb. 27, she was arrested, processed and released with an appearance ticket. She is due in Batavia City Court at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 for arraignment. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Austin Hedges.

Kyle Christopher Madden, 27, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with: grand larceny in the third degree; first-degree identity theft; and second-degree criminal impersonation. On Feb. 1, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office received a complaint of stolen credit card information from an apartment in the 8000 block of Lake Street Road in Le Roy, which was used to purchase merchandise online on Jan. 19. An investigation allegedly revealed the defendant stole property exceeding $3,000 and acted as the person who owned the credit card in an attempt to defraud the victim, and did this using internet websites. The defendant was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court Feb. 28 and released. He is due back in court at a later date. The case was handled by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Investigator Christopher Parker.

Nateeka M. Gibson, 30, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with robbery in the third degree and second-degree harassment. She was arrested Feb. 21 and arraigned in Batavia City Court following an investigation of an incident that occurred at 1 p.m. on Feb. 15 on Washington Avenue in Batavia. She was released on her own recognizance and is to return to city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Austin Hedges.

William T. Hughes, 63, of South Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. On Feb. 25, Hughes was arrested after a domestic incident at 10:01 p.m. on South Spruce Street, wherein it is alleged Hughes violated an order of protection. He was arraigned on Feb. 26 an held without bail. He is due in Batavia City Court on March 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Michael Douglas Busch, 20, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Busch was arrested Feb. 27 after the investigation of an employee at Walmart in Batavia. Busch allegedly stole a total of $440 from Jan. 27 to Feb. 18 from Walmart cash registers while working there. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on March 12. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Law and Order: Alexander woman accused of striking man in face in front of kids

By Billie Owens

Deanna Lynn Yox, 34, of Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. At 9:27 p.m. on Feb. 25, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to a residence on Broadway Road in the Town of Alexander for a physical altercation between a male and female. Following an investigation, Yox was arrested. She allegedly became involved in an altercation with an adult male and struck him multiple times in the face while in front of two children. Yox was issued appearance tickets and is due in Alexander Town Court at 4 p.m. on March 10. The case was handled by deputies Erik Andre and Brock Cummins.

Michael R. Lanze, 30, of Hutchins St., Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment. Lanze was arrested at 10:29 p.m. on Feb. 10. It is alleged Lanze punched another person in the head during a domestic dispute, while in the presence of two children. Lanze was arraigned in Batavia City Court on Feb. 11 and released. He is due back in court today (Feb. 27). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

Shannon M. Armstead, 26, of Bloomingdale Road, Akron, is charged with: second-degree criminal mischief; petit larceny, thrid-degree criminal tampering; and second-degree harassment. On Feb. 24, Armstead was arrested on a Batavia City Court warrant after being located by NYS Police. The warrant stems from an investigation into a disturbance at an address in the 4000 block of West Main Street Road in Batavia on Oct. 1. Armstead is accused of throwing paint on the victim's car. Following arraignment in city court, Armstead was released on recognizance and is due in city court on March 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Raymond C. Cook, 49, of Pleasant Street, Le Roy, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more -- with a prior conviction within the last 10 years; driving while intoxicated -- with a prior conviction with the last 10 years; failure to keep right on a two-lane road; failure to return license plates/registration after revocation; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor in the second degree -- with drugs/alcohol involved. Cook was arrested on Main Street in Batavia at 1:14 a.m. on Feb. 13. Batavia Police officers Austin Hedges and Nicole McGinnis conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Cook was driving and allegedly determined he was intoxicated. Cook was arrested, then released with an appearance ticket for March 4 in Batavia City Court.

Heather K. MacPherson, 30, of Gully Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more, and DWI. MacPherson was arrested at 3:03 a.m. Feb. 23 on Jackson Street in Batavia after she was allegedly found sleeping behind the wheel of her vehicle in the parking lot of a local vehicle. She was issued tickets returnable to Batavia City Court on March 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Eric K. Ricks, 41, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident that occurred on Feb. 17 on Thomas Avenue in Batavia. Ricks was transported to Batavia Police headquarters and processed. He was then arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance He is due back in city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Dan. M. Carter, 58, of Leopard Street, Rochester, is charged with identity theft. Carter was arrested on Feb. 24 after a disturbance complaint on West Main Street in Batavia. He is accused of identity theft stemming from an incident at 3:59 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2017 in the 100 block of Walnut Street in the City of Batavia. Following his arraignment in Batavia City Court on Monday, he was released on his own recognizance and was due back in court today (Feb. 27). The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

Adam D. Altobelli, 39, of Schell Place, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. At 8:20 a.m. on Feb. 22, Altobelli was arrested after he allegedly stole a Red Bull energy beverage from the Dollar General store on East Main Street in Batavia. He was allegedly found to be in possession of a controlled substance at the time of his arrest. He was issued appearance tickets for Batavia City Court and is due there March 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police OfficerJoshia Girven, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Jeremy M. Fairbanks, 42, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to comply with a court-ordered program. He was arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court at 11:55 on Jan. 30 on a bench warrant. It was issued after he allegedly failed to comply with a court-ordered program on Jan. 22. He was released on an appearance ticket for city court Jan. 31 and was placed under supervision of Genesee Justice. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Alec Roberts, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Devon A. Wright, 18, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree. Wright was arrested at 5:34 p.m. Feb. 12 on Law Street in Batavia after a traffic stop. Wright was released on an appearance ticket for Feb. 25 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Total of 28 GC students named to fall 2019 dean's list at RIT

By Billie Owens

The following local residents made the dean's list at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2019 Fall Semester:

Nicholas Kelly, of Byron (14422), who is in the software engineering program.

Celia Mercovich, of Bergen (14416), who is in the physics program.

Erik Scharlau, of Alexander (14005), who is in the physician assistant program.

Nicholas Johnson, of Batavia (14020), who is in the computing and information technologies program.

Ava Vescovi, of Le Roy (14482), who is in the business administration-marketing program.

Bethany Zwolinski, of Corfu (14036), who is in the biomedical sciences program.

Sophia Zwolinski, of Corfu (14036), who is in the mechanical engineering program.

Tyler Henry, of Bergen (14416), who is in the illustration program.

Taylor Schofield, of Pavilion (14525), who is in the biomedical engineering program.

Lauren Burke, of Bergen (14416), who is in the physician assistant program.

Amelia Pestillo, of Batavia (14020), who is in the management information systems program.

Maddi Howard, of Elba (14058), who is in the diagnostic medical sonography program.

Jessie Abrams, of Corfu (14036), who is in the medical illustration program.

Triton Adamski, of Corfu (14036), who is in the game design and development program.

Lucas Kohorst, of East Pembroke (14056), who is in the web and mobile computing program.

Bria Brade, of Batavia (14020), who is in the applied arts and sciences program.

Sarah Nati, of Corfu (14036), who is in the applied arts and sciences program.

Jeremy Boyle, of Batavia (14020), who is in the supply chain management program.

Melissa Mountain, of Batavia (14020), who is in the interior design program.

Bailey Russo, of Batavia (14020), who is in the game design and development program.

Ryan Missel, of Corfu (14036), who is in the computer science program.

Jay Lewis, of Batavia (14020), who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.

Kiera Gross, of East Bethany (14054), who is in the computational mathematics program.

Katelyn Hersee, of Batavia (14020), who is in the business administration-accounting program.

Chase Roth, of Alexander (14005), who is in the mobile app development program.

Ethan Stone, of Batavia (14020), who is in the computer engineering program.

Michelle Miller, of East Bethany (14054), who is in the industrial design program.

Allen Snyder, of Darien Center (14040), who is in the mechanical engineering program.

Degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for dean's list if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of "Incomplete", "D" or "F"; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the United States.

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 program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

Four GC juniors chosen by Le Roy American Legion Auxiliary to attend Empire Girls State in June

By Billie Owens

Photo, from left: Delcina Cassidy, Courtney George, Catherine Long and Mikayla Hickey.

Submitted photo and press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy has selected four local high school juniors girls to attend this years Empire Girls State week held at SUNY Brockport the week of June 28th.

Delcina Cassidy of Le Roy High School, Catherine Long of Le Roy High School, Mikayla Hickey of Alexander High School and Courtney George of Pavilion High School have been selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) New York Girls State.

As part of the premier ALA program, the girls will study local, county, and state government processes during this five-day nonpartisan political learning experience. 

The girls were selected to attend Girls State based on selection criteria through Auxiliary unit and/or high school, which includes being in the top third of her class, along with consideration given to scholastic achievements, leadership, character, honesty and physical fitness.  

Delcina is the daughter of Glenn and Delcina Cassidy. She is involved in the National Honor Society, school musicals, cross country team, indoor and outdoor track. Participates in many clubs, helped multiple times during community service, and assists at the Community Kitchen.

Catherine is the daughter of Rob and Julie Long. She participates in National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl, Math Team, Emerging Knights, Chorus, Band, Marching Band, Eastman Honors Wind Ensemble, Hochstein Youth Wind Symphony and also helped multiple times doing community service projects.

Mikayla is the daughter of Mike and Cherie Hickey. She participates in many activities in her school and community, including National Honor Society, Ace/Stem program at Genesee Community College, HOBY 2019 member, Math Team, Mock Trial, band, plays soccer, softball, and is a student rep for the 2019 Alexander Building Project Board. She also volunteers at her church, participates in the wrestling tournament and the Alexander’s Outdoor classroom.

Courtney is the daughter of Tracie Rowland and Michael George. She is active in her school and community, including National Honor Society, Youth Leaders Conference, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Spanish Club, Future Farmers of America, and she plays volleyball, softball and is active in her community with Food Link and a member of the Girls Service League.

ALA Girls State attendees, known as “citizens,” receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties.

The young women then campaign, hold rallies, debate, and ultimately vote to elect city, county, and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties.

Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

Every spring, approximately 25,000 young women across the country are selected to attend ALA Girls State programs in their respective states. Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 ALA Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation held in Washington, D.C. in July.

Congratulations girls!

Le Roy driver injures his back in Wyoming County collision, Canadian trucker cited for tailgating

By Billie Owens

A Canadian trucker was cited in a three-vehicle crash Feb. 20  that caused a Le Roy truck driver to injure his back. The accident occurred on Route 63 in the Town of Covington, Wyoming County.

Richard Witzel, of Le Roy, was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital for back pain following the collision involving a passenger vehicle and two tractor-trailers.

According to Deputy Sampson (first name not provided) of the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the accident scene and determined Kayla Allen, 34, of Warsaw, was waiting to turn onto Court Road when she was rear-ended.

Allen was waiting for a westbound tractor-trailer to pass in order to make her turn, when a second tractor-trailer, driven by Randeep Sidhu, of Ontario, Canada, failed to stop and rear-ended Allen's vehicle.

The collision cause Allen's car to be pushed forward and under the westbound tractor-trailer operated by Witzel. The impact caused Witzel's axles to break off of his trailer.

Allen's vehicle was demolished and she was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester for chest injuries.

All three vehicles had to be towed from the scene due to extensive damage.

Sidhu was charged with following too closely. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Covington Town Court at a later date.

Assisting Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies at the scene were the NYS Police, Pavilion Fire Department, Medic 80, BLS1, Karson's Garage, Stella's Towing, and T and R Collision.

Le Roy picks up three sectional tiles in track and field

By Howard B. Owens

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Le Roy's indoor track and field team came home with three Section V Class C titles this weekend.

Above, Aiden Harrington wins the 600-meter title with a time of 1:27.93.

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The boys won the 4x400 relay title. The team is comprised of Brian Roblee, James Blake, Chase Bordonaro, Aidan Harrington.

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The girls' team also won the 4X400 relay championship. The relay team is: Ashley Totten, Ellie Dambra, Riley Wood, and Mia Hampton

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The boys and girls teams both came in second place.

Photos and info submitted by Tim McArdle.

Trio of local students named to dean's list at SUNY Morrisville for fall 2019

By Billie Owens

SUNY Morrisville recently announced those students who were named to the dean's list for the fall 2019 semester. To be named to the dean's list, a student must achieve an average of 3.0 to 3.99 for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

Shelby Brandes, of Stafford 

Jack Doemling, of Le Roy 

Emily Mikel, of Stafford 

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 2019 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2019 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit or connect with us at: www.morrisville.edu

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