Le Roy

Genesee County's newest retail business -- it opened Saturday -- is catching the consumer trend toward more authentic and artisanal products.

Stocked with handcrafted, infused olive oils and vinegars, speciality chocolates, handcrafted bath items, gourmet spreads and sauces, and one-of-a-kind gift items, The Divine Tree on Main Street in Le Roy was designed by owner Renee Mancini Johnson to appeal to customers who appreciate quality and healthy alternatives to what you might find in a Walmart Superstore.

"I took a lot of time, honestly, I didn't have a lot of time, but I did my homework," Johnson said. "I wanted to get some items that aren't everyday to everyone. It is unique in this aspect in that not everyone knows what to do with an infused olive oil, but there is so much you can do with them. For instance, the butter olive oil, you substitute for any butter or margin you use in a recipe."

Johnson, a lifelong Le Royan, hopes the store will not only appeal to local residents but help bring people from outside the area to shop in Le Roy.

Located inside of one of Le Roy's old Main Street buildings -- most recently a Radio Shack location -- Johnson completed the purchase of the building in April and immediately got busy with remodelling. The original idea was to find the original interior brick walls and expose them, but after stripping away the existing walls, no brick was found, so brick walls were built. The original ornate brass ceiling was uncovered. It had been painted white, so Johnson had it painted with brass metallic paint to bring back that old-time feel.

"A lot of people come in and say they feel like they're not even in Le Roy anymore, and that's what I want," Johnson said.

Brad Crocker. Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

America's most celebrated “helpful place” is celebrating the grand opening of its newest lumber yard, located in Le Roy. The new lumber yard is an expansion to the existing Crocker's Ace Hardware Store located 8457 North Street Road in Le Roy. Crocker's Hardware and lumber staff will bring the company's unique blend of nationally recognized customer service and quality home-improvement knowledge and products back to Le Roy and the surrounding area residents.

Crocker's Ace Hardware is owned by Brad Crocker and Dan Diskin. Brad is the third generation from the Crocker family to own a business in the Town of Le Roy  His grandfather, Clarence, owned and operated a feed mill and farm supply store on Selden Road. His father, Judd, continued the tradition with his brothers, James and Louis, and built Crocker's Ace Hardware on the current site in 1969. Dan Diskin, Brad's partner,  is a native Le Royan also. He started working at Crocker's in college. Brad and Dan purchased the business from Judd and his brothers in 1998.

Brad lives on Selden Road in Le Roy with his sons, Ben and Cole Crocker, his girlfriend, Nicole Boyce, and her daughter, Christina Woodrow. He keeps busy around the house with his watercross snowmobile racing team. Their kids are active in four-wheeling with dad, Cub Scouts, swimming, youth soccer and youth volleyball. Nicole is a professional photographer who enjoys capturing everything from racing to senior portraits.

Dan is a village resident. At home on Myrtle Street are his wife, Cheryl, their daughters, Jenna and Alison, and son, Jack. A third daughter, Tess Diskin Ryan, recently married Joseph P. Ryan, formally of Batavia. They reside in Camp Lejeune, N.C. Cheryl is the records clerk for the Village of Le Roy Police Department. Jenna is a LIVES graduate of SUNY Geneseo; Alison works at JC Penney in Batavia and is a GCC student. Jack is junior at Le Roy High School and enjoys band and theater.

Brad and Dan have been planning the lumber expansion for several years.

“A lumber yard is something that LeRoy always has had,” Dan Diskin said. “For a long time, Le Roy had two -- Wickes and Lapp Lumber. When Potter Lumber (the former Lapp Lumber) closed, it was just the spark we needed to bring lumber back to the people of Le Roy!”

Brad and Dan worked closely with Mickey Hyde and the team at Bank of Castile to finance the project.

“We felt that working with our hometown bank was the best way for us to do business,” Brad explained. “Using government tax breaks and promising that we could add so many jobs if we got a loan did not interest us at this time.”

Ali is missing. He is a long-haired golden orange cat and is about a year old and weights 10 lbs. He is not fixed. He's been missing since Saturday on Lake Street in Le Roy. He has a collar. If you find Ali or know his whereabouts, contact Rashea Dukes at rashearaniek1@gmail.com -- or at (585) 752-7056.

Kim M. Mobley, 52, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of grand larceny, 4th, criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, menacing, 2nd, and obstruction of governmental administration. Mobley allegedly possessed a knife and menaced several individuals during an altercation on Hutchins Street. Mobley is also accused of stealing money from an officer who had seized it from an arrestee as property or evidence. She was put in the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Bobby L. Mobley Jr., 40, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and obstruction of governmental administration. Mobley is accused of attempting to interfere with a police investigation. The incident occurred on Hutchins Street. He was held in the Genesee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

A 17-year-old is charged with grand larceny, 4th. The youth allegedly broke into vehicles parked in a lot at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia, and stole items. The youth was put in the Genesee County Jail on $100,000 bail for an unrelated matter.

Christopher D. Hallas, 28, of York Road, Le Roy, is charged with aggravated DWI, DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, use of a loaned vehicle without an interlock device, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Hallas was the operator of a one-car accident that occurred in Le Roy. He allegedly has two prior DWI convictions in 10 years. He was put in the Genesee County Jail on $15,000 bail.

Jason P. Wickson, 33, of Cedar Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, criminal obstruction of breathing and menacing, 3rd, following an alleged domestic incident on Cedar Street. Wickson is accused of choking, threatening and causing injury to the victim. He was held at the Genesee County Jail on $10,000 bail.

Joseph M. Marranco Jr., 44, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and resisting arrest following an investigation into a shoplifting incident at Tops Market in Batavia. Marranco allegedly fled the store on a bicycle and was located on Redfield Parkway by Batavia Police. After a brief foot chase, he was arrested. He was put in the Genesee County Jail on $2,500 bail.

Dain O. Kilian, 31, of Livingstion Street, Warsaw, is charged with criminal impersonation, 2nd, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and dark tinted side windows. Kilian was pulled over on Route 77 in Pembroke by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Kilian allegedly gave a fictitious name and was found to have a suspended driver's license. He was put in Gensee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

Julie L. Dutton, 20 of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon with the intent to use, criminal mischief with the intent to damage property and second-degree menacing with a weapon. Dutton is accused of brandishing a knife and attempting to cause serious physical injury to another person during an altercation at her residence. Dutton also allegedly damaged the victim's cell phone. She was issued an appearance ticket and was already in custody on another matter.

Richard M. Schiersing, 39, of Sand Hill Road, Caledonia, is charged with petit larceny, obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, concealing or destroying physical evidence and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Schiersing allegedly stole and discarded evidence from a pending arrest while in custody. The incident occurred on West Main Street in Batavia. He was put in the Genesee County Jail.

Albert W. Donovan II, 32, of North Lake Road, Bergen, is charged with aggravated DWI, DWI, failure to keep right, moving from a lane unsafely and operation of an unregistered motor vehicle on a highway. Donovan was pulled over on North Lake Road in Bergen by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Latiqua S. Jackson, 21, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested inside the courtroom of Batavia City Court on a warrant for a petit larceny charge and unlawful possession of marijuana. Jackson is accused of stealing a computer tablet from a residence on Hutchins Street in April. She was put in the Genesee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

Justine D. McWethy, 28, of Fairway Drive, Batavia, was arrested on the execution of a bench warrant. McWethy allegedly failed to abide by the contract of her release. She was put in Genesee County Jail on $2,500 bail.

The Oatka Festival continues today, in Le Roy, until 6 p.m. This morning started with a 30K bicycle race and a fishing derby.  The festival concludes with the Vietnam Veterans' Annual “Duck Derby” at 5 p.m. 

Fishing judge Paul Campbell.

Sisters Mackenzie and Kelsey.

Jackson waiting for the big one.

Another Mackenzie with her fish.

Le Roy PD has spent most of the night searching for a missing female in the area of North and Church streets. The only thing we know at this point is that she became separated from her friends.

Le Roy Fire Department has just been requested to the scene to assist in the search.

UPDATE 7:13 a.m. (By Billie) : Pavilion, Alexander and Stafford fire departments are asked to provide a fill-in for Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 7:21 a.m.: The search continues.

UPDATE 7:35 a.m.: A crew from Caledonia Fire Department is also at Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 7:39 a.m.: Howard is in Le Roy and spoke with Police Chief Chris Hayward who said the woman they are looking for is 22 years old and not from this area. She was last seen drinking with friends at the Smokin' Eagle on Main Street and she left at about 12:45 p.m. Her phoned pinged from behind businesses along Main Street on the Village's Southside. The chief said they are concentrating the search in the vicinity of East Main Street to Clay Street along the banks of Oatka Creek, noting that's the area where the people she was visiting live. "We're just doing our due diligence ... she's not from the area. She'd been drinking. It was 75 degrees. Maybe she decided to take a nap someplace."

UPDATE 7:52 a.m.: Mercy Flight was called to assist in the search but in now being released from the assignment.

UPDATE 7:58 p.m.: The female has been found and she is safe. The mutual aid responders are going back in service.

UPDATE 8:03 p.m.: Howard says she was located at a residence on East Main Street. Authorities said she thought it was the place where her friends live, but it wasn't.

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Press release:

The American Legion Post 576 Le Roy is asking that each club, church, society, organization or individual submit a nominee to be considered for the 2015 Le Royan of the Year Award. Deadline is Aug 17th.

The award recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualities:

- A man or woman who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of flag and country, regardless of race, color or creed.
- Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond what is expected.

- Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond what is expected.

- Service to the community signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishments.

Applications can be obtained from the Legion Post.

Mail applications to:

American Legion Post 576
Attn:  Jerry Diskin

53 W. Main St., Le Roy 14482

Lamar A. McCain, 44, and Horatio Coleman, 61, both of Oak Street, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny and criminal impersonation, 2nd. McCain and Coleman allegedly stole $65 worth of merchandise from Kmart in Batavia. Following an investigation, Deputy Chad Cummings found they allegedly gave false identification to law enforcement while being questioned. McCain and Coleman were jailed on $2,000 bail.

Tanisha N. Gibson, 30, of Brooksville, Florida, was arrested on a grand larceny warrant for an incident that allegedly occurred while Gibson was employed at Walmart in Batavia in January 2014. Gibson was arrested in Florida and extradited to New York jailed on $10,000 bail. No further details released.

Richard M. Schiersing, 39, of Sandhill Road, Caledonia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, DWI drugs, moving from a lane unsafely and operating a motor vehicle with an obstructed view. The charges result from a traffic stop on Main Street in Batavia by Officer Kevin DeFelice. Schiersing was jailed without bail.

Robert L. Carney, 23, of Maurice Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Carney is accused of damaging a door in the emergency room at United Memorial Medical Center. He jailed on $1,000 bail.

A 16-year-old male from Batavia is charged with petit larceny, identity theft, 2nd, and unlawful possession of personal identification information, 3rd. The youth allegedly possessed debit card information belonging to another person and used that information to purchase several items.

Tyler D. Price, 22, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Price allegedly violated the terms of a Genesee County Family Court order of protection by being at the residence of the protected party. The incident happened on Liberty Street in Batavia.

Scott R. Kantra, 47, of Cheektowaga, is charged with aggravated DWI and DWI following an erratic operation complaint at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. Kantra allegedly was in operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Jason Stout, 28, and Bailey J. Heinzerling, 25, both of Rochester, are charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing video game accessories at Target in Batavia. Stout allegedly stole approximately $165 and Heinzerling stole approximately $230 worth of merchandise. Stout  was jailed on$500 bail. Heinzerling was released on her own recognizances.

Rondell J. Watson, 33, and Joy S. Robinson, 23, both from Rochester are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th, following an incident at Kohls in Batavia. Watson and Robinson are accused of conspiring together to steal two pairs of khaki pants from the store. Upon arrest, Watson allegedly became verbally abusive and was yelling obscenities in the parking lot. Robinson was also arrested for petit larceny for allegedly stealing several shirts from Marshalls in Batavia prior to the other larceny. They posted bail of $250 each.

Harry T. Gibson, 50, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gibson is accused of stealing an exhaust manifold from a business in Batavia and then scrapping it for money.

Joseph H. Schenk, 23, with no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Schenk is accused of stealing coins from an acquaintance. The incident happened on Mill Street in Le Roy. He jailed on $250 bail.

Timothy J. Wood, 26, City of Batavia, and Christopher D. Bisig 29, Town of Batavia, were charged with petit larceny. Wood and Bisig allegedly were allegedly caught stealing earrings from Kmart by placing them in their pockets and passing all points of sale.

Crystal A. Mounts, 38, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Mounts allegedly stole a pair of sandals and a plastic container of earthworms at Walmart in Batavia. After an investigation, state troopers determined she had been banned from the store due to a previous incident.

Press release:

Executives from Frontier Communications and IBM recently joined local officials and members of the business community at the D&R Depot Restaurant in Le Roy to celebrate being named a quarter finalist in America’s Best Communities (ABC) prize competition.

The team of Le Roy and Bergen is one of 50 communities in the competition, which is a $10 million initiative to stimulate economic revitalization in small towns and cities across the United States. The Le Roy and Bergen team has been awarded $50,000 to date to develop a comprehensive strategy to start the process of developing a plan to accelerate the revival of the local economies and improve the quality of life in their communities.

Sponsored by Frontier Communications, the ABC prize competition could net a Grand Prize of $3 million for the communities to advance their strategic economic development revitalization plan.

“The collaborative efforts of the community and business leaders of Le Roy and Bergen give reason to celebrate the recognition as one of America’s Best Communities,” said Robert Smith, Frontier Area general manager -- Rochester West. “The team has a great vision on economic development and nurturing the cultural identity of their towns, two key outcomes desired of this contest.”

Le Roy and Bergen have been awarded $35,000 from the ABC prize competition to date and $15,000 from American Express and IBM, which are serving as financial sponsor and active mentor, respectively, as the team pursues the next round of funding.

The Town of Le Roy, under the leadership of Supervisor Stephen R. Barbeau, has committed up to $15,000 to ensure the communities can compete in the semifinal round. Other sponsors and potential funding partners include local governments and businesses. A consultant also will be hired in July to finalize the community revitalization plan.

"This is a perfect example of communities working together for collective betterment. Our Upstate communities serve as a positive example for the rest of the state: coordination, cooperation, ingenuity and efficiencies of scale,” said New York State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley.

Only 15 communities will be selected to advance to the semifinal round. Each community will present to a panel of judges about why they deserve $100,000 to advance their plan. Three Grand Prize winners will receive up to $3 million.

 “Our communities demonstrate resiliency and survival,” said Rochelle Stein, Genesee County legislator. “Constant change and adaptation are hallmarks of our ability to survive and thrive. We have the benefit of youth investing in our family generational businesses, entrepreneurs advancing, and a passion to work towards a brighter future for our entire community. This contest will bring about positive energy for Le Roy and Bergen.  I am pleased to work with such high-caliber partners.”

The Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC), an affiliate of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), is the entity administering the grant dollars and overseeing the selection of the consultant.

Benjamin Lindke, 41, and his wife, Molly Lindke, 41, pled guilty to offering a false instrument for filing. 

Each faces up to five years probation and six months in the Genesee County Jail.

In March 2013, the couple knowingly provided Social Services with a written statement containing false information. Benjamin failed to report his income on several forms. They are accused of receiving approximately $6,000 in food stamps they weren't ineligible to receive.

They will be sentenced Sept. 10.

A person is stuck inside the elevator at Le Roy Urgent Care Clinic, 8745 Lake Street Road. Le Roy Fire Department is responding in non-emergency mode.

Tyler J. Goodenough, 21, of West Filbert Street, East Rochester, is charged with aggravated DWI following a two-car accident in the parking lot of Darien Lake Theme Park.

Robert C. Hayes, 25, of Warsaw Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana, plus he is cited for having an obstructed driver's view. Hayes was pulled over on Clay Street in Le Roy for allegedly having his driver view obstructed when police found him to be in possession of marijuana and an edged weapon.

Gena M. Naugle, 41, of South Lake Avenue, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Naugle allegedly threw a dinner plate at a juvenile causing glass shards to strike the juvenile. 

A 17-year-old male from Medina is charged with harassment, 2nd. The youth allegedly punched a male acquaintance several times at a residence in Bethany.

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 379.5. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding.

Jamie Englerth, senior at Le Roy High School, learned how to state her case in court and participate in government elections at Empire Girls State last week.

The Empire Girls State is an educational workshop where girls from all over the state are selected to partake in political processes at the county and state levels. The girls are divided into groups to represent 11 counties and each county is assigned to the Nationalist or Federalist Party. They participate in a variety of activities including court cases, political campaigns and debates.

Englerth's favorite activity was assuming the role of district attorney in her county's court cases. She got the opportunity to learn how to build a solid case and prosecute crime. She won all four of her cases.  

During the program, she also learned how to write bills and participate in a caucus. Four girls from each county were nominated to run for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and comptroller. All the nominees gave speeches on why they would be the best candidate for the position. Then all the caucuses met and voted. 

"It was an awesome experience and I wish every girl could have because you learn so much and make so many friendships that will last you a lifetime," Englerth said.

More than 300 girls attended the weeklong workshop at the College at Brockport. The program is sponsored by the New York American Legion Auxiliary.

Englerth was chosen by the American Legion Auxiliary Le Roy Botts Fiorito Unit 576. Teachers at Le Roy High School first picked the top three candidates to be interviewed by the auxiliary. Then the auxiliary picked Englerth as its top choice. Only a handful of girls are chosen to participate from Genesee County.

At school, she is a member of the National Honor Society and plays basketball and soccer. Outside of school she volunteers at local triathlons, American Legion dinners and the Open Door Mission.

In the future, Englerth plans to study pre-law and Social Sciences at a four-year college and continue onto law school to fulfill her dream of becoming a district attorney for special victims.

"Women and children voices in court are often lost, especially children, and they need people to advocate for them," Englerth said. "People are always worried about what is going to happen to the person who did the crime, but I want to know what happens to the kids.

"I would be thinking about sentencing the person that hurts them and making sure they get what they deserve but I also would be thinking about what is going to happen to the kids or women after."

Robert P. Nowak, 58 of Pembroke, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Nowak's wife reportedly called 9-1-1 during a domestic dispute Saturday. State Police responded and Nowak allegedly locked the doors and refused to come out. Troopers set up a perimeter with the assistance  of the Sheriff's deputies and Corfu PD. Nowak was taken into custody without any injuries. State Police said alcohol was a factor in the incident.

Kenneth M. Gray, 23, no permanent address, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property. Gray was allegedly in possession of a vehicle reported stolen in the City of Batavia on June 29. Le Roy PD observed the vehicle being operated in the village and initiated a traffic stop. 

Bradley W. Achman, 19, of Elma, is charged with trespassing. Achman allegedly entered private property to gain access to a concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Lonnie Ford III, 44, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with loitering. Officers Kevin DeFelice and Marc Lawrence were on Hutchins Street investigating an incident when Ford was observed walking down the middle of the street toward the officers. According to Police, Ford's actions (the actions are not specified in the press release) prevented the officers from exercising their duties. Ford was issued an appearance ticket.

Steven F. Marra, 22, of Gabbey Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate headlamps. Marra was stopped at 2:52 a.m. on State Street, Batavia, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

A car has reportedly hit a tree in front of 8715 W. Bergen Road, Le Roy. 

No word on injuries. 

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched. 

UPDATE 12:34 a.m.: Traffic being shut down at Randall Road.