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Le Roy swimmers recognized by school board for Section V championship

By Howard B. Owens
le roy swim team
Erik Fix, Gary Donofrio, Carter Fix, Lucas Morrison, Gabriel Vallese, Jack Walker, and Sara Stockwell.
Photo by Howard Owens.

The Le Roy High School members of the Byron-Bergen/Le Roy Swimming and Diving Team were honored at Tuesday's Le Roy Central School District Board of Education meeting for their Section V Class C championship.

The team went 10-1 on the season. 

Coach Sara Stockwell said that accomplishment is all the more notable because the team didn't have its own pool for training this season. The Byron-Bergen pool is undergoing renovations.  The team practiced in Chili.

"Ten and one is a huge improvement over last year and the year before," Stockwell said. "They were 2-10, so it's a major improvement. We were the Genesee Regional League champions, and we won the Genesee Region League meet championship, so they won the meet and the league. 

She said, "Our kids swam phenomenally all season."

Genesee County student-athletes gain honors and recognition at Ronald McDonald House charity game

By Howard B. Owens
mcdonalds game
Ashley Johnson, Pembroke, Isabella Reeves, Alexander, and Kori Radley, Le Roy, were among the cheerleaders for the game.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro

Genesee County was well represented in Rochester on Saturday for the 39th annual Ronald McDonald House Charity Basketball Games.

Le Roy's Merritt Holly, playing on the Red Team, was named the game's MVP, scoring 18 points and six rebounds. Braedyn Chambry was awarded the Bob Parker Sportsmanship Award for the Red Team.

Roxanne Noeth was one of the two coaches for the Red Team.  She was honored during the game for playing in the girls' RMHC 1987 game.  She is the first person to play in a girl's game and coach a boy's team. (People have played and later coached in a game, but she is the first female to coach boys and play in the girls' game). 

Victoria Fetzer, a freshman from Le Roy sang the National Anthem to open both the boys' and girls' games.

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Merritt Holly, MVP.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
merrit holly
Merrit Holly
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
brayden chambry
Roxanne Noeth and Braedyn Chambry.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
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Braedyn Chambry
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
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Roxanne Noeth
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
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Pembroke's Tyson Totten represented Pembroke on the Gold Team.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
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Tyson Totten
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
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Caitlin Ryan, left, represented Oakfield-Alabama in the girls' game.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
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Le Roy's Victoria Fetzer sang the National Anthem for both the boys' and the girls' games.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
charity game
Byron-Bergen's Brody Baubie was at the game as a spectator, and his ticket was selected to attempt a three-point shot for a chance to win $500.  He made the shot.  He donated a portion of the prize back to the Ronald McDonald House.  
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro

'Brush fire' reported in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A brush fire was called into dispatch in Le Roy, with the caller stating the fire was about 15 feet from a residence.

What the first responders from Le Roy Fire actually found: A metal fire ring with some wood smoldering it, surrounded by snow, about 75 feet from a structure.

National Vietnam War veterans recognition day ceremony March 29 in Le Roy

By Press Release

Press Release:

Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion will observe the National Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony on Friday, March 29. The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. at the Post #576 Veteran’s Memorial Park (flagpole), 53 West Main Street, Le Roy.

As part of the ceremony, we will again remember the memory of three area servicemen who gave the ultimate sacrifice:

  • Gary Scott
  • Harry VanAlst
  • George Fry

After a brief program, all are invited to the Post for coffee and refreshments.

About the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day:

  • On March 29, Americans will come together to commemorate the service and sacrifices made by the nearly 3 million service members who served in Vietnam.
  • In 2012, President Barack Obama signed a presidential proclamation, designating March 29 as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day The signing of the proclamation marked the 50th anniversary of the departure of the last American troops from Vietnam - March 29, 1973. 
  • Only U.S. embassy personnel and support staff remained in South Vietnam until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975 More than 58,000 Americans were killed and many thousands more were wounded and injured or determined to be missing.

Le Roy resident facing a federal child pornography charge

By Howard B. Owens

A 37-year-old Le Roy resident is being accused by federal authorities of possession and distribution of child pornography.

Jordan Brodie faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison because of a prior child pornography conviction.

According to a statement by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, Brodie was using a chat application along with others who traded child pornography in May 2023, and Brodie uploaded at least one image to a different social media platform.  That upload was reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The State Police conducted an investigation and determined that the alleged upload took place from Brodie's home in Le Roy. 

A warrant was issued, and investigators seized Brodie's phone and the contents of a social media site. Authorities say they discovered images of child pornography involving children less than 12 years old.

At the time, Broadie was under the supervision of the Genesee County Probation Department following a child pornography conviction in May 2021.

Brodie was arraigned today in U.S. District Court and ordered held in custody.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, Lyons, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. 

Le Roy residents asked to vote on Tuesday on new school bus proposal

By Press Release

Press release:

Le Roy Central School District 
2024 Bus/Vehicle Purchase Public Vote
March 19, 2024

2 p.m. - 7 p.m. in the Wolcott Street School Media Center  

PROPOSITION 1
Le Roy Central School residents are being asked to authorize the district to borrow money for the purchase of new school buses in an amount not to exceed $390,000. This dollar amount would purchase two (2) 65-passenger buses and one (1) utility passenger vehicle. All buses listed will include a two-way radio and built-in video surveillance equipment. 

Le Roy Central School District has implemented a 10-year replacement cycle for all school buses. This replacement cycle is based on a history of mileage and usage. The District has found that maintenance costs, body repairs, rust damage and safety issues increase significantly once a bus reaches approximately 10 years of age, particularly as school buses must pass New York State D.O.T. inspections twice a year. Additionally, the strain of typical driving patterns creates faster wear on buses, as an average school bus makes approximately 100 stops and starts during a single day. 

All public schools in New York State receive a reimbursement from New York State for such school bus purchases over a 5 year period.  The Le Roy Central School District’s reimbursement ratio is currently 90%, thus the taxpayers would be responsible for the remaining 10%. The District’s plan is to borrow these funds to align the debt repayment with the reimbursement period.

 What Does This Mean for Taxpayers?

  • Cost of 2 Buses and passenger vehicle: $390,000
  • NYS Reimbursement at 90% for buses: (-$351,000)
  • Local Cost of 2 Buses and utility vehicle: $39,000

The total Le Roy taxpayer cost of buses/equipment would be $39,000 for this proposition, which, when divided over a five-year payback period, is approximately $7,800 per year from the General Fund Budget. When this amount is then divided into the assessment value total for the entire District, each taxpayer will pay approximately two cents per thousand dollars assessed value each year. In other words, if your home is assessed for $150,000, you would pay roughly $0.30 (30 cents) a year for this proposition. 

Madeira Keister of Le Roy named to dean's list at Youngstown State University

By Press Release

Press Release:

Madeira Keister of Le Roy, Psychology major, has been named to the Dean's List at Youngstown State University for Fall Semester 2023.

Dean's List recognition is awarded to full-time undergraduate students who have earned at least a 3.4 grade point average for not less than 12 semester hours of credit in the Fall semester.

Madeira Keister of Le Roy, named to Fall 2023 president's list at Youngstown State University

By Press Release

Press Release:

Madeira Keister, of Le Roy, a Psychology major, has been named to Youngstown State University's President's List for achieving a perfect 4.0 grade point average in the Fall Semester of 2023.

To be eligible for the President's List, honorees must be full-time undergraduate students with a 4.0 GPA for at least 12 semester hours of classes.

GLOW YMCA swimmers qualify for state championship

By Press Release
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Submitted photo of (from left to right) Top row: Daniel Hoffman, Phinehas Kelley, Annora Karcher, Annie Erion, Anna Kent, Keira Sidari, Tori Davis, Rose Reisdorf, Addison Winters, Caleb Henning
Middle row: Josh Pritchett, Damon Reich, Wyatt Fisher, Robert Hoffman, McKenzie Dosh, Macey D’Amico, Sarah Pritchett, Liliana Bellamy, Rowan Kelley
Bottom row: Nevada Newton, Sebastian Countermine, Lockerbie Newton, Connor Dervin, Anna Pritchett, Nina Kent, Reilly Davis

Press Release:

The GLOW YMCA Riptide Swim Team out of Batavia had a very successful regular season. 26 members met the age group qualification standards for the NYS YMCA State Swimming Championship. 

The meet will be held from March 15 - 17 at the Nassau Aquatic Center on Long Island. The ages of the swimmers range from 7 to 17 and attend local school districts including Batavia, Byron-Bergen, Le Roy, Oakfield-Alabama, St. Joseph’s School, and Pembroke. 

The team will compete in 58 individual events and 10 relays. The team is coached by Jen Pritchett, Andrew Fisher, and Emily Hirsch.

Le Roy presents the musical 'Chicago,' opening Thursday night

By Howard B. Owens
le-roy-musical-chicago

Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School presents "Chicago," a teen edition of the musical, this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

All show times are 7 p.m. Performances are in the school auditorium.

Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens.

The music is by John Kander, book by Fred Ebb.

The cast includes Aubrey Puccio as Velma Kelly, Anna Long as Roxie Hart, Ethan LaBarbera as Fred Casely, Jameson Zitz as Sergeant Fogarty, Kira Ryan as Matron "Mama" Morton, Judge Biviano as Amos Hart. 

The artistic director is Jacqueline McLean, Joe Kusmierczak is the co-director, and the choreographer is Jessica Pcioneck.

For more information on the production, click here to read the program.

Photos by Howard Owens.

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Le Roy district announces merger of legendary football program with former rival, Cal-Mum

By Howard B. Owens
leroy calmum merger 2012 file photo
File photo from 2012

The rivalry was once among the most legendary in Section V - Caledonia-Mumford vs. the Oatkan Knights of Le Roy.

The rivalry waned when leagues were realigned a few years ago, and starting next season, the once fierce fighters on the field will be brothers on the gridiron. 

Both school districts have approved, pending Section V approval, a merger of the two football programs.  The merger will affect all levels of football in both communities.

The Knights are coming off a 2023 campaign in which the team won its record-setting 16th Section V title.

The Le Roy Central School District said in a statement on Tuesday evening:

Please know that this decision was made with the best interests of our students and our school district in mind and keeps the mission of our shared services committee central to our decision-making. The decision to merge football teams with the Caledonia-Mumford CSD reflects the collaborative spirit and commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our student-athletes.

The statement acknowledged the rich football history in both communities and said the merger would strengthen football opportunities for all age groups and help both districts sustain 11 main football programs.

The district said there would be future announcements about the plan to carry out the merger, practice and game schedules and locations, and a selection of a head coach and additional coaching staff.

"The team name, mascot, and colors will also be determined by student-athletes in partnership with our athletic directors and coaching staff at a later date," the statement read. 

It concluded, "We are excited about this merger and the future of the Caledonia-Mumford and Le Roy football program."

Over the past few seasons, Cal-Mum has been merged with Byron-Bergen for football and cheerleading.  On Tuesday evening, Athletic Director Rich Hannan and Superintendent Pat McGee issued the following statement.

We are writing to update everyone on a developing situation with our football and fall cheer program here at Byron-Bergen. Last week we were made aware that Cal-Mum is exploring a new partnership for their football and fall cheer squad that does not include Byron-Bergen. While we did not initiate this change, we are already actively exploring possibilities for our student-athletes to continue competing in their chosen fall sports.

Le Roy resident working to bring joy and a bit of nostalgia to Christmas in the community

By Howard B. Owens
jim delooze cinnamon beat joy of christmas le roy
Jim DeLooze
Photo by Howard Owens

First and foremost, says Jim DeLooze, it's about joy.

Namely, the joy of Christmas, the joy of magic, the joy of wonder.

And then what he's planning in conjunction with St. Mark's Church in Le Roy will also help local businesses by, hopefully, bringing more visitors downtown during the Christmas season.

DeLooze is heading up what he's calling The Joy Project, a plan to bring diorama to St. Mark's based on the old-time holiday radio show, "The Cinnamon Bear," and well as set up displays that recall wonderland that was once Sibley's Department Store in Rochester.

"Step one, is just put people in the Christmas spirit," DeLooze said, "make them happy and really wanting to see it. Number two is that it will be a draw. I plan on drawing people from anywhere between Rochester and Buffalo here to Le Roy. Business is a numbers game. If you own a restaurant, and you've got an additional 1,000 people who come into town, in a community, that's 4,000, that's gonna help your business."

He presented the plan to Le Roy's village trustees at their regular meeting on Wednesday, not to ask for the assistance of the village but to inform the community of the project.  He is hoping for volunteers to step forward to help and for residents to make donations.  

There are two main components to the project.  First is the diorama based on "The Cinnamon Bear."

"The Cinnamon Bear" is an old-time radio show, a serial that was launched in 1937 by a Los Angeles-based marketing company to help department stores attract more of a Christmas crowd.

In an era before corporations owned nearly all of the nation's radio stations, many programs were syndicated to independently owned and operated radio stations. The Cinnamon Bear was picked up by stations in every state, with 26 episodes, each with a cliffhanger ending, airing each evening between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The program is the story of Judy and Jimmy Barton, who travel to the world of Maybeland in search of their missing Silver Star tree ornament.  They are helped along their way through various adventures by The Cinnamon Bear, an assistant to Santa Claus.

The story has proven enduring. There are still radio stations that carry the show each year, and now, of course, it can be streamed online.

"Tony is the son of the person that built it," DeLooze said. "He said he and his mother were very impressed with my knowledge of old-time radio and the fact they thought it was a lot better going to a home here where people would be able to come in and see it free of charge rather than having to pay in an amusement park to see it."

To go along with the diorama, DeLooze is moving one of his other hobbies out of his basement -- his annual Christmas build of a display meant to model the Christmas presentation of the old Sibley's Department Store in Rochester.

For decades, area residents flocked to Sibley's during the Christmas season to take in Toyland and the Magic Corridor and see that animatronic elf along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

For years, DeLooze has been building his own train set to create a miniature version of what Silbey's offered, and in recent years, he has been posting photos and videos on social media to show his progress and the completed project.

He's always gotten positive feedback for the video, including from a friend in California who once told him, "'Jim,' he goes, 'I gotta tell you, I was in a bad mood when I clicked on this,' he says, 'but literally halfway through, I was smiling and in the Christmas spirit.'"

And that was exactly what Jim said he likes to hear.  He wants to know he's helping to spread joy.  And that is what he hopes to do this year and for many years to come with The Cinnamon Bear and the Sibley's display.

"Our church was really looking for a way to participate in Winterfest," DeLooze said. "Hopefully, this will continue year after year. It will become a Christmas tradition that parents and grandparents will look forward to bringing their children to see, and that's why I've actually wanted to do this project since the early 1980s. That is just about the time that Sibley stopped doing it. My son got to see it. My daughter never got to see it. And I just wanted to be able to bring something like this back so my kids and grandkids can enjoy this."

To pull off all this joy, DeLooze said he and the folks at his small church will need additional help from the community, such as volunteers from community groups as well as community donations. He said the project will cost from $7,000 to $9,000 and that $3,000 has already been raised.  He has a list of items for people to donate and what volunteers can do to help.  For more information, email Jim DeLooze, jim@delooze.com.

Brady Fix earns a spot on the dean's list at Coastal Carolina University

By Press Release

Press Release:

More than 3,000 undergraduate students at Coastal Carolina University were named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2023 semester, including Brady Fix, from Le Roy. 

Students who make the Dean's List have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher (3.25 for freshmen) for the semester.

Genesee Valley School Boards program 'designed to answer your questions' Feb. 27

By Joanne Beck

If you've ever been interested in becoming a school board member, and think that perhaps it would be a great way to be connected to your community, Genesee Valley School Boards Association is hosting a program designed to answer your questions and provide details to help you decide if it’s something you might like to try.

An information night has been set for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Genesee Valley BOCES Service Center, 80 Munson St., Le Roy.

“We will go through the process of the election and discuss expectations and outcomes once you are elected,” GVSBA Executive Director Patrick Burk says. “If you have a basic interest, this is step one to learn what your commitment would be, as well as what to expect from this much-needed community service position.”

He invites anyone with interest to join the board for an informal discussion and presentaton that will “enlighten you on what to expect, and the important duty of seeing our public educational system.”

Registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Burk at pburk@gvboces.org.

Hawley declares Feb. 12-18 as Jell-O Week

By Press Release

Press Release:

File photo of
Steve Hawley.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) introduced a resolution yesterday declaring Feb. 12-18, 2024 as Jell-O week in the state of New York. Jell-O was originally created in 1897 by a carpenter from Le Roy named Pearle Wait. Wait experimented with gelatin and came up with the fruit-flavored dessert which his wife, Mary, named Jell-O. 

The Jell-O Company changed ownership several times before leaving Le Roy in 1964. Known as America’s Most Famous Dessert, Jell-O remains a distinguished part of the town’s history. The Jell-O museum, located on East Main Street, still displays the company’s original advertising art, molds, spoons, toys, collectibles, and recipe books. 

Hawley is proud to recognize this dessert’s rich history, which started in Western New York and has contributed to the economic growth and prosperity of communities across New York and throughout the country.

“The founding of the Jell-O Company is a testament to the inspiring ingenuity and innovation that can only be found in Western New York,” said Hawley. “America’s Most Famous Dessert earned its name for its impact across our state and country for creating jobs, economic opportunity, and improving the quality of life for people throughout our nation. From a local treat to an internationally sold product, Jell-O has made its mark across the globe. This week, we recognize our region's hard work and accomplishments in founding one of America’s most beloved deserts.”

Boys Basketball: York bests Le Roy 67-53

By Staff Writer

York beat Le Roy on Friday 67-53.

Scoring: 

  • Merritt Holly, 15 points, 12 rebounds, four assists
  • Jean Agosto, 14 points, 13 rebounds
  • Adam Woodworth, 13 points.

Le Roy has dropped two in a row to fall to 13-5.

 

UT student, Jacob Marcello, of Le Roy Earned Dean's List Honors

By Press Release

Press Release:

Jacob Marcello, of Le Roy, earned dean's list honors at The University of Tampa for the Fall 2023 semester. 

Marcello is a Freshman majoring in Marketing BS. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the dean's list.

14 local students named to University at Buffalo's fall 2023 dean's list

By Press Release

Press Release:

The University at Buffalo has named 4,017 students to the fall 2023 dean's list.

  • Katarina Luker of Alexander
  • Jake Pope of Alexander
  • Annie Slenker of Alexander
  • Aaron Bacon of Basom
  • Ryan Dillon of Batavia
  • Lydia Evans of Batavia
  • Evan Preston of Batavia
  • Morgan Reimer of Batavia
  • Cameron Carlson of Bergen
  • Richard Denson of Bergen
  • Tyler Sanders of Corfu
  • Jaiden Lefort of Darien Center
  • Cole Heaney of Le Roy
  • John Panepento of Le Roy

UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

"Announcing our dean's list is always an exciting moment," Ann Bisantz, dean of undergraduate education, says. "These students have worked hard and dedicated themselves to their studies and have demonstrated academic excellence in their pursuit of an undergraduate degree at UB."

UB named 4,017 students named to its fall 2023 dean's list.

To qualify for the dean's list, full-time undergraduate students must demonstrate academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.600 while completing a minimum of 15 or more UB credit hours, of which 12 are graded (A-F) credits. Students are named to the dean's list at the end of the fall and spring semesters.

Alayna Streeter named to Hartwick College's fall 2023 dean's list

By Press Release

Press Release:

Alayna Streeter of Le Roy was named to Hartwick College's Fall 2023 Dean's List. Streeter, who is pursuing a major in Nursing, was among the over 400 students named to the Fall 2023 Dean's List.

Making the Dean's List is an indication of excellence in academic work. To qualify, students must complete at least 12 academic credits during a term with a grade point average of at least 3.50 and no incompletes.

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