Le Roy

A minor-injury accident is reported at 8715 Lake Street Road, north of the Village of Le Roy. A vehicle was on fire, but the fire has been extinguished. Law enforcement on scene. Le Roy fire and ambulance, as well as fire police, requested to the scene. The location is in front of Orcon Industries.

Le Roy salon owner expanded her one-woman hair salon into a full-service salon to meet the demands of her growing business.

Nanette Chiulli, owner of Nanette's Hair & Now, had always dreamed of owning a hair salon and made her dream a reality when she opened her small salon on Mill Street in Le Roy in March 2013. In less than two years, Chiulli's business became a success and she was looking to move into a larger location so she could offer her clients more services.

Chiulli didn't think she would find a location for her hair salon in Le Roy until Amy Whitmore-McClellan, former owner of Hot Heads Salon, asked if she would be interested in taking over the salon six months ago. After some thought, she decided to take Whitmore-McClellan on her offer and started the process. 

With the help of family and friends, Chiulli moved to 25 W. Main St. in Le Roy and remodeled the salon to fit her style. Her stepfather, Paul Walton, built the styling stations and her brother-in-law, Tom Sherman, built a coloring table. For a finishing touch, her favorite quote from C.S. Lewis hangs on the wall "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

"My goal is to have a professional fun environment," Chiulli said. "I want my clients to feel comfortable. They love the bright lighting and the openness of the salon." 

In addition to offering hair styling and coloring treatments, she now has room to offer nail and waxing services. Chiulli also asked Whitmore-McClellan and her assistant Kelley Brackett to continue working at the salon. The salon has been open at the new location for about three weeks now.

Keeping up with the latest hair styles and coloring techniques is important to her. She takes styling classes regularly at Goldwell, a salon products distributor and education center, in Rochester. She also took a DevaCurl class in New York City to learn different techniques on how to cut and style curly hair.

"I like making clients feel good and giving them a change," Chiulli said. "It never gets old when I get a message from a client saying they love their hair."

Chiulli has been working as a stylist for 25 years. Before owning her hair salon, she worked at variety of salons including Shear Ego Salon and Spa in Rochester and Personal Preference Salon and Spa in Le Roy. In addition to her local clientele, she gets clients from Rochester and Geneseo, where she currently lives. She plans on continuing to grow her business in Le Roy because it's a central location for her clients.

In the future, Chiulli hopes to turn one of the salon's back rooms into a spa and offer massages.

Thomas M. Russell, 44, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with strangulation, 2nd, following an alleged domestic incident on Harvester Avenue. Russell was put in the Genesee County Jail on $5,000 bail.

Beth G. DeLaVergne, 22, of Kendall Road, Pavilion, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child following an investigation when the parents of a 1-year-old child allegedly found reddish handprints on both shoulder blades after the child returned home from a daycare center in the village. After an investigation, Le Roy Police found DeLaVergne allegedly acted in a manner likely to be injurious to the child and while caring for the child grabbed the child under both arms excessively hard creating the red marks. 

Dortha L. Penders, 37, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Penders allegedly left her 10-year-old child and 3-year-old child at home without supervision and didn't have an adequate emergency plan in place while she went to work in an adjoining county. 

Rodney A. Gregory, 50, from Kent, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, possession of burglar's tools and trespassing. Gregory allegedly entered onto the property of Hanson Aggregates in Le Roy without authorization on July 9. He is also accused of having tools used to commit forcible entry and property belonging to Hanson Aggregates in his vehicle. A staff member was routinely checking the property and noticed various thefts of scrap-type materials in Gregory's vehicle.

Edward C. Suhr Jr., 57, of Murray Street, Rochester, and Bruce J. Washington, 56, of Grand Avenue, Rochester, are charged with petit larceny. Suhr and Washington are accused of stealing approximately $421 worth of merchandise from Tops Market in Batavia. They were put in the Genesee County Jail on $5,000 bail.

Matthew J. Pasternak, 25, from Amherst is charged with DWI, DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or greater, moving from a lane unsafely and resisting arrest following a property damage accident on Main Street in Le Roy. Pasternak is accused of hitting a fire hydrant after getting in an argument with the passengers in his vehicle over his ability to drive in a safe manner. When officers attempted to take him into custody, he allegedly became abusive. He was put in the Genesee County Jail on $1,500 bail.

Tyanna D. Green, 20, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Green is accused of possessing cocaine and drug paraphernalia during an investigation into an unrelated incident.

William J. Reschke, 20, and David J. Reschke, 24, both of Transit Road, Stafford, are charged with giving or selling alcohol to minors following a report of an alleged underage drinking party at their residence. Both subjects are accused of providing alcohol to minors and a place to consume it. Nickolas B. Taylor, 20, from Orange, Va., is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. Taylor allegedly possessed and consumed alcohol.

Dustin J. Wilmet, 26, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd, and petit larceny. Wilmet allegedly burglarized a residence on Bank Street and stole items in December 2014.

Robert W.  Devos, 27, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or greater. The incident happened at Batavia City Centre. Devos was put in the Genesee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

Leslie-Anne Irwin, 46, of Florence Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18 percent or greater, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Deputy Christopher Lindsay responded to Florence Avenue after receiving a complaint from a citizen about an erratic driver.

Christine M. Hendershott, 34, of Judge Road, Alabama, is charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or greater, DWI, following too closely, moving from a lane unsafely and driver's view obstructed. Hendershott was pulled over on East Main Street in Batavia by Deputy Joseph Corona for alleged traffic violations when he found her to be in an intoxicated condition.

Michael L. Jackson, 60, of Willow Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to use a sidewalk following a disturbance at Austin Park. Jackson allegedly failed to use the sidewalk and went out into the roadway.

Dana M. McGill, 55, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. McGill allegedly stole groceries from a local business. The incident happened on Ellicott Street in Batavia.

Joseph W. Freeman, 31, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on two bench warrants issued out of Batavia City Court. Freeman allegedly failed to appear for a harassment charge and failed to comply with an agreement from Genesee Justice. He was put in Genesee County Jail.

Noel M. Wentworth, 46, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court for allegedly failing to appear for an aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, charge. Wentworth was put in Genesee County Jail on $250 bail. 

Lonnie Ford Jr., 69, of West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued out of Batavia City Court. Ford allegedly failed to pay a fine. He was processed and released after posting bail.

Anthony M. Paladino, 20, Aaron C. Lyons, 19, and Nathan E. Orlando, 19, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana following a traffic stop on Summit Street in Le Roy. All three subjects were issued appearance tickets.

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.

To purchase prints, click here.

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.