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Le Roy

Driver seriously injured in December accident charged with multiple crimes

By Howard B. Owens

A driver who was seriously injured in a Dec. 30 accident in Le Roy has been arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs.

Charles R. Lowe, 51, of 8131 E. Main Road, #6, Le Roy, reportedly fell asleep while driving westbound on East Main Street, Village of Le Roy, at a speed of 52 mph in the 30 mph zone.

His vehicle veered from its lane and rear-ended a vehicle paused to turn left onto Wolcott Street. That car then struck another vehicle on East Main Street.

The other two drivers suffered minor injuries.

Lowe was taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital and was initially in the intensive care unit.

He's also charged with reckless driving, speeding, failure to use designated lane, following too closely and two counts of assault in the third degree and criminal negligence.

Following the accident, Lowe was entrapped in his vehicle and required extrication by the Le Roy Volunteer Fire Department.

The Sheriff's Office Crash Management Team assisted in the investigation.

Lowe was issued an appearance ticket and is due back in Le Roy Town Court on April 27.

Law and Order: Former Le Roy resident accused of cruelty to ducks and chickens

By Howard B. Owens
Howard Schultz

Howard Clarence Schultz, 56, of Chili Avenue, Rochester, is charged with five counts of cruelty to animals. Schultz was reportedly a resident of 8798 Keeney Road, Le Roy, where he kept duck and chickens as pets. He allegedly moved from the property in late January and left the ducks and chickens behind without making arrangements for their care or relocation.

Christopher John Naugle, 45, of Apple Tree Avenue, Bergen, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. During an argument reported at 9:06 p.m., Saturday, Naugle allegedly flipped over a table, slapped and poured beer on a person in the presence of two children.

Michael Leonard Farrell, 45, of Clio Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, possession of a controlled substance not in its original container, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and obstructed plate. Farrell was stopped at 10:55 p.m. Monday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

James Raymond Corp, 35, of Brewerton Road, Syracuse, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and obstructed plate. Corp was stopped at 10:12 p.m. Monday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Corp was allegedly found in possession of 11,000 untaxed cigarettes.

Kathy BethAnne Woodbeck, 39, of Montgomery Street, Canjoharie, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and obstructed plate. Woodbeck was stopped at 11:08 p.m. Friday by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Woodbeck was allegedly found in possession of 23,000 untaxed cigarettes.

Elbert L. Flint, 39, of Morse Place, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Flint was allegedly found in possession of a cane sword.

Register for Toddler Time on Monday mornings at Woodward Library

By Billie Owens

Monday, Apr. 6 - May 16, 2015, 10:30-10:50 a.m.

Toddler Time is a special storytime for children who are 2 years olds and 3 year olds and a caring adult. Spend approximately 20 minutes on Monday mornings listening to stories that feature themes like shapes and colors, singing songs and dancing, coloring, and playing with bubbles. Toddler Time is a fun time to bond over stories and activities and to make new friends. Each session runs 6 – 8 weeks in length and you only have to sign up once.

Child must be at least 2 by the first session and must be accompanied by an adult. This session of Toddler Time begins Monday, April 6 and runs through Monday, May 18. 

Registration is required. Limit of 10 children. Register online at www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org or by calling 585-768-8300.

With darkness looming, searchers locate missing Le Roy man at GCC

By James Burns

Searchers were called out to the Genesee Community College campus this evening to look for a possible despondent Le Roy resident whose car was located in the parking lot of the campus after he went missing around 2:40 p.m.

This afternoon Le Roy PD was asked to check on a male in his 40s. 

The man was not located at his residence in LeRoy. 

The man’s cell phone was pinged and that gave his general location.

Police initiated a search for the man and his car was found a short time later at the Batavia campus, but the missing man was nowhere in sight.

According to Le Roy Detective John Condidorio, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office was then called to assist in the search.

Campus security also assisted, checking the ball fields and the school grounds.

A Sheriff's K-9 unit was brought in to assist. 

State Police dispatched its helicopter to provide aerial coverage. 

Sheriff's Sgt. Jon Szumigala said the search team was worried about approaching darkness making the search more difficult so a foot search was ordered.

Town of Batavia Fire Department responded. 

Volunteer firefighters located the man in a wooded area west of the GCC parking. He was conscious but needed medical attention.

Mercy Flight was on call but not dispatched.

Mercy EMS transported the patient at 6:30 p.m.

His identity is not being released.

Crash with injuries and entrapment on Route 490

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries and entrapment is reported on Route 490 in the area of mile marker 1. The entrapped person's vehicle is wedged against a tree. This is on the Bergen/Churchville border. Le Roy fire and ambulance responding along with Bergen fire. Churchville was also dispatched.

An accident has been reported on Interstate 490 near Sheridan Road

By Julia Ferrini

LeRoy Fire, LeRoy Ambulance, Leroy Medic One and Burgen Fire have been called to the Churchville, Burgen Corner, at Interstate 490, near Sheridan Road, for a reported accident with possible injuries, blocking the road.

Person is believed to be trapped in vehicle.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: Bergen back in service.

Deputy Bordonaro's name to be included on memorial in Washington

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Sheriff Gary T. Maha has been informed by the Board of Directors of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund that Deputy Frank Bordonaro’s name has been approved for inclusion on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

Frank passed away a few hours after his night shift ended on July 8, 2014, after 19 years of service with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. His name will be formally dedicated, along with other fallen officers during 2014, on May 13, 2015, during the 27th Annual Candlelight Vigil held during National Police Week in Washington, D.C.  

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts tens of thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers each year to honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. National Police Week draws in between 25,000 to 40,000 attendees. The attendees come from departments throughout the United States as well as from agencies throughout the world. This provides a unique opportunity to meet others that share a common brotherhood. 

“Several officers from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office are planning on attending this event to pay tribute to Deputy Bordonaro,” stated Sheriff Maha.

Law and Order: Central Avenue resident accused of using gun in robbery and assault

By Howard B. Owens
Tyshon Taylo

Tyshon L. Taylor, 18, of Central Avenue, is charged with assault, 1st, robbery, 1st, unlawful possession of marijuana, and menacing, 2nd. Taylor allegedly pointed a handgun at another person while demanding property at a location on Central Avenue, Batavia, at 8:45 p.m., Friday. Taylor allegedly struck the individual in the head with the handgun and then punched the person. Eventually, Taylor took the property from the person. He allegedly possessed marijuana when arrested. A 16-year-old, whose name was withheld by police, was also arrested and charged with assault, 1st, and robbery, 1st.

Madalyn R. Muntz, 29 of Le Roy, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Muntz, a former Walmart employee, is accused of stealing more than $1,500 in cash from November through February.

Nicole A. Mickey, 25, of Colonial Boulevard, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Mickey was arrested following a complaint of a disturbance at her residence at 11:48 p.m., March 16. Mickey allegedly drove from that location to another location while intoxicated.

Erin Kathleen Hinrich, 34, of Bank Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged possession of a hypodermic instrument. Hinrich turned herself in to Batavia PD.

Richard J. Stack, 23, of Thomas Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Stack is accused of throwing items at a woman and flipping her out of a chair during an argument. He was jailed on $750 bail.

Deborah E. Lamartina, 34, of Linnet Street, Rochester, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Lamartina was allegedly found in possession of heroin and cocaine while already in custody on unrelated charges. She was jailed without bail.

Law and Order: Driver charged with DWI after leaving scene of reported argument in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

Alexander Natal, 28, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Natal allegedly left the scene of an altercation in Bergen and drove a vehicle on Buffalo Road at 2:42 p.m. Saturday while intoxicated. Natal was stopped by Deputy Joseph Corona.

name redacted, 22, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on an unlicensed operation, 3rd, charge. xx posted $250 cash bail.

Seth R. Doster, 23, of Alleghany Road, Darien Center, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a parked on sidewalk charge. Doster turned himself in and was issued an appearance ticket.

McKayla J. Kosiorek, 20, of South Jackson Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to pay fine imposed by City Court. Kosiorek turned herself in and posted $100 cash bail.

Maria K. Frieday, 41, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment, 2nd, and tampering with physical evidence. Frieday was allegedly involved in an incident at 1:45 p.m. March 12 at 127 North St., Batavia.

Kory R. O'Grady, 42, of River Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. O'Grady was charged following an alleged domestic incident reported at 4 p.m., Sunday. He allegedly pushed another person and threatened to kill everyone if his daughter was removed from the residence.

Brock Thomas Barry, 27, of Blackwell Lane, Henrietta, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and failure to stop at stop sign. Barry was stopped at midnight Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

John Joseph Simmons, 42, of Bedford Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to dim headlights, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and driving without an interlock device. Simmons was stopped at 2:02 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Michael Lute.

The Grand Jury of Genesee County also released the following indictment:

Justin L. Pyatt is indicted on a count of menacing a police officer or peace officer. It's alleged that Pyatt, on Feb. 16, while at 113 Jackson St., Batavia, did attempt to place a police officer in reasonable fear of physical injury or even death by displaying a knife.

Car vs. pole accident on West Bergen Road

By Billie Owens

A car vs. pole accident is reported in front of 8152 W. Bergen Road, just south of Selden Road. Le Roy fire and ambulance responding.

UPDATE 2:36 p.m.: Driver not injured.

Accident with injuries on eastbound Thruway, Le Roy fire and ambulance responding

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on the eastbound Thruway in the area of mile marker 375.6. Le Roy fire and ambulance service responding.

UPDATE 7:42 a.m.: This is near the Ontario Service Center. A trooper is on scene and medics just arrived.

UPDATE 7:45 a.m.: Le Roy Rescue #66 is on scene.

UPDATE 7:49 a.m.: "The Le Roy fire assignment to the New York State Thruway is back in service."

UPDATE 8:30 a.m.: Two patients transported to UMMC.

One-car rollover, minor injuries, on West Bergen Road

By Billie Owens

A one-car rollover accident is reported at 7770 W. Bergen Road, "just south of the Bergen line." Injuries, if any, are minor. The driver is out and walking. Le Roy fire and ambulance responding.

Law and Order: Wanted suspect accused of heroin possession at time of arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Kirk Arnold Thomas Jr., 30, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and escape, 1st. Thomas was the subject of an investigation by Le Roy PD and the subject of a Town of Batavia Court warrant and was located by Batavia PD at Days Inn. At the time of his arrest he allegedly possessed a large quantity of heroin and drug paraphernalia.

Peter John Olander, 41, of Rochester Street, Bergen, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, 2nd, and resisting arrest. Olander was arrested after deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the Village of Bergen. Olander allegedly failed to comply with numerous lawful orders and/or warnings from deputies and physically resisted arrest when they attempted to place him in custody. Olander was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Christopher M. Colantonio, 35, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and petit larceny. Colantonio was arrested as a result of an investigation in April 2014 into a complaint of stolen, forged and cashed checks. Colantonio is also charged with criminal sale of a firearm, 3rd, criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, and grand larceny, 4th. The charges stem from a criminal complaint in November 2013 in which a family member reported a gun was stolen and sold.

Bryon Gilbert Keller, 20, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Keller was allegedly involved in an altercation with a family member, which was also a violation of a court order. Keller was jailed on $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond.

Samantha Jean Glendhill, 24, of Chapel Street, Mt. Morris, is charged with petit larceny and possession of burglar tools. Glendhill is accused of shoplifting from Kmart and using a bag to conceal the stolen items.

A 17-year-old resident of York Road, Pavilion, is charged with harassment, 2nd. The youth allegedly struck another person during an argument.

Erick Antonio Castaneda, 18, of Redman Road, Brockport, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Castaneda is accused of shoplifting from Kohl's.

Feeling of community drew new owners to Woody's Deli in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

It's a bit of a challenge, even for an experienced cook, admits Brian Canalie, to take over somebody else's menu and make it your own.

But just as he and his partners Shane Burger and his wife Melissa decided to keep the name Woody's Deli when they took over the corner market in Le Roy, there was too much good in the menu to just toss it out.

"Right out of the gate, we're concentrating on the food and service, because we have a different approach," Burger said. "The previous owners (Lisa and Justin and Hayward) did a fantastic job, but we want to be here forever. Given our backgrounds in food, we have a little different philosophy on how some things can and should be done. I think that's probably the most important thing. We've added some new things, like homemade cannolis, our chicken tenders are battered here, not frozen, and we've expanded the Mexican menu. We didn't want to do too much too fast because we already have an established clientele in a successful business."

Burger has been a food services manager for the Creekside Inn, Holiday Inn and Batavia Downs, and most recently was manager at Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew.

He and Canalie have been friends for 15 years. Burger said he's the only person he could think of that he would want as a partner in business. They've worked together before, with Canalie also coming over from the Smokin' Eagle, where he was a cook.

"I like that this is right around the corner (from his home)," Canalie said. "I've been a cook almost my entire life, but I've always wanted to own my own place, to be my own boss. It's a chance to show off my chops and what I've learned along the ways."

Already, patrons are getting a different flavor from the new owners. The pizza is now entirely handmade, with a homemade flavor. There's nothing pre-made or frozen. Everything is fresh and made to order.

To move beyond the basics of a deli, the new owners took over the back apartment attached to the building so the kitchen could be expanded, not just the physical space, but the culinary options.

Canalie actually has a place to cook and create now.

"It's been some work, but a good time to do it this time of year," Burger said. "With the winter we've had, most places have been struggling, but our business has been steadily increasing. Our sales increase in February was significantly over the previous year, and the feedback has been fantastic. We're offering homemade soup every day and specials every day and they've been well received."

Growing up in Le Roy, Burger was also attracted to the corner market concept. He said the same business in even a town as close as Pembroke wouldn't have been as attractive as a place as deeply rooted in his hometown as Woody's (the location has operated under various other names for decades).

"I'm used to very large facilities," Burger said. "Outside of the Eagle, it's all been a more corporate setting. This is kind of the last ma-and-pop store in Le Roy. Kind of? It is. There used to be Rabino's and Malone's and lots of little stores like this in the village. They're not here anymore, so being part of the community is probably the biggest draw for me."

Nothing says community more than the parade of kids into the market.

"One of the things I really love about it is the kids that come in," Burger said. "It's very kid friendly ... kids ride their bikes down, get ice cream, candy. It's not always about how much money you're making off each transaction. It's rewarding in that respect, at least for me."

One of the holdovers from Woody's old menu -- the Big Foot, which features every meat in the deli case and weighs in at three pounds.

Woody's is located at 47 North St., Le Roy. Find them on Facebook by clicking here.

Law and Order: Byron man accused of stealing jewelry from homes

By Howard B. Owens

Justin L. Sanders, 23, of Byron-Holley Road, Byron, is charged with two counts of burglary, 2nd, and one count of grand larceny, 3rd. Larcenies were reported from a residence on Route 237, Byron, in late November through December and two burglaries occurred at a residence on Townline Road, Byron, on Jan. 13 and Jan. 20. Sanders is accused of stealing numerous items of jewelry from the homeowner where he was living. He allegedly stole more than $3,000 worth of jewelry. He allegedly stole coins, jewelry and electronics from the Townline Road residence. Sanders was previously arrested by State Police on similar charges and is being held in the Genesee County Jail. The case was investigated by Deputy John Duyssen and Deputy Joseph Graff and Investigator Kris Kautz.

Alexander L. Waide, 20, of Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Waide was stopped by State Police on Route 98, Village of Attica. A field sobriety test was conducted. He was transported to the Warsaw barracks and evaluated by a certified Drug Recognition Expert from the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office. A urine sample was collected and sent to the crime lab for further analysis. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Gregory Richard Fitch, 33, of Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on an aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, charge. Fitch turned himself in and posted $100 police bail.

Lewis C. Rhodes, 36, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with coercion, 1st, and menacing, 2nd. Rhodes was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute at 3:12 p.m., Sunday. The victim alleges that she was threatened by Rhodes with a handgun. Rhodes was ordered held without bail.

A 17-year-old resident of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. The youth, whose name was withheld by police, allegedly threatened another person several times over a period of two months.

Adam Daniel Smart, 32, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal contempt, 2nd. Smart allegedly violated a complete stay away order of protection.

Tyquawn D. Bethel, 24, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd. Bethel was arrested in relation to an alleged incident reported Feb. 11. No further details released.

James A. Hancock, 45, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Hancock allegedly pushed and shoved another person during an argument. Hancock was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ralph A. Golding III, 50, of Buell Street, Akron, is charged with petit larceny, public lewdness and escape, 3rd. Golding allegedly stole $5 in quarters from machines at Dollar General. Golding allegedly engaged in a lewd act while in custody at Batavia PD. He also allegedly tried to escape by defeating the lock mechanism on the holding room door. He was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Justine D. McWethy, 28, of Fairway Drive, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. McWethy was allegedly found in possession of heroin and glassine baggies.

Thomas E. Hansel, 31, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged failure to appear on a possession of burglary tools charge. Hansel was located at Days Inn and taken into custody. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Tonya D. Smith, 29, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a charge of operating while registration suspended or revoked. Smith was located at the Days Inn and taken into custody. Smith was jailed on $100 bail.

Joseph Michael Dispenza Jr., 21, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant stemming from a DWI charge. Dispenza allegedly violated terms and conditions of City Court's DWI Treatment Court. Dispenza allegedly turned up at intermittent incarceration while under the influence of alcohol. He was jailed on $100,000 bail.

Michael J. Robbins, 55, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Robbins allegedly cashed a forged personal check at the drive-up window of the Five Start Bank on East Main Street, Batavia.

Michael Joseph Myers Jr., 56, of Roosevelt Highway, Hamlin, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, refusal to take breath test and moved from lane unsafely. Myers was stopped at 12:11 a.m., Saturday, on Route 237, Stafford, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Tanyana Reedidizie Bell, 23, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Bell allegedly damaged property belonging to Pandora's Boxxx.

Kevin Lloyd Kenyon, 60, of Golden Pond Estates, Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and inadequate headlights. Kenyon was stopped at 8:27 p.m. Friday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Henry Leon Polanowski, 35, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. Polanowski allegedly drove another person's vehicle without permission. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Andrea Nichole Kirch, 26, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Kirch was stopped at 2:01 a.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. A 16-year-old resident of Pratt Road, Batavia, was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Joseph Hur Bianchi, 33, of Northgate Manor Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate stop lamps. Bianchi was stopped at 12:05 p.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Jenna L. Brodzinski, 31, of Rochester, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Brodzinski was arrested by State Police for allegedly shoplifting from Target. No further details released.

Norman M. Bialuski, 45, of Brockport, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Bialuski was stopped at 2:32 a.m. Sunday at East Main and Clinton streets, Batavia, by State Police.

Servicemen’s Club Breakfast!

By Lisa Ace

Servicemen’s Club Breakfast - Sunday March 29th
On March 29 we will be having another breakfast from 8 AM
NOON
At the AMERICAN LEGION Post#576
53 WEST MAIN
LE ROY, NY
All you can eat only $7.00 per person.
Includes eggs & omelets cooked to order, toast, bacon, sausage, home fries, pancakes, french toast, waffles & syrup!

 

Event Date and Time
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Le Roy residents grapple with $60K question: What to do about ambulance service?

By Howard B. Owens

To keep a local ambulance service, and the perception, if not the reality, of quicker response times to medical calls, Le Roy residents may be asked to consider a tax increase.

The tax increase has become known, after a meeting Saturday where the issue was discussed, as the "price of a pizza" question.

The comparison comes from an observation by John Condidorio, who deduced that with the average assessed value of a property in Le Roy at $100,000, an increase of 17 cents per thousand comes to another $17 a year on local property tax bills.

That, he said, is the price of a pizza. A small price to pay, he suggested, for local service.

"Stuff happens," said Condidorio, a detective with Le Roy PD. "Stuff happens quick. It happens significantly and, believe it or not, it may happen to you, so that $17 a year may be the saving grace so you're not laying out on that ice for 20 minutes. You may only have to lay on that ice for five minutes, because you slip and fell and broke your hip or broke your ankle, or whatever. It's a long, long time waiting for that ambulance. I've been there, I've seen it, I've done it, and it sucks. Really."

His boss, Chief Chris Hayward recalled that 45 years ago the entire reason the Le Roy Ambulance Service was created was concern over response times.

The central question still hasn't changed, he said.

Back then, the two hospitals in Batavia maintained ambulance services and rigs were based in Batavia. It would take 15 to 20 minutes for an ambulance to reach Le Roy.

At least one person's death in 1970 was attributed to the slow response time, Hayward said.

These days, there are private ambulance services available, such as the nonprofit Mercy EMS and for-profit Rural Metro, among others, that could provide a lower cost alternative for the residents of Le Roy.

Bill Schutt, general manager for Mercy EMS, and Gene Chisholm, from Rural Metro, were at Saturday's meeting.

Both said if the Le Roy service went away, they would be able to base an ambulance at the Tountas Avenue LAS location and provide a similar level of service for Le Roy.

That sounded pretty good to Bryan Monacelli, who suggested the town open up a request-for-proposal process so companies could bid on a contract to be the ambulance provider for Le Roy.

"I sympathize that Le Roy Ambulance has a strong local history, but if private industry could come in and provide a better or comparable service for less money, as a taxpayer, as somebody with kids here, that's what I would do," Monacelli said.

There would be some nuances of difference between what LAS offers and what others might offer.

The current service owns two ambulances and a fly car. Except in rare circumstances, the ambulances respond only to calls within the town. There are transports to Rochester hospitals at times, and to UMMC, but usually one LAS ambulance is always in Le Roy.

Schutt said if Mercy were serving Le Roy, it would park an ambulance at Tountas Avenue, but that ambulance would respond to other calls on the eastern side of the county. If it did leave Le Roy, another ambulance would be dispatched from Batavia to backfill.

Le Roy Ambulance serves 8,500 residents and responded to 1,200 calls in 2014.

The cost of the service has increased over the years and currently the service operates at annual loss of $20,000 to $45,000 a year.

The town has been bridging some of the shortfall, but can't continue to pick up the slack without a tax increase. The suggested increase would raise $60,000 for the service.

There's no certainty, in the current healthcare climate, that costs won't continue to escalate, which would mean tax increases.

Lloyd Hogle pointed out that if local residents decided to eliminate the ambulance service, there would be no bringing it back if they later changed their minds.

Bill Kettle, who led the discussion, said community leaders are trying to collect as much input and feedback from Le Roy residents as possible before there's a decision on what to do about ambulance service in Le Roy.

Law and Order: Driver found off the road in Darien charged with DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Eric Raymond Westermeier, 27, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with felony driving while ability impaired by combined drugs and alcohol, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation and unlawful possession of marijuana. Westermeier was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Chad Cummings into a vehicle off the road at 10:11 p.m. Sunday on Erie Street, Darien Center.

Timothy O. Lee, 34, of Erie Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and speeding. Lee was arrested following a traffic stop in the Village of Le Roy. He was allegedly found in possession of cocaine.

Terry L. Travis Jr., 32, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest, criminal obstruction of breathing, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful imprisonment. Travis was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 11:30 p.m. Saturday. He was jailed on $3,000 bail.

Jessica L. Ford, 24, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Ford allegedly violated an order of protection by contacting the protected party. Ford was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Dale E. Banfield, 53, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal tampering and resisting arrest. During a supervised property exchange, Banfield allegedly became verbally abusive toward the other party and grabbed the drawer from a nightstand and threw the contents across the room. As officers attempted to arrest Banfield, he allegedly pushed the officers and attempted to tackle one of them. After a brief struggle, Banfield was subdued and taken into custody. He was jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $1,000 bond.

Donna Marie Kroft, 61, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kroft allegedly stole groceries and other items from Tops Market by concealing the items in her purse and inside her coat.

Michael L. Williams, 35, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt, assault, 3rd, and aggravated criminal contempt. Williams was arrested on a warrant for the listed charges. He was reportedly found by Batavia PD officers hiding in a stairwell at a residence on Jackson Street, Batavia. He was jailed without bail.

Linda B. Gratton, 66, of Downer Street, Baldwinsville, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on an aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, charge. Gratton turned herself in. She posted $500 police bail.

Kristen S. Buchholz, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and disorderly conduct. Buchholz was allegedly involved in a verbal dispute with administrators at Batavia Middle School. She was jailed on $100 bail.

Marcos A. Torres, 32, of Cherry Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Torres was allegedly involved in a domestic incident. He was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Cheryl A. Kowalik, 54, of Alexander Road, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on an issuing a bad check charge. Kowalik turned herself in to Batavia PD and posted $500 bail.

Bradley W. Howard, 24, of Honeysette Road, Mayville, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a DWI charge. Howard turned himself in to Batavia PD and was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Stephen Gary Hall, 69, of Murray Street, Mt. Morris, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes. Hall was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 11:16 a.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Also charged were Bernard Leonard Brock, 65, of Hopkins Street, Mt. Morris, and Edith May Donohue, 74, of Columbus Avenue, Mt. Morris.

Victoria Joanne Supple, 42, of Stroh Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, refusal to take breath test and failure to keep right. Supple was stopped at 2:03 a.m. Saturday on Buffalo Street, Alexander, by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Darien Lamont Anderson, 20, of Egret Drive, Henrietta, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Anderson was charged following an investigation by Deputy Chad Commings at 7:11 p.m. Saturday into a vehicle pulled off the road on Route 33, Bergen.

Lauren E. Scalzo, 19, of Bergen, and two 17-year-olds, were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The arrests were made by State Police at 1:30 p.m. Sunday on Sumner Road, Darien.

Marco A. Hernandez, 21, of Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unlawful possession of marijuana. Hernandez was stopped at 6:28 p.m. Sunday on Route 98, Batavia, by State Police.

Le Roy man promoted in New York Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, The Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Douglas McClurg, from Le Roy, serving with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry is promoted to the rank of Private First Class.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

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