Le Roy

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, Northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11-percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day. 

On Monday, Nov. 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location. In Genesee County, there are two Tops locations -- at 390 W. Main St. in Batavia, and at 128 W. Main St. in Le Roy.

Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11-percent discount off of their total purchase that day.

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that we are forever grateful,” said Frank Curci, Tops chief executive officer.

“We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. The company’s actions include: support of the American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall; Honor Flight Missions; sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas; VA hospital visits; participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expo’; and new this year, Tops Stars for Our Troops program by which stars from embroidered U.S. Flags slated for retirement are presented to Veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders.

Stacy J. Watson, 43, of Liberty Street, Batavia, and Jennifer A. Mcauley, 46, of Shelby Basin Road, Medina, were arrested on Oct. 29 on misdemeanor charges following a larceny complaint at the Home Depot on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. At 2:56 p.m. deputies responded to the store in the Town of Batavia for an investigation. Watson is charged with two counts of petit larceny and two counts of sixth-degree conspiracy. Mcauley is charged with two counts of petit larceny. It is alleged that Watson, a former Home Depot employee, conspired with Mcauley to steal merchandise from the store. Both subjects were issued appearance tickets and are due in Batavia Town Court on Nov. 14. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre.

Steven B. Nesbitt, 34, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and first degree criminal contempt. Nesbitt was arrested 2:22 p.m. on Oct. 24 after an incident that occurred at a residence on Holland Avenue. It is alleged that Nesbitt had physical contact with a person who had a "refrain from order of protection" against Nesbitt. He is due Batavia City Court on Nov. 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Melissa A. Wetmore, 47, of Main Road, Corfu, is charged with driving while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more. Wetmore was arrested at 8:11 p.m. on Oct. 26 on North Lyon Street in Batavia after an accident investigation. She is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Tyler Lee Walls, 23, of Upper Holley Road, Clarendon, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana; operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; and operating a motor vehicle with no headlamps. At 4:49 p.m. on Nov. 1, Walls was arrested following a traffic stop on Lake Street (Route 19) in Le Roy. It is alleged Walls was driving a vehicle without headlights while having a suspended driver's license and suspended registration. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Alejandro, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Brittany M. Smith, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, was arrested the morning of Nov. 2 on active bench warrants out of Batavia City Court for failing to appear in court and failing to comply with the court. She was arraigned at 9:50 a.m. and put in jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or bond. She is due in Batavia City Court this afternoon (Nov. 4). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

The Le Roy volleyball team has a shot at a sectional championship this week after beating Holley in a semifinal match on Saturday.

The Knights are now 17-2 and will face Wellsville at 5 p.m., Wednesday, at East Rochester High School.

Photos and info from Tim McArdle.

The Oatkan Knights are heading to a Class C championship game after beating East Rochester/Gananda 35-14 on Saturday.

Kyler LaCarte was 7-12 passing for 170 yards and three TDs, with one interception.  He also rushed for 54 yards on six attempts and scored a TD.

 

Andrew Englerth rushed 10 times for 21 yards and a TD. Jake Hill, Chase Bordonaro, and Nate Andrews each had a TD reception.

Cole Rauscher led the defense with 12 tackles. Alex Panepento and Zach Vanderhoof each had nine and Jake Hill had seven.

Both of the Bombers' TDs came late in the game after the Knights had pulled many of their starters.

Le Roy will face Warsaw in for the Class C championship at 5 p.m., Saturday, at the College at Brockport.

Photos by Jim Burns

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved incentives for two capital investment projects in the Town of Le Roy at the board’s Oct. 31^st meeting.

Wright Associates is investing approximately $9.5 million to purchase and build-out an existing 139,000-square-foot building on Wright Avenue in Le Roy, and in the process create 125 new full-time jobs in Genesee County.

The company will make significant renovations to the building and property, including the installation of a new roof, updates to the electrical system, improvements to drainage system, installation of fiber optic cable, updates to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and other enhancements.

The beverage distribution company, based in Rochester, requested approximately $854,452 in mortgage, sales and property tax exemptions. The project's property, local sales tax and payroll represent a $135.50 local impact for every $1 of benefits.

Wendt Propane Gas Service is investing $1.3 million to build a new 9,600-square-foot facility at the corner of Route 19 and North Road in the Town of Le Roy, creating four new full-time jobs.

The company will be expanding its propane service to local residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers.

The company sought approximately $120,000 in mortgage, sales and property tax exemptions. The project represents a $24.50 local impact for every $1 of benefits.

The GCEDC board also voted to accept an application for incentives from Fraser-Branche Property LLC which is seeking to purchase and renovate the YWCA building on North Street in the City of Batavia.

The company will renovate approximately 8,700 square feet of the 13,000-square-foot facility for an expansion of Three Little Birds Pediatrics, and is proposing to lease back the remainder of the facility to the YWCA and two other existing tenants.

The total project capital investment is $1.4 million. Fraser-Branche Property, LLC is seeking approximately $105,000 in mortgage, sales and property tax exemptions.

The project will be part of the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity (BP2) program. Since the project is seeking more than$100,000 in incentives, the GCEDC will conduct a public hearing.

“These are three exciting projects for Genesee County, and especially the Town of Le Roy and City of Batavia,” said GCEDC Board Chair Paul Battaglia. “It’s great to see both the high level of capital investment being made and the number of jobs being created.”

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider approving incentives for two capital investment projects in the Town of Le Roy and an application for incentives for a project in the City of Batavia at the board’s Oct. 31^st meeting tomorrow.

Wright Associates is requesting incentives for a proposed $9.5 million capital project that would include the purchase of an existing 139,000-square-foot building on Wright Avenue in Le Roy. The beverage distribution company based in Rochester in seeking approximately $854,452 in mortgage, sales and property taxes. (Previously, Wright's project was estimated to cost $8.9 million, but additional costs in the final application pushed the projected total to $9.5 million.)

The project would create 125 new full-time jobs in Genesee County.

Wendt Propane Gas Service is requesting incentives in order to build a new 9,600-square-foot facility at the corner of Route 19 and North Road in the Town of Le Roy. The company will be expanding its propane service to local residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers. The company is seeking approximately $120,000 in mortgage, sales and property taxes.

The project would create four new jobs.

The GCEDC board also will consider accepting an application for incentives from Fraser-Branche Property LLC, which is seeking to purchase and renovate the YWCA building on North Street in the City of Batavia.

The company will renovate approximately 67 percent of the 13,000-square-foot facility and is proposing to lease back the remainder of the facility to the YWCA and two other existing tenants.

The total project capital investment is $1.4 million. Fraser-Branche Property LLC is seeking approximately $105,000 in mortgage, sales and property taxes. The project will be part of the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity (BP2) program.

The GCEDC Board meeting will take place at 4 p.m. Thursday at its offices at 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia. The meeting is open to the public.

A small plane attempting to take off from Le Roy Airport on Sunday was unable to become airborne and struck an earth embankment, according to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Sheriff's Office and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The four occupants in the six-seater Beech A36 were not seriously injured and were able to get out of the plane on their own before emergency responders arrived.

The pilot was John Yates, 48, of Canandaigua. The passengers were his wife and their two children.

The family was on a return trip to Canandaigua.

Emergency dispatchers were notified of the crash at 3:05 p.m. Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance were dispatched along with patrols from the Sheriff's Office and State Police.

The occupants were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for evaluation. 

The plane sustained significant damage to the underbody and front-engine compartment.

Also assisting at the scene were Emergency Management, Le Roy PD, and CHS Mobile Integrated Healthcare.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

The Le Roy Oatkan Knights kicked off sectional play with a 19-0 win over Avon on Friday night.

The defense held Avon to just 26 yards total offense.

Andrew Englerth ran for 84 yards on 18 carries. Kyler LaCarte also gained 84 yards on 18 carries and scored once on the ground. He was 10-13 passing for 88 yards and a TD. Jake Hill have five receptions for 46 yards and scored two TDs, one on a reception, the other rushing.

Photos by Ed Henry.

Top photo: Cole Rauscher skis over the Avon QB.

Chase Bordonaro fights for key yardage.

 Kyler LaCarte tugs a would-be Avon tackler.

Andrew Englerth splits the Avon defense.

Alex Panepento finds himself surrounded by Avon Braves.

From the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

On Thursday afternoon (Oct. 24) two Rochester men were arrested following an investigation by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force into the transportation and possession of crack cocaine in and around the City of Batavia.

• Walter H. Bennett (AKA "Black"), 29, of Van Auker Street, Rochester, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor.
• Rayqaun K. Balkum, 19, of Atkinson Street, Rochester, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor; promoting prison contraband, a Class E felony; tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony; and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. James Diehl conducted a traffic stop of the car that Bennett and Balkum were traveling in on Ellicott Avenue in the city Thursday afternoon. An investigation ensued.

It is alleged that Bennett and Balkum were found to possess 64 bags of crack cocaine. Both were arraigned in city court this morning (Oct. 25) and put in Genesee County Jail.

Bennett's bail was set at $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond; Balkum's bail was set at $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond.

The task force is comprised of police officers from the county Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD and Le Roy Village police.

Task force members in this case were assisted by BPD, county Sheriff's deputies and the District Attorney's Office.

Press release:

On Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Genesee County law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. 

Accepted this year will be pills; other solids such as patches; needles or other sharps; and vape pens and cartridges (no lithium batteries). If lithium batteries cannot be removed, the DEA advises people to find places that recycle lithium ion batteries. Liquids are also not accepted.

These can all be brought to the collection sites below for disposal:  

• Pembroke Town Hall, routes 5 at 77, Pembroke -- items to be received by Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies;
• Batavia Police Department Headquarters, 10 W. Main St. (rear parking lot), Batavia -- items to be received by Batavia police officers
• Le Roy Police Department Headquarters, 3 W. Main St., Le Roy -- items to be received by Village of Le Roy police officers

The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.

(The Batavia Police Department would also like to remind citizens of the drug and sharps drop boxes that are available 24/7 in the rear vestibule at BPD HQ.)

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety, health and environmental hazards.

Submitted photos and press release:

As tireless advocates, effective trustees, passionate leaders and highly effective facilitators and visionaries, Genesee Community College is delighted to announce that former trustees Robert L. Boyce, of Le Roy, and Peter R. Call, of Batavia, were recently honored by New York Community College Trustees.

The NYCCT is a voluntary nonprofit consortium of community college trustees that strengthens the effectiveness of NY community college trustees for development and implementation of public policy that impacts community colleges.

Boyce (inset photo below right), who served the College for more than 18 years, received the NYCCT Benefactor Vision for Tomorrow Award, and Call, received the Marvin A. Rapp Distinguished Trustee Service Award after seven years of dedicated service. Both former trustees were recognized at NYCCT's fall conference in September. 

Boyce's long commitment to GCC has been impressive since he joined the Foundation Board of Directors in 2005, serving as president, vice president and chairing numerous committees including the Finance, Fund Development, Risk Management committees, and also several annual campaigns.

Once appointed by the Genesee County Legislator as a GCC Trustee in 2014, he actively participated in the Policy, Nominating and Personnel subcommittees and also the critical 2018-2023 Strategic Planning Steering Team that developed the mission-centered, "Framing Our Future" Strategic Plan that guides every aspect of the College.

As a Foundation board member and College trustee, Boyce oversaw the development of quality student housing programs, innovative new safety initiatives, the construction of two new residence halls and the renovation of several others. Under his tutelage, he also supported critical capital improvements on campus such as the Roz Steiner Art Gallery (2011), and the Student Success Center and Richard C. Call Arena (2017). 

The Benefactor Vision of Tomorrow Award is given based on level of involvement, how the involvement has improved the quality of education and/or services at the community college, and the benefactor's vision and motivation for being involved. 

Boyce's other civic leadership commitments include the United Memorial Medical Center, the Le Roy Emergency Ambulance Service and Le Roy International Rotary Club where he is also a Paul Harris Fellow. Boyce served in the Army and graduated with a Business degree from the University of Buffalo.

Call's extraordinary support has also significantly enhanced the College since his first day as a GCC trustee in 2012. He served two terms as secretary to the Board and one term as vice chair, and he was the liaison to the College's Foundation. Call (lower inset photo right) also chaired the Finance Committee, leading the institution through a period of declining enrollment with clear fiscal responsibility and helping foster a positive relationship with Genesee County, GCC's local sponsor.

He has long been an advocate for two-year postsecondary education especially in relation to the local economy and workforce. 

In addition, Call's leadership and life-long career and expertise in agribusiness helped create GCC's Food Processing Technology, AAS degree, as well as enhancements to the College's Veterinary Technology and Criminal Justice programs.

During his tenure, GCC also achieved its largest capital campaign ever, raising more than $5.2 million to build the new Student Success Center and Richard C. Call Arena, fittingly named after Peter's father who had the creative vision and secured the leading gift for a building that would recognize the local agricultural community. 

Beyond his work on GCC's Board of Trustees, Call is director of Farm Credit East and serves on the boards of Seneca Foods, Farm Fresh First and United Memorial Medical Center. He was recently elected to the Cornell University Board of Trustees.

The Marvin A. Rapp Award was established in 1986 to recognize longstanding and exemplary trustee service providing significant leadership on boards, participating in state and national activities benefiting community colleges, and demonstrating a commitment to innovation in community college programs.

Rapp was a Finger Lakes Community College trustee and an educator by profession. As a staunch advocate of community colleges, he assisted in the establishment of 13 of the 30 community colleges in New York State. 

"We cannot thank Mr. Boyce or Mr. Call enough for their devotion to Genesee Community College," GCC President James M. Sunser, Ed.D., said. "They are stellar examples community members who continuously foster good citizenship and value the impact that the College has had on the community for the past 50-plus years."

Riley B. Mayer, 21, of South Main Street, Batavia, (inset photo, left) is charged with first-degree gang assault -- causing serious physical injury. Mayer was arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court on Oct. 8 and jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. The defendant was due back in city court Oct. 9. The incident allegedly occured at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 on Highland Parkway. The investigation is ongoing. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Shaqueita L. Irvin, 27, Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child -- acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years of age. Irvin was arrested at 3:02 a.m. on Oct. 15 for allegedly failing to provide adequate supervision for her 6-year-old daughter more than 30 times. Her daughter has been dismissed from school and sent home on the bus; upon her arrival at her residence, nobody was there to receive her. The girl has been returned to school for supervision. Irvin was issued an appearance ticket for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22 in Batavia City Court. The case of handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Zachari R. Morgan, 23, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with second-degree menacing. At 4:24 p.m. on Oct. 17, Morgan was arrested after allegedly threatening to cause bodily harm to someone with a hammer in his possession. He was arrested at his residence and released on an appearance ticket. He is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Casey Daniel Nutting, 44, of Union Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; aggravated DWI -- a BAC of .18 percent or higher; and refusal to take a breath test. Nutting was the driver and sole occupant of a vehicle that law enforcement stopped for a suspicious condition. On Oct. 17 on Main Road in Stafford, Le Roy Police Sgt. Gregory Kellogg was following Nutting's vehicle and allegedly observed numerous traffic and vehicle violations before Nutting pulled into the Department of Transporation building on Route 5 in Stafford. Sgt. Kellogg stopped the vehicle to check Nutting's welfare. Genesee County Sheriff's deputies arrived and took over the investigation. It is alleged that they found Nutting to be intoxicated and he was arrested at 6:56 p.m. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Stafford Town Court on Nov. 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Jay Blatchley, 46, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Following the investigation of contraband that was found in Genesee County Jail, Blatchley was arrested at 1:15 p.m. on Oct. 19 after allegedly bringing narcotics into the jail without permission. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail (cash or bond unspecified). Blatchley is due to be in Batavia City Court on Oct. 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

John W. Walsh, 36, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with having an open container of alcohol. Walsh was arrested at 7:35 p.m. on Oct. 12 in front of the Speedway gas station and convenience store at 204 W. Main St. in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

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Michele R. Williams is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle, which is a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 24 in the Town of Darien that Williams drove a 2013 Chevrolet on Route 77 while having a BAC of .08 percent or more and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, Williams is accused of aggravated DWI with a child as passenger, a Class E felony, also on May 24. In counts three and four, Williams is accused of the same crimes, respectively, for having a second child age 15 or less in the vehicle. In counts five and six, Williams is accused of the same crimes, respectively, for having a third child age 15 or less in the vehicle. In counts seven and eight, Williams is accused of the same crimes, respectively, for having a fourth child age 15 or less in the vehicle​. In counts nine and 10, Williams is accused of the same crimes, respectively, for having a fifth child age 15 or less in the vehicle​. In count 11, Williams is accused of following another vehicle too closely, a vehicle and traffic violation, without having due regard for the speed to the vehicle, the traffic or the condition of the roadway.

Taraleen T. Tundo is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 1 in the Town of Stafford that Tundo drove a 2004 Ford on Route 5 while her ability to do so was impaired by the conbined influence of drugs and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, Tundo is accused of driving left of pavement markings the same day, a vehicle and traffic violation. In count three, she is accused of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that Tundo knowingly possessed gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, vials, capsules or other material suitable for packaging individual quantities or narcotic drugs.

Brian K. Dyer is indicted for the crime of first-degree assault, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on July 5 in the City of Batavia that Dyer intended to, and did, cause serious physical injury to another person by means of a dangerous instrument -- a concrete statue. In count two, Dyer is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony, for possessing a dangerous instrument -- a concrete statue -- with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person.

Patrick J. Gonzales is indicted for the crime of third-degress burglary, a Class D felony. On March 16, 2017, Gonzales allegedly knowingly entered a building on Lake Street in the Town of Le Roy with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of third-degree grand larceny, also a Class D felony, for allegedly stealing property with a value in excess of $3,000 -- a safe and personal property valued at about $3,702.50 in U.S. currency.

Sybil D. Davis is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 3 in the Town of Le Roy that Davis drove a 2001 Dodge on Route 19 while her license was suspended or revoked by authorities and while she was under the influence of a drug or alcohol. In count two, she is accused of driving that day while her ability was impaired by the combined influence of drugs or alcohol, as a misdemeanor. In count three, Davis is accused of reckless driving, as a misdemeanor, for driving that day in a manner that unreasonably interfered with the free and proper use of the roadway or unreasonably endangered users of the roadway. In count three, Davis is accused of reckless driving for crossing the center line and driving into the path of an oncoming vehicle in the Town of Pavilion and/or Le Roy that was operating lawfully; the affected vehicle had to engage in evasive manuevers in order to avoid a collision. In count four, Davis is accused of reckless driving for crossing the center line and driving into the path of an oncoming vehicle in the Town of Le Roy that was operating lawfully; the affected vehicle had to engage in evasive manuevers in order to avoid a collision. In count five, Davis is accused of reckless driving for crossing the center line and driving into the path of an oncoming vehicle in the Village of Le Roy that was operating lawfully; the affected vehicle had to engage in evasive manuevers in order to avoid a collision. In count six, Davis is accused of attempted escape in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor, for allegedly attempting to escape from custody on April 3 in the Town of Le Roy.

Joseph L. Ruise is indicted for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 21 in the City of Batavia that Ruise knowingly possessed cocaine with the intent to sell it. In count two, Ruise is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. In count two, he is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing one or more preparations, compounds or mixtures containing the narcotic drug cocaine and these had an aggragate weight of one-eighth ounce or more. In count three, Ruise is indicted for the crime of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on the same day, Ruise knowlingly possessed gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, vials, capsules or other material suitable for packaging individual quantities of narcotic drugs.

Christopher A. Ridgeway is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 27 in the City of Batavia that Ridgeway knowingly and unlawfully possessed cocaine with the intent to sell it. In count two, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on the same day, Ridgeway knowingly and unlawfully possessed alprazolam.

Submitted photo and press release:

Last month, the Le Roy Women of the Moose held a pig roast to raise money for new winter outer wear and accessories for Le Roy Wolcott Street School students in need.

Winter coats, hoodies, boots, gloves, hats and socks were purchased.

School counselors and the school nurse identify those with the greatest need. 

Events like these are a success due to the generosity of our community and our volunteers.

A pig roast is a big undertaking, but Dave Ehrhart Jr. and his crew, along with the WOTM, do a great job. Thank you Le Roy! It takes a village!

Photo, from left: Jamie Clark, assistant principal at Wolcott School, and Merritt Holley, superintendent of the Le Roy Central School District, along with Women of the Moose Laurie Cooper, Martha Bailey, Cathy Campbell and Judy Mills.

In the Fifth Annual Battle of the Bands at the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew in Le Roy, after a summer-long competition, the John Payton Project came out on top in the finalist pairing of the season on Saturday night.

Second place went to Deeper Blue.

Here's a video highlighting last night's event. We'll have full-song videos from each band over the next two days.

Le Roy's volleyball team is now 12-0 on the season after beating Brockport at home Wednesday night in three sets, 25-23, 25-17, and 25-17.

Next up for the Knights: The Waterloo Tournament on Saturday.

Photos and info courtesy Tim McArdle.

Press release:

The Genesee County Office for the Aging will, once again, be holding Medicare open enrollment vendor fairs for members of the community.

These vendor fairs will have representation from local Medicare Advantage insurance companies, AARP Supplemental, and EPIC where you can ask questions and change your plan, should you decide to do so.

HIICAP counselors from the Office for the Aging, who specialize in Medicare, will also be available to give you an unbiased look at your options before you speak to a sales agent.

Volunteers will also be available assisting those wishing to sign up for a MyMedicare.gov account.

All vendor fairs run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For questions call (585) 343-1611.

Thursday, Oct. 17th 

• Alabama Fire Hall, 2230 Judge Road, Alabama 

Tuesday, Nov. 5th 

• Our Lady of Mercy Gym, 44 Lake St., Le Roy

Wednesday, Nov. 20th 

• Darien Center Fire Hall, 10537 Alleghany Road, Darien Center

Tuesday, Dec. 3rd 

• First United Methodist Church of Batavia, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia

Press release and submitted photos.

LE ROY -- Wright Beverage Distributing has acquired Certo Brothers brand distribution rights and is expanding their footprint in Western New York.

The deal is set to close on Jan. 10^th, and Wright Beverage will assume full operations in Certo’s existing markets effective Jan. 13.

Wright Beverage plans to acquire a 139,000-square-foot warehouse, adjacent to their 205,000-square-foot facility, in the Village of Le Roy as part of a proposed $8.9 million expansion plan.

The newly combined Rochester/Buffalo area brand rights expand Wright’s base by more than 50 percent to service 17 counties and over 2.5 million people.

Wright Beverage Distributing, headquartered in Rochester, announced Tuesday that they have reached an agreement with Certo Brothers Distributing to acquire Certo’s brand franchise and distribution rights for all five counties Certo currently services in Western New York. The newly acquired brand rights will extend WBD’s market coverage from 14 to 17 counties, growing their existing 10.5m annual case sales volume by more than 50 percent and adding more than 150 jobs to their current team of 425 employees.

“Our employees are what make expansion opportunities like this possible,” said Claude H. Wright, owner and CEO of Wright Beverage Distribution. “With both our companies being family owned and over 170 combined years of local market heritage in the beverage business, our cultures are very similar, and I know we’ll make an outstanding combined team.”

Wright had previously competed with Certo in Erie and Niagara counties, and this purchase will expand Wright’s territory into three additional counties: Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegheny. Major brands involved in the transaction that are currently represented by Wright in adjacent territories include Coors, Molson, Miller, Sam Adams, Corona and Genesee.

Founded in 1953, Wright Beverage is now run by second-generation owner Claude H. Wright, CEO who has grown the company exponentially since taking over in 1977. The company attributes its sustained growth to its people and partnerships that spanthree generations. Representing over 50 suppliers, the company maintains a diversified portfolio of Beer, Non-Alcohol, Wine and Spirit products.

It will also be expanding its current Buffalo metro sales offices and employee base. Tessa (Wright) Tobin, Claude’s daughter, is the third generation of the Wright family to take ownership of the company and serves on the executive team as Chief Business Development Officer. Tobin is leading the joint transition team focused on launch plans to ensure a smooth transition and get the expanded organization off to successful launch in January 2020.

“We are thrilled to finally expand our Buffalo footprint and make this longstanding goal a reality. Our newly combined team and expanded territory will enable us to leverage our business model and yield sustainable benefits for our employees, customers, and supplier partners,” Tobin said.

WBD prides itself on bringing smaller scale brands to compete at market with larger players and has cultivated partnerships with local and regional breweries, wineries, distilleries and non-alcoholic brands to complement its business model.

“We are brand builders," Wright said. "We do this by actively managing a relevant portfolio and reinvesting in our partnerships, people and community. This is key to our sustainability.”

Other local and regional Wright brewery partners include F.X Matt (Saranac), Young Lion Brewing, Triphammer Bierwerks, K2 Brother’s Brewing, Ithaca Beer, and Blue Toad Hard Cider. Wright also maintains a diversified portfolio of wine and spirits, including local, family owned wineries and distilleries such as Villa Bellangelo, Billsboro, Toro Run, Lockhouse Spirits, and Tequila 21, distilled in Mexico.

Gaining broader market awareness and presence with an established and respected distributor like Wright Beverage has significantly accelerated their success, like it has for our own Genesee Brewery in Rochester. Wright currently boasts being Genesee’s largest distributor worldwide – whose beginnings with Wright were much the same as many of their smaller locally owned brands are today.

“Wright Beverage is and will continue to be a family owned and managed business, committed to continuing the exceptional level of service to the community as Certo has provided for over a hundred years," Tobin said. "Our Vision, Mission and Core Values remain the same; their meaning and importance will be shared throughout our organization and reinforce our unified culture.”

WBD eagerly encourages anyone interested in joining the Wright team to visit their career page to learn more about available positions and apply for a job by visiting www.wrightbev.com/careers. More information about this transaction and the company can be found at www.wrightbev.com.

(Inset photo above, Wright Beverage Distributing CEO Claude H. Wright (right) and his daughter Tessa (Wright) Tobin, chief Business Development officer, represent second and third generations the company's management.)