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Le Roy

Law and Order: Pair of DWI arrests announced

By Howard B. Owens

Shawn Michael Walburn, 45, of East Main Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with: DWI; driving while ability impaired with alcohol; driving without a vehicle inspection; and speeding. Walburn was stopped at 3:07 a.m. Sunday on Main Road, Stafford, by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Ryan Brent Callison, 41, of 14th Street, Zimmerman, Minn., is charged with: DWI; driving with a BAC of .08 or greater;and failure to yield right of way. Callison was stopped at 9:39 p.m. Monday on Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Karen M. Gath, 57, of Rochester, is charged with conspiracy, 6th, and petit larceny. Gath was arrested by State Police and ordered held on bail for an incident in the Town of Batavia. No further details released.

Jacob R. Lorek, 24, of Rochester, is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Lorek was stopped by State Police at 6:04 p.m. Thursday on Route 19, Bergen.

Stevie R. Marshall-Carter, 20, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Marshall-Carter was stopped on Route 33, Bergen, by State Police.

Dale J. Wissinger, 38, of Oakfield, is charged with assault; 3rd; and criminal mischief. Wissinger was arrested by State Police on charges related to an incident reported at 1:47 a.m. Saturday and ordered held on bail. No further details released.

Le Roy increases law enforcement protection at both school locations

By Howard B. Owens

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A new arrangement this year between the Village of Le Roy and the Le Roy Central School District will ensure both Wolcott Street School and Le Roy MS/HS will have a nearly constant law enforcement presence.

The arrangement is possible with the retirement of Officer Eric Miller, who was the School Resource Officer at the high school, splitting some time with Wolcott, since 2003, and a change in state law that allows Miller to now become an employee of the district to perform the same duties, and the willingness of the Village to continue to partially fund an SRO position.

The state has created a classification of school employees known as "special patrol officers." These are former law enforcement officers who remain qualified to perform the duties of an officer.

In Miller's case, not only is he still qualified, he has returned to Le Roy PD as a part-time officer, which will help him maintain his qualifications.

While Miller is at the high school, Le Roy PD has assigned two part-time officers to rotate coverage, one week on, one week off, at the elementary school.

"I think when we looked at what the county proposed, though we were interested in that idea, we felt that getting coverage in both buildings was non-negotiable," said Superintendent Merritt Holly. "I think the setup that we have here provides us with the opportunity to have an armed police officer in this building and a special patrol officer in the other building, so it gives us now the coverage that we're looking for."

His SRO position was created in 2003 shortly after Columbine (the April 1999 high school massacre in Jefferson County, Colo.) and he served both campuses.

His job, both as an SRO and as it's defined now, isn't just to provide security for the school. It's a job that involves getting to know students, assist them where he can, and providing information about school and personal safety.

Chief Chris Hayward said the new state law helps make the situation more flexible.

"I'm not a one of those who believes that in order to keep our kids safe there have to be uniformed police officers," Hayward said. "Do I believe that it should be someone like Eric who has that experience and has that training? Absolutely. But I don't think that it has to be an active police officer because there are requirements of Eric. Even if he hadn't been hired back by us, there are still those requirements where he has to go to the annual training with firearms, use of deadly physical force etc., so there still those safeguards, for want of a better term, in place to make sure that they're maintaining that level of training to respond in an appropriate manner."

Photo: Eric Miller, Tim McArdle, middle school and high school principal, Carol Messura, Wolcott principal, and Officer Heath Mattingly, one of two part-time officers assigned to Wolcott.

Law and Order: Myrtle Street man arrested after dine-and-dash complaint on Lake Street in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Todd A. Gailie Jr., 27, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy was arrested on Sept. 7th by the Le Roy Police Department for petit larceny and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, Class A misdemeanors. Le Roy Police Department responded to a business on Lake Street in the Village after receiving a complaint of a male allegedly leaving a restaurant without paying for food and drinks that he consumed. Upon arrival, the patrols located Gailie on the railroad tracks in the area and when the patrol confronted Gailie, he allegedly ran from officers. After a brief foot chase Gailie was taken into custody. Gailie was arraigned and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash or $3,000 bond. Gailie is to return to Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 20th.

Roy A. Watson Jr., 29, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with having two unlicensed dogs. He was arrested at 9:35 a.m. on Sept. 4 at 24 Porter Ave. following an investigation into a complaint that his dogs were unlicensed. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court and is due there Sept. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer James Sheflin.

Marissa Eve Michaels-Connors, 26, of LaSalle Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with: first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; DWI, first; operating a vehicle while using a cell phone; refusal to take breath test; and moving from lane unsafely. She was arrested at 5:09 p.m. on Sept. 9 on Vallance Road in Le Roy after a one-vehicle accident in which her vehicle struck a guard rail. It is alleged that she was driving while intoxicated and that she drove while her license was suspended for alcohol-related circumstances. She was jailed in lieu of $1,500 cash or $3,000 bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Howard Wilson.

Matthew Vincent Pragel, 23, of Forest Hill Drive, Williamsville, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs; driving while ability impaired -- combined influence of drugs; unlawful possession of marijuana; and moving from lane unsafely. At 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 4 on Bloomingdale Road in the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, Pragel was arrested after an investigation of a single-vehicle accident. He is to appear in Alabama Town Court at a later date. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Adam Robyn Chaddock, 31, of Virginia Manor Road, Rochester, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; failure to keep right. Chaddock was arrested at 10:46 p.m. on Sept. 9 on Clinton Street Road in Stafford following a traffic stop. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Stafford Town Court on Oct. 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Giancarlo A. Miranda, 20, of West Saile Drive, Batavia, is charged with possession of a dangerous weapon on county property. At 2:32 p.m. on Sept. 4, Miranda was arrested for allegedly possessing a knife while entering the Genesee County Probation Building. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court and is due there Sept. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Ian Kyle Leblanc Chatt, 33, of Hart Street, Batavia, is charged with: petit larceny; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument; criminal use of drug paraphernalia; and sixth-degree conspiracy. Le Blanc Chatt was arrested at 1:59 p.m. on Sept. 7 following a larceny complaint at Walmart in Batavia. It is alleged that he walked past the point of sale with an 18-ounce can of Rain X. He was arrested and released with an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Brandon James March, 33, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; possession of a hypodermic instrument; criminal use of drug paraphernalia; and sixth-degree conspiracy. March was arrested at 1:59 p.m. on Sept. 7 following a larceny complaint at Walmart in Batavia. March allegedly conspired with another person to steal property and was found in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and released with an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Le Roy comes up short against Wellsville

By Howard B. Owens

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The Oatkan Knights had a chance to win their home opener against the Wellsville Lions at Hartwood Park on Friday night but didn't make the plays they needed to make.

That will be an area of focus in the coming week of practice, said Head Coach Brian Herdlein after the game.

"The biggest thing is they came out and they (Wellsville) wanted to play tonight," Herdlein said. "I thought that we came out a little bit slow. You know they stayed in the game which gave them a lot of confidence. We had some opportunities to make plays that we didn't make...."

The final score was 12-7.

For Le Roy, Kyle LaCarte carried the ball 18 times for 85 yards. At QB, Jake Hill was 10-22 for 139 yards and TD. He was picked off twice. Cody Lytle lead the receivers with six receptions for 67 yards and a TD.

The Knights are a young team and Wellsville seemed to have the size advantage but Herdlein didn't think that made a big difference in the game. Technique and execution can overcome size.

"I do think up front that they beat us up a little bit today and again we'll look at the film and we'll see what we have to do to make adjustments," Herdlein said.

Le Roy is now 1-1 on the season. After two weeks of ball, Herdlein sees room for improvement.

"We have we have some young guys hopefully they learn from this," Herdlein said. "I don't think that we had the best week of practice and I told the guys that. Hopefully, we can come back and have a better practice.

The team is going to work on being more focused and disciplined, Herdlein said.

"Like I said, there were definitely opportunities where we had a chance to make plays," Herdlein said. "It was maybe little alignment issues that we weren't doing right or some plays that we weren't running correctly and we just need to tighten those things up."

In other Friday night action:

  • Batavia beat Livonia 26-14. Alex Rood carried the ball 22 times for 121 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 11 tackles. Ethan Biscaro was 11-14 passing for 194 yards and a TD. Taiyo Iburi‐Bethel had five receptions for 87 yards and Andrew Frances had three receptions for 65 yards and a TD.
  • Alexander crushed Canisteo-Greenwood 28-0. Chris McClinic carried the ball 15 times for 147 yards and three TDs. Dylan Busch tossed a TD pass to Takari Lang-Smith. The defense held Canisteo to 50 yards rushing. Jake Jasen and Hayden Walton each had six tackles.
  • York/Pavilion beat Bolivar-Richburg 32-0.
  • Pembroke fell to Cuba-Rushford 26-14.
  • Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen fell to Letchworth/Warsaw 14-0.

There are no local football games today. Notre Dame has no game this week because Oakfield-Alabama/Elba switched to eight-man football.

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Grand Jury: Man indicted for first-degree sexual abuse of Bergen girl, Stafford boy

By Billie Owens

Colin R. Wickings is indicted for first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count one that in late June or early July, 2016, in the Town of Bergen, that Wickings subjected a 9-year-old female to sexual contact. In count two, he is accused of the same crime for allegedly subjecting the girl to sexual contact by forcible compulsion. In count three, he is accused of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor, for acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17. In count four, he is accused of first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly subjecting a 6-year-old male to sexual contact on Sept. 16 in the Town of Stafford. In count five, Wickings is accused of endangering the welfare of a child for acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the 6-year-old male.

Walter B. Hale Jr. is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class D felony. It is alleged that on May 15 in the City of Batavia that Hale rode a 1984 Kawasaki on various public highways while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony, for allegedly doing so while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count three, the defendant is accused of the crime of circumvention of an interlock device, a Class A misdemeanor, for operating a motorcycle not equipped with an ignition interlock device, which he was court-ordered to have. In count four, he is accused of reckless driving, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count four that he rode the Kawasaki in a manner that unreasonably interfered with the free and proper use of a public highway -- while intoxicated, traveling at a high rate of speed, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, failing to stop at a number of stop signs, all while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count five, he is accused of endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17. In count six, Hale is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for riding the motorcycle when he knew or should have known that his driver's license was suspended, revoke or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. In count seven, Hale is accused of the offense of speeding, for riding on Washington Avenue in the City of Batavia May 15 in excess of the maximum speed of 30 mph. In count eight, the defendant is accused of failing to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Washington Avenue and State Street. In count nine, he is accused of failing to stop at the stop sign at Washington Avenue and Summit Street. In count 10, he is accused of failing to stop at the stop sign at Summit Street and North Street. In count 11, he is accused of failing to stop at the stop sign at Ross Street and North Street. In count 12, he is accused of failing to stop at the stop sign at North Street and Vine Street. In count 13, Hale is accused of failing to stop at the stop sign at Vine Street and East Avenue. In count 14, he is accused of failure to stop for an emergency vehicle. It is alleged in count 14, that while operating the 1984 Kawasaki on May 15, that Hale failure to yield the right of way to a City of Batavia police vehicle blaring its siren. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Hale is accused of having been convicted of the crime of aggravated DWI, as a Class E felony, on Nov. 28, 2012 in Genesee County Court; and DWI, as a Class E felony, on Sept. 18, 2008, and those convictions were within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Jacob J. Szumigala is indicted for the crime of aggravated vehicular assault, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on April 18 on West Main Street in the Village of Corfu that Szumigala committed reckless driving by operating a 2008 Hyundai Sonata with North Carolina plates in a reckless manner. In so doing, he allegedly caused serious physical injury to another person. It is further alleged that he was intoxicated and had a BAC of .18 or more at the time. In count two, he is accused of first-degree vehicular assault, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that Szumigala caused serious physical injury to a person on West Main Street while having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time. In count three, he is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D felony, for recklessly causing serious physical injury to a person by means of a dangerous instrument -- a motor vehicle. In count four, he is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor for allegedly driving the Sonata while having a BAC of .18 percent or more. In count five, he is accused of misdemeanor DWI, for allegedly driving while intoxicated on April 18. In count six, the defendant is accused of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count six that Szumigala drove while his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities, and he did so while under the influence of alcohol. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, the defendant is accused of having been charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, per se, as a misdemeanor, in Oakfield Town Court. The suspension referred to in count six was mandatory pending prosecution April 9, 2018, for the violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law in Oakfield and was still in effect when he drove without a license on April 18 in Corfu.

Domingo Gomez-Gomez is indicted for the crime of first-degree rape, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that in the Town of Alexander on April 28 that Gomez-Gomez engaged in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion. In count two, he is accused of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that on May 4 in the Town of Alexander that he possessed a forged Social Security card with intent to defraud, deceive or injure another.

Jennifer A. Roskey is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on July 14 in the Town of Oakfield that Roskey possessed a dangerus knife or instrument -- a kitchen knife with an eight-inch blade, with intent to use it against another person. In count two, she is accused of second-degree menacing, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally placing a person in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by displaying a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. In count three, she is accused of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor, for knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17 years old. In count five, Roskey is accused of second-degree reckless endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count four that on July 5 while in a private vehicle on the Thruway in Erie County, that she engaged in conduct which created a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person. In counts five, six and seven, respectively, the defendant is accused of three more counts of endangering the welfare of a child, for acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of three children less than 17 while traveling on the Thruway July 5 from Genesee County to Erie County in a private vehicle. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Roskey is accused of having been convicted of aggravated DWI with a child passenger, a Class E felony, on Sept. 23, 2015 in Erie County Supreme Court, and this conviction forms the basis for count one in the current indictment.

Raymond J. Radley is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged on in the first week of March in the City of Batavia that Radley violated a duly served Order of Protection by intentionally being in the presence of the protected party. In counts two through 10, he is accused of second-degree criminal contempt, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in counts two through 10, respectively, that he contacted the protected party in violation of the court's Order of Protection, all in the Town of Le Roy: April 16 by telephone; April 16 by phone; May 8 by phone; May 9 by phone; May 14 by phone; May 16 by phone; May 7 via the website Plenty of Fish --- www. pof.com; first week of March, via Facebook Messenger/Video Chat; and last week of March, via Facebook Messenger/Video Chat. In Special Infomation filed by the District Attorney, Radley is accused of having been convicted of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony, on July 26, 2016, in Livingston County Court, and that conviction was for a violation of a stay away family offense order of protection and it was within five year previous to commission of the crime alleged in the current indictment,

Antonio M. McKinney is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 7 in the City of Batavia that McKinney drove a 2002 Mercedes-Benz in the Speedway parking lot at the intersection of routes 5 and 98 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, also a Class E felony, for driving while his license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, McKinney is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on Oct. 12, 2016 in the Buffalo City Court, Erie County, and the conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Melanie M. Matesz is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in counts one and two that on April 19 in the area of the Batavia City Court offices, located in the Genesee County Courts Facility, that she possessed a forged, fraudulent Order of Protection.

Jonathan E. Seiger is indicted for the crime of second-degree bail jumping, a Class E felony. It is alleged that Seiger was released from custody or allowed to remain at liberty, upon the condition that he would subsequently appear personally in Genesee County Court connection with a felony charge against him and that he failed to appear in court on Oct. 12 or voluntarily within 30 days thereafter.

Walk to End Alzheimer's returns to Batavia Sept. 22

By Billie Owens

The entire Le Roy Village Green team from a previous Walk to End Alzheimer’s (Brenda Houk is waering a purple lei on left side).

Submitted photo and press release:

Brenda Houk of Le Roy is acutely aware of the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease. While enrolled at Genesee Community College in Batavia, she began an internship at Le Roy Village Green working with residents who had varying degrees of cognitive loss and after graduating, she remained at LVG as Assistant Activities director.

“My heart could not pull away," Houk said. "I have had residents come and go, have made connections with family members over the years that show how much Alzheimer’s and other dementias affect others along with the person themselves. Seeing that is enough to want to make it stop and to find a way to prevent this disease from continuing."

Houk is doing that by leading the LVG team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in Batavia.

“It is sad thinking of your loved one, family, spouse, friends forgetting who they are, and who they love and share a life with. We can make a difference one person at a time.”

The walk is a family-friendly event that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 22, beginning at 9 a.m. with registration and check-in at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at 278 Bank St. The walk gets underway at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony

The walk route winds through the streets near Premier Genesee Center, and covers about two miles. Along the way, walkers will be entertained by local singers and more.

Participants start or join teams and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, which has a Western New York Chapter office in Williamsville.

There is no fee to sign-up, and there are incentives for reaching specific fundraising goals. All registered participants can enjoy free refreshments, access to basket and 50/50 raffles, entertainment and a keepsake pinwheel flower that can be personalized with their reasons for participating.

The majority of funds raised stay in WNY to provide free education programs, support groups, respite services and other resources for all impacted by dementia. A percentage of every walk donation is also targeted for research. Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable, unstoppable disease that cannot be prevented and the Alzheimer’s Association is the largest private funder of dementia research in the United States.

Registration is quick and easy online at alz.org/Walk or by calling (716) 626-0600. Walk-up registration is also welcome the morning of the event.

Early check-in is set for Tuesday, Sept. 18 from 3-7 p.m. at the Center. It allows participants to turn in donations, collect wrist bands for site access, pick-up their flowers, as well as earned medals and tee shirts, and purchase raffle tickets so they can avoid the lines and enjoy the all the wonderful components of this terrific walk!

Corporate support of the Walk is a critical factor in its fundraising success. The WNY Chapter is pleased to welcome new Platinum Sponsor Aetna, as well as returning Platinum Sponsors WDCX Radio and the law firm Cellino and Barnes. Other local corporate support comes from Merchants Insurance, Tim Hortons, The Manor House, Five Star Urgent Care and WCJW radio.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Association and local programs and services, visit alz.org/WNY or call 1.800.272.3900.

This season, WBTA streaming all Le Roy football games, broadcasting all Batavia games

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

WBTA Radio has expanded its coverage of local high school football with the addition of a secondary streaming channel WBTAi2.

“This new streaming service allows us to provide live, play-by-play coverage of two games at the same time,” said WBTA President Dan Fischer.

The station plans to use the new service to cover all Le Roy Knights home and away games for the entire regular season. Scott Ripley will call the games.

The secondary stream can be accessed from the WBTA website (WBTAi.com) or the station’s mobile app for iPhone and Android devices.

The station has also announced it will broadcast all Batavia High School Blue Devils varsity football games in the Livingston County League, home and away. WBTA veteran sports announcers Bob Brown, Jay Moran and John Vazquez will call the Blue Devils games along with selected Saturday afternoon contests featuring other area schools.

The Blue Devils games will be broadcast over WBTA AM & FM and streamed on the stations’ main online channel, WBTAi.com

A complete schedule of game broadcasts is available at WBTAi.com

Smoke from an electrical panel prompts firefighters to respond to Glenwood Drive home in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Smoke is reportedly coming from an electrical panel in a residence at 9246 Glenwood Drive in the Town of Le Roy. Le Roy fire is on scene; Bergen's ladder truck is also called along with Le Roy ambulance. Light smoke is inside. Now an engine out of Stafford is called.

UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: An infrared camera will be used to detect heat in the walls.

Law and Order: Le Roy police arrest two people suspected of driving drunk on Labor Day

By Billie Owens

Matthew J. Arelline, 49, of Wolcott, was arrested in the late evening of Sept. 3 by the Le Roy Police Department. Arelline was charged with: driving while intoxicated as a Class A misdemeanor; felony aggravated DWI with underage child passenger; failure to use designated lane; consumption/alcohol in a motor vehicle; and refusal to take breathe test. At approximately 10:47 p.m. on Sept. 3 an officer assigned to DWI Crackdown Patrol observed a vehicle allegedly operating failing to maintain its designated lane on Clay Street in the Village of Le Roy. Patrols initiated a lawful traffic stop and identified the operator as Arelline. After a subsequent investigation, it was believed he was intoxicated. Arelline had a child passenger in the vehicle. Arelline was taken into custody and processed without incident. He was arraigned in Le Roy Town Court put in County Jail on $2,500 cash/ $5,000 bond. Arelline is due back in court on Sept. 14th and Oct. 1st to answer the above charges.

Aaron G. Lynch, 27, of Churchville, was arrested in the early morning of Sept. 3 by the LeRoy Police Department. Lynch was charged with: driving while intoxicated; driving with a blood alcohol content greater than .08 of 1 percent, both class A misdemeanors; failure to use designated lane; driver's view obstructed; two counts of consumption/alcohol in a motor vehicle; and uninspected motor vehicle. At approximately 2:35 a.m. on Sept. 3, an officer assigned to DWI Crackdown Patrol observed a vehicle allegedly operating failing to maintain its designated lane on Wolcott Street in the Village of Le Roy. Patrols initiated a lawful traffic stop and identified the operator as Lynch and after a subsequent investigation, it was believed he was intoxicated. Lynch was taken into custody and processed without incident. Lynch was released with an appearance ticket and is due back in Town of Le Roy Court to answer the above charges on Oct. 1st.

Law and Order: Woman accused of kicking deputy while holding a child

By Howard B. Owens

Rachel Brittany Solomon, 26, of Meadville Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child, resisting arrest, and harassment, 2nd. Solomon is accused of damaging the property of another person at 6:39 p.m. Thursday at a location on Meadville Road. Solomon allegedly resisted arrest and kicked a deputy while holding a child. Solomon was jailed on $2,000 bail or $4,000 bond.

Nicholas David Frayne, 21, of Two Rod Road, Alden, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, and criminal trespass, 3rd. Frayne allegedly stole scrap metal from an enclosed property on Sumner Road, Darien, on July 21 and Aug. 9. The case was investigated by Deputy Kyle Krzemien and Investigator Joseph Loftus. Also charged, Dalton James Offhaus, 21, of Brookville Road, Alexander.

Robert C. Hayes, 28, of Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hayes was stopped by State Police at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday on Route 20 in Pavilion.

Voters in Le Roy reject request for new fire truck

By Howard B. Owens

A pair of voter referendums to help Le Roy Fire Department purchase a new ladder truck was defeated at the ballot box Tuesday night by tallies of 107 for and 236 against to buy a new truck, and 113 for and 228 against to sell the current truck.

The first referendum would have authorized the Le Roy Fire District to borrow $1 million and spend $400,000 of reserve funds.

Yesterday, Fire District officials released the following statement:

“We would like to thank the voters of the Le Roy Fire District for taking the time to turn out and vote at last night’s election and express their views.

The results of this vote will help us shape how the District’s responsibility to provide the best possible fire protection and service to the residents.

At the same time, we need to recognize the time and efforts of the Departments’ officers and Apparatus Committee for their two years of time and research into developing the basis for this vote. We will redirect their work into continuing the best possible firefighting force for this community.

We must keep in front of us that this was a vote on a fire truck and not on the dedication, commitment and professionalism of the men and women of the Le Roy Fire Department.”

Signed: Le Roy Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners, Fire Chiefs and Officers

Batavia and Le Roy not on the list of closures for Tops Markets

By Howard B. Owens

Tops Markets today announced it plans to close 10 stores but the neither the Batavia store nor the Le Roy store is on the list.

Tops is in the midst of a financial restructuring and a judge overseeing their bankruptcy proceedings will need to approve the closures.

The chain's other 159 stores are all expected to remain open but as many as 600 of the company's 14,000 employees are likely to lose their jobs.

The company said the 10 stores selected for closure are "underperforming."

The stores scheduled for closure:

  • 2120 W. Genesee St., Syracuse
  • 4141 S. Salina St., Syracuse
  • 710 Lake Ave., Rochester
  • 175 N. Winton Road, Rochester
  • 6720 Pittsford/Palmyra Road, Fairport
  • 33 Forgham St., Lyons
  • 381 Hamilton St., Geneva
  • 909 W. 1st St. S., Fulton
  • 299 S. Main St., Elmira
  • 622 Lake Flower Ave., Saranac Lake

Law and Order: Byron resident accused of damaging property of a neighbor

By Howard B. Owens

Nicholas Ronald Schramm, 18, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Schramm is accused of damaging property of another person while at a residence, not his own, on Byron Holley Road, Byron, on Monday. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Connor D. Gardner, 18, of Kemp Drive, Macedon, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Justin Daniel Pursel, 28, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Pursel was allegedly involved in an accident on Batavia Elba Townline Road at 1:30 a.m. Saturday. The accident was investigated by Deputy Mathew Clor and Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Kyle J. Stack, 32, of Medina, is charged with DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana, and obstruction of governmental administration. Stack is accused of driving drunk in the Town of Bergen at 11:11 p.m. Tuesday though he was arrested by State Police in the Village of Medina. He was ordered held on cash bail. No further details released.

Quinton V. Holmes, 27, of Churchville, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, failure to keep right, and speeding. Holmes was stopped by State Police on Buffalo Road, Bergen, at 3:43 p.m. Saturday.

Jennifer L. Blake, 44, of Elba, and Christopher W. Blake, 44, of Byron, are charged with trespass. The two people were arrested by State Police for allegedly trespassing on property in Byron at 7:45 p.m. Thursday. No further details released.

Jay R. Howcraft, 58, of Rochester, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Howcraft was stopped by State Police at 8:21 p.m. Friday on Pratt Road, Town of Batavia.

Le Roy voters asked to approve in vote this evening the purchase of new ladder truck

By Howard B. Owens

Voters in the Le Roy Fire District are being asked this evening to decide whether to approve a plan to purchase a new ladder truck for the Le Roy Volunteer Fire Department.

The polls are open from 6 to 9 p.m. at the district office, 4 Clay St., Le Roy.

The district is asking voters to approve a loan of $1 million, an expenditure of $400,000 from reserve funds, and the sale of an existing ladder truck.

The two resolutions:

Resolution  1: “Bond resolution of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Le Roy Fire District in the Town of Le Roy, Genesee County, New York, authorizing the acquisition of one firefighting vehicle at a maximum cost of $1,400,000; and authorizing the issuance of up to $1,000,000 in serial bonds of said fire district to finance a portion of the cost thereof.”

Resolution 2: “Resolution of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Le Roy Fire District  in the Town of Le Roy, Genesee County, New York, authorizing the disposition of the fire district’s 2002 Pierce 100-foot ladder truck  including incidental equipment and apparatuses to be used in connection with such vehicle.”

In a letter of support for the resolutions, commissioners said now is the time to act because of anticipated increases in the costs of manufacturing, additional mandated certificates, and economic conditions that will drive up the cost of replacement of the current ladder truck.

At the same time, the resale market value of the existing truck, which will be 18 years old by the time it is taken out of service, will only decrease. 

Travis Tritt a big draw for The Ridge NY

By Howard B. Owens

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It was a near capacity crowd at The Ridge NY in Le Roy last night for Travis Tritt.

Co-owner David Luetticke-Archbell said both VIP tickets and the campground were sold out. Once the Frostridge Campground sold out, he started referring customers to other campgrounds in the county and three other campgrounds sold out.

He doesn't have an exact ticket count yet but he said it may have been the largest crowd ever for a concert at The Ridge.

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Le Roy's Women of the Moose host Pig Roast Sept. 29 to benefit YWCA of Genesee County

By Billie Owens

Women of the Moose in Le Roy will host a Pig Roast to benefit the YWCA of Genesee County from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Loyal Order of Moose No. 1132, located at 21 Bank St. in Le Roy.

Open to the public.

There will be basket raffles, prize raffles, and 50/50. Also, the YWCA will be on hand selling their cash raffle tickets for a chance at the Grand Prize of $10,000. Only 200 tickets at $100 apiece will be sold for the Grand Prize. Drawing will be held Dec. 6.

Food: roasted pork, salt potatoes, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, roll and butter, dessert. All you can eat; includes a bottle of water. Cash bar. No take-out containers will be provided for in-house dining.

Price: Adults -- $12; Kids 11 and older -- $7; Kids 10 and under eat free.

Tickets available at the Le Roy Moose Lodge or at the YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia; or by calling Martha Bailey at 261-0714.

All proceeds benefit the YWCA of Genesee County to help with the important work they do in our community.

Law and Order: McKenzie Street woman in Bergen accused of leaving a child under 5 without proper supervision

By Billie Owens

Christina Louise Wass, 45, of McKenzie Street, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested at 8 p.m. on Aug. 21 following a complaint in the Village of Bergen. It is alleged that Wass had a minor under age 17 in her care and custody and that she left the child alone without proper supervision, and that child was under age 5. She was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court and jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $3,000 bond. She is due in Town of Bergen Court on Sept. 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Howard Wilson, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

John David Meiler, 33, of Reinhardt Road, Alden, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; DWI; and operating a vehicle withcKeout an ignition interlock device. On Aug. 21 at about 7:48 p.m., Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to 358 Bloomingdale Road in Alabama for a property damage accident. Meiler, whose driver's license has been revoked, was arrested at the scene on the charges. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Alabama Court on Sept. 26. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre.

Mark David Humel, 26, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with: driving while ability impaired (DWAI); aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; DWAI -- combined drugs and alcohol; used a vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device; and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. On Aug. 20 at about 3:37 p.m., Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to 8330 Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia for a report of a property damage accident. Following an investigation, Humel, whose driver's license is revoked, was arrested on the charges. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 24. The case was investigated by Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Marshall A. Silvernail, 31, of Asbury Road, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 12 for trespass, a violation. Le Roy Police Department responded to a residence located in the Village in the early morning hours of July 29 after receiving a complaint that there was an unwanted subject on the property. Upon arrival, patrols allegedly located Silvernail on the property attempting to enter the premises. After a brief investigation, it is believed that Silvernail had previously been told he was not allowed on the property and charges were later brought for his arrest. He was due in Le Roy Town Court Aug. 13 to answer the charge.

Ramon S. Gilliam, 43, of Main Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 16  by the Le Roy Police Department and with charged with attempted identity theft in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor. This charge stemmed from a complaint that officers received and after an investigation it is alleged that Gilliam did in fact, attempt such crime. Gilliam was taken into custody and processed without incident and issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 20 in Le Roy Town Court to answer the charge.

Genesee Tourism: hike, bike, paddle & play - 7 ways to explore the outdoors

By Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

Summer isn’t over yet, and what better way to enjoy those final weeks of warmth than getting outside and soaking up the sun? We’ve rounded up some great places in Genesee County to enjoy the outdoors, get on the water, and take in everything summer has to offer.

Explore Nature, Wildlife, and the Outdoors

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Described as “one of the best kept secrets in Western New York," the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is the largest in the state. With more than 10,000 acres, there’s plenty here to explore. This Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 42 species of mammals, plus reptiles, fish, amphibians and insects. It’s a favorite of birdwatchers thanks to its 6,000 acres of swampland. Created at the end of the last Ice Age, the swamp is all that remains of the prehistoric Lake Tonawanda that once stretched from Niagara Falls to Rochester. It supports in excess of 266 species of bird, including bald eagles. 

What to do: Avid birdwatchers can find their favorite species using the eBird Trail Tracker. Find what birds have been sighted on the refuge in the last 30 days, and where the best places to see them are. Non-birders and outdoor explorers can enjoy the outdoors year-round with activities like hunting, fishing, canoeing and cross-country skiing. The refuge also hosts a variety of educational activities, including owl prowls, bird walks, fishing derbies, stargazing and more. While there, don’t forget to browse the gift shop area and stop into the Visitors Center, open year-round from Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Bergen Swamp

While visiting a swamp may sound odd at first, one visit to the Bergen Swamp and you’ll be hooked! Home to 2,000 acres of wetlands, the swamp is a National Natural Landmark and the country’s first private environmental land trust chartered as a New York State Living Museum. Best known for its flowers, the swamp is home to 36 native orchids that flourish in the wet conditions. It’s also the perfect habitat for ferns, cedars and riparian floodplains.

What to do: Visitors to the swamp can explore on their own or take one of the many guided tours offered by the Bergen Swamp Preservation Society. Bring the camera and the sketchbook -- you never know what may inspire you along the trail.

Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center

Welcome to oldest county forest in New York State! Explore 430 acres of rolling hills, hiking trails, playgrounds, ball fields, a sledding hill and more. Ten miles of trails and five ponds put you up close and personal with nature and our woodland friends. The park in East Bethany is also home to the Interpretive Nature Center, where guests can play their way through the activity room, display rooms and Discovery Zone. The rear porch is known for being a prime place for wildlife spotting.

What to do: What can’t you do here? Visitors love playing on the playground, exploring the trails, sledding, and everything in between. The Park and Interpretive Center also host education seminars and events throughout the year, including owl prowls, crafts, introduction to orienteering and stargazing.

DeWitt Recreation Area

Four seasons of fun! Enjoy 64 acres of outdoors, where the kids can run off all their energy and the adults can join in on the fun. Prior to 1935, DeWitt Recreation Area was used as a sand and gravel quarry, which was later abandoned and adopted as a recreation area for residents. In 1992, the land was donated to Genesee County, and restored to its natural setting. It now operates as an outdoor home for family fun and recreation, year-round.

What to do: Walk the quarter-mile paved trail loop or explore marked dirt trails. Enjoy hiking and biking, as well as canoeing and fishing on the pond during the spring, summer and fall. In the winter, bundle up and try cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing on the trails, or ice skating and pickup hockey games. DeWitt Recreation Area also hosts special events, so keep an eye on the calendar for the next one. 

Play in the Water and Soak up the Sun

Angry Apple Disc Golf Course

Established in 2017, play your way through this 18-hole course as it weaves its way across an old apple orchard. Designed for both finesse and accuracy, you’ll need to get your throwing arm warmed up and ready to go if you want to win.

Oatka Paddle Company

Grab your friends and head for the water! The newly opened (as of July 2018) Oatka Paddle Company offers paddle boat rentals for up to five people per boat, as well as single kayak rentals. Head down to the creek to enjoy an afternoon on the water.

Kayak and Canoe

Genesee County has several great kayak and canoe launch sites, including Harlow Lake at Darien Lake State Park, Oak Orchard River at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, John T. O'Brien Canoe Launch at Kiwanis Park, East Pembroke Genesee County Boat Launch, and the Red Bridge Area in Le Roy – just to name a few.

Explore more opportunities to get in touch with nature on the Genesee County Website, outdoor section, at www.visitgeneseeny.com.

Law and Order: Driver accused of driving drunk with two prior convictions

By Howard B. Owens

Candido Candelaria III, 26, of East State Street, Albion, is charged with: felony DWI; felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater; first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle; following too closely; driver's view obstructed; and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Candelaria was reportedly involved in an accident at 12:12 p.m., Thursday, on Clinton Street Road, Le Roy, which was investigated by Deputy Kevin Forsyth. Candelaria reportedly has two DWI convictions in the past 10 years.

Mikhail Alexander MacPherson, 35, of Gully Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, menacing, 3rd, and unlawful imprisonment, 2nd. MacPherson allegedly prevented a victim from calling for emergency assistance or leaving a residence during a dispute reported at 12:32 a.m. Friday on Gully Road, Le Roy.

Photos: 10th Annual Firefighters Fun Day at The Ridge

By Howard B. Owens

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It was Firefighters Fun Day at The Ridge in Le Roy today, with the families and volunteers from Le Roy and Caledonia participating along with other guests of Frostridge Campground in games, auctions, a concert, and a cookout.

We were there during the waterslide fun.

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