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Le Roy Central School District named one of 2016's Best Communities for Music Education -- 10th time in 11 years

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation has designated Le Roy Central School District as one of the 2016 Best Communities for Music Education.

This designation is awarded to district and school music education programs "for outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education par of the core curriculum."

Le Roy has been awarded this honor 10 times in the last 11 years. The Le Roy music program supports over 360 students in chorus and over 210 students in band district-wide.

According to Mary Luehrsen, NAMM Foundation executive director, the Best Communities designation brings "hard-won visibility to music classes, programs and departments that are keeping music education alive in our schools.

The school district congratulates the Le Roy Music Department -- Lindsay Buckel, Jessa Dechant, Dan DeLuca, Jackie McLean, Brad Meholick, Matt Nordhausen -- students, parents and school community on their hard work and dedication to music in Le Roy!

Law and Order: Le Roy man charged with DWI, allegedly had BAC over .18 percent

By Billie Owens

Nicholas Robert Fairfield, 24, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC of over .18 percent, speed not reasonable and prudent, failure to keep right, failure to stop at the stop sign. In the early afternoon on March 26 on Warsaw Road in Le Roy, Fairfield was involved in a one-car accident, no injuries, at the Intersection of Warsaw Road (Route 19) and Perry Road. The vehicle came to rest in a ditch on the west shoulder of Route 19. Further investigation revealed that Fairfield was allegedly operating his vehicle while intoxicated. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Gregory Walker.

Living Waters Church in Le Roy to hold FREE prom dress giveaway on Saturday: 'Girls Helping Girls'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Living Waters Church in Le Roy has more than 400 beautiful prom dresses (more than Kohl's, JC Penneys, and Macy's combined!) on hand for this Saturday's free prom dress giveaway called "Girls Helping Girls."

The dresses are either brand new or gently used, but all beautiful, with a terrific assortment of sizes.

Doors open at 10 a.m. and it runs until 1 p.m., at 30 Main St. in Downtown Le Roy (the former Movie Theater). Anyone with questions can call the church office at 768-7570 or check the Web site at www.livingwatersleroy.org

This idea was birthed out of compassion a number of years ago and suggested by Valerie Moore who thought about the families whose finances are tight and would rather not spend money on a dress that will be worn only once, and the event has grown each year. The first year there were about 75 dresses.

In the last few years, some families have insisted on making donations, so the church decided to keep "paying it forward" by sending any donations received to the House of Hope being built in Moshi, Tanzania, as a refuge for girls there who would be otherwise destined for a life of sex slavery or child marriage. We want to emphasize, however, that these dresses are available completely free -- no expectations attached!

Tech grant will use analog games and toys to foster digital success in local classrooms

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The School Library System (SLS), a program of the Le Roy-based Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (the Partnership) was awarded a three-year, $150,000 New York State learning technologies grant. The first year of the grant will be implemented at Batavia Middle School.

The GAME Tech Project (Genesee Advancing Mathematics and English Language Arts with Technology) will increase student academic achievement as measured by New York State assessments in Mathematics and English Language Arts by providing opportunities for students to engage in learning content through technology in a way that is meaningful and authentic, enabling students to solve problems and be creative.

SLS staff will focus on the underlying skills of computational thinking to prepare students and teachers for success in computer programming and other STEM work. SLS staff will provide professional development opportunities to improve student performance through integration of learning technologies in classrooms and school library media centers. In subsequent years, the grant will be expanded to include all Partnership component school districts.

Over the next three years, the SLS staff will work with member librarians and teachers in elementary and middle schools to implement a program of technology professional development and classroom implementation built around analog play for digital success. These kits will include LightUp and Little Bits sets for circuit design and electronics problem solving; games and other resources for computer programming, LEGO WeDo and Mindstorms kits for robotics development; and audio and video kits for media production. By starting with analog resources like games and toys, SLS staff will help teachers build confidence and comfort within STEM fields. 

“The Partnership is excited to be able to expand offerings to our component schools districts through the Game Tech Grant. The focus will be on preparing students to be creative and possess analytical, problem solving and communication skills. Game design, engineering, manufacturing, electronics and design tech are career fields aligned with the scope of the work,” said Julie Donlon, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and School Improvement.

The Partnership SLS is uniquely suited to implement the GAME Tech project given their long history of working with games as curriculum aligned instructional resources. The SLS Game Library, launched in 2007, is the largest K-12 aligned library of games in the country. Christopher Harris, director of the Partnership SLS, will be the principal investigator working alongside Library/Technology specialists Brian Mayer from the Game Library and Liesl Toates, who coordinates technology professional development and the Media Library. 

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The School Library System and Distance Learning Service are programs of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.

Photos: Easter Egg Hunt at Hartwood Park

By Raymond Coniglio

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Several hundred youngsters participated in the annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday morning at Le Roy's Hartwood Park. In additiion to the candy-filled eggs — about 6,600 of them — the event featured free hot dogs, raffle prizes and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

The event is supported by volunteers and local organizations, and coordinated by the Le Roy Business Council.

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Business Council President Bob Bennett calls out winning raffle numbers. A ticket was given to each youngster who participated in the Easter Egg Hunt.

High-speed police chase starts in Village of Le Roy, ends in Scottsville, but driver remains at large

By Billie Owens

Le Roy police officers chased a speeding vehicle northbound, then eastbound, winding up off Route 383 at an apartment complex on Robert Quigley Drive in Scottsville, Monroe County. 

The scofflaw driver drove through the complex and exited at a driveway off North Road. After talking with Monroe County Sheriff's deputies, Le Roy officers are turning to the Village of Le Roy.

The driver remains at large. "Monroe County is going to fish around" for the suspect. Authorities have the license plate number of the four-door silver Saturn SUV sedan and the name of the registered owner, a white male who lives in Batavia.

The officer told a dispatcher the car windows are tinted and it was difficult to see the operator, but it was possibly a black male.

Speeds reached nearly 90 mph at one point. Traffic was reportedly light on the pursuit route. The driver was said to have ran at least one red light during the pursuit.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: They thought the suspect vehicle was located at the registered owner's residence on Bank Street. But an officer says: "There's no way they had time to get back to Batavia. I'm wondering if they took a plate off?" Reply: "Both plates (on vehicle); cold to the touch." They are running plates in the system on a couple of vehicles. Investigation continues.

UPDATE 5:33 p.m.: A registered owner they had been seeking to question just pulled up at the residence. No mention made of the vehicle he is in.

Kitchen fire reported on Gate Street, Bergen

By Billie Owens

A kitchen fire is reported at 14 Gate St., Bergen.

Le Roy fire and Bergen fire are dispatched.

CORRECTION: The story originally had the address, incorrectly, in Le Roy. Howard heard the call and I put up what he told me. Sorry for the confusion.

House fire reported on Clay Street in Le Roy, smoke and flames showing

By Billie Owens

(Photos by Jim Burns.)

A house fire with flames and smoke showing is reported at 30 Clay St., Village of Le Roy. Le Roy fire and ambulance repsonding along with a ladder, mutual aid, from Bergen.

UPDATE 5:50 p.m.: The city's FAST team is called to the scene along with aid from Pavilion and Stafford. Fire police are asked to shut down traffic at Clay and Wolcott streets.

UPDATE 5:58 p.m.: Le Roy commands advises caution by responders upon approach because live power lines are down in the roadway near the scene. National Grid is notified and has a 30-minute ETA.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: The fire is knocked down. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Law and Order: Man arrested for DWI after allegedly found passed out in car on Lake Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

James Daniel Kavanagh, 26, of Stenwick Drive, Churchville-Chili, is charged with operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more, driving while intoxicated -- first offense, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, 1st, and stopping/parking on a highway. Kavanagh was arrested at 2:56 p.m. March 20 following an investigation of a report of a person passed out in a vehicle at a stop sign on Route 19 (Lake Road) in the Town of Le Roy. He allegedly had a BAC of .08 or more at the time. He was processed at Genesee County Jail, then released on appearance tickets for a later date in Town of Le Roy Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings, assisted by Le Roy Police.

Law and Order: Le Roy man arrested for allegedly slamming a female into a wall, causing injury

By Billie Owens

Thomas Alan Alexander, 53, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested on March 13 following the investigation of a harassment complaint on Lake Street Road in the Town of Le Roy. He allegedly slammed a female into a wall causing physical injury. He is to appear in Le Roy Town Court on March 28.

Nolan Robert Powless, 18, of East Center Street, Medina, is charged with: second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; being an unlicensed operator; and having a plate lamp violation. He was arrested on a bench warrant out of Town of Batavia Court for allegedly failing to appear for court. The charges stem from a traffic stop on Jan. 12. He is scheduled to be in Town of Batavia Court on April 6.

Easter Bunny gets some help in Le Roy

By Raymond Coniglio

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Even the Easter Bunny needs helpers.

About two dozen of them gathered at the Le Roy Moose Family Center on Saturday morning, to prepare for the upcoming community Easter Egg Hunt.

The free event draws hundreds of children every year. But before the hunting, comes the stuffing.

And so about 6,600 multicolored plastic eggs were filled with candy on Saturday.

The roster of helpers once again included Marlene McMahon — who has participated every Easter season for 20 years — as well as representatives of the Moose, Le Roy Business Council, Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Rotary Club of Le Roy; and students from Le Roy and Notre Dame high schools.

Oatka Fish and Game Club and Northwoods Sportsman Club helped pay for candy. Nearly 20,000 pieces were placed in the eggs.

The Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for 1 p.m. March 26 and will include an appearance by the Easter Bunny, hot dogs, prizes and more. The event is for children 12 and under, who are divided by age group.

There is no charge. Everything — from eggs and candy, to food and labor — is provided by volunteers.

“They make it happen,” said Bob Bennett, president of the Business Council, which coordinates the event.

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Marlene McMahon has helped prepare for Le Roy's Easter Egg Hunt ever year for 20 years.

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Le Roy police nab two teen boys for alleged criminal mischief -- throwing rocks, breaking a window, fleeing on bicycles

By Billie Owens

Le Roy Police officers have detained two white males estimated to be about 18 years old in connection with a criminal mischief complaint about a half hour ago. A caller reported that two teenaged boys on BMX-style bikes rode by a business on Myrtle Main Street and threw rocks, which broke a window. The suspects were apprehended on Main Street within minutes and are said to be well known to local law enforcement. Authorities have contacted a representative of Municipal Solutions, a management consulting service in the Village, to make the person aware of damages. One of the youths is wanted by Attica PD, which has been contacted and a meeting is being arranged for them to pick up that person.

UPDATE AND CLARIFICATION: The two teens were juveniles and will not be charged criminally.  The incident occurred on Main Street, not Myrtle. There was no warrant and there was no meet up with Attica PD.

Law and Order: Richmond Avenue resident charged with aggravated DWI, allegedly had BAC of .21 percent

By Billie Owens

Steven Paul Diveronica, 47, of Richmond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with aggravated DWI and DWI. On Friday at 10:44 p.m. Diveronica was arrested following an investigation into a vehicle pulled over on the side of Richmond Avenue. It is alleged that Diveronica was the driver and that he appeared intoxicated on alcohol. After submitting to standard field sobriety tests, he was arrested. A chemical test subsequently resulted, allegedly, in a BAC of .21 percent. He was released with appearance tickets to return later in City of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Honour Haley Myers, 27, of York Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Myers was arrested on Clinton Street Road in Bergen at 8:26 p.m. on Friday following a domestic incident. She allegedly possessed marijuana in the trunk of her car. She was issued an appearance ticket to be in Town of Bergen Court on April 6. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy Chad Cummings.

Le Roy Junior-Senior High School closed for second day

By Raymond Coniglio

Le Roy Junior-Senior High will be closed today, “due to ongoing issues in the boiler room,” Superintendent Kim Cox said in an automated message to parents.

The school was evacuated and closed Thursday morning after a possible natural gas leak was reported.

The message from Cox was sent to parents at 6:24 a.m. today.

Programs at BOCES are not affected by the closing in Le Roy. Students who attend BOCES in the morning, will be picked up on the morning school bus run as usual, Cox said.

Students who attend afternoon classes at BOCES are asked to report to the Junior-Senior High School bus loop by 11:20 a.m. Students who need a ride to school are advised to contact the Transportation Department 768-8640 by 9 a.m. today, and one will be arranged, Cox said.

High School Principal Tim McArdle will send a follow-up message later today, to let students and staff know how they can pick up any materials at the school they need for the weekend, Cox said.

Wolcott Street School, which houses students in prekindergarten through sixth grade, was closed Tuesday morning after a venting problem caused an odor in the building. Classes resumed Thursday and will continue as scheduled today, Cox said.

Le Roy board approves creation of independent town ZBA

By Raymond Coniglio

The Le Roy Town Board on Thursday voted to create a three-member town Zoning Board of Appeals.

In effect, the action abolishes the joint town/village ZBA. Members of the new town ZBA will serve three-year terms.

The measure was approved, 4-1, after a 15-minute public hearing in the town courtroom. John Duyssen, who was elected to the board in November, cast the dissenting vote.

Seven people spoke during the hearing. Most opposed breaking up the existing joint ZBA.

The law — officially, Local Law No. 1 of 2016 — will become effective upon its filing with the state Secretary of State. That is required within 20 days.

The Town Board voted this past November to withdraw from the 2004 intermunicipal agreement that established the town/village ZBA. A public hearing had been planned for December.

Those actions came before the joint ZBA could comply with a court order for it to rule on the legal status of Frost Ridge Campground. Interim Supreme Court Judge Robert Noonan subsequently ordered the town to cancel its public hearing, and for the ZBA to conduct a hearing on Frost Ridge by Dec. 18, 2015.

The current ZBA ruled in favor of Frost Ridge on Feb. 17.

Following its approval to create a town ZBA, the board voted unanimously on several related matters:

— The board agreed to the appointment of John Rider as town ZBA chairman, with a three-year term to expire Dec. 31, 2018; and Robert Uberty to serve as member for a four-term term to expire Dec. 31, 2019. (The seat held by Uberty would subsequently be for a three-year term.) Matthew Gilligan was appointed to serve as alternate, and Debbi Jackett — who chairs the current joint ZBA — would continue as a member of the town ZBA.

— The town ZBA would be prohibited from spending any funds beyond its allocated budget, without the prior approval of the Town Board.

— The town ZBA would be required to use the services of the town attorney and town engineer. The town attorney may waive that requirement if in the “best interest” of the town.

Sponsored Post: This week's specials at Mooney's!

By Lisa Ace

Live Music Friday, March 25th, Red Creek 9:30pm - 1:30am! Stop in and try our lunch specials starting at $5.99 on Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. -- 3 p.m. or our famous breakfast specials on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8 a.m. -- 1 p.m. Join the Mooney’s Mobile VIP Club now and get $5 off your purchase of $25 or more. Text MBG3 to 51660. Plus stay tuned for more inside offers and updates. Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill, 65 Lake St., LeRoy, NY. 585-768-4949. Click here to visit our Facebook page.

Gas leak reported at Le Roy HS

By Howard B. Owens

There is a natural gas leak reported at Le Roy Junior/Senior High School.

Le Roy fire is on scene. Stafford, Bergen and Pavilion dispatched mutual aid.

About 20 minutes ago, Le Roy fire was dispatched to the school for a pull station alarm.

UPDATE 10:41 a.m.: Town of Batavia fire requested to fill in at Le Roy's fire hall. Pavilion, which was standing by, now called to the school, located at 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy school cleared to resume classes Wednesday

By Raymond Coniglio

Le Roy’s Wolcott Street School was evacuated as a precaution this morning, due to a “strange odor” in the building, Principal Carol Messura said.

No one was in danger at any time, Messura said in an automated message to parents, and school will resume as normal on Wednesday.

“This morning we experienced a strange odor permeating through the Lapp wing and first floor of our Wolcott Street building,” Messura said in the message this evening.

“This was not a natural gas leak,” she said. “What we did find was a venting problem. At no time was anyone in danger. We were simply following protocol.”

The evacuation was ordered before the start of school, and parents were notified at 8:55 a.m. Arriving students were either “reverse-bused” home, dismissed to their parents or transported to the Junior-Senior High School.

Le Roy Fire Department and RG&E personnel investigated, and gave the all-clear about 10 a.m.

Wolcott Street School accommodates children from prekindergarten through sixth grade.

Previous coverage: Le Roy elementary school evacuated

Le Roy elementary school evacuated

By Raymond Coniglio

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Le Roy's Wolcott Street School was evacuated this morning “due to an odor,” Brian Foeller, business administrator, said in an automated voice message to parents.

Students were not allowed into the building, and are being sent home.

Students who take the bus to school will be “reverse-bused” home. Those who do not have a parent to receive them will be taken to the junior-senior high school or to a sitter if one is on file, the message said.

Students who walked to school were being dismissed from the school auditorium, the message said.

Wolcott Street School houses students in grades K-6.

UPDATE 9:45 a.m.: Le Roy Fire Department and RG&E personnel are at the school to investigate a possible natural gas leak. Also, in a follow-up automated message, the district said the evacuation was completed by 9:30 a.m. and any students who have not been sent home can be picked up at the Junior-Senior High School. 

Bald eagles near Le Roy town line drawing local attention

By James Burns

Bald eagles are using a nest on Oatka Trail, just outside of Le Roy.

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Harassing, disturbing or injuring a bald eagle is a federal offense and carries a penalty of up to $20,000 and/or one year in jail. Remember that bald eagles should remain undisturbed, and it is important that they conserve energy during the winter months.

Bald eagle viewing tips from the NY Department of Conservation to help you to have the best possible experience:

  • Use a designated bald eagle viewing site;
  • Scan the tree line for eagles that are perched in the treetops;
  • Look overhead for eagles soaring high in the sky;
  • Check ice floes or river islands for eagles sunning themselves or enjoying a meal;
  • Arrive early (7 to 9 a.m.) or stay late (4 to 5 p.m.), when eagles are most active;
  • Be patient -- the key to successful viewing is patience.

For the safest and least intrusive bald eagle viewing, we recommend the following "Eagle Etiquette":

  • Remain in or immediately next to your vehicle, and don't approach eagles closer than a quarter mile; Avoid roosting areas;
  • Refrain from loud noises: honking horns, door slamming, radios playing, yelling, etc.;
  • Keep pets at home;
  • Use binoculars or spotting scopes instead of trying to get a little closer;
  • Don't do anything to try to make the bird fly;
  • Respect private property and avoid restricted areas.

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