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Le Roy

Law and Order: Man accused of bringing marijuana into the jail

By Howard B. Owens

Edward Thomas Zaremski, 62, of Lockport Road, Oakfield, is charged with promoting prison contraband, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Zaremski allegedly possessed a small amount of marijuana upon entering the jail at 12:35 a.m., Sunday.

Kayo Takeshita, 23, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Takeshita is accused of displaying a knife in a threatening manner during a fight at College Village. A stay away order of protection was issued in the matter.

James William Caccamise, 81, of Asbury Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Caccamise allegedly backed into a building at GCC at 11:16 p.m., Tuesday, and later drove into the yard of a residence in Le Roy. The investigation was handled by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Lauren Elizabeth Charache, 33, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with forgery, 2nd. Charache allegedly signed the name of a deceased woman on a contract.

CTE students inducted into National Tech Honor Society

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In March, the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Chapters inducted 119 Career and Technical students from the Charles G. May Center and Batavia Campus. Evening candlelight ceremonies took place at the May Center and Elba High School.

These students met a rigorous criteria set forth by this national organization. The minimum grade-point average for acceptance is a 3.0. Students are also selected based upon credit hours completed, attendance, volunteer service, and membership in other student organizations.

Honorary memberships were presented to Michael Glover, Ph.D., district superintendent of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, and David O’Geen, Precision Machining instructor at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center.

Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

Alexander

William Burke                         Metal Trades

Miriah Gaudy                          Metal Trades

Christina Haniszewski            Health Careers Academy

Donald Ohlson                       Electronics & Comp Tech

Fleur Remington                    Legal Careers Academy

Matthew Szymanski               Metal Trades

Brittany Taylor                        Legal Careers Academy

 

Attica

Ashley Brotherton                  Health Careers Academy

Aleiah Brunner                       Animal Science

Nathan Burry                         Building Trades

Mitchell Cayea                       Metal Trades

Amber Holley                         Criminal Justice

Kellee Kibler                          Health Careers Academy

Angela LePrell                       Health Careers Academy

Nicole Strauchen                   Health Careers Academy

Batavia

Tyler Kuhn                             Conservation

Rebecca Meloon                   Cosmetology

Miranda Reed                       Animal Science

Louis Scafetta                       Building Trades

Ashley Stachowski                Animal Science

McKenzie Stevens                Legal Careers Academy

Byron Bergen

Nicole Fore                            Health Careers Academy

Kara Hall                                Health Careers Academy

Andrew McKenrick                 Conservation

Blake Snyder                         Conservation

Alexandra Walker                   Health Careers Academy

Caledonia Mumford

Devan Ayers                          Metal Trades

Andrew Carpino                     Auto Technology NATEF

Nichole Essig                         Health Careers Academy

Brittany Kerr                           Animal Science

Cody McGinnis                       Metal Trades

Ryan Sickles                          Metal Trades

Elba

Viviana Gaytan                      Human Services

Le Roy

Alexandra Beswick                Computer Information Academy

Christopher DeFelice             Legal Careers Academy

Emily Morrill                           Health Dimensions

Verneda Peete                       Legal Careers Academy

Brittany Shultz                       Culinary Arts

Oakfield Alabama

Brian Borkholder                    Electronics & Comp Tech

Paige Chatt                            Legal Careers Academy

Chelsea Cleveland                 Health Careers Academy

Brittany Denton                      Health Careers Academy

Jenifer Igoe                            Health Careers Academy

Casey McVay                         Computer Information Academy

Brennan Neidrauer                 Metal Trades

Sadie Schultz                         Legal Careers Academy

Haley Woodrich                      Human Services

Pavilion

Nicole Forti                             Health Careers Academy

Heather Yuhnke                     Cosmetology

Pembroke

Mitchell Allen                          Auto Technology NATEF

Kari Ammon                           Health Careers Academy

Nick Blackwell                        Graphic Arts

Austin Blaszak                       Graphic Arts

Brooke Keller                         Cosmetology

Tyler Lang                              Conservation

Law and Order: Trio of youths accused of breaking into residence, stealing bracelet

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua A. Stantos, 18, of 4585 Lake Ave., Rochester; Tyree A. Bradley, 20, of 1270 North St., Rochester; and, Skylynn D. Johnson, 16, of 110 Walnut St., Batavia, are charged with burglary, 2nd, and robbery, 2nd. The suspects are accused of entering a residence without permission and using force to steal a bracelet. The alleged incident was reported at 3:34 p.m., Thursday. All three were jailed without bail.

Darrin Todd Moreland, 47, of Telegraph Road, Medina, is charged with petit larceny. Moreland is accused of stealing snow fences and posts.The fences were rolled up and laying along the side of Lewiston Road waiting for the Town of Oakfield Highway Department to pick up.

Charles Rashad Foster, 26, of Carter Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Foster was a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 3:33 p.m. Sunday on Oak Street, Batavia, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy and found during the traffic stop to allegedly possess marijauna.

Brianna Elise McGrady, 24, of Campbell Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, driver's view obstructed and unlicensed operator. McGrady's vehicle was stopped at 3:33 p.m. Sunday on Oak Street, Batavia, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Edward Thomas Zaremski, 62, of Lockport Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, failure to keep right, refused pre-screen device. Zaremski's vehicle was stopped by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello at 11:56 p.m. Saturday on Lockport Road, Oakfield, after a report of a vehicle in Elba being driven erratically. Zaremski was jailed on $100 bail.

Lauren Kay Pellegrino, 31, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, speeding, possession of an open container, unlicensed operator. Pellegrino's vehicle was stopped at 12:07 a.m. Saturday on Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Jessica Katherine Forrester, 21, of Erie Street, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Forrester was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Deputy Patrick Reeves on Route 77 in Pembroke.

Christopher Arron Saddler, 29, of West State Street, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Saddler was stopped at 6:17 p.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Emma Jean Brinkman, 57, of Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Brinkman is accused of stealing $84.93 in merchandise from Kmart.

Lisa Sue Metcalf, 33, of Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd. Metcalf is accused of failure to comply with Genesee Justice conditions. Metcalf was jailed on $250 bail.

Raymond Amaro, 26, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged violation of probation. Bail was set at $50,000.

Melanie Patricia Heidt, 21, of Elmgrove Road, Rochester, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes. Heidt was stopped at 9:23 p.m. Thursday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Francis J. Sheehan, 61, of 400 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal contempt, 1st. Sheehan is accused of punching a woman. There was allegedly an order of protection in place.

Ryan C. Riggi, 18, no permanent address, is charged with failure to appear. Riggi was turned over to Batavia PD on a warrant out of City Court and jailed on $5,000 bail.

Summer Ogden, 37, of 29 Central Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and burglary, 2nd. Ogden was allegedly found in the apartment of a person she is barred from contacting after police were summoned to a Liberty Street location for a reported disturbance. Ogden allegedly entered the residence without permission. The criminal contempt charge is a felony because Ogden has a similar conviction in the past five years.

Kelvin B. Murphy, 40, of 319 Ellicott St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and grand larceny, 4th. Murphy allegedly stole a wallet while at a business on East Main Street, Batavia. The wallet contained credit cards and cash.

Daniel L. Dioguardi, 31, of 4993 Upper Holley Road, Holley, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property and two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument and two counts of petit larceny. Dioguardi turned himself in on warrants for the charges.

Rachael A. Baeher, 26, of 40 Church St., Le Roy, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, appearance in public under influence of a drug other than alcohol, unlawful possession of marijuana and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Baeher was arrested after police were summoned to the Days Inn at 11:16 p.m., Wednesday, for the report of a woman requesting assistance after ingesting drugs. Baeher allegedly had two small children with her. She was jailed on $1,500 cash bail.

Timothy A. Shay, 48, of Waterport, is charged with issuing a bad check. Shay was arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident in the City of Batavia reported at 1 p.m., March 19. No further details released.

Cory J. Trybushyn, 25, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Trybushyn is accused of stealing from Target at 9:56 p.m., Thursday. Trybushyn was arrested by State Police.

Ramel J. Askew, 19, of Bronx, is charged with petit larceny. Askew is accused of stealing from Target at 4:36 p.m., Friday. Askew was arrested by State Police.

GCEDC board approves tax breaks for developer of former Lowe's location

By Howard B. Owens

CLARIFICATION: Regarding the headline and the item below: The GCEDC board approved the COR project being set for a public hearing, but its project has not yet received final approval.

COR Development Company, owners of property at 4180 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, is planning a $4.5 million investment in the former Lowe's location for renovation, adding space and retrofitting the existing structure. The renovations will pave the way for one or more retailers to lease the space. Total tax incentives: $1,052,104. The project is part of Town Center Batavia, which is 350,000-square-feet of "destination retail space," according to the Genesee County Economic Development Center's release. In 2007, COR received incentives to build the project. The former Lowe's location is currently 138,778 square feet. Under the proposal, COR will receive $180,000 in sales tax exemptions, a $43,750 mortgage tax exemption and a $828,390 property tax exemption on the increased assessment value of the property. COR projects 120 new retail jobs as a result of the project.

Batavia Showtime, 6 Alva Place, Batavia, is planning a $52,200 investment for the purchase and installing of a digital movie projector. Batavia Showtime is approved for a $4,176 sales tax exemption on purchase of the projector. GCEDC's release states that the board is looking to assist in the project because it qualifies as a tourism destination and provides a service to the area, being the only local movie theater, that would not otherwise be available. The theater was in danger of closing prior to Batavia Showtime purchasing the facility. The owner is planning upgrades beyond the purchase of the digital projector. An estimated three new jobs will be created and four jobs retained.

Le Roy Plastics, 59 Lake St., Le Roy, is planning a $885,000 investment for the consolidation of all operations and processes into one facility. The company plans to renovate portions of the new facility and purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment. The GCEDC board approved $43,931 in tax abatements for the project, including a $24,800 sales tax exemption, $9,063 mortgage tax exemption and a $10,068 exemption on property taxes above the current assessed value.

Do you need to be rescued?

By Tracy Byrnes

Do you need to be rescued?

Life stinks sometimes, even for a skunk! Last summer I discovered that we had five baby skunks living under our front porch without a mother. It was a puzzling situation…I did not know what to do because of the mighty punch that they pack! After a few hours of observing them, I decided they needed help, so I became their rescuer. They were not going to make it without the intercession of another, so I was it. Each day I would feed them and give them water, and I would just sit and observe their interaction with each other. What I witnessed would often bring a smile on my face or a tear to my eyes. One day while I was walking in the backyard, I looked over and saw that two of the babies had fallen into the garden pond. They were desperate and were struggling to get out. I had to reach down and rescue them from drowning. You can only imagine my apprehension of picking them out of the water. I did it, only after a quick prayer to their creator asking Him to keep their tails lowered. He answered that prayer and they were saved with no consequence to me, which put a smile on my face! Thank you Lord!

Another day while sitting on my front porch the babies were in a heap sleeping on the sidewalk. It was feeding time so I opened the front door and watched all the babies but one come over to me to be fed. That one baby skunk was gone. What I witnessed from the others brought tears to my eyes. They kept nudging that little still skunk as if to say, “come on, it’s time to eat…wake up”. They pushed and pulled on that baby skunk until he was safely under the front porch. They took him home where he could be close to them. Life does stink sometimes, even for a skunk!

Do you ever feel like your drowning in sorrow and lifes hardships?  Do you ever feel like you need to be rescued? Let me tell you of life’s greatest rescuer, His name if Jesus Christ. He came from heaven to earth so that those who call on Him as their savior may find hope, and one day be taken home to heaven to be eternally with Him (Romans 6:23). He rescued us by coming and dying on the cross at Calvary so that we may have our sins forgiven (Romans 5:8). How can He rescue you? Say a prayer asking Him to forgive you of all your sins, and ask Him to help you to live a life that is pleasing to Him. He will rescue you if call on Him (Romans 10:9-10).

Yes, life stinks “sometimes”, even for a Christian. But, when you decide to follow Him and make Him Lord of your life, He will work all things out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). He promises to be with you and will never forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

We are in the Easter season, a time to reflect on what Jesus did for us on the cross.  Allow Him to be your rescuer and become Lord of your life. Allow Him to forgive you and help you. Call out to Him in prayer and He will answer you. He will reach down and pick you up, He will intercede for you (Hebrew 7:25).

I was the baby skunks rescuer until they were mature enough to be safely transported to their new home called the woods. Jesus Christ became my rescuer thirty four years ago when I asked Him to forgive me and come into my life. I know He will come one day to safely take me home to be with Him forever, my eternal home called heaven (John 14:3).

If you would like someone to pray with you, please call Batavia Assembly of God at 343-8521. We would also like to invite you to a week of prayer April 22nd through the 28th beginning at 6pm to 7:30pm at the church located at 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia. You may also come for prayer any Sunday morning beginning at 8:30am. Someone would be glad to pray for you at anytime.

May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Tracy Byrnes
Prayer Coordinator
Batavia Assembly of God

Law and Order: 80-year-old Corfu man accused of stalking

By Billie Owens

Lawrence Bruce Cawker, 80, of Main Road, Corfu, is charged with stalking in the 4th degree. He allegedly followed a female victim around her workplace, sent numerous cards to her, left packages at her residence, and made numerous inappropriate comments to her. According to the Sheriff's Office report, this persistent conduct continued after the defendant was repeatedly told to cease such conduct and has placed the victim in fear of her and her family's safety. He is to be arraigned at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, in Le Roy Town Court.

Darcy Lynn Booth, 19, of Hill Street, Hornell, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol and fraudulent procurement of alcohol by means of a fake ID, following a physical confrontation that reportedly occurred while at Walmart in Batavia. It is alleged that Booth was in possession of a bottle of liquor and the ID of a person over the age of 21. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to be arraigned at 1 p.m. April 29 in Batavia Town Court.

Margaret Isabel Clancy, 19, of Meadowbrook Road, Arkport, is charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC of .08 Percent or higher, and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. On March 27, following the investigation of a harassment complaint that happened on Veterans Memorial Drive in the Town of Batavia, Clancy was arrested on the charges after she was allegedly involved in a physical altercation with another person while operating a motor vehicle in an allegedly intoxicated condition. She was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court and is to appear there at 1:30 p.m. on April 18.

Law and Order: Driver gets vehicle stuck on lawn on Naramore Drive, charged with DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Weston J. Johnson, 24, of 173 Hollybrook Road, Brockport, is charged with DWI, failure to keep right and speed not reasonable and prudent. Johnson was reportedly driving northbound on Naramore Drive, Batavia, at 2:36 a.m., Sunday, when he failed to safely negotiate a curve in the roadway. Johnson's vehicle crossed the south shoulder of the roadway and became stuck in the lawn of a residence. Upon further investigation by Officer Darryle Streeter and Sgt. Dan Coffey, Johnson was found to be allegedly driving drunk. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Sarah E. Gioia, 20, of 9 Pringle Ave., upper, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Gioia allegedly threatened another person with physical injury while at Tops at 8:50 p.m., Friday.

Mark D. Tomaszewski, 50, of 4 Franklin Ave., Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and failure to use a turn signal. Tomaszewski was stopped Saturday by Le Roy PD for alleged traffic violation.

Traci Kiniko Jones, 18, of Thomas Avenue, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Jones was allegedly at College Village after being banned from the property.

Amanda Jane Slack, 25, of Strouts Road, Elba, is charged with petit larceny. Slack is accused of stealing $248.57 of merchandise from Walmart.

Bradley Richardson Hanpeter, 26, of Kiwassa Road, Saranac, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and possesion of a controlled substance not in original container. Hanpeter was stopped for an alleged traffic infraction at 6:15 p.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrict Reeves. Hanpeter was also allegedly driving on a suspended driver's license.

Aboubaker Thiam, 18, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd. Thiam was allegedly at College Village after being banned from the property.

David B. Marsceill, 35, of Elba, is charged with menacing, 2nd, criminal mischief and criminal contempt, 1st. Marsceill was arrested by State Police on Old Ford Road, Elba, on charges related to an incident reported at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Village of Elba. Marsceill was held without bail. No further details released.

Hector G. Riguard, 31, of Rochester, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Riguard was stopped at 2:09 a.m. Sunday at Main and Lewiston, City of Batavia, by State Police.

State Police have released the names of the drivers involved in Friday's accident on Route 98, Alexander. The driver of the northbound sedan was Tianshu Liu, 25, of Rochester, and the driver of the southbound vehicle was Mary B. Meides, 45, of Darien. The name of Liu's passenger was not released. No charges are listed in the blotter item.

Three local players named to Section V Football Hall of Fame

By Howard B. Owens

Three former football players for Batavia and Le Roy have been named to Section V Football Hall of Fame, according to an item on the D&C's Web site.

William Bosseler (Batavia): All-America in 1965. Played at then University of Buffalo. Later coached at McQuaid and Cardinal Mooney.

Brandon Shaughnessy (Le Roy): All-star on the 1995 Le Roy state champion team and a 1996 AGR team member. All-conference second team tight end and captain at State University of New York at Buffalo.

David Shaughnessy (Le Roy): First-team all-state lineman in 1995. Two-time AGR selection. The former Section V Championship MVP played went on to Ithaca College.

Third suspect charged in alleged theft of copper wire from Dolomite

By Howard B. Owens

A third suspect has been accused of stealing copper wire from Dolomite's Gulf Road facility.

Joseph Paul Pratt, 18, of Church Street, Le Roy, has been charged with burglary, 3rd, criminal mischief, 2nd, and grand larceny, 3rd, all felonies.

Earlier this week, Michael A. Nicometo 28, 45 North St., Le Roy, and Jonathan D. Smeak, 22, of State Street Road, Batavia, were arrested on similar charges.

The arrests stem from an investigation by Deputy Joseph Graff and Deputy John Duyssen into a report of large amounts of copper wire disappearing from the Dolomite facility.

The thefts caused $32,000 in damage to Dolomite's electrical system.

Pratt, who is already being held on other charges, was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and returned to the Genesee County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Nicometo is also a suspect in a series of thefts of live electrical wire from industrial facilities in Le Roy.

Two men accused of doing $32K in damage to Dolomite facility while stealing copper wire

By Howard B. Owens

A Le Roy resident recently accused of stealing live high voltage wire from industrial facilities in Genesee and Monroe counties is facing a new accusation stemming from the alleged theft of stealing copper wire from Dolomite, 8250 Gulf Road, Le Roy.

This time, Michael A. Nicometo 28, 45 North St., Le Roy, allegedly had a partner.

Also arrested following the Sheriff's Office investigation was Jonathan D. Smeak, 22, of State Street Road, Batavia.

Both men are charged with three felonies: burglary, 3rd, criminal mischief, 2nd, and grand larceny, 3rd.

The two men are accused of doing $32,000 in damage to Dolomite's electrical system.

The Sheriff's Office began investigating the case after receiving reports of a large amount of copper wire being cut from the facility in January and February.

Nicometo was arrested earlier this month and charged with burglary in the third degree, a Class D felony, grand larceny in the second degree, a Class C felony, and criminal mischief in the second degree, a Class D felony.

He was accused of stealing high voltage wire that was still live from buildings in Le Roy.

Law and Order: Four DWI charges

By Howard B. Owens

Richard T. Gross, 49, of Wyoming, is charged with DWI, open container and driving with no brake light. Gross was stopped by Le Roy PD.

Scott M. Dickson Jr., 27, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Dickson was stopped by Le Roy PD for questioning related to a suspicious condition.

Timothy J. Sattora, 48, of Avon, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Sattora was stopped by Le Roy PD for allegedly speeding. He allegedly possessed a small amount of marijuana.

Jason Rex Forkey, 32, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with DWI, speeding and using a mobile phone while driving. Forkey was stopped at 6:35 a.m. Wednesday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Thomas Scott Spencer, 45, of West Bethany Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Spencer was arrested in connection with an event reported at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 23.

Christopher Lynn Allison, 18, of Hickox Road, Alexander, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21. Allison was charged following a check by Deputy Joseph Corona of a disabled vehicle at 1:17 a.m. Tuesday on Main Street, Pembroke.

Willie J. Miles Jr., 49, of 45 Washington Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Miles allegedly violated an order of protection by sending numerous text messages to the protected party.

Ashley J. Ziminski, 23, of 25 Franklin St., Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Ziminski was stopped by Sgt. Dan Coffey at 4:20 a.m., after Batavia PD received a report of an erratic driver.

Man reportedly falls 20 feet from tree at residence in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

An adult male has reportedly fallen 20 feet from a tree at a residence on Clay Street, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire and ambulance dispatched.

Mercy EMS also dispatched.

The man is reportedly conscious.

Mercy Flight is available if needed.

UPDATE: The man was taken by ambulance to an area hospital.

Law and Order: Sex offender accused of not registering Internet accounts

By Howard B. Owens

Rob Hellford Hoag, 26, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with failure to register Internet accounts. Hoag is a registered sex offender and required to register all Internet, social media and e-mail accounts within 10 days of any change. Hoag allegedly failed to register his accounts.

Ryan F. Schumacher, 23, of 384 Starr Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to signal for a turn. Schumacher was stopped at 11:48 p.m., Tuesday, in the Village of Le Roy after Le Roy PD received a reported of a possibly intoxicated driver going through the McDonald's drive-thru. Schumacher was allegedly observed exiting the McDonald's parking lot without using a turn signal.

Two-car accident with injuries at routes 5 and 19, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at routes 19 and 5. Le Roy fire and ambulance are dispatched.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m.: Only one person is injured, and complains of head pain. Caledonia's ambulance is called in because Le Roy is out on another call.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: The patient is with Caledonia medics. Not sure if the person will be transported. The roads are open and traffic has cleared. Le Roy ambulance is back in service.

Law and Order: Man accused of firing shotgun at fox, stray BB hitting neighbor

By Howard B. Owens

Gregory Scott Snyder, 44, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment, 2nd. Snyder allegedly shot toward the roadway at a fox he believed to be injured using a 12-gauge shotgun. A BB from the shell reportedly hit a neighbor. Deputy Joseph Corona and Deputy Tim Wescott handled the case. The State Police and the Department of Environmental Conservation assisted.

Crystal L. Kiebzak, 30, of 1359 Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with petit larceny, issuing a bad check in the Town of Batavia, and issuing a bad check in the Town of Darien. Kiebzak allegedly drafted checks to buy goods and services from businesses in Darien and Batavia from a nonexistent checking account.

Mindy Maria Miller, 23, of Clay Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Miller is accused of shoplifting at Kmart.

Samantha Marie Kent, 19, of East Shelby Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Kent is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Melissa M. Morton, 27, of 4802 W. Middlebury Road, Bethany, is charged with petit larceny. Morton is accused of stealing cupcakes valued at $9.99 from Tim Horton's.

Joseph A. Ferrando III, 45, of 5 Buell St., Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Ferrando was taken into custody by Officer Arick Perkins following an investigation after allegedly being found behind the wheel of his vehicle, which was still running, on Liberty Street at 10:30 p.m., Wednesday.

Timothy M. Pendleton, 27, of 4 Cedar St., Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest, criminal trespass, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Pendleton is accused of going to the residence of a person he knows on Wednesday and entering without permission and harassing that person. On Thursday, officers Jason Davis and Eric Hill attempted to arrest Pendleton and he allegedly resisted arrest. Pendleton was jailed on $2,500 bail.

The vote is final: The Wiss Hotel building will come down

By Howard B. Owens

Many of the supporters of restoring the Wiss Hotel building on Main Street in Le Roy walked out of Wednesday's village board meeting saying "their minds were made up."

Mike Tucci, Robert Taylor and Jim Bonacquisti all voted to demolish what may be Le Roy's oldest standing commercial building, even though over the past several months, two architects, three contractors and a code enforcement officer all toured the building and said it could be saved.

"They kept moving the goal posts," Trustee Jennifer Keys said after the meeting.

By her calculation, the $132,000 Tucci, Taylor and Bonacquisti voted to expend on destruction of the Wiss equals 8.5 years of the village's community swimming pool fund.

The fee paid to Empire Dismantlement will be pulled from the village reserve fund, according to Mayor Greg Rogers, who, along with Keys, voted no on Bonacquisti's motion to destroy the Wiss.

On Monday, the Le Roy, New York LLC submitted its fifth revised offer to purchase the building so it could be saved and restored.

The new offer answered many of the objects raised by Tucci, Taylor and Bonacquisti.

The offer was written by village resident and Buffalo attorney Chandy Kemp.

"We did everything that was suggested to us to make our offer more appealing," Kemp said. "We identified the parties (of the LLC). We told them where the money was going to come from. We eliminated some of the contingencies. We gave plans about what we intended to do with the property. And they still shot it down. I’m not sure what more we could have done."

At one point, Kemp and her husband, Chris, were thinking of buying the building themselves in order to sidestep any distrust the trustees might have of the LLC. But after touring the building themselves, they realized saving it would be just too much work to take on by themselves, so they joined the LLC.

"I don't think an offer Chris and I would have submitted independent of the LLC, I don't think now, it would be much different," Kemp said. "I'm not convinced we would have been successful. I'm thinking a lot of this, maybe the decision was made a year ago, and a lot of this was just running around until the bids for demolition came in and they knew how much it was going to cost and that just sealed it."

The latest offer also contained the promise of a $500,000 performance bond.

Tucci, Taylor and Bonacquisti all said they respected the hard work of the LLC, that they each gave the issue a lot of thought -- Bonacquisti said he lost sleep over it -- but in the end, tearing the Wiss down was "the right decision."

"In the last 20 years we’ve taken the Sterling Diner down, Vic Bloods has come down, the Millman block has come down, but all Main Street hasn’t come down," Bonacquisti said. "Not only did we survive those buildings coming down, but we’ve gotten better."

Tucci read a prepared statement:

I do have upmost respect for everyone associated with the Le Roy New York LLC. I do appreciate all of their hard work and dedication as to wanting to save this building and make something better of it. They have a passion for Main Street that I hope carries on after this vote. I realize not every one agrees with me with my decision to take it down but I do believe it’s in the best interest of the village. I can only hope people respect my decision and know it’s come with a lot of thought.

Taylor spoke about his 72 years of living in the village and the many hours of his life spent enjoyably at the Wiss, and that he's spoken to a lot of people about the issue.

"My personal opinion, the LLC just picked the wrong building," Taylor said.

Bonacquisti said, "the time for the Wiss has come," and that whatever replaces it will be better.

What replaces it is a complete unknown at this point, though, a point Louis Buono, a supporter of the LLC and owner of the McDonald's franchise in Le Roy, raised later in the meeting.

"There’s not been a plan in place; there’s not been an idea proposed; yet, you ask the LLC over and over againt to formalize a plan which could produce many opportunities here in this village, and yet we’ve heard nothing other than we will demolish the building," Buono said.

"In respect for the other people who spoke in support of saving it," Buono added, "I believe you owe it to the community to explain -- what do you plan to do with that property? -- and not just a commitment saying ‘we will do our best,’ but what is your plan?"

Rogers admitted there is no plan, but by the second meeting in April, the trustees will have a better idea of what will be done going forward.

Previously during the meeting, Rogers said the trustees now have a responsibility to protect the character of the village.

"It's the village board's responsibility to take care of that corner and put something there that makes sense and doesn't destroy the character of this village," Rogers said. "That's our responsibility. That's the five people who sit on this board, that's their responsibility. You have my word that I will work extremely hard not to be an embarrassment. It's a job I take very seriously."

What comes next is the biggest fear the preservationists have. 

"All I’m hearing the board talk about is memories of what it was," said David Damico, a graphic artist who moved to Le Roy in 2008 and is concerned about the village losing its identity. "None of them seem to have any foresight as to what it could be. I think maybe it takes a new person to see that. I want to see this community grow and if we’re tearing everything down, I don’t see how that’s going to happen."

Many fear another Walgreens-type of development, which Selby Davis says, "maimed" the northwest corner of Main and Lake streets.

"It's now something we can do nothing about," she said.

That's also the fear of Chandy Kemp.

"My first reaction is fear," Kemp said. "I'm still afraid of the slippery slope. I trust the mayor and believe and trust his word that he wants to preserve Main Street, but I'm not sure that can be said of the others in the village who may have dollar signs in their eyes. That's my biggest concern, that this is the first step toward major demolition of Main Street, and that's something I would hate to see."

Le Roy High School presents 'Anything Goes'

By Daniel Crofts

Le Roy high schoolers Margaret Kovach, Erica Parker and Ben Neumann posed in character during a rehearsal of "Anything Goes," Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School's 2013 musical production. They will be playing Reno, Bonnie and Moonface Martin, respectively.

Jackie McLean, chorus teacher for the Le Roy schools and musical director for the play, described "Anything Goes" as an intricate, laugh-out-loud funny show with great characters.

More than 80 kids are involved in this production, including cast and crew members.

With music and lyrics by Cole Porter, the show takes place on a cruise ship and features comic circumstances resulting from three love triangles.

Pictured Ashley Webb (Hope), Steven Farnholz (Evelyn) and Natalie Salphine (Mrs. Harcourt)

"The script is jam-packed with funny moments and intricacies," McClean said.

She also said that the cast, which is made up of students in grades seven through 12, "did a great job of making the characters believable."

Danny Weaver and Jayce Seeley play Mr. Whitney and Billy, respectively.

Having "believable" characters is a big change from last year's performance of "Cinderella," which had a fanciful fairy tale atmosphere. With "Anything Goes," the kids have switched to a more realistic setting.

"It was a challenge, but they've done a great job," McClean said. "It's a great group of kids."

For her part, McClean understands and appreciates the challenge of bringing these characters to life. She was in "Anything Goes" as a junior at Batavia High School, which put on its own performance of the show in 2001.

"I picked the show (for the 2013 musical) because I loved it when I was in it," she said. "I understand the challenges, and also the funny moments and the characters, because I lived it. That gives you a different perspective."

As for the music, McClean describes it as old-style jazz with a "huge choral involvement." So in addition to great sets and lots of humor, "Anything Goes" will also boast a large chorus.

Le Roy is known for setting a high bar when it comes to its school musicals. Each year, staff and students like to give audiences something new to look forward to.

This year, audiences can look forward to huge, elaborate tap dance numbers by the whole cast, as well as a six-foot platform of the cruise ship built by Patrick Patton, complete with the look of a real ship and lights that go on at night.

Patton, the father of a Le Roy High School student, has been building sets for these productions for seven years. McClean said he sets a new challenge for himself with each one.

"He's amazing," she said. "(His sets) get better each year."

Performances of "Anything Goes" will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the high school auditorium, at 9300 South St. Road in Le Roy. All performances will begin at 7 p.m.

All tickets are $8 each and can be purchased at the door, via the district Web site or at the school's main office.

Supplemental Photos: Past Performances

Le Roy trustees expected to decide the fate of the Wiss Hotel tonight

By Howard B. Owens

The fate of the Wiss Hotel will likely be decided tonight in a regular meeting of the Village of Le Roy trustees.

On the agenda for the 7 p.m. meeting is a discussion and likely vote on whether to accept a bid for the destruction of the building.

Mayor Greg Rogers said the trustees will go into closed session first, to both discuss the offer from the Le Roy, New York LLC for purchase and restoration of the former Wiss Hotel building and to review confidential background information on the companies that bid on demolition.

After the closed session, Rogers said he'll open the public meeting and ask the trustees to make a motion that will address the options before the board -- sell to the LLC or accept a demolition bid.

The bids covered three options for demolition -- complete demolition and removal; demolition with removal by village trucks for non-asbestos materials, and taking the building down "hot," meaning no asbestos remediation prior to demolition.

The third option will require the village to condemn the building just prior to demolition.

The lowest bid for #1 is $192,000 from Empire Dismantle and the high bid was from $346,000 from Regional Environmental Demo. A total of seven bids were received for option #1.

On option #2, there were six bids, with the lowest being $172,000 from Empire Dismantle, the highest was $426,000 from Frederico Construction.

For option #3, the lowest of 10 bids was also from Empire Dismantle at $132,000. The highest bid was 271,700 from Ritter and Paratore.

Law and Order: Two Rochester men caught allegedly transporting 2 lbs of marijuana through Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

Hector Antonio Leon-Figueroa, 31, of Avery Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, speeding and obstructed license plate. Omar Leon-Figueroa, 30, of Curlew Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana. Hector Antonio Leon-Figueroa's vehicle was stopped at 4:36 p.m. Saturday on I-490, Bergen, for alleged traffic violations by Deputy Kevin McCarthy. During the stopped, McCarthy allegedly discovered the vehicle was carrying two pounds of marijuana. Hector Antonio Leon-Figueroa was jailed without bail. Omar Leon-Figueroa was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Joshua T. Fullmer, 20, of 3124 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. While Batavia police officers investigated an incident at 3:41 a.m. Saturday, Fullmer allegedly approached and shouted obscenities at the officers. He allegedly acted in an aggressive manner and squared off in a fighting posture. Fullmer was subdued and taken into custody. He was later released on an appearance ticket.

Alexander A. Chandler, 21, of 25 Bacon St., Le Roy, is charged with assault, 3rd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Chandler is accused of punching another person in the face several times, causing cuts and and breaking the victim's glasses, while at Denny's, 364 W. Main St., Batavia, at 12:41 a.m. Sunday.

Andrei P. Sliker, 22, 11172 Silver Road, Bethany, is charged with disorderly conduct and harassment, 2nd. Sliker allegedly tried to punch the manager at the Days Inn during a disturbance at 3:25 a.m. Sunday. As officers attempted to take Sliker into custody, he allegedly became belligerent and shouted obscenities.  Sliker was jailed on $250 bail.

Cheryl M. Lyons, 47, of 119 State St., Apt. 4, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She is accused of stealing a laptop computer from another person.

Michael Patrick Sullivan, 50, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Sullivan is accused of throwing a box that contained a computer modem at a female, striking her in the head. He also allegedly punched the victim in her chest. Sullivan was jailed on $500 bail.

Fawn Lynn Marie Kaczmarek, 24, of Darien, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Deputies Kevin McCarthy and Patrick Reeves responded to a reported altercation between two people at 9:25 p.m., Friday, and found Kaczmarek allegedly with an infant outside not wearing appropriate clothing for the 33-degree weather.

UPDATE, this just in from the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office:

Deric J. Hewitt, 28, of South Jefferson Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana, DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, inadequate brake lights and failure to notify DMV of address change. Hewitt was stopped at 1:30 a.m. Friday in the Village of Perry by Deputy Colin Reagan. Also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle was Hewitt's reported passenger, Sean M. Miller. Hewitt was released to a third party after his vehicle was towed.

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