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Man accidently shot in knee with nail gun in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A man was accidently shot in the knee with a nail gun on the roof of a home at 9000 Asbury Road in Le Roy. The fire department is responding to bring the man down from the roof so the medics from Le Roy Ambulance Service can tend to him.

UPDATE 8:03 p.m.: The patient was brought down from the roof by the firefighters using a ladder-and-bucket device and is being prepared from transport to the hospital in an ambulance. Le Roy fire is back in service.

UPDATE 8:24 p.m.: The patient is being taken to UMMC. He is 36 years old and in pain. The nail remains lodged in his left knee. It's estimated to be one- to one-and-a-half inches long.

Le Roy man who allegedly reported gang fight in July accused of filing false reports

By Howard B. Owens

A 42-year-old man who allegedly reported a gang-style assault during a graduation party in July has been arrested by Le Roy PD on a variety of charges, including making a false report.

Mark E. Cheeseman, of Le Roy, reportedly filed a report with police alleging a fight on Elm Street that he said left him severely injured.

He is said to have signed two sworn depositions alleging the fight and attack.

It turns out, according to investigators, that Cheeseman was the alleged instigator of any confrontation that night.

Cheeseman allegedly grabbed the buttocks of a woman, which led to a fight with other guests at the party.

The altercation reportedly spilled out of the residence and down Elm Street.

Cheeseman allegedly trespassed on another property and would not leave after being told to do so. He allegedly pushed another woman at that location.

Det. John Condidorio drove to Buffalo Criminal Court today and picked up Cheeseman on a warrant.

The charges against Cheeseman include forcible touching, two counts of filing a false written instrument, second-degree harassmen, and trespass.

He was arraigned and jailed on $1,500 bail.

No other arrests are expected in the case.

GCC Spring 2012 Dean's List honorees

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College named 633 students to Spring 2012 Dean's List. Students earned a quality point index of 3.50-3.74.

This year's honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Basom

Staci Casper
Andrew Greene

Bergen

Ashley Spangenburg
Jason Birch
Luke Stacy
Amanda-Kay Sands
Jeanette Menzie
Garrett MacDonald

Byron

Reed Olmstead
Morgan Midwick
McKenna Downey
Charlotte Donahue

Corfu

Laura Holovics

Darien Center

Michelle Waldo
James Odell

Elba

Lauren Hughes

Le Roy

Corrie Doeller
Debra McKnight
Rachael Panepento

Oakfield

Alyssa Esola
Cady Glor
Zaneb Silmi
Katie Engle

Pavilion

Jamie Haentges
Taylor Lafferty
Sydney Case
Sarah Nugent



Genesee Community College offers more than 60 academic programs and certificates, including the brand new Veterinary Technology A.A.S. degree and Polysomnographic Technology A.A.S. degree, (the study of sleep disorders).

Genesee is accessible through seven campus locations throughout Western New York in Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Lima, Medina, and Warsaw, as well as through online classes in the Distance Learning program.

College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and outside of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being 'high-tech' and 'high-touch'. Find out more at www.genesee.edu.

Law and Order: Duo accused of trying to cash stolen, forged check

By Howard B. Owens

Clarence E. McLeod, 55, of 19 Porter Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument 3rd, and Joshua A. Harris, 23, of 110 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and forgery, 3rd. Harris is accused of stealing a checkbook and then forging the victim's name on a check and issuing the check to McLeod. McLeod allegedly passed the check knowing that it was stolen and attempted to cash the check at the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union. The investigation was conducted by Officer Eric Hill and Deputy Brian Thompson.

Christopher P. Sullivan, 32, of 29 Tracy Ave., lower, Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, unlicensed operation and unsafe lange change. Sullivan is accused of being in an accident in the parking lot of Northside Deli and then fleeing the scene. Witnesses reportedly followed Sullivan's vehicle and contacted police. Sullivan was arrested following an investigation.

Scott M. Forian, 44, of 8317 Slusser Road, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI and improper right turn. Forian was stopped at 11:34 p.m., Saturday, on Harvester Avenue, Batavia, by Officer Chris Camp. Forian was jailed without bail.

Dennis A. Edson, 48, of 17 Porter Ave., Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Edson allegedly yelled obscenities repeatedly at officers who were investigating another complaint in the area.

Rae C. Cook, 23, of 121 Liberty St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Cook is accused of violating an order of protection with a prior conviction for criminal contempt, making this a felony charge.

Rosemary R. Waters, 26, of 2 Florence Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Waters was arrested on a warrant for alleged criminal contempt after visiting an inmate in jail. Waters was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Rachell Onie Soggs, 24, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Soggs is accused of shoplifting $29.12 in merchandise from Kmart.

Jeremy John Haynes, 36, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, operating without an ignition interlock. Haynes allegedly drove to the Genesee County Jail at 7:16 a.m., Sunday, with a BAC of more than twice the legal limit.

Nicholas Adam Antonucci, 25, of Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with two counts of attempted grand larceny, 3rd. On Jan. 6, 2010, Antonucci allegedly tried to steal two snowmobiles from the parking lot of the Beachhead Veterans Club in Alexander. One snowmobile was valued at $5,000 and the other at $4,000. Antonucci allegedly damaged the ignitions during the attempted theft. Antonucci is being held on the Wyoming County Jail on other charges.

Jason A. Klinkbeil, 24, of an unknown address in Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Klinkbeil was observed at Save A Lot allegedly shoving frozen food items and cans of beer into his backpack and then attempting to leave the store without paying for the items. Klinkbeil, who had been released from the Genesee County Jail the day before on unrelated charges, was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Batavia suffers first loss, GR has three undefeated teams, Le Roy gets third win

By Howard B. Owens

The Blue Devils dropped off the list of the undefeated in Genesee County on Friday with a 30-12 loss to Livonia.

Le Roy kept its perfect record in tack with a 35-28 over Avon, while in the Genesee Region Conference, three teams sit atop the standings at 3-0 -- Elba/Byron-Bergen, Notre Dame and Attica.

Elba/BB beat Holley 27-7 with Zack DuBois rushing for 156 yards on 22 carries, scoring once. QB Zack Gillard was 7-14 for 167 yards and two TDs. He also carried the ball five times for 29 yards and a touchdown. Austin Yockel had four receptions for 141, including a 44-yard TD reception. Ryan Morse had a 10-yard TD reception. Andy Underhill made 23 tackles. Brandon Naylor had 14 tackles.

Notre Dame moved to 3-0 with a win over Alexander 36-6. Tim McCulley completed 11 passes on 20 attempts for 187 yards, including TD tosses of 14 and 35 yards to Charlie Hebert and Jared Thornton. Nick Taylor had TD runs of 26 and 89 yards. Andrew Mullen carried the ball 11 times for 65 yards. For Alexander, Dylan Scharlau had 18 carries for 117 yards and QB Nelson Burke was 8 of 17 for 128 yards, including a TD pass to 36-yard TD to Sam Browne. Burke was intercepted twice.

Pembroke dropped to 0-3 with a loss to undefeated Attica 47-0. Four turnovers by the Dragons led to four Attica TDs. Pete Thomas had 12 tackles for Pembroke and Caleb Patterson and Jared Kolmetz each recovered two fumbles.

For Batavia, in the Blue Devils 30-12 loss to Livonia, Nick Canzoneri rushed for 40 yards on eight carries, scoring once. James Soggs had 11 carries for 85 yards.

Le Roy's third win was highlighted by Peter Privitera's 181 yards on 39 carries and two touchdowns. Both Marcus Mistersaro and Dylan Johnson scored on the ground. T.J. Crye was 13-of-27 for 173 yards.

Oakfield-Alabama improved to 1-2 with a win over Finney (1-2), 20-16. Ryan Emery scored twice and carried the ball for 99 yards. Chris Nanni rushed for 90 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Danny Monachino and Tommy Geiss each recorded 12 tackles.

Law and Order: Grand larceny suspect charged with promoting prison contraband

By Howard B. Owens

Antonio Lester James, 21, of Avenue A, Rochester, is charged with grand larceny. James is accused of placing more than $2,400 worth of printer ink and electronic merchandise in a plastic tote while in Walmart and then running from the store. James was subsequently charged with promoting prison contraband, 2nd. While being processed into the Genesee County Jail, James was allegedly found in possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Matthew Thomas Allen Banks-Jubert, 18, no residence, was arrested on a warrant for alleged violation of probation. Banks-Jubert was interviewed by the Buffalo PD on an unrelated matter and arrested on a warrant out of Town of Batavia Court for alleged violation of probation. Banks-Jubert was jailed on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond.

Samantha L. Johnson, 25, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Johnson is accused of stealing more than $100 in merchandise from Kmart.

Todd Michael Sirianni, 43, of North Fraley Street, Kane, Pa., was arrested as a fugitive from justice from McKean County, Pa. Sirianni was being held in the Genesee County Jail and with his local case completed, he was arraigned on an alleged violation of probation charge out of McKean County in Town of Batavia Court and held pending extradition.

Joanne Jefferson, 53, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged violation of probation. Jefferson was arrested in the Village of Le Roy, arraigned in county court and released.

Brush fire off Warsaw Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A brush fire is reported in the woods by 9450 Warsaw Road. Le Roy Fire Department is responding. The location is between Perry and Cole roads.

UPDATE 3:18 p.m.: A responder on scene says it's a hedgerow on fire in the middle of a field.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: A fire truck from Pavilion is asked to respond to the scene in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 3:56 p.m.: The fire is out. Crews are doing overhaul. A rep from the Department of Environmental Conservation is on scene.

Department of Health says two new Le Roy students report tic-like symptoms

By Howard B. Owens

The NYS Department of Health released the following statement:

DOH is aware of two Le Roy students with tic-like symptoms who are being treated by independent physicians. The environment or an infection is not the cause of the students’ tics.

No further information was provided.

The Le Roy Central School District has the following undated statement on its Web site.:

With the beginning of the new school year, we are asking all media outlets and other individuals, to please respect that the Le Roy School District will no longer be commenting on student health issues within our schools. We have been warned by medical experts that the continued media attention on the Le Roy School District and greater community runs the risk of negatively impacting the students previously diagnosed with conversion disorder that have recovered and can also serve as a catalyst for new symptoms to develop. We respectfully refer you to our Web site if you would like information that the district has previously issued regarding this matter.

Passenger who fell off roof of moving car succumbs to injuries

By Howard B. Owens

A man who reportedly climbed out onto the roof of a moving car and fell off the vehicle has died and the driver, a Le Roy resident, has been charged with aggravated unlicensed operation.

Orry Dowdell, 22, was initially transported by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital following the accident at 3 a.m., Saturday, on Route 36, just north of Mumford.

Dowdell succumbed to his injuries over night.

Reports list Dowdell as a Wheatland resident, but he may have been living more recently in Le Roy at the Royal Apartments.

The driver of the vehicle is reported as Timothy Gorton, 25, of 2410 Leroy Caledonia Road, Le Roy.

UMMC moving Le Roy urgent care unit

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

United Memorial's Urgent Care and Diagnostic Services currently located at 3 Tountas Ave. in Le Roy will move on Tuesday, Sept. 11 to their new location at 8745 Lake Road, Le Roy.

Urgent Care and Le Roy Diagnostics will be closed on Sept. 11 for the move, and will reopen at their new location on Wednesday, Sept. 12. Patients who require laboratory, X-ray or urgent care services and usually visit the Tountas Avenue site will be welcomed at the Jerome Center at 16 Bank St. in Batavia.

United Memorial greatly appreciates the understanding of our valued patients during the moving process and looks forward to serving them again on Wednesday, when they will be greeted and cared for by the same dedicated staff members they have relied on for their diagnostic testing and urgent care services in the Le Roy community.

Care at the Le Roy Diagnostics Center and Urgent Care is provided on a walk-in basis to patients and appointments are not necessary. To reach the center by phone, please continue to call (585)768-4220. Le Roy Diagnostics will maintain the same hours of operation Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Urgent Care will be open Monday thought Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The new location will provide greater visibility in the Le Roy community and is conveniently located.

Regina Diskin named Le Royan of the Year by American Legion

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Le Roy American Legion Botts Fiorito Post 576 is honoring Regina Diskin as the 44th Le Royan of the Year.

Regina is the wife of Jerry Diskin, the mother of Michael, Daniel, Lisa and the grandmother of nine. She is a graduate of Holy Family School and Notre Dame High School.

Mrs. Diskin was employed at Le Roy High School for 17 years. She held clerical positions in the attendance and guidance departments, and was secretary to the vice-principal. In 1999 she gained employment at Genesee Community College, Preforming Arts Centers as secretary and held this position for six years. Regina was chosen GCC Employee of the Month, as a part-time employee.

As a member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Regina is a greeter at Sunday Mass and a member of the Bereavement Committee volunteer. Earlier in their marriage, the Diskins were members of the Pre-Cana Council, and Regina served as a Bishop’s Committee member and rectory volunteer.

Mrs. Diskin was the Disaster Chairman of the Le Roy Red Cross in 1973. She chaired the lending of medical equipment to those in need in our community through the 1990s, and continues to take an active role as she learns of those in need within the community.

Currently, Regina is a board member and secretary of the Le Roy Panty and Help Fund. As secretary, she prepares lists for Christmas Distribution, as well as "thank you" notes, news releases, and gift wrapping for the past 10 years.

At present, you can find Regina at the American Legion volunteering her time. She is constant in encouraging others to taken an active part in helping the veterans.

Since joining the American Legion Auxiliary she has become president of the Le Roy Unit, Genesee County Auxiliary chaplain, and publicity chairman.  Regina makes sure that veterans are not only acknowledged on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and other holidays, but throughout the year by assisting in rides for doctor appointments, or their other everyday needs.

Regina truly enjoys helping. With every endeavor she is quick and efficient in filling the need. She loves being part of this community in every aspect of life. Whether it’s sending a care package, either within the community, or to our troops overseas, or placing a flag on a veteran’s grave, her giving back is wholehearted.

Over the decade, Regina has also served as publicity coordinator for the Le Royan of the Year Committee, therefore is pleased to announce that this year’s award dinner will take place at the American Legion 53 W. Main St. Le Roy on Saturday Oct. 6. Cocktail hour will be at 6 o’clock and dinner at 6:45. Tickets are $17 and available at the legion, local banks and from any past Le Royan of the Year.

Grand Jury Report: Man charged in Le Roy burglary

By Howard B. Owens

John H. O'Shea is indicted on counts of burglary in the third degree and grand larceny in the third degree. O'Shea is accused of breaking into a residence on North Street in Le Roy and stealing items valued in excess of $3,000, including tools, brass fittings, copper wire, bronze manifolds, a galvanized garbage can, a tool bag and a camera.

Tammy M. Chojnacki is indicted on counts of felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Chojnacki is accused of driving drunk March 24 on Route 33 and Pike Road, Batavia. Chojnacki was previously convicted of DWI in Attica in October, 2007.

Jason W. Wolf is indicted on counts of felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree. Wolf is accused of driving drunk on Route 77 on March 18. Wolf has a prior DWI conviction in Septermber, 2007.

Law and Order: Alleged shoplifter accused of threatening Walmart employees with a knife

By Howard B. Owens

Andrew Zimba Perdock, 25, of 17 Holland Ave., lower, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Perdock is accused of shoplifting from Tops. He is also charged with menacing, 2nd, and attempted petit larceny. Perdock was observed allegedly putting merchandise in a backpack while inside Walmart. After Walmart were alerted to the situation, Perdock reportedly removed the items from the backpack. Perdock allegedly displayed a knife with the blade showing while in the presence of Walmart employees.

Brian J. Lambert, 30, of 1 Prune St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Alert Cedar Street residents spotted a suspicious vehicle pull behind Arctic Refrigeration and observed an individual allegedly stealing scrap metal. Lambert was later located at his residence and the allegedly stolen property was recovered and returned.

Alexis A. Czaja, 30, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Czaja is accused of shoplifting from Tops.

Kristine Szumigala, 38, of 260 Ross St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Szumigala is accused of shoplifting from Dollar General.

Samantha A. Bowles, 22, of 33 Williams St., Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Batavia PD officers received a report of loud noise coming from a residence on Williams Street. On call back, the person making the complaint reported a physical altercation. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Bowles, who was described as agitated and irate. Bowles reportedly pushed past officers during questioning. Bowles reportedly physically struggled with officers while being taken into custody.

Steven N. Utter, 26, of Route 96, Waterloo, and Cory A. Miles, 34, of County Line Road 13, Shortsville, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. Utter and Miles were arrested following an investigation by Deputy Brad Mazur and Deputy Jason Saile into a suspicious vehicle at Wilson Farms on South Lake Road, Pavilion. Both men were jailed on $2,000 bail.

Joseph C. Wind, 42, of Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Wind is accused of stealing $4,000 cash while employed at The Home Depot.

Brandy R. Douglas, 33, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with petit larceny. Douglas is accused of shoplifting $48 in merchandise from Target.

Patrick D. Moore, 34, of Strouts Road, Elba, is charged with petit larceny. Moore is accused of shoplifting $29.99 in merchandise from Target.

Brett M. Doran, 21, of East Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with obstruction of breathing and harassment, 2nd. Le Roy PD responded to a report of a disturbance where a female was heard screaming to stop choking her. Doran is accused of kicking the female in her face and choking her during an argument. Doran was jailed on $500 bail.

Kyle Andrew Bilby, 22, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, and Adam Andrew Dixson, 22, of Cary Avenue, Oakfield, are charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th. Bilby and Dixson were arrested after Deputy Patrick Reeves stopped to check on a suspicious condition at St. Cecillia Cemetery and allegedly found the defendants smoking, and in possession of, marijuana.

Darrel D. Smith, 56, residence not listed, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and DWAI. Smith was stopped by State Police at 3:16 a.m., Saturday, on Route 77, Darien.

Four people, including two children, hurt in three-car accident in Le Roy on Tuesday

By Howard B. Owens

Four people were injured in a three-vehicle accident Tuesday morning on Route 19 at Seldon Road, Le Roy.

Karen S. Samis, 46, of South Street Road, Le Roy, said she was distracted by something while driving north on Route 19 and didn't see a vehicle slowing to stop for a left-hand turn onto Seldon Road.

Samis's 2008 Chevy van struck a 2000 Chevy van driven by Tonya L. Jackson, 35, of Main Street, Le Roy, causing it to hit a truck in the southbound lane of Route 19.

That 2009 Chevy pickup was driven by Christopher P. Ward, 47, of Hardwood, Lane, Rochester. He was not injured.

Samis and Jackson were both transported to UMMC by ambulance as were Adam R. Jackson, 10, and Justin A. Jackson, 7. None of the injuries were serious.

Samis was cited for allegedly following too closely.

The accident was investigated by Deputy John Duyssen.

Small brush fire at Bovee Road bridge and Route 490

By Billie Owens

A small brush fire is reported near the median of the Bovee Road Bridge and Route 490. Bergen and Le Roy fire departments are responding.

UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: Fire is out. Assignment is back in service.

Law and Order: Le Roy resident accused of stealing more than $3K

By Howard B. Owens

Jason W. Spencer, 26, last known address, 4 Lincoln Ave., Le Roy, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Spencer was arrested following an investigation by the Le Roy PD that started in February. He is accused of stealing more than $3,000 from an acquaintance from Nov. 30 to Feb. 29.

Jason Anthony Ostune, 20, of Scott Avenue, Syracuse, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Ostune was arrested by the DeWitt PD on a warrant out of Town of Batavia Court on the listed charges. He was turned over to the Sheriff's Office, arraigned and jailed on $500 bail.

Deluge soaks county and its roadways

By Billie Owens

The deluge of rain has flooded roadways and drainage pipes causing driving hazards and other problems.

There are reports of flooding on Route 5 and Gilbert Street, Route 19 and Hilltop, Route 19 and Wolcott in Le Roy.

In the city, Watson and Thorpe are flooded again, about six to eight inches of water as the storm wound down. The basement of 14 Watson St. flooded again. Watson and Evans was also flooded.

We'll add more info as we get it.

UPDATE 3:50 p.m.: According to the National Weather Service, it's about 72 degrees out with humidity of 87 percent. More showers and possibly a thunderstorm are predicted until midnight, with showers forecast thereafter. Route 5 is reopened.

Four charged with burglary for their roles in break-ins at Pavilion residence

By Howard B. Owens

Four people have been charged with burglary following a three-and-a-half month investigation by the Sheriff's Office into a pair of break-ins at a residence on Telephone Road, Pavilion.

The burglaries occurred at 2:18 a.m., May 18, and 2:45 a.m., May 21.

In the first break-in, cash was stolen from a wallet and a purse on the kitchen table.

In the second case, three people reportedly entered the home and took a safe containing cash and savings bonds.

Arrested where:

  • John H. O'Shea, 20, of Wolcott Street, Le Roy. He is charged with two counts of burglary, 2nd, and one count of grand larceny, 2nd. He is accused of being involved in the May 21 burglary. He was arrested June 1 and has been held in jail on $25,000 bail since.
  • Dylan J. Hawkins, 20, of Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with burglary, 2nd, grand larceny, 4th, and grand larceny, 2nd. Hawkins is accused of partaking in both burglaries. He was jailed on June 7 on $25,000 bail.
  • Anthony J. Gonzales, 20, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with burglary, 2nd, and grand larceny, 2nd. He allegedly participated in the May 21 break-in. Gonzales was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.
  • Joshua M. Bratcher, 22, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with burglary, 2nd, and grand larceny, 4th. Bratcher was allegedly involved in the May 18 break-in. Bratcher was arrested Friday and jailed on $20,000 bail.

O'Shea was accused in July of falsely reporting a theft of jewelry and marijuana in Le Roy.

The burglaries were investigated by Deputies John Baiocco, Frank Bordonaro, Matthew Butler and Investigator Roger Stone. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by Det. John Condidorio, Officer Darryle Rob and Officer Emily Clark, of the Le Roy PD.

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

Cops & Rodders Poker Run for charity

By Billie Owens

Sunday Sept. 9th @ Pizza Land in LeRoy NY. Open to cars and motorcycles.

Contact Bob Mattice at <bobgs212@rochester.rr.com> if you are interested.

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