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Le Roy

Cadillac driver reportedly grabs man's cocker spaniel

By Howard B. Owens

Message from Edward Spink:

A man in a Cadillac picked up my Cocker Spaniel  by the car wash in LeRoy NY  on Main Street 12\22\2011 in the evening. She is blonde –white and sixteen years old. If anyone knows the whereabouts of her please contact me …she is a part of our family and dearly missed.

585-797-3731

Grand Jury Report: Indictment filed for strangulation and assault

By Howard B. Owens

Michael A. Mistler is indicted on a charge of strangulation, 2nd, and assault, 2nd. Mistler is accused of obstructing the breathing and blood circulation by applying pressure to the victim's neck during an alleged incident July 22. Mistler is accused of trying to cause serious physical injury to the alleged victim.

Steven A. Mullen is indicted on charges of failure to register a change of address and offering a false instrument for filing. Mullen is a convicted sex offender and is accused of moving to a motel on West Main Street, Batavia, then he allegedly failed to register his change of address. Mullen allegedly filed a change of address with an incorrect address on the form.

Prosecutor's information: The Grand Jury declined to indict Thomas W. Sherman on a charge of assault, 2nd, but did charge Sherman with assault, 3rd. The case is referred back to the Town of Le Roy Court. Sherman allegedly assaulted a person in Le Roy on Jan. 23.

No Bill: The Grand Jury did not find sufficient evidence to indict Wyatt S. Penfold on charges of assault, 2nd, and attempted assault, 2nd. The charges stemmed from an alleged incident on July 22.

Law and Order: Traffic stops lead to untaxed cigarettes charges

By Howard B. Owens

Randolph Ricardo Scott, 59, of West Humboldt, Buffalo, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and speeding (62 in a 40 mph zone). Scott was stopped at 10:58 p.m. Wednesday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Scott was allegedly in possession of 800 untaxed cigarettes.

Marc Anthony Crispino, 20, of Cassandra Circle, Chili, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes. Crispino was stopped at 12:02 a.m., Dec. 6, on Route 77, Pembroke, for alleged traffic violations by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves reportedly found Crispino in possession of 800 untaxed cigarettes.

Martin Andrew Wade, 53, of Sanders Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and insufficient turn lamps. Wade was stopped at 10:19 p.m. Wednesday on Route 5, Stafford, by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Tabatha Holly Clark, 25, of Telephone Road, Le Roy, charged with petit larceny and possession of a controlled substance not in original container. Clark is accused of shoplifting $22.67 in merchandise from Kmart.

Reader photo: Rainbow in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A reader submitted this picture of a rainbow in Le Roy this afternoon. The reader wrote, "The colors were so bright against the dark sky!! Can't believe its December and this was what I drove towards after work."

(btw: if you're going to send in pictures, please make sure they're at least 460 pixels wide so we can see them better.)

Photo: Le Roy police looking for 'person of interest'

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy police are looking for the black or Hispanic male behind the woman in the check-out line. Investigators have identified him as a person of interest in the theft of a stolen purse and credit card that occurred Tuesday.

Holy Family School will be open for 2012-13 school year

By Howard B. Owens

Submitted by a reader:

In the basement of St. Joseph’s Oratory in Le Roy, parents and committee members heard the words everyone was praying for, “Holy Family will remain open for the 2012-2013 school year.” This announcement came  from the Diocese of Buffalo after word that the merger proposed with St. Joseph’s in Batavia had been rejected.

This good news comes with a catch though -- all benchmark goals previously set by the diocese still need to be reached.

“Every 10 students cost the school around $20,000,” Fr. Rock said, “every enrolled student lessens the financial burden of the school and, therefore, the parents.”

Benchmark goals include enrolling 120 students and raising $120,000 by June 2012. Enrollment goals include re-enrolling the 90 current K-7 students so parents are encouraged to make their commitment sooner than later.

An Enrollment and Marketing Committee has been established by a group of parents, professionals and supporters of HFS who plan to kick off the enrollment campaign this January.

A Finance Committee has also been created to manage donations and assist with tuition and financial aid.

“We need the donations and the tuition to run the school, but it is important for parents to know no student is turned away for the inability to pay,” said Dane Sprague, co-chair of the Finance Committee. "There is always a way and we will find it."

Sprague also reminded supporters to encourage donations of all sizes as no donation is too small. The school is launching a new website which will be live on the first day of Catholic Schools Week in January.

It is expected to have many more user-friendly features including the ability to make a quick and secure donation online. Until then, Holy Family School is asking those willing to donate to send gifts to HFS with attention to Denise Spadaccia, the school’s bookkeeper.

“Now is the time to donate and enroll, with confidence,” said Lindsay Warner, 1995 alumni and committee volunteer. "Holy Family School has been serving the Le Roy community and surrounding areas since 1889 and has proven tonight that she will continue to do so."

In emotional sentencing, Le Roy arsonist given 10 years in prison

By Howard B. Owens

A 43-year-old man who apparently set himself on fire in a thwarted suicide attempt will serve 10 years in prison, Judge Robert C. Noonan ruled Tuesday afternoon.

Paul Atkinson admitted Oct. 26 to arson, 2nd, and Noonan was bound by law to impose a prison sentence, even though the defendant's sister and Atkinson himself both asked that he receive mental health treatment.

"I fully acknowledge the terrible losses you have had in your life," Noonan said. "The diseases that affilicted you, the personal pain that comes with divorce, the ping-pong life of children going back and forth, the loss of employment, financial hardships and the stress in your family. It's a soap opera. It's a very, very sad story.

"But," Noonan added, "you're very, very lucky you're not standing here before me accused of murdering several people."

Noonan said the record will reflect that Atkinson wants and need mental health treatment and that the state prison system does have programs in place.

"I hope you avail yourself of the help available, because you will be released from prison some day and when you're release you should get on with your life," Noonan said.

Atkinson started a fire July 14 in his father's home at 3 Orchard Drive, where he, his father and his sister and her husband were living at the time.

Atkinson's sister, Wendy Nelson, made a victim's statement and said that she suffered cracked ribs, a collapsed lung, smoke inhalation, anemia and post-traumatic stress syndrome as a result of the fire and hasn't been able to work since.

Yet, she said, she wants to see her brother get help.

"It's hard for him to ask for the help he needs," Nelson said. "I need to speak for somebody whom I feel cannot speak for himself and ask that he receives this help."

When Atkinson was given his turn to make a statement, he turned and thanked his sister and was barely able to be heard as he said, "I want help bad."

Noonan said he couldn't understand him, and Atkinson's next two attempts to speak were not understandable. Then he stood up a little straighter and said, "I know I need help now. I wish to receive help if it's offered to me. I'm very sorry for my crime."

Law and Order: Traffic stop on Jackson Street leads to drug charges

By Howard B. Owens

Craig Daniel Martin, 27, of Morton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance not in its original container, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and unlicensed operation. Martin was stopped on Jackson Street, Batavia, at 1:09 a.m. Saturday by Deputy Patrick Reeves for alleged traffic violations. Martin was allegedly found in possession of two types of controlled substances and a quantity of marijuana concealed in his vehicle.

Brittany Megan Hart, 24, of Warsaw Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Hart was charged following a traffic stop for alleged violations at 11 p.m. Sunday on Jackson Street, Batavia, by Deputy Brad Mazur.

Daniel John Hickey, 33, of Sherwood Drive, Brockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Hickey was stopped at 1:22 a.m., Saturday on Route 262 in Elba by Deputy James Diehl.

Nicholas Keith Thorne, 23, of Osborne Road, Mt. Sterling, is charged with criminal mischief, 2nd. Thorne allegedly smashed a glass door and window at the Econo Lodge on Route 77, Corfu. Thorne was jailed on an unspecified amount of bail.

Dennis P. Schroeder, 54, of Cotton Hill Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and inadequate exhaust. Schroeder was stopped at 7:40 p.m. Dec. 15 on Tinkhem Road, Darien, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Nicholas M. Worrells, 24, of 10253 Roosevelt Highway, Lyndonville, is charged with criminal contempt. Worrells was allegedly found hiding under the rear deck of a residence on East Main Street, Le Roy, after police responded to a report of a disturbance. Worrells was allegedly with a person at the residence in violation of a complete stay-away order. Worrells was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Dayton G. Schultz, 52, Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of. 08 or greater and driving left of pavement markings. Schultz was stopped at 10:35 p.m. Friday on Route 262, Elba, by Sgt. Greg Walker.

Eric Matthew Kingsley, 24, of Perry Road, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and illegal parking on a highway. Kingsley was arrested by Deputy Jason Saile following a report of a vehicle fire at 4:48 a.m., Saturday, on Ellicott Street Road, Bethany.

Jeremy John Haynes, 35, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and speeding. Haynes was stopped at 11:27 p.m. Friday on East Main Street, Le Roy, by Deputy Eric Seppala.

Brent Michael Semmier, 36, of Cypress Street, Rochester, is charged with felony DWI, speeding (90 in 55 mph zone), alcohol consumption in a motor vehicle and improper right turn. Semmier was stopped at 4:29 p.m. Sunday on Route 19, Le Roy, by Deputy Brad Mazur.

Car accident with injuries at Route 19 and North Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A car accident with injuries is reported at Route 19 and North Road in Le Roy. There are three patients. Traffic police are called to shut down traffic on Route 19 at Parmalee and Route 19 and North Road.

Le Roy Fire and Ambulance Service is responding along with mutual aid from Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 6:01 p.m.: A third ambulance is requested as mutual aid from Caledonia.

UPDATE 6:02 p.m.: Caledonia's response has been cancelled.

UPDATE 6:28 p.m.: Two patients are being transported to United Memorial Medical Center.

UPDATE 6:33 p.m.: Tow trucks are on location. Two more patients are being taken to the hospital. Mercy EMS is taking one of them to Strong Memorial Hospital.

One car rollover on Warsaw Road

By Billie Owens

A one-car rollover accident is reported at 9552 Warsaw Road in the area of Cole Road. There is one patient, who is conscious and alert and bleeding from the head.

Le Roy Fire Department and Le Roy medics are responding. Traffic control is warranted.

UPDATE 4:24 p.m.: Le Roy medics are transporting the patient to the hospital in Warsaw. Le Roy fire back in service.

Deer inside house on Myrtle Street, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A deer has jumped through a window of a residence at 12 Myrtle Street, Le Roy.

One report said it had been confined to a bedroom.  A later dispatch said, "it's running around the house."

Le Roy Police and State Police responding to the scene.

A Le Roy office inquired to double-check the kind of tag to issue if the residents wish to keep the deer.

UPDATE 8:17 a.m.: An environmental conservation officer is on scene.

Strawberry and honey farm in Le Roy going solar

By Howard B. Owens

John Duyssen says he spent several years studying alternative energy, primarily considering whether to convert his farm to solar or wind.

In the end, the sun won.

"It's more consistant than wind, in my opinion," Duyssen said. "We're putting it in cattle pasture, so there's no wasted space. I don't have a 140-foot tower and cable wires to look at. And it's cool."

In all that study, and all the green agriculture classes and seminars Duyssen attended, he learned a few things about solar power.

With the help of Stein Fabrication in Le Roy, Duyssen installed specially designed platforms for the solar panels that will track the sun both on its daily and seasonal movements. The panels will absorb direct sunlight, which experts told Duyssen will increase the power production of the panels by 30 to 40 percent.

"We'll produce enough power for the farm and the house," Duyssen said. "That's our goal."

The panels and installation are being handled by Liberty Solar out of Buffalo.

The extra, lower-cost power, Duyssen said, should help him increase strawberry and honey production. Honey, he said, takes a lot of electricity for heating and refrigeration.

Asked if he wanted to share how much the solar panels are costing (some of the cost is offset by power company grants), Duyssen said, "Oh, no, because everybody will say I'm out of my mind to do this."

The 10-year break-even point could be accelerated by ongoing increases in fuel cost and/or increased production at the farm.

"Utilities just keep going up and up, gasoline, heating oil, diesel," he said. "Every little bit (of savings) helps. I've jammed the numbers and I think it's going to work."

Previously: Duyssens keep 'the family' in family farming

Le Roy teacher to receive WNY 'Making a Difference' award

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

First as a student and now as a faculty member, Patty Page has been making a difference in the lives of Holy Family School students in Le Roy for the past 23 years. A 1965 graduate of the school located in eastern Genesee County, Page will receive the “Sister Lucille Socciarelli - Father John Sturm Making a Difference Award” on Jan. 26 at the annual dinner that raises funds for needs-based tuition assistance for students attending Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Buffalo.

In his letter of nomination, Holy Family School Principal Kevin Robertson wrote, “Patty is a very spiritual person and shares her great sense of responsibility with her students and coworkers every day. Patty’s second-graders leave her classroom at the end of each school year with knowledge of Jesus, His many teachings, the saints and the essential values of being a caring and honest person.”

Father Michael Rock, OdeM, canonical administrator of the school, said that for Page, teaching is a true vocation and call to ministry.

“In everything she does, she is not only an exceptional professional but she has the compassion and gentleness of a true Christian,” Rock said.

The award that Page will receive at the “Making a Difference Dinner – A Celebration of Catholic Schools,” was originated in 2000 by the late Tim Russert of NBC’s “Meet the Press.” The South Buffalo native was inspired by two religious mentors, Sister Lucille Socciarelli, RSM, who taught him at St. Bonaventure School in West Seneca, and Father John Sturm, SJ, dean of discipline at Canisius High School in Buffalo.

Following Russert’s death in 2008, the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo decided to continue the award on Russert’s behalf.  Since the 2009 dinner, Russert’s son, Luke, has introduced the honoree via videotape from the NBC News set in Washington, D.C. The practice will continue at next month’s dinner.

Lead sponsors of the dinner are the William E. & Ann L. Swan Foundation and Restonic – Tom and Jean Comer. Platinum sponsors are the Mazurkiewicz Family and Mrs. Arthur J. Schaefer, Lawley, John and Betsy Sullivan, and Richard and Karen Penfold.

Tribute sponsors are KeyBank, Jake and Katie Schneider, Steve and Kellie Ulrich, M&T Bank, Pratt Collard Advisory Partners, LLC, and The Kenneth L. & Katherine G. Koessler Foundation, Canisius High School, Dietrich Law Firm, Personal Touch Food Service, Phillips Lytle, Franchise Technologies, Catholic Health, St. Mark Parish and School, and Dave and Mary Pietrowski.

For sponsorship and ticket information, contact Susan Burns, coordinator of Special Events, at 716-847-8373 or sburns@buffalodiocese.org.

Accident with injuries reported on 490 near Bergen exit

By Howard B. Owens

An accident with injuries has been reported on the 490 near the Bergen exit.

Bergen and Le Roy fire departments along with Le Roy's ambulance dispatched. A Mercy EMS ambulance was in the area and has also been dispatched.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: This turns out to be the Churchville district. Genesee County units back in service.

Le Roy Winterfest 2011

By lucie griffis

There is an unexplainable feeling that overcame LeRoy yesterday.  The change was just in the air.  The weather was perfect.  The only way to explain it correctly would be the song "Silver Bells"-City sidewalks busy sidewalks ,Dressed in holiday style,In the air,There's a feeling of Christmas,Children laughing,People passing,Meeting smile after smile,"

Through a collaborative effort of the area businesses donating prizes for the Stroll through the Village, the children's activities, Santa's arrival, and all the great festivities that the individual businesses ran, our community came alive and together.

It was more than just a shopping day here.  People were out walking the Village streets.  That was the best thing I have seen in LeRoy in years!  Our local business owners saw many new faces, got to share there stores and services, and people realized what we have here locally.

I received calls and comments in person from both business owners and people who came out to enjoy the day.  People had so much fun and saw faces they had not in years.  They were happy with all the holiday decor, and just the over all feeling.  Java's and Scratch Bakery had one of their best days.  They had so many people coming in that they believe they may have had more that during Oatka festival and other events.  They had 120 entries in their in house drawing.

I stopped in throughout the activites and ALL the participating businesses were excited to be able to have their doors open and were having such a great time!  Children were walking around with the goodie bags the Town of LeRoy handed out.  

I just have to say we may be a small town , but we have a big heart!  We are definitely a hidden treasure in Genesee County.  Thank you to everyone who came out yesterday.  

As best said by one native, Selby Davis "Proud to be a LeRoyan today-it was the perfect day for our Winterfest, and the vendors and stores were all so festive.LOVED, LOVED, LOVED  the squiggly lights above the banners as I drove through at 9pm."

"LeRoy had the perfect Christmas spirit today. We had fun.  I loved the lights too!" Julie Long.

Winterfest in LeRoy this year was about so much more.  It was about a small community coming together to get people back walking our streets, taking notice to what we have here, to get back to shopping and supporting locally, and most of all getting the great community spirit and pride back.  I would have to say we exceeded that goal and got so much more.  

Santa's line was consistant for almost an hour and a half.  They arrived right up until 4pm to share their Christmas wishes.  Santa received lists and even a small gift.

Thank you to all who came out and all who took the time to make it such a great day.  

By the way we were asked to do it again next year and to bring back the parade! 

 

 

 

Photos: Village of Le Roy spreads some Christmas cheer with annual Winterfest

By Howard B. Owens

With Girl Scouts singing yuletide carols, a visit from Santa Claus at the Moose Family Center, all of the stores bedecked for the season, it was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Le Roy today.

Well, some snow on the ground might have helped ...

The village put on "Winterfest," which included a "stroll through the village" (patrons got a punch card and could win prizes for visiting all of the stores), and the Moose Family Center sponsored a holiday bazaar. There was also an event at the Woodward Memorial Library. 

Adding to the Christmas spirit were songs of the season blasted up and down Main Street through the village's emergency bullhorns.

Mary Margaret Ripley, owner of Scratch Bakery, said she was busy all through the event.

Law and Order: Le Roy teen accused of stealing family diamonds

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel Cody Rosicka, 17, of 9292 Robbins Road, Le Roy, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd, and criminal mischief. Rosicka is accused of stealing several diamond rings from a family member and damaging the property of another. Rosicka was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Christopher Anthony Burek, 19, of Broadway Road, Alden, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Burek was allegedly observed pushing a female guest at a party at 1:52 a.m., Friday.

Nicholas M. Worrells, 24, of East Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Worrells is accused of choking his girlfriend during an argument, causing obstruction of breathing and blood flow. Worrells was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Taste of the Holidays schedule of events

By Howard B. Owens

The first-ever Taste of the Holidays event in Downtown Batavia kicks off this evening.

Here's the schedule of events for this weekend:

Friday, Dec. 2 (5:30-9 p.m.)

  • Lighting of the Christmas tree (5:30 p.m.)
  • Sample tastings by area restaurants and caterers (6-9p.m.)
  • Entertainment: The OHMS Band (6-9 p.m.)

Saturday, Dec. 3 (11 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

  • Holiday activities for kids and families
  • Divine Dance Group (11-11:20 a.m.)
  • Entertainment: Kevin & Bart (12-3 p.m.)
  • McMahon Irish School of Dance (1-1:20 p.m.)
  • Horse & Wagon Rides Around Downtown (12-3 p.m.)

Also, this weekend, Le Roy has its Winterfest. For more information, click here.

Law and Order: Driver charged with leaving the scene of property damage accident

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua Jones, 20, of Sanders Road, Stafford, is charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Jones is accused of his truck hitting a vacuum pump at a car wash on Pearl Street and then driving off. Jones turned himself in to Batavia PD after seeing a picture of his truck on The Batavian. Officer James DeFreze said Jones contacted him a very short time after the picture was posted and said he didn't know he had struck anything. "He was very cooperative," DeFreze said.

Michael David Pacer, 24, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Pacer was arrested at 2:31 a.m., Thursday, by Deputy John Weis following an investigation into a report of a car parked on Sweetland Road, Stafford.

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