Le Roy

Lyla Bynum from Le Roy Central School District is the First Place winner in The DIGIES' PreK-3 Audio category with her submission "Cats and Kittens."

Submitted photo and press release:

LE ROY -- The DIGIES is an annual digital media conference and festival run by the School Library Service, a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. 

This year’s festival awards event was held on May 16 at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester.

The mission of The DIGIES is to strengthen the digital media continuum between Pre-K-12 schools, higher education and professional institutions. The DIGIES recognizes student potential in an annual festival format and draws student entries from throughout the region and the Upstate New York area.

Emilee Williamson and Andrea Fetterly, Library technologies’ specialists; and Brian Mayer, game librarian, coordinate this conference. Mayer noted how this year’s festival drew a variety of entries.

“We had another wonderful year with strong submissions from both the Genesee Valley Region and beyond," Mayer said. "Submissions continue to come in from both school and public libraries, with students not only sharing curricular projects but personal work as well."

Below is a listing of all the event categories, age groupings, award winners and their school districts.

Congratulations to these imaginative students!

AUDIO

PreK-3

1^st Place – Lyla Bynum -- "Cats and Kittens" – Le Roy Central School

Grades 4-6

1^st Place – Ben Knapp -- "The Pink Fluffy Unicorn’s Problem" – Le Roy Central School

2^nd Place – Sophie Beikirch -- "The New Old Book" – Livonia Central School

3^rd Place – Matthew Parry -- "Nintendo Designer" – Livonia Central School

Grades 7-9

1^st Place – Mina Stevens – "O’er Th’ Loch" – Pittsford Central School

2^nd Place – Trey Prevost, Kailyn Tresco, Amara Condidorio, Lola Forte, Hailey-Jay Michel, Alli Privatera, Angela Allen, Adele Feeley, Ashley Michel – "Las Excusas"  – Le Roy Central School

3^rd Place – Evie Babcock – "Quien Soy Yo" – Le Roy Central School

Grades 10-12

1^st Place – Peyton Martin – "Lost At Sea" – Mount Morris Central School

2^nd Place – Leslie Arneth, Katie Carmichael, Kassidy Steffenilla – "ASMR: An Episode of Knightly Knews" – Le Roy Central School

3^rd Place – Hailey Grasso, Alexis Pfendler – "Real Feminism Podcast" – Le Roy Central School

GRAPHIC ARTS

PreK-3

1^st Place – Reese Koukides – "Reflection of Fire" – Le Roy Central School

2^nd Place – Sean Kantorowicz – "Altered Photos" – Livonia Central School

3^rd Place – Broton Folts – "Best Part of Me" – Livonia Central School

Grades 4-6

1^st Place – Kayden Sweet – "Egyptian Pyramid" – Livonia Central School

2^nd Place – Paolo Quintana – "Altered Photos" – Livonia Central School

3^rd Place – Seaenna Ford – "The Chipmunk" – Livonia Central School

Grades 7-9

1^st Place – Victoria Feng – "Platonic Sculpture" – Rush-Henrietta Central School

2^nd Place – Nhu Tran – "Giraffe" – Rush-Henrietta Central School

3^rd Place – Mackenzie Pustulka – "Virtual Gallery" – Rush-Henrietta Central School

3^rd Place – Kaylen Petramalo – "Credo Stellae" (latin) (Believe in Stars) – Rush-Henrietta Central School

Grades 10-12

1^st Place – Nathan Coy – "Layne Staley" – Pavilion Central School

2^nd Place – Jayde Wilkin-Smith – "Grandparent’s View in Germany" – Livonia Central School

2^nd Place – Ella Sexton – "The Water View" – Livonia Central School

3^rd Place – Allana Knopp – "Teepee" – Holley Central School

INTERACTIVE MEDIA

PreK-3

1^st Place – Cora Weaver, Bailey Caton, Kylie Wilson, Leah Cashin – "It’s Time for a Change" – Le Roy Central School

2^nd Place – Peyton Bennett – "Crossing the Delaware" – Livonia Central School

Grades 4-6

1^st Place – Lily Sharp, Hannah White, Leah Whittel – "Jack and the Hairy Beanstalk" – Livonia Central School

2^nd  Place – Nadja Emmendorfer – "Greece" – Le Roy Central School

3^rd Place – Matthew Covert, Andrew Greene, Fernando Cacho – "Space: Our Galaxy, Universe and Beyond!" – Le Roy Central School

Grades 10-12

1^st Place – Casey Wurtz – "College Photo" – Pembroke Central School

2^nd Place – Faith DesRoches – "An Exploration of New Social Landscape" – Pembroke Central School

3^rd Place – Evan McCoy, Sam Heck – "Rent-a-Pet" – Livonia Central School

VIDEO

PreK-3

1^st Place – Pedro Segatto, Wyatt Sattora, Rivers Thomas, Mason Patterson, Ceci Prince, Mackenzie Partridge, Sainelys Diaz, Scott Ho, Jagger Lee, Mason Bowick, Trenton Konzel, Finley Weingaertner, Sandy Godinez – "Composite Shapes in Spring" – Geneseo Central School

2^nd Place – Chloe Richardson, Dylan Bogdon, Justin Ferguson, Kylee Wonsey, Noah Johnso – "Blooper Reel" – Livonia Central School

3^rd Place – Jane Fischer – "Fun with Animations!" – Livonia Central School

Grades 4-6

1^st Place – Helio Quintana, Carson Beardsley – "A Quick Trip" – Livonia Central School

2^nd Place – Leila Haines, Leona Savino, Anna Reilly, Lucas Savino – "Ridiculous Ocean" – Victor-Farmington Public Library

3^rd Place – Taila Cavalcante-Bezerra, Isabella Hennessy, Chloe Meys – "Viruses Going Around" – Livonia Central School

Grades 7-9

1^st Place – Mina Stevens – "The Monster in My Closet" – Pittsford Central School

2^nd Place – Amy Eck – "Clearly" – Le Roy Central School

3^rd Place – Jack Tonzi, Jake Marcello, Nate Yauchzee – "Bohemian Immigrant" – Le Roy Central School

Grades 10-12

1^st Place – Jacob French – "Dominos" – Geneseo Central School

2^nd Place – Alexis Verrall – "What You Don’t Know About ME" – Tonawanda Central School

3^rd Place – Marquise Bennett – "Ageism" – Pittsford Central School

About the School Library System

It is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, based in Le Roy. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.

Press release:

Save the date!

On Aug. 25, the United Way of Genesee County will host their Fourth Annual Summer Serenade; a combined fund-raising event with the Genesee Symphony Orchestra (GSO).

This year’s garden party, held at the stately LeRoyan (formerly Mercy Grove), will start with cocktails at 4:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5 o'clock and a serenade of guests by the GSO will begin at 6:15, followed by dessert.

Garden party attire is encouraged.

Tickets for this combined fundraiser are $75 per person and include: beer & wine, dinner, dessert and the beautiful sounds of the GSO. (Cash bar is available.) Proceeds support the United Way’s Backpack Program and the GSO.

To support these two wonderful groups, tickets can be purchased as follows:

• Tompkins Bank of Castile, Le Roy
• Roxy’s Music Store
• United Way Board Members
• GSO Board Members
• Online at www.uwrochester.org/summerserenade

Le Roy Village Mayor Greg Rogers, Poppy Girl 2019 Celeste Vescovi, and Le Roy Town Supervisor Steve Barbeau.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576 has selected the 2019 Poppy Girl, who will be featured in the upcoming Memorial Day Parade in Le Roy on Monday, May 27.

Little Miss Celeste Vescovi will reign as this year's Poppy Girl. She is a kindergartener at Wolcott Street School in Le Roy.

Celeste is the daughter of Sara and John Vescovi and granddaughter of Barb and John Vescovi and Christa Coulon. Also she is the great-granddaughter of the late Don Vescovi (Clarky), past commander and adjutant of Botts-Fiorito Post 576.

Celeste enjoys dance, bowling and singing, especially karaoke; also reading is a favorite pastime.

You can meet Celeste in Le Roy on Memorial Day -- at the American Legion Post, and distributing traditional red crepe paper poppies at Tops Market (128 W. Main St.).

The symbolic flower is given out by the American Legion Auxiliary to raise money and to commemorate the sacrifice of so may men and women who have died fighting for their country. (To learn more about the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program, click here.)

Le Roy's Memorial Day Parade will be held on May 27th, starting at the American Legion (53 W. Main St.) at 10:30 a.m., and ceremonies will follow at 11 o'clock in Trigon Park.

For previous coverage on 2019 Memorial Day plans in Le Roy, click here.

Notice of Memorial Day events in Le Roy from the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576:

Remembering the War Dead:

Memorial Day services will be conducted on Monday, May 27, at two community cemeteries, starting at Machpelah on North Street at 8 a.m., followed by St. Francis, located on the south side of Exchange Street.

The Post Chaplain will conduct the respective services, followed at each location with a volley by the Firing Squad in recognition of the deceased veterans.

Parade Schedule:

• Parade forms at 9:45 a.m. in the American Legion parking lot, 53 W. Main St.;
• Parade “steps off” at 10:30 a.m. SHARPLY, proceeds to Trigon Park.

Ceremonies at Trigon Park:

• Introduction and “Welcome” by the Post Commander, John Graney;
• Invocation reading by the Post Chaplain, Gary Bassett;
• Singing of the “National Anthem” by Mary Brady;
• Introduction of the 2019 “Poppy Girl” -- Celeste Vescovi;
• Memorial Day Guest Speaker: Town Supervisor Steve Barbeau;
• Dedication of Korean War Veterans Bench -- Lynne Belluscio and John Graney;
• Reading of names and placement of flags for veterans who have passed over the past year;
• Placement of wreath on the Monument -- Commander Graney, Auxiliary President Marlene McCumiskey;
• Musical selections by the Le Roy High School Band;
• Closing with the playing of “Taps” and volley by the Firing Squad;
• Benediction and closing by the Post Chaplain;
• Singing of “God Bless America” led by Mary Brady.

As per tradition, all are cordially invited to the American Legion Post Home, 53 W. Main St. for free hot dogs and a soft drink immediately following the ceremonies.

A woman has reportedly died following a head-on collision on Route 19 at North Street Road, Le Roy.

According to Chief Deputy Brian Frieday, a vehicle was southbound on Route 19 when it slowed to make a left turn on North Street Road. Another vehicle behind that car tried to pass on the west shoulder and that driver apparently lost control of her car causing it to cross back across the southbound lane and into the northbound lane where it struck a northbound SUV.

The driver of the car that was attempting the southbound pass was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the SUV was transported to Strong with non-life-threatening injuries.

The name of the victim has not been released pending family notifications.

The accident is still under investigation.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance responded to the scene and Route 19 was closed between Seldon Road and West Bergen Road. (At the intersection of the fatality, Randall Road is west of Route 19; and across Route 19 to the east, the same roadway becomes North Street Road.)

UPDATE: The Sheriff's Office reports that Bonnie B. Dean, 77, of Churchville, died as a result of the crash. The other driver was identified as Penne M. Vincent, 56, of Fairport. Vincent was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment of her injuries. Dean was driving a 2008 Chevy Cobalt. Vincent was driving a 2013 GMC Terrain. According to the press release, Dean attempted to pass an uninvolved vehicle on the right, on the west shoulder and was unable to maintain control of the vehicle, causing it to cross into the northbound lane. The cause of the crash is under investigation by Chief Deputy Brian Frieday, Sgt. Andrew Hale, Sgt. James Deihl, Sgt. Jason Saile, Deputy Richard Schildwaster, Deputy Mat Clor, and Deputy Travis Demuth. Assisting at the scene were Le Roy Detective John Condidorio, and officers Gregory Kellogg and Stephen Cappotelli as well as Le Roy fire, Le Roy ambulance, and Mercy EMS.

Alecia Kaus/Video News Service contributed to this story. Photos by Alecia Kaus.

Last evening, the Batavia Blue Devils advanced to the finals (following their close win to Oakfield-Alabama) between the Le Roy Oatkan Knights.  Alex Hale pitched the first five innings while Andrew Francis closed on the mound for the duo to have a complete game.

The first three innings showed no score from either team, until the bottom of the fourth as Batavia scored five runs. Sam Sallome, Trevor Zewan, Andrew Francis, Josh Weis, and Luke Grammatico each had a hit and RBI. Later on in the sixth, Luke Grammatico would score again with his second hit and RBI. Alex Hale and Jake Humes came to home plate as well.

Batavia was calm, cool, and collected throughout tonight and having continuous hits led to many runners on base, which turned into plenty of scoring opportunities. They were defensively sound. Batavia led Le Roy in hits 12-3 and one error to Le Roy’s three. Final score 8-0.

After the match, Sam Sallome was announced 2019 Rotary Tournament MVP.

Story submitted by Thomas Ognibene.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Christian Arieras Wilson, 21, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband in the first degree, fifth-degree conspiracy and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Following an investigation into smuggling contraband into the Genesee County Jail, Wilson was arrested, released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on May 20. It is alleged that Wilson delivered a quantity of a controlled substance into the jail in a concealed manner at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Michael Shawn Wahl, 53, of Jordan Avenue, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree and possessing or transporting or offering for sale unstamped cigarettes. At 10:32 p.m. on May 10, following a traffic stop on Indian Falls Road in Pembroke, Wahl was arrested. Allegedly, he was driving a motor vehicle and his driver's license was revoked and he possessed unstamped cigarettes for sale. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on May 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Jenna Ferrando.

Tammy Kay Zasowski, 51, of Clinton Street, Elma, is charged with petit larceny. Following an investigation of a larceny on Shanks Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, Zasowski was arrested. It is alleged that she stole cigarettes at noon on May 3. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Alabama Town Court on June 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Ira Leroy Mercer, 72, of Oakwood Road, Rochester, is charged with possession of unstamped cigarettes for sale. At 10:32 p.m. on May 10, Mercer was arrested on Indian Falls Road in Pembroke following a traffic stop. He allegedly possessed unstamped cigarettes that were for sale. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on May 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sherjiff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Jenna Ferrando.

Ramon S. Gilliam, 44, of Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, and having an uninspected motor vehicle. Gilliam was arrested following a traffic stop for uninspected vehicle at 9:04 a.m. on May 10 on East Main Street Road in Batavia. He is due in Batavia Town Court on May 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Joshua Dale Thomas Jr., 34, of Post Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the fourth degree. At 12:29 a.m. on May 11, Thomas was arrested on Route 490 in Le Roy. He was the passenger in a motor vehicle stopped for alleged vehicle and traffic violations. "During the stop criminal indicators were observed which led to a subsequent search of the vehicle and its occupants." Thomas was allegedly found in possession of more than two ounces of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Le Roy Court and is due there on June 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Thomas Sousa, 55, of 7th Avenue, St. Petersburg, Fla., is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 2:51 a.m. on May 10 on South Lake Road in Bergen, Sousa was arrested after a traffic stop for alleged vehicle and traffic violations, which included failure to keep right. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Bergen Town Court on June 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Today, the Le Roy Oatkan Knights took on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to kick off the 21st Annual Batavia Rotary Club High School Baseball Tournament at Dwyer Stadium.

Tim McMullen and Tommy Saunders held the mound for Le Roy, while David Russo and Spencer Misti pitched for Notre Dame.

Giavanni Caccamise, Reece Tresco, Tim McMullen, Kenny Saunders all recorded a hit and RBI, while Ryan Friend had two hits and RBIs to make it 6-1 Le Roy after two. Zachary Cocking had the lone RBI for ND in the first.

Later on in the fifth inning, Tommy Saunders and Austin Saeya came home safely and scored. It was 8-1 Le Roy after five.

Spencer Misti, David Russo, Andrew Moore, all collected hits while Alex Totton had a RBI and hit of his own in the final inning of the game.

Le Roy led ND in hits 9 to 8 and was defensively strong overall only allowing two errors. With Le Roy’s 8-2 win they will move on to the championship game at 7 o'clock tonight to face the winner of Oakfield-Alabama and Batavia.      

A car has reportedly struck the building at Burger King in Le Roy.

Le Roy fire, Le Roy ambulance and Le Roy PD responding.

No word yet on injuries.

UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: A medic on scene reports the driver is out of the vehicle and minor damage to the building.

UPDATE 3:22 p.m.: The fire chief orders Le Roy's equipment held in quarters and requests code enforcement to the scene.

Richard L. Bailey, 63, (inset photo right) of Thorpe Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree menacing; fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon; and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Bailey was arrested after he allegedly was involved in a disturbance at 7:09 p.m. on April 25 wherein he threatened a neighbor on Thorpe Street with what appeared to be a handgun. Following arraignment in Batavia City Court the next morning, he was jailed without bail. He was due in city court again on April 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

William G. Schultz, 45, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief -- intentional damage of property, and second-degree criminal trespass -- entering or remaining unlawfully in a dwelling. He was arrested on May 1 after an investigation into an incident that occurred at 2 p.m. on April 21 at Bill's Auto on Evans Street in Batavia. He was arraigned in city court and jailed on $2,500 cash bail or bond. Then at the jail while being processed he was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was subsequently charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; and introduction of contraband into prison in the second degree. He was due back in city court on May 7. The cases were handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

April M. Palmer, 33, Lake St., Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 4:20 p.m. on April 14 following a shoplifting complaint at the Dollar General on East Main Street in Batavia. She was issued an appearacne ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on May 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Ashley B. Farrell, 33, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large and unlicensed dog. She was arrested at 3:08 p.m. on April 21 after her two dogs were found running at large in the city and they were unlicensed. She is due in city court on May 14 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Samantha R. Jones, 34, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. She was arrested at 5:45 p.m. on May 1 on Oak Street. It is alleged that her dog ran at large without a leash onto another person's property. She was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there on May 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Anthony L. Rice, 26, of Post Avenue, Rochester, was located and arrested by New York State Police on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. The warrant was issued April 25 after he failed to appear in city court regarding traffic offenses. He was turned over to Batavia PD and processed at headquarters. He was put in GC Jail on $1,000 cash bail or bond and was due in city court May 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Robert V. Howard Jr., 66, of Lockport Ollcott Road, Lockport, was taken into custody by Batavia police on May 5 from the New York State Police, who had stopped Howard for vehicle and traffic violations in Niagara County. NYPS determined Howard had a bench warrant for his arrest out of Batavia City Court. After his arraignment in city court, he was put in GC Jail or $500 cash bail or bond. He was due in city court again on May 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

     Rodney Harmon

Rodney Lee Harmon Jr., 42, of Church Street, Elba, is charged with: vehicular assault in the second degree; driving left of pavement markings; moving from lane unsafely; reckless driving, and driving while ability impaired by drugs. At 3:16 p.m. on April 15, after the investigation of a motor-vehicle crash in which the car struck a house on Oak Orchard Road in Batavia, Harmon was arrested. Harmon and his passenger were allegedly involved in a domestic incident while Harmon was driving a Chevy Cruze southbound on Route 98. The vehicle crossed over the hazard warnings into the northbound lane of travel and exited the highway, crashing into the north side of a house. Harmon was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital and evaluated. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on May 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

     Wesley Thigpen

Wesley Thigpen, 38, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree sexual abuse. He was arrested on May 1 after an investigation into an incident that occurred in December on Vine Street in Batavia. He turned himself in upon request, was arraigned in Batavia City Court, then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due in court again at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 23. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Det. Thad Mart.

Christopher T. Sprague, 25, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of third-degree burglary. He was arrested on May 3 for allegedly attempting to burglarize the Salvation Army Thrift Store at 98 Jackson St. in the City of Batavia on Dec. 23. Also on May 3, he was charged with the same crime for allegedly burglarizing Bill's Auto at 101 Evans St. in Batavia. After his arraignment, he was released on his own recognizance but he is in GC jail on other charges. He is due in Batavia City Court on the burglary charges June 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Det. Eric Hill.

Christopher Sprague

Jonathan Wayne Arce, 35, of Wyoming Street, Wyoming, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI -- operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or higher; moving from lane unsafely. At 7:11 p.m. on May 3 on Francis Road, Bethany, Arce was arrested on these charges. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Bethany Town Court on May 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Sgt. John Baiocco.

Donald G. Cooper, 35, and Christine A. M. Wark, of School Street, Le Roy, were arrested by Le Roy police on May 3 and each was charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. Cooper was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. At about 10:30 p.m. on May 3, Le Roy Police Department received a complaint of two young children sitting on the side of the road on Route 19. When patrols arrived, they located two children, ages 8 and 10. Police were able to identify and locate the parents of the children. It was "discovered that the children were allegedly sent out of the residence to burn off some energy while retrieving a discarded item located on the side of the road approximately a half mile from their residence. During the investigation, an unsecured firearm and bullets for the firearm were located in the residence...in a location that was accessible to both children." Paraphernalia for smoking marijuana was also found in the residence, in a location accessible to both children. As a result of the significant disregard for both children's well-being..." both Cooper and Wark were arrested, without incident. After arraignment in Town of Le Roy Court, the defendants were released under supervision of Genesee Justice. They are due back in Town of Le Roy Court on June 4 to answer the charges.

Steven D. Smires, 23, no permanent address, was arrested on May 2 by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor, and one count of unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. In the same incident, Leah M. Burrus-Stewart, also no permanent address, was arrested and charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child. At about 11:30 a.m. on May 2, Le Roy PD received a complaint of a subject smoking marijuana in a vehicle with two small children inside. Upon arrival, patrols found Smires and Burrus-Stewart inside along with a 3-year-old child belonging to Burrus-Stewart and a 9-month-old baby that belonged to the couple. Police also allegedly located marijuana and paraphernalia for smoking it inside the vehicle. It was also discovered that the family did not have housing and had been living in the vehicle. Both adults were arrested without incident and Child Protective Services was contacted to assist with the children's care. The couple was arraigned in Le Roy Town Court and jailed in lieu of $750 bail each. They are due back in Le Roy Town Court on June 4 to answer the charges.

Jennifer L. Shaw, 33, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Shaw was arrested at 3:10 p.m. on April 22 on West Main Street in Batavia after an investigation of an incident in which she allegedly left two children unattended in a running vehicle in a parking lot. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Tuesday, May 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

William G. Schultz, 45, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia. At 11:15 a.m. Schultz was arrested on Evans Street in Batavia on an unrelated charge. While being searched, he was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court then jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Stanley F. Wenzel, 30, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. He was arrested on April 26 and is due in city court for arraignment on Tuesday, May 7. It is alleged that on April 7 at 4:28 p.m. a dog that Wenzel was in possession of got loose and attacked another dog on Hutchins Place. Wenzel was issued an appearance ticket. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Tiesha Deon Doward, 32, of Prune Street, Batavia, was arrested on May 4 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court after police responded to an incident on Prune Street. They executed a bench warrant that was issued after she failed to appear in court April 24 on a petit larceny case from 2018. Doward was given an appearance ticket and is due in city court on Tuesday, May 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police officers Marc Lawrence and Peter Flanagan.

A 16-year-old who lives in Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. The youth was stopped at 12:22 a.m. on April 20 on West Main Street in Batavia for vehicle and traffic violations. During the traffic stop, the youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana. The youth was arrested and released to a parent and is due in Batavia City Court on Tuesday, May 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Paul W. Zeches, 30, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested on April 30 when he responded to Batavia Police Department for an unrelated matter. He had an active arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court for an unspecified incident that occurred on Feb. 28, 2017. He was arraigned, he pled guilty and was released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Anthony R. Piazza, 28, of Pratt Road, Pembroke, was arrested at 2:15 p.m. on April 30 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court on a misdemeanor traffic ticket. He was released on his own recognizance and is due in city court May 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

The patient burned in an early morning fire today at 9536 Bernd Road, Le Roy, is 64-year-old Elizabeth J. Reisdorf.

She suffered burns to her hands, face and upper body and was initially taken to UMMC, then subsequently transferred to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

This evening, she was listed in guarded condition. At Strong, guarded condition means a patient is in the Intensive Care Unit.

The preliminary investigation of the fire, which started in the bedroom, indicates it was accidental, caused by smoking in bed, according to Jim Bouton, an Emergency Management coordinator for Genesee County.

(Initial Report)

A house at 9536 Bernd Road, Le Roy, is reportedly "full of smoke." The location is south of Cole Road.

Le Roy fire, Bergen fire, Stafford fire, and City of Batavia fire dispatched.

Both occupants have evacuated.

UPDATE 6:05 a.m.: A chief on scene reports smoke coming from rear window.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 6:15 a.m.: The city's first platoon is called to headquarters. Pavilion is also called to respond. Le Roy ambulance is on scene and a Mercy medic unit is en route.

UPDATE 6:18 a.m.: "Knocked down pretty good; checking for extensions," says command.

UPDATE 6:33 a.m.: Code enforcement is called to the scene. The auxiliary is called to bring refreshments. National Grid is contacted.

UPDATE 6:37 a.m.: Caledonia Fire Department is asked to fill in at Le Roy's fire station.

UPDATE 6:50 a.m.: A female occupant suffered burns and was transported to UMMC for treatment. The fire appears to have started in the bedroom, according to the chief on scene. The fire is under investigation.

Todd M. Englerth is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 20 in the Town of Le Roy that Englerth knowingly possessed a dangerous knife or instrument -- metal knuckles, and he had previously been convicted of a crime. In count two he is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony, for allegedly intentionally trying to prevent a Le Roy police officer from performing a lawful duty and causing physical injury to the officer. In count three, he is accused of obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that Englerth attempted to prevent a public servant from performing an official function by means of intimidation, physical force or interference. In count four, the defendant is accused of resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor. In count five, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony, for allegedly possessing cocaine weighing an 1/8th ounce or more.

Heyward Clark AKA Heywood Clark is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 27, 2016 that Clark knowingly entered into a building on School Street in the City of Batavia with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing personal property and U.S. currency that day. In count three, he is accused of third-degree criminal mischief for allegedly damaging property belonging to another person that had a value of more than $250 -- a window. In count four, Clark is accused of another count of third-degree burglary for allegedly unlawfully entering a garage on Porter Avenue in the City of Batavia sometime between Oct. 27 and Oct. 31, 2016. In count five, he is accused of another count of petit larceny for allegedly stealing a circular saw and battery from a person after entering the garage. In count six, he is accused of fourth-degree criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally damaging another person's property at the garage -- a window.

Felix Cabrera-Lopez AKA Felix Cabrera is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 6, 2018, on South Lake Street in the Town of Bergen that Cabrera-Lopez drove a 2001 Honda while his driver's license was suspended or revoked. He had in effect at the time 10 or more suspensions, imposed on at least 10 separate dates for failure to answer or pay a fine: Jan. 31, 2008; Dec. 31, 2011; Oct. 5, 2012; March 27, 2014; Oct. 16, 2014; Jan. 7, 2015; June 9, 2015; May 12, 2016; Sept. 10, 2016; July 25, 2017 -- all in Monroe County.

Press release:

On Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Genesee County law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.  

Bring your pills for disposal to:

Pembroke Town Hall, Route 5 at Route 77 in Pembroke

• received by Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies

Batavia Police Department Headquarters, 10 W. Main St. (rear parking lot) -- Batavia

• received by Batavia Police Officers

Le Roy Police Department Headquarters, 3 W. Main St. -- Le Roy

• received by Le Roy Police Officers

Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites—liquids and needles or other sharps will not be accepted. The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Matthew A. Oakes, 39, and Kailyn M. Oakes, 24, both of Boston State Road, Hamburg, are each charged with these misdemeanors: three counts of petit larceny; three counts of endangering the welfare of a child; and three counts of sixth-degree conspiracy. Between 11:20 and 11:50 p.m. on April 6, 12 and 15, the subjects allegedly stole several cartons of cigarettes from the Two Eagles Smoke Shop on Bloomingdale Road in Basom. They allegedly had their small child with them on each occasion. The parents were arrested, issued appearance tickets and are due in Alabama Town Court on May 8. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Joshua Brabon, Sgt. John Baiocco, and NYS Police Officer Michael Machniak.

Kayla Frances Twardowski, 29, of Spencer Court, Batavia, is charged with third-degree attempted grand larceny. Twardowski was arrested at 3 p.m. on April 16 after it was alleged that she allowed two fraudulent checks totaling more than $3,000 to be deposited into her bank account. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on May 7 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Michael Scott VanBuren, 51, Wesley Drive, Akron, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI -- operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .18 percent of higher; moving from lane unsafely; speed not reasonable and prudent. VanBuren was arrested at 5:55 p.m. on April 19 on Knapp Road in Pembroke following the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on May 14. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

Gary Alfred Rynkowski, 50, of Thomas Avenue, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .18 percent or greater; DWI; open container; and inadequate plate lamp. On April 20, Rynkowski was arrested at 2:33 a.m. on West Main Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. He is due in Batavia City Court on May 15 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Ar-Rahmaan M. Jones, 38, of East Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol and having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Jones awas arrested at 10:29 p.m. on April 20 on East Main Street Road in Batavia. It is alleged that while a deputy was checking the welfare of a motorist parked roadside on Route 5 in the Town of Batavia, Jones was found behind the wheel of a vehicle with its motor running. At the time, Jones allegedly was under the influence of alcohol and had an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on May 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Brabon Joshua.

Jordan R. Rose, 18, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Rose was arrested after he was allegedly found to have been in the presence of two parties protected by a stay away order of protection at 4:30 p.m. on April 10 on Maple Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Tuesday, April 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Joshua David Capwell, 39, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and criminal mischief. Capwell was arrested following an investigation into a domestic dispute on West Main Street in Batavia at occurred at 11:45 p.m. on April 18. He was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and is to be arraigned in Batavia City Court on Tuesday, April 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Heidi L. Harder, 43, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant following an unrelated incident. She was located at her residence and taken into custody with incident. After arraignment in Batavia City Court on April 16, she was jailed in lieu of $1,500 cash or bond. She is due to return to city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Marc Lawrence.