Le Roy

A "pretty large fire" has been reported by a deputy on Quinlan Road, Le Roy, as a "possible en-con complaint" (environmental conservation).

The fire is about 20 feet in diameter and the deputy is requesting a fire department response.

Librarian Sue Border cut the red ribbon today to celebrate the opening of a remodeled child's library room in the bottom floor of the Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy.

The library was a project supported by community members, with state grants secured by Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

At the ceremony today, Hawley said he has three issues he always keeps in front of him, veterans, ARCs, and libraries.

"For all 12 years that I’ve been in the Assembly, each of the governors, from Pataki to Spencer to Patterson and Cuomo, have always seemed to cut the library allocation at the state level," Hawley said. "So every year I circulate a letter asking for restoration to the speaker, to the majority and each year it actually works."

Board President David Frost speaking.

Steve Hawley

Det. John Corodorio, Le Roy PD, manned the booth today at the police station for national drug take-back day. There were drug drop-off spots set up also at Batavia PD and the Town of Pembroke Highway Department (Sheriff's Office location).

Condidorio said now that Le Roy PD has a permanent drop-off box inside the police station, most people bring their unused, unwanted medications throughout the year.

There are also boxes set up at Batavia PD, the State Police barracks on West Saile Drive, and the Sheriff's Office on Park Road that are available most days of the week.

Proper disposal of unused medicine keeps the chemicals out of the environment and keeps potentially harmful or addictive medications from falling into the wrong hands.

Most of this information is from Katherine Bunting-Howarth, New York Sea Grant associate director, Cornell University, the rest is from GLOW Solid Waste:

Twice a year New York residents can take their unused pharmaceuticals back to collection sites statewide --  "no questions asked." It's part of the National Presecription Drug Take Back Day. The first such event for 2017 is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 29.

In Genesee County, the drop-off sites set up outside (for drive-by drop-offs) for this occasion are at:

• the Batavia Police Department parking lot, 10 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia;
• the Pembroke Town Highway barns at the junction of routes 5 and 77, East Pembroke, the drop-off site will be manned by the Sheriff's Office
• Le Roy PD

In addition, drop boxes are located at the NY State Police -- Batavia Barracks, 4525 W. Saile Drive, Batavia; the GC Sheriff's Office at 165 Park Road, Batavia; and the Village of Le Roy Police Department, 3 W. Main St. (The Le Roy location also accepts sharps, according to GLOW Region Solid Waste.)

Why people should properly dispose of unwanted medications -- both presription and over-the-counter -- is highlighted in the "Undo the Environmental Chemical Brew: Keep Unwanted Medications and Chemicals Out of the Great Lakes" guide developed by New York Sea Grant.

The guide is posted online at www.nyseagrant.org/unwantedmeds.

The guide written by New York Sea Grant Coastal Education Specialist Helen Domske, associate director of the Great Lakes Program at the University of Buffalo, Buffalo, includes tips on how citizens can keep unwanted pharmaceuticals and personal care products, also called PPCPs, out of local waters and out of the Great Lakes system.

"Taking unused prescription drugs to collection sites helps reduce the impact of unwanted substances on the water resource that provides drinking water to 42 million people in the United States and Canada and aquatic habitat for a host of fishes and other wildlife," Domske said.

The Undo the Chemical Brew guide lists 17 different types of PPCPs, including antibiotics, hormones, contraceptives, antidepressants, cosmetics, and vitamins, that are finding their way into the Great Lakes, the source of drinking water for 42 million people in the United States and Canada.

Research by New York Sea Grant and other science organizations has tracked the feminization of fish populations downstream from wastewater treatment plants to estrogen and its components found in prescription drugs.

"Researchers are increasingly documenting the impact of bioactive chemical substances in PPCPs throughout the aquatic food web on fishes, frogs, mussels and other freshwater organisms. We do not want people flushing unwanted and unused medicines down the toilet or drain," Domske said.

A New York Sea Grant-funded, two-year research project that began in February 2016 is examining the effectiveness of advanced water treatment options, environmental levels and potential effects of pharmaceuticals in New York waters.

The biannual National Prescription Drug Take Back Days are an initiative of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in cooperation with law enforcement agencies nationwide. Authorized collection sites are posted on the website at https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/. 

New York Sea Grant, a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York, is one of 33 university-based programs under the National Sea Grant Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. New York Sea Grant has Great Lakes offices in Buffalo, Newark and Oswego.

A motorcyclist crashed at 7099 East Bethany - Le Roy Road. He went off the road near the curve and is alert, on the ground. Le Roy medics are on scene. Le Roy Fire Department is responding. The location is south of Munson Street. 

Press release:

Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School was awarded a Silver Medal in the national rankings of U.S. News & World Report, placing in the top 10.3 percent of schools in the country. In New York State, the Oatkan Knights ranked 170 (moving up 10 spots from last year) out of 1,270 high schools and are among 206 schools who were awarded either Gold or Silver.

U.S. News & World Report started ranking schools in 2007; last year was Le Roy's first time being awarded a medal, winning a silver.

Each year, U.S. News & World Report releases its annual Best High Schools rankings awarding Gold, Silver and Bronze medals to top performing public schools at both the state level and national level. The 2017 rankings include data on more than 22,000 public high schools across the country.

The report’s criteria are based on overall performance of students on state tests, participation and performance on advanced placement exams, and graduation rates. The goal of these rankings is to provide an unbiased picture of the top performing schools and how well those schools serve all of their students. There were 500 high schools or 2.4 percent that received Gold medals; 2,109 or 10.3 percent of schools earned Silver and 3,432 or 16.8 percent took home Bronze. 

"As an entire district and school community, we are thrilled and excited to receive this prestigious recognition. This is just one of the many examples of the hard work and dedication from our administrators, teachers, support staff, and students that occur on a daily basis. We are proud and will look to build off this positive trend upward as we shoot for the gold!" said Merritt Holly, Le Roy Central Schools superintendent.

“The Silver Medal reflects our community’s commitment and dedication to offering an innovative school experience for all students. It also represents a growing number of students who desire to challenge themselves and use this school as a launching pad to their college and career aspirations. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated staff throughout our entire district that goes above and beyond the call of duty every day growing our Oatkan Knights!” said Tim McArdle, Jr.-Sr. High School principal.

Le Roy Police are responding to a report of 10 people "physically fighting" in the area of 17 Pleasant St. 

Press release:

Camp Invention, a nationally recognized, nonprofit summer enrichment camp program, is coming to Wolcott Street School in Le Roy the week of July 17 - 21.

Camp Invention is a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame® — a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing inventors and invention, promoting creativity, and advancing the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship — and supported by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

What makes this camp truly unique is that the curriculum is inspired by some of our nation’s most brilliant minds — the Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

For students entering kindergarten through sixth grade, Camp Invention is a weeklong adventure that turns the summer from ordinary to extraordinary through hands-on problem solving, collaboration, and the use of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Inventive young minds can exercise their creativity and use their imagination, all while learning and developing new skills they typically don’t get to use in the classroom. Children are empowered to have big ideas while they take on challenges that inspire them to question, brainstorm, work as a team and build amazing invention prototypes.

This year’s fresh, action-packed Camp Invention curriculum features several hands-on modules:

* Duct Tape Billionaire™: Campers design duct tape products they can market and sell to mock investors;
* Have a Blast™: Children build high-tech Bubble Blasters and compete as a team in friendly air battles that use physics to boost their advantage;
* Mission Space Makers™: Teams hatch eggs, sprout living plants and grow crystal trees, all while on a mission to locate and prepare a new planet
for human habitation; and
* Operation Keep Out™: Campers learn to reverse engineer old machines and devices, and use their parts to create the ultimate Spy Gadget Alarm Box.

More about this year’s all-new curriculum:

All local Camp Invention programs are facilitated and taught by certified educators who reside and teach in the community. Camp Invention serves more than 130,000 students every year and partners with more than 1,400 schools and districts across the nation. For additional information or to find the camp nearest you, visit campinvention.org.

About Camp Invention:

Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized summer program focused oncreativity, innovation, real-world problem solving and the spirit of invention. Through hands-on programming, Camp Invention encourages children entering kindergarten through sixth grade to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum inspired by some of the world's great inventors. Camp Invention is a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

A car has reportedly hit a pedestrian in the area of 9429 South Street Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 11:19 a.m.: Mercy Flight 5 is on ground standby.

UPDATE 11:21 a.m.: Mercy Flight requested for in-air standby.

UPDATES (By Billie) 11:24 p.m.: Mercy Flight is canceled. Traffic is to be shut down at Harris Road and South Street Road.

UPDATE 11:50 a.m.: A female bicyclist was struck by a vehicle and is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. The accident is under investigation. Fire personnel have cleared the scene.

An accident is reported at Clay Street and Myrtle Street, Le Roy.

A subject has a complaint of chest pain.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

Julie Ann Stymus, 41, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with misapplication of property. She was arrested at 1:52 p.m. on April 19 on Veterans Memorial Drive. The defendant allegedly borrowed more than 400 DVDs which were supposed to be returned to the owner(s) but which Stymus allegedly pawned. She was released on an appearance ticket for May 15 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Diehl.

Todd Howard Campbell, 35, of Shrubbery Lane, Rochester, is charged with DWI and refusal to take a breath test. Campbell was arrested at 9:19 p.m. on April 11 on North Lake Street in Bergen for DWI. He allegedly struck a vehicle in Monroe County, causing injury to the driver, then fled the scene. Several witnesses followed his vehicle to the Village of Bergen where he was located by members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. He allegedly refused to take a breath test and was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court where his driver's license was immediately suspended. Campbell was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail and issued numerous traffic tickets by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. The case was investigated by Genesee County Deputy Christopher Erion, assisted by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Shauna Elizabeth Driscoll, 28, of Wadsworth Avenue, Avon, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI; harassment; driving left of pavement markings; and failure to use designated lane. Following the investigation of a traffic offense complaint on East Main Road in Le Roy at 9:58 p.m. on April 14, Driscoll was arrested and charged with the counts cited. She was released with an appearance ticket for Town of Le Roy Court on May 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

On April 18, State Police Batavia Troopers arrested Alsimeon Peterson, 18, from Hampton, Ga., on a warrant that stemmed from a pursuit that took place on April 15. On April 15, troopers attempted to stop Peterson on Park Road in Batavia. Peterson allegedly refused to stop and proceeded down the New York State Thruway where he was eventually stopped in Monroe County by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and taken into custody. On April 18, Peterson was released from the Monroe County Jail and turned over to SP Batavia Troopers. Peterson was charged with two counts of reckless endangerment, 2nd, one count of fleeing a police officer, 3rd, and multiple traffic violations. He was arraigned in the Town of Batavia Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

On April 19, State Police Batavia Troopers arrested Daniel Difrancesco, 35, of Batavia, for felony DWI following a traffic stop on Route 5 in the Town of Batavia. Difrancesco was stopped for having a broken tail light. He subsequently allegedly failed field sobriety tests and refused to take a breath test. He was processed and arraigned at the Town of Batavia Court and released to appear on a later date.

An 18-year-old male who lives on North Walnut Street, Attica, and another 18-year-old male who lives on Broadway Road in Alexander, are both charged with third-degree burglary and third-degree criminal mischief stemming from an incident which occurred in the early morning hours of July 10 on Broadway Road, Alexander. The youths, who were juveniles at the time, allegedly entered an uninhabited residence and caused damage to it using paint and varnish. They are arrested and charged following an investigation and were arraigned in Town of Alexander Court on April 18 and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Both are due to return to court on May 9. The case was investigated by Joseph Graff of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Shauna Elizabeth Driscoll, 28, of Wadsworth Avenue, Avon, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was arrested at 8:33 p.m. on April 14 on East Main Street in Le Roy. According to the Sheriff's Office report the defendant "was issued an appearance ticket for unlawful possession of marijuana following her arrest for DWI." She allegedly possessed a quantity of marijuana in her vehicle. She is to appear in Town of Le Roy Court on May 15. The case was handled by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Brad Lamie and Kyle Palmer are putting the full meaning of full service back into the full-service gas station they took over at 100 W. Main St., Le Roy.

The station, now known as Le Roy Express, was full service before, but since buying the business, they've gone beyond just pumping gas for customers to also cleaning windows and checking oil, if needed, just like the old days of the gas station business.

"I think (full service) is what draws people, especially in the winter," Palmer said. "Nobody wants to get out of their cars and pump gas."

Lamie, from Elba, and Palmer, from Pavilion, have been spiffing up the business, which includes a car wash, and have even invested in matching shirts for themselves and employees (though not for the Easter Bunny, who paid a visit today).

The duo met while working together at Townsend Oil in Le Roy and when their boss decided to sell his gas station, they saw it as an opportunity to go into business for themselves.

"We've both always wanted to buy a gas station and this became available so we jumped on it," Lamie said.

Thomas J. Coleman, 55, of Alfred Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and speeding. Coleman was stopped by Le Roy PD after allegedly passing a patrol car at 47 mph in a 30-mph zone on West Main Street in the village at 9:44 p.m., Friday. Coleman allegedly failed to yield to the patrol vehicle's emergency lights and struck a curb prior to pulling over. Coleman was found to allegedly have a BAC of .18 or greater.

Nicholas T. Bowden, 21, of Le Roy, is charged with four counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, and grand larceny, 4th. Bowden was arrested Monday by Le Roy PD. He allegedly possessed credit cards belonging to a relative and used the cards to make unauthorized withdrawals from an ATM machine of more than $1,000.

Le Roy Central Schools has been named one of the best communities in the nation for music education by the National Association of Music Merchants. It  was one of only 527 schools, or 4 percent of the eligible schools, in the United States to earn the award.

Le Roy High School Principal Tim McArdle said the award recognizes the efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have helped make music education an important part of students' lives. 

"This award represents our district's long-standing commitment to valuing what music education does for our students and the true pleasure it brings to our community," McArdle said. "We are so proud of all of our music students and staff that year in and year out produce high-level performances on our stages, in the pit, in competition, on the field, and in many places across the region. Our strong music program is one of the many aspects of our school that makes being an Oatkan Knight so special!"

Stephen Everett Pike, 20, of Big Tree Road, Pavilion, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. Pike is accused of driving recklessly in the parking lot of Pavilion High School at 11:30 p.m., March 11, causing his vehicle to strike the building, damaging it (previous report).

Tonya Marie Ficarella, 30, of Lovers Lane Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Ficarella is accused of stealing merchandise from Kohl's Department Store.

Robert John Leach, 56, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and inadequate plate lamp. Leach was stopped at 11:23 p.m. Saturday on Main Road, Stafford, by Deputy Ryan Delong.

Leonard E. "L.B." Aguayo is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. It is alleged that on Feb. 11 in the City of Batavia that Aguayo knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- crack cocaine -- with the intent to sell it, a Class B felony. In count two, the defendant is accused of the crime of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, also a Class B felony, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully selling crack cocaine in the City of Batavia on Feb. 11.

Brian F. Kent is indicted for the crime of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 5 in the Town of Le Roy that Kent, knowing he did not have the owner's consent, nonetheless took, operated and exercised control over a 2014 Toyota Highlander, with the intent to use the vehicle in the course of or commission of a felony or in the immediate flight from such action. In count two, Kent is accused of the crime of second-degree criminal mischief, a Class D felony, on North Street in the Town of Le Roy. In count two, he is accused of damaging another person's property in an amount exceeding $500 -- the front windshield wiper, passenger side rear and front doors, passenger side front quarter panel, hood, and the driver's door window of a 2007 Dodge Charger police four-door sedan, in the amount of about $3,183.68. In count three, the defendant is accused of another count of second-degree criminal mischief for allegedly damaging a 2014 Toyota Highlander, also on Sept. 5, in an amount exceeding $500. In count four, Kent is accused of the crime of third-degree criminal trespass, a Class B misdemeanor, for allegedly knowlingly entering or remaining unlawfully on real property, which consisted of a right-of-way or yard of a railroad or rapid transit railroad that is designated, and was conspicuously posted as a no-trespass railroad zone. In count four, the defendant is accused of entering onto and driving a vehicle at a high rate of speed on a posted railroad right-of-way in the Town of Le Roy. In count five, Kent is indicted for the crime of fourth-degree criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count five that Kent damaged a gate of a chain-link fence located at Hanson Aggregates in the Town of Le Roy on Sept. 5.

Stacey D. Mancuso is indicted for five Class E felonies, all stemming from driving a 2010 Dodge on Pratt Road in the Town of Batavia on Dec. 4. In count one, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree for driving while knowing, or having reason to know, that her driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities, and doing so while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, Mancuso is accused of the crime of DWI for allegedly driving while in an intoxicated condition. In count three, she is accused of the crime of aggravated DWI, per se, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time. In count four, she is accused of aggravated DWI for allegedly driving while intoxicated with a child age 15 or less as a passenger in the vehicle. In count five, Mancuso is accused of the crime of aggravated DWI, per se, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time with a child age 15 or less as a passenger in the vehicle.

Gayno S. Standsblack is indicted for the crime of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 27, the defendant -- having been charged with or convicted of a crime and while confined in a correctional facility, in this case the Genesee County Jail, caused injury to a person and intended to do so.

Press release:

The Oatka Creek Watershed Committee Inc. (OCWC) is indebted to the Victor L. Blood and Maudaline L. Blood Charitable Foundation Inc. for its generous support for our Storm Drain Marking Project in the Village of Le Roy. 

Over the years of meeting and working with the community of Le Roy, we have heard so many stories and found memories of the creek. Anyone can see why this place holds a very special place in the hearts of the residents.

The committee is currently working to complete the marking of storm drains in the village that run directly to the creek. Storm-water runoff is a leading cause of water pollution. We will be securing metal medallions that have sayings like “No Dumping” and “Drains to Creek” on them. Last year, more than 100 markers were installed. This year, we are hoping to mark 400!

Come and help OCWC finish installing markers on storm drains around  the Village! It’s fun and easy, and helps remind folks that what goes down the drain, ends up in the Oatka Creek.

We will be meeting April 15 – the Saturday right before Easter –  at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot behind the Le Roy United Methodist Church (off Trigon Park). We will be working until noon. We have all the supplies, so just bring yourself and wear comfortable shoes.

Rain Date: April 29th -- same time/same place.

If you can lend a hand, give Pete a call at 585.538.2223 or email him at lent@frontiernet.net

Steven David Fox, 35, of Bater Road, Stafford, is charged with menacing, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Fox allegedly threw a hammer at a person and tackled that person to the ground during an argument reported at 7 p.m. on March 29.

Richard Michael Corke, 52, of Old Beaham Road, Rochester, is charged with disobeying a court order. Corke allegedly sent unwanted text messages in violation of an order of protection. 

A 17-year-old resident of East Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with disorderly conduct. The youth was arrested following a report of an incident at Le Roy High School at 9:30 a.m., March 29.