The Perry Boys Varsity Soccer team picked up a win against the Caledonia-Mumford Red Raiders Tuesday night. 

Freshman forward Carson DeVinney opened the scoring with his first career varsity goal; senior forward Edwi Rojo added two goals in the second half; sophomore forward Mason Bush capped off the scoring with his first goal of the season; senior midfielder Owen Spencer had two assists; and freshman goalkeeper Thad Grierson made four saves to earn the first shutout of his varsity career. 

Perry begins LCAA Division III play at Geneseo at 6:30 p.m.  Sept. 15.

Information submitted by Callum Pollok

The following were in Wyoming County Court before Judge Michael Mohun Sept. 7 and 8.

Paul Hess, who committed a crime in Warsaw, was sentenced to three years probation on the conviction of welfare fraud in the fifth degree, a misdemeanor. Additionally, he owes $6,904.20 in (joint) restitution.

Naomi Hess, who committed a crime in Warsaw, was sentenced to  three years probation on the conviction of welfare fraud in the fifth degree, a misdemeanor. Additionally, she owes $6,904.20 in (joint) restitution.

Adam Aguado, who is accused of a crime in Warsaw, appeared in court with new counsel. The case has been adjourned to Oct. 26.

Wade Bigham, who committed a crime in Arcade, was sentenced to five years probation and $80 in restitution. He was convicted of attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class D felony.

Ricky Wulff, who committed a crime in Arcade, was sentenced to five years probation, a $1,750 fine, an Ignition Interlock Device, and license revocation. He was conviced to aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony; and driving while ability impaired by alcohol, an infraction. 

Joseph Smith, who committed a crime in Eagle, pled guilty to criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and criminal mischief in the fourth degree, both as misdemeanors. The case has been adjourned to Dec. 1 for sentencing.

Charles Braun, who is accused of a crime in Perry, had his case adjourned to Sept. 19.

Bradley Broadbent, who is accused of a crime in Perry, was in court for a Huntley Hearing; a decision will be issued. A Huntley Hearing is a pretrial hearing in New York State and is requested for the purpose of reviewing the manner in which the police obtained statements from the defendant.

Jerod Trebian, who is accused of committing a crime in Silver Springs, pled not guilty to burglary in the second degree, a Class C felony; and six counts of petit larceny, as misdemeanors. The case has been adjourned to Nov. 3 for motions. Bail was set at $100,000 cash bail and $250,000 bond.

Cory Goodenow, who is accused of a crime in Warsaw, had his case adjourned to Sept. 16.

Christopher King, who committed a crime in Warsaw, pled guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony; and conspiracy in the fifth degree, a misdemeanor. He was sentenced to one year interim probation supervision. The case has been adjourned to Aug. 31.

Tracy Phillips, who is accused of a crime in Warsaw, had her case adjourned to Oct. 27.

James Cooper, who committed a crime in Wyoming County, was sentenced to nine months in Wyoming County Jail. He was convicted of a violation of probation.

The following are from State Correctional facilities in Attica. They were in Wyoming County Court before Mohun Sept. 7.

Lionell Jones, appeared in court with new counsel. The case has been adjourned to Oct. 5.

Jerry McLamore, had his case adjourned to Oct. 5.

Kira Kastenhuber

Statements made by accused murderer Kira Kastenhuber on Feb. 7 and 8 are deemed admissible in court, Judge Michael Mohun stated. 

The judges ruling that the “defendant’s right to counsel was not violated” is a result of “spontaneous” statements made to police and an inmate she was incarcerated with in Livingston County Jail, and the defendants willingness to accompany police to the police station.

Kastenhuber is accused of murdering 33-year-old Desirae Withey, of Perry.

On a motion dated April 29, the defense moved for suppression of “identification testimony and statements attributed to the defendant.” Subsequently, a Wade Hearing – to determine whether the eyewitness’s identification of the defendant as the perpetrator of the crime is correct – was held. Following deliberations after hearing Assistant District Attorney Vincent Hemming, and defense Attorney Leah Rene Nowotarski, and after considering the written Memoranda of law submitted by both, Mohun rendered a decision on the defendant’s motion to suppress the defendants statements.

During the July 8 hearing, New York State Police investigators John Spero and Kyle Pomeroy testified going to 35 Hope St., Perry, to speak with the defendant. When she “came out to greet” Spero, he asked her “if (he) could speak to her and would she accompany (him) back to the Perry Police Department.” Subsequently, Kastenhuber agreed.

After being led to an interview room, she sat down and Pomeroy read her the Miranda Warnings, to which she agreed to both verbally and in writing.

Over the course of the next four-and-one-half hours, she was questioned on and off. 

The room’s video showed the defendant remained seated in the room for the most part. She occasionally left, escorted by an officer, for a cigarette or bathroom break. 

She was never handcuffed or subjected to any physical restraints.

The suspect answered questions calmly and articulately. She became tearful at one “brief period of time” when she was discussing recent events in her life. Additionally, she told the officers she felt “anxious and extremely tired,” but also she had not taken her prescribed anti-anxiety medication since the previous morning. Furthermore, she admitted to the troopers she had drank “six beers the night before and a seventh, early that morning.”

Spero and Pomeroy both testified that they did not judge her intoxicated while in the room.

After the four-and-a-half period, Spero asked Kastenhuber whether she would be willing to take a “polygraph.” She paused and said “can I ask for a lawyer now, or no?” Spero told her “absolutely.”

She wasn’t questioned further about the case, however, she remained in the room for another hour.

Afterward, her sister picked her up and took her their mother’s house on Post Avenue in Rochester.

Rochester Police Officer Andrea Bouffiou testified that she and her partner were dispatched the following day (Sept. 7) to the Post Avenue home on a report of “a female that may have taken a bunch of pills.”

At that time, the defendant answered the door and  Bouffiou and her partner entered the home “because of the way she was stumbling around” and so they could “ask her if she’s ok and what’s going on.”

Kastenhuber told the officers she took some pills then proceeded to say she was upset about “an incident that happened in Perry” and “she meant to leave a note for the Perry Police.”

After a short bout of nausea, Kastenhuber found the note and handed it to Bouffiou, at which time she told the officer to open the unsealed note and read it. According to police, the defendant confessed to the homicide in the note. Additionally, after the note was read, the suspect was said to have said “something to the effect that ‘I did it.’ ”

Having learned of the discovery of the note, Pomeroy went to the Post Avenue address. As he approached the defendant – before he had said a word to her – she told him “that she had provided a note to the Rochester Police Department.”

The woman was then taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, to be treated for a possible overdose of hydrocodone and oxycodone.

On Feb. 8, while waiting to arrest the defendant, Pomeroy overheard her make a statement to a doctor “regarding that several things had happened that were all her fault.”

Kastenhuber was charged Feb. 8 with the Feb. 6 murder of Withey. The District Attorney’s Office is accusing the woman of entering Withey’s home with a preconceived plan to disable her then kill her.

On March 17, Kastenhuber pled not guilty in the Perry woman’s death.

See related: Murder charged in death of Perry woman; Kastenhuber pled not guilty to murder

A 16-year-old was arrested Sept. 14 following the investigation of a 2013 Kawasaki dirt bike that was stolen from a farm in Castile on Sept. 11. The suspect was charged with burglary in the third degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree. He was released on his own recognizance and is due in the Town of Castile Court at a later date.

Justin A. Schaefer, 29, of Arcade, was arrested Sept. 15. He is accused of being involved in a property damage car accident on Curriers Road, Arcade. During the interview, the smell of an alcoholic beverage was allegedly present. Schaefer was given standardized field sobriety testing, which he is accused of failing. He was taken to the New York State Police Machias barracks where his BAC was allegedly .11 percent. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, moving from lane unsafely, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He is due in court later this month.

Angela M. Frink, 50, of Fillmore, was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC above .08 percent, and failure to keep right. Sheriff’s deputies allegedly saw Frink weaving across the center line of the road. She was subsequently stopped for failure to keep right. She is accused of failing roadside sobriety tests and transported to the Sheriff’s Office. A breath sample allegedly showed her BAC to be above .08 percent. She is due in the Village of Warsaw Court at a later date. Warsaw Village Police assisted at the scene.

Lisa Mincey, of Leicester, was arrested Sept. 13 on a bench warrant that was issued in 2005. The charges at that time were unlawful dealing with a minor, alcohol. Mincey turned herself in to Perry Police officers and was released on her own recognizance. She is due in Perry Village Court Oct. 11.

Brandon Brown, of Perry, was charged Sept. 11 with unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree, and moving from lane unsafely. Brown was arrested after a Perry Police officer responded to a one-car accident on Walker Road, Perry. The officer was said to have arrived on scene and found a car into a house. Following the investigation, it was allegedly determined that Brown had a medical condition – he left work early because he was feeling ill. The suspect was allegedly driving south on Walker Road when he struck a tree. He then ended up crashing into a house, but causing minimal damage to it. He was taken to Wyoming County Community Hospital by private vehicle. After further investigation, he was allegedly driving on a revoked license from 1998. Assisting at the scene were Perry and Perry Center fire departments. 

Alberto Vega, of Rochester, was charged Sept. 16 with unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, and operating a motor vehicle while registration is suspended. Perry Police say Vega was stopped after one of their patrol cars had a “hit” on the License Plate Reader. The Vega’s registration has allegedly been suspended since Aug. 29 for operating without insurance. He is due in Perry Village Court Oct. 11.

Nicole Sullivan, 30, of Perry, was arrested Sept. 16 on a warrant for violation of probation issued out of Warsaw Court. Sullivan was turned over to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department and arraigned in Warsaw Village Court.

Alfred Grimes, of Rochester, was charged Sept. 16 with unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle, aggravated unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle in the second degree, failure to obey a control device, and criminal impersonation in the second degree. Grimes was stopped in the Village of Perry April 20 for speeding, at which time he allegedly used someone else’s driver’s license information. The person’s license he used was allegedly suspended – the investigation started at that time. Perry Police later located Grimes in Rochester. He was arrested, arraigned and released to pretrial release program. 

The following people were in Wyoming County Court Sept. 15 before Judge Michael Mohun.

Johnney Shannon, who committed a crime in Attica, was sentenced to six years in prison, two years post-release supervision with Willard and $150 in restitution. Willard is a Drug Treatment Campus (DTC) operated by the NYS Department of Correctional Services and Community Supervision (DOCCS) in collaboration with Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). It was created in 1995 as a new sentencing option for low-level drug offenders and parole violators who previously would have been sent to a traditional prison. The Willard program was created as an intermediate sanction — “with teeth” — to deal with the problem of relapse. Shannon was convicted of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony.

Eric Kingsley, who is accused of a crime in Gainesville, pled not guilty to aggravated driving while intoxicated, per se; driving while intoxicated, per se; and driving while intoxicated, all are Class E felonies. The Per Se law is based not on the observations of the arresting police officer, but the results obtained from an intox analyzer machine. The case has been adjourned to Nov. 17 for motions. 

Jonathan Reed, who committed a crime in Perry, pled guilty to rape in the third degree, a Class E felony. Bail was revoked and he was put in Wyoming County Jail. He is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 3.

Andrew Osborne, who committed a crime in Sheldon, was sentenced to five years probation, a $1,000 fine, a five-year order of protection, and required to use an  ignition interlock device for one year. He was convicted of aggravated driving while intoxicated – child in vehicle, a Class E felony.

Chadwick White, who committed a crime in Warsaw, was sentenced to five years probation, and $130 restitution. He was convicted of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony.

Alanna Muniak, who committed a crime in Wyoming County, had her case adjourned to Oct. 6 for a violation of probation hearing.

Remember the old saying “Where’s there’s smoke, there’s fire”? While seeing smoke is an obvious indication of fire, more importantly, it’s often the only clue available to predict fire behavior.

On Sunday, the Silver Springs Fire Department hosted Castile, Bliss, Warsaw, Perry, Gainesville, and Sheldon fire departments in burning a house down – with the homeowner's permission, of course.

To keep the “seasoned” members in sharp condition and teach new recruits the art of firefighting in a controlled environment, fire departments hold live burn training exercises as often as they can.

Sunday’s training was held at a home on East Lake and Lake roads, Silver Springs. 

Fire officials say there are four stages to a fire: incipient, growth, fully developed, and decay. For the first stage to start, heat, oxygen and a fuel source combine and have a chemical reaction that results in fire. 

During the second stage, a fire will start to grow as long as fuel and oxygen are available. This is the shortest and deadliest stage of fire. It is during this time that “flashovers” can occur, potentially trapping, injuring or killing firefighters. A flashover is the sudden spread of flame over an area when it becomes heated to the flash (quick or sudden) point.

The hottest phase of the fire is the third stage, when the growth stage has reached its maximum and all combustible materials have been ignited – fully developed or fully engulfed.

The fourth stage of a fire is usually its longest stage. Typically characterized by a significant decrease in fuel or oxygen, there are two common dangers associated with this stage: non-flaming combustibles have the potential of starting a fire if not fully extinguished; and backdraft – when oxygen is reintroduced to a volatile, confined space.

The live exercise helps firefighters learn more than how to fight a fire. Other benefits include: safety and accountability, fire simulations, feeling the heat of a working fire, effectiveness of their equipment and hose stream applications.

Professional and novice artists alike worked along the Silver Lake Trail (SLT) during the Pieces of Perry: En PleinAir event, Saturday. En PleinAir means in the open air in French. Artists created their artwork along the trail section between Federal Street and Walker Road, Perry. 

The artwork created along the SLT was available for viewing at the Art Auction Social at the Hole in the Wall Restaurant, 7056 Standpipe Road, Perry, on Sunday.

The following people were in Wyoming County Court Sept. 19 before Judge Michael Mohun.

Justin Dukelow, who committed a crime in Covington, was in court for a SORA hearing. Sex offenders are required by the Sex Offender Registry Act (SORA) to verify their information in the Registry at specified intervals. There are three levels of sex offenders:  Level 1 (low risk of re-offense), Level 2 (medium risk of re-offense) and Level 3 (high risk of re-offense); risk level is set by a judge after a court hearing. Dukelow was assigned Level 2.

Lorenzo Eaton, who allegedly committed a crime in Arcade, pled not guilty to three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; and conspiracy in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. Motions are scheduled for Nov. 17.

Jody Nelligan, who is accused of a crime in Arcade, appeared for motions. The case has been adjourned to a later date for conference.

Charles Braun, who is accused of a crime in Perry, was in court for pretrial discussions. Trial is scheduled for Oct. 11.

April Leon, who committed a crime in Warsaw, was sentenced to three years probation. She was convicted of welfare fraud in the fifth degree, a misdemeanor.

Crystal Lawrence, who allegedly committed a crime in Warsaw, had her case adjourned to Oct. 6.

Jonathan Bucknam, who is accused of a crime in Warsaw, failed to appear.

Preston Ruble, who committed a crime in Wyoming County, entered a general denial on a violation of probation charge. Conference is scheduled for today. Bail was set at $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond.

Tamber Reed, who committed a crime in Wyoming County, entered a general denial on a violation of probation charge. Conference is scheduled for today. She was held without bail.

They are not just repositories for old dusty books and movies. Oftentimes, library programming corresponds to other activities so parents or siblings have a place to hang out. They’ve become a destination of sorts, a place to go during the winter when there’s really no place else to go. 

A library is also place where you may see children sprawled out on the floor watching an Ozobot traverse a course kids created through coding.  

Sen. Patrick Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) was instrumental in helping Wyoming County libraries receive their share – $2,500 – of a $70,000 grant. Much of those funds went to upgrade computers and Internet service. Yesterday (Sept. 20), the senator visited five county libraries to touch base with staff and board members on the technology upgrades made possible with the grant.

“We really don’t have the funds to update the computers as we need to,” said Erin Robinson, library director at the Cordelia Greene Library in Castile. “The grant is allowing us to upgrade the public computers. We need it (the grant), because the public needs it.”

While one of the computers was upgraded last year, this year’s grant will allow Castile’s library to upgrade three of its computers – the ones that get the most use. The technology industry anticipates upgrades approximately every one-and-one-half years. Officials say the library computers are at the four- to five-year mark.

Library officials also say, while most people have cell phones, they can’t apply for a job or do homework on them. Computers are necessary. And even if someone has a computer, they may not have home Internet service. 

“Portions of Castile do not have Wi-Fi,” Robinson said. “And while the brick is beautiful, when it comes to Wi-Fi, it's not your best friend. We almost had to get a second router until we got the new one through a grant.

“Not everyone has Wi-Fi at home. Even with the computers given to students...if they don't have Internet access, they come here. We are able to offer it (Internet service) because of you guys (Sen. Gallivan)... you’re wonderful in helping us getting funds necessary.”

While Gallivan said his mom wasn’t a librarian, he can’t remember an age where he wasn’t in a library.

“She was a trustee for about 45 years, so I was in a library more often than not,” Gallivan said. “It amazes me as I do this (visit libraries), to see how important libraries are in communities... especially in rural areas.”

“Everything is done on a computer,” said Wyoming Free Library Director Cheryl Northup. “And in the rural areas it's important for people to have access... and to have the help available for related questions.” 

“One woman came in to use the computer and printer to print out her boarding pass,” said Nancy Burns, director of the Steven’s Memorial Library in Attica. “She was from out of town and boarding passes can only be printed 24 hours before the flight. Faxes, copying, printing... it’s a reasonable fee for services. The money generated from copying and faxing pays for the phone bill and copier rental. It’s a great resource for a community.” 

Attica’s library will be able to replace the eight desktop computers it has – the monitors were bought new last year. The computers will have a new operating system (Windows 10) and upgraded RAM (random access memory). The old computers will be “wiped clean” and then given to senior citizens on an as-need basis.

“As long as I’m in a position to help libraries, I’m going to do so,” Gallivan said. “We are able to reach so many people through libraries.”

To cater to the community even more, the Wyoming Library applied for a construction grant to make some changes to the facility. The kids' room will be made into a meeting room. The area will not only provide a space for meetings, it will also be available for those who need a room for “really quiet study time.” The “stage” will be removed to better comply with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and the children’s section will be enlarged and opened up.

“One of the big things is that you need a place for kids to play and learn,” Northup said. “One of the things I learned, is kids will go anywhere to play. That's why we are going to bring more of the play out here. They think they’re playing, but it’s educational... we are going to make the kids' area larger.”

Burns said some libraries are turning one room into “makerspaces.” According to the Makerspaces website, they are “community centers with tools.” 

Makerspaces combine manufacturing equipment, community, and education for the purposes of enabling community members to design, prototype and create manufactured works that wouldn’t be possible to create with the resources available to individuals working alone. 

“I got the idea to get Ozobots from the Makerspaces website. Ozobots are a fun way to teach coding,” Burns said. “We wanted to bring this in for kids to use. Learning how to code gives opportunities to youngsters.”

Coding is a set of instructions that computers can understand, however, they run on binary code. Because binary code is written in 1s and 0s, it makes it very difficult for humans to work with. Yet, just as people can understand different languages, computers can as well – turning the code into binary.

There are two types of Ozobots: the Ozobot Bit and the Ozobot Evo. The Bit is controlled with OzoCodes by drawing lines and color segments. You can then advance to the visual block-based editor OzoBlockly and program your own codes. The Evo, on the other hand, is “ready to go right out of the box with autonomous LED lights, sounds and movements.” It also uses infrared proximity sensing to avoid obstacles. Additionally, you can download an app to interact with others or use the OzoBlockly Web Editor – a block-based introductory to advanced programming.

Patrons use regular colored markers and draw out the pattern they want the Ozobots to travel. At one point, the kids had one paper “road” span the length of the library from the circulation desk to the back door. 

The bots were gifted to the library, officials report.

Previous grants provided for:

    • A projection upgrade at the Cordelia Greene Library; 

    • The air conditioning soon to be in place at Gainesville Library; and

    • Renovations at the Steven’s Memorial Library, which are anticipated to begin in the spring. (The rear storage space will be turned into a more usable area and house the circulation desk; new carpeting will be installed throughout the building, as will a new front door; and the side door and porch will also be removed.)

The Perry Public Library, Main Street, Perry, was also visited on Sept. 20.

Ashley M. Riber, 23, of Perry, was charged Sept. 22 with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was arrested following the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, Darien. Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies say Riber was in possession of a “quantity” of marijuana. She is due in Darien Court at 4 p.m. Oct. 11.

Steven M. Campbell Jr., 29, of Perry, was charged Sept. 22 with trespassing during the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, Darien. Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies say Campbell entered the venue after being ejected and told not to return. He is due in Darien Court at 4 p.m. Oct. 11.

Nicole Sullivan, of Perry, was arrested Sept. 21 on a bench warrant out of the Nunda Village Court. She was arrested and turned over to the Nunda Police Department.

John Pries, of Perry, was charged Sept. 18 with unlawful possession of marijuana following a suspicious persons complaint in the Village of Perry. Pries was among a group of people when a Perry Police officer smelled marijuana. Pries allegedly admitted to having the drug and was subsequently arrested. He is due in Perry Village Court Oct. 11.

Angel Lopez

Angel Lopez, 33, of Ridgewood, was charged Sept. 24 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding in zone. The NYC man is accused of speeding the in Village of Perry. During the traffic stop, it was allegedly found Lopez with 26 active suspensions on his driver’s license. He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 bash bail. He is due in the Village of Perry Court at a later date.

Katelynn M. Bumbacher, of Gainesville, was charged Sept. 24 with failure to stop at a stop sign and driving while intoxicated. Wyoming County deputies responded to a report of a one car accident early Saturday morning in the Town of Java. It was reported the driver of the car fell asleep at the wheel and drove the vehicle into a pond. She was evaluated at the scene by the North Java Ambulance and later signed off on treatment. During the interview, deputies say she was showing signs of alcohol impairment. Bumbacher was said to have failed field sobriety testing and was subsequently arrested. She is due in the Town of Java Court at a later date.

Anthony LaFornara, 33, of Kenmore, was charged Sept. 26 with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC above .08 percent, and failure to keep right. Wyoming County deputies responded to a call of a vehicle in the ditch on Route 77, Java. During the investigation, deputies say LaFornara was involved in a domestic altercation prior to losing control of the vehicle and striking a guard rail. He is accused of failing field sobriety testing and a breath test showed is BAC to be above the legal limit. He is due in Java Court Nov. 2.

Press release

Pioneer Credit Recovery (Pioneer) is one of two Western New York (WNY) counties which have been awarded federal contracts. Pioneer, and ConServe in Monroe County, will be serving as private collection agency contractors helping the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) collect unpaid taxes. 

Sen. Charles E. Schumer says these contracts are expected to bring a “massive influx of good-paying jobs” to WNY.

“We would not be in the position to grow jobs in Western New York without the leadership and hard work from Chuck Schumer in the Senate as well as the quality work and track record of our dedicated New York-based employees,” said Pioneer CEO Jack Frazier.

Pioneer has three facilities in WNY – one in Arcade and the other in Perry, both in Wyoming County; and one in Horseheads in Chemung County. The company estimates this will allow them to hire up to 300 new workers between these centers. ConServe, located in Fairport in Monroe County, also estimates they will be able to hire 300 new workers as a result of this contract.

“The creation of roughly 600 jobs – middle-class jobs – is great news for Wyoming, Chemung and Monroe counties,” Schumer said. “This is a smart federal investment that will not only create new, good-paying jobs, but also help inject new life into the Upstate economy.”

According to the IRS, these agencies will work on accounts where taxpayers owe money, but the IRS is no longer actively working their accounts. Several factors contribute to the IRS assigning these accounts to private collection agencies including older, overdue tax accounts or lack of resources preventing the IRS from working the cases.

The Perry Yellowjackets boys soccer team (2-8-1) played host to the Mount Morris Blue Devils (8-3) on Thursday night. Perry lost 3-2 in overtime to their LCAA Division III rival.

Perry's first goal was scored by Mason Bush and assisted by Edwi Rojo. Rojo scored Perry's second goal from a Bush corner kick. Thad Grierson made five saves for the Yellowjackets. 

Perry is at home against LeRoy on Saturday.

Information submitted by Callum Pollok

(file photo)

With a potential jury trial set to begin Oct. 11, Charles T. Braun instead pled guilty to attempted rape in the first degree, a Class C violent felony, in Wyoming County Court Thursday (Sept. 29).

The “bargained for” guilty plea is in full satisfaction of his five-count indictment handed down in March. He was facing four first-degree charges – rape, criminal use of a firearm, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal contempt.

“The plea offer was originally made in March and has remained open, even at this late date,” said Wyoming County Assistant District Attorney Eric R. Schiener. “It was an effort to avoid putting the victim through the stress and strain of another trial.”

The Perry man was accused of kidnapping and raping a York woman at gunpoint on March 13, 2015. In May of last year, Braun refused a plea deal in Livingston County Court. In November he was convicted of kidnapping the woman. On March 22, he was sentenced to 15 years in state prison by Livingston County Judge Dennis Cohen.

Braun was not only sentenced on the kidnapping charge in Livingston County, he was also sentenced to 15 years for criminal use of a firearm; two to four years for criminal contempt; and one year for menacing, a misdemeanor. All sentences will run concurrently.

The Wyoming County sentence will be a concurrent term of 15 years in prison and five years post-release supervision. In addition to prison time, he will be a registered sex offender and may be subject to civil confinement at the end of his term. He also waived his right to appeal.

Braun is scheduled for sentencing Dec. 21. The court granted his application to waive his appearance at sentencing.

See related: Trial for accused rapist Charles Braun delayed

Tylor Parsons, 21, of Mount Morris, was picked up by Perry Police Sept. 30 on a warrant out of Livingston County for a violation of probation. He was then turned over to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.

Connie D. Kilfoyle, 71, of Warsaw, was picked up by Perry Police Sept. 30 at her home on a bench warrant for failure to appear in Perry Village Court on the charge with issuing a bad check. She was released on her own recognizance and due in court at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 11.

Janeen Young, no age provided, of Geneseo, was charged Sept. 29 with harassment in the second degree. Young was arrested following a domestic dispute in the Village of Perry. Police say he had physical contact with the victim while the officers were present. He is due in the Village of Perry Court Oct. 11.

Victoria Bakos	Robert Geandreau

Victoria Bakos, 46, and Robert Geandreau, 44, both of Alexander, were arrested Sept. 20 following a car accident on Market Street in Attica. During the investigation, Attica Police say Bakos initially told officers that she had been the driver of the vehicle. Further investigation allegedly determined she was not the driver of the vehicle, but covering up for her boyfriend Geandreau, who had multiple DWIs in the past and a suspended license. Bakos was subsequently charged with hindering prosecution in the third degree. She is due in Attica Village Court at 10 a.m. Nov. 14. Geandreau was charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, operating a motor vehicle without an Interlock device, unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle, refusal to take a breath test, and failure to yield the right of way. He was jailed in the Wyoming County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. He was scheduled to appear in Attica Village Court at 10 a.m. today. Attica Police were assisted by the New York State Police.

Helene Kochel-Depczynski

Helene Kochel-Depczynski, no age provided, of Cheektowaga, was charged Sept. 21 with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC above .08 percent, and move from lane unsafely. She was stopped on Buffalo Street after officers allegedly saw her traveling down the middle of the road. Police say further investigation found she had a BAC of .12 percent. She was jailed in the Wyoming County Jail on $500 cash bail or $2,500 bond. No further information was provided.

Peter Kramell

Peter Kramell, no age provided, of Perry, was charged Sept. 30 with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC above .08 percent, operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol under 21, and passing a flashing red light. Kramell was arrested following a suspicious person complaint at Meisner’s Deli. According to Attica Police, witnesses stated the individual left in a gray pickup truck. Officers say they saw the truck traveling west on Main Street, crossing the middle lines multiple times, running a red light, and hitting a curb after the officer initiated the traffic stop on Buffalo Street. Further investigation allegedly revealed Kramell, who was under 21 years old, had a BAC of .12 percent. He was released on his own recognizance and is due in Attica Village Court at 10 a.m. Oct. 21. 

Monica White, no age provided, of Castile, was charged with petit larceny Oct. 1. Perry Police responded to the Perry MarketPlace for a report of a shoplifter. Officers say she had three bottles of body lotion and three bags of candy in her purse which she did not pay for. She is due in Perry Village Court Oct. 11.

Sandy Pirdy opened her business in June 2004. At that time, she was the sole employee. In November, she injured her back. With no other option, she had to temporarily close her shop for medical reasons.

Pirdy, who owns Creekside Fabrics Quilts and Yarns, Main Street, Arcade, was the featured speaker at the Women’s Business Summit held recently at the Beaver Hollow Conference Center, Java Center. The event, sponsored by the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, and the Arts Council of Wyoming County (ACWC), focused on planning for the unexpected.

“There are going to be so many relevant topics that we’re going to touch on today that will not only empower you as business people but help give you the tools to become better leaders, better women leaders, better businesswomen,” said ACWC Executive Director Jackie Hoyt. 

The summit covered such topics as stress and its effects on the body, social media and engaging customers, balancing owning a business and life, estate taxes and gift planning, disaster preparedness, and a panel discussion including local officials and media representatives.

While women have made great strides in the business world – Hoyt ticked off several women-owned/operated business in Perry alone, Burlingham Books, Olive & Ink, Silver Lake Brewing Project – there is still a need to continually educate the workforce. 

“Business owners and entrepreneurs tend to navigate on their own forces,” Pirdy said. “And sometimes, they don’t know what they don’t know because they’re busy within the four walls of their business.”

Prior to starting her business, Pirdy planned. Her business plan was solid; she thought she "dotted all her Is and crossed all her Ts.” However, when devising her plan, she didn’t plan on a medical emergency. She didn’t even plan for giving herself a day off.

“I was six months into my business and it was the height of the holiday season and I couldn’t work,” Pirdy said. “Afterwards, I did some poking around to find out how other businesses planned for those types of situations. What I found out...not many of my fellow business owners had a plan.”

She needed to collaborate with others. She needed to come up with a succession plan to give her key personnel direction.

“We are trying to make sure we had a plan,” Pirdy said. “A strategic plan is a must and should be reviewed yearly.”

Part of her plan is to hire younger workers to keep up with the 21st century, saying a “succession plan is a plan for your future.” 

“Every business should touch the future, in order to do that, a business owner needs to stay on top of the current trends,” Pirdy said.

While Pirdy said she isn’t a “tweeter” she does blog and has a Facebook page and a website. 

“Learning the ins and outs of business is imperative to success,” she said. “A succession plan is planning for the unexpected...making sure there isn’t a hole in your business plan. I have to be the one to drive my ship to be able to pass my business along.”

“There are so many levels of engagement that women do have today,” Hoyt said. “So to take one day out of the year to bring women together to remind them of their capacity and to help empower them for the next level in their business or for the next year, this is so worth it.”

The Perry Yellowjackets hosted the LeRoy Knights Oct. 1 in a non-league LCAA boys soccer match-up. The Yellowjackets improved to 3-8-1 with a 4-1 victory over the Knights. 

Mason Bush (assisted by Edwi Rojo) opened the scoring early in the first half. LeRoy struck back with a goal from Caleb Busch at the end of the first half. Garret McClurg (assisted by Mason) scored his first varsity goal and the eventual game winner halfway through the second half. McClurg (assisted by Edwi) scored again just minutes later. Rojo (assisted by Thad Grierson) added a goal at the end of the game. Thad made four saves in goal. 

Information submitted by Callum Pollok

The Perry Yellowjackets girls soccer team lost a close one Tuesday night to Keshequa 1-0.

Rachel Evans had three saves in net but was injured just before half. Chelsea Pascoe stepped up and played keeper for the team by having four saves and only allowing one.

Brittnay Woodworth, Shoniqua Patterson, Lauren Ferraro and Lillian Bacon possessed the ball well for the team. Defensively-Maddy Regal, Grace Huff, Mikayla Bush and Kirsten Rivera maintained low shot percentages on the keeper.

The girls play Northstar at Bellamy park Thursday at 5 p.m..

Information submitted by Laura Hamilton

Kira Kastenhuber pled guilty to murder in the second degree this afternoon in Wyoming County Court in the death of 33-year-old Desirae Withey, of Perry.

The 38-year-old Perry woman was arrested Feb. 8 after she was released from Strong Memorial Hospital following a potential overdose.

Kastenhuber was originally charged with two counts of murder in the second degree, burglary in the first degree, and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old. 

See related: Kira Kastenhuber's statements to police admissible in court in Perry murder case