Skip to main content

Bergen

Three local student graduate from University at Albany

By Billie Owens

The University at Albany congratulates the more than 3,300 students who graduated at its 173rd Commencement from May 19-21.

Anthony Misisco, of Pavilion, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in Spring 2017.

James Pisaturo, of Bergen, graduated with a Master of Science in Curriculum Development & Instructional Technology in Spring 2017.

Jessica Dudek, of Batavia, graduated with a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy in Spring 2017.

Sabrina Wright of Bergen made the dean's list at SUNY New Paltz

By Billie Owens

SUNY New Paltz has released the dean's list for outstanding academic achievement during the spring 2017 semester.

Dean's list designation is reserved for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load.

The College is proud to congratulate Sabrina Wright, of Bergen, for being named to the spring 2017 dean's list.

Local residents graduated from RIT

By Billie Owens

Some 3,500 students graduated during Rochester Institute of Technology's 132nd commencement celebration, held in May, including:

Michael Barnard of Bergen (14416), who graduated with a BS in criminal justice. 

Juliana Blackburn-Baskin of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in international business. 

Michael Burns of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in management information systems. 

Cassandra Golda of Bergen (14416), who graduated with a BS in international business. 

Erica Hickey of Byron (14422), who graduated with a BS in advertising and public relations. 

Ryan Hochreiter of Le Roy (14482), who graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering. 

Rachel Kobel of Bergen (14416), who graduated with a BS in environmental sustainability, health and safety. 

Alexis La Boy of Le Roy (14482), who graduated with a BS in civil engineering technology. 

Samantha Mitchell of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in business administration-accounting. 

Maryssa Peirick of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in diagnostic medical sonography. 

Russell Schultz of Le Roy (14482), who graduated with a BS in computer science. 

Courtney Smith of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in political science. 

Christopher Snyder of Darien Center (14040), who graduated with a BS in bioinformatics. 

Ryan Warner of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in physics. 

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the United States.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnershipsinclude campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

Stone Church Rural Cemetery Association to meet Nov. 7

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The annual business meeting of the Stone Church Rural Cemetery Association will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the Stone Church Presbyterian Church, 7549 S. Lake Road (Route 19), Bergen. The meeting is open to the public.

For questions or information, phone the association Secretary/Treasurer Gordon L. Seward at 494-1505.

Ranzenhofer announces $167K in grants for educational programs in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer today has announced $167,000 in state funding for student programs throughout Genesee County.  

“As a State Senator, I am committed to delivering state dollars to ensure our students are successful inside and outside the classroom,” Ranzenhofer said. “As another academic year begins, this funding will help to support existing tools and create new tools for students across Genesee County. Each one of these programs will help to develop student achievement in high school and beyond.”

School districts and organizations receiving funding are as follows:

Byron-Bergen School District: $85,000 to Expand Existing STEM Program
The funding will be used to further develop the District’s Inquiry-Based STEM Program to include a STEM Robotics and Programming Career Exploration Lab. The program utilizes engineering, robotics and coding to develop solutions to real-world science problems and exposes students to skills and careers in the STEM fields.

“It is projected that 65% of today’s students will be employed in jobs that don’t yet exist, and STEM programs will help our youth to become future innovative creators of programs, apps and inventions,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Mickey Edwards. “On behalf of the children of Byron-Bergen Central School District, I am overjoyed to express our thanks to Senator Ranzenhofer for obtaining state funding to expand our STEM program.” 

Pavilion Central School District: $55,000 for a New Ag Education Program
The funding will be used to purchase equipment and supplies for a new Ag education program being offered to students for the first time this academic year. The program consists of classroom instruction, supervised work experiences, and integrated student leadership development activities through FFA.

“The Pavilion Central School District and Board of Education deeply appreciate Senator Ranzenhofer's strong support of our Ag program. This state-of-the-art program will benefit Pavilion students in many areas of college and career readiness,” said Pavilion Superintendent Kenneth Ellison. 

Agriculture and its related industries are the number one economic driver for Genesee County and New York State.

Genesee County Youth Bureau: $17,000 for Afterschool Programs
The funding will be used to support programs throughout the county to provide safe, structured and healthy afterschool programming for youth.

“The Youth Bureau’s main mission is to support programs in Genesee County for the betterment of our children, youth, and families. We appreciate the additional funds to help us achieve our goals,” said Genesee-Orleans & City of Batavia Youth Bureaus Executive Director Jocelyn Sikorski. 

Learning Center at Gillam-Grant: $10,000 to Support Afterschool Enrichment Programs
The funding will be used to support tutoring services, afterschool homework help, and educational enhancement classes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

“With the support of Senator Ranzenhofer, there are so many benefits for students at the Learning Center. Students can get involved in new interests– art, computer classes, robotics– and receive additional support to help them excel in their studies,” said Gillam-Grant Community Center Executive Director Peggy Swapceinski. 

The Learning Center at Gillam-Grant is the first nonprofit tutoring center in Genesee County. Services are available to students in area school districts in Genesee and Monroe counties.

17th Annual Van Hulburt Memorial Golf Tournament raised $7,300 for Crossroads House

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The 17th Annual Van Hulburt Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit Crossroads House took place on Thursday, Aug.17th at the Batavia Country Club.

The tournament is hosted by the Hesperus Lodge No. 837 in Bergen and the Hulburt family. Van Hulburt was an educator and leader in the Bergen community and his family dedicates the proceeds from the tournament each year through the Lodge of which Van was a member.

The tournament is the longest running outside fundraiser for Crossroads House and has raised over $80,000 since its inception.

A check in the amount of $7,300 was presented to Crossroads House on Sept. 7th at the Lodge.

Pictured from left are: Marty Krause, tournament chairman; Helen Hulburt, wife of Van Hulburt; and Jeff Allen, Crossroads House executive director.

Law and Order: Man accused of driving vehicle without permission, ruining engine

By Howard B. Owens

Marquis Rashod Brown, 20, of Victor Lane, Hamlin, is charged with burglary, 3rd, criminal mischief, 2nd, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and petit larceny. Brown allegedly entered a building on South Lake Road, Bergen, at 6 p.m. Aug. 3 without the owner's permission, left and drove the owner's vehicle without permission, and then caused more than $1,500 damage to the vehicle by overheating and ruining the engine.

Garl Lyn Fields, 33, of LaGrange Avenue, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Fields was stopped by Irondequoit PD. He posted bail and was released to Gates PD on a warrant. He was issued an appearance ticket and released to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Town of Stafford Court. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on an order to appear in Town of Stafford Court at 9 a.m., Oct. 3.

Kristi Marie Stoughton, 41, of Woodhill, Newark, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving left of pavement markings. Stoughton was stopped at 11:40 p.m. Monday on Genesee Street, Pembroke, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Crystal Marie Bouter, 28, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, and Nicole Kimberly Sullivan, 31, of Covington Street, Perry, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Bouter and Sullivan are accused of stealing several mobile phone cases valued at $785.77 from Walmart. It's alleged that they agreed to coordinate their efforts to steal the cases. Both were jailed on $1,000 bail each.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of menacing neighbor and son with firearm

By Howard B. Owens

Russell Leonard Penepent, 54, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree menacing and endangering the welfare of a child. Penepent allegedly menaced a neighbor and his 5-year-old child with a firearm at 3:19 p.m. Sunday. He was jailed on $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond.

Lawrence A. Guy, 41, of Roosevelt Avenue, Batavia, is charged with torturing or injuring an animal, endangering the welfare of a child, and coercion, 2nd. Police alleged that during a domestic incident Guy punched the family dog several times and threw it down several stairs in the presence of children. He was ordered held on $10,000 bail.

Jacob J. Russell, 21, of Walkers Corners Road, Byron, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Russell was arrested on a warrant by members of the Local Drug Task Force. During the arrest, Russell was allegedly found in possession of heroin. He is also accused of giving a quantity of heroin to another person. He was jailed on $50,000 bail.

Daniel James Maus, 56, of Johnson Road, Bergen, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Maus was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop at 12:54 a.m. Saturday on Perry Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Ryan Paul Isham, 26, of 66th Street, Niagara Falls, is charged with felony DWI, failure to yield right of way on left turn, and failure to yield right of way at a yield sign. Isham was arrested following an investigation into an accident reported at 12:55 a.m. Sunday on Route 98 in Elba by Deputy Ryan Young. Deputies responded to the accident and located a Dodge Ram pickup truck on its roof. Occupants of both vehicles were out of the vehicles. Isham was determined to be the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado. Isham was transported to UMMC for evaluation and released. All other occupants were treated and released at the scene. Additional charges are pending.

Miguel E. Alvarez, 22, of Maple Avenue, Batavian, and a 16-year-old resident of Trumbull Parkway are charged with petit larceny. At 10:20 p.m. Saturday, Batavia PD officers Arick Perkins and Christopher Lindsay attempted to speak with two suspicious males on West Main Street, Batavia. When approached, the subjects ran. They were later taken into custody and one of the subjects was allegedly found trying to conceal a 30-pack of beer and pizza in his pants that had been stolen from Tops.

Molly M. Smith, 45, of MacArthur Drive, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving while impaired by drugs. Smith was arrested following an investigation into a minor injury motor-vehicle accident at 5:12 p.m. Friday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Ronald P. Dixon, 38, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument. City PD responded to a report of a burglary in progress at 1:10 a.m. Friday on East Main Street, and located Dixon, who was wanted on a warrant. At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly found in possession of a needle and other drug paraphernalia. He was jailed on $2,000 bail on the warrant.

Michael J. Difalco, 29, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th. Difalco allegedly sold property he knew to be stolen at Pawn King in the Town of Batavia. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Julio C. Morales Jr., 32, of Upton Road, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Morales was arrested on a theft of services charge in 2015 and allegedly never appeared in City Court on that charge. He was jailed on $250 bail.

Henry L. Banks, 47, of Ross Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a traffic charge.

A 17-year-old resident of Skye Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with attempted assault, 1st, harassment, 2nd, and obstructing governmental administration. Batavia PD responded to Burger King at 5:46 p.m. Aug. 28 for a reported disturbance. A person reportedly struck a vehicle. When police arrived, the suspect fled and was later apprehended.

Anthony A. Leone, 49, of Jackson Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for a trespass charge stemming from an incident on Ellicott Street reported at 4:25 p.m. Aug. 15.

Khala Linn Ray, 18, of Ridge Road, Gasport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and no headlamps. Ray was stopped after Officer Arick Perkins observed at 2003 Pontiac Vibe on Ross Street being driven without headlights at 1:55 a.m., Aug. 26. Ray's vehicle was stopped on Washington Avenue.

Tyler M. Hughson, 22, of Hawthorn Drive, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Hughson was stopped at 9:32 p.m. Sept. 1 on East Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Rachell O. Soggs, 29, of South Swan Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear.

Christopher Steven Bump, 22, of Briarwood Terrace, Batavia, is charged with false personation. At 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 27, Officer Arick Perkins responded to Pearl Street, Batavia, for a report of a suspicious vehicle. When contacted, Bump allegedly provided the officer with a false name.

John R. Delara, 19, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, petit larceny and unlawful possession of marijuana. Delara is accused of entering unsecured vehicles in a downtown parking lot at 10:15 a.m. Aug. 31 and attempting to steal items from the vehicles.

Tatiana C. Lugo, 22, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Taylor K. Hicks, 25, of Pembroke, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Hicks was stopped by State Police at 8:05 p.m. Sept. 7 on Genesee Street, Pembroke.

Vendors and merchandise wanted for second annual Trevor Mathiesen Vendor Blender at Dibble Center Sept. 10

By Billie Owens

The second annual Trevor Mathiesen Vendor Blender will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, at The Dibble Family Center in the City of Batavia. It is located at 4120 W. Main St.

Cost is $30 per vendor table.

Trevor was a 13-year-old boy who died suddenly Oct. 22 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He loved to play hockey and was a member of the Buffalo Stars. He enjoyed four-wheeling, riding dirt bikes and he spent many hours fishing at Godfrey's Pond in Bergen. Trevor loved the outdoors and all animals.

All proceeds from the Vendor Blender will go to Trevor's parents, Amy and John Mathiesen, to be donated to the organization of their choice. Last year, proceeds went to purchase two boats and a kayak for use at Godfrey's Pond.

Anyone who would like to donate a basket, gift card or an item, please contact Kellie Wade and she will come and pick it up.

If you are interested in being a vendor, please print the following information and mail it to Kellie Wade, 7250 Ivison Road, Byron, NY 14422.

For additional information, call Kellie at (585) 201-3489.

  • Name
  • Business
  • Type of Merchandise
  • Address
  • City
  • State
  • Zip Code
  • Telephone Number
  • Email address

Tompkins Bank of Castile named Bergen resident assistant branch manager in Churchville

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Tompkins Bank of Castile has hired Bergen resident Jessica McAlister as assistant branch manager for the Churchville branch.

As assistant branch manager, McAlister is responsible for supervising the Churchville branch while providing the highest levels of customer support. In addition, McAlister is responsible for ensuring the Churchville branch is an active corporate member of the community.

McAlister joined Tompkins Bank of Castile in May. She has more than 10 years banking experience, including positions at the Attica Wyoming Correctional Employees Federal Credit and the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union.

McAlister holds an associates degree in Accounting from Genesee Community College, and she is a member of the Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce.

Accident with injuries reported on Clinton Street Road, Bergen

By Billie Owens

An accident with injuries, blocking traffic, is reported at 7520 Clinton Street Road.

Bergen Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding and Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

UPDATE 9:33 p.m.: A firefighter on scene reports two patients, no extrication necessary and Mercy Flight not needed.

Bergen man with lengthy criminal history accused of violating an order of protection

By Julia Ferrini

The Attica Police Department initiated an investigation into a violation of an order of protection between Juan A. Roman, 39, of Bergen, and a female victim.

A complete stay away order of protection had been issued July 21 by the City of Batavia Court from previous charges of unlawful imprisonment in the first degree, assault in the third degree and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation between the defendant and the victim.

juan_a._roman.jpg
      Juan A. Roman

Roman was charged Aug. 14 with criminal contempt in the first degree – telephone communication, and criminal contempt in the first degree – prior conviction within five years.

An arrest warrant was obtained and Roman was found and taken into custody without incident with the assistance of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. He was arraigned in Wyoming County Court and put in Wyoming County Jail on no bail.

He was in Attica Village Court Monday where he was put back in jail on no bail due to several previous felony convictions, which include:

    • Sept. 5, 2008 – Charged with driving while intoxicated, ticketed with unsafe backing, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, moving from lane unsafely, and consumption of alcohol in the vehicle;

    • Feb. 4, 2009 – Charged with unlawful imprisonment in the first degree, assault in the third degree and petit larceny;

    • March 3, 2011 – Roman accused of dealing cocaine, allegedly selling a quantity of the drug to an undercover agent in Batavia. He was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree;

    • Aug. 30, 2013 – Charged with harassment in the second degree and unlawful possession of marijuana;

    • Jan. 8, 2014 – Charged with harassment in the second degree, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and criminal contempt in the first degree;

    • July 17, 2014 – Charged with three counts of criminal contempt in the second degree;

    • Sept. 9, 2014 – Charged with criminal contempt – violating a stay away order of protection; and

    • July 24 – Charged with promoting prison contraband.

Driver killed Saturday night in crash on Bovee Road in Bergen's fire district

By Howard B. Owens

A one-car accident Saturday night in the Bergen fire district took the life of the car's sole occupant, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

The accident was reported at 8:05 p.m. at 321 Bovee Road, Riga.

Bergen fire and Mercy EMS were dispatched. The driver of the vehicle was deceased when first responders arrived on scene.

The female driver has yet to be positively identified by the medical examiner.

Investigators say the vehicle was eastbound on Bovee Road when the driver lost control. The vehicle spun sideways, crossed the south shoulder and struck a tree on the driver's side.

The stretch of roadway is flat and straight.

The investigation is ongoing.

(Initial Report)

The Batavian's news partner 13WHAM assisted in obtaining information for this story.

Accident with injuries reported on 490

By Howard B. Owens

An accident with injuries is reported in the eastbound lane of the Route 490 at mile marker 1.

Le Roy fire and Bergen fire dispatched.

Dispatchers have received only one call on the accident.

UPDATE 11:30 p.m.: Minor injuries, if any.

UPDATE 11:31 p.m.: The vehicle is about 50 feet in the swamp.

UPDATE 11:41 p.m.: Tow company will check on the vehicle. If they can't extract it tonight, they'll come back in the daylight to remove it.

Possible serious injury accident on Bovee Road, Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly stuck a tree and at least one person is entrapped with possible serious injuries in the area of 321 Bovee Road, Bergen.

Begen fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE: We heard no more traffic on this call. It was actually in Monroe County (though still Bergen's district). It's not likely we'll have any further updates.

Car hits pole on Route 19 in Bergen, causing damage to parked vehicles

By Howard B. Owens

An early-morning, one-vehicle accident on Route 19 in Bergen caused a utility poll to fall and damage a 2000 Harley-Davidson and a pickup truck parked at a residence.

There were no injuries reported.

Kenneth Richardson, age not provided, of Warboys Road, Byron, was southbound in a 2008 Chevy sedan when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle. It rotated clockwise, traveling off the west shoulder of the road, striking a mile marker sign, then continuing south and hitting a National Grid utility pole. The pole broke, causing damage to the motorcycle and a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado.

The accident report indicates Richardson may have been traveling at an unsafe speed.

The accident, which occurred at 3:11 a.m., was investigated by Deputy Travis Demuth.

Authentically Local