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Premiere of Community Action and Girl Scouts' 'Circle of Giving' is Saturday at BB high school

By Billie Owens

The premiere of the Circle of Giving, a charitable event hosted by Community Action of Orleans & Genesee and local Girl Scouts, is Saturday afternoon at Byron-Bergen High School in the cafeteria. Time is 1 to 3 p.m.

The opening ceremony for the new initiative will begin promptly at 1:15 p.m.

Pat Standish, founder of Angels in Action in Genesee County, will tell a story of hope and inspiration.

You are invited to become a Junior Angel in Giving by providing new or clean, gently used items in good condition. All donations for this event will remain in Genesee County. There will be four donation stations set up:

  • Food and Toys
  • Pet Supplies
  • Coats/Gloves/Hats
  • Gift-wrapping supplies

In addition, enjoy holiday crafts and make Christmas cards that will be delivered along with the gifts to the needy. Cookies and punch will be provided. The school is located at 6917 W. Bergen Road in Bergen.

GCEDC assisting mold injection company's move from Monroe County to Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee County Economic Development Center Board has approved the following projects:

KNW Manufacturing, 35 Spring St., Bergen. The company is moving its mold injection business from Ogden to a 2,012-square-foot building in Bergen. The building is already under a PILOT tax abatement issued in 2007. GCEDC is re-assigning the PILOT to KNW Manufacturing. The PILOT will expire in 2018 as scheduled. No other tax abatements are offered for this project. The move will create 10 new jobs in Genesee County.

Yancey's Fancy, $150,000 from revolving loan fund. Project is an interim plant expansion and equipment upgrades to support ongoing business and growth during a period that Yancey's Fancy is awaiting sewer construction in Pembroke. A larger project is expected to begin construction in early 2013 and be completed within the following 12 months. There are no tax abatements with the interim project.

Callahan Motion Control, $100,000 from revolving loan fund. CMC is buying the assets of Callahan Weber Hydraulics, an existing sales and service center in Darien. A local bank is financing the majority of the project through a coordinated program with Empire State Development. The program will save the company from 2 to 3 percent in interest over the next four years. GCEDC is providing a gap loan from its revolving loan fund to help finance the $434,000 project. CMC will also receive a mortgage tax exemption of $5,425. The company provides sales, service and repair of hydraulic components and systems for use in industry, agriculture, construction, gas drilling, lumber and mining industries.

Submitted photo: Employees at Liberty Pumps contribute to Sandy relief

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Several employees of Liberty Pumps contributed to the purchase of items to be shipped to help with Super Storm Sandy relief efforts. Items sent by Liberty employees included cleaning supplies, first-aid supplies, toiletries, food items, paper products, baby items, batteries, winter clothing, pet items and much more.

Also contributing to this shipment was C&M Forwarding, a local trucking company that shipped this huge pallet at no charge!

Law and Order: Alleged loud parties, underage drinking land Batavia man in jail on $10K bail

By Howard B. Owens

Dashawn A. Butler, 33, of 101 Summit St., right, Batavia, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child, 1st, criminal nuisance, 2nd, and unreasonable noise. Batavia PD responded to 101 Summit at 11:43 p.m., Saturday, on a complaint of a loud party. The police department reports having received numerous prior complaints for noise and underage parties. Butler was previously charged on similar allegations Oct. 20. On Saturday, officers report finding several underage people in the residence and the odor of marijuana. Butler was charged with unreasonable noise and maintaining a premise where unlawful conduct occurs for allegedly allowing persons under age 21 to consume alcohol. Following arraignment in city court, Butler was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Kasean L. Shannon, 20, of 119 State St., #4, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd, criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment, 2nd. Shannon is accused of choking and menacing a woman with a knife during an argument at 9:30 a.m., Sunday.

Willie Miles Jr., 48, of 45 Washington Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, disorderly conduct and harassment, 2nd. Miles is accused of damaging two windows at a residence.

Curtis J. Doward, 18, of 26 Ganson Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful possession of marijuana. Doward is accused of pushing another person and grabbing that person by the neck during a domestic incident. The alleged incident occurred in the presence of a young child. At the time of his arrest, Doward was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Joseph M. Dispenza Jr., 18, of 38 Church St., Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, driving in violation of a conditional use permit, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely, inadequate headlights and refusal to take breath test. Dispenza was stopped at 2:40 a.m. Thursday on Pearl Street, Batavia, by Officer Darryle Streeter. Dispenza was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Bradley M. Crandall, 45, of 66 Lake St., Le Roy, is was arrested on a warrant out of drug court related to a DWI charge. Crandall was jailed on $100,000 bail.

Jason E. Carpenter, 34, of 33 S. Pearl St., Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Carpenter was located on State Street and arrested on a warrant out of city court.

Kayla L. Rapone, no age or residence provided, was arrested on two bench warrants for alleged failure to appear in court.

Melissa L. Coufal, 42, of Bergen, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Coufal was arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident from Nov. 19. Coufal was released on an appearance ticket. No further details were provided.

Law and Order: Darien woman accused of using stolen, forged check

By Howard B. Owens

Leaha Rae Anne Wimmer, 20, of an undisclosed address in Darien, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Wimmer is accused of using a forged/stolen check. She was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Brandon Nicholas Benz, 17, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Benz is accused of pushing and shoving another person.

Joseph Anthony Mogavero, 19, of State Street Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21. Mogavero was arrested Saturday after Deputy Patrick Reeves was dispatched to Route 238 in Alexander for investigation of a suspicious vehicle off the roadway. Also charged with possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21 were Sean Patrick Francis Bodkin, 20, of Affinity Lane, Cheektowaga, Matthew Robert Blevins, 20, of Vernon Avenue, Batavia, and Nathan Alexander Demare, 19, of Brigham Road, Ferdonia.

Lucas George Yauchzee, 23, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal possession of marijuana. Yauchzee's arrest comes after an investigation that began Dec. 26 when law enforcement responded to a report of a domestic incident at his apartment. Yauchzee is accused of possessing marijuana and hydrocodone.

Car crash with injuries on West Sweden Road, Bergen

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at 6571 W. Sweden Road. Bergen fire and Mercy medics are responding along with law enforcement. The location is between Swamp and Evans roads.

UPDATE 11:49 a.m.: A responder reports one vehicle is completely blocking traffic and fire police are called to shut down the roadway. A second vehicle involved is off the roadway.

UPDATE 12:49 p.m.: One patient was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Car fire on westbound 490

By Billie Owens

A working car fire is reported, with flames showing underneath it, on the westbound 490. Le Roy and Bergen fire crews are responding. It's at mile marker 2.

UPDATE 5:15 p.m.: Foam will be used to douse the fire. Bergen is continuing to the scene. Le Roy is put back in service.

UPDATE 5:16 p.m.: The fire is out.

Rochester man arrested in alleged road rage incident in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

A 37-year-old Rochester man has been arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged road rage incident in Bergen on Friday.

Duane L. Paquine is charged with criminal tampering and harassment.

Paquine is accused of pushing down a 70-year-old man in the parking lot of Bergen Town Hall and of removing the distributor cap and a spark plug wire from the engine of the man's car.

The alleged incident began some time around 3:30 p.m.

According to Trooper Jeffrey Bebak, public information officer for the State Police, Troop A, the victim was driving when a white pickup truck started tailgating his vehicle. The man said he sped up to try and get away from the truck, but so did the white truck.

The man went to the Bergen Town Hall and so did a white truck and a maroon truck that had allegedly been part of the situation on the roadway.

The driver of the maroon truck, identified as Paquine, got out of his vehicle (while the driver of the white truck stayed in his) and told the man, "You can't speed like that on my road," according to Bebak.

Paquine then allegedly pushed the 70-year-old man down. The man stood up and entered the Town Hall to call police.

While the man was in the building Paquine allegedly removed the distributor cap and wire.

Paquine was released on an appearance ticket.

Accident with injuries reported in Bergen on Route 33

By Howard B. Owens

An accident with injuries is reported at Route 33 and Gilbert Road.

Bergen fire and ambulance responding.

UPDATE 5:43 p.m.: Nobody trapped. A 9-year-old complains of rib pain and another victim has facial cuts.

UPDATE 5:45 p.m.: A second Mercy EMS ambulance requested to the scene.

UPDATE 5:47 p.m.: Two wreckers requested to the scene. Both vehicles described as "demolished."

UPDATE 6:34 p.m.: All units are clear from the accident scene. The road is reopened. Patients transported to Strong.

Law and Order: Drug charge, warrant arrest follow traffic stop in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

Jason Micheal Kone, 31, of Townline Road, Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, violation of probation, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, operating with a suspended registration and operating without insurance. Kone was stopped at 1:51 p.m., Sunday, on Townline Road, Byron, by Deputy Chris Parker. At the time of the stop Kone was allegedly found in possession of a pipe containing marijuana. Kone was also arrested on a warrant out of Monroe County for alleged violation of probation and turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Christina J. Larsen, 37, of 6024 Fisher Road, Oakfield, is charged with felony DWI, felony aggravated DWI, improper left turn, uninspected motor vehicle and unregistered motor vehicle. Larson was stopped at 7:21 p.m. Sunday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Jamie Givens.

Nicholas C. Klippel, 28, of 80 Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Klippel is accused of threatening to "murder" another person.

Steven A. Earl, 27, of 8017 Bank Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to yield right of way. Earl was stopped at 2:02 a.m. Sunday on South Swan Street, Batavia, by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Richard L Coughlin, 59, of 17 Fisher Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and menacing, 3rd. Coughlin is accused of putting another person in fear of physical injury by yelling and screaming while in close proximity to that person and raising clenched fists. Coughlin is accused of violating an order of protection issued by Family Court.

Michael L. Valle, 31, of 146 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with attempted burglary, 2nd, criminal contempt, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Valle is accused of attempting to break into the residence of a person protected by a court order causing damage to a window screen and exterior light. Valle was jailed on $20,000 bail or $40,000 bond.

Brian D. Stotts, 35, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana and running a red light. Stotts was stopped Saturday in Le Roy by a Le Roy police officer.

Bobbie Jo Hudson, 28, of Banks Road, Churchville, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving on a suspected registration, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, failure to keep right, and uninspected motor vehicle. Hudson was stopped at 2:25 a.m. Friday on Route 19, Bergen, by Deputy Eric Seppala.

Lucas G. Yauchzee, 23, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Yauchzee's arrest stems from the investigation of an alleged domestic incident Oct. 20. He was allegedly found in possession of LSD and marijuana. The case was investigated by Deputy Brian Thompson and Trooper J.J. Pitz.

Richard G. Medwid, 27, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unreasonable speed. Medwid was reportedly involved in a one-vehicle accident on Route 98, Town of Batavia, at 12:55 a.m., Sept. 15.

Road-rage incident strands driver in Bergen Town Hall parking lot

By Billie Owens

What appears to be a road-rage incident took place in the parking lot of the Bergen Town Hall. The driver of a vehicle told another "stop speeding on my road." It seems they both pulled into the parking lot and the angry driver knocked the other person to the ground, removed a wire of some sort from the engine compartment of the person's vehicle and then sped off in an unknown direction of travel.

Sheriff's deputies are responding. The vehicle that left the scene may have been a burgundy pickup truck. The Bergen Town Hall is located at 13 S. Lake Road 10 Hunter St.

UPDATE 4:14 p.m.: The stranded motorist declined EMS care.

Law and Order: Alleged shoplifter accused of possessing crack cocaine

By Howard B. Owens

Faith Brenda O'Berne, 44, of Mount Read Boulevard, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. O'Berne is accused of stealing a $200 TV from Kmart. During the investigation by Deputy Brian Thompson she was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine.

David R. Mark, 26, of Dansville, is charged with petit larceny. Mark is accused of shoplifting $89 in merchandise from Kmart.

Thomas Michael Rider, 55, of Lathrop Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Rider was stopped by Sgt. Greg Walker at 6:58 p.m., Tuesday, on Buffalo Road in Bergen after allegedly being observed driving and striking a curb in a parking lot.

Trashawn D. Bell, 17, of 46 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Bell is accused of punching another person Nov. 2.

Taylor L. Finnin, 19, of 1 Cone St., Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, and 16 counts of possession of a forged instrument. Finnin turned himself in after learning of an arrest warrant on the listed charges. Finnin was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Law and Order: Driver accused of fleeing accident, charged with DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua Michael Hoffman, 22, of Burnt Mill Road, Churchville, is charged with DWI, driving with with an open alcoholic beverage, aggravated unlicensed operation, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to stop at a stop sign and unreasonable speed at an intersection. Hoffman was charged following an accident at 4:29 a.m., Thursday, at the intersection of Bovee Road and Route 19, Bergen. Hoffman was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Daniel J. Bushman, 38, of 220 W. Main St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and menacing, 2nd. Andrea M. Gray, 34, of 111 Liberty St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd. Bushman and Gray were reported involved in an altercation at 6:20 p.m., Thursday, at 220 W. Main St., Batavia. Bushman is accused of pushing another person and threatening that person with a sword. Gray is accused of remaining in the dwelling after previously being barred from the location.

Russell R. Miles, 44, of 220 W. Main St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd. Miles was allegedly located inside a residence at 111 Liberty St., Batavia, that he had previously been advised by the owner not to enter.

Kevin Lamar Baldon, 36, of Bakos Boulevard, Buffalo, is charged with robbery, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th. Baldon is accused of yanking a lanyard with keys attached from the neck of a woman during a dispute and taking the keys from her without permission.

Amy Lynn Showler, 37, of Manhattan Avenue, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Showler was taken into custody on an arrest warrant out of Town of Batavia Court for allegedly stealing a large screen TV from BJ's Wholesale Club.

Robert T. C. Morrow, 20, of 139 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Morrow is accused of trying to conceal two bottles of liquor inside a backback while leaving Center Street Smoke House.

Mark Humel, 21, of East Pembroke, is charged with DWI. Humel was stopped at 7:25 p.m., Thursday, by State Police, on Main Road, Newstead, for allegedly attempting to make an illegal U-turn. Humel's alleged BAC was .11.

Mark D. Caufield, 18, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Caufield was arrested by State Police at 1:15 p.m., Oct. 10, in Stafford.

Car crash on West Sweden Road, Bergen

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident, with unknown injuries, is reported in Bergen at 5853 W. Sweden Road, south of the intersection with North Bergen Road. Bergen fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: There is reportedly one patient.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m.: One of the cars is leaking fluids.

UPDATE 3:29 p.m.: Cook Road at Creamery will be shut to traffic.

UPDATE 3:31 p.m.: Eastbound traffic on North Bergen Road will be turned back at West Sweden.

UPDATE 4:01 p.m.: One patient is being taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. Tow trucks are responding to the scene to remove the wrecked vehicles.

Person in Bergen falls 15 feet from residential rooftop

By Howard B. Owens

A person has fallen 15 feet from a residential rooftop on Clinton Street, Bergen.

Bergen fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

A medical first responder reports Mercy Flight will not be needed.

The call is the second report this morning of a person falling from a roof. The first was on Pearl Street Road in East Pembroke's district.

UPDATE 9:15 a.m.: Patient being transported to Strong.

Possible fire in mobile home on West Bergen Road, Bergen

By Billie Owens

Smoke, "a light haze," is reported at Lot 3 of the Caesar's Palace Mobile Home Park. It's located at 8486 W. Bergen Road. Bergen and Le Roy fire departments are responding to the scene. Pavilion Fire Department is asked to stand by in their quarters.

The homeowner told responders he has no idea what may be causing the smoke. The structure has been evacuated.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: The smoke has been cleared. We think the source was a clothes dryer. No actual fire was present. The walls were checked with a thermal imaging camera. Pavilion is standing down. The other responders are picking up their equipment and preparing to leave.

Haunted House for UNICEF

By James Renfrew

There will be a Haunted House for UNICEF at the Byron Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, October 31, Halloween, beginning at 6:00 PM.  This "trick-or-treat" stop is free, but contributions to UNICEF will be happily received.  There are two paths to take through the Haunted House, including one for younger children.  

UNICEF is a world-wide program dedicated to reducing the number of hungry people -  especilly children - to zero.  In addition to the Halloween theme, there will also be a short video presentation about UNICEF at the Haunted House.    

For more information, please call 548-2800.

Byron-Bergen High School Students Host Haunted House Fundraiser

By Erica Hickey

A group of Byron-Bergen High School juniors and seniors hosted the Grow-In-Kids Fall Festival this Saturday. The Fall Festival included a haunted house, snacks, and crafts for kids of all ages. 

There will be an extension to the Fall Festival on Halloween night. Grow-In-Kids is located at 42 Rochester St. , in the Village of Bergen. On Wednesday night from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., there will be cider, doughnuts, coffee and hot chocolate for trick-or-treaters, as well as crafts and the haunted house.

There is no entrance fee, however donations to March of Dimes will be accepted. March of Dimes assists new mothers and their babies in times of need.

Volunteers are still needed for Halloween night. If interested, contact Fall Festival Coordinator, Paul Stamp, at paulstamp101@gmail.com

 

Byron-Bergen students participate in Fall Festival to benefit March of Dimes

By Howard B. Owens

Photos and story submitted by Erica Lynn Hickey:

A group of Byron-Bergen High School juniors and seniors hosted the Grow-In-Kids Fall Festival on Saturday. The Fall Festival included a haunted house, snacks, and crafts for kids of all ages. 

There will be an extension to the Fall Festival on Halloween night. Grow-In-Kids is located at 42 Rochester St., in the Village of Bergen. On Wednesday night (Halloween) from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., there will be cider, doughnuts, coffee and hot chocolate for trick-or-treaters, as well as crafts and the haunted house.

There is no entrance fee, however donations to March of Dimes will be accepted. March of Dimes assists new mothers and their babies in times of need.

Volunteers are still needed for Halloween night. If interested, contact Fall Festival coordinator Paul Stamp at paulstamp101@gmail.com

Top photo: Paul Stamp, Dan Smith, Colton Young, Andrew Magin, Andrew McKenrick and Blake Snyder.

Lilly Walker works on arts and crafts.

Jack Walker makes a candy bucket in the shape of Frankenstein.

Law enforcement called to Mt. Rest Cemetery to investigate improperly buried urn

By Howard B. Owens

Shortly before noon today, some people showed up at the Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen and visited a gravesite.

Work crews didn't think much about it -- a pretty normal occurrence in a cemetery -- until they saw shovels.

By the time they could notify their supervisor, the group had left and there was a freshly covered hole in front of one of the graves.

Apparently, the people buried an urn of ashes at a family plot.

Under appropriate circumstances, that's perfectly acceptable, said cemetery supervisor Joe MacConnell. However in this case, Deputy Brad Mazur was dispatched to the scene.

"We just need some documentation," MacConnell said. "Every cemetery is willing to work with families, but the state has regulations."

As of this afternoon, Mazur was trying to contact the family -- The Batavian agreed not to release the family name on the headstone -- in order to clear up the matter. He didn't anticipate any criminal charges.

If Mazur hasn't located the family yet, the family can contact him through the Sheriff's Office at (585) 345-3000.

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