Bergen

Press release:

The sets are being built, the costumes are being bloodied and now the talent has been cast for next month's production of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at Genesee Community College!

Brodie McPherson, director of the show and also GCC's instructor of Theater Technology, released the cast list today (Sept. 27) for what promises to be the college's biggest theater production of the season!

GCC's Forum Players Theatre Company will perform Richard O'Brien's “The Rocky Picture Horror Show,” Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and again Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. in the College's Stuart Steiner Theatre.

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" will feature GCC students representing many majors and four different countries, as well as a GCC alumnus. Audiences will enjoy the talent, style and a little craziness from the following:

• Tiago Marques, of São Paulo, Brazil, as Frank-N-Furter
• Runo Suzuki, of Hokkaido, Japan, as Janet Weiss
• Samuel G. Rigerman, of Batavia, as Brad Majors
• Benjamin Reiner, of Pembroke, as Riff Raff
• Lacey Sloat, of Bergen, as Magenta
• Fu Kikuchi, of Fukuoka, Japan, as Columbia
• Chris Barbis, of Pavilion, as Rocky Horror
• Jack Diskin, of Le Roy, as Eddie and a Phantom
• Grant Calcote, of Le Roy, as Dr. Everett V. Scott and a Phantom
• Josh Pacino, (GCC classes of 2008 and 2009), of Batavia, as The Narrator
• Marissa Carbonell, of Batavia, as Trixie The Usherette and a Phantom

And playing Phantoms throughout the productions will be:

• Marissa Carbonell, of Batavia
• Sam Ciesla, of Hamburg
• Haylea-Ann Nicole Self, of Brockton
• Brittany Mayes, of Medina
• Jessie Pierce, of Batavia
• Tiffany Smith, of Arkport
• Brandon Ribbeck, of Warsaw
• Ai Jitozono, of Nagasaki, Japan
• Ayaka Nakamura, of Osaka, Japan
• Francesca Pieter, of Willemstad, Curaçao
• Alyssa Young, of Brockport
• Andrew DeMeo, of Staten Island

This show will take full advantage of all the high-tech sound and lighting equipment at the College's state-of-the-art theater. The full scene and costume shops provide dynamic sets, clothing and special effects to take this production over the top. In addition, special "Goodie Bags" to be sold for $5 are in development as is some pre-show, intermission and post-show opportunities for the audience to interact with the cast.

"This show promises to be among the most memorable experiences not only for GCC's Forum Players, but also for our audience and supporters. It really is not to be missed," McPherson said. "Everyone should enjoy the perfect prelude to the Halloween season with a performance that is 'out of this world!' "

Tickets for "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," performed by GCC's Forum Players Theatre Company, are: $8 for adults; and $5 for seniors (55+) and students (16+) and GCC faculty/ staff. GCC students with ID are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket.

To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office today at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814. Seating is limited and advance reservations are strongly advised. The show is designed for mature audiences only.

Press release:

Every day, more than 20 U.S. military veterans take their own lives. The Firing Pin (TFP), Western New York’s finest indoor shooting range, is hosting a community fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 28, with all proceeds going toward efforts to reduce veteran suicide.

The Firing Pin’s “22 to None Fun Run” will support Mission 22, an organization dedicated to assisting veterans in getting treatment when they need it most.

The event includes a 2.2K fun run, raffles, food trucks, live music and a craft beer tent.The event’s title sponsor, Rochester Precision Optics, is looking to hire veterans. They will have a booth at the event with more information.

“I have personally lost seven friends that I was deployed with to veteran suicide,” said Patrick Kimball, TFP Advanced Training director and combat veteran who will be speaking at the event. “Together, we can help our veterans get the help they deserve before it’s too late.”

Who: The Firing Pin, LLC and Mission 22

What: 22 to None Fun Run

• 22 to None Fun Run -- 2.2K run/walk (map on second page)

• Chinese/Silent Auctions

• Craft beer tent by Eli Fish Brewing Company (all proceeds directly to Mission 22)

• Food trucks - Center Street Smokehouse, Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, wood-fired pizza from American Masonry

When: Saturday, Sept. 28

Schedule of Events:

• 9 a.m. -- Shop and range open; raffles begin

• 10 a.m. -- Registration for Fun Run

• 11 a.m. -- 2.2K Fun Run

• 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- Beer tent and food trucks

• 1 - 4 p.m. -- Live music from The Fog

Where: The Firing Pin LLC, 8240 Buffalo Road, Bergen

Why: The sad truth is that more veterans die at home on U.S. soil than in combat zones overseas. Mission 22 is a registered 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to healing America’s veterans when they need it most -- right now. The Firing Pin family has been personally affected by veteran suicide and wants to unite the community in raising awareness and support for our veterans. ALL proceeds from the event will go directly to Mission 22.

Below is the route of the 2.2K Fun Run/Walk, coustesy of Firing Pin General Manager Joshua W. Hawkins.

Above, an employee of Bonduelle Americas in Bergen was among 10 who volunteered to pick up trash along village streets and parks on Friday.

BERGEN – The Village of Bergen and employees from Bonduelle Americas joined to celebrate World Cleanup Day on Friday.

Bonduelle’s plant manager Bob Frantangelo offered a crew of 10 employees to pick up trash along village streets and in parks.

“Cortney and I met this wonderful and motivated group as they worked along Route 19 in the village,” said Mayor Anna Marie Barclay, referring to village administrator Cortney Gale. “They did an amazing job and we greatly appreciate their efforts in the village.”

World Cleanup Day was observed Sept. 21 by people in 150 countries who stood up against the global trash problem and cleaned up waste, making it the biggest positive civic action the world has seen, Barclay said. 

The initiator of World Cleanup Day is the Let’s Do it Foundation, a global civic movement with a mission to connect and empower people and organizations around the world for a clean planet. Already, 17 million caring people have joined the movement.

Bonduelle enjoys contributing to the protection of our natural resources and environment, locally and globally, Frantangelo said.

“This was and is a worldwide initiative that all Bonduelle locations participate in annually,” he said. “We did all of Main Street and the adjacent parks. It looked pretty nice as it was, but we still found some trash, as you can see. Our village always looks great.”

Below, eight of the 10 employees from Bonduelle Americas at the entrance to Bergen’s Disc Golf Course with bags of trash they picked up on World Cleanup Day.

Submitted photos.

Above, Byron-Bergen Girls Varsity Soccer Team.

Submitted photos and press release:

Bergen -- On Saturday, Sept. 14, the Byron-Bergen and Attica soccer teams joined forces to raise money for good causes.

Modified, JV, and varsity girls and boys faced off for a full day of competition at the Byron-Bergen Soccer Stadium.

All the teams played hard, but the ultimate winners were the Wilmont Cancer Institute and Crossroads House. The two organizations will split the more than $2,300 in proceeds.

“We all love being part of the charity event, the whole team does,” said Byron-Bergen senior and varsity co-captain Miriam Tardy. “Honestly, the hardest part is choosing which type of cancer to support. That’s why this year we chose to support all cancer research.”

The student-led event began at 9:30 a.m. and continued until the close of the last game, which began nine hours later.

The annual fundraiser to support cancer research was launched almost a decade ago by the varsity girls soccer team in support of a teammates’ loved one.

Although those players have long since left the Byron-Bergen soccer fields, the event has grown into a community tradition, raising thousands of dollars annually and more than $12,000 since its inception. Free and open to the public, money is raised through donations, T-shirt and food sales, and vendors.

“I love this fundraiser,” said senior and co-captain Kelsey Fuller. “It’s a great opportunity to show who we are as people and really give back to the community.”

“This is my sixth year participating,” said senior and co-captain Melissa MacCowan. “It’s about raising money, but also about raising awareness.”

This year, the teams decided to expand their philanthropic efforts to include Crossroads House in Batavia. The organization provides hospice services to residents of Genesee and Wyoming counties free of charge.

“We have been supporting cancer research for years and really wanted to find ways to support differentparts of the community,” Fuller. said

“Our athletes take great pride in giving back to the community,” said Athletic Director Richard Hannan. “These are both wonderful organizations and I’m always impressed by the teams’ dedication.”

Below, Byron-Bergen Girls Junior Varsity Soccer Team.

BERGEN – The playground in Bergen’s Hickory Park has been really popular for decades, so when it became apparent the repairs needed would be incredibly costly, the Village Board and Mayor started looking for other solutions.

“We have replaced plastic parts in the past due to wear and tear and, unfortunately, vandalism, but replacement parts are becoming extremely expensive,” Mayor Anna Marie Barclay said. “In researching replacement costs for the playground, I found that, even with grant money, the cost would be between $30,000 and $40,000.”

Working with the DPW’s Zack Kuter, Barclay said they surveyed the playground for options. The structure was sturdy, so they decided to repaint it, rubber coat the walkways and use climbing ropes in place of damaged plastic tubes.

“Our staff will do the rubber coating, and the climbing ropes have been ordered,” Barclay said. “I asked members of the park committee to join me in painting the playground to further cut costs.”

On Sept. 14, Todd Cargill, Lynn Wilkins, Trustee Vickie Almquist and the mayor, all members of the Park Committee, painted from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with just time out for lunch.

“The playground is now a beautiful bright red,” Barclay said.

(Reader submitted photos.)

Photo and information from Brian Stone, of Bergen:

My father, Ted Stone, had a hole in one at Le Roy Country Club today.

Hole #17 -- 140 yards with a 6 iron.

He is 83 years old.

Two weeks ago he beat his age at Churchville Golf Course, shooting 79.

Information from a press release:

Along the Haunted History Trail of New York State, you will find the largest collection of haunted and Halloween events statewide.

Three sites on the trail are in Genesee County: the historic Seymour Place building at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia, home to GO ART!; Rolling Hills Asylum in East Bethany; and the Haunted Bergen House, built in 1858 and located at 6571 W. Sweden Road, Bergen.

More than 500 events -- from authentic ghost hunts and paranormal investigations to staged haunted houses and Halloween hayrides -- can be found on the Haunted History Trail's online event calendar, offered now through the end of October.

Ghost hunting is offered year-round in historic Palmyra and its William Phelps General Store, with special events in the fall.

Home to all things paranormal, 365 days a year, the Haunted History Trail features more than 90 authentically haunted locations across the state. These locations offer investigations, ghost hunts, guided tours, and other experiences that allow visitors to interact with the haunted side and seek out spirits during a dining experience, special event, or overnight stay.

But, during the "spooky season" in the time leading up to Halloween, the trail opens its offerings to all forms of haunted events -- from the serious spirits right down to the spirited pretenders.

"We see a lot of attention this time of year due to the season and the nature of our trail," says Kelly Rapone, administrator of the Haunted History Trail.

"People are seeking out opportunities to be scared -- whether that's on a guided tour that tells them about ghost sightings and the history behind them or experiencing a jump-scare as they go through a haunted house. We want to be their resource for all things haunted."

While many of the trail events lead up to Halloween as the major fall holiday, Sept. 28 also marks a holiday celebrated by select Haunted History Trail partners. It's "National Ghost Hunting Day," established in 2016, which "recognizes and celebrates the novice, curious and expert execution of ghost-hunting methods."

Several trail locations, including Palmyra's William Phelps General Store, East Bethany's Rolling Hills Asylum, and the Haunted Hinsdale House in Hinsdale, participate on that date in the "World's Largest Ghost Hunt" -- an international phenomenon that brings people together from across the globe to take part in a night of paranormal investigations.

Themes for the 2019 event will include historic preservation, celebrating haunted towns, and exploring cultural diversity within the ghost-hunting field around the world.

To learn more, visit the Haunted History Trail of New York State's website here.

To view the online trail brochure, click here.

About the Haunted History Trail of New York State

It is the only statewide ghost tourism initiative in the United States. It was created in 2013 by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with tourism promotion agencies across the state and with support provided by Empire State Development's I LOVE NEW YORK program under the Market NY initiative.

The Haunted History Trail of New York State features more than 90 haunted locations found within almost every region of New York State. Guided ghost tours, paranormal investigations, haunted dining and overnight stays are available on the trail, with many of the attractions tying back to New York's local history.

(Photo from Haunted History Trail of New York State website.)

A traffic stop by Rochester police led to the arrest Wednesday of a teenager wanted in Genesee County for allegedly dealing drugs in Bergen.

Jahmiere D. Smith, 18, of Rochester, was the subject of an active arrest warrant out of Genesee County stemming from two alleged drug deals between Smith and an agent of the Local Drug Task Force.

Smith is suspected of dealing in heroin in Bergen and accused of selling heroin to an undercover agent on two separate occasions.

He is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Smith was arraigned in Genesee County Court and ordered held on bail of $1,500.

The Task Force was assisted in the investigation by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies and the District Attorney's Office.

Donald E. Coleman, one of four elected part-time coroners in Genesee County, died on Aug. 23 at the age of 69 surrounded by his family. 

A coroner for Genesee County since 1992, he told others he was honored to serve the people of Genesee County; he is remembered for his professionalism and kindness.

He was a life member of the Bergen Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad.

He also served on the Genesee County Republican Committee and was a member of the Bergen United Methodist Church, where he was a former youth group leader and worked with its youth underground program.

For his full obituary, click here.

(Submitted photo.)

The Byron-Bergen Sports Boosters fourth annual Day of Soccer (Homecoming) will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14.

This is also the eighth annual fundraising event of the Byron-Bergen Girls Varsity Soccer Team.

Girls' teams and boys' teams will play soccer all day. There will also be gift basket raffles, 50/50 raffles, along with concessions. Proceeds from this event will go to the Wilmot Cancer Institute and, added this year, Crossroads House.

The games will be played at the Byron-Bergen Soccer Stadium, 6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen.

The schedule is:

• 9:30 a.m. -- Boys Modified
• 11 a.m. -- Girls Modified
• 12:30 p.m. -- Boys Junior Varsity
• 2:30 p.m. -- Boys Varsity
• 4:30 p.m. -- Girls Junior Varsity
• 6:30 p.m. -- Girls Varsity

To make a monetary donation, make check payable to Byron-Bergen Central School and mail to Byron-Bergen High School, 6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen NY 14416; or call (585) 297-3352.

Donations of gift baskets are welcome.

Contacts are:

Diane MacCowan -- (585) 503-2081 -- dmaccowan@yahoo.com

Tammy Fuller -- (585) 297-3352 -- tfullerstamps@yahoo.com

Alyson Tardy -- (585) 414-8031 -- atardy@bbschools.org

• The Bergen Historical Society will meet beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5th, in the Library Meeting Room. The public is invited to hear a presentation by Gina Schelemanow on the history of the Cook family of Byron and Clarendon. Refreshments will be served following the program. 
• Maker Space Saturday is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 7th. Come and try an experiment! No registration needed.
• Monthly Book Discussion Group meets at 7 p.m. on Sept. 12th. This month's book is "The Little Paris Bookshop." Come and enjoy the fun.
• Toddler/Preschool Storytime will run Fridays starting at 10:30 a.m. beginning Sept 13th. Join Miss Bailey for stories, a craft and a treat! For ages 2-5, but younger children are welcome with a parent/guardian. Registration appreciated.

Jason H. Freeman, 37, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 2:53 a.m. on Aug. 14 after he allegedly punctured two tires on a motor vehicle parked on Osterhout Avenue in Batavia; the damage totals more than $250. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or bond. He is due was return to city court on today (Aug. 22). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Jacqueline Colleen Shepherd, 50, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree. She was arrested for allegedly damaging property belonging to another person during an argument at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12 on North Spruce Street in Batavia. She was due in Batavia City Court Aug. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Alexander E. Dills, 28, of Batavia, is charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree -- a loaded firearm; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree -- prior conviction for a serious offense; criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree -- shotgun/serious offense; two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; and criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument. Dills and a Middlebury resident were arrested at 8:55 p.m. on Aug. 15 after Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at a residence on Vernal Road in the Town of Middlebury. Dills was arraigned in Town of Middlebury Court and put in Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash or $5,000 bond. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Reagan.

Jarrod Keith Fotiathis, 24, Lexington Avenue, Rochester, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; improper right turn; moving from lane unsafely; no headlamps; unlicensed driver. At 5:21 a.m. on Aug. 17 on Hall Street in Batavia, Fotiathis was stopped by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins for multiple infractions while driving a 2015 black Mazda. He was arrested and released. He is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 28. Perkins was assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Andrew Adeb Said, 50, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband in the first degree. On Aug. 21, Said was arrested and charged with this crime after allegedly illegally possessing a razor blade while confined to a correctional facility on Aug. 14. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court. No return court date provided. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Jason R. Skivington, 35, of Buffalo Street, Bergen, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; moving from lane unsafely; and failure to stop at a stop sign. Skivington was arrested at 3:07 a.m. Aug. 18 on Byron Holley Road in Byron after a one-vehicle accident. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Town of Byron Court on Aug. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Stack, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Michael Alan Tisdale, 30, of Rebaud Avenue, Silver Springs, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and a vehicle registration plate violation. At 12:21 p.m. on Aug. 20, Tisdale was stopped on Route 98 in the Town of Batavia following the observation of a vehicle and traffic violation. A roadside search of the vehicle was conducted and a small quantity of a prescription medication -- a controlled substance -- was allegedly found. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

Austin Daniel Nowakowski, 19, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with trespass. He was arrested at 7:14 p.m. on Aug. 21 on Bonnie Brae Drive in Darien after allegedly entering and remaining unlawfully on private property while operating an off-road motorbike. He was released on an appearance ticket. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Dakota M. Smith-Neal, 27, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree and fourth-degree criminal mischief. The defendant was arrested on Aug. 19 following an investigation into a complaint about a disorderly male in the street -- on Central Avenue in Batavia -- at 11:09 p.m. on Aug. 18. He is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Zhamiere J. Greene, 18, of Atkison Street, Rochester, is charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. Greene was arrested after a physical altercation on Maple Street in the City of Batavia at 8 p.m. on Aug. 13. The defendant is accused of striking numerous people under age 17. He was arrested, arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due in city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Justin T. Gladney, 30, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested on Aug. 12 following an incident at 4:28 p.m. on North Spruce Street. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 13 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Fawn LM Kaczmarek, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was after a quantity of cash and presecription medications were stolen from a residence on Ellicott Street in Batavia at 2:20 a.m. on Aug. 16. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissigner, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Fawn LM Kaczmarek, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 10:28 a.m. on Aug. 19 for allegedly stealing three cans of Red Bull energy drink from the Dollar General store on East Main Street in Batavia. She is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissigner, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Tammy Marie Caldwell, 49, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. It is alleged that on Aug. 15 at 9:42 a.m. that Caldwell stole property from a business on West Main Street in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 27 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Frank Lynn Morrison, 38, of South Creek Road, Palmyra, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested on Aug. 16 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court for failing to appear in court on June 4. He was held at jail then arraigned in Batavia City Court on a charge of falsely reporting an incident in the third degree at 11:37 a.m. on April 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Laura A. Redenbach, 35, of Sheridan Drive, Clarence, is charged with failure to appear on Feb. 28 in Batavia City Court. She was located by NYS Police in Clarence and arrested on a Batavia City Court bench warrant. She was arraigned in city court and jailed on $500 cash or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia GeGroot.

Krystal Lee Frye, 29, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, was arrested at 9:05 p.m. on Aug. 19 on a bench warrant. Frye was released on an appearance ticket and was due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post.

Robert James Barnes, 29, of West Main Street, Corfu, is due in Corfu Village Court at 1 p.m. on Sept. 10 on charges of: falsifying business records in the first degree, a Class E felony; and attempted criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class B misdemeanor. On Aug. 6, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office was notified by the FBI that the defendant allegedly tried to purchase a firearm on West Main Street in the Village of Corfu at 4:47 p.m. on Aug. 2 while there was an active order of protection against him. Further investigation revealed that the defendant allegedly put false information on the background form that was submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Alan R. Price, 24, of Chili Avenue, Chili, is charged with: second-degree strangulation; first-degree criminal contempt; and endangering the welfare of a child. Price was arrested on the felony and misdemeanor charges and arraigned in Bergen Town Court on Aug. 14. The charges stem from a domestic dispute that occurred at 8 a.m. on April 11 on the eastbound Route 490 at mile marker 3.3 in Bergen. Price is accused of strangling the driver of the vehicle while it was being driven on Route 490. There was a 1-year-old in the back seat and the time and an active order of protection in place. Following arraignment, he was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Office Investigator Howard Carlson, assisted by Batavia Police Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Wesley Thigpen, 38, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested after a domestic incident at 7:18 p.m. Aug. 13 on Hall Street in Batavia when there was an order of protection against him. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail; bail status not provided. He is due back in city court on Aug. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

The Town of Bergen is approved for nearly $9 million in funding for water infrastructure, the USDA's Rural Utilities Service Administrator Chad Rupe announced Thursday.

A loan of $5.9 million and a grant of $3,058,000 from the USDA's Water and Environmental Program will be used to install a water distribution system.

The project description says the service area has no municipal water system and Bergen residents rely on individual wells. It says this funding will bring public water service to 335 residential connections and 32 commerical properties in the town that currently lack access to safe potable water.

"We are very pleased with the award (of the funding package)," said Town of Bergen Supervisor Ernie Haywood this morning (Aug. 9), "and we thank all those involved who made it possible. We are moving forward..."

According to the description, "Regulatory agencies indicate the deficiencies in the system are a threat to the health of residents and that the completion of this project will address the code issues, alleviate health problems and provide reliable water to the residents and commercial properties. The project will also supply fire protection for all located in the district."

In areas without public water, firefighters must draw water from other sources such as ponds and creeks in order to fight a blaze.

Proponents of the federal assistance package reached out to property owners to inform them about the plan for a water district and public meetings have been held about it.

As part of the approval process, the USDA requires a percentage of affected property owners to sign petitions in favor of the infrastructure and funding package. For the last several months, the Town of Bergen has gathered signatures to create a water district where there is no public water system.

The expectation is that construction would start quickly once the funds are released and that it would take about a year to complete, said Bergen Councilman Mark Anderson.

In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities.

In January 2018, Secretary George Ervin "Sonny" Perdue III presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump.

These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.

Thursday's announcement about rural water and wastewater investments will benefit 133,000 rural Americans in 24 states. A total of $135 million will be distributed to pay for 49 U.S. projects.

USDA had $2.9 billion in loans and grants available in the Water and Environmental at the start of the 2019 fiscal year. Additional funding announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports: infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed Internet access in rural areas.

For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

Ajie Jqunn Javontez Smith-Ezell, 24, of Cummings Street, Rochester, is charged with: criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell; tampering with physical evidence; obstructing governmental administration in the second degree; resisting arrest; escape in the third degree; driving while ability impaired by drugs; unlawful possession of marijuana; and failure to keep right. Additional charges are pending. The county DA's Office was contacted due to felony-level charges. At 9:17 a.m. on Aug. 1, a traffic stop was conducted on Route 33 in the Town of Bergen. While conducting a roadside interview with operator/owner Smith-Ezell, the odor of burnt marijuana was allegedly detected. He was escorted to the rear of a marked Sheriff's patrol car, where he was interviewed by Investigator Christopher Parker. A vehicle search allegedly yielded packaging indicative of narcotics distribution as well as about an ounce of marijuana. Smith-Ezell was interviewed some more and while attempting to remove "an anomaly" from the driver's pant leg, he is accused of resisting arrest and obstructing deputies from accessing and taking possession of the item. A brief foot chase ensued and Smith-Ezell was taken into custody after allegedly physically resisting arrest. He was arraigned in Bergen Town Court and jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Investigator Parker and several others, including Deputy Richard Schildwaster, Sgt. James Diehl, Deputy Rachel Diehl, Deputy Kevin McCarthy, Investigator Ronald Welker, Trooper Valetta, Trooper M. Schmidt and his K9 partner.

Brandon Eugene Matteson, 25, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with disobeying a mandate of the court and second-degree harassment. He was arrested after the investigation of a domestic incident that occurred 9:39 p.m. on July 25 in Pavilion. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Pavilion Court on Oct. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Sarah Ann Fiegl, 26, of Moore Road, Ransomville, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; having a front headlight out; and driving left of pavement markings. At 11:24 p.m. on Aug. 4 on Main Road in Pembroke, Fiegl was arrested following a traffic stop. She was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 22 in Pembroke Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

The 19^th Annual Van Hulburt Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the comfort care home Crossroads House and Masonic Charities will take place Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Batavia Country Club.

It is hosted by Hesperus Masonic Lodge #837, Bergen.

Cost is $70 per person and includes: 18 holes of golf with cart; lunch; dinner; prizes -- men & women  / closest to the pin / longest drive / tournament winners.

Guests are welcome for a $22 fee.

The tournament is a four-person scramble. Sign in is at 11 a.m., lunch is 11:30, shotgun start is at noon.

All teams must be paid by Aug. 9^th to guarantee placement in this tournament.

There will also be basket raffles, a 50/50, and Chinese auction.

For more information, contact Marty Krause at (585) 730-2809.

The tournament is sponsored by Triple-0-Mechanical Inc. Other sponsors include: Alexander Country Deli; Bergen C-Store & Dunkin Donuts; Ashley Capital; Ralph & Rosie's Deli & Pizzeria; Bonduelle USA; Jerry Hulburt & Family.

The tournament's namesake, Van Hulburt, worked for 35 years at Byron-Bergen Central School as a teacher, counselor and he coached golf for 25 years. He was a Past Master of Hesperus Lodge and a beloved member of the Masonic community.

A car vs. pole accident is reported at Clinton Street Road and Jericho Road. Lines are down in both roadways and blocking. Injuries are belived to be minor. Traffic control will be needed. Bergen fire, Mercy medics and law enforcement are responding.

"Send me a full crew out here. Pole's sheared in half." Power lines, telephone and possibly cable lines are across the roads. National Grid will be called. A flatbed tow truck will be called to remove the vehicle, which is in a wooded area 35-40 feet off the road.

UPDATE 1:57 p.m.: No ETA for National Grid. Byron Repair will have a tow there in 20 to 30 minutes.

A car vs. pole accident is reported in Bergen. The driver is out walking around with a possible leg injury. The address is 7682 Clinton Street Road, between Dublin and Jericho roads. Bergen Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 12:25 p.m.: Bergen command orders all equipment held in quarters. The pole is completely sheared in half; a couple of cable lines are attached to it. National Grid is notified; no ETA.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: The Mercy unit is put back in service; no need for response.