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Bergen

Minor injury accident reported on Townline Road, Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

A motor vehicle accident is reported at the railroad crossing on Townline Road, Bergen.

A minor head injury is reported.

Bergen Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched

Fire police are requested for traffic control.

Law and Order: Bethany man accused of possessing fentanyl

By Howard B. Owens

Jason T. Knickerbocker, 30, of Bethany, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, DWAI combined influence of drugs, operating a motor vehicle with its registration suspended, uninspected motor vehicle, and driving a motor vehicle without insurance. Knickerbocker was reportedly found in a motor vehicle in a parking lot on West Main Street at 11:55 a.m. on Feb. 7 under the influence of drugs. Knickerbocker was allegedly found in possession of several bags of fentanyl. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Stephen Matthew Smith, 33, of Pleasant Street, Le Roy, is charged with failure to register sex offender change of address. He was charged with a Class D felony because of a prior conviction on the same charge. He was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court and jailed without bail.

Daniel Norstrand, 66, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and menacing 3rd. Norstrand was allegedly involved in a disturbance on Church Street at 8:56 p.m. April 28. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jacklyn Ann Collins, 33, no address provided, is charged with petit larceny. Collins is accused of shoplifting from Tops Market in Le Roy at 4:14 p.m. April 26. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Cheyanne Alexis Lauer, 26, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny. Laura is accused of skip-scanning items at a retailer on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia (the address and name of the retailer were not included in the press release; The Batavian has submitted a public-information request for release of the information). UPDATE: The location was Walmart, 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

Lazeuia D. Washington, 44, of Batavia, is charged with trespass and harassment 2nd. Washington is accused of trespassing at a business on West Main Street, Batavia, and engaging in an altercation at 9:28 p.m. April 24. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Kyle J. Schroeder, 25, of Pavilion, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd and petit larceny. Schroeder is accused of making forced entry into a residence on Liberty Street at 12:35 p.m. April 23, remaining in the residence and stealing a pack of cigarettes. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Booker T. Ricks, 50, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Ricks is accused of not adequately supervising his son and allowing him to run outside and into North Lyon Street before being found by a passerby. An order of protection was issued and Ricks received an appearance ticket.

Jolene Y. Stevens, 33, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Stevens was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.  Stevens also charged with trespass at the Red Roof Inn in the Town of Batavia at 9:26 a.m. on April 30. She was released on an appearance ticket.

John A. Cabrera, Jr., 32, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Cabrera is accused of using Facebook Messenger at 11:22 p.m. on April 22 to send a message to a person he was ordered not to contact. Cabrera was issued an appearance ticket.

Pedro L. Diaz, 38, of Batavia, charged with harassment 2nd. Diaz is accused of punching another person in the chest and stomach at 5:37 p.m. April 24.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Feyza G. Osmancikli, 27, of Batavia, petit larceny. Osmancikli is accused of stealing merchandise from a business on Ellicott Street at 6:47 p.m. April 21. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Macella F. Greene, 37, of Bliss, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, felony DWAI drugs, unregistered motor vehicle; unlicensed operator, and moved from lane unsafely. Batavia patrols responded to a report of a vehicle operating erratically when entering the City at 6:10 p.m. on April 22.  Greene was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian M. Raphael, 34, of Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Raphael is accused of failing to appear on an appearance ticket for an alleged crime on March 11. He issued an appearance ticket and turned over to the Sheriff's Office, which also had a warrant for his arrest.

Phillip P. Heale, 43, of Batavia, is charged with trespass. Heale is accused of trespassing in Dollar General at 2:13 p.m. on April 26.  He was issued an appearance ticket. 

Jonah Harmon Schnettler, 23, of Boneset Trail, North Chili, is charged with DWI and driving with BAC .08 or greater.  Schnettler was stopped at 4:29 a.m. May 1 on Townline Road in Bergen by Deputy David Moore. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Amanda Marilyn Jones, 34, no address provided, is charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Jones was arrested on a warrant, arraigned in Le Roy Town Court, and released.

Joshua Leneir Webster, 35, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with four counts of criminal contempt 2nd. Webster was arrested on a warrant by Le Roy PD. Webster was arranged in Le Roy Town Court and released under supervision. Webster is also charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, menacing 2nd, criminal contempt 2nd, criminal contempt 1st, and strangulation 2nd. The charges stem from an incident reported at 12:06 p.m. on May 1.

Ethelwoldo Galindez, 54, of Alma Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny, conspiracy 6th, and driving without a license. William Anthony Lewis, 36, of Atlantic Street, Sloan, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Galindez and Lewis are accused of shoplifting from Dick's Sporting Goods in the Town of Batavia. Both were released on appearance tickets.

Alan J. Worgo, 59, of Albion,  is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Worgo was stopped by state police in the town of Alabama at 8:24 p.m. May 1. He was released to a third-party.

General Electric opens R&D facility in Bergen aimed at improving windmills

By Press Release

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Press release:

GE Renewable Energy today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate a new research and development facility that will conduct research on how to 3D print the concrete base of towers used in wind turbines. The research will enable GE to 3D print the bottom portion of the wind turbine towers on-site at wind farms, lowering transportation costs and creating additional employment opportunities at the wind farms where the technology will be used.

The research being conducted in the Bergen facility is supported in part by a grant from the US Department of Energy. A team of 20 people will continue to work on optimizing the 3D printing technology with the first applications in the field anticipated within the next five years.

GE Renewable Energy Chief Technology Officer Danielle Merfeld, who spoke at the event, said, “Innovation will continue to be a key driver in accelerating the energy transition. It is particularly important to continuously improve the ways we design, manufacture, transport, and construct the large components of modern wind farms. We appreciate the support of the US Department of Energy for the research we are doing here and are confident it will help make the wind farms of tomorrow even more efficient, economical, and environmentally responsible.”

“Reaching the Biden administration’s ambitious goals of carbon-free electricity by 2035 and a net-zero economy by 2050 will require vastly more wind energy capacity. We’re proud to partner with GE Renewable Energy on this innovative 3D printing technology which has the potential to be a game-changer in how we harness this resource,” said U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Power Alejandro Moreno. “With American-made taller towers assembled on-site, we can cut costs, overcome logistical hurdles, and accelerate progress toward our goals.”

A number of GE Renewable Energy’s key local partners as well as Enel Green Power, a customer interested in potential applications of the technology, also attended the event and offered comments on how it can add value to the local community and the renewable energy industry.

Luca Seletto, Director of Innovation, Enel Green Power, said, “To rise to the challenge posed by the climate crisis, the renewable energy industry must prioritize innovation and sustainability as it scales. We are glad to keep working with GE in the development and evaluation of new technologies, like the 3D printing of wind foundations, and we thank the Department of Energy for funding this important work."

Bill Pollock, PE, Director of Rochester Operations at Optimation, an organization providing many of the employees working at the GE research center, said, “At Optimation we have a focus on made in America and we also believe strongly in renewable energy. Working with GE on this project gives us an opportunity to pursue both of those goals. We are happy to be able to contribute to the development of new technology, to help reduce the cost of wind power and at the same time provide technically challenging jobs in western New York.”

Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder & General Manager, COBOD, said, “We are extremely proud to have delivered a completely new type of 3D concrete printer -- the largest of its kind in the world -- for this world-class and state of the art facility. The printer we have delivered is second to none: not only can it print in excess of 10 tons of real concrete per hour, but in addition, it is the first 3D concrete printer in the world with two X-axes on the printer. With the multiple functions of the printer, the printer can better be described as a multifunctional construction robot than a printer.”

“The announcement by GE Renewable Energy of its new R&D facility in Bergen is the latest example of the significant and continuing diversification of the Genesee County economy,” said Rochelle Stein, Chair, Genesee County Legislature. “While the agricultural, tourism, and small business sectors are the mainstays of our local economy, GE Renewable Energy’s project shows why Genesee County is experiencing new capital investment and the creation of jobs in advanced manufacturing and how the renewable energy sectors which means new career opportunities for our residents.”\

Edelio Bermejo, Head of Global R&D, Innovation and IP at HOLCIM, said, "Holcim has a key role to play in accelerating the transition towards clean, renewable energy. We have been studying 3D printing in concrete for nearly a decade and the potential of this technology just keeps expanding. Projects that would have been impossible yesterday are now a reality. We are particularly proud to be part of this ambitious project with GE and Cobod where we can propose the right mixture of ink to build more efficient wind turbines, directly on site. We are convinced this innovation will grow very quickly in the upcoming years and help us all significantly in our net-zero journey."

The research being done at the Bergen, NY facility will enable GE to better serve the growing US wind power market. The American Clean Power Association (ACPA) reports that there are more than 68,000 wind turbines across the country that are generating clean, reliable power. Wind power capacity totals 135 GW, making it the fourth-largest source of electricity in the country. GE Renewable Energy was recognized by ACPA as the top manufacturer of wind turbines in the US in 2021 for the fourth year in a row. 

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Tim Brown, GE Renewable Energy

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On the stage, Tim Brown, GE Renewable Energy, Matt Landers, Genesee County Manager, Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder & General Manager, COBOD (R&D partner), Edelio Bermejo, Group Head of Research & Development, Innovation and Intellectual Property, Holcim (R&D partner), Luca Seletto, Director of Innovation, ENEL Green Power (customer), Danielle Merfeld, Chief Technology Officer, GE Renewable Energy, Alejandro Moreno, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Power, US Department of Energy

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Danielle Merfeld and Alejandro Moreno

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Henrik Lund-Nielsen and Edelio Bermejo 

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Liberty Pumps making progress on 107,000 square foot expansion

By Press Release

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Press release and submitted photo:

Liberty’s new Material Handling Center is under construction and on track to be completed by the end of 2022.  The 107,000 square foot expansion will house component inventory – both raw and finished; and allow for more efficient tracking and flow of components to the manufacturing areas. The expansion will also allow for additional manufacturing space in the current building as material storage is moved over to the new facility.

Fire company instructors complete training

By Press Release

Press release:

The NYS Principles of Instructions course is an introductory course for individuals who will be conducting training at the fire company level.  This 15-hour course was recently offered at the Genesee County Fire Training Center and is designed for fire service training officers and company officers. 

Participants reviewed the qualities of a good instructor, job performance requirements, components of a lesson plan, cognitive and psychomotor lesson plans, dealing with adult learners, meeting individual learning needs, factors that affect learning, the instructor’s role in safety, new technologies in course delivery, and learning characteristics of different generations. 

Volunteer and career firefighters regularly attend training courses to continually develop and refresh skills making the job of quality instructors even more valuable.

Ten firefighters representing five county fire companies completed the program held March 16 through March 21, 2022.

ALABAMA

  • Ryan M. Thompson

 ALEXANDER

  • Anthony R. Johnston

BERGEN

  • Jared Hicks 

ELBA

  • Jennifer A. Cardinali   
  • Nicholas J. Esten        
  • Michael Heale
  • Michael J. Pfendler
  • Michael J. Schad
  • Nathan J. Tabor          

LE ROY

  • Fay Fuerch  

Visit your local fire department to find out more about volunteer opportunities

Vehicle off the road, minor injuries in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

One vehicle is off the road in the area of 7381 Clinton Street Road, Bergen, and minor injuries are reported.

Bergen Fire and ambulance responding.

Sponsored Post: Be among the first to enjoy maple from this 100-acre farm in Bergen in nearly 70 years

By Lisa Ace


Bergen, NY - Read all about Genesee County's newest maple producer by clicking HERE (https://visitgeneseeny.com/blog/genesee-countys-newest-maple-producer). A small quantity will be made this year, and will be available for sale (while supplies last) at The Harford House Barn & Livery, as well as GO ART! in 8 and 12 ounce glass bottles with the label paying homage to the man that started it all.

Sponsored Post: Bergen Historical Society offers $10 memberships through the month of March

By Lisa Ace


March Madness Bergen Historical Society Membership Drive. The Bergen Historical Society’s membership drive is underway! For the month of March, all memberships are just $10! Wether it’s single or family, you pay just $10! And when you renew or sign up for your membership, you’re automatically entered in a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the D&R Depot in LeRoy. Memberships must be postmarked by 3/31 to enter. When you’re a member, you stay informed about yearly programs and guest speakers the Historical Society presents throughout the year. So, take advantage of this March Madness event while it lasts! Make checks payable to: Bergen Historical Society and mailed to P.O. Box 281, Bergen, NY. 14416.

 

Law and Order: Le Roy man accused of waving a knife at traffic on Lake Street

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel James Loster, 38, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and menacing 3rd. Le Roy patrol officers received a complaint at 6:55 a.m. on March 4 of a man waving a knife at traffic on Lake Street in the Village of Le Roy.  He was arrested and jailed without bail.

Daniel James Loster, 38, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with attempted petit larceny. Loster was arrested after Le Roy patrol officers responded to a call on Lake Street at 11:09 p.m., Feb. 26, of an attempted petit larceny. Loster was allegedly attempting to enter a vehicle in the driveway of a residence after being told multiple times the vehicle was not his. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Samantha Marie Neal, 31, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with harassment 2nd. Neal is accused of striking another person with a collapsible dog training device during an incident reported at 3:06 p.m., Feb. 28, on West Main Street, Le Roy. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Sean Griffith Johnson, 53, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with assault 3rd degree. Johnson was arrested by Le Roy PD following a report of a disturbance at an apartment building on Lake Street, Le Roy, at 8:07 p.m., March 7. Johnson was issued an appearance ticket.

Alexander L. Baldwin, 33, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Baldwin is accused of stealing merchandise from a department store on Veterans Memorial Drive at 12:47 p.m., Dec. 9.  He was issued an appearance ticket.  See previouslyMan suspected of shoplifting seen fleeing Walmart

Jayson Lee Chamberlain, 37, no address provided, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Chamberlain is accused of violating an order of protection by placing a phone call to the protected party at 2:34 p.m., March 2. He was arraigned in Town of Oakfield Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Angelica Marie Stanley, 33, no permanent address, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Stanley was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and adderal that wasn't prescribed to her at 11:10 p.m., March 8, on Liberty Street, Batavia, and arrested by Deputy Andrew Mullen with assistance from Deputy James Stack and K-9 "Rayzor."

Andrew Anh Sczepanski, 24, of South Lake Road, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving to left of pavement markings, and moving from lane unsafely. Sczepanski was stopped at 11:44 p.m., March 8, on Route 33 in Batavia, by Sgt. Mathew Clor.

Michael E. Main, 38, no address provided, Oakfield, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing.  Main is accused of signing a supporting deposition in an ongoing investigation knowing the information was false at 10:30 a.m., Dec. 23, on Maple Avenue in Oakfield.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of not paying taxi cab driver

By Howard B. Owens

Cameron J. Sokolowski, 29, of Batavia, is charged with theft of services. Sokolowski is accused of refusing to pay cab fare at 10:03 a.m., Feb. 20.  It's alleged that Sokolowski accepted a ride from a taxi driver and when he reached his destination, went inside and refused to come back out and pay the driver. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Benito A. Gay, 33, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gay is accused of stealing beer from the cooler at the Kwik Fill on Jackson Street, Batavia, at 8 p.m., Feb. 20. He allegedly took three beers and exited the store without paying for the beer. He was arrested and issued an appearance ticket.

Kenneth T. Marrocco, 29, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal contempt 1st. Marrocco allegedly violated a stay-away order of protection by being inside the residence of the protected party at 1:54 p.m., Feb. 25, on Montclair Avenue. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $5,000 bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond.

Angie C. Maniace, 40, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal contempt 1st. Maniace is accused of violating an order of protection and striking the protected party at 7:35 p.m., March 2 at a location on Chandler Avenue, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Laura R. Mroz, 32, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal contempt 1st. Morz is accused of violating an order of protection during a disturbance reported at 7:53 p.m., March 2. on Chandler Avenue, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Julius L. Sanford, 29, of Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument 2nd, failure to stop for a stop sign, unregistered motor vehicle, and uninsured motor vehicle. Sanford was stopped by a Batavia patrol officer on East Main Street, Batavia, at 1:14 a.m., Feb. 13. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Derrick M. Williams, 32, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Williams was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident reported at 4:18 a.m., Sept. 25. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Michelle D. Ulickey, 45, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Ulickey was allegedly found in possession of cocaine during a traffic stop by a Batavia patrol officer for allegedly driving with no headlights at 3:15 a.m., March 2, on East Main Street, Batavia. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Tonya M. Weber, 38, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Weber is charged with petit larceny in connection with an incident reported on Ellicott Street, Batavia, at 6:01 p.m., Dec. 7. Weber was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Antwoine Kush, 19, of Rhulman Road, Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Kush allegedly violated a complete stay-away order of protection by contacting the protected party at 2 p.m., Jan. 8. Kush was issued an appearance ticket.

David Michael Milillo, 63, of Rochester, is charged with menacing 2nd. Miller is accused of displaying a pistol during a business transaction at 12:30 p.m., Sept. 2, at a location on Byron Holley Road, Byron, causing the victim to fear physical injury or death. Milillo was arrested following an investigation by Investigator Joseph Loftus and was issued an appearance ticket.

Nicholas Adam Pietrzykowski, 45, of East Road, Middlebury, is charged with DWAI/Drugs and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Pietrzykowski was stopped at 7:25 p.m., July 25, on East Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. He was arrested on March 3 following an investigation and issued an appearance ticket.

(name redacted upon request), 47, of Alexander, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. xxxx allegedly violated a stay-away order on eight different locations. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Deanna Rae Lynn Couchman, 27, of Chili Avenue, Rochester, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to keep right, and failure to signal. Couchman was stopped at 3:12 a.m., March 5, on Route 33 in Bergen by Sgt. Mathew Clor. She was issued appearance tickets.

Andrew Luis Coffey, 33, of South Goodman Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property.  Coffey was allegedly found in possession of property previously reported stolen from Kohl's Department Store at 2:32 p.m., March 1. Coffey was issued an appearance ticket.

Jonah Ty Luplow, 19, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to use designated lane. Luplow was stopped at 1:44 a.m., March 6, on Bank Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joshua Brabon. He was issued appearance tickets.

Amanda Beth Hopkins, 42, of Bethany, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, endangering the welfare of a child, and moving from lane unsafely. Hopkins was reportedly involved in accident at 5:15 p.m., Jan. 21, on Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion.  Her BAC was allegedly greater than .08. Their was allegedly a child in the vehicle. She was arrested on March 5 by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.  Hopkins was issued an appearance ticket.

Sandra L. Berrios, 62, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Berrios was stopped by State Police at 10:58 p.m., March 5, in the Town of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket. No other information released.

(Name redacted upon request), 20, of Byron, is charged with petit larceny. xxxx was arrested by State Police in the Town of Batavia for an incident reported at 1:30 p.m., March 2. He was released on an appearance ticket. No other information released.

Gerald L. Arnett, 49, of Rochester, is charged with felony DWI, felony aggravated DWI, and driving without an interlock device. Arnett was stopped by State Police at 3:54 p.m., Feb. 28, in the Town of Byron. There was allegedly a child in the vehicle. He was released on an appearance ticket. No other information released.

Man walking in Woods in Bergen during windstorm dies after being struck by falling tree

By Howard B. Owens

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A 61-year-old man walking in the woods off Sackett Road in Bergen during yesterday's windstorm was killed when a tree fell and struck him in the head.

Dispatchers received a report of an unresponsive male pinned under a tree at 5:58 p.m.

The victim is identified as Steven K. Reber.

Lifesaving measures were attempted at the scene by family and emergency personnel but Reber was pronounced dead at the scene.

Foul play is not suspected.

Photo by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Tulley Building in Bergen needs restoration, mayor seeking a grant

By Virginia Kropf

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One of the most historic buildings in the village of Bergen is the focus of a new project by Mayor Anna Marie Barclay.

Obtaining a grant to restore the Tulley Building at the corner of Lake Street and Buffalo Road is one in a string of many grants Barclay has obtained since becoming mayor in 2014.

The brick on the Tulley Building is in need of repair and Barclay is working with the Western New York Landmark Society to complete the application for a Genesee Valley Rural Revitalization Grant in the amount of $50,000. That would pay for 90 percent of the project, Barclay said.

“Tulley is the cornerstone of the village of Bergen Lake Street Historic District,” Barclay said. “It is the village-owned building which houses the village offices, public, commercial and residential space.”

Throughout the years, the Tulley building, built-in 1886, has been home to Tulley’s Hardware, Best’s Furniture Store, a Flour and Feed Store, Edgerton Dry Goods Store, Palace of Sweets, saloon and bowling alley, Gregory's Bakery and Cafe, Kevin Russell Hardware and Plumbing, Treasured Images and an ice cream shop. The second floor has been used as a dance hall, millinery shop, barbershop, firemen’s meeting hall, telephone office, office of the Bergen herald, dentist’s office, and apartments.

The village purchased the building in 2006 in the hopes that restoring and repurposing it would decrease the calls to “tear down and replace the obsolete building,” Barclay said. It was their hope the building would serve as an inspirational cornerstone.

A year later as a village board member, Barclay chaired the Tulley Building Restoration Committee, which was formed in 2007 to develop a renovation plan that would ensure the historic integrity of the building would be maintained, and that the building would encourage increased community activity in the village business district, increase a sense of pride within the community, attract new businesses and act as a catalyst to the restoration of other buildings.

Since then, structural restoration has been completed, a new roof installed and first floor commercial area behind the village office space has been restored. Both the east and south facades have been restored and painted, and a mural reflecting Bergen’s history has been added to the south façade.

Slowly, but surely other building owners have followed suit and enhanced the appearance of their buildings. This was accomplished in part by another grant Barclay secured, after several years of applying.

“Others bought buildings with restoration in mind and signed on to participate in the Main Street Grant program,” Barclay said. “The initial Tulley Building was a catalyst to revitalize the historic district. Now the cornerstone building is once again in danger. The proposed Tulley project will help keep our historic downtown economically viable. Our growing sense of place and pride and positive community identity is evident as our buildings are renovated. The Tulley project will enhance this. The project complements place-based economic growth and will add to the architectural and visual richness of the community. The economic value to the village of the Tulley project is immeasurable, as it enhances the work completed on other historic buildings through the Main Street Grant projects.”

Barclay continues to say there is positive economic development momentum which has already drawn several new businesses, walkers and tourists who patronize those businesses, new residents to downtown, and increased property values as these renovations progress. As stated in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, restoration and preservation of village historic buildings will encourage the development of new businesses, bring more patrons to existing businesses and invite renters to renovated apartments.

The Tulley Building is brick-faced and covered with porous brick produced in Bergen in the late 1800s. Many bricks are loose and deteriorating, causing pieces and dust to fall to the sidewalk, leaving areas of the historic brickwork damaged, Barclay said. Birds are nesting in areas of broken or missing brick, increasing the damage. The domino effect of missing brick exposing other brick to water damage is causing large cracks to occur in the wall. The brick pattern work under the roof edge is noticeably crumbling, and sections of mortar are missing leaving the bricks open to further damage and continued loss of the Victorian brick features. Sections of brick surrounding the windows are equally damaged. This deterioration of the brick surface is allowing for water to seep through to the interior surfaces, which have needed to be replaced.

The Tulley Block project will include the replacing of missing and damaged bricks and repointing of mortar on the east and south walls of the building. A schematic drawing of the painting design of historic features of the building will be done by an architect, and paint and supplies will be purchased through the grant opportunity. Village staff will paint the building according to the drawings. Specifics of the masonry work by accredited historic masons will include removal and replacement of approximately 30 damaged bricks, tuck pointing at damaged locations of 515 linear feet, all mortar joints cleaned and filled, all dust and debris cleaned from the work area, stain removal completed in all portions of the walls and preservation of the bricks to stop further deterioration and prevent water seepage.

The village has had to replace interior walls on the south side of the building and mitigate mold due to water seepage, Barclay said. Painting of the non-brick historic features of the south and east walls will be a complement to the work completed on the historic buildings involved in the Main Street grant project.

Part two of this work is to update and expand the Lake Street Historic District, Barclay said.

“We have just completed the Main Street Project funded through the New York State Main Street Funding Program, which allows the village to move forward with this process without an extensive cultural resource survey. This will broaden opportunities for homeowners in the expanded district.”

Barclay said Bergen is a very small community and in the past was often passed over for grants which were available to larger communities.

“To show we are deserving and ready for support that grants provide, I initiated the comprehensive plan in 2016,” Barclay said. “I also initiated the Park Committee and Tree Board, which gave credibility to our grant applications.”

She also stressed the village no longer pays the exorbitant fees for a grant writer, as she has written 90 percent of the grant applications they have submitted and secured.

“Through my work, the village has secured more than $1.6 million in grants,” Barclay said.

These include $778,843 for Infrastructure; $527,750 for Historic Restoration; $161,940 for Parks and Recreation; $83,200 for Community; and $60,000 for Engineering Planning (written by Clarke, Patterson and Lee).

While the Tulley Building restoration is a priority, it is not the only thing Barclay is hoping to accomplish. She has a bucket list of additional projects to benefit the village, which includes improvements at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, new restrooms in Hickory Park, a Historic Resource survey for New York state/Federal tax credits to homeowners, sponsoring an internship for historic documents and hiring of a village historian.

Photos courtesy of Anna Marie Barclay

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Cracks in the mortar and missing bricks are evident in this photo of the Tulley Building. Mayor Anna Marie Barclay is working to secure a grant to pay for restoration work.

Rochester man allegedly found with crack cocaine during traffic stop in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens
Marlon Hibbert

Following a traffic stop on Thursday, Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush had reason to believe "criminal activity was afoot" and requested backup, which came from the K-9 unit, Deputy James Stack and "Rayzor."

The team reportedly found in the vehicle, stopped at Route 33 and West Bergen Road in Bergen, a quantity of crack cocaine and a firearm.

Arrested at the scene was Marlon O. Hibbert, 35, of Rochester.  His passengers were released without charges.

Hibbert is charged with:

  • Criminal possession of a narcotic drug, a Class B felony;
  • Criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell, a Class B felony;
  • Criminal possession of a weapon 2nd, a Class C felony;
  • Aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd;
  • Unlicensed operator;
  • Failure to yield the right of way at a stop sign.

Hibbert was arraigned in Town of Bergen Court and ordered held on bail of $5,000 or $10,000 bond.

Assisting in the investigation were Sgt. Andrew Hale, Deputy Nate Chamound, members of the Local Drug Task Force, and the District Attorney's Office.

Accident reported on I-490

By Howard B. Owens

A one-vehicle accident with the driver possibly slumped over in the driver's seat is reported on the I-490 in Bergen in the area of mile marker 1.6.

The vehicle is off the roadway of the westbound lane.

Bergen Fire and Le Roy Fire along with Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m.: The vehicle was apparently unoccupied. Mercy EMS is back in service with no patient to transport.  

UPDATE 4:17 p.m.: Law enforcement is checking on multiple vehicles that are off the road.

Law and Order: Batavia man facing new arson charge

By Howard B. Owens
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Matthew Zakrzewski

Matthew Zakrzewski, 42, of Batavia, is charged with arson 3rd and criminal mischief 3rd. Zakrzewski, already in custody on unrelated charges, was arrested on new charges stemming from an incident reported at 9:30 p.m., Jan 16, on Bank Street, Batavia. He was jailed on nominal bail. Previously: Batavia man accused of setting fire in Washington Towers, stealing a bike

Laura Lee Pacer, 36, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Pacer is accused of harassing a neighbor at 10 a.m., Jan. 24, on Jackson Street. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Bleyke Z. Culver, 25, is charged with harassment 2nd. Culver is accused of hitting another person in the face during a fight on Pringle Avenue at 5:31 p.m., Jan. 11. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Heather Nicole Holbrook, 36, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Holbrook is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart in Batavia at 3:49 p.m., Jan. 28.  She was released on an appearance ticket.

Michael David Hazzard, 31, of Morgan Road, Scottsville, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, driving with an open alcohol container. Hazzard was stopped at 4:11 a.m., Jan. 23, on Dublin Road, Bergen, following a complaint of a disturbance by Deputy Trevor Sherwood.

Joshua M. Bratcher, 31, of Pavilion, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs. Bratcher was stopped at 5:24 p.m., Jan. 30, by State Police in the Town of Bergen. He was issued an appearance ticket. No further information released.

Alonzo A. Dillard, 29, of Medina, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Dillard was stopped at 2:46 a.m., Jan. 30, by State Police in the Town of Alabama. He was issued an appearance ticket.  No further information released.

Jordan E. Brodie, 32, of Le Roy, is charged with possession of sexual performance of a child. Brodie was arrested in connection with an investigation that started on Jan. 13, 2020 by State Police. He was arrested on Jan. 29 and released on an appearance ticket.  No further details released.

Bobbi M. Bane, 45, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud 3rd and three counts of filing a false instrument 1st. Bane was arrested by State Police in connection with an investigation that began Jan. 25 in the Town of Albion.

John M. Toal, 46, of Oakfield, and Andrea L. Osborne, 37, of Oakfield, are charged with petit larceny.  Toal and Osborne were arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 4 p.m., Jan. 28, in Albion. They were issued appearance tickets. No further details released.

Kenneth Harris, 26, of Tonawanda, is charged with two counts of grand larceny 4th. Harris was arrested in Cheektowaga by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 10:24 a.m., Oct. 23 in the City of Batavia. No further details released.

Jordan R. Rose, 21, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt  1st. Rose was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 3:10 p.m., Jan. 25, in the Town of Royalton. He was ordered held. No further details released.

Law and Order: Scottsville man accused of hitting person 15 times in face

By Howard B. Owens

Michael David Hazzard, 31, of Morgan Road, Scottsville, is charged with assault 3rd.  Hazzard allegedly hit a person 15 times in the face with a closed fist while at a location on Dublin Road, Bergen, at 2:30 a.m., Jan. 23. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Siavaija Treyevionna Lewis, 20, of Clifford Avenue, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Lewis is accused of stealing merchandise from the Target Store in Batavia at 5:11 p.m., Jan. 25. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jeryn Chanel Boggs, 28, of Clifford Avenue, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Boggs is accused of stealing merchandise from the Target Store in Batavia at 5 p.m., Jan. 25. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jerome Dwane Hightower, 22, of Princeton Street, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Hightower is accused of stealing merchandise from the Target Store in Batavia at 5:11 p.m., Jan. 25. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Todd Alan Brumber, 57, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely, speed not reasonable and prudent, and failure to keep right. Brumber was reportedly involved in a property damage accident at 8:31 p.m., Jan. 23, at 9434 Alexander Road, Batavia. He was arrested by Deputy Trevor Sherwood.

Grand Jury Report: Previously convicted of sex abuse, man charged as sexual predator in 2014 case

By Howard B. Owens
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Wesley Thigpen
(2019 photo)

Wesley N. Thigpen is indicted on four counts of predatory sexual assault against a child. Thigpen is accused of engaging in oral sexual conduct with a person less than 13 years old while he was at least 18 years old or older between the dates of June 1, 2014, and August 31, 2014.  He is accused of engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child less than 13 years old over a period of time not less than three months.  He is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with a person less than 13 years old. Previously: Batavia man pleads guilty to sex abuse charge while calling statements against him a lie

Joshua D. Quaintance is indicated on counts of burglary in the second degree and sexual abuse in the third degree.  Quaintance is accused of entering a dwelling in the Town of Alexander on July 11 with the intent to commit a crime in that dwelling.  He is accused of subjecting a person to sexual contact without that person's consent.

Cody A. Bush is indicted on counts of burglary in the second degree, criminal contempt in the second degree, resisting arrest, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree. Bush is accused of entering a dwelling on Walnut Street, City of Batavia, on Oct. 11 with the intent to commit a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of violating an order of protection that day. He is accused of intentionally trying to prevent police officers from placing him in custody. He is accused of illegally possessing Clonazepam and Alprazolam.

Brandon C. Dodd is indicted on three counts of criminal contempt in the first degree, two counts of burglary in the second degree, criminal trespass in the third degree, criminal contempt in the second degree, and three counts of petit larceny. Dodd is accused of violating three orders of protection covering three different individuals on June 29 while in the City of Batavia. He is accused of entering a dwelling on Highland Park on that date with the intention of committing a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of being at that property without the permission of the property owner. He is accused of violating an order of protection on June 14. He is accused of shoplifting from Mr. Wine and Liquore on June 23. He is accused of stealing an air conditioner from a residence on Jackson Street on June 28. He is accused of entering a dwelling on Highland Park on June 23 with the intent of committing a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of stealing a bicycle from a residence on Highland Park.

Christopher J. Wiegman is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Wiegman is accused of knowingly and illegally possessing cocaine, fentanyl, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine on April 21 in the City of Batavia.

Kerwin R. Vega is indicted on counts of felony aggravated DWI, felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, circumvention of an interlock device, and endangering the welfare of a child. Vega is accused of driving a 2008 Toyota while drunk on Route 33 in the Town of Bergen on April 4 while a child less than 15 years old was in the vehicle. Due to a prior DWI conviction, Vega is required to use an interlock device on any vehicle he operates.

Law and Order: Hamlin woman accused of DWI, leaving scene of accident, hitting patrol car

By Howard B. Owens

Rebecca Lynn Martin, 27, of Brick Schoolhouse Road, Hamlin, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, reckless in the endangerment, leaving the scene of an injury accident, and reckless driving. Martin is accused of being a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident at 7:02 p.m., Jan. 14, on Lake Street Road, Le Roy, and leaving the scene of the accident.  Martin allegedly failed to stop for a stop sign causing her vehicle to strike another vehicle.  Martin's vehicle was located in the Le Roy Park and Ride and while deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, her vehicle allegedly struck a Village of Le Roy patrol car.  Martin was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets.

Rebecca L. Harrington, 28, of Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, driving left of pavement markings, speeding, and failure to stop at stop sign.  Harrington was stopped at 10:07 p.m., Jan. 6, by a Batavia police officer. She was issued tickets and released.

James R. Cooper, 39, of Batavia, is charged with unreasonable noise, a  violation of the Batavia Municipal Code. Cooper is accused of playing rock music at a loud volume for an extended period of time at a location on Buell Street on Jan. 11. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jolene Y. Stevens, 33, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Stevens is accused of using a piece of wood to hit another person in the back during an incident reported at 8 a.m., Jan. 22, on East Main Street, Batavia. Stevens was arraigned in City Court and released.

Lyndsay T. Young, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Young is accused of violating an order of protection at 3:57 p.m., Dec. 30. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Sean D. Roczen, 38, of Rochester, is charged with aggravated harassment 2nd. Roczen turned himself on an arrest warrant in relation to an incident reported at 9:26 p.m., Jan. 7, on Kingsbury Avenue. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Jeffrey P. Schneider, 51, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Schneider was arrested following a three-vehicle property-damage accident at 7:09 p.m., Dec. 27, on East Main Street, Batavia. Schneider was processed Batavia PD headquarters and released on tickets.

Montell L. Cunningham, 28, of Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt. Cunningham is accused of violating an order of protection at 11:55 p.m., Jan. 9, in the parking lot on Alva Place. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Daniel Thomas Henning, 41, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with falsifying business records 1st. Henning is accused of falsifying business records at Pawn King, on Veterans Memorial Drive, at 12:11, Dec. 22. The case was investigated by Investigator Erik Andre and Deputy James Stack. Henning was issued an appearance ticket.

Nicholas Scott Warriner, 24, DWI, refusal to take a breath test, speed not reasonable and prudent, and following too close. Warriner is accused of driving too fast for conditions and too close to a marketed Sheriff's patrol vehicle at 12:15 a.m., Jan. 16, on Clinton Street Road, Bergen. When the deputy slowed his vehicle while a lead vehicle was turning, Warriner's vehicle allegedly hit the rear of the patrol vehicle. Warriner allegedly failed a field sobriety test.  He was issued an appearance ticket. The investigating officer was Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Brianna Nicole Greene, 34, of Parkridge Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with grand larceny 4th.  Greene is accused of stealing more than $1,000 in clothing from Dick's Sporting Goods at 1:51 p.m., Jan. 8.  Greene was issued an appearance ticket.

Qumane James Santiago, 23, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Santiago is accused of striking another inmate at the Genesee County Jail at 7:21 a.m., Jan. 7. 

Rachel A. Keene, 26, of Pembroke, is charged with DWI. Keene was stopped by a trooper out of SP Clarence on south Newstead Road, Newstead, on Jan. 8. She was allegedly driving with a BAC of .10. She was released on an appearance ticket.

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