Submitted photos and press release:

Speak Up Toastmasters had a successful open house on May 22nd at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, located at 190 Oak St., Batavia.

They held a motivating meeting and took applications for new memberships.

Denise Hull's creative ice-breaker speech explained the acronyms that describe who she is. The audience was delighted by the unique way she introduce herself to the club.

Dave Licata's chosen speech was on the importance of taking kids fishing. He gave us some excellent pointers on how to make sure kids have fun and keep their interest in this timeless sport.

The table topics portion of the meeting gave everyone a chance to participate on something they know best, something unique that no one else knows about them. Everyone had fun with that.

The speech evaluators, tasked with finding the high points of the speeches, had glowing remarks for our speakers.

If you would like to participate in an uplifting and motivating meeting such as this and learn leadership skills, visit the website SpeakUpToastmasters.org, call 585-993-0515 or send an email to leslieagmarino@yahoo.com. It's free to visit a club meeting.

• Alexander Jazz Experience
• Alexander Jazz Cadets
• Warsaw Jazz Band -- directed by Phil Briatico

• The Genesee Wyoming Music Educators Association All County Jazz Band

The University at Buffalo Bulls are loading up on Batavia track stars with the signing yesterday of Kiaya Franklin to the Division I school.

Last month, Anthony "Butchie" Ray signed with UB.

Franklin has been a member of the varsity track team since eighth grade. She holds school records in the 200 meter, the 60 meter, the 300 meter, the 400-meter indoor, the 400-meter outdoor, the 4x4 relay indoor.

She won her first state medal in 2015 and won three more in 2016 and three more in 2017.

She's been first team Monroe County All-League each of the past four years and won the Section V Devin Snyder 2016 Outdoor Female Award.

She has 16 sectional title patches, including five for the indoor team, three for the outdoor team, and eight individual patches.

Photo by Frank Capuano.

Paul D. Rutherford is indicted for the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 14 in the Town of Alabama, that Rutherford stole property exceeding a value of $1,000 -- a 2017 Eagle American 20-foot trailer.

Timothy O. Lee is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 28 in the Town of Le Roy that Lee knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug, cocaine, with intent to sell it. In count two, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged in count two that he knowingly and unlawfully possessed one or more preparation, compounds, mixtures or substances containing a narcotic drug and these had an aggregate weight of one-eighth of an ounce or more. In count three, the defendant is accused of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on Nov. 28 in the Town of Le Roy that he knowingly acted in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child under age 17. In count four, he is accused of the same crime as in count three, involving a second child less than 17 years of age.

Gary D. Burney is indicted for the crie of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that in the late evening on April 20 or early morning on April 21 that he knowingly entered or remained unlawfully inside a dwelling on North Spruce Street in the City of Batavia with intent to commit a crime.

Edward J. White is accused of the crime of promoting prison contraband, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 26 in the Genesee County Jail that he knowingly and unlawfully possessed dangerous contraband -- alcohol. In count two, he is accused of the same crime for allegedly possessing a Bic lighter on Dec. 29. In count three, he is accused of the same crime again on Dec. 29 for allegedly possessing alcohol, two Gabapentin pills, four Strattera pills and four bupropion hydrochloride pills.

Brian T. Resch is indicted for the crime of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 10 in the Genesee County Jail that the defendant knowingly and unlawfully sold an unspecified narcotic preparation.

Rebecca S. Hensel is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 29 in the Town of Batavia that she drove a 2010 Chevrolet on West Main Street Road while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, she is accused of DWI, per se, also a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or greater at the time. In count three, Hensel is accused of speeding at the time, a violation of vehicle and traffic law. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney's Office, she is accused of having been convicted of misdemeanor DWI on June 15, 2011, in Batavia City Court and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes allegd in the current indictment.

Photos and info submitted by Le Roy Principal Tim McArdle.

Over the past four days, the Le Roy Oatkan Knights have won three Section V team championships in boys track & field, tennis, and softball, and nine individual titles in track & field.

Saturday at Avon High School the boys' track & field team ran away with the Section V Class CC Championship, scoring 111 points and winning by 45 points. This is the 11th Track and Field Title since 2007 for the program. 

Tuesday night at Naples Elementary School the tennis team defended their Section V Championship by dominating Wellsville 5-0. The Knights are undefeated on the season at 13-0. The win is the third title in tennis in school history. 

Tuesday night at Bloomfield Elementary School the softball team won its seventh straight game upsetting #1 Gananda en route to the Section V Class C1 Championship, 5-3. The team knocked off the third, second, and first seeds to win their second title in three years. The Knights have now won four softball sectional titles in school history. 

"A huge thank you to our Le Roy fire and police departments for welcoming home our Champions," Le Roy Principal Tim McArdle said. "We can’t thank them enough for always bringing out the entire fleet for our Oatkan Knights."

The 2017-2018 school year has brought home six Section V championships (volleyball, winter cheerleading, boys winter track & field, spring boys track & field, tennis, and softball) which is the most team championships won in a sports year in school history. The Oatkan Knights also brought home 13 individual titles (winter track & field, wrestling, and spring track & field) this school year. 

Student members of the Byron-Bergen Builders Club with Byron Kiwanis Club sponsors and RRH’s David Catalino (right), who gave the group a tour of the recreation center.

Submitted photo and press release:

On May 23, Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Builders Club members presented a check for $500 to representatives from Rochester Regional Health’s Behavioral Health Treatment and Chemical Dependency Center at Unity Hospital.

Led by Builders Club president, 10th-grader Jacey Donahue, the student delegation was welcomed to the Center by community relations managers Tiffany Carnevale, Valerie Donnelly and Brad Pearson from the RRH Gifts Foundation, along with Center Manager Jennifer Esten, supervisor Kristen Weber and Recreation Director David Catalino.

The group was accompanied by Byron-Bergen teacher and faculty advisor Andrea Feeney and Byron Kiwanis Club sponsors Robert Wood and President Karen Jaczynski.

Members of the Builders Club, who range in age from 7 to 15, have been working hard in their community this year, helping others and raising money through coin collection and raffles.

After researching a number of local organizations, the group decided to donate their funds to the Chemical Dependency Center.

After the ceremony, the group learned more about the operations at the organization and then toured the recreation center, where their money will be put to use purchasing new equipment.

Supervisor Weber explained the importance of exercise at the Center.

“Many people in recovery have not experienced fun, sober activities for a very long time," Weber said. "The exercise and recreation equipment we can purchase with the help of Builders Club funds will aid patients in setting and achieving goals for themselves.

"Thanks to these young people, our patients will build confidence that they can persevere and better their lives.”

Builders Club Member Hannah Catalino (the daughter of the Center’s recreation director), strongly advocated for supporting the organization’s work. She and the other members recognized that the Byron-Bergen community, like many others, is experiencing the problem of substance abuse, affecting fellow students and their families.

Earlier this year, they created handmade cards for the Center to help inspire and motivate recovering patients.

“I think what the Center does is important,” Hannah said. “I see how deeply the people here care for patients. They all feel it in their hearts and we in the Club do, too. We all wanted to help.”

Builders Club has been active at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School for three years and has about a dozen members. The group began at the Middle School, but has expanded the opportunity to all students in the district who are willing to make the commitment to service.

This year, they’ve volunteered for the Salvation Army and at the Miracle Mile for the Golisano Children's Hospital. They’ve participated in hurricane relief efforts for Puerto Rico and at the Elementary School’s Fall Festival. They can also be seen helping out at community pancake breakfasts.

“Byron-Bergen is a NYS School District of Character and our students support many activities that promote character,” said Club Advisor Feeney. “Builders Club supports the development of character and leadership.

"Everything members do during the year is their idea and their choice. They choose to give back, to better their community and to aid those in need.”

The Byron-Bergen Builders Club members are: Sarah Fraser, Liam Feeney, Andrea Feeney, Jacey Donahue, Hannah Catalino, Claire Williams, Logan Lewis, Robert Wood, Courtney Pakusch, Evan Harter and Karen Jaczynski.

A dog has been locked inside a vehicle at 12 S. Lake Ave. in Bergen for at least the last 45 minutes, says a caller to dispatch.

An officer is responding.

It's 90 degrees outside.

Press release:

On Friday, June 15th, national recording artist Jason Michael Carroll will headline the Country Jam in Le Roy to support the great research efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Special guests Eric Van Houten and Eric Van Houten will join this great benefit party along with Rebel's Posse. Concert starts at 2 p.m.

As always, this is a family friendly event, so children are welcome and FREE. 

Special-priced lawn tickets are just $10, and VIP with a seat provided just $15 when purchased in pairs. A $2 donation will be made to JDRF Rochester for each of these special tickets purchased.

See a great show and do some good for JDRF. GET TICKETS HERE

The Ridge NY has an outdoor, open-air, concert venue with amazing sound. Bring the children to build memories with activities and even a bounce house.

"The Ridge NY" Team 
www.TheRidgeNY.com
8101 Conlon Road
Le Roy, NY 14482
(585) 768-4883

Press release:

Beginning in the fall of 2018, the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center will offer a new career and technical education program, which will be available to high school juniors and seniors.

A Diesel Mechanics Program will help students on their path to becoming college or career ready. The program is made possible through a partnership with Daimler Trucks North America.

Once the facility is completed, there will be a classroom and service bay located at Daimler’s facility next to the Batavia CTE Center on State Street in Batavia.

The Diesel Mechanics Program is a two-year certified program for juniors and seniors who are interested in working with machines in the construction and agriculture industries. Prospective students could also have an interest in auto/diesel machining, trucking, the lawn and garden industry, welding, and the Armed Forces.

"The Diesel Mechanics Program is a welcome addition to the diverse career and technical program offerings available at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center," said Jon Sanfratello, executive principal, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership Batavia Campus. "Our region has a rich agricultural presence which offers many opportunities for students to be successful upon graduation. By offering this new program, it’s one more way we are providing our students with college and career readiness." 

The program was first introduced at the Mount Morris CTE Center in September and is offered at Marquart Repair and Equipment Sales in Gainesville. Steve Jacoby is the instructor.

Students will work on trucks of varying sizes including, tractors, forklifts, backhoes, bulldozers, lawnmowers, and small engines.

Class work includes small group as well as individual instruction for engine and transmission teardown, and overhaul and failure analysis. The hands-on course work will require students to test and rebuild fuel system components and machine cylinder heads and blocks for rebuilding.

Additional program highlights include heavy-duty preventative maintenance, air and hydraulic brake systems, air conditioning and climate controls, and hydraulic hose and fitting identification.

For more information about the Diesel Mechanics Program contact: Sarah Luczak, Student Services coordinator, Batavia CTE Center at (585) 344-7716 or Jane Rahn, Student Services coordinator, Mount Morris CTE Center at (585) 658-7805.

About the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York state.

Press release:

The Western New York Science Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (WNY STAMP) today announced the launch of its Facebook (facebook.com/wnystamp) and Twitter (twitter.com/wnystamp) accounts. The social media initiative is being supported by a grant through National Grid.

WNY STAMP is the development of New York State’s second shovel-ready mega site (1,250 acres) designed for nanotech-oriented manufacturing (semiconductor, flat panel display, solar/PV), advanced manufacturing, and large scale bio-manufacturing projects. The site is located in the New York Power Authority’s low cost hydropower zone and is serviced by redundant, highly reliable power.

Located just five miles north of the New York State Thruway (I-90) exit 48A, the site is easily accessible to the region’s 2.3 million residents.

WNY STAMP’s Facebook and Twitter pages will be used to promote the latest updates regarding the site, photos and video content of community leaders discussing the site and surrounding area, what resources the site has to offer to prospective businesses, and more.

“We’re excited to launch our social media and share the story of what will be a major job creator for residents of Western New York,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center. “The sky is the limit for what WNY STAMP can offer to our region and these communication channels will allow us to further connect with prospective businesses and members of our community.

“National Grid has invested over $1 million in the WNY STAMP site to support the attraction of high-technology businesses to our area,” said Ken Kujawa, regional executive for National Grid. “The buzz surrounding the WNY STAMP continues to grow, and telling the story through social media channels furthers the awareness of the incredible potential this site gives to our area.”

The Genesee County Economic Development Center manages WNY STAMP.  For more information on WNY STAMP, head to WNYSTAMP.com

About the Genesee County Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC): The GCEDC is the primary economic development agency in Genesee County, NY.

The GCEDC’s mission is to assist local economic development efforts by serving in a conduit financing capacity enabling the issuance of taxable and non-taxable debt to benefit the growth, expansion, ongoing operations and continued viability of for profit business enterprise in Genesee County thereby helping to maintain a sustainable long-term economy.

The Batavia/Genesee County region has been recognized for 15 consecutive years by Site Selection magazine as a top 10 micropolitan in the United States and is rated number three by Business Facilities Magazine as a top metro area for food processing and manufacturing growth.

A dog is barking inside a van in the Tops market that has its windows up, according to a caller to dispatch. The vehicle is said to be closer to Main Street in the parking lot. 

An animal control officer is responding. It's 90 degrees in Batavia.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: "I checked that white van; there's no dog in the vehicle," says the responding officer before clearing the scene.

From Dave Olsen, chairman of the Genesee County Libertarian Party:

The 2018 GCLP convention will be Monday June 4, at 6:30 p.m.; we will meet in the side room at T.F. Brown’s Restaurant, 214 Main St.

There are a couple things of note for you to think about between now and then. 

We will be electing a new Chairperson for sure. I shall be resigning as soon as the next chair is elected.

We will be electing or re-electing the Vice-Chair. The Secretary position is also up for election. Jim Rosenbeck has served in that capacity in addition to his duties as Vice-Chair of the LPNY for three years. He has now been elected as the LPNY Chair and would rather someone else take over the duties of Secretary. That is understandable as state chair is a time-consuming post. Many thanks to Jim for all his hard work and dedication to the GCLP and all the great things to come.

Please consider if you would be willing to serve the GCLP as Chair, Vice Chair or Secretary. In my five years with this party, the board has always worked together as a team and I expect that would continue. You will have lots of help. Please let me know if you are interested, so I can nominate you. 

LPNY chairman Jim Rosenbeck has asked that each county chapter designate a county coordinator for petitioning efforts which will begin on July 10 for statewide offices. Fifteen thousand signatures are the minimum required to get our Governor candidate on the ballot. We usually like to see at least 50-percent more to reduce the chance of a challenge knocking us off the ballot.

Mark Glogowski, the local NY Assembly candidate, will need a minimum of 3,000 signatures; he wants to double that. The more petition signatures gotten by volunteers reduces the amount of paid petitioners the LPNY will need to hire. Finances are slim and every opportunity for savings is important.

This also gives us all an opportunity to continue the outreach the GCLP has designated as our primary mission; you get to talk to registered voters about Larry Sharpe and Mark Glogowski along with the other statewide candidates and spread the message of liberty!

Serving as the GCLP coordinator will not be overly time consuming. You will be the liaison to volunteers who may need guidance or tips on how to petition.  We will provide the resources you need. The petitioners will submit their completed petitions to you for a quality review and then you would mail them to our master petitioning operation in Albany. Petitions will be electronically distributed by the LPNY communications division. If this interests you, please let me know.

Our convention speakers will be: Andrew Hollister, Libertarian for New York Lt. Governor, Mark Glogowski, Libertarian for NY Assembly, and James Rosenbeck, Libertarian Party of New York Chairman.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone again on Monday! Bring a friend, tell others.

A disappointed Batavia bench overlooks the final moments ending their season and chance of a sectional crown, losing to class A2 rivals Pittsford Sutherland 12-3 at SUNY Brockport yesterday afternoon. This is the second time the Knights have beat the lady Devils in back-to-back seasons.

After the first inning game tied 1-1, Sutherland took the lead in the bottom of the third 4-1, which left Batavia craving for some runs early on.

Top of the fourth inning, Batavia looking to tie the game, in scoring position with bases loaded and only one out. Sutherland sophomore pitcher Grace Fanset came up big getting the next two outs.

Pitcher Fancet (pictured below) hit a three-run home run with other teammates scoring. Score after four innings: 11-1 Sutherland. Lady Devils scored two runs in the top of the fifth inning, then stranded the bases loaded. Batavia left 12 runners on base for the game.

Final 12-3. First year Head Coach James Fazio commented after the game:

"The Batavia High School Softball Team just finished their season falling to Pittsford Sutherland in the Class A2 Sectional Finals. Batavia began their season down in Myrtle Beach (S.C.) and played a very difficult schedule to get ready for sectional play.

"Batavia started off their season at 3-5, but then won eight out of their next 10 games and were playing their best softball of the season heading into sectionals. Batavia won the Pembroke tournament recently and was named Co-champions of Monroe County Division 4 with a 7-1 record with their only loss coming to HFL, who then they would beat in the first round of sectionals.

"Batavia then defeated #1 seed SOTA in the semifinals before losing to Sutherland. The team graduates seniors Kaitlin Ange, Alaina Bowman, Bri Janes, and Taylor Stefaniak and those players will be greatly missed. The team has a number of returning players and players up from Junior Varsity that will form a very competitive team next season."

Click here for more game photos.

Class A2 tournament all stars from Batavia and Pittsford Sutherland

 

A Monroe County musician who used to live in Stafford was sentenced to five years probation this afternoon, less time already served on interim probation, for his role in a Le Roy grand theft case.

Jonathan E. Seiger, about 56, was indicted in February of 2017 on 18 counts -- 17 Class E felonies and one Class A misdemeanor -- for unlawfully possessing and using a female friend's bank debit card. The charges also included criminal possession of stolen property and conspiracy.

His former roommate, Scott H. Spencer, was a co-defendant in the case. Between Aug. 5 and 15, 2016, the duo used the debit card at an ATM machine, along with the friend's PIN identification, to withdraw $1,660.

Seiger, who is speech and/or hearing impaired and requires a sign language interpreter, appeared in Genesee County Court with his attorney, Clark Zimmermann. He said his client's half of the restitution has been paid.

A May 16 report from the Probation Department and one from Unity Mental Health were filed, finding Seiger to be largely compliant with the terms of his interim probation. The felonies were reduced to misdemeanors.

But there was a violation of interim probation -- failure to appear in court as ordered -- prompting today's court appearance. 

"I think there are some incorrect statements (in the report) by the Probation Department," Zimmermann said. "The Probation Department doesn't recommend giving probation a chance. Mr. Seiger has done what he was required to do."

Judge Charles Zambito set probation to expire on Aug. 29, 2022 and ordered an order of protection for the victim until May 29, 2026.

Spencer, who is also now living in Monroe County and on probation in the case, is responsible for $830 for his half of the restitution, but it has yet to be paid. However, a payment schedule has been set up.

Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell asked the court to make Seiger obligated for the balance due if anything should happen to Seiger's partner in crime and he becomes unable to pay it.

The clerk of the court spoke up and said the actual amount due the victim totals $1,743 -- not counting the check that a friend of Seiger's sent to the D.A. Office for Seiger's portion.

"She will be made whole," Zimmermann assured the court.

Zambito agreed to put in his ruling that Seiger is obligated to any restitution money due if Spencer defaults -- or dies. He also agreed to transfer the case to Monroe County Probation Department; ordered that a DNA sample be submitted to the state database; and called for a search of Seiger's property or person at anytime by Probation authorities, as requested by the people.

Zimmermann objected to the search clause, saying his client is not a drug offender, nor does he need treatment.

"It is overly intrusive," Zimmermann complained.

There was a brief conference at the bench at that point.

When the proceedings resumed, Finnell said he takes issue with a waiver of the search order; it is not related to any treatment concerns for the defendant.

"When he was taken into custody for failure to appear, in January, inappropriate material was found on his cell phone -- it was believed to be child porn," Finnell said. "(After investigation) none was found, but the browsing history showed a search for child porn. So the search conditions are warranted."

Zimmermann was silent.

The judge said he received concerns from Probation about their ability to properly supervise Seiger, and he said he also has concerns about that. He then specified that Seiger be ready at any time to have his person, residence or anything under his control subjected to a search by the Probation Department.

He will have to abide by a curfew.

The judge declined to require Seiger to inform an employer of his criminal history.

He will have to provide authorities with his employment and education records, and will have to submit to therapy should that be recommended. Seiger cannot possess firearms. He has to have a substance abuse evaluation and a mental health evaluation done within the next four weeks.

Seiger -- who is stoutish, about 5' 6" with dark curly hair -- wore a dark suit and white shirt to court. He will not be required, as was requested, to write a letter of apology to the victim.

The probationer can have no contact with former roommate Spencer, unless he clears it with the Probation Department first. Spencer sometimes books and manages music gigs, so he can't avoid him entirely and still make a living, his attorney explained.

Because he still has a matter pending in Genesee County Court -- "a penal law 130" unspecified sex offense case -- Seiger will be allowed to travel to and from the courthouse.

He has 30 days to appeal the judge's ruling.

"Good luck, Mr. Seiger," Zambito said.

Genesee County conducted an auction of properties with tax liens at Bontrager's in Batavia on May 20.  Here are the results of the auction.

Jurisdiction Address Sale Price Amount Owed Town of Batavia 3526 Galloway Road $15,000.00 $22,328.48 Town of Batavia Arena Parkway $4,800.00 $3,154.64 Town of Elba 4954 Barrville Road $59,000.00 $14,979.52 Town of Pavilion 11061 S. Lake Road $37,000.00 $7,682.82 Village of Alexander 3292 Buffalo St. $32,000.00 $15,980.95 Village of Le Roy 25 Lincoln Ave. $35,000.00 $10,432.54 Village of Le Roy 30 Lake St. $38,000.00 $6,028.49 Town of Bethany 10513 Bethany Center Road $76,000.00 $26,773.12 Village of Le Roy 20 1/2 Pleasant St.* $1,900.00 $3,780.63 Village of Le Roy 22 Pleasant St.* $4,000.00 $3,743.57 Village of Le Roy 23 Mill St.* $300.00 $212.24 Village of Le Roy 25 Mill St.* $300.00 $348.59

*The previous owner of these properties turned over title to these properties to the county voluntarialy. 

At the same auction, the City of Batavia auctioned off three properties:

• 27 Central Ave., buyer Ryan Macdonald, $10,000
• 327 Ellicott St., buyer Brakel LLC, $50,000 
• 122 Ross St., buyer East West Property Ventures LLC, $36,000

This morning Jonathan C. Hoges, 36, pled guilty to one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Deemed a two-time felony offender for upcoming sentencing purposes, he was in Genesee County Court because today was the cut-off date for a plea deal offered by the District Attorney's Office.

After a brief recess to discuss matters with his attorney, public defender Jamie Welch, Hoges agreed to serve a determinant sentence of four years in state prison, with two years of post-release supervision.

The Jackson Street resident was arrested on Aug. 11 last summer and charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. The native of Buffalo, who has a GED, was accused of selling crack cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force on two occasions. Following arraignment, he was jailed without bail and remains in custody.

He was previously convicted of attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree in Genesee County Court on Feb.19, 2015.

Judge Charles Zambito ordered a pre-sentencing investigation report to be completed and sentencing is set for 1:30 p.m. June 29.

Hoges must abide by the terms of the plea agreement or face the possibility that the judge could impose the maximum sentence -- a 12-year determinant sentence with three years of post-release supervision.

Asked if he had any difficulty understanding the proceedings and terms, the portly Hoges told the judge "No, I know exactly what's going on."

Restitution of $100 must be paid, too, and he waived his right to appeal.

The Village of Bergen has always shown itself to be forward thinking in implementing programs which will enhance the village and create savings for its residents.

These include: becoming an award-winning municipal electric department in existence for more than 100 years; establishing parks and green spaces throughout the village; sharing services with nearby municipalities; creating a community garden for residents to share; and, most recently, purchasing honeybees in light of the increasing concern over the decline in honeybees, thereby harvesting honey, which the village will sell.

“We had talked about getting bees some time ago,” said Bergen Mayor Anna Marie Barclay. “We had been working with NYSERDA to become a Clean Energy Community, but because we have municipal power, we can’t add solar panels. So we had to come up with a series of other projects to be recognized as a Clean Energy Community.”

The village received a grant from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority -- NYSERDA, which they used to purchase an electric cart and charging station. They are also converting all village-owned buildings to LED and have already converted all street lights to LED.

When they started talking about getting bees, Chris Fay, water treatment plant operator, volunteered to take a course on raising bees from a honeybee farm.

Bergen officially entered the honeybee business when their 60,000 bees arrived May 10.

“Soon you’ll be able to buy Bergen Honey,” Barclay said.  

Another village project includes the popular community garden, which they established near the water treatment plant three years ago. Eighteen plots were available and they are all spoken for, Barclay said.

A final project is the installation of new signage for the community garden, Hickory Park and the Sage Pavilion.

Photos: Chris Fay, water treatment plant operator for Bergen, took a course in beekeeping so he could tend to the new hives of the Village of Bergen.

(Photos by Virginia Kropf.)

Seventy seventh-grade students from Byron-Bergen High School, accompanied by their principal, assisted with planting trees in Hickory Park last Wednesday. Two hickory trees were planted there this year.

Students also read a proclamation on Arbor Day.

Bergen had taken a position years ago on creating green space and planting trees throughout the village. That and creating a Tree Board have earned them the designation as a Tree City, USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.

The annual Park Festival June 9 will provide an opportunity for the village to showcase Hickory Park when it dedicates a new veterans’ memorial after the noon parade.

The memorial will replace an existing monument installed more than 100 years ago and will honor veterans of all wars.

The new monument was suggested by Bergen resident Tom Williamson, a member of the Bergen American Legion. The Legion donated a stone marker of black stone from India, the same material as the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Support from the community includes $1,000 donations from the Bergen Business and Civic Association and Friends of Bergen.

The entrance to Hickory Park had to be changed dramatically and will only allow access into the parking lot. The new main entrance will be to the south of the basketball courts.

The village will create a brick walk of honor around the monument and will sell bricks in honor or in memory of loved ones or veterans.

The village Department of Public Works completed landscaping for the project.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Post Malone Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday:

Paige P. Koumanis, 20, of Hunting Valley South, Clarence, arrested for obstruction, of governmental administration, 2nd, after allegedly interfering with NYS DMV Investigators while they were making an arrest. Koumanis was arraigned in Darien Court and remanded to jail in lieu, of $500 bail.

Michael P. Montgomery, 23, of East Busch Boulevard Tampa, Fla., arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert venue without a ticket. Montgomery was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Garrett F. Lewis, 20, of Otisco Valley Road, Marietta, arrested for criminal possession, of a forged Instrument, 2nd, and resisting arrest after allegedly possessing four fake licenses and fighting with NYS DMV Investigators while being arrested. Lewis was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $15,000 bail.

Cory Z. Vasquez, 17, of Murray Street, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, after allegedly entering the concert venue without a ticket and being found in possession of brass knuckles. Cory was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $750 bail. 

Sierra M. L. Laborgne, 20, of Royal Avenue, Buffalo, arrested for disorderly conduct after allegedly creating a disturbance while she was being investigated for striking two Live Nation employees. Laborgne was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Tyler J. Holton, 21, of State Route 247, Rushville, arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Joseph D. Philips, 21, of Roycroft Boulevard, Snyder, arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Taylor L. Helms, 22, of Goodrich Road, Clarence, arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Zachary P. Liberatore, 22, of Knob Hill Road, Orchard Park, arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing over the exterior fence to view the concert.

Ahmed Alfuraiji, 22, of Crowley Avenue, Buffalo, arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert without a ticket.

Haythem Taih, 23, of Lawn Avenue, Buffalo, arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert without a ticket.

Qosai S. Abokefaya, 22, of Gladstone Street, Buffalo, arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert without a ticket.

Leonard W. Marinaccio, 19, of Tennyson Terrace, Williamsville, arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert without a ticket.

Samantha R. Martens, 19, of Fremont Avenue, West Seneca, arrested for criminal trespass 3rd after allegedly entering the concert without a ticket.

Michael Fernandez, 18, of Tara Crescent Thorold, Ontario, Canada arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert after having been ejected and told not to return.