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Bergen volunteers attend EMS memorial service in Albany

By Howard B. Owens

Members of the Bergen Fire Department were in Albany today with the Bergen ambulance for a statewide EMS memorial service. Barry Miller, killed in the line of duty in September, was honored at the service.

Photo submitted by Sean Downing.

Neither alcohol nor drugs nor speeding considered factors in this morning's crash in Bergen

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is investigating a motor-vehicle crash that occurred at 7:27 a.m. today at the intersection of Route 33 and West Bergen Road, in the Town of Bergen.

Glen A. Enouen, 52, of Batavia, was operating a 2013 Chevrolet work truck eastbound on Route 33 and traveled over the center of the roadway at the intersection, striking another vehicle head on. That vehicle, a 2014 Chevrolet Impala, was operated by Robert J. Bartz, 66, of Rochester, and it was westbound on Route 33.

Enouen and his passenger were uninjured. Bartz was extricated from the Impala and subsequently flown by Mery Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Alcohol/drugs and speed are not factors in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

Assisting agencies include the Town of Bergen Volunteer Fire Department, Town of Byron Volunteer Fire Department, Churchville Volunteer Fire Department, Mercy EMS and Mercy Flight.

The crash was investigated by Sheriff's deputies Kyle D. Krzemien and Chrisopher A. Parker, assisted by Deputy Matt Butler, Investigator John Dehm and Sgt. James Meier.

Accident with entrapment reported on Clinton Street Road and West Bergen Road

By Howard B. Owens

A multi-vehicle accident with possible entrapment is reported at Clinton Street Road and West Bergen Road, Bergen.

Mercy Flight out of Buffalo is on in-air standby.

Bergen fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE(S) 7:35 a.m. (By Billie): Mercy Flight is called to the scene. Serious injuries reported. One person is entrapped. Churchville fire is called for extrication.

UPDATE 7:50 a.m.: Mercy Flight has a five-minute ETA. There is heavy entrapment of a 40-year-old male. "Another 20 minutes of cutting metal" will be required, according to Bergen command, in order to extricate the victim. Eastbound traffic at Old State and West Bergen roads will be shut down by Byron Fire Police.

UPDATE 7:58 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 8:19 a.m.: The patient has been extricated. The patient was conscious and alert when law enforcement arrived on scene.

UPDATE 8:32 a.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne with the extricated patient; the hospital destination is unknown.

UPDATE 9:01 a.m.: According to Sheriff's Sgt. James Meier, a fence company's flatbed truck was eastbound on Clinton Street Road when it came behind a car about to turn left onto West Bergen Road. The truck went around the car, directly into the path of a westbound sedan, which it struck head on. The fence truck driver may have been following the car attempting to turn left too closely and then misjudged the distance of the oncoming sedan when he swerved around the turning vehicle to avoid rear-ending it. A witness said a third vehicle, which like the turning car, did not collide with anything, also went around the fence truck and then drove away from the scene just prior to the collision. Whether that factored into the crash remains is unclear. The accident is under investigation. Meier said he was unsure how many occupants were in the fence truck. But another source at the scene said there were two males, both sign-offs. The 40-year-old driver of the sedan has a severely injured ankle. It is probable, but not certain, that he was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Law and Order: Bergen teen charged with five counts of sexual misconduct for allegedly having intercourse without consent

By Billie Owens

Dakota Scott Pocock, 19, of Townline Road, Bergen, is charged with five counts of sexual misconduct following an investigation in the Village of Oakfield. The defendant allegedly had sexual intercourse with the victim without consent five times between August and December. He was issued an appearance ticket for Oakfield Town Court at 5 p.m. on May 16. The investigation was conducted by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth and Investigator Bradley Mazur.

Duty E. Caswell, 24, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, was arrested for having a vicious dog. The arrest stems from an incident on March 7 wherein his dog, according to police, attacked two people and another dog. Caswell was issued an appearance ticket and released and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court at 10:30 a.m. on May 13. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Devon Schulman, 20, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree menacing and criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. It is alleged that at 6:52 p.m. on May 5 Schulman displayed a knife to a subject at an apartment on Liberty Street and made comments that led the victim to believe Schulman intended to use the knife against the victim. Schulman was jailed without bail and was to be in City Court on May 6. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Chad Richards.

Shawn C. Smith, 35, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation, first, and speeding. Smith was arrested at 6:24 p.m. on April 30 following a traffic stop on East Main Street, Batavia, and following arraignment was jailed without bail. He was to be in court May 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Shane Michael Green, 28, of Trapping Brook Road, Wellsville, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and moving from lane unsafely. At 7:36 a.m. on May 6, Green was arrested on Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Stafford, for allegedly driving while the ability to do so was impaired by drugs. The arrest was the result of a complaint for erratic operation of a motor vehicle. Green is to be in Town of Stafford Court on June 6. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Ryan James Sundown, 35, of Meadville Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He allegedly violated a complete stay away order of protection at 6 p.m. on April 25 on Council House Road. He was arraigned on the charged on May 5 in Alabama Town Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputyt Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

A 17-year-old female who lives in Batavia was arrested at 4:06 p.m. on May 2 and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. She allegedly broke a window during an argument. She was issued an appearance ticket for May 17 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Arick Perkins.

Jany Girwath Jock, 20, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with identity theft, 3rd. The defendant was arrested following the investigation into the unlawful use of a credit card at 10:30 p.m. on May 3. Jock was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Mary Finnegan, 68, of Lake Street, Le Roy, was arrested on May 7 and charged with one count of criminal trespass in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Le Roy Village Police Department responded to a local apartment house after receiving a complaint of a subject on the property trespassing. Upon arrival Finnegan was allegedly located on the property after she had previously been advised she was no longer allowed on the property. Finnegan was taken into custody and charged accordingly. Finnegan is to appear in the Le Roy Town Court on May 19 to answer to the charge.

Liberty Pumps holds open house

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Liberty Pumps hosted hundreds of visitors for their 2016 Open House held on April 27.  The event was planned with two separate segments, one for family and friends of employees and one for the community.

The company welcomed visitors to show the completion of the recent three-phase expansion which nearly doubled the size of the facility.  In total, the expansion added over 123,000 sq. ft. to the corporate operation in Bergen, NY.  New additions included manufacturing areas, engineering lab and test facilities, as well as a new training center.

Attendees were treated to a tour of the facility, product demonstrations and a presentation and dedication of the new facility by Charlie Cook, President and CEO.

Liberty Pumps hosted hundreds for annual Open House

By Billie Owens

Liberty Pumps hosted hundreds of visitors for their 2016 Open House held on April 27. The event was planned with two separate segments, one for family and friends of employees and one for the community.

The company welcomed visitors to show the completion of the recent three-phase expansion which nearly doubled the size of the facility. In total, the expansion added over 123,000 square feet to the corporate operation in Bergen. New additions included manufacturing areas, engineering lab and test facilities, as well as a new training center.

Attendees were treated to a tour of the facility, product demonstrations and a presentation and dedication of the new facility by Charlie Cook, president and CEO.

Michael Slack of Bergen becomes member of Phi Kappa Phi at RIT

By Billie Owens

Michael Slack, of Bergen, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Slack was initiated at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Slack is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society has chapters on more than 300 college and university campuses in North America and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Since its founding, more than 1.25 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist David Baldacci and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. The Society has awarded approximately $15 million since the inception of its awards program in 1932. Today, more than $1 million is awarded each biennium to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

Barry Miller honored in Bergen at dedication of new ambulance

By Howard B. Owens

Bergen dedicated its new ambulance Friday evening in honor of Barry Miller, the former EMS chief who was killed in an accident Sept. 23 while responding to a medical call.

Miller was remembered as a man who had a passion for the EMS service and always looked forward in life to new challenges.

"As time passes, his title as director, EMS lieutenant and EMS chief may fade from our memories, but the ones that will always remain are leader, mentor and dear friend," said Deputy Chief Scott Crosier.

Town Supervisor Don Cunningham, a good friend of Miller's, said the ceremony marked a time of transition and he hoped that every time the ambulance rolls on a call in the future that it will be filled with the same passion for service that Miller brought to the job.

"I'd like to think this ceremony opens a new chapter," Cunningham said. "Those of us who knew Barry that moss didn't grow on his walk. He was always moving forward, never lingering in the past, always looking to the next opportunity, up for the next adventure, ready and willing for the next fun thing."

P.J. Cummings sang his song, the "Firefighters Song." Perhaps, he said, it may be the last time he performs the song live.

Pastors Micheal Merry and Matthew French delivered the blessing of the vehicle and prayed over it and Miller's parents, Tracy and Loretta, dedicated it.

Top photo: Bergen Chief Kevin Finucane.

Don Cummingham

P.J. Cummings

Matthew French and Michael Merry

Loretta and Tracy Miller.

Newest Byron-Bergen Hall of Fame inductees to be honored tonight

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tonight, Byron-Bergen Central School honors the two newest inductees into its Hall of Fame. Judy (Hulburt) Holly (Class of 1976) and Amy (Seward) Stacy (Class of 1980) join the ranks of other distinguished Byron-Bergen alumni honored with a place in the Hall of Fame for their achievements after graduation.

The Byron-Bergen Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of the district’s graduates, providing young people of our district with positive adult role models, showing that graduates of Byron-Bergen can achieve high levels of accomplishment in their lives.  This honor is in its 13th year and has become part of our school district culture and a permanent reminder to our students about the outcome of hard work and diligence.

The 2016 inductees will be honored on tonight at the school at 7 o'clock. Each will briefly speak to students and receive their B-B Alumni Hall of Fame plaques at the Sr. National Honor Society induction ceremony. They spent the day visiting with Byron-Bergen students and sharing how their school experience influenced their lives.

During her years at Byron-Bergen, Judy (Hulburt) Holly (shown left) participated in National Honor Society, Student Council, Spanish Club, and Ski Club. She attended Russell-Sage College (1976-77) for Physical Therapy during 1976-77 and then transferred to SUNY Brockport and earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 1980.

After college graduation, Holly was employed as a nurse at Highland Hospital (Rochester), working on a medical floor then transferring to labor and delivery. She worked there until she started her family.

Holly has stated that her greatest achievement is her family. She is married to a wonderful man; together they are parents of six children, and have two grandchildren.

She and her husband are foster parents (through Monroe County) and have fostered 50 foster babies (so far), many of whom are medically fragile infants.

Holly has dedicated herself to helping children, most of whom are unable to care for themselves and in need special attention, demonstrating the utmost compassion.

Holly is an excellent role model and source of inspiration to the youth of Byron-Bergen.

While attending Byron-Bergen, Amy (Seward) Stacy (pictured above) participated in Volleyball (MVP her senior year), Basketball, Chorale, Band, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, Drama Club, AFS, was a Peer Counselor, First Presbyterian Church youth group, and a teacher for Vacation Bible School.

She earned several scholarships and awards upon graduation.

After high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1984 from Cornell University in Nutrition, and a master’s degree from SUNY Brockport in Health Education in 1989. Stacy is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, certified dietitian/nutritionist, and certified pump trainer.

She has worked for the WIC Program, Lakeside Memorial Hospital, Strong’s Cardiac Rehab Program, and Lakeside Memorial’s Wellness Center.

Currently, Stacy works for Rochester Regional Health System (Unity Diabetes Program in Brockport) and is the sole proprietor for Innovative Nutrition by Amy.

Awards include Who’s Who in Diabetes Education and the Healthy Heart Contributor Award. She also received a New York State grant for nutrition education. Memberships include the American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators, Rochester Association of Diabetes Educators, American Dietetic Association/Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Genesee Dietetic Association, and Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

She is an active community member who is involved in her church (Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School, worship team), and numerous activities within the Bergen area. Stacy stated her greatest achievement has been to raise four wonderful children with her husband, Rick, and being grandparents.

Involved in her community and through her faith, Stacy inspires the youth of the Byron-Bergen community.

Possibly serious injuries reported in Bergen four-wheeler accident

By Billie Owens

A four-wheeler accident in Bergen is reported somewhere near West Shore Trails, west of Route 19. Possible serious injuries. The caller is a "hysterical male" and the victim is a female who is unconscious. Mercy Flight is on ground standby. Bergen fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: The location "is believed to be on West Sweden" Road.

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: The female was conscious by the time medics were on scene. She has some "road rash" and is being taken by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital for evaluation. A deputy on scene said the call sounded much worse than it turned out to be.

Oven fire reported in apartment on Rochester Street, Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

An oven fire is reported at 42 Rochester St., Apt. #15, Bergen.

Bergen fire and Le Roy's ladder truck are dispatched.

UPDATE 9:23 a.m.: Churchville was also dispatched, was canceled, but a minute later, they were already on scene, so the Bergen chief canceled his department's ladder truck. Le Roy can proceed non-emergency.

UPDATE 9:32 a.m.: Burnt food, ventilation in progress.

Two-car accident, unknown injuries, blocking traffic in Bergen

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at North Bergen Road and West Sweden Road. It is blocking traffic. Bergen fire and medics are responding.

UPDATE 6:18 p.m.: Responders are told to come in non-emergency mode.

Byron-Bergen students explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo. Front row: Teacher Peter Spence, Maya Benda, teacher Tiffany Lucksh, Melanie MacCowan, Mackenzie Fox, Kitana Maher, Clare Fraser, Kerri Bates. Middle row: Morgan Fuller, Will Kennett, Dominick Andres, Zach Swapceinski, Olivia Audsley, Dana VanValkenburg, Isabell Bliss. Back row: Russell Flaherty, parent Michelle Geiger.

Press release:

After a year of planning, 14 students from Byron-Bergen Sr. High School traveled to Costa Rica to explore the country’s incredibly diverse habitats of rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls and pristine ocean coastline.

Accompanied by Byron-Bergen teachers Peter Spence, who teaches Earth Science, Biology, and Chemistry, and Tiffany Luksch, who teaches Math, the young explorers arrived at the capital of San José on March 18 for an exciting seven-day expedition.

The group spent two days in Sarapiquí, a small village in the Caribbean lowlands located in the heart of the rainforest, surrounded by surreal sounds of howler monkeys, tree frogs, birds, and insects. They visited the largest active crater in the world at the Poás volcano, and experienced the cloud forest environment. A cloud forest receives little rain during the year; plants receive their moisture from the clouds that constantly shroud the volcano.

The stay in Sarapiquí also included white-water rafting (where students found tiny poison dart frogs with bright orange bodies and deep blue hind legs), and zip lining in the rainforest.

The trip continued to La Fortuna, where they visited the Mount Arenal Volcano, studied the ecological succession of plants and orchids on the once-barren lava slope, and kayaked on the man-made Lake Arenal. Students hiked to the La Fortuna waterfall and explored the Baldi hot springs.

Moving on to Guanacaste, the group saw the second-largest dry forest in the world and visited Rincòn de la Vieja Volcano. They learned how Costa Rica uses the steam generated by the thermal vents to create electricity. A riverboat ride at Palo Verde National Park offered views of crocodiles, iguanas, red macaws, and white-faced capuchin monkeys. Snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean ended the extraordinary trip.

For many of the students, this amazing educational experience was the first time they had flown or been outside the United States. It was a great opportunity to not only learn about geology, ecosystems, and biology, but also gain practical fluency in Spanish.

“All of our kids have taken Spanish and a couple of them used Spanish a lot,” Spence said. “I did rely on them to communicate when I could not.”

Upon their return, student Clare Fraser summed up the feelings of her traveling companions.

“This has been an amazing experience that I will always remember. The trip was better than I had ever expected, and it has encouraged me to travel more in the future.”

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School has 23 new inductees in the National Junior Honor Society

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Earlier this month, 23 students from the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School were inducted as new members of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). They proudly joined the 30 standing members of the school’s NJHS.

The NJHS program highlights the well-rounded students at Byron-Bergen. Inductees are selected based on their high standards of scholarship, citizenship, service, leadership, and character. All members are required to demonstrate their achievements in each of these areas. The 2016 new members are:

7th Grade

8th Grade

Nicholas Baubie

Bianca Brumsted

  (not pictured)

Emily Chaback

Jonah Clare

Richard Denson

Joshua Fleming

Eden Goff

Sara Goodman

Hope Hersom

 

Kelly Ireland

Colby Leggo

Gavin Lewis

John Mercovich

Bryanne Puma

Alaura Rehwaldt

Joshua Swapceinski

Xavier Thomas

Matthew Zwerka

Elizabeth Donnelly

  (not pictured)

Kyle Foeller

Chad Green

Caleb Sharpe

 

9th Grade

Sabastian Pawlukewicz

 

NJHS President Abby Vurraro addressed the audience and told of a recent meeting with her idol Jennie Finch, the University of Arizona NCAA softball champion and Olympic gold medalist. Vurraro shared Finch’s motto of “Dream and Believe.” She challenged her fellow members to “be determined to push the limits even if no one believes you can.”

The induction ceremony featured two additional guest speakers: Byron-Bergen Math teacher Tiffany Luksch; and Social Studies teacher Bryan Kavanaugh.

Luksch shared examples of how individuals with drive and determination are “able to overcome adversity and challenging circumstances with strength and resilience.” She told the stories of several young activists, including education advocate Malala Yousafzai; 14-year-old feminist Julia Bluhm, who challenged "Seventeen" magazine to portray real women; ambitious 13-year-old Neveah Mosher, who challenged herself to read over 300 books a year; and Jack Andraka, a high school sophomore who invented a new method to detect pancreatic cancer. She then shared a personal story of a current student at Byron-Bergen who has also overcome great challenges.

Kavanaugh’s speech continued the empowering message. He shared a quote he had placed on his classroom whiteboard from one of the most powerful businesswomen in the country, NBCUniversal Cable Chairman Bonnie Hammer: “The biggest mistake to me is complacency.” Kavanaugh applauded the students for their accomplishments so far in life, but also challenged them to not become complacent and always strive to improve.

As part of the induction ceremony, each new inductee received a certificate and pin, and the distinct honor to be a part of the National Junior Honor Society. Over a million students participate in NJHS: https://www.njhs.us/. Membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

Lake Avenue, Bergen, man jailed without bail for allegedly selling marijuana

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET officers, and the Le Roy Village Police Department, concluded an investigation into the sale of marijuana in the towns of Bergen and Byron.

Cody D. Mayer, 23, of Lake Avenue, Bergen, was arrested and charged with two counts of criminal sale of marijuana, 3rd, a Class E felony, and one count of criminal sale of marijuana, 4th, a Class A misdemeanor.

On March 30, Mayer was arrested by a uniformed deputy of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at the County Jail, while he was incarcerated for a separate charge, on a Genesee County Grand Jury indictment warrant. It is alleged that Mayer sold a quantity of marijuana to an agent of the Drug Task Force while in the towns of Bergen and Byron.

Mayer was jailed without bail.

The District Attorney's Office and uniform members of the Sheriff's Office assisted the Task Force members with the investigation.

North Bergen Road resident jailed after fleeing accident, hours-long search by law enforcement and K-9 units

By Billie Owens

Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

At 1:06 p.m. on Sunday March 27 the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call concerning a motor vehicle collision that occurred at 4746 Barrville Road in the Town of Elba.

A northbound vehicle went off the east shoulder of Barrville Road and struck a parked vehicle at that address. The operator of the vehicle then fled the scene.

The suspect was tracked for several hours and later arrested at an address on North Bergen Road in the Town of Byron.

The suspect, Arnoldo Gregorio Lopez, 23, of North Bergen Road, faces Vehicle and Traffic charges of unlicensed operator, uninspected motor vehicle, unregistered vehicle, uninsured vehicle, improper plates, moving from lane unsafely, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

He was arraigned in the Town of Oakfield Court by Justice Baker and remanded to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office was assisted by members of the State Police, Medina Police Department's K-9 and a State Police K-9.

(For initial report, click here: http://www.thebatavian.com/node/129152/edit)

Law and Order: Batavia resident charged with harassment after allegedly pushing safety officer at College Village

By Billie Owens

Tre'Shaun Diamond Perry, 20, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. The subject was arrested today after an incident at 10:10 p.m. on March 24 at College Village. It is alleged Perry pushed a safety officer while in a building at College Village. Perry was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Town of Batavia Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.

Brandon Thomas Beard, 21, of Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, driving while ability impaired by drugs and driver's view obstructed. On March 26, at 8:41 p.m., the defendant was stopped following the observation of a vehicle and traffic violation on Clinton Street Road, Town of Bergen. He was arrested after allegedly possessing marijuana and driving while his ability to do so was allegedly impaired by drugs. He was released on appearance tickets and is to return to Town of Bergen Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Law and Order: Corfu man charged with criminal possession of controlled substance, Bergen woman charged with petit larceny

By Billie Owens

Christopher Brian King, 24, of Pearl Street Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested March 23 on an outstanding bench warrant issued by Town of Batavia Court on March 8. He was jailed in lieu of $500 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Robin Lynn Holman, 53, of Buffalo Road, Bergen, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested on March 11 after allegedly stealing property on Buffalo Road in the Town of Bergen. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Town of Bergen Court on April 6. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

Glendon Stephen Alexander, 19, of East 95th Street, Brooklyn, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 8:23 p.m. on March 23 following an investigation of a complaint at College Village that the defendant allegedly unlawfully possessed marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 21 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.CorfCorfu

Kitchen fire reported on Gate Street, Bergen

By Billie Owens

A kitchen fire is reported at 14 Gate St., Bergen.

Le Roy fire and Bergen fire are dispatched.

CORRECTION: The story originally had the address, incorrectly, in Le Roy. Howard heard the call and I put up what he told me. Sorry for the confusion.

Lt. Gov. Hochul visits WNY Tech Academy in Bergen

By James Burns

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Western New York Tech Academy in Bergen today. Hochul met with school Principal Thomas Schulte. On her last visit to the area, the two talked about the exciting new school and Hochul made a point to come back and visit to see it firsthand.

Hochul is so interested because it is a new concept in medium and high level education. P-Tech schools like Western NY Tech Academy have only been open for two years. Instead of a four-year curriculum like a normal high school, P-Tech schools have a six-year curriculum. At the end of the six years, the students graduate with a high school diploma and a fully accredited two-year college associates degree in a science discipline -- at no cost to the student or family!

Schulte walked Hochul through the school explaining how the classes are designed around teaching Math, Science and English as applied to solving real-world problems. Hochul commented how great that was because she, like many others, thought in high school “When am I ever going to use this stuff they are teaching me?” Well, in this school they use the information right away.

The classrooms resemble corporate meeting rooms. Classes are held differently, too. As well as the fundamentals students are taught to interact with each other in productive ways and communicate ideas and solutions effectively.

The concept of the school is so attractive to some that they bus in over an hour and a half away from Dansville. Supporters say Genesee County is lucky that the school is located in the Bergen School system complex. Because it's so new, it's not currently running with full classrooms.

If you are interested in sending your student to the school or for more information, please go to www.wnytechacademy

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