Bergen

A 10-year-old child rolled an ATV on the West Shore Trail System behind residences in the area of Swamp and Pocock roads. Bergen Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding to the accident.

A car reportedly struck a building at Byron-Bergen Central School, 6917 W. Bergen Road. Byron Fire Department and medics are responding.

The second annual Trevor Mathiesen Vendor Blender will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, at The Dibble Family Center in the City of Batavia. It is located at 4120 W. Main St.

Cost is $30 per vendor table.

Trevor was a 13-year-old boy who died suddenly Oct. 22 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He loved to play hockey and was a member of the Buffalo Stars. He enjoyed four-wheeling, riding dirt bikes and he spent many hours fishing at Godfrey's Pond in Bergen. Trevor loved the outdoors and all animals.

All proceeds from the Vendor Blender will go to Trevor's parents, Amy and John Mathiesen, to be donated to the organization of their choice. Last year, proceeds went to purchase two boats and a kayak for use at Godfrey's Pond.

Anyone who would like to donate a basket, gift card or an item, please contact Kellie Wade and she will come and pick it up.

If you are interested in being a vendor, please print the following information and mail it to Kellie Wade, 7250 Ivison Road, Byron, NY 14422.

For additional information, call Kellie at (585) 201-3489.

• Name
• Business
• Type of Merchandise
• Address
• City
• State
• Zip Code
• Telephone Number
• Email address

An accident with injuries, blocking traffic, is reported at 7520 Clinton Street Road.

Bergen Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding and Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

UPDATE 9:33 p.m.: A firefighter on scene reports two patients, no extrication necessary and Mercy Flight not needed.

The Attica Police Department initiated an investigation into a violation of an order of protection between Juan A. Roman, 39, of Bergen, and a female victim.

A complete stay away order of protection had been issued July 21 by the City of Batavia Court from previous charges of unlawful imprisonment in the first degree, assault in the third degree and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation between the defendant and the victim.

Roman was charged Aug. 14 with criminal contempt in the first degree – telephone communication, and criminal contempt in the first degree – prior conviction within five years.

An arrest warrant was obtained and Roman was found and taken into custody without incident with the assistance of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. He was arraigned in Wyoming County Court and put in Wyoming County Jail on no bail.

He was in Attica Village Court Monday where he was put back in jail on no bail due to several previous felony convictions, which include:

    • Sept. 5, 2008 – Charged with driving while intoxicated, ticketed with unsafe backing, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, moving from lane unsafely, and consumption of alcohol in the vehicle;

    • Feb. 4, 2009 – Charged with unlawful imprisonment in the first degree, assault in the third degree and petit larceny;

    • March 3, 2011 – Roman accused of dealing cocaine, allegedly selling a quantity of the drug to an undercover agent in Batavia. He was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree;

    • Aug. 30, 2013 – Charged with harassment in the second degree and unlawful possession of marijuana;

    • Jan. 8, 2014 – Charged with harassment in the second degree, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and criminal contempt in the first degree;

    • July 17, 2014 – Charged with three counts of criminal contempt in the second degree;

    • Sept. 9, 2014 – Charged with criminal contempt – violating a stay away order of protection; and

    • July 24 – Charged with promoting prison contraband.

A one-car accident Saturday night in the Bergen fire district took the life of the car's sole occupant, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

The accident was reported at 8:05 p.m. at 321 Bovee Road, Riga.

Bergen fire and Mercy EMS were dispatched. The driver of the vehicle was deceased when first responders arrived on scene.

The female driver has yet to be positively identified by the medical examiner.

Investigators say the vehicle was eastbound on Bovee Road when the driver lost control. The vehicle spun sideways, crossed the south shoulder and struck a tree on the driver's side.

The stretch of roadway is flat and straight.

The investigation is ongoing.

(Initial Report)

The Batavian's news partner 13WHAM assisted in obtaining information for this story.

An accident with injuries is reported in the eastbound lane of the Route 490 at mile marker 1.

Le Roy fire and Bergen fire dispatched.

Dispatchers have received only one call on the accident.

UPDATE 11:30 p.m.: Minor injuries, if any.

UPDATE 11:31 p.m.: The vehicle is about 50 feet in the swamp.

UPDATE 11:41 p.m.: Tow company will check on the vehicle. If they can't extract it tonight, they'll come back in the daylight to remove it.

A car has reportedly stuck a tree and at least one person is entrapped with possible serious injuries in the area of 321 Bovee Road, Bergen.

Begen fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE: We heard no more traffic on this call. It was actually in Monroe County (though still Bergen's district). It's not likely we'll have any further updates.

An early-morning, one-vehicle accident on Route 19 in Bergen caused a utility poll to fall and damage a 2000 Harley-Davidson and a pickup truck parked at a residence.

There were no injuries reported.

Kenneth Richardson, age not provided, of Warboys Road, Byron, was southbound in a 2008 Chevy sedan when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle. It rotated clockwise, traveling off the west shoulder of the road, striking a mile marker sign, then continuing south and hitting a National Grid utility pole. The pole broke, causing damage to the motorcycle and a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado.

The accident report indicates Richardson may have been traveling at an unsafe speed.

The accident, which occurred at 3:11 a.m., was investigated by Deputy Travis Demuth.

An unknown type of fire is reported behind a residence in the Barbary Coast Mobile Home Park, located at 7862 Clinton Street Road. Byron and South Byron fire departments are called to respond, mutual aid to the Bergen call.

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: The Bergen chief on scene says South Byron can stand down; the other unit can continue in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: The chief puts the assignment back in service.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at West Bergen Road and Clinton Street Road, Bergen.

Bergen fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Press release: 

Byron-Bergen Middle School Student Zoey Shepard will be taking part in an extraordinary leadership development experience at the 2017 Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) in Washington, D.C.

The Envision program provides a historical view of leadership and encourages young scholars to develop their own leadership skills and strategies for success in the 21st century.

Zoey was nominated by faculty and staff at Byron-Bergen Elementary School based on her achievements.

She is a leader in student government, a recently admitted into the ACE Program at Genessee Community College (SUNY), a saxophone player, basketball and both chorus (Byron-Bergen and All County). Zoey has is achiever who is capable of growing into a future leader for our country.  

“The Junior National Young Leaders Conference enables students to recognize their own leadership abilities in the context of great men and women from the past and present,” said Andrew Potter, M.A.; M.A. NEJS, the chief academic officer for Envision.

“They return home with new confidence in their ability to make a positive impact in their school and communities. Washington, D.C. , serves as the perfect backdrop for this inspiring program to generate a new generation of U.S. leaders.”

At the six-day conference, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students take part in fun and exciting workshops and participate in simulations to expand their leadership abilities.

Scholars explore historically significant sites, such as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and memorials throughout the nation's capitol to reflect upon and learn from leaders and events of the past.

“The students gain a greater sense of themselves, their roles to preserve American democracy, and their responsibilities as tomorrow’s leaders,” Potter said.

JrNYLC prepares students to utilize their improved leadership skills to promote positive change in their schools and communities through social advocacy. The program runs from Aug. 5th- 11th. Students will work with their peers to create action plans for change to put into practice when they return home.

For more information about the Junior National Young Leaders Conference, visit www.envisionexperience.com/Leadership.

Danilo Ramirez-Lopez, 21, of Elba, is charged with third-degree rape and endangering the welfare of a child. According to our news partner 13WHAM, State Police arrested Ramirez-Lopez after they said he raped a teen girl he met online. Investigators said they were called Sunday to investigate a reported rape in Allegany County. After investigating, troopers found the Elba resident had become friends over Facebook with the 16-year-old victim. On Sunday, police said Ramirez-Lopez drove to the victim’s home and raped her in another location. Ramirez-Lopez was arraigned and put in Allegany County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Nicholas M. Maher, 32, of Drake Street, Oakfield, is charged with second-degree harassment. Beginning in the late morning of July 21, he allegedly followed a female around on four separate occasions while inside two separate businesses in the City of Batavia. On one of the occasions, it is alleged that "Maher attempted to invite himself over to dinner." He was issued an appearance ticket and was due in court on July 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Ahmed Abdul Dockstader, 21, of Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 3:29 p.m. on July 29 following an investigation of a disturbance in Alabama. He allegedly intentionally damaged the property of another person by punching the hood of the person's car. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Alabama Court on Aug. 29. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Taylor M. Bunch, 22, of Meigs St., Rochester, is charged with aggravated DWI -- having a BAC of .18 percent or greater, DWI, and failure to stop at a stop sign. At 12:47 a.m. on July 26, Bunch was involved in a motor-vehicle accident on Lake Avenue in the Town of Bergen and susbsequently arrested on the charges. He is due in Bergen Town Court on Sept. 9. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Gary D. Burney, 36, of 6 Pringle Ave., Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt (with a previous conviction) and resisting arrest. At 11:13 a.m. on July 27, Burney allegedly violated the terms of a duly served order of protection by being at the residence of two named protected persons. He is also accused of running away from officers after being told to stop and that he was under arrest. He was jailed in lieu of $100,000 cash bail. The case was handled by Batavia PoliceOfficer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Dalton C. Kelley, 19, of Chase Park, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment for allegedly violating a valid order of protection by harassing an acquaintance on Chase Park at 5:55 p.m. on July 29. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on Aug. 8. The case has handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack.

A 16-year-old Batavia resident is charged with second-degree harassment. At 8:39 p.m. on July 20 on Summit Street, Batavia, the youth was allegedly involved in a disturbance during which she allegedly had physical contact with another female. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Aug. 1. The case was handled by Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

A 16-year-old Batavia resident is charged with second-degree harassment. At 8:39 p.m. on July 20 on Summit Street, Batavia, the youth was allegedly involved in a disturbance during which the defendant allegedly had physical contact with another person. The youth was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Aug. 1. The case was handled by Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Michael Eugene Weichman, 22, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested on July 28 after he allegedly violated an order of protection issued by Batavia Town Court by having a letter delivered to a subject he was to have no contact with. He is being held in GC Jail on seperate charges and is due in Batavia Town Court this afternoon (July 31). The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Russell S. Brant Jr., 40, of North Fourth Street, Olean, is charged with violation of a Family Court act. He was turned over to the GC Sheriff's Office by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office after he was arrested July 25 on a warrant issued by GC Family Court. He was jailed in GC Jail in lieu of $500 bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Jessica L. Martina, 26, of Dellwood Road, Amherst, is charged with failure to appear. Martina was arrested by the Niagara County Sheriff's Officer and turned over to Batavia PD on a City Court bench warrant. She posted bail, was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is due in City Court on Aug. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Jonathon M. Ryan, 24, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 11:46 p.m. om July 25 on West Main Street after a traffic stop in which he was allegedly found tto be in possession of marijuana. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Aug. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

The Insurance Services Office Inc., ISO, recently visited Bergen to evaluate the building-code enforcement, ranking second to last for residential buildings and commercial buildings.

It ranked Class 9. In the ranking system, from 1 to 10, Class 1 represents an exemplary commitment to building-code enforcement.

ISO is responsible for evaluating all jurisdictions that have a building code enforcement department. They use the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule, BCEGS, to recognize building codes in the community, and how your community enforces its building codes.

“The concept is simple: municipalities with well-enforced, up-to-date codes should demonstrate better loss experience,” according to a letter from Joseph Bindas, a field representative from ISO, to David Mason, the zoning/code enforcement officer. “The anticipated upshot: safer buildings, less damage, and lower insured losses from catastrophes.”

Mason presented the letter at the Bergen Town Board meeting on Tuesday.

“What stands out to me is that out of a one to 10, one being the best, we scored a nine,” said Donald Cunningham, town supervisor. “I was under the impression that we were somewhere in the middle.”

ISO will review the community again to determine whether or not the BCEGS rating should be revised.

Mason said the fire hydrants are a problem they know they need to fix. Replacing the fire hydrants will help improve the rating, and currently, the fire department is evaluating the hydrants.

This evaluation effects homeowners' insurance, Mason said.

“If State Farm is insuring a house on the outskirts of town, they look at this rating,” Mason said. “They base their insurance on that.”

ISO will meet with Mason on Aug. 29 to review the questionnaire and responses, as well as supporting documentation, and come up with a plan to improve the rating. 

Jared Frego (pictured left) will be replacing the Drew's Nature Center signs, using Logan Pocock (right) and his art skills to paint them, for his Eagle Scout project.  

When Jared Frego saw the Drew’s Nature Center signs, located in Bergen, when he was younger, he thought the bullet holes looked cool. Now, Frego is using his Eagle Scout project as a way to replace the damaged, weather-faded signs.

There are two signs, one at the main entrance, and one on West Sweden Road. Frego said the new signs will be the same size as the old ones.

Frego plans to rebuild the signs and fellow boy scout Logan Pocock, 12, will be painting the signs.

The new signs will have a white-tailed deer, a mallard duck, a Massasauga rattlesnake and a ladyslipper.

“These are important things in our community that show who we are,” Frego said.

Frego presented his community-funded project to the town board on July 25 and the board voted unanimously to approve it. He is hoping it will be completed by the end of fall.

“I hear tales of [the board] looking to redo the nature center to look a lot like the park in Byron,” Frego said. “I want to offer to use my eagle project to rebuild the signs.”

Pictures on a tablet were passed around the meeting, showing the weathering, wear and tear, and bullet holes in the signs.

“The signs that you see in the pictures has a lot of shotgun slugs in it,” Frego said. “It has a couple .22 slugs, and some people decided to hit it a couple times. It doesn’t look too great.”

Frego plans to take the old signs out, fix the garden area around them, and put the new signs in. He would like to put fiberglass on top of the new signs, in hope that they will last longer.

Donald Cunningham, the supervisor of the Bergen Town Board, agreed that the signs need replacing.

“The signs, it's evident by the photographs, that they need reconditioning and sprucing up,” Cunningham said. “We do want to improve the area for the public. So, I think this is a great plan for what we are trying to move towards.”

Brian Stone, deputy supervisor of the Bergen Town Board, said he is grateful and appreciative that they want to spend their time on the signs.

“I’m sure I speak for the board when I say we appreciate your enthusiasm for the signs and to do this,” Stone said.

The Bergen Town Board is looking to earn a Clean Energy Community designation through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, NYSERDA, which would qualify Bergen to apply for grant funding.

The Clean Energy Communities Program is a $16 million initiative to help local governments across the state reduce energy consumption and drive clean energy use in their communities.

Hanna Quigley, from the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, said there are a total of 11 grants left.

In order to be eligible, Bergen must make changes to the community, in areas such as solar energy, LED technology and energy usage.  

Donald Cunningham, the supervisor of the Bergen Town Board, said the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council reached out directly to offer their services.

“They can do a study to see [which High Impact Actions] might be beneficial for us,” Cunningham said. “The study is of no charge.”

According to the NYSERDA website, local governments in New York State can use the Clean Energy Communities program to implement clean energy actions, save energy costs, create jobs and improve the environment. The program also recognizes and rewards leadership for the completion of clean energy projects.

If the town board decides to earn the Clean Energy Community designation, Bergen must complete four of the 10 High Impact Actions. These are, reporting the energy use of buildings, clean energy upgrades to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, converting street lights to LED technology, installing vehicle charging stations, increasing the number of solar rooftops, streamlining the approval process for solar, energy code enforcement training, a Climate Smart Communities Certification, offer energy upgrade financing to businesses and nonprofits, and community choice aggregation.

Cunningham said being a Clean Energy Community could lead to more requirements throughout the community.

“Basically, they still have grants available that they’re trying to use up,” Cunningham said. “It can’t hurt to try.”

The town board has until Sept. 30, 2019, or until the grant funds run out, to apply for the grants.

Joseph Michael Franchi-Platten, 33, of Dellinger Avenue, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd; possession of burglar tools; and tampering with physical evidence. He was arrested on July 19 following an investigation into a trespass at a local business at 2:20 a.m. that morning on Lehigh Avenue in Batavia. There was a brief vehicle pursuit. He was arrested and jailed on $20,000 cash or $40,000 bond and was due in City Court on July 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Offficer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Darryle Streeter.

A 15-year-old was petitioned to Family Court for "unlawful possession of a weapon -- person under 16 years of age" in response to an altercation which occurred on Holland Avenue on June 9. On that date, at about 4:37 p.m., Batavia Police were called to Holland Avenue and Olyn Avenue for a report of several people fighting in the street. Upon arrival, police learned that at least one subject had been shot with a BB gun. While police were on scene, another fight broke out. Lionel J. Anderson Sr., 45, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested for disorderly conduct for allegedly fighting. Jaequele M. Tomlin, 22, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested for disorderly conduct, second-degree attempted assault, second-degree obstruction of governmental justice, and resisting arrest for allegedly fighting in the street and then fighting with officers. A 16-year-old was arrested for criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Anderson Sr. and the 16-year-old were released with appearance tickets for Batavia City Court on June 13. Tomlin was jailed without bail and was to appear in City Court on June 12. The individual who shot the BB gun was a juvenile and there was at least one injury resulting from the shots. The victim was treated and released from UMMC. This information was provided by Det. Eric Hill of the Batavia Police Department.

Nickolas Lewis Ives, 31, of Wendel Avenue, Tonawanda, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. At 1:15 p.m. on July 22, Ives allegedly broke the window of a camper owned by Darien Lake Theme Park. It was in the campground on Alleghany Road. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Darien Town Court on Aug. 1. On the same date as this alleged incident, Ives was also charged with: criminal contempt in the second degree; fourth-degree criminal mischief; disorderly conduct; and second-degree harassment. It is alleged that he violated a duly served order of protection by "threatening, swearing at, and damaging the property of the protected party." He was subsequently jailed on $7,500 cash or $15,000 bond. Both cases were handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

David Lavelle Andrews, 29, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree obstruction of governmental administration; failure to keep right; operating a moving vehicle while using a portable electronic device; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. Andrews was arrested following a traffic stop on East Main Street in Batavia at 10:28 p.m. on July 19. He was stopped for allegedly failing to stay right and using a mobile device while driving. During the traffic stop, he fled on foot and was apprehended a few minutes later by Batavia Police and Genesee County Sheriff's deputies. Andrews had a warrant out of City Court for traffic offenses and was also operating on a suspended driver's license. He was arraigned in City Court then released on his own recognizance. He was jailed on $2,500 cash or bond and is due in City Court on July 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Morgan L. Cox Sr., 49, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree -- intentionally damaging property. Cox Sr. was arrested at 6:53 p.m. on July 22 after officers were dispatched to Dellinger Avenue for a male subject who was banging on a door with a cane. Officers identified the suspect as Cox Sr. and he was arrested and arraigned in Town of Batavia Court. He was put in jail. He is due in City Court on July 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole Salamone, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Morgan L. Cox Jr., 25, of Xavier Street, Clarence, was arrested on July 23 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It was issued after Cox allegedly violated the terms of his release. He was jailed on $2,500 cash or bond and is due in City Court on July 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Patricia Christina Pozotempan, 36, of Masse Place, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested at 12:20 p.m. on July 19 on West Main Street in Batavia following a shoplifting complaint and a subsequent investigation at Tops Market. She was issued an appearance ticket for July 25 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Donnie D. Armstrong Jr., 20, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. On the morning of July 19 at the Richmond Memorial Library on Ross Street, Armstrong Jr. allegedly stole a bicycle that belonged to another person, from the bike rack in front of the library. He was later located by police in alleged possession of the stolen bike. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 25 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Meghann Barrett Williams, 38, of Abbott Road, Orchard Park, is charged with trespass. Williams was arrested following a brief investigation into an incident occurred at 4:55 p.m. on Bethany Center Road in the Town of Bethany. She was allegedly trespassing on property without the owner's consent. She is due in Bethany Town Court on Aug. 22. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Ira James Blackey, 67, of Broadway Street, Lancaster, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; DWI; driving left of pavement markings; and following too closely. Blackey was arrested at 6:34 p.m. on July 23 on Broadway Road in Alexander following a traffic stop. The defendant was released with appearance tickets and directed to appear in Alexander Town Court on Aug. 29. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Clifford F. Schultz, 51, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. It is alleged that he threatened another person at 12:18 a.m. on Bank Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Bolles, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Juan Antonio Roman, 39, of Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with promoting prison contraband. He was arrested at 11:05 a.m. on July 21 after entering the Genesee County Jail. It is alleged that he possessed contraband/drugs after entering a secure facility. He was held and taken to Batavia City Courts "for arraignment on unrelated charges," according to the Sheriff's report. Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale handled the case.

Nicholas C. Doell, 26, no permanent address, was arrested at 7:22 a.m. on July 19 after an investigation into a trespass in progress at a business on Jackson Street. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack handled the case, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Nicholas D. Martino, 36, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with failure to appear. Martino turned himself in on an active bench warrant out of City Court for allegedly not appearing for a scheduled court date for an unspecified matter on Feb. 8. He posted bail and is due in City Court on July 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Seventeen fire companies from three counties -- Genesee, Orleans, and Monroe -- battled a house fire at 7735 Creamery Road, Bergen, that may have been sparked by a lightning strike.

Neighbors described one and possibly two wall-rattling lightning strikes and thunder claps in the neighborhood this morning followed by a brief power outage.

The call for smoke in the residence came in at 7:58 a.m. and the next call from a neighbor who reported flames.

Bergen Fire Chief Garrett Dean said the fact that flames were reported and that on a weekday morning, fewer volunteer firefighters are available, he immediately called for a second alarm.

The Bergen ladder truck was on scene first and quickly knocked down the blaze inside the rooms on the south side of the house, though the rooms appeared to be largely destroyed and Dean said the stairwell was heavily burned and firefighters couldn't use it to access the second floor. 

The difficulty firefighters faced was in the roof. The original house was built in 1850 (it looks like there were one, and possibly two additions), and the older portion is constructed in a way that makes it easier for smoke, heat, and fire to pass to different sections. The roof has been reroofed a couple of times, leading to an extra layer of plywood. Firefighters had a hard time getting to the fire in the roof and ventilating the roof.

The residents were not home when the fire was reported. Dean said there was no indication of pets in the house. No firefighters were injured during the fighting of the fire.

The cause has not been confirmed and we don't have an estimate of damage at this time.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to the south end of the house, with the other two-thirds suffering only smoke and heat damage.