Bergen

Aaron W. Gillard, 28, of Bergen, was arrested at 2:26 p.m. on Aug. 7 in the Town of Covington after he allegedly crashed his car into a house on Wyoming Road. He subsequently allegedly failed field sobriety tests and deputies say they found more than an ounce of marijuana in the vehicle. He was transferred to Wyoming County Sheriff's Office where he refused a chemical test to determined his BAC. Gillard was found to be driving in violation of his conditional license and without a required ignition interlock device in his vehicle. Gillard had a previous conviction of DWI within the past five years. He is charged with: felony DWI; felony unlicensed operation in the first degree; operating without an interlock device; violating conditional license; moving from lane unsafely; and speed not reasonable and prudent. He was also charged with criminal possession of marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor. Gillard was arraigned in the Town of Covington Court and put in Wyoming County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. He is due back in court at a later date. Gillard's license was also suspended pending prosecution of this case, which was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies Bradley McGinnis and Mike Majtyka.

Brenda Carol Shryock, 49, of Oak Drive, Beech Island, S.C., is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 7:03 p.m. on Aug. 11 following an investigation into a domestic violence complaint in the Town of Le Roy. She allegedly punched a person. She was put in Genesee Cpounty Jail and is due in Le Roy Town Court on Thursday, Aug. 18. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Dpeuty Ryan DeLong.

Bonnie Marie Breissinger, 52, of County Line Road, Darien, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 4:27 p.m. on Aug. 4 on County Line Road in Darien for allegedly subjecting another person to physical contact in violation of a no-offensive-conduct court order. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Patricia Jean Kendall-Cargill, 51, of Swamp Road in Bergen is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. She was arrested at 6 p.m. on Aug. 7 on Swamp Road following an investigation into a violation of an order of protection. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

A 17-year-old male who lives on Woodland Terrace in Cheektowaga is charged with trespass. The subject was arrested at 4:44 p.m. on Aug. 10 on Gilmore Road in Pembroke for allegedly trespassing on private property. He was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court on Aug. 30. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Robert Henning, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

A 16-year-old male who lives on Lamarck Drive in Amherst is charged with trespass. The subject was arrested at 4:44 p.m. on Aug. 10 on Gilmore Road in Pembroke for allegedly trespassing on private property. He was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court on Aug. 30. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Robert Henning, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Press release:

U.S. senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer and Congressman Chris Collins today announced President Obama has signed into law legislation to rename the Bergen Post Office located at 15 Rochester St. in Genesee County as the “Barry G. Miller Post Office.” Earlier this year, both the Senate and House unanimously passed the legislation introduced by Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Collins.

“Barry Miller was deeply involved in the Bergen community and his passion showed in his dedication to service and answering the call of those in danger for the past 30 years,” Senator Gillibrand said. “We collectively remember and honor this extraordinary and generous New Yorker. This designation is a fitting tribute for a hometown hero in the community he held near and dear. I am pleased this legislation passed Congress unanimously and was signed into law by President Obama.” 

“While nobody can fill the void left by Barry Miller, all those who enter the newly renamed ‘Barry G. Miller Post Office’ will be reminded of the incredible sacrifice and courage displayed by a man who was so much a part of this community and who embodied the true spirit of selflessness through his 30 years of service,” Senator Schumer said. “Naming the Bergen Post Office on Rochester Street after him is a truly fitting tribute to his bravery, and allow the legacy of this hometown hero to live on in an enduring way.” 

“Barry Miller is a hero in the Bergen community,” Congressman Collins said. “The Barry G. Miller Post Office is a fitting way to honor Mr. Miller’s legacy of community service and selfless sacrifice for others. I was proud to introduce this legislation and glad to see it signed into law.”

“This recognition is an important tribute to Barry's service to our community. He dedicated his life to serving others and this will be a permanent reminder of his service to Bergen. We appreciate New York's lawmakers for working together to make this a reality,” Tracy Miller said. 

A man from Irving got lost in a wooded area of the Bergen Swamps yesterday, and if not for the swamps' caretaker becoming concerned for his safety and the trained nose of K-9 "Destro" his off-the-trail hike could have turned out very badly.

The caretaker, Mike Merritt, said he noticed a person park at a trailhead and get out of his car and walk into the swamps about 3 p.m., yesterday. Since he had never seen the man before, and he was alone, he was a little concerned right off the bat about his activity.

When the man hadn't returned after two or three hours, his concern grew, he said.

"It was too hot, too muggy and too buggy to be out there that long," Merritt said.

So Merritt walked the entire trail himself and didn't find him.

At 10 o'clock, Merritt thought, 'well, if he's still out there, now he's trespassing' and 'I can call law enforcement without them coming out here unnecessarily.' "  

Deputy Rachel Diehl and Trooper James Moran arrived on scene and ran the plates of the unattended vehicle. They were able to contact family members, who expressed concern that they hadn't heard from Neil Gates for several hours.

Deputy Chris Erion and "Destro" were called to the scene, along with Byron's ambulance and some volunteer firefighters also responded.

With Merritt, who knows the area well, providing guidance, Erion and Destro commenced a search of the woods.  

It took more than two hours, but Gates was located curled up in some cattails where he had apparently gone to try and get water. 

He was dehydrated and had a minor knee injury, according to Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

Merritt said the Gates told officials he was a diabetic. 

He was treated by Byron EMTs at the scene and released.

The incident wrapped up at about 1:30 a.m., Merritt said.

Merritt noted that there are signs warning visitors to the swamps not to leave the trails.

"You can get 20 feet off a trail, get turned around and you think you know which direction to go to find a trail, but you won't find one," Merritt said.

Merritt said the concern and professionalism of those who responded last night was impressive. There was no hesitation by law enforcement to take on the search.

"I couldn't have gone out there without them," Merritt said. "With my cell phone dead, out there alone, I couldn't have helped him. He wouldn't have made it much longer."

Erin Marie Van Dorn, 28, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with two counts of harassment. She was arrested following a harassment complaint in the Town of Batavia. She allegedly repeatedly called and messaged two people, harassing them about an incident that occurred at 11 a.m. on West Main Street Road over the Fourth of July weekend. She was released with an appearance ticket to be in Town of Batavia Court on Aug. 4. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Shane H. Houseknecht, 24, of Churchville, was arrested by State Troopers on July 19 and charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, controlled substance in a non-original container, both misdemeanors, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, and speeding. Houseknecht was allegedly observed speeding on Route 33 in the Town of Bergen. Investigation revealed Houseknecht had a suspended driver’s license. Troopers allege they located three Adderall pills and a suboxone strip. Houseknecht was transported to SP Batavia for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket and uniform traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Bergen Court on Aug. 3.

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on South Lake Road, Bergen, just north of Creamery Road.

Unknown injuries.

Bergen fire and ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 9:19 p.m.: Bergen back in service. No word on injuries, if any.

Press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) on Tuesday released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed by unanimous consent legislation to rename the currently unnamed Post Office located at 15 Rochester St., Bergen, as the “Barry G. Miller Post Office.”

“Barry Miller was a pillar of the Bergen community,” Congressman Collins said. “The passage of today’s legislation to rename the Bergen post office will memorialize Mr. Miller’s life of selfless community service. I am honored to have introduced this legislation, and look forward to this bill being signed into law by President Obama."

“Barry enjoyed nothing more than serving his community and he dedicated his life to helping the people of Bergen,” stated Tracy and Loretta Miller, Barry’s parents. “This is a fitting tribute to his service, and we look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Collins to make this a reality.”

Barry Miller was a lifelong Bergen resident, graduating from Byron-Bergen High in 1983 and serving as a member of the Bergen Volunteer Fire Department for 31 years including 10 as assistant EMS Chief before he was tragically killed in the line of duty. In addition to working at the Bergen Volunteer Fire Department, Barry was a Genesee County coroner, a member of the Bergen Town Board, and owner of Miller's Millworks in Bergen and the Beaver River Lodge in the Adirondacks.

Full text of the legislation, H.R. 4372, can be read here.

Joshua Michael Pierce, 21, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with reckless endangerment and criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation. Pierce was arrested on June 18 following the investigation into a domestic incident at 3 a.m. on June 14 on Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail and is due in Pembroke Town Court on June 30. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Joshua Michael Pierce, 21, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. He was arrested on June 18 following the investigation into a domestic incident that happened on Route 20 in the Village of Alexander at 1:05 p.m. on June 11. He was arraigned in Alexander Town Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail and is due in Alexander Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

Rodney John Prichard, 28, of North Main Street, Delevan, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle while registration suspended, and having an open container of alcohol. At 3:08 p.m. on June 19, Prichard was stopped on Alleghany Road in the Town of Darien for allegedly driving with a suspended registration. He was also allegedly found to possess an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Darien Town Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Brittney Lynn Caldwell, 26, of North Main Street, Delevan, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. At 3:28 p.m. on June 19, following a traffic stop on Alleghany Road in the Town of Darien, Caldwell was allegedly found to possess marijuana and have an open container of alcohol inside a vehicle. She was released on appearance tickets for Town of Darien Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Rondell Jermaine Watson Sr., 34, of Raeburn Avenue, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny, conspiracy and disorderly conduct. On June 18, Watson was turned over to Genesee County Sheriff's deputies by the Rochester PD on a bench warrant out of the Town of Batavia Court. He was put in jail and is due in Town of Batavia Court on June 27. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

A 16-year-old who lives on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 2:45 p.m. on June 15, the youth was allegedly found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana on the school grounds of Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. high school. The youth was issued an appearance ticket for Bergen Town Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Butler.

From left: Counselor Mrs. Feeney, seniors Nick Dubois and Aaron Holley, Dr. Moscicki, and Principal McGee at a new marker and flower bed leading into the Tamra Troke Memorial Trail.

Submitted photo and press release:

Byron-Bergen Central School seniors, Nick Dubois and Aaron Holley, rebuilt wellness trails on the Byron-Bergen school grounds as part of their work-based learning hours associated with the Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential.

Nick and Aaron completed an 11-day work experience on the Tamra Troke Memorial Trail. They cleaned out all the fitness stations, cut and lined all of the hiking trails, made benches and a new flower bed, and constructed a campfire area.

Vocational Coordinator Roxanne Noeth, CSE Chairperson Dr. Donna Moscicki, Jr./Sr. High School Principal Patrick McGee, and School Counselor Andrea Feeney were all thrilled with the hard work and effort the two students put into this project. It was wonderful to see them take such pride in their work.

The Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential is part of the four Regents exams and one project-based program to graduation.

The project-based program requires: students complete a career plan; demonstrate attainment of commencement level learning standards in the areas of career exploration and development, integrated learning, and universal foundation skills; satisfactorily complete two units of study (216 hours) in Career and Technical Education coursework and work-based learning; and have one completed employability profile or have met the criteria for the national work readiness credential.

Nicholas Tyler Stutes, 18, of Wyoming Road, Wyoming, is charged with third-degree assault. He was arrested at 11 a.m. on June 2 following a complaint and investigation of an assault on Big Tree Road in Pavilion. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Jenna T. Girolamo, 18, of Sutters Run, Rochester, and a 16-year-old female from Churchville, are charged with making graffiti, a misdemeanor, and trespass, a violation. The two defendants were allegedly found trespassing in Buttermilk Falls, Route 19, Le Roy, at 7:40 p.m. on June 4. They were also found to have allegedly made graffiti in the same area. They were arrested on the charges and issued appearance tickets for July 18 in Town of Le Roy Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy J.M. Diehl, and Le Roy PD officers E. Blodgett and Dent.

A 17-year-old male from Byron and a 17-year-old male from Bergen are charged with trespass, a violation. The two defendants were allegedly found trespassing in Buttermilk Falls, Route 19, Le Roy, at 7:40 p.m. on June 4. They were arrested on the charge and issued appearance tickets for July 18 in Town of Le Roy Court. They were accompanied by two females (previously cited above). All were removed from the property. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy J.M. Diehl, and Le Roy PD officers E. Blodgett and Dent.

A man reportedly entered a business in the Village of Bergen, yelled profanities, dropped his drawers and urinated, then left on a bicycle.

Law enforcement is responding.

UPDATE 4 p.m.: This may actually have been a pre-teen, according to a deputy on scene.  

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Buffalo Road and South Lake Road, Bergen.

Bergen fire and Bergen ambulance dispatched.

Reader-submitted photo.

David Zuppelli, of Batavia, submitted this photo of his father, Chester Zuppelli, playing Taps on Memorial Day 1944 in New Caledonia, South Pacific.

Here's a schedule for Memorial Day Ceremonies and the Batavia parade:

7 a.m. -- Genesee County Park (11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany) -- Vietnam Veterans Memorial (VVA #193)

8 a.m. -- Williams Park, City of Batavia-- WW I Memorial (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)

8:30 a.m. -- Batavia VA Medical Center

8:45 a.m. -- NYS Veterans Home

9:30 a.m. -- Upton Monument (routes 5 and 63) (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)

9:45 a.m. -- Batavia Cemetery, Harvester Avenue, City of Batavia (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)

10 a.m. -- Elmwood Cemetery, off Harvester Avenue and Webster Street in the city (AL #332)

10 a.m. -- CITY PARADE -- Begins at the Eastown Plaza traveling west along Main Street and ending at Jerome Center on Bank Street at 10:45 a.m.

10:45 a.m. -- UMMC -- Jerome Center:

• Memorial Day ceremonies: Invocation; National Anthem with Batavia Concert Band; G.A.R. Order of the Day; Veterans Service Organizations Commemorations; wreath laying with Gold Star Mothers; Honor Roll with drum roll; rifle salute; Taps; Benediction; "God Bless America."

Noon -- Hansen Brothers Grave -- Grandview Cemetery on Clinton Street Road, Batavia (MCL #951)

Participating organizations:

Hansen Borthers Marine Corps League Detachment #951

Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332

Veness-Strollo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1602

Disabled American Veterans Chapter #166

Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #193

Sons of Union Veterans Abraham Lincoln Camp #6

Here are more local Memorial Day ceremonies/parades:

• ALEXANDER: Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Alexander High School and travels to the cemetery on Railroad Avenue with a ceremony to take place at the cemetery following the parade.

• BERGEN: Parade at 9 a.m. beginning at the Fire Hall (Route 19 & Hunter Street), traveling south on Route 19 to Hickory Park with ceremony to take place at the park immediately following the parade.
•  
• BYRON: Parade at 11 a.m. from Terry Street to Swamp Road with a ceremony immediately following at Byron Cemetery.

• CORFU: Parade at noon from Corfu Fire hall on Route 33 to the Intermediate School on Route 77. Ceremony immediately following the parade.

• ELBA: Ceremony at Maple Lawn Cemetery at 10 a.m. No parade. The Elba Historical Society Museum will be open for tours after the ceremony.
•  
• LEROY: Parade at 10:30 a.m. from the American Legion to Trigon Park with a ceremony at Trigon Park at 11 a.m. following the parade.

• OAKFIELD: Parade at 11 a.m. from the Oakfield Fire Dept. to Triangle Park with ceremony to be held at Triangle Park.

• PAVILION: Ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Town Park at intersection of routes 63 and 19. No parade.

No parades/ceremonies for the following:

• Alabama

• Bethany

• Darien

• Pembroke

• Stafford

Julia K. Hahn, 18, of Lyman Road, Bergen, is charged with public lewdness. She was arrested at 3:54 p.m. on May 19 after she was allegedly found by police to be engaged in sexual activity with another individual in DeWitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street in the City of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket for 1 p.m. on May 31 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Robert V. Wasinger, 18, of Delevan Elton Road, Delevan, is charged with public lewdness. He was arrested at 3:54 p.m. on May 19 after he was allegedly found by police to be engaged in sexual activity with another individual in DeWitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street in the City of Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for 1 p.m. on May 31 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Britanny B. Cina, 27, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI -- common law, and DWI per se. At 1:56 a.m. on May 21, Batavia police responded to the 7-Eleven store on East Main Street for the report of multiple subjects fighting in the parking lot. Upon further investigation, Cina was arrested after it was learned that she allegedly drove a motor vehicle to the convenience store in an intoxicated condition. She was arrested and processed at BPD headquarters where a chemical test was administered, and allegedly it found her BAC to be over the legal limit. She was issued traffic tickets and her City Court date is set for June 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Police Chief Shawn Heubusch.

Alexander J. Jasinski, 22, of Godfreys Pond, Bergen, is charged with: driving with a BAC of more than .18 percent; DWI; third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; failure to stop at a stop sign; and moving from lane unsafely. At 9:52 p.m. on May 21, Jasinski was allegedly involved in an accident at the intersection of West Avenue and Weatherwax Road in the Town of Elba. He was westbound on West Avenue when he allegedly failed to stop at the stop sign and his pickup truck went through the intersection and struck a 15-by-15 foot building, a fence and a parked car before coming to rest. The case was handled by Sheriff's Sgt. Ronald Meides, assisted by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Byron Gilbert Keller, 21, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with: driving with a BAC of more than .08 percent; driving while intoxicated; unlawful possession of marijuana; and failure to keep right. At 4:59 p.m. on May 21, following a report of a motor-vehicle accident at 9864 Alexander Road in the Town of Alexander, Keller was arrested and charged as noted above. Keller is to appear in Town of Alexander on June 14.

Nikki L. Stonebraker, 27, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Stonebraker was arrested following an investigation into an alleged distrubance on Liberty Street at 9:21 a.m. on May 19. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for this afternoon in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted byn Officer Kevin DeFelice. At the same incident, she was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child following a physical domestic incident with her former boyfriend which was allegedly witnessed by her children. For that case, she was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is to be in City Court to answer the charge at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer DeFelice.

Christopher T. Sprague, 22, of 36 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested at 5:55 p.m. on May 12 after NYS Parole checked his residence and allegedly found drug packaging material inside. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on June 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Selina Sarai Tapia, 20, of State Street, Holley, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was arrested following a traffic stop at 4:20 p.m. on May 16 on Alleghany Road in Alabama during which time was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. She was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Alabama Court on June 21. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.