The New York State Department of Public Service has opened an investigation into allegations
in a complaint by
more than 25 village of Bergen Electric
Department customers. The complaint, filed May 21, alleges that the department is operating outside of its service
territory, is not correctly applying the Power Purchase
Adjustment Cost across the service classifications, is not
properly allocating the New York Power Authority hydro resource
across the service classifications, and needs to conduct a
cost causation study to justify the increase in the cost of
service.
At 6 p.m. Sept. 15, at Sage Pavilion in Hartland Park in Bergen, a public statement hearing will be held before Administrative Law Judge Henry James Joseph.
To develop the record for this investigation, interested entities may provide comments and additional information relevant to the Complaint by September 21, 2026.
MATTER 26-01096
The Village of Bergen Electric Department may provide a response
to the Complaint by September 9, 2026. Comments should refer to
“Matter 26-01096 – Village of Bergen Electric Department.”
To submit comments electronically, please go to
www.dps.ny.gov, click on “File Search” (located under the
heading “Commission Files”), enter “26-01096” in the “Search by
Case Number” field, and then click on the “Post Comments” box
located at the top right of the page. Those who are unable to
file comments electronically may mail their comments to the Hon.
Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission,
Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, 12223-1350; however,
electronic filing of comments is strongly encouraged.
All comments submitted to the Secretary in accordance
with this Notice will be posted on the Department of Public
Service’s website. However, comments received after the
September 21, 2026 deadline may not be considered.
Organizers of the Bergen Makes Art Show have extended the deadline for artist submissions to Sept. 14, giving artists more time to enter the community exhibition planned in honor of the late Bergen designer Vickie Almquist.
About 17 pieces have been submitted so far, and organizers said there is room for more.
The show, first detailed in a May story on The Batavian, is set for Nov. 7 at the Sage Pavilion in Bergen. Almquist, a Bergen native who spent nearly four decades working in fashion and graphic design in New York City, died in August 2025 after battling cancer. Friends and fellow artists organized the show to realize an exhibition she had long dreamed of but never saw come to fruition.
Organizers said the show is open to all local artists, not just those who live in Bergen.
Peter Celentano, 37, of Bergen, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison after being convicted of illegally possessing machineguns, Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced. U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo imposed the sentence.
On Sept. 29, 2024, the New York State Police, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Celentano's Bergen residence. Investigators recovered 3D-printed pistol frames, firearm parts and accessories, ammunition reloading equipment, tools for constructing privately made firearms, a drill press and two 3D-printed machinegun conversion devices.
Additional searches at properties in Lyndonville and Medina turned up numerous AR-style lower receivers, 3D-printed handguns and other firearm parts and accessories. In total, law enforcement seized over 200 firearms tied to Celentano.
The investigation also found that Celentano had provided another individual with nine lower receivers, two of which contained a "third pin hole," qualifying them as machine guns. An individual known to Celentano then discarded the firearms off the Beals Road Bridge into the Erie Canal, investigators found.
A New York State Police dive team searched the Erie Canal beneath the bridge in Medina and recovered a cardboard box containing 10 AR-style receivers, an unmarked handgun, ammunition magazines and additional firearm parts.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler prosecuted the case. The sentencing followed an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher; the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Joseph M. Graff; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo of the New York Field Division.
Sperra Research and Development Lead Taylor Marchment talks about the results of 3D concrete printing with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Doreen Harris. Photo by Brian Quinn
Working in a repurposed GE facility it acquired at Apple Tree Acres in Bergen, a company named Sperra continues to develop a specialized form of manufacturing.
Sperra said 3D concrete printing can be used to fabricate essential components for offshore energy, such as wave energy, offshore solar and floating solar applications. In simple terms, the concrete printer is a concrete pump connected to a machine that can position the pump precisely and deposit the concrete at different flow rates.
The company receives funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
During a brief tour at the Apple Tree Acres facility Thursday morning, Sperra Research and Development Lead Taylor Marchment said the manufacturing is for marine infrastructure for renewable energy technologies.
"All of those technologies that can have a marine focus, we pretty much build support systems for," he said. "The work, specifically, here is funding mostly the subsea energy storage and manufacturing processes around how to accelerate that and upscale that."
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris said the funding amount has been about $5 million.
"It's over several opportunities - investing, along with others, to arrive at these marine energy applications," she said. "Certainly, we see this as a smart investment for the longer term needs that we recognize we will have. That's what we at NYSERDA have funded, along with the Department of Energy, federally - generally, for the early-stage work necessary to bring this to commercialization."
Marchment said the concrete printing technology was invented in Germany.
"We started looking at upscaling the technology around 2020, 2021," he said.
Locally, Sperra works with Heidelberg Materials in Pavilion and Re:Build Optimation Technology, LLC in Rochester.
"They're a local automation group. They were operating the facility before we took it over with GE," Marchment said. "GE was actually in this facility doing work around 2020 to 2024. We've worked with Heidelberg (Materials), specifically the Pavilion batch plant, and also sourcing from the local batch plants in Rochester and other localities in the region."
GE was operating the facility on Apple Tree Avenue before Sperra came in. GE had a lot of difficulty, in the early days, with 3D printing, Marchment said.
"We took this over in 2024. GE stopped in 2022. We came in ... with more of a 3D printing-specific background," he said. "They (GE) had about 11 people here. We can operate this with four. We've worked out a material flow stream to use local ready-mix, as opposed to having to bring in imported materials."
Sperra made some modifications to the roughly 16,000 square-foot facility.
"Essentially, it's just having a concrete pump and being able to position that robotically to deposit where you want it," Marchment said.
On Thursday's tour of the manufacturing floor, he pointed out some of the concrete beams the company printed.
"They've got to be tested at U Buffalo (University at Buffalo) to compare concrete, which is the same for 100 years, the standards, and how to model that and simulate that unknown," he said. "What are the value mechanisms? How is it failing? What sort of things do we need to improve on? What are the strength differences? That's pretty much the basis of that test scheme."
Bergen Water Gardens, 7443 Buffalo Road, Bergen, will host its annual Lotus Festival on Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, with activities running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, according to the business's posted schedule.
Both days will feature traditional Chinese music, guided lotus tours led by Larry Nau, and a talk on growing Chinese cymbidium orchids by Lili Nau. Visitors can also try lotus pizza, chips and pickles once the first pizza arrives each day, at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and 12:15 p.m. Sunday.
Roll'n Deep will serve bubble tea and Asian food from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and Traveln' Tom's Coffee Truck will be on site from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
The business's website states: "Lotus Fest 2026 will welcome the official blooming season of our IWGS Nelumbo Certified Collection of Excellence."
Staff said Bergen Water Gardens houses the largest collection of Chinese lotus in North America.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C-Batavia) will host three town hall meetings on Saturday, July 25, providing residents with an opportunity to receive updates on state and local issues, ask questions and share their concerns.
"Meeting with residents in our communities is one of the most important parts of serving in the Assembly," said Hawley. "These town halls are an opportunity to discuss what's happening in Albany, answer questions, hear concerns firsthand and learn more about the issues that matter most to local families. I encourage everyone to stop by and join the conversation."
Residents from throughout the community are welcome to attend any of the meetings. Hawley looks forward to hearing directly from constituents and providing updates on issues affecting Genesee County and New York State.
Locations: Town and Village of Elba 10 to 10:45 a.m. Elba Town Hall 7133 Oak Orchard Road, Elba
Town of Byron 11 to 11:45 a.m. Byron Town Hall 7028 Byron Holley Road, Byron
Town and Village of Bergen Noon to 12:45 p.m. Byron-Bergen Public Library 13 S. Lake Avenue, Bergen
Due to forecasted storms, today's Bergen Harvest Market has been moved to Sage Pavilion, 62 S. Lake Avenue, across from Hickory Park. The market will be on its regular schedule from 3-6 p.m.
Organizers encourage attendees to use the South Lake Avenue entrance. Parking is available in Sage Pavilion. The market will return to its regular outdoor location in Hickory Park for future dates, weather permitting.
These roads are not currently closed, but warning signs, flashing lights, and traffic cones are being placed as water slowly recedes. Please use caution, slow down, and never drive through standing water. Conditions are expected to improve as the water continues to recede.
Shavaughn Stefaniak spent part of her Tuesday at the market with her daughter, Haven, and son, Banks. Photo by Brian Quinn
The Bergen Harvest Market is back, though not at full strength on its first day, and will host vendors each Tuesday afternoon through the end of September.
Despite the absence of a couple of regular vendors on vacation, the market made its 2026 debut this week at Hickory Park in Bergen. This is the market's second summer. It will be open from 3-6 p.m.
Florist Leslie Hill, owner of Something Old, Something New in Byron, said her business came to the market last year, too.
"I've got a little microflower farm that I do flower subscriptions and weddings out of," Hill said, adding that she's been running the business for close to 12 years.
"The customers are great. The village is sponsoring and organizing this. It's just very well done, and I think Bergen deserves to have a local farmers market," she said.
Something Old, Something New and a couple of other vendors were coming to Bergen before the market got started.
"We've come here for probably three or four years before that doing our CSA (community-supported agriculture) drop-offs. It's like a subscription program," Hill said. "You buy so much for the season, and you're guaranteed flowers or produce or meats."
Village Deputy Treasurer and Bergen Harvest Market Committee member Rene' Vurraro said that before the market started for the first time in the summer of 2025, planning went on throughout the previous winter.
"We actually met with the market manager from Le Roy, and he helped us out," she said. "We had talked about starting the market in our park committee, and we decided the Friends of Bergen Parks would do that."
Vurraro said the market was missing two vendors for Tuesday's opening. There were nine there, where normally there would be 11. The two missing vendors, Gregory's Bakery and Ralph and Rosie's, will be there next Tuesday when they return from vacation.
"This is all our consignment group. We have everything here on consignment," she said. "We take all local products. We help vendors out. We don't charge any fees for them to do this. They get 100% profit back. We just want the community to be able to try their products."
A couple of the vendors represented at the table she was minding were Sweet Cindy's Honey in Clarendon and The Spice Project of Rochester. Sweet Cindy's sells candles and a few different flavors of honey.
"We have two of her flavors of honey, and then we also carry her Hot Honey," Vurraro said.
The Spice Project, run by Martin Johnson, has various seasonings for sale.
"Martin makes small-batch spices and snack mixes," she said.
Shavaughn Stefaniak of Bergen was at Bergen Harvest Market with her son, Banks, 5, and daughter, Haven, 3. This was the second year they came to the market. They plan to come every week.
"I think just the fresh fruit and vegetables, and being able to see the community come out," she said when asked what brought her and her family to Hickory. "It's also at the park, which is very convenient for having kids. We just got some cookies. The food truck is nice, the little animals."
Banks was holding a bag of Peanut Butter Patties and Haven had cookies with blueberries in them.
Asked whether the market has grown from its first year, Vurraro said there is an additional food truck. A Little Treat Bakery on Prole Road in Batavia, run by Michelle Elliott, is also new. Sisters Crochet Corner, run by Courtney Maynard of Bergen and Sarah Shaffer of Churchville, is also at its first market in Bergen. Troll Bridge Farm of Arcade switches weeks at the market with Farm on the Hill from Fillmore.
About an hour and 10 minutes into Tuesday's market, Vurraro said attendance was pretty good, though more people were expected once they left work.
"We'll get a big push then," she said.
Village of Bergen Deputy Treasurer Rene' Vurraro said there were nine vendors at the first market of 2026, with two more joining them next Tuesday. Photo by Brian Quinn
Florist Leslie Hill, left, owner of Something Old, Something New in Byron, chats with Beth Parrish of Le Roy at the market Tuesday at Hickory Park. Photo by Brian Quinn
The Bergen Harvest Market is open from 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays, starting today, in Hickory Park in Bergen. It runs through the end of September. This vibrant weekly farmers market showcases the best of the region's local farmers, bakers and artisans.
Visitors may expect a wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruit, pasture-raised meats, eggs, honey, maple syrup, jam, spices, salsa, granola, sourdough bread, pretzels, cookies, fresh-cut flowers and artisan crafts.
In addition to the vendor offerings, each market day features a food truck on-site and a free raffle for attendees. The Bergen Harvest Market is a community-driven initiative, designed to connect residents with locally sourced food and handmade goods in a welcoming outdoor setting. All are welcome.
In a 2024 file photo, Joseph Chimino, mayor of Bergen, Chris Sardou, Tom Sardou, owners of Viking Valhalla and Rose Garden Bowl, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley Photo by Howard Owens.
One of Genesee County's most iconic businesses has closed after 72 years of providing the community with a place to get a good meal, enjoy a few drinks, play volleyball, and bowl.
Viking Valhalla Restaurant at the Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen closed for good on Friday.
Tom and Chris Sardou announced the closure on social media, calling the decision "difficult and heart-wrenching."
"This place has never been just about the bowling, volleyball, food, and drinks," they wrote. "It's been about the people."
The business has deep roots in Beren.
Doc and Mary Sardou purchased the Rose Garden Restaurant — already 30 years old at the time — in 1954. They added a bowling alley in 1957 and renamed it Viking Valhalla in 1966. After Doc Sardou died in 1967, Mary kept the business going, running it as one of the only woman-owned businesses in the area through the late 1970s.
Tom Sardou was 13 when his father died. Family members recall neighbors and friends telling him at the funeral that he was now the man of the house.
"That was drilled into me," Tom said in a 2010 interview with The Batavian, when Viking Valhalla/Rose Garden Bowl was named Business of the Year. "When I went into high school, I knew what my course in life would be. It was going to be running a business."
He learned the bowling business by working nights at Gates Bowl, then at 19 began running Viking Valhalla with his mother. He has been there seven days a week ever since. Chris Sardou, who met Tom at the restaurant, has worked alongside him for decades.
Over the years, the Sardous adapted constantly to keep the business viable — adding sand volleyball courts in 1993, building bowling leagues around every schedule, and finding ways to draw customers through hard winters and the economic disruption that came when the Thruway bypassed Bergen.
"We've never been of that mindset," Tom said in 2010, when asked about giving up.
In 2024, the Bergen Business Civic Association honored the Sardous on the 70th anniversary of Viking Valhalla. That same year, the business earned a spot on the New York Historic Business Preservation Registry. Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented a certificate for the honor, and Bergen Mayor Joseph Chimino called Viking Valhalla "a great asset to our community."
Mary Sardou, who continued coming to the restaurant daily well into her 80s to manage the books, died in June 2019 at age 91.
The proposed comfort care home would be in the back of Stone Church Presbyterian Church in Bergen. Photo from Stone Church Presbyterian Church
As Genesee Valley Regional Community Cares seeks permits for a proposed comfort care home in Bergen, it will also seek bids for someone to do the renovation needed to help make it a reality.
The home would be part of the Stone Church Presbyterian Church, 7549 S. Lake Rd. Genesee Valley wants to repurpose the back of the building to accommodate it.
"It's basically that we're redoing the whole back end, taking out existing walls and putting up new rooms. It's basically opening up the whole back space and reconfiguring it as a two-bedroom residence," said Genesee Valley Board of Directors member Jamie Charters. "You have to redo heating, plumbing, electrical, all the mechanical stuff. The septic system would have to be redone. We're looking to put bids out for the entire project - 'Here's the drawings, here's the plans ... What's the cost?'"
Bids will go out this week, Charters said, adding prospective contractors will have about four weeks to submit them, which would mean roughly the end of July.
Contractors who want to submit bids may contact Genesee Valley board member Mike Haymon at comfortcare585@gmail.com, Charters said.
The Genesee Valley home would be free to residents who have been diagnosed as having fewer than three months to live. Donations and community support would fund it, Charters said. There would be room for two residents at a time and volunteers would largely staff the home. There would be flexible visiting times.
The home would provide housing and caregiving, and an outside hospice agency would handle medical care. Referrals can come from physicians, social workers, discharge planners, healthcare agencies, clergy, individuals or other sources that provide care for individuals approaching the end of life. The home would not be a licensed healthcare facility. Residents would have to be enrolled in hospice care.
"We really don't even have a best guess until we start getting some bids in," Charters said on the possible cost of renovation. "Bids are due at the end of the month. We'll have a better idea of what our next steps are, timing and all that stuff."
Currently, Crossroads House is the only comfort care facility in Genesee County. Orleans County has no comfort care facilities, while Wyoming and Livingston counties have three and one, respectively. Monroe County has 10.
Regarding the town of Bergen, Charters said there are some permit issues to be resolved.
"It's a unique situation, just because it's a part of a church. They're two separate 501c3s," he said of Stone Church and the proposed home care facility. "We're filing for the building permit and a special use permit, just a normal procedure."
He said the town has seen plans for the home and is behind the project.
"It's a pretty nice opportunity to have something like that in the community," he said of a comfort care home. "Once the bids are in, we'll have an idea of the cost. We still need to do some fundraising, volunteering to pay for it - wherever someone might want to contribute to the project. As a group, we'll take on that challenge using any media outlet. There's a lot of media opportunities these days."
UPDATE: "The Genesee County DPW has moved the start date of this project from June 22 to July 29 to better accommodate bus schedules"
Press release:
The Genesee County Department of Public Works is advising drivers that a portion of Creamery Road in the Town of Bergen will be closed for approximately two weeks beginning the week of June 22.
Creamery Road will be closed from West Sweden Road to North Lake Road, also known as Route 19. The closure will be in place for all traffic, including the general public and emergency services.
Drivers approaching from the west will not be able to travel farther east than house #7922. Drivers approaching from the east will not be able to travel farther west than house #7933.
The closure is needed for a culvert replacement project. Drivers should plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use alternate routes during work.
All timeframes are estimates and may change due to unforeseen circumstances, including weather or unexpected site conditions.
A shelter-in-place advisory has been issued for the Village of Bergen following a reported hazardous materials leak at 15 Church St.
Bergen Fire, the Genesee County Hazmat Team and Mercy Medic 1 are responding. The advisory covers a half-mile radius around 15 Church St., though officials say wind could extend that range.
Bonduelle is located at 15 Church St.
Residents in the area should stay indoors, close all windows and doors, turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems and keep pets inside. Residents should avoid the area and allow emergency crews to work.
The advisory will remain in effect until emergency officials determine the area is safe. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Update:
Emergency officials advise that the shelter-in-place advisory remains in effect within a 1/2-mile radius of 15 Church Street in Bergen.
Residents and businesses outside of the 1/2-mile radius may resume normal travel, but should continue to avoid the area around 15 Church Street.
Emergency crews remain on scene. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Jordan A. Baxter, 21, of Silver Springs, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, obstructing governmental administration, evading arrest by concealment of identity, and several traffic violations. Baxter was arrested on June 5 in Batavia. He allegedly fled from police on a bicycle when officers attempted to stop him for a traffic violation. When Baxter was located and taken into custody, he was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine. He was released on appearance tickets.
Mary R. Suttell, 42, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI. Suttell was arrested on May 31 following a traffic stop on Fisher Park. She was released on traffic tickets.
Dontre R. Woods, 36, of Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol. Woods was arrested on May 30 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was released on traffic tickets.
Shawn P. Stevens, 48, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd, trespass, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, and resisting arrest. Stevens was arrested on June 1 after he allegedly refused to leave a residence on State Street and was issued an appearance ticket. Less than 30 minutes later, Stevens returned to the address. When officers attempted to take him into custody again, he allegedly resisted arrest. He was released on appearance tickets.
Dominic J. Taylor, 22, of Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. Taylor was arrested on June 1 in Batavia. He is accused of exposing himself to a group of people during an altercation on Jackson Street. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Alexandra F. Roberts, 38, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment 2nd. Roberts was arrested on June 3 in Batavia. She is accused of striking another person several times in the presence of a child. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Naquan J. Shepherd, 26, of Batavia, is charged with menacing 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, assault 3rd, endangering the welfare of a child, and aggravated family offense. Shepherd was arrested on June 4 in Batavia. He allegedly punched another person in the head multiple times and damaged property in the presence of a child during an altercation on Walnut Street. He was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.
Stanley T. Hooker, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal impersonation (three counts). Hooker was arrested on June 2 in Batavia. He allegedly gave police a false name on three separate occasions when stopped for traffic violations. He was released on an appearance ticket and multiple traffic tickets.
Ryan D. Denz, 37, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd degree and criminal contempt 2nd degree. Denz was arrested on June 6 in Batavia. He allegedly entered a residence in violation of an order of protection. He was held for arraignment.
James E. Wroten, 59, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Wroten was arrested on June 5 in Batavia. He allegedly threatened another person at an address on Summit Street. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Daniel J. Biniaszewski, 51, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful dissemination of an intimate image. Biniaszewski was arrested on June 5 in Batavia. He allegedly shared intimate images of another person without the person's permission. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Jennifer D. Bueg, 40, of State Street, Holley, is charged with DWI with a BAC of 0.18% or more, DWI, and failure to stop at a stop sign. Bueg was stopped at 12:46 a.m. on May 30 on Park Road in the Town of Batavia by Deputy Kaitlyn Englerth. She was released on traffic tickets.
Charles P. Stevens is charged with petit larceny, conspiracy 6th, and falsifying business records 1st. Stevens was arrested on May 29 in Batavia. He is accused of stealing tools from a residence on Overlook Drive and pawning them at Pawn King in Batavia. He was held for arraignment.
Patricia R. McDonald is charged with petit larceny, conspiracy 6th, identity theft 2nd, and falsifying business records 1st. McDonald was arrested on May 31 in Batavia. She is accused of stealing tools from a residence on Overlook Drive, pawning them at Pawn King in Batavia, and using another person's New York State ID to complete the transaction. She was held for arraignment.
Jared E. Flaming, 39, of Genesee Street, Darien, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 1st, DWI with a BAC of 0.18% or more, DWI, operating an ATV without a helmet, and unlawful operation of an ATV on a public highway. Flaming was stopped at 8:39 p.m. on June 4 on Alleghany Road in the Village of Corfu by Deputy Nicholas Jennings. He was released on traffic tickets.
Nicholas E. Patterson, 32, no permanent address, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Patterson was arrested at 6:14 p.m. on June 7 on East Main Street Road, Batavia. He is accused of damaging property not belonging to him. He was held for arraignment.
Abigail M. Barclay, 21, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd and endangering the welfare of a child. Barclay was arrested on June 8 at 3 Gas Lite Lane, Batavia. She is accused of striking another person in the face and causing physical injury in the presence of a child on June 7. She was held for arraignment.
Jamie E. Peters, 34, of Albion, is charged with DWI with a BAC of 0.08% or more, DWI, moving from a lane unsafely, and aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd. Peters was stopped at 12:51 a.m. on June 7 on Lewiston Road in the Town of Alabama by Deputy Corey Lauth. She was released on traffic tickets.
Scott J. Lazarony, 42, of Shepard Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a firearm and tampering with physical evidence. Lazarony was arrested on June 12 on Shepard Road, Batavia. He allegedly possessed an illegal handgun and discarded it during the course of an official police investigation. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Blake N. Snyder, 31, of North Lake Road, Bergen, is charged with aggravated DWI with a child passenger under 16 (Leandra's Law), endangering the welfare of a child, DWI, speed not reasonable and prudent, and seat belt violation. Snyder was stopped at 10:26 p.m. on June 13 at Hickory Park in the Village of Bergen by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was released on traffic tickets.
Justin C. Bailey, 34, of Darien, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child (three counts). Bailey was arrested at 6:19 p.m. on June 13 at 10564 Harper Road, Darien. He was held for arraignment.
Village residents Carolyn Smith, left, and Kelly Hallenbeck listen to the Board of Trustees' responses to their questions at Wednesday night's meeting. Photo by Brian Quinn
A couple of village of Bergen residents came to Wednesday's Board of Trustees meeting wanting to know more about the Municipal Electric Department's franchise area, while the state continues to review a complaint one of them submitted in May.
Resident Carolyn Smith submitted information last month to the comptroller's office identifying what she says are "material unresolved differences" among records including billing records, the annual report to the state Department of Public Service (DPS), purchase power adjustment calculation (PPAC) worksheets, New York Power Authority/New York Municipal Power Agency/National Grid records and demand billing records.
The purchased power adjustment (PPA) is a clause in a rate schedule that provides for adjustments to the bill when energy from another electric system is acquired, and its cost varies from a specified unit base amount, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Purchase power adjustment calculation is the specific mathematical formula or equation that the utility uses to determine the PPA rate.
Regarding electric franchise maps, board members Wednesday said the franchise was established several decades ago - possibly 80 years ago or more. There is a map that MRB Group did in June 2003 which shows that the franchise area includes the village boundaries, plus Apple Tree Acres. One of the franchise area boundaries, according to the MRB Group map, is Interstate 490 at the boundary between Genesee and Monroe counties.
Smith asked if the village had franchise maps.
"I pulled the deeds and the maps are not attached to anything," she said. "I talked to the commission (PSC). They don't have the maps. They said they've asked for the maps. They don't have provided maps. When I talked to the commission, it was not their understanding that it (the electric franchise size) was going to be that big.
"The franchise maps where we're saying these lines are ... There were no buildings there, so it's confusing as to how we were tied to them, because they were only lots of land," Smith said. "It wasn't like we were powering anything. What we were powering in 1999 when we asked to recertify was the same thing we were powering in 1945."
Smith said the maps don't seem to exist. She has asked the village for the maps and has also gone to the Genesee County Clerk's Office. Village Administrator, Clerk and Treasurer Cortney Gale said he thought he sent Smith the map MRB Group created. He said the village also talked to National Grid and the New York Power Authority.
Trustee Joseph Chimino said there was a court case in 1999 and the court ruled that this was the village's franchise area. Niagara Mohawk, predecessor to National Grid, was trying to take it over and the court ruled against Niagara Mohawk in the dispute.
Smith said the point is that the village has not grown.
"We have not gotten more hydro (hydropower). We are claiming a franchise that is three times the size of this village and we haven't gotten an ounce more," she said. "If we were getting more hydro, I'd say, 'Hey, have at it.' But, we're not."
Chimino replied, "That's out of our control. That's the Power Authority. That's not us."
Mayor Michael Fleming reiterated that the hope is to let the PSC look at all these matters.
"I'm sure they'll be in contact with you and have conversations," he said to Smith. "We're serving our franchise area as it sets today, according to our legal mandates. We'll continue to do so."
Resident Kelly Hallenbeck said since there have been concerns from residents about electric bills, she took a close look at video of Village Board meetings, starting with January's session.
"There were some questions that had come up during those meetings. I know you had a lot of questions during those meetings, but there were some that I didn't see any answers to or responses to. I would just like to follow up on those," Hallenbeck said.
Hallenbeck said that during the March meeting, Trustee Joseph Chimino called for a cost of service study.
"What's the status in regards to that?" she asked.
Gale said the village has talked to Jim Stokes, head of the Municipal Electric Utilities Association and the New York Municipal Power Agency, who was at the March board meeting.
"We're trying to find accounting firms who can do that kind of work. There's not a lot of ones out there who do municipal electric accounting," Gale said. "We're trying to find somebody else to do that for us. If we find a few agencies who do that ... we'll send an RFP (request for proposals). We'll send it to them so they actually get it and can bid on it."
Hallenbeck read a question about whether the village's purchase power adjustment calculation (PPAC) can be separated into residential or industrial/commercial so residents can see the information.
Gale said with the status of the Public Service Commission (PSC) investigation, the PSC might look at something like that.
"I would suggest waiting for the PSC to do their investigation first and see what they bring up," he said. "If they do and they come to that conclusion, then we don't have to go out and pay to have that done again."
Fleming said the complaint to the PSC is open.
"We have responded with our openness and willingness to comply with any needs that they (the PSC) have for us. We're awaiting their response," Fleming said. "They sent us one email saying they received the complaint, but they haven't given us any indication of what the next steps will be for us or with us. At this moment, the only comments I'm making about that is, 'We're not going to comment while there's an open PSC complaint.' Hopefully, all those questions will be wrapped up, because I believe all those line items were in there - in that complaint."
Hallenbeck also asked about the Apple Tree Acres business park.
"Do you have any idea if there are any more businesses to come in there in the future? I know there is also industrial zoning across the street there, too," she said.
Fleming said that's up to the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC).
"There's been no inquiries to the village from any commercial businesses adding to the business park up there, that I'm aware of," he said. "I haven't seen any notice or request."
Hallenbeck asked, "If the GCEDC has something in the works, do they notify you?"
"It gets kind of annoying sometimes, because we have a tendency to hear things second- or third-hand," Gale said. "The zoning is town of Bergen, so unless GCEDC approaches us and says, 'This is happening. Can you supply us whatever?' there's have been a few cases when they're getting awful close to breaking ground before we're in on it."
Village Administrator, Clerk and Treasurer Cortney Gale, left, responds to a question from the community. Next to him is Mayor Michael Fleming. Photo by Brian Quinn
This year's Park Fest will be Friday and Saturday, at Hickory Park in Bergen - a full weekend of hometown fun, community pride, food, music, vendors, fireworks, and memories in the making.
This year’s festival is extra special as we celebrate America 250 with a weekend packed full of patriotic spirit and family-friendly fun. Friday kicks off with the kids-only basketball HORSE tournament from 6-8 p.m., chicken BBQ from 5-7 p.m., live music from Black Cherry Voodoo (5-8 p.m.), and Firefly Mobile Bar, and The Sugar Shack, both from 4:30-8 p.m.
Then, Saturday brings the full Park Fest magic — parade down Main Street at noon, car show from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., craft and art vendors from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., food vendors and mobile bars from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., bounce houses noon-6 p.m., dunk tank 1-3 p.m., magic show 2 p.m., watermelon eating contest 3 p.m. and the ultimate fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your lawn chairs. Come hungry, stay late, and help us celebrate everything that makes Bergen such a special community.
Saturday's schedule also includes a Steele the Court Basketball Tournament at 8:30 a.m., live music with a DJ from 1-3 p.m., Koko and Shane 3-6 p.m. and Dial Up 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Marquel M. Kennedy, 28, of Buffalo, is charged with manslaughter 2nd, criminally negligent homicide, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd. A Genesee County grand jury indicted Kennedy in connection with a fatal motor vehicle accident on Route 63 in the Town of Bethany on June 16, 2025, in which Ryan A. Farley, 40, of Hemlock, was killed. Kennedy was driving a 2008 Volvo SUV northbound on Route 63 when he allegedly attempted to pass two northbound tractor-trailers and a farm tractor and collided head-on with Farley's southbound 2017 Honda motorcycle. Farley was pronounced dead at the scene. Kennedy was transported to UMMC for observation following the crash. Kennedy was arrested at 2:52 a.m. on June 3 by Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office deputies assigned to the Seneca Nation Allegany Territory during a traffic stop in the Town of Carrollton, where he was found to have an active arrest warrant out of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. He was turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and arraigned in Genesee County Court, where he was held on $10,000 cash bail.
Coty Kimmel
Coty L. Kimmel, 32, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd, robbery 3rd, unlawful imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell (two counts), criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, tampering with physical evidence, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia (two counts). Kimmel was arrested on June 2 in the Town of Batavia. He is accused of violently assaulting a victim, causing serious physical injury in the presence of a young child. Deputies and the Genesee County Drug Task Force later executed a search warrant at his Park Road residence, where Kimmel was additionally found in alleged possession of narcotics. He was held at the Genesee County Jail on $20,000 bail.
Tyshon H. Hawkins, 33, of Creek Road, Brick, N.J., is charged with reckless endangerment 1st, grand larceny 4th, possession of burglar tools, endangering the welfare of a child (three counts), unlawful fleeing from a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, and reckless driving. Hawkins was arrested at 6:51 p.m. on May 17 at 4180 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. He is accused of using a metal tag remover to steal high-value clothing items from Dick's Sporting Goods, concealing them on his person and passing all points of sale without paying. Deputies attempted to stop him, but Hawkins allegedly fled in a motor vehicle, struck another vehicle during the pursuit and continued on. He was held for arraignment.
Craig D. Brown, 45, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd, confined in a correctional facility. Brown was arrested at 9:37 p.m. on May 23 at 3839 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. He is accused of assaulting another individual while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail. He was held for arraignment.
Jon H. Bush Sr., 66, and Jon Bush Jr., 42, both of West Main Street Road, Batavia, are each charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Both were arrested at 8:29 p.m. on June 1 at 3773 Main St. 2, Batavia. They allegedly unlawfully possessed a controlled substance. Both were transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released on appearance tickets.
Jeanna M. Hattaway, 39, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 3rd and petit larceny. Hattaway was arrested on May 20 in Batavia. She is accused of entering the Dollar General store on East Main Street, where she had previously been trespassed, and stealing merchandise. She was held for arraignment.
Kevin M. Waleski, 38, of Batavia, is charged with failing to report a change of address as a sex offender. Waleski, a level 1 sex offender, was arrested on May 21. He allegedly failed to report a change of address within 10 days. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Michael C. Stoddard, 52, of Batavia, is charged with failing to report a change of address as a sex offender. Stoddard, a level 2 sex offender, was arrested on May 21. He allegedly failed to report a change of address within 10 days. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Kristian L. Alexander, 45, of Batavia, is charged with felony DWI. Alexander was arrested on May 24 following an investigation into a property damage accident on Bank Street. He was held for arraignment.
Markis R. Gaines, 29, of Ontario, is charged with burglary 3rd and criminal impersonation. Gaines was arrested on May 31 in Batavia. He is accused of entering the Richmond Memorial Library, where he had previously been trespassed, by using another person's library card. He was held for arraignment.
Amanda L. Leach, 36, of Bergen, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal contempt 2nd. Leach was arrested on May 27 in Batavia. She is accused of entering a home on Summit Street in violation of an order of protection. She was held for arraignment.
Israe S. Alvarez-Martinez, 30, is charged with DWI. Alvarez-Martinez was arrested on May 17 following a traffic stop on West Main Street. He was released on traffic tickets.
Patrick M. Cummings, 43, of Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Cummings was arrested on May 23 following an investigation into an altercation at TF Brown's. He is accused of grabbing another person by the neck. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Steven J. Godinho, 41, of Batavia, was arrested on May 22 on four outstanding bench warrants. He allegedly initially failed to comply with officers as they attempted to take him into custody, and was additionally charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd. He was held for arraignment.
Hailey M. McLane and Kailyn A. Beatty are charged with conspiracy 6th. McLane and Beatty were arrested on May 30. They allegedly conspired to tamper with another person's vehicle. Beatty was additionally charged with criminal tampering 3rd. Both were released on appearance tickets.
Justin M. Evans, 30, of Central Square, is charged with DWI. Evans was arrested on May 30 following a traffic stop on Clinton Street. He was released on traffic tickets.
Corbin L. Nichols, 18, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Nichols was arrested on May 21. He allegedly violated an order of protection by returning to an address on Bank Street. He was held for arraignment.
Ryan A. Maxwell, 22, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and harassment 2nd. Maxwell was arrested on May 26. He is accused of being involved in a physical altercation with another person and damaging property. He was held for arraignment.
Benjamin G. Evans IV, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Evans was arrested on May 28. He was allegedly found in possession of cocaine when police took him into custody on an outstanding warrant. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Joseph C. Jeffords is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia (two counts). Jeffords was arrested on June 2 in the Town of Batavia while a search warrant was being executed at a Park Road residence. He was held without bail pending arraignment.
Clifford S. Gamboa, 30, of East Bridge Street, Saugerties, is charged with grand larceny 4th, conspiracy 5th and burglary 3rd. Gamboa was arrested at 5:36 p.m. on May 30 at 8330 Lewiston Road, Batavia. He is accused of working alongside an accomplice to steal items from BJ's Wholesale Club and pass all points of sale without paying. Gamboa had previously been barred from the store. He was held for arraignment.
Shanita T. Jackson, 30, of East Bridge Street, Saugerties, is charged with grand larceny 4th degree and conspiracy 5th degree. Jackson was arrested at 5:36 p.m. on May 30 at 8330 Lewiston Road, Batavia. She is accused of working alongside an accomplice to steal items from BJ's Wholesale Club and pass all points of sale without paying. She was held for arraignment.
Diamond S. Stewart is charged with grand larceny 4th, conspiracy 6th, endangering the welfare of a child, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of burglary tools. Stewart was arrested on May 30 at 4180 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. She is accused of removing sensors from merchandise in the dressing rooms at Dick's Sporting Goods while children were present. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Christina M. Trotter is charged with grand larceny 4th, conspiracy 6th, endangering the welfare of a child, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of burglary tools. Trotter was arrested on May 30 at 4180 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. She is accused of removing sensors from merchandise in the dressing rooms at Dick's Sporting Goods while children were present. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Anyia V. Doward, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Doward was arrested at 6:50 p.m. on May 26 on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. She is accused of intending to cause physical injury to another individual during a fist fight. She was held for arraignment.
Steven J. Godinho, 41, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with introducing dangerous contraband into a prison 1st, concealing/altering/destroying physical evidence, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Godinho was arrested at 5:31 p.m. on May 22 at the Genesee County Jail. He is accused of concealing Clonazepam in his underwear to evade detection while entering a secure facility. He was held for arraignment.
Kirby R.T. Heath, 22, of Modern Avenue, Lackawanna, is charged with DWI with a BAC of 0.08% or more, DWI, open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, and operator leaves scene of a property damage accident. Heath was stopped at 9:11 p.m. on May 29 on Sumner Road in the Town of Darien by Deputy Neva Saile. He was released on traffic tickets.
Sandra L. Marsceill, 54, of Charles Court, Batavia, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing 1st and criminal use of a benefit card 2nd. Marsceill was arrested on May 29 at 5130 E. Main Street Road, Batavia. She is accused of using another person's DSS benefits. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Joseph Penzella, 41, of East 125th Street, Manhattan, is charged with possession of a forged instrument 1st, conspiracy 4th and grand larceny 4th. Penzella was arrested on June 3 at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, following an investigation into 22 forged $100 bills used at a local department store. He is accused of passing counterfeit currency, along with an accomplice, to purchase merchandise in excess of $2,000. Penzella had been arrested for similar charges in Monroe County and was turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office upon his release. He was held for arraignment.
Noel Luis Ruis, of Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to keep right, and moving from a lane unsafely. Ruis was stopped in the Town of Barre by the Orleans County Sheriff's Office. He was released on traffic tickets.
A community art exhibition planned for Nov. 7 in Bergen will bring to life a dream that designer and artist Vickie Almquist held for years but never got to see realized.
Almquist, a Bergen native who spent nearly four decades in New York City building a career in fashion and graphic design, passed away in August 2025 after a battle with cancer. In the months following her death, a committee of friends — themselves artists and Bergen community members — set out to honor her memory by making the local art show she had long envisioned a reality.
Almquist's creative roots ran deep. As a youth, she won a blue ribbon through 4-H for a dress she designed, cut, sewed and modeled herself. She went on to earn a degree in fashion design from Pratt University in Brooklyn before building a career that took her through some of New York's most recognized names in publishing and design.
She served as studio manager for graphic arts company Reign and Califano and worked as a graphic designer for magazines under the New York Times umbrella, including Martha Stewart Living and Family Circle. She finished her career at Bertelsmann SE and Co. (Penguin Random House).
When she returned to Bergen, she threw herself into the community. She was a member of the Bergen Business and Civic Association, the Bergen Triangle Club, and the Village of Bergen Planning Board, and was active with the Byron-Bergen Public Library. She took classes at the Memorial Art Gallery, where she developed a love for oil painting, and made cards and jewelry while lending her design expertise to the community groups she volunteered for.
The exhibition will be held at the Sage Pavilion in Bergen on Nov. 7. Artists of all ages and experience levels — school-aged, hobbyists and professionals alike — are invited to submit up to three pieces, including sculptures, paintings or photography. Work must be family-friendly. The application deadline is Aug. 31, and the online application is available at forms.gle/6NRjr2Vi3wC8HpESA.
Selected artists will receive information about dropping off and picking up their work. The committee will also help connect artists with prospective buyers for any pieces sold at the exhibition.
