Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for three weeks of yoga or Tai Chi, 3 classes, a $36 value, for $18.

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: What better way to brighten your home or office for the holidays than with flowers? We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; new all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

Scratch Bakery, 24 Main St. Le Roy, NY: A real bakery right in Genesee County. Scones, cookies, cakes, breads, rolls and more. Call ahead, 297-2441, for availability or special orders. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's, a great place for pizza, wings, subs -- eat in, take out or delivery. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

The Enchanted Florist

A one-car rollover accident has been reported in teh area of 7133 Townline, Bergen.

Two women in the car are out and walking around, but may have suffered minor injuries.

Bergen Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

On my way back from Rochester this evening, I stopped along Route 33 in Bergen and took this picture.

A fire is reported in a detached garage on Angling Road, near Read Road in East Pembroke. The garage is part of property at 8670 Read Road.

Heavy smoke is coming from the garage eaves.

East Pembroke and Corfu fire departments are responding, along with Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 4:51 p.m.: All traffic is being shut down at Read and Angling roads as well as West Avenue and Angling Road.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: The fire is out. The chief says the fire probably started due to an electrical malfunction in a vehicle parked inside.

A two-car accident partially blocking the roadway is reported in the Village of Elba south of the intersection of Route 98 and Chapel Road. No word on injuries.

Elba Fire Department is responding and/or a Sheriff deputy.

UPDATE 5:02: About 20 minutes ago, the first responder reported no accident was located in the vicinity.

The odor of smoke is coming from a four-apartment structure at 25 Vine St. in the city.

City fire department is on scene. A firefighter says nothing is showing, but they are investigating.

One woman has been evacuated. She said she was not sure if anyone else was at home in the other three apartments.

UPDATE 12:05 p.m.: After investigating the building, nothing was found amiss and units are returned to service.

Nominations for this poll are based on what I was able to get out and photograph, and of those, my favorites.

This year's Christmas light pictures can be purchased by clicking here.

A one vehicle rollover accident has been reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 392.

The driver is not injured, but unable to get out of her car.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 8:43 a.m.: A fire chief reports roads are slick and icy. Also, the driver has gotten herself out of the vehicle. She's seems to be injured.

Joseph Richmond of the Batavia Area Jaycees submitted this pictures of the group's annual Christmas lights contest winners.

Above, Most Colorful - 8485 Stringham Drive.

More pictures after the jump:

Friend of the Lighting Company - 16 Vine

Honorable Mention - 16 and 18 Tracey

Honorable Mention - All of Redfield Parkway

Most Commercial - 21 Union.JPG

Most Patriotic - 24 Roosevelt

Most Traditional - 12 Vernon Avenue

Overall - 2 Lincoln.

SimpleAndElegant - 14 Union Street

A male about 18 year old is reported to be lying in a snow bank, possibly suffering from hypothermia, at 4822 Route 20, near Silver Road.

Mercy EMS and a crew from Bethany Fire Department are responding.

UPDATE 3:46 p.m.: Responders have requested a deputy to the scene "to secure an item."

UPDATE 3:54 p.m.: The man is being transported to UMMC. A fireman is remaining at the scene until a deputy arrives.

UPDATE 4:01 p.m.: The deputy is going to the scene "to pick up a bicycle."

Representatives of Arcadia Publishing have been traveling to communities across the country for at least 10 years for their "Images of America" series, and last winter they approached Larry D. Barnes, Batavia's resident historian.

According to Barnes, the South Carolina-based publishing company, which published another book on Batavia -- simply titled "Batavia" -- about 10 years ago, wanted to "take another look" at the city and its history.

Barnes' book, "Batavia Revisited," will explore different topics and feature different photos -- of which there are about 220 in all -- from the first book. It covers many of the major events that reshaped the city's appearance, including:

• The relocation of the railroad tracks to the outskirts of town;

• The construction of the Oak Street Bridge; and

• The Urban Renewal of the 1960s and early 1970s

As a book that relies heavily on the use of photographs, "Batavia Revisited" is mainly focused on the period from 1860 onward. However, Barnes includes an introduction dealing with Batavia's earlier history, which goes back to the early 1800s.

"I also try to straighten out some misinformation over the years (about Batavia's history)," Barnes said. "For example, I've found over and over again in my research, that the person most people think built the Old City Hall had been dead for two years (before it was built). It was his son who built it."

Barnes is a retired Genesee Community College professor and a volunteer with the Genesee County History Department. He taught psychology, but describes history as a "second career."

"It's a personal interest of mine," he said. "I do a lot of (historical) writing and research."

The book will be on sale starting Jan. 17, and will be available for purchase at Present Tense books on Wasington Avenue (and probably at the Holland Land Office Museum as well).

For more information on the book, please visit its page on Arcadia Publishing.

This information comes from a news release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office:

On Dec. 23, a hearing -- without an opportunity for public input -- was held on outdoor wood boilers by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. It decided to go full-steam to outlaw existing units and require stringent, and costly, regulations for newly built ones.

Wood-burning boilers are commonly used on farms and multi-acre properties to convert accessible natural resources into energy for heating homes and businesses.

“Time and time again, we see that a lack of transparency in government breeds regressive, anti-business policies,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Previously, the DEC agreed to phase out their use, instead of banning them, after heated protests at public hearings, including at least one in Genesee County, and heavy scutiny from members of the Assembly Minority Conference.

Hawley characterized Thursday's hearing and the DEC's reversal as "an example of irresponsible bureaucracy at its worst. The DEC rammed through new regulations that will drive the cost...upwards of $10,000."

He says the decision ignores the impact on people in rural areas like Western New York and serves as yet another example of what happens when the power is taken from the public and given to bureaucracies.

"Once again, state officials have ignored the will of rural New Yorkers and ushered through their own misguided agenda, with no consideration of the expense to the taxpayer.

“In light of the recent controversy surrounding the DEC, I find it appalling that they would continue to repeat the mistakes of old, rather than turn over a new leaf."

Clinton James Laporte, 22, of Prole Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to stop and insufficient tail lamps. Laporte was stopped at 2:52 a.m. on South Lake Street, Bergen, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Batavia Downs Grandstand Bar & Grille, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY: A full menu, salad bar and drinks in one of the region's most popular entertainment venues. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50. (Must be new or current Players Club member to redeem.)

The Daily Grind, 85 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: For Batavia's finest coffee, smoothies, as well as fast and convenient breakfasts and lunches, stop into The Daily Grind. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; new all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

A motor-vehicle accident with a minor injury is reported at 2677 W. Main St. Road in front of Jim's Saloon. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding nonemergency.

It's most likely going to be a "sign-off." The patient is now in the kitchen at the saloon.

With a $2,000 donation from an unnamed local attorney, the Genesee Justice Foundation has been born.

At a meeting on Dec. 17, according to a press release, nine community members gathered to start the process of forming a nonprofit corporation in order to raise money to pay for a fully functional restorative justice program in Genesee County.

The pioneering program was threatened with elimination earlier because of the county's' budget crunch. The program was saved, at least temporarily, when director Ed Minardo offered to accept a layoff and current Genesee Justice staff members agreed to reduced hours.

The cuts eliminated approximately $100,000 in expenses, giving Genesee Justice at least a one-year reprieve.

The initial donation will help cover start-up costs for the foundation.

Anyone interested in joining the effort to save Genesee Justice, or to donate, can contact Jane Schmider, (585) 738-8292.

For previous coverage, click here.

A Genesee County man will spend 24 months in federal prison for drug dealing, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Buffalo announced today.

Kenneth E. Munnings, 45, of Byron, was convicted in July in Federal Court of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana.

The charges stemmed from a join federal, state and local wiretap investigation, which revealed the defendant was responsible for obtaining significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana from a drug trafficking network in Rochester and then distributing the drugs in Genesee County.

Prosecutors say Munnings dealt drugs from some time in 2006 until October 2008.

A Batavia woman faces up to 10 years in federal prison after admitting in a Buffalo court today that she forged more than 100 business checks, pocketing more than $85,000.

Deborah Dutton, 55, entered a guilty plea to a charge of check forgery.

Dutton was accused in October of making out checks to herself and others for her benefit, drawn on her employer's business account.

Sentencing is set for 9 a.m., April 11, in Buffalo.

Somebody reportedly threw a cat from a moving vehicle in the area of Sport of Kings on West Main Street.

Police are looking for a gray Ford utility truck with a ladder rack on it.

A unit is being dispatched to the Sport of Kings area to see if he can find the cat and check on its welfare.

UPDATE 4:40 p.m. (Billie): The truck was last spotted eastbound on Route 5. So far, the cat has not been located.