Three days after Christmas, and now we're getting snow.

After a couple of inches of snow overnight, more snow is expected this morning, and this afternoon and tonight up to three inches of lake effect snow is expected to fall.

And it will get colder tonight and tomorrow, with temperatures falling to 10 degrees with a high tomorrow of 14 degrees.

Tonight, also expect wind. The west winds will blow 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

There is snow forecast throughout the week, with chances of snow ranging from 40 percent to 80 percent.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Family photos are more than just photographs. When you need photos for that special occasion, Carlson's is a great choice in Genesee County. We have a $150 gift card for $75 (+$2 PayPal Service fee).

Kravings Kafe, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When it's time for a great hamburger, Jackson St. Grill will serve you among the best around. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

The Color Salon, 35 Center St., Batavia, NY: Susan Francis, the owner and stylist at The Color Salon reminds women, "your hair is your greatest accessory." Francis has more than 20 years of experience helping women get the best hair color. We have a $50 gift certificate for $25.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. 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.

A 20-year-old driver involved in a 4 a.m. one-vehicle accident in Batavia is in very serious condition at Erie County Medical Center, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Eslie J. Worthington, III, 20, was driving a 1998 Dodge Ram pickup westbound on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road when the truck traveled off the south shoulder and struck a culvert.

Worthington was the only person in the truck. He sustained head injuries and was taken to ECMC by Mercy Flight.

The Sheriff Office reports that the investigation is ongoing, but that "alcohol appears to be a factor." Charges are pending.

The investigation is being conducted by Deputy Jason Saile, with deputies Kevin McCarthy and Frank Bordonaro along with investigator Timothy Weis and Sgt. William Scott of the Crash Management Team.

I know its the last week of December and also the year! There is snow on the ground and were tucked between two holidays, Christmas and New Years. We couldn't be any further away from baseball!   This is why it's more important now than ever that we think about our Batavia Muckdogs and the upcoming 2010 season. 

The Rochester Red Wings have been operating the Muckdogs the last two seasons and have stepped up to the plate and will operate the team again in 2010. I say stepped up to the plate because for two seasons the Wings have lost  a lot of money operating the Muckdogs. This is a critical time for our team. The Wings came on board at the last minute a few years ago when we were about to lose our pro team.  They really saved our team.  If Hollywood was involved, they probably couldn't have written a script any better. 'A Small city franchise since 1939 on the brink of losing its only pro team when a neighboring big city franchise saves the team.  Then its a magical year where for the first time in 45 years that small city wins a championship!'  It was a magical season, but  now after two seasons of operating in the "red" , you have to wonder how much longer the Wings can keep the Muckdogs in Batavia!

I have spoken with several people involved with the Red Wings and they all want this to work in Batavia. This is where I ask you, the citizens of Batavia and Genesee County to step up to the plate and support our only professional franchise.  If every business in our area bought just one pair of season tickets, that would be enough to save the team! Just one pair! Its a tax write off for the business and in turn they can use the tickets for their employees and a gift to other businesses they work with.  

A summer night at Dwyer Stadium is so much more then a night out at a baseball game. Dwyer stadium is really the only place left in our County that people can gather together in a community atmosphere and visit with old friends while making new ones. I worked for a small business in Batavia on Main st. for years. I used to hear all the time how our community would gather together on a Saturday night on Main st. and visit with old friends while making new ones! Dwyer stadium is our last place like that!  I can't tell you how much fun the social aspect is at Dwyer!  Also the cost for a family of four sitting together on a summer night outside compared to a night of sitting in the quiet dark movie theater is no contest! The Muckdogs win in price and entertainment every time!

Batavia has had pro ball since 1939. The league we play in was born right here at the Hotel Richmond!  Yes it has grown and moved on to bigger markets like Staten Island, Brooklyn and Aberdeen. How cool is it hat Brooklyn comes to Batavia to play pro ball?  How cool is it that a parent can bring their kids to a game where they can watch future MLB stars in our own backyard?

There are bigger markets that would jump at the chance of having a pro baseball franchise in their city.  We are lucky to still have ours and its up to us, the citizens and businesses of Batavia and Genesee County to hold onto ours!  I hope you consider stopping down to Dwyer in the coming month, the first of 2010, to show Rochester and the New York Penn League that were serious about keeping our franchise for many years to come!

After a couple of somewhat warm days of rain, scanner reports say the roads are icing over tonight.

Fargo Road in Stafford has been reported as "pure ice."

There's a good likelihood of snow on Sunday with an accumulation of 1 to 2 inches, and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday all have some snow forecast currently.

After a report of a large plume of smoke at Hanson Aggregates in Pavilion, a fire alarm went out for both Pavilion and Le Roy fire departments.

Once the the plume was discovered to be a Dumpster fire, Le Roy was ordered to stand down.

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A woman who possibly had a stroke while driving on Route 77 on Christmas Day remains in critical, but stable condition at Erie County Medical Center.

A spokesman for ECMC said the condition of Jean E. Germonte, 75, of 105 Sawyer Ave., Depew, "remains unchanged."

At 12:20 p.m on Friday, Germonte was reportedly driving her 2006 Chevrolet sedan southbound on Route 77 when callers reported a car fitting that description operating erratically. Deputy Loni Nati found the car on Route 77 allegedly going 10 mph in the northbound lane.

Nati called for State Police to block off the intersection at Route 77 and the Thruway overpass. During the incident, Nati reported Germonte's car slowing to 5 mph. It then reportedly hit a guardrail before driving into a snow bank.

Mercy EMS responded and requested that Mercy Flight be dispatched to the scene. Germonte was then flown to ECMC.

The Batavia Lions Club has purchased a device that helps people with severe eyesight problems see better -- well enough to read a  book or continue with favorite hobbies.

The first person to get to use the device is Tamara Augello of Elba. Augello lost sight in her right eye due to complications from diabetes. While she relies on her left eye to see, that eye has been losing its vision.

The Lions Club has loaned her a $3,300 machine called a Topaz CCTV. It magnifies items, such as books, so that people using the machine can see to read.

Augello also enjoys needlepoint and the machine will help her complete some projects she's been working on.

“Not only can I read any book I choose, but also, my little grandson can sit on my lap while I read him all the books he loves," Augello told the club in a letter.

Half the cost of the machine was covered by a grant from the New York State and Bermuda Lions Foundation MD-20 Grant Program, and the remaining funds for the purchase were raised by local club members.

In a statement, the club said:

We wish Tamara many years of enjoyment as she uses this equipment to again do what she loves. We also encourage local people with special vision needs to contact the Batavia Lions Club. It is our goal to work hard to provide assistance to the visually impaired in our area.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Men, enjoy a $5 haircut again with this offer exclusive to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

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.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Family photos are more than just photographs. When you need photos for that special occasion, Carlson's is a great choice in Genesee County. We have a $150 gift card for $75 (+$2 PayPal Service fee).

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card 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 a seven-week  session (one class per week), which is a $56 value, for $28.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Belladessa's Pizzeria/Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Here's a deal -- half off on a Family Meal Deal from Belladessa's, which is a large 1 topping pizza, 24 wings and 2-liter bottle of soda. It's a $25 value for $12.50.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Kravings Kafe, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

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.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Sallome's Italian Deli, 40 Oak St., Batavia, NY: Wraps, subs, paninis and pasta as well as pizzas -- Sallome's offers a tasty variety of Italian deli items for eat-in or take-out.

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

Down to Earth Approach, a rock band that landed the coveted record deal, released two CDs, toured all over the country, and won over more than a few fans, was formed in Batavia a decade ago.

The band hasn't played together since 2007, but for tonight they've booked a reunion show at (the former) Main Street Coffee.  Tickets are $15 at the door and 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army.

The video above is from a previous show at Main Street Coffee.  There's more videos of the band on YouTube, including the fun one at the bottom of this post.

Pete Metzler, an original member of the band, e-mailed us this history of the group:

I, along with the other 4 members of the band are Batavia natives. We formed  in 2000 and after about a year or so we decided to go for it, and all dropped  out of college. We then packed up and moved to Los Angeles. We lived out  there for a couple years playing shows and trying to make a name for  ourselves and in late 2003 we signed a record deal with Vagrant Records. In  August 2004, our first record 'Another Intervention' was released. At that  point we commenced what turned into almost 4 years of touring the US and  Canada regularly. Over this time we played about 350 or 400 shows all over  the country including the entire Vans Warped Tour 2006. In 2007 we released  our second record 'Come Back to You'. Unfortunately life started to catch up  with us and we decided to call it a day right after our 2nd record was  released.

Here's the band's MySpace page, and more about the band on their record label's site.

Besides Metzler, band members include: John McCampbell, Daniel Shepard, Ryan McClurg and Jonathan Lullo.

Also on the bill tonight, The Hoodies and Justin Reynolds.

As many as 250 people will receive a free Christmas dinner today at T.F. Brown's, courtesy of the Mancuso family, Joe Teresi and the Lions Club. The tables for the noon meal were already near full just before 12. There were plenty of children there, too, all eager, surely, for Santa's visit.

Pictured is Pat Mancuso, son of Rick Mancuso. Pat is a sophomore at Medaille College and home on break.

 I thought I would finish out the series with a bit of humor. Thank you again to everyone who stopped by The Batavian booth and said hi.

An elderly woman driving southbound on Route 77 has apparently had a seizure while driving.

Mercy EMS is being dispatched to the Thruway overpass at Route 77.

The driver was first reported by a caller to the dispatch center for alleged erratic driving. She almost hit a stop sign, realized it was in front her and backed up and pulled back into traffic, going southbound in the northbound lane of Route 77.

A Sheriff's deputy pulled behind her minutes later and reported she was driving 12 mph and not stopping.  He requested that State Police block the intersection at the Thruway.

A Trooper did manage to get to the intersection just before the driver arrived and stopped traffic.

The driver -- born in 1934 according to the scanner report -- was going up the bridge at 5 mph. She then hit a guard rail.  The next call said she had run into a snow bank.

A law enforcement officer then reported she was in a seizure and asked dispatch to expedite Mercy EMS. 

The woman has a pulse, according to a law enforcement officer on scene, but is unconscious.

UPDATE 12:55 p.m.: Mercy Flight is being dispatched.

Bing Crosby, White Christmas

Bing and David Bowie, Little Drummer Boy

John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Happy Christmas (War is Over)

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, many happy days for one and all.

A car is reportedly on its side at 7636 Maple Street Road in Basom. There are no reported injuries at this time.

Corfu Fire is being dispatched to report of a house fire at 2491 Angling Road, Corfu.

Also dispatched, East Pembroke and Batavia Fast Team.

First responder: "We have a fully involved house fire."

UPDATE 6:33 p.m.: Angling Road at Route 33 is being shut down. Everybody is reported out of the house.

UPDATE 6:40 p.m.: A full crew from Corfu is on scene. The roads are ordered shut to traffic. Two hand-lines are requested.

UPDATE 6:44 p.m.: Fire knocked out; air ventilation under way.

UPDATE 7:02 p.m.: Report is now, "Fire contained to one small area."

UPDATE 9:14 a.m., Friday: We received a fire report from the Sheriff's Office.  The house was a multi-unit dwelling owned by David Martino. The apparent cause of the fire was a space heater that overheated. Additional information left by firefighter Bruce Ross in a comment below, as well.

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A car is on its roof on the Thruway following a single-vehicle accident.

Le Roy Fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

No word yet on injuries.

UPDATE 1:44 p.m.: A reader sent in the mobile phone picture. No word as yet on whether there are any injuries and it sounds like Le Roy Fire is back in service.

Last night's shots fired on Tracy Avenue was likely no random act of violence, according to Batavia Police Det. Richard Schauf.

"Our investigation right now is leading us toward a possible relationship as opposed to a road rage incident," Schauf said during a press conference this morning. "Based on early investigation and comments that were made, it's looking more pointed than random."

At 10:30 p.m., two 18-year-old men were driving on Tracy Avenue being followed by a truck, when they pulled into a driveway to try and evade the tail, somebody in the truck opened fire on the car. The car, a 1999 Mazda 626, managed to plow through a snow bank and escape the scene of the shooting.

Neither occupant was injured. One of the victims is a Town of Batavia resident and the other is from the Village of Albion.

Police are looking for a person of interest and have sent bulletins to law enforcement agencies throughout New York.

Schauf said that based on the number of shots fired at the car, the shooting was intended to actually cause harm instead of just intimidating the young men. The two people may still be in some degree of danger with the shooter still at large.

The police have the name of the person of interest, but are not releasing that information.

While the 18-year-olds are being cooperative, Schauf said, their first statements were the most useful in identifying the person of interest.

"Initially in the excitement of it, there were some statements made by the victims that led to a person who might be of interest," Schauff said. "As the investigation has gone on it hasn't been as clear as it was during the initial excitement."

To help identify the likely shooter and uncover a connection, police are interviewing the youths as well as their friends to try and retrace their steps yesterday.

There is no definitive description of the shooter's truck, if it was indeed a truck. Police are unsure if  there was one person or more than one person in the vehicle.

Police would like residents to report any unusual driving they saw last night in the area of Tracy and East avenues.