A low-hanging wire that is arcing has been reported in the area of Main Street and Porter Avenue.

There have apparently been some power issues at the pump house on Main Street.

At the same time, there's a fire alarm at the Blind School on Washington Avenue. The school attributes the alarm to a power fluctuation. 

City Ladder 15 is responding to Main Street. Engine 12 is going to the Blind School as a precaution.

UPDATE 8:20 a.m.: There is a sort of low-hanging wire, but nothing arcing, and it's not impeding traffic, City Fire reports. National Grid being called in to check the wire. Also, Engine 12 cleared the Blind School.

A rollover accident is reported on Transit Road, near Watson Road. Unknown injuries.

Byron and South Byron fire and fire EMS are responding.

UPDATE 5:39 p.m.: All Byron, South Byron units are told to remain in quarters. A responder reports that there is no one in the vehicle. It apparently is not blocking the roadway.

UPDATE 5:44 p.m.: A responder says "We believe (the occupants) went to a labor camp. We are going to have personnel check it out." Meanwhile, a driver and an EMS crew remain on standby in the Byron fire hall.

UPDATE 5:52 p.m.: Now Byron command is calling personnel to the scene of the accident.

UPDATE 5:57 p.m.: The exact location is reported to be 6063 Transit Road.

UPDATE 6:04 p.m.: The commander says "The location has changed, meet us here at Transit and North Byron roads."

UPDATE 6:37 p.m.: About a half hour ago, responders at the scene reported they knocked on the door of a trailer. Apparently, it was someplace near the accident scene, possibly with victims inside. At 6:32, South Byron left the scene. Shortly afterward, two ambulances were reported heading to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

UPDATE 6:44 p.m.: Byron fire is back in quarters.

A Le Roy-based drug dealer must spend two years in federal prison, a U.S. District Judge in Rochester decided today.

Edgardo Guzman, 33, was convicted in February 2008 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that a joint federal and local investigation revealed that Guzman was responsible for obtaining as much as 3.5 kilograms of cocaine from a drug trafficking network in Rochester and distributing those drugs to others in the Rochester area from 2002 to 2005.

The investigation also revealed that between November 2003 and February 2004, the defendant possessed a semi-automatic pistol after being previously convicted of a drug felony in 2002.

It wasn't just sleigh bells you heard ringing in the days before Christmas. It was also cash registers.

Downtown merchants say they are quite pleased with their 2010 holiday season and hope it means there are good things to come in 2011.

"The numbers aren't official, but it was probably our strongest Christmas in a couple of years," said Greg Gluck, owner of Alberty Drugs. "It was certainly better than last year and probably better than the year before, which is probably a good sign for everyone."

Besides filling prescriptions, Alberty sells gift items and greeting cards.

Owners of The Enchanted Florist, Charles Men's Shop, Glass Roots, Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, Valle Jewelers and 3D Wine and Spirits all say sales were up a bit this year, though nobody is saying "Wow, I can't believe how great it was!"

But any improvement over the past few years is a welcome sign that at last some people have money to spend and they're spending it.

"The top shelf wines sold and the wines on the bottom shelf sold, but the wines in the middle didn't sell as much," said 3D's owner, Dave Buchholtz. "The people who have the money are spending it, and the people who don't, aren't."

At Charles Men's Shop, owner Dave Howe agrees to a point. He said 2010 was a good improvement over 2009's Christmas season, but he said he heard from a lot of customers who were looking for quality from a local shop. He said people seem tired of overpriced, overhyped "buy one get six free" sales.

"People are less apt to drive all over the countryside," Howe said. "They gave us a shot first to see if we can help."

Next door, at The Enchanted Florist, Kathy Saile, said Christmas sales were up and met her expectations for the season.

"We didn't have any product left over and we were able to make all of our deliveries," Saile said.

At Adam Miller, people came in looking for bikes, hobby items, puzzles and unique toys you just can't get in the chain stores, said John Roche.

"The last two weeks we were swamped," Roche said. "It was way better than what I expected."

The strong sales locally matches reports of strong holiday sales nationally. The New York Times reports:

After a 6-percent free fall in 2008 and a 4-percent uptick last year, retail spending rose 5.5 percent in the 50 days before Christmas, exceeding even the more optimistic forecasts, according to MasterCard advisors SpendingPulse, which tracks retail spending.

The rise was seen in just about every retail category. Apparel led the way, with an increase of 11.2 percent. Jewelry was up 8.4 percent, and luxury goods like handbags and expensive department-store clothes increased 6.7 percent.

There was even a slight increase in purchases of home furniture, which had four consecutive years of declining sales. The figures include in-store and online sales.

The day before Christmas, Valle's Jewelers was packed with customers, and co-owner Mary Valle said the store was busy throughout the holiday season.

The store ran several promotions and advertised heavily for Christmas shopping, Valle said, and it seemed to pay off.

"We saw many new people in the store," Valle said. "People wanted to shop in the county and they verbalized it."

Advertising also paid off for Jeremy Almeter, owner of Glass Roots. For the first time in the five-year history of his business, he ran advertising -- exclusively in The Batavian -- promoting his handmade glass Christmas ornaments.

"For the first time, we sold out of ornaments," Almeter said. "We saw at least 20 faces in the store we'd never seen before."

Top: Mary Valle and Kamilla Kabel. Kabel, the former owner of House of K, is helping out at Valle's.Top inset, Dave Howe; bottom, Dave Buchholtz.

WBTA's Geoff Redick contributed to this story.

Two car accidents are reported at 9922 Alexander Road, near Peaviner Road, in Alexander.

One is a rollover with no injuries, involving a single vehicle. The other consists of two cars that went into a ditch.

Alexander fire is responding.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: Neither accident involves injuries. The roadway is not blocked. The accidents occurred about a quarter mile apart. An ambulance is called to evaluate the driver of the car which landed on its roof, although the driver seems to be uninjured. The other accident scene just requires a tow truck to get the cars out of the ditch.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: Now a fireman says that there are "three victims in the second accident, all underage." They have called their parents. A second ambulance is requested to the scene, although there is no indication of injuries.

A one-vehicle accident is reported at 9013 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, off Main. Injuries, if any, are unknown.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: Drivers who were around when the accident occurred are helping the female driver out of her car. She told dispatch she was shaken, but unsure if she had injuries.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: There are no injuries and the vehicle is in a snowbank, but not damaged. A tow driver has been called.

A rollover motor-vehicle accident with minor injuries is reported at Lewiston and Macomber roads in Oakfield.

Oakfield fire and Mercy EMS are responding and a State Trooper is also on scene. Medics are called for evaluation of the injuries.

UPDATE 1:34 p.m.: The responders are told to use caution and slow down on approach because the roads are iced over.

UPDATE 1:52 p.m.: All units are back in service.

Haven J. Armstrong, 26, of 25 Harvester Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges stem from an alleged domestic incident on Summit Street at 6:40 p.m., Monday. Armstrong was jailed on $1,500 bail.

James Kenneth Goodenow, 39, of South Academy Street, Wyoming, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation. Goodenow was taken into custody on a bench warrant from Town of Stafford Court after being turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office by Monroe County deputies.

More than 320 area residents were served a Christmas Day dinner at T.F. Brown's, making it the largest turn out for the annual free meal in the event's 22-year history, according to an announcement by organizers.

Toys were given to more than 140 children.

The annual event, open to anyone in the community, is hosted by Rick, Ben and Mark Mancuso and Joe Teresi with the support of the Batavia Lion's Club.

The meal is a traditional holiday supper with all of the trimmings.

In past years, two seatings were sufficient to meet the demand, but this year, three seatings were required.

The meal was prepared by the staff of T.F. Brown's.

Also contributing to the event this year were Jeffrey “the breadman” Condidorio; Kathy Pettinella of Flower City Produce; US Food Service; Sysco and Jocobstein.

If you haven't done so, look out your window. It's snowing. One of those pretty snow showers -- not too heavy, big fluffy flakes.

This looks like it will last until 1:30, maybe 2 p.m., then winds of about 20 mph pick up.

There's some chance of snow through tomorrow, but no major storm fronts predicted -- yet.

Randy Johnson, 22, of 110 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Johnson is accused of striking a family member during a domestic dispute at 11 a.m., Saturday.

Kurtis J. Worthington, 29, of Broadway Street, Rochester, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Worthington was stopped at 7:35 p.m., Friday, on Route 33 in Stafford by Deputy Matt Butler.

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.