As a retired registered nurse, member of the New York State Nurses Association and member of the coalition with Physicians for a National Health Plan, I am very concerned about the healthcare "reform" currently underway in Congress. 

I am convinced that the route to comprehensive and affordable health care has taken a dramatically wrong turn. 

The main features of the legislation have often seemed obscure; for instance, neither a "government takeover" nor a "public option" really have anything much to do with the final bills.  Both bills will make being uninsured a crime, punishable by an annual fine of up to 2.5 % of adjusted income under the House bill and $95.-$750. under the Senate bill. 

To make insurance affordable, tax money will be used to subsidize private insurance premiums, but even with these subsidies, families will be required to spend 8-12% of their income to purchase insurance.  Meanwhile, the insurance companies stand to gain tens of millions of new customers and at least $447 billion in taxpayer subsidies. 

The bills in Congress offer no meaningful cost controls, will leave 17-24 million uninsured and do nothing about the high cost of prescription drugs.

Mild promises to "bend the cost curve" fall short when even middle-income people will still end up being saddled with huge, unsustainable health care costs. 

One example of a measure that promises cost-savings is a health insurance "exchange" that each ill could create (4-5 years in the future). This has been tried without success in Massachusetts, where it has added, not reduced, costs.   

I agree with Congressman Massa from Rochester who states these "solutions" will not fix the problems we face.  We do not need "insurance reform." We need healthcare, comprehensive and affordable for everyone and we need it now--not over the next four to ten years.  Congress should reboot the process and start with a proposal for workable reform: a single-payer national health program, an expanded and improved Medicare for all.

Despite six previous DWI convictions, one of which led to a stint in state prison, Robert Lamkin of Batavia isn't going to be locked up just yet for his 7th DWI conviction.

Judge Robert Noonan granted Lamkin one year interim probation. If Lamkin makes it through probation successfully, his possible prison term will be reduced to one to three years.

Either way, Lamkin is looking at another prison term. The only question is when it starts and for how long.

Noonan warned that any slip up of any kind will land him in a lot of hot water.

"It will not take much of trip and fall to put you in for a major prison term," Noonan said. "When, and if, you're getting to the point of reaching for a bottle or reaching for car keys you need to stop and think whether it’s important enough for you to take that drink or take that drive that you want to be separated from your family for a long, long time."

Noonan granted the interim probation over the objection of Genesee Justice and after reading a less than stellar probation history.

"On this history it's hard to see how to justify anything but state prison," Noonan said. "By your own statements, you've just kind of blown off the conditions of probation in the past. At least until June of this year, you've paid very little heed to the restrictions placed on you. ... I have an obligation to the citizens of the world to make them safe from people like you. I'm only saying that to tell you the corner you've backed yourself into."

Lamkin's most recent arrest came in June in Pavilion.

While on probation, Lamkin will be required to take an Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) test regularly. It detects alcohol in the system for up to 80 hours, yielding results even when a breath test reads zero. It's sometimes used with airline pilots to ensure they're not even hung over when they fly.

Lamkin is represented by attorney Michael M. Mohun.

Nick A. Hawkins, described by his attorney as a troubled young man, who admitted to robbing the Five Star Bank branch in Pavilion on Oct. 13, is going to state prison.

Judge Robert Noonan imposed a sentence of two to six years this morning, though he could not order Hawkins repay the $443 dollars he received from a teller after handing her a note because Five Star Bank did not request restitution.

Hawkins, dressed in orange jail garb, was a little tearful when he expressed regret for his crimes.

"I'd like to apologize for all the trouble I’ve caused every one," Hawkins said, pausing to wipe a tear from his face. "I know that doesn’t change it, but I d’ like a chance to make it right. That’s all."

Noonan also sentenced Hawkins on his burglary conviction, stemming from a crime he committed at Frost Ridge Campground in 2001. That  one-and-a third- to four-year sentence will be served concurrently with his robbery sentence.

Hawkins had a plea agreement that would have allowed the burglary conviction to be treated as a youthful offender case. But since the plea, the court discovered he had a previous youthful offender adjudication for a felony conviction in another county. That made him ineligible for youthful-offender status this time. Hawkins could have withdrawn his guilty plea, but did not.

Public Defender Gary Horton asked Judge Noonan for some leniency, describing Hawkins as a "tortured individual" who has struggled with a number of issues in his life.

"He realizes the seriousness of the offenses," Horton said. "He realizes the seriousness as much as anybody in this courtroom and I know he’s remorseful for any pain he has caused others. I don’t think this is an individual who should be given up on or thrown away at this time. I fear the kind of individual he will be several years from now when returned to our community."

Noonan said he felt compelled to send Hawkins to prison.

"Reading about family, your mental health, your drug addiction, the loss of your brother, these are all troubling things," Noonan said. "It’s a very sad story, no question about that. But as you stand here before me, I have to balance the trouble you've gone through with the needs of society. You need to be in prison. You’ve demonstrated you cannot abide by laws in a free society and you cannot control yourself and you committed crimes that are very troublesome."

Previously: 

• Accused bank robber comes from Le Roy family having a tough time
• Five Star Bank robber pleads guilty
• Le Roy man arrested and charged with Pavilion bank robbery
• Police pursue bank robbery suspect in Pavilion area

The Batavia area can expect more snow and sleet tonight, with accumulations of 1 to 2 inches.

There is also a wind advisory for Wednesday night, with winds reaching 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph.

From the National Weather Service:

A high wind watch remains in effect from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon.

A very deep early winter storm system will track to the west and north of the area Wednesday and Thursday. Southeast winds of 15 to 25 mph will be found ahead of the storm on Wednesday. ... then stronger winds will set in Wednesday night. The winds will become southwesterly and will increase to 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph possible overnight. These strong winds will become more westerly late Wednesday night and will continue through the day Thursday.

Reginald Jason Donahue, 34, of 6483 Townline Road, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt in the first degree and menacing in the third degree. Donahue is accused of entering the residence of his estranged wife, violating an order of protection. During a reported argument with her, he allegedly made a fist and threatened her.

Juan A. Ramos, 19, of Batavia, was arrested by State Police at 8170 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia. Ramos is charged with trespass.

Buyers: Please remember the six-month rule -- please don't buy a gift certificate you bought within the past six months.

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.

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.

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Try the fresh, skinless haddock fish fry on Fridays. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

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.

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.

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Tonight I drove down Lincoln Avenue in Batavia and found several homes decorated for the holidays.

More pictures after the jump:

Alexander Fire was dispatched to Molasses Hill Road to check the report of an unknown type of fire on the railroad tracks.

It turns out to be a gas-powered deicer for the tracks.

Listening to county work crews chatter on the scanner: Snow is starting to accumulate on roadways, especially the southern part of the county, and bridges are starting to ice up.

The DiSalvo's Christmas light display is always a showstopper. Cars line up and down the length of their property on Fargo Road in Batavia, slowly driving along the shoulder.  People come from all around the county to make sure they get a glimpse of the lights at least once before the end of the season.

Here are some photos to enjoy the decorations at home.  But, if you're looking to fully capture that Christmas spirit and holiday atmosphere, the trip is worth the drive.

For a year or longer, I've wanted to buy a John Hodgins painting.  It's been a matter of money as well as finding the right painting.  When I happened past the Edward Jones office on Jackson Street during Christmas in the City on Friday night, I knew this was the painting I wanted.  Later that night, I ran into John in the Mall.  We came to a quick agreement on price and I picked it up today.   I understand this painting depicts the old newsstand on Jackson.  I like it -- local art by a local artist of a local scene.

Kelly Mountain was a happy camper on Saturday.

Along with fellow Robert Morris Elementary School parent Kim Gloskowski, Mountain had just chaired the 4th annual Vendor Blender & Craft Show at the school, located at 80 Union St.

“We had a steady stream of people come this year,” Mountain said. “And we had a wonderful response to our Chinese Auction.”

Pictured Kelly Mountain, left, and Kim Gloskowski

The Chinese Auction featured one item donated by each of the event’s vendors/crafters. Along with a contribution of $25 for table space from each vendor, the proceeds of the auction went to F.O.R.M. — “Friends of Robert Morris” —  a parent volunteer organization which funds student field trips and classroom supplies. A total of 31 vendors/crafters representing various organizations in and around Batavia participated.

Here are some notable examples:

HOT SHOTS CAFÉ  Owner Shari Dressler (left) and Clara, the manager (right), promoted their local franchise, which has locations on West Main Street and Woodrow Road as well as a bistro on Harvester Avenue. They sold samples of their coffee (flavored and unflavored), tea and smoothies.

PERSCHKE ENTERPRISES  Steve and Catie Perschke, of Pavilion, offered free samples of healthy, sugar-free Nutrilite beverages marketed through Catie’s website (cperschke.qhealthbeauty.com) and provided information about Steve’s gift options website (sperschke.ordermygift.com). Pictured above are Steve and his daughter, Hannah.

USBORNE BOOKS  Educational Consultant Supervisor Kelly Ferchen represented Usborne Books, an international publisher of educational children's books. Products and information about job opportunities were available for Craft Show patrons. Please visit www.readwithkelly.com for more information.

MAKING MEMORIES TRAVEL OF WNY  Mary Hendry and her son provided information about Mary’s independent local travel agency. For more information, please visit www.makingmemoriestravelofwny.com.

Meanwhile, in the multi-purpose room, RMS parent Erin Martin and several student volunteers ran the holiday gift shop, where children could buy Christmas gifts.

“We send envelopes home through the school,” Martin said, “and parents set spending limits. But the kids make their own lists and do all the shopping. We try to make this a learning experience for them.”

Eric Davis Jr. (upper right) gets help selecting a Christmas present from volunteer Ryan Bowen (lower right) and Notre Dame High School volunteer Seth Meshach (upper left) and RMS student volunteer Hannah Martin (left).

In the afternoon, the Robert Morris Chorus treated everyone to Christmas carols ranging from “The First Noel” to “Jingle Bell Rock.” They then had the honor of posing for the cameras with Santa Claus, before he got around to hearing Christmas gift requests.

An additional feature this year was the Family Reading Workshop presented by former Channel 4 news anchor Lisa Scott. She held three half-hour sessions for parents and children in the RMS Media Center. Drawing upon her experience as a commercial voice actor, Scott gave presentations on how to encourage literacy by infusing storytelling with excitement and energy.

“Taking written material and making it oral doesn’t come naturally to anybody,” Scott said. “The challenge is to channel that natural delivery you have in everyday conversation into pre-written material.” For more information on Lisa and her story time ideas, please visit her website (www.readlisascott.com).

DPW reports there is a water main break on Richmond Avenue between Union and Redfield in Batavia.

Repairs are in progress.

There was a rash of car break-ins over night in Elba and Byron and items stolen include long rifles, according to Deputy Brian Thompson.

Thompson is asking that anybody who saw or heard anything suspicious between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. to call the Sheriff's Office at 585-345-3000.

He said any residents who find that their cars were entered over night, no matter what was taken, should call.

"People will say, 'oh, it's just some spare change,' but we need to map where these break-ins took place," Thompson said.

The pattern of break-ins include Barre in Orleans County, Thompson said. He estimates the total number of cars reported so far at about 20.

All of them were left unlocked, including the cars that contained the guns.

"People are just not getting the message," Thompson said. "Every house we go to people say they didn't know we've been having car break-ins for the last year and a half. I just don't get it. You've been reporting it. The Daily's been reporting it. It's been on WBTA and on TV in Buffalo and Rochester. People don't understand that in today's drug-infested situation we're in, it happens everywhere, not just in the city."

Investigators are looking for possibly two suspects, Thompson said. Based on the description from people who heard the timing of car doors slamming and cars driving off, it appears there is a person on foot going into cars and another person driving a getaway car.

A Rochester man faces nearly half a dozen charges stemming from a single-car auto accident in Le Roy on Saturday morning.

Carlos Alberto Mateo, 30, of 27 Potomac St., Rochester, is accused of criminal trespass and fleeing the scene of an accident, as well as aggravated unlicensed operation, driving without a license and operating a vehicle without seat belts.

Mateo is suspected of driving his car into a telephone pole on Route 5 near York Road in the Town of Le Roy and then running from the scene. He was reportedly found hiding in a garage of a residence on York Road.

He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

(Photo courtesy Lorie Longhany -- original post)

A Medina teenager who died in a car crash over the weekend was a student at Images of Dance in Batavia, according to the Democrat and Chronicle.

Jenna Pratt, 17, is described in the article as somebody who took on all challenges and dance was “kind of her release,” said her father, John Pratt III.

Pratt was killed in a single-car accident in Shelby. Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the crash. Her boyfriend, who was driving, Joshua J. Stockwell, 18, of Medina, was not injured.

Clifford Leo Regimbal, 31, of 30 S. Main St., Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. Regimbal is accused pulling a phone box from the wall outside 36 South Pearl St., Oakfield. Regimbal allegedly possessed marijuana at the time of his arrest. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Amber Fallon Waleski, 22, of 30 S. Main St., Oakfield, is charged with assault in the second degree. While at 36 South Pearl St., Oakfield, Waleski allegedly struck another person in the head with a bear bottle, causing a cut. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Howard M. DeCarlis, 52, of 415 Ellicott St., upper, Batavia, is charged with assault in the third degree. DeCarlis allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face several times during an argument. She was treated and released at UMMC. DeCarlis was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Jacob J. Camerera, 18, of 335 S. Jackson St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt and unlawful possession of marijuana. Camerera allegedly violated an order of protection by sending text messages to a woman he was ordered not to contact. At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly found to possess marijuana. Camerera was jailed on $750 bail.

From the State Police blotter:

Patrick R. McFadden, 25, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. McFadden was allegedly involved in an incident at Kmart.

David W. King, 52, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested in Bergen.

Buyers: Please remember the six-month rule -- please don't buy a gift certificate you bought within the past six months.

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Time to visit Pudgie's and buy your Christmas tree. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Great Kutz is Batavia's newest full-service hair salon. Women, try Great Kutz for a haircut at the incredibly low price of $7, exclusive offer from to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Try the fresh, skinless haddock fish fry on Fridays. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

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.

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

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