Enjoy a Prime Rib or Strip Steak dinner for two for just $29.99, includes 2 steak dinners, 2 sides, and 2 salads. And Wednesdays are now Rib Night, featuring $10 half racks and $15 full rack of everyone's favorite Baby Back Ribs. Click for more info.

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, in collaboration with Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, will be offering a Commercial Driver's License Training Program for Genesee County agriculture producers and their employees for Class A and Class B licenses.

This training program is designed for agriculture producers and farm employees that have already have some experience with commercial truck operation.

An informational meeting will be held on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 420 E. Main St., Batavia.

This meeting will explain how the program works and answer any questions you may have. The required training materials and medical forms will also be passed out at this time.

Classroom instruction dates are Feb. 6 and 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building located at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia. Drive time will be scheduled with the instructor at a later date.

Full payment (check or cash) is due at the class on Feb. 6. The cost for Class A is $775 and the cost for Class B is $600.

Registration is required and will be accepted until Jan. 25 or until the class is full. Class size is limited. For more information or to register, contact Jan Beglinger at 585-343-3040, ext. 132, or Brandie Waite at ext. 101.

A mother and two young children were displaced from their home after a fire that started on a stove quickly spread to the kitchen leading to a burnt-out kitchen and extensive smoke and water damage to their second-floor apartment.

The mother and her children were at home at the time of the fire and evacuated safely.

City Fire Chief Steve Napolitano said the fire cause $10,000 to $25,000 damage and the apartment wouldn't be fit for habitation until the kitchen is rebuilt and there is extensive, deep cleaning in the rest of the apartment.

A downstairs apartment sustained minor water damage and the residents have been allowed to remain.

The fire was reported at 136 Pearl St., Batavia, just after 1:30 p.m.

"Crews did an outstanding job of containing the fire with little or no extension into the attic or the rest of the structure," Napolitano said.

The Salvation Army is assisting the mother and her children.

(Initial Report)

Submitted photos.

Press release:

“The Genesee County Economic Development Center in collaboration with our many public and private sector partners celebrated in bringing Alpina Foods to Genesee County in 2011. Unfortunately, due to the loss of a co-packaging contract, Alpina Foods has made a decision to close its operations at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

“While this is extremely disappointing news, the GCEDC will be diligent in marketing and promoting the facility to other agricultural businesses. This was similar to our approach in marketing and promoting a former yogurt manufacturing site, which resulted in bringing HP Hood to our community and with it, further economic investment and eventually the hiring of hundreds of employees.

“We are confident that we will have similar success with the Alpina Foods facility in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

“In the meantime, the GCEDC will work with our public and private sector partners to assist displaced workers in any capacity we can.”

Antonio D. Dames is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 9 in the Town of Alabama that Dames drove a 2000 Chevrolet on Lewiston Road while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In count three, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony, for driving while his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count four, Dames is accused of circumvention of an interlock device, a violation, for driving a vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Dames is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on April 3, 2014 in Town of Lockport Court in Niagara County. That conviction forms the basis for the license suspension/revocation referred to in count three of the current indictment.

John D. Meiler is indicted for the crime of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 21 in the Town of Alabama that Meiler drove a 2011 Chevrolet on Bloomingdale Road while his ability to do so was impaired by drugs. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that the defendant drove when he knew his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count three, he is accused of circumvention of an interlock device, a violation, for driving a vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Meiler is accused of: having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on Sept. 5, 2006, in Town of Alden Court in Erie County; having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on Dec. 8, 2006 in County Court in Erie County; and having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on Jan. 26, 2018 in County Court in Erie County. These three prior convictions form the basis for the license suspension/revocation referred to in count two of the current indictment. Furthermore, it is alleged that Meiler knew of the prior conviction and that his driver's license was still suspended or revoked.

William R. Reynolds is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on July 28 in the Town of Pembroke that Reynolds drove a 2008 Chevrolet on Interstate 90 while his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and that he did so while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, he is accused driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. In count three, the defendant is accused of aggravated DWI, as a Class E felony, for having a child age 15 or less as a passenger. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Reynolds is accused of having been convicted of aggravated DWI, a Class E felony, on Jan. 15, 2010 in County Court in Tioga County and that conviction forms the basis for count one in the current indictment.

Rahim J. Collazo is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on June 29 in the Town of Batavia that Collazo drove a 2008 Chevrolet on Batavia Elba Townline Road while his driver's license was suspended or revoked and he had in effect 10 or more suspensions imposed on 10 different dates for failure to appear or pay a fine: March 24 in the Town of Irondequoit -- Monroe County; Nov. 9, 2017 in the Town of Henrietta -- Monroe County; March 14, 2017 in the Rochester Administrative Adjudication Bureau -- Monroe County; Feb. 5, 2016 in the Town of Brighton -- Monroe County; Oct. 10, 2015 and Sept. 24, 2014 and June 24, 2014 in the Rochester Administrative Adjudication Bureau -- Monroe County; June 22, 2013 in the Town of Tully -- Onondaga County; Feb. 6, 2013 in the Town of Windsor, Broome County; Nov. 1, 2012 in the Town of Sandy Creek, Oswego County; and Dec. 6, 2011 in the City of Rochester. In count two, Collazo is accused of the offense of speeding. It is alleged in count two that the defendant drove in excess of 55 mph, the posted speed limit.

Kayel J. McClary is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 1 in the Town of Pembroke that McClary drove a 2016 Ford on Interstate 90 while his driver's license was suspended or revoked and he had in effect 10 or more suspensions imposed on at least 10 separate dates for failure to appear or pay a fine in the City of Rochester: Aug. 11, 2011; April 8, 2014; May 6, 2014; June 10, 2014; July 8, 2014; Dec. 23, 2014; March 4, 2015; April 7, 2015; June 16, 2015; Jan. 18, 2017; May 9, 2017; Feb. 6, 2018; and April 24, 2018.

A dump truck rollover accident with unknown injuries is reported on Route 33 near Ivison Road in Stafford. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:22 p.m.: This was a construction company dump truck towing a small trailer. Law enforcement says what caused the vehicle to veer off the roadway and rollover is unknown. Two patients were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No other vehicles were involved.

Brady Christopher Lund (photo above), 21, of Lake View Park, Rochester, is charged with: criminal sex act in the first degree; first-degree sex abuse; and endangering the welfare of a child. Lund was arrested on Jan. 17 and arraigned in Batavia Town Court at 4:20 p.m. He is accused of having oral sexual contact with a male victim less than 11 years old. The alleged incident occurred at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1 on Pearl Street Road in Batavia. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator/Youth Officer Timothy Westcott, assisted by Investigator Howard Carlson.

Carla L. Catalano, 46, of 9 Mill St., Apt. 1, Le Roy, was arrested Jan. 14 and charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E felony, and fifth-degree conspiracy, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that between September and this month that Catalano intentionally agreed with one or more persons to engage in or cause criminal possession of stolen property. Further it is alleged that Catalano knowingly possessed stolen property consisting of one pump shotgun (color black), belonging to the victim, and that she refused to return the gun to the victim when the victim asked/then demanded she do so. Catalano was arraigned in Le Roy Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Chazmar T. Walters, 26, of 12 Myrtle St., Le Roy, was arrested Jan. 15 and charged with these misdemeanors: aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree -- driving while license suspended; and resisting arrest. It is alleged that Walters was seen by a Le Roy patrol driving on Myrtle Street in the Village while his license was suspended 20 times. Upon approach of the Le Roy patrol, it is alleged that Walters resisted arrest by refusing to exit the vehicle after being ordered multiple times to do so, then he had to be physically removed from the vehicle. It is further alleged that Walters continued to be obstructive during the officers' attempts to walk him into the court for arraignment and further charge(s) are pending. Walters was arraigned in Le Roy Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.

Press release:

Graphic Art students at the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership have been busy designing wristwatches using Adobe Illustrator.

They were placed in teams to work collaboratively on the designs for the Graphic Arts Watch Contest.

There is quite an array of styles -- sleek and modern, retro, kitschy, sporty, glitzy, with nods to space aliens, Pringles, Alice in Wonderland, and more. Creativity unquestionably is channeled into each timepiece.

To determine the winning design, Graphic Arts instructor Doug Russo is asking people to look at the watch designs posted in a survey and choose ONE that you like best and would buy if you could. When you've selected your choice, click on the circle below the design you like.

Then submit the survey online. You must provide your email address to submit the survey.

You can only submit the survey once.

If you are unable to submit the link form, you can still look at the designs and email Russo back with your choice at:   drusso@gvboces.org

The survey link is here.

A stove fire is reported at 136 Pearl St., upper apartment, in the city. The unit is being evacuated. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: Now the city's second platoon is requested to the scene "for the apartment fire."

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: Fourth platoon is called to the station on Evans Street. Second platoon is paged a second time to respond to the blaze.

• Test the battery strength.
• Inspect the exhaust system and the air, fuel, and emission filters.
• Check the cooling system, windshield wiper and antifreeze fluid levels, and change the oil.
• Make sure hoses and fan belts and all components are working properly.
• Consider changing the spark plugs.
• Check the tire pressure, tread life and consider installing winter tires.
• Locate the spare tire, jack, and ice scrapper.
• Inspect your wiper blades to make sure they're functional and in good condition.

Some Simple Winter Driving Tips: Winter driving has its own set of challenges from the moment you start your vehicle. Here are some useful winter driving suggestions:

• Never warm up your vehicle in a closed garage. This could lead to carbon monoxide problems.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up.
• Make sure your exhaust pipe is not clogged with mud or snow.
• Don't use cruise control on icy roads.
• Allow more time for braking when visibility is poor.
• Stay calm if you start to skid. 

Commercial vehicle drivers should exhibit caution when driving in winter conditions. If your vehicle is large, like a truck, it needs more time to stop in ideal conditions, so snow and icy conditions magnify the challenge. Take care to continue safe practices when sharing the road in winter conditions.

Carry a Winter Driving Kit: Winter weather could leave you stuck in the snow, but the following items in your winter driving kit might help you get back on the road and on your way: 

• Small folding shovel
• Tow and tire chains
• Basic tool kit
• Bag of road salt or cat litter
• Flares, battery powered flashlights and extra batteries
• Extra windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze
• Jumper cables to start your car if your battery dies 

Pack a Winter Survival Kit: In case you're marooned in your car, truck or SUV, you might want to keep a small winter survival kit on hand. Some useful items include:

• A first-aid kit
• Cell phone charger
• Ice scraper and brush
• Blankets, warm clothing and other cold weather gear to protect against hypothermia
• Drinking water, and high-energy, nonperishable foods

Snow Safety Tips if You Become Stranded in the Winter: Few people like driving through a snow storm, and most heed warnings to stay off the roads when a storm is bearing down. But even the best-prepared and expert drivers can get stuck. If it happens to you, here are some important reminders:
Be prepared. While the best first step is prevention, some storms come on quickly. If you do get stranded, keeping a few essentials, noted above, in your car can help keep you comfortable while you wait.
Stay inside. If possible, pull off the highway and turn your hazard lights on or tie something bright to your car’s antenna to signal that you need help. Then wait inside your car until help arrives to avoid exposure to frostbite and prevent hypothermia.
Call 9-1-1. If you have a charged phone and reception, call for help and describe your location as best you can.
Clear the tailpipe. Make sure there’s no snow covering your tailpipe in order to prevent carbon monoxide buildup inside the car. Check the tailpipe periodically to ensure that fresh snow isn’t blocking it, always watching for oncoming traffic before exiting your vehicle.
Keep moving. Staying active inside your car will help you keep warm. Clap your hands and tap your toes to keep your circulation moving and prevent frostbite but avoid overexertion and sweating.
Drink fluids. Dehydration can make you more susceptible to the effects of cold. If there’s no drinking water inside your car, melt some snow inside a bag or other makeshift cup to stay hydrated.
Conserve your vehicle's battery. Use lights, heat, and radio sparingly.
Run your engine. Provided you have enough gas in your tank, run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to keep the car warm. Turn on interior lights when your engine is on so you can be seen inside your car. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Don’t overexert yourself. Cold weather puts your heart under added stress. If you’re not used to exercise, shoveling snow or pushing a car could put you at risk of a heart attack. 
Stay safe and warm this winter by learning more about preparation for and recovery from winter storms with State Farm®

The National Weather Service has upgraded the outlook for the expected winter storm this weekend to a warning with the possibility, starting at 1 p.m., Saturday, that the storm will bring up to 14 inches of snow to the region.

Winds could gust to 35 mph and temperatures are expected to be low and cold.

The warning is in effect until 6 p.m., Sunday.

Travel is expected to be very difficult, potentially impossible, according to the weather service. Areas of blowing snow could reduce visibility.

Wind chills could make it feel like 15 below zero and frostbite on exposed skin could occur in as little as 30 minutes.

Dom Grazioplene became the latest Batavia High School Art student with a solo exhibit at GO ART! this week with a well-attended opening reception last night at Seymore Place. In the video, Grazioplene talks about his approach to art.

Also hosting an opening reception Thursday was Don Fryling, a Redfield Parkway resident, and fine art photographer.

Dom Grazioplene

Don Fryling

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

New York State’s minimum wage increased again this year to $11.10 per hour and Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) vocalized concern that sharp increases year-to-year are unsustainable for upstate’s struggling small businesses.

Employers already face the nation’s worst tax business climate and a state regulatory code that forces more outsourcing of jobs, transition to automated labor and loss of benefits for employees.

“Certainly we want to help the working poor and employees making minimum wage across the state but these sharp increases are like putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg,” Hawley said.

“Misguided policies like these overlook the fact that small businesses will be forced to recoup these increasing labor costs and that could lead to massive layoffs and a cut to benefits for many employees – a regrettable consequence of the law’s intention.”

The Assembly Minority Conference has proposed wiser economic solutions such as allowing employers to pay a training wage to new employees that is more congruent with their skill sets.

Many lawmakers have also come out in support of raising the tipped wage for workers such as servers, a proposal met with animosity by the tipped workers it is meant to help.

“The minimum wage was never meant to be a living wage and many employers are now mandated to pay higher costs for employees with less experience,” Hawley continued.

“Employees like restaurant servers rely on the quality of their service and dedicated work ethic to bring home larger tips and an elimination of this would remove the incentive to provide quality service for these workers.

“If we are to change New York’s awful business climate and stop our state’s embarrassing exodus rate it starts with tax and regulatory relief that mitigates the root cause of business struggles, not quick fixes and economic gimmicks,” Hawley concluded.

Press release from Congressman Chris Collins:

U.S. Representative Chris Collins (NY-27) reintroduced the Denying Chinese Investors Access to U.S. Small Business Aid bill.

The bill would prevent citizens of the People’s Republic of China, who own a business, from accessing assistance offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) reintroduced the Senate companion bill late last week.

“SBA programs should be focusing on helping small business owners in communities like Western New York, and not aid companies whose profits go to China,” Collins said. “I am proud to join Senator Rubio to advance this important legislation once again to encourage job growth and support small businesses here in the United States.”

“Amidst rapid technological advances, shifting global economic trends, and rising foreign adversaries, we must fight to protect America’s small businesses,” Rubio said. “Our bill will protect small businesses from Chinese interference and encourage American entrepreneurs to innovate, thrive, and grow so that we can keep our economy competitive on the global stage.”

Current law permits SBA to provide assistance toward Chinese-owned business who legally operate in the United States and qualify as a small business. These businesses are allowed to obtain a federally guaranteed loan, surety bonds, research and development grants, or disaster loans.

The Denying Chinese Investors Access to U.S. Small Business Aid would prohibit SBA benefits from being given to businesses headquartered in China. Under this bill, a China-based business that operates in the United States or businesses with at least 25 percent of their voting stock owned by Chinese investors will no longer be able to benefit.

From the Genesee County Women's Republican Club Board:

There will be an emergency meeting of the Genesee County Women's Republican Club Board on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Community & Government Center, 3219 Drake Street Road, Oakfield.

Members of the club are strongly encouraged to attend this emergency meeting of the GCWRC.