Be prepared for slick roads today.

Freezing drizzle and light snow are likely to keep road salt crews busy.

The National Weather Service issued a weather advisory for cold, damp weather until 4 p.m.

Accumulation of snow is expected to be only trace amounts, but this will make for slippery roads where they haven't been treated.

Local hoteliers are so opposed to a planned Holiday Inn Express -- just north of the Thruway, off Route 98 in the Town of Batavia -- that they've hired a lawyer to make their case to local officials.

Thomas J. Warth (pictured), of Hiscock & Barclay out of Rochester, tried to make the case against the new hotel before the Town of Batavia Zoning Board on Tuesday night. But after a spirited discussion, the board voted unanimously to grant the new hotel permission to exceed local height requirements by 10  19 feet.

With local occupancy rates averaging 45 to 50 percent, hotel owners say there is no need to build another 40, let alone maybe 80, rooms (the final plans have not been presented yet).

The $3.25-million project, located at 8360 Commerce Drive, next to an existing Hampton Inn, will make use of a banquet facility already constructed at the location and include an indoor pool, fitness area, lobby and meeting space.

The developers are seeking tax incentives from the Genesee Economic Development Center. The proposed site is part of a previously prepared industrial park, so the developer will save on construction costs by going into a "shovel ready" complex.

The government-backed cost savings, combined with variances to current zoning laws, are giving the new competition too much help, local hotel operators complain.

"Why can't they live with a 40-foot height if we can survive with a 40-foot height?" asked Vibhu Joshi, owner of Days Inn and Super 8. "The new hotel is getting all kinds of goodies and all kinds of variances. I can see maybe a use variance, but why a height variance?"

Hotel owners are concerned that the height variance will allow the developer to put in even more rooms, though it wasn't clear from the application whether the additional 19 feet was for another story on the building (making it four instead of three) or if the extra height was just needed for elevator shafts.

"The additional rooms in this marketplace will have a significant impact on everybody else," said Richard Lewis, acting manager of the Travel Lodge, which recently underwent significant renovation.

Zoning Board Chairman Gary Diegelman mentioned a couple of times during the meeting that economic issues are not part of the zoning approval process. He said the owners will need to raise those concerns with the planning board, which will have final say on the variances.

Warth argued that even economic issues aside, the developer -- who was not represented at the meeting -- has not made a case for why the height variance is needed.

Diegelman said, "point taken," but added later, "I don't see any (neighboring) businesses here objecting to the height variance."

The project will go before the planning board at a future meeting, but that agenda has not been announced yet.

In order to secure a federal grant for a new helicopter, Mercy Flight apparently needs a long-term lease for its facility at the Genesee County Airport.

During Tuesday's Public Service Committee meeting, Legislator Ray Cianfrini said he's concerned that the proposed terms of the lease are not in the county's best interest.

The proposed lease would cap rent increases at 2 percent per year and Cianfrini is concerned that in the future, the county could be losing out on a good deal of potential revenue.

"It just seems to me that 25 years down the road, this could be a pittance compared to what other people are paying for similar space," Cianfrini said. "I don't ever want to lose Mercy Flight. They're a tremendous asset. But as a lawyer, as a legislator and as a taxpayer, I think it's a horrible lease for Genesee County."

David Wozniak, deputy superintendent of county highways, pointed out that Mercy Flight leases additional space for its ambulance service which isn't tied to the hangar lease. Mercy Flight owns its own hangar, and plans to build a new one, and leases the land it sits on. Also, there's no cap on the price of fuel Mercy Flight buys from the county.

The terms of the lease require a mutual agreement to renew every five years, but because of a discrepancy between the lease language and supporting documents provided to legislators, a vote on the lease was tabled and the matter was referred to the Ways and Means Committee.

Ways and Means meets today at 4 o'clock in the Old Courthouse.

Genesee County will receive a $29,195 state grant to help authorities deal with pets during major emergencies.

Acceptance of the grant was approved by the County Legislature's Public Service Committee today.

In 2010, the Office of Emergency Services drafted an emergency response plan for the county that would cover a range of contingencies for natural and man-made disasters. Part of the plan involves dealing with pets' safety because people often won't evacuate a dangerous location if it means leaving pets behind.

While voting in favor of the grant acceptance, committee Chairman Jay Grasso expressed concern that the government was spending money on pets in current economic conditions.

"Don't get me wrong," Grasso said. "I love my dogs. They won the dog lottery with me. But in these tough economic times, I just don't understand spending money on pets."

The grant is funded by the NYS Division of Homeland Security.

It will be spent on the purchase of mobile pet-sheltering equipment and training.

The emergency pet plan is being developed in conjunction with regional emergency partners Wyoming and Orleans counties.

Authorities are asking for help in locating a missing youth who may be in Batavia.

Nathaniel Davis, 15, may be in the company of a 17-year-old girl.

He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants.

Davis reportedly is a runaway.

He is described as black with brown eyes, 5' 3", 175lbs.

Anybody with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 1-800-346-3543.

A 48-year-old woman is facing two felony charges, accused of stealing $6,172 from her employer, a child-care facility.

Doris M. Castle, of 8325 Vallance Road, Le Roy, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd, and falsifying business records, 1st.

Castle is accused of pocketing funds from clients who paid in cash for child-care services.

Det. John Condidorio said Castle also allegedly altered a cash receipt journal in order to try and cover up her alleged thefts.

Castle was releasedon her own recognizance.

A 21-year-old Batavia man has been accused of forcibly raping a 30-year-old woman.

Charged with rape in the first degree is Patrick J. Donahue, of 44 Williams St.

He was jailed without bail following arraignment today in City Court.

He is accused of raping a woman at a residence on Walnut Street the evening of Jan. 10.

UPDATED 1:31 p.m.

Suzanne Corona, 42, was back in police custody today after allegedly trying to steal a flower arrangement from Batavia Stage Coach Florist & Gifts in the Genesee Country Mall.

Corona is charged with petit larceny.

During her arraignment in Batavia City Court this afternoon, Judge Robert Balbick said Corona is accused of stealing a table-top floral arrangement with a light in it valued at $20.

Corona has been given time to meet with a public defender before entering a plea. She is scheduled to reappear in city court on Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Corona was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Outside of the courthouse, Corona said, "What can I say? My life is a mess and I overreact in the wrong direction."

The Batavia resident made international news last summer when she was charged with public lewdness and and adultery for engaging in sexual activity with 29-year-old former Oakfield resident Justin Amend in Farrall Park. 

Corona eventually entered a guilty plea to public lewdness and was placed on probation.

Today, Corona entered the florist shop, according to owner Loretta Delpriore, and had a couple of items in her hand when Delpriore went into a back room for a phone call. When she came out, Corona was gone and so were the flower arrangements, the owner said.

Delpriore called police, identifying Corona by name as the suspect.

"I know who she is," Delpriore said. "I think everybody knows who she is."

Meanwhile, Amend, who admitted to public lewdness, is currently wanted on a bench warrant after reportedly moving to Florida before his sentencing.

Three people who may be suspects in some recent church burglaries here were chased into a swamp by Monroe County deputies yesterday.

The three suspects were allegedly in a stolen Jeep being chased by a deputy on Route 441 when it crashed near Dublin Road in Penfield. The suspects then tried to escape through a swamp.

Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster confirmed this morning that the suspects may be connected to some church burglaries in Genesee County.

The investigation is ongoing and Brewster said more information would be released as the case develops.

Arrested in Monroe County were Juan Morales, 21, Abner Santiago, 28, and Jose Morales, 16, all of Monroe County.

The trio was arraigned on burglary, 3rd, charges for allegedly breaking into the Church of the Resurrection on Mason Road in Perinton earlier Monday morning. The allegedly stolen Jeep was reportedly seen fleeing from the scene after deputies responded to a burglary alarm.

More from the Democrat and Chronicle.

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.

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.

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.

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, 3 classes, a $30 value, for $15.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Source: The New York Times, Why Jobs Haven't Come Back

Rebecca A. Chatley, 19, of 61 Mill St., Le Roy, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Chatley is accused of going through the purses of fellow employees at a business in the Village of Le Roy. When confronted, Chatley was allegedly found in possession of another employee's debit card. Chatley was released on an unspecified amount of bail.

Melissa Ann Peterson, 25, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. A complainant reported on Dec. 22 that Peterson failed to return a set of keys. Peterson reportedly denied repeatedly having the keys, stating adamantly, according to a Sheriff's Office release, that she returned the keys.  Peterson then later turned the keys over to the Sheriff's Office.

Summer Ogden, 34, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, who has a previous conviction for criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, is charged with resisting arrest, attempted criminal mischief, 4th, and criminal tampering, 3rd. Ogden was reportedly being held in Wyoming County Jail for an unrelated incident. A warrant was issued for her out of Town of Batavia Court on the listed charges. (Previous Reports)

Assante Darrell Huggins, 18, of Brunswick Boulevard, Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny. Huggins was arrested on a Darien Town Court warrant following his release from the Erie County Holding Center on an unrelated charge. Huggins was jailed on $500 bail.

Kipa Luii Limonti, 39, of Roebling Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and no vehicle inspection. Limonti's vehicle was stopped by a State Trooper for alleged traffic violations at 12:40 p.m., Jan. 3, on Park Road, Batavia. The vehicle allegedly had a 2009 inspection sticker and a bald front right tire. Deputy Brian Thompson provided backup for the trooper and his K-9 "Pharaoh" allegedly alerted on the vehicle and Limonti was allegedly found in possession a small amount of marijuana.

Phylicia L. M. Carey, 18, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Carey was reportedly involved in a two-car accident on Church Street. Carey's car reportedly hit a parked car and then a utility pole. Carey was arrested by Le Roy Police.

Dennis Kaijage Stambuli, 18, of Sutton Park Road, Poughkeepsie, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Stambuli was allegedly found in possession of marijuana by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, who responded to a complaint of a loud party in the Village of Oakfield at 9 p.m., Jan. 14. A 17-year-old was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana at the same time.

Angela Maria Draper, 34, of Transit Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Draper was allegedly involved in a one-car accident at 2:47 a.m., Saturday, on Route 63. Her car reportedly went into a ditch and struck a mailbox. The accident was investigated by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Scott E. Clark, 49, of 172 1/2 South Main St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speed not reasonable. Clark was reportedly involved in an accident at 10:30 p.m., Friday, on Ellicott Avenue near Washington Avenue, Batavia. Clark's car reportedly slid into a curb and rode up the guide wire of a utility pole, coming to rest on its side. Clark was not injured in the accident. (Initial Report)

Volunteers from RSVP and Americorps were at the Batavia Senior Center today to make blankets to donate to the Agri-Business Child Development Center. Volunteers were also asked to make greeting cards for military personnel.

Above from left, Darian Ely, of RSVP, Loren Penman and Kellie Fairchild work together to make a blanket.

About 70 people were on hand at the YWCA on North Street today to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and give tribute to his legacy.

Alex Nesbeth, below, read King's "I Have a Dream" speech. Above, Grace Marthrel sings a gospel song with Raymond Doward on piano. After the jump, another picture of Marthrel and Doward as well as one of Marthrel singing with her daughter, Lashonna Mims.

Marthrel gave an outstanding gospel performance. She said she sings regularly at the Prayer Room Church of Christ on North Lyon.

It's been a beautiful day, even if a bit cold -- my truck's thermostat read 8 degrees this morning. Too much work to do today to get out and shoot a lot of pictures, but still taking advantage of the nice sky.

Above the white barn of Partridge Farm on Ellicott Street Road and below, the cement plant of Bonsal American on Cedar Street.

Weather through tonight, cloudy, with a chance of snow overnight. Tomorrow, warming considerably (into the 30s) with an 80-percent chance of rain, and then back to snow on Thursday.

A two-car accident is tying up traffic a bit in the area of 375 W. Main St., Batavia.

It is believed there are no injuries, though there are unknown type fluids leaking from at least one car.

City Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley has announced that he will become the prime sponsor of a proposed bill to prevent the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) from increasing restrictions on landowners that burn refuse on their property.

The legislation was originally introduced in January of 2010. At the end of last year’s legislative session, the bill was being held in the Committee on Environmental Conservation for further consideration.

The DEC began their efforts to eliminate trash burning with a ruling in October of 2009 that Hawley says irrationally tightened guidelines on who is allowed to burn refuse and what sort of materials are allowed to be burned.

The proposed bill focuses on landowners in small, rural communities that rely on this safe and time trusted method of disposal, according to Hawley.

“In Western New York, there are a number of small, rural communities that don’t have the waste-management structures in place to dispose of certain waste materials,” the Assembyman said. “That is why members of my district have burned refuse on their open land for generations and why this legislation is so vital.

"The DEC has continually displayed a lack of understanding when it comes to our rural way of life, and they cannot be allowed to overstep their bounds by banning this widely accepted practice.”

Here's a news release from Congressman Chris Lee's office.

Congressman Chris Lee was chosen to serve as a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Dairy Farmers Caucus for the 112th Congress

Lee served as vice-chair during the 111th Congress until its adjournment last year. He will lead the caucus with fellow co-chairs Reps. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Timothy Walz (D-MN), Devin Nunes (R-CA) and Thomas Petri (R-WI).

The bipartisan caucus works to aid dairy farmers across the United States, and last Congress worked closely with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on important issues affecting Western New York’s dairy farmers.

“Western New York has some of the finest family farms in the country, and since coming to Congress in 2009 I’ve been focused on ensuring our region’s agricultural producers have the resources they need to survive,” Lee said.

“Dairy farmers in particular have been hard-hit during the tough economic times, but they are a resilient group of families closely tied to the land they farm and the industry they love. I look forward to working with the other co-chairs and members of the Caucus who share my commitment to strengthening family farms for this and future generations.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Lee’s congressional district is the 22nd highest dairy producing district in the nation, with a market value nearing $500 million.

New York State as a whole produces about 12.5 billion pounds of milk each year. For more information on Congressman Lee’s commitment to Western New York’s dairy farmers, visit www.chrislee.house.gov/familyfarms <http://www.chrislee.house.gov/familyfarms>.