Flames are shooting from the second floor of a house at 16 Highland Park. Children reported on the second floor; there is entrapment. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 2:22 p.m.: Alexander's Fast Team is called to the scene along with Le Roy's rescue unit. Town of Batavia fire is asked to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: A second-alarm has activated. This is a working structure fire.

UPDATE 2:26 p.m.: "We have a report that everyone is out; we're doing a primary search," says fire command.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: "Heavy, heavy fire on the second floor," says fire command. "We have one (fire hose) line open. Heavy smoke and flames from B/C sides."

UPDATE 2:34 p.m.: Responders are told to access the scene via the Wood Street side.

UPDATE 3:43 p.m.: Video added. There's no interview in the video. The scene commander isn't likely to be available for at least another hour. The fire seems mostly contained though firefighters are working to get to hotspots in the walls and attic. We will seek an update from City fire later tonight.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at Oak and West Main streets in the city. A subject is complaining of chest pain. City fire and Mercy medics responding to the Speedway Gas Station parking lot.

Rochester -- Kim Smith, a third-generation Rochester resident, has announced her campaign for New York State’s 61st Senate District.

Smith holds a Master’s of Public Administration degree from Brockport College and spent more than 25 years with the Monroe County Department of Public Health. Her innovative policy work to improve access to care gained local, state and national attention.

“During my years at the Monroe County Department of Public Health, I worked to create a thriving environment for the 750,000 residents of Monroe County, as diverse in geography, people and needs as the 61st District,” Smith said.

“That kind of diversity is an opportunity to build bridges, capitalize on commonalities, and negotiate and compromise to reach our common goals and improve lives across the district. We must come together so that no voice, farmer, town, village or city in this district goes unheard or unrepresented.”

In 2017, Smith transitioned from her role in local government to serving as an activist and advocate with VOCAL-NY, where she became the organization’s first Statewide Organizer focusing on Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse. She brings to her campaign this unique combination of experience developing and administering policy at the local level, and advocacy in Albany where she has helped to win more equitable statewide legislation in key areas including housing affordability.

In the spirit of developing policy in collaboration with the community, Kim’s campaign will begin a series of listening sessions that will take place across the 61st District. These sessions are for community members to meet Kim and talk about the issues that matter most, all are welcome to attend.

The first Listening Session was held in Amherst on Dec. 19th at the Eggertsville-Snyder Library.

Genesee County residents can attend the session in Batavia on Jan. 7th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Gallery Room at the Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St.

The tour continues in Rochester on Jan. 14th from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Arnett Library. Additional dates and locations are being scheduled and will be posted on her website.

To learn more about Kim and her campaign, please visit: www.kimsmithforsenate.com or email the campaign at: info@kimsmithforsenate.com.

Merry Christmas.

Press release:

The Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters will open its 15th Annual Art Show beginning Jan. 3rd at Pittsford Barnes & Noble’ Community Room. It is located at 3349 Monroe Ave.

This competitive, judged and juried show will display about 90 original paintings recently created throughout the Northeast. The plein air show runs through Friday, Jan. 31^st.

An Artists’ Reception and Award Ceremony will be Saturday, Jan. 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Pittsford Barnes & Noble Community Room.

The art show is free to the public. Gallery hours are B&N store hours. For more information, visit www.gvpap.com or email  paint@gvpap.com.

"Plein air painting," meaning onsite painting in open air (natural light), is popular with artists and their patrons alike. Boats, rural barns, landscape vistas, gardens, cityscapes and waterscapes are all staple subjects in the plein air painter's repertoire. More than 85 percent of each painting in this show is produced on-site, "in the open air.” Painting mediums include oil, watercolor, soft pastel, acrylic and gouache.

The Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters Inc. is an association of outdoor artists that promotes and inspires quality plein air painting. It was established in September 2005. Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters Inc.

GVPAP currently boasts 55 artist members who live in the surrounding counties of Greater Rochester, the Finger Lakes, Western and Central New York, including residents of these communities: Pittsford, Fairport, Canandaigua, Batavia, Macedon, Ontario, Phelps, Kent, Livonia, Rush, Himrod, Caledonia, Dansville, and Rochester.

A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia):

“At a time when our jobs are more demanding, our news cycles faster and our schedules more packed than ever, I’m encouraging you to do one thing this holiday season -- less. Unplug from your phone and connect with the people who mean the most to you. Relax. Remember old stories and make new memories. Keep family traditions alive.

“Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah!  I hope your upcoming year is filled with new opportunities and many blessings,” Hawley said.

A press release from the USDA Office of Communication:

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a movement permit on Monday to Mr. S. Nicholas Claus of the North Pole, a broker with Worldwide Gifts, Unlimited. The permit will allow reindeer to enter and exit the United States between the hours of 7 p.m. Dec. 24, 2019 and 7 a.m. Dec. 25, 2019, through or over any U.S. border port.

“With a growing world population, Mr. Claus will have his busiest Christmas yet. At USDA, we want to ensure we are not hindering Mr. Claus’ important work of spreading Christmas Cheer for all to hear,” said Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.

“Ease of access into the United States for Mr. Claus and his nine reindeer will ensure that children all over the country – including my own 14 grandchildren – will wake up on Christmas morning with joy and filled with the spirit of the season. USDA issued this permit in advance and waived all applicable fees to help ensure a smooth trip on Christmas Eve night.”

In addition to the normal disease testing requirements, flying reindeer must undergo additional tests to ensure they will be able to safely handle significant changes in altitude and temperature throughout their journey, and are fit for landing on rooftops.

On this year’s health certificate, the accredited veterinarian noted that one of the reindeer named Rudolph was positive for “red nose syndrome”; however, it was also explained that this is normal for him and not an animal health concern. The veterinarian also verified the reindeer have been vaccinated against any diseases they could encounter on their trip around the world.

At the request of the Clauses, APHIS also completed a courtesy welfare and humane treatment check of the reindeer facility. Nicholas Claus, his wife and his staff passed with flying colors.

The Claus team will arrive pulling a wooden sleigh with jingling bells attached, filled with brightly wrapped gifts. Port personnel will clean and disinfect the runners and underside of the sleigh at the time of entry, and will also conduct a short visual inspection of the reindeer.

Claus will also have his boots disinfected and will thoroughly wash his hands. These measures are intended to prevent the entry of any livestock diseases the team may encounter during deliveries to farms around the world prior to entering the United States.

“It would be a disaster for Worldwide Gifts, Unlimited, if my reindeer were to unintentionally bring in foot and mouth disease along with all the gifts,” explained Claus. “Why, something like that could put me out of business. That’s why we work all year to keep the reindeer healthy and take all possible precautions before and during our trip.”

Claus has also provided an advance list of what port personnel should expect upon their arrival. This includes a variety of food items, all of which come from approved locations and none of which pose a threat to U.S. animal or plant health.

City firefighters are dispatched to 21 Manhatten Ave. for a report of smoking filling the residence. The building has been evacuated.

UPDATE 1:22 p.m.: Fire command reports there is no active fire. The second story is charged with smoke; investigating.

UPDATE 1:24 p.m.: A fire was found in a second-floor closet. Extinguishing.

UPDATE 1:29 p.m.: "Fire knocked down. Checking for extensions."

City police are responding to two vehicles parked roadside on Oak Street, just north of La Crosse Avenue.

"Apparently, some sort of road rage incident," the dispatcher says, adding that the caller reports "the suspect" pulled a knife on her. 

Then the caller reported that the person was following her down the roadway.

Police tell dispatch they are on scene just north of Tracy Avenue.

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.55, no change since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.33. The New York State average is $2.69 – up 2 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.66. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.65 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.60 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.66 (no change since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.65 (no change since last week)
• Rome -- $2.64 (up 3 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.60 (up 2 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.68 (up 2 cents since last week)

Gas prices are relatively stable given the increase in demand for holiday travel this week. With so many motorists out and about for holiday shopping and for holiday road trips, demand is high.

Pump price savings, albeit it small, are expected to come to New York State by the end of the year and are likely to linger into next year.

AAA forecasts that motorists can expect gas prices to edge cheaper by about a dime in the coming weeks as regional refinery rates and gasoline stocks increase throughout the Northeast region.\

From GasBuddy:

"With motorists preparing to hit the road to celebrate Christmas with loved ones, the national average has seen its seventh weekly decline, falling to a fresh low since March, " said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"Closing out 2019 will likely see some additional downward momentum, but the next million-dollar question motorists are beginning to ask: what will the new decade bring to the pump? What's 2020 going to look like?

"GasBuddy is preparing to answer those questions just in time for the New Year, but for now, motorists need not worry, and should continue to enjoy affordable gasoline prices in nearly all states- and that's a terrific end to 2019 as well."

Jeremy M. Fairbanks, 41, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree strangulation. Fairbanks was arrested following an investigation into a domestic dispute that occurred at 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 13 on Jackson Street in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court at 3:03 p.m. on Dec. 18 and jailed without bail. He was due to return to court on Dec. 19. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Edward G. Ruckdeschel, 57, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with: unauthorized use of a vehicle in the second degree; grand larceny in the fourth degree; and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree. Ruckdeschel was arrested following an investigation into a stolen vehicle complaint made at 4:47 a.m. on Dec. 7. It is alleged that the defendant stole a vehicle from a parking lot of a business in the city. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and jailed without bail. He will return to court at a later date (unspecified). The case was investigated by Batavia Police Sgt. Matthew Lutey, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

David Michael Martin, 59, of Scott Crescent Drive, Scottsville, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. At 4:10 p.m. on Dec. 22, Martin was arrested following an investigation into a larceny complaint (unspecified). Martin was arraigned in Batavia City Court at 7:30 p.m. the same day, then released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on Jan. 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline.

Matthew Jacob Reid, 25, of Main Street, Warsaw, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; and unable to maintain lane. Reid was arrested following an investigation of a possible medical complaint reported at 12:27 a.m. on Oct. 12 on March Road in Bethany. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Bethany Town Court on Jan. 7. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Jamie Valerie Hart, 21, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; unlawful possession of marijuana; and speed exceeding 55 mph. On Dec. 21 at 3:57 p.m. Hart was arrested on Clinton Street Road in Byron. The defendant was released on appearance tickets and is due in Byron Town Court on Jan. 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

On Friday, Durin Rogers was sworn in as the new full-time judge Batavia City Court and David Saleh was sworn in as the new part-time judge.

A water main break at the Days Inn, located at 200 Oak St. in the city, has prompted the hotel's evacuation. The initial report was that the break caused four feet of water to flood the kitchen.

City firefighters are on scene. A code enforcement officer is expected there in about 15 minutes and National Grid has a 20-minute ETA.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: The scene commander says "All utilities have been secured. The facility is evacuated. All units back in service."

Thursday evening, T.F. Brown's hosted its annual happy hour in support of the Community Christmas Dinner and it included an ugly sweater contest.

Press release:

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced Thursday, following their tireless advocacy, $14 million in federal funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to combat Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases and the Kay Hagan Tick Act were included in the final, soon-to-pass bipartisan spending package for Fiscal Year 2020.

The $14 million in funding amounts to a $2 million increase over last year’s level. Last year, a Schumer-backed amendment in the must-pass Health and Human Services (HHS) appropriations bill secured the first increase in CDC Lyme disease funding in five years.

The bipartisan Kay Hagan Tick Act, named in honor of the late Senator Kay Hagan who recently passed away due to complications from Powassan virus, a rare tick-borne disease, is cosponsored by both Schumer and Gillibrand and complements the CDC funding.

The senators explained that since New York remains the #1 target for tick-related disease in the United States, they went back to the mat to secure additional funding for the critical CDC program this year and fight for adoption of the Kay Hagan Tick Act.

“Upstate New York has been feeling the brutal bite of Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases for years now, and thankfully this sorely needed increase in CDC funding and the Kay Hagan Tick Act, combined, will give us the resources we need to strike back,” said Senator Schumer. “New Yorkers and their children shouldn’t have to worry that spending time outside in their backyards will leave them with a debilitating ailment like Lyme disease, and this funding will help prevent that.

"I was proud to lead the charge in securing the crucial funding and imperative legislation to combat the spread of tick-borne diseases throughout New York and will keep fighting until we can stamp out these persistent diseases.”

“I am very pleased that Congress has included in the year-end budget package funding for Lyme disease and tick-borne illness research, surveillance, prevention, and outbreak response,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New Yorkers have felt the impact of tick-borne illness for years, we need to step up our efforts to protect our communities.

"It is particularly meaningful this year, as we lost my dear friend and colleague, former-Senator Kay Hagan to tick-borne illness just a couple of months ago. I am hopeful that with this funding we will be able to prevent other Americans from suffering from the often-devastating and life-altering impacts of tick-borne illness.”

Schumer and Gillibrand said that the increase in funding for the CDC will specifically be used to target vector-borne pathogens which cause diseases in humans.

The funding will contribute to a better understanding of when, where, and how people become exposed to vector-borne pathogens, as well as boost prevention efforts related to vector-borne pathogens and mitigate potential consequences of infection.

Additionally, the funding will be used to help implement vector-borne disease diagnostics, surveillance, control, and prevention programs.

The Kay Hagan Tick Act requires HHS to develop a national strategy for vector-borne diseases, including tick-borne diseases, in an effort to coordinate efforts among various government agencies.

The bill also reauthorizes the Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years at $10 million per year.

Schumer and Gillibrand noted that this is especially important for New York State, as Cornell University is home to the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases.

Lastly, the Kay Hagan Tick Act will allow the CDC to make grants to state, local, and tribal health departments in order to improve the ability to identify, report, prevent, and respond to vector-borne diseases and related outbreaks. 

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection carried by deer ticks, which can be transmitted through a bite to a human or animal. If left untreated, the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi travels through the bloodstream, manifests itself in body tissues, and causes mild or severe symptoms, depending on the case.

Lyme disease begins as a rash at the location of the tick bite and then spreads to the nervous system and joints. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial to recovery, and appropriate antibiotic use in the early stages of Lyme disease typically results in a swift recovery. Untreated and undiagnosed Lyme disease can lead to debilitating effects on a person’s health.

Senator Schumer and Gillibrand have long fought for federal funding for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, which have contributed to a major spike in cases across New York State.

Last year, Schumer fought to secure more than a 12-percent increase in CDC Lyme disease funding, for a total of $12 million, which was the first increase of its kind in five years.

In 2018, during an in-person meeting with CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield, Schumer received a firm commitment from the director that he would be working to address Lyme disease in New York State.

Schumer and Gillibrand also helped secure a $2 billion increase in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding last year, which can be used to expand and build upon existing NIH-funded Lyme disease research that is already occurring at New York institutions, such as Stony Brook, Columbia University, in the SUNY system, and at Hunter College.

Schumer has traveled throughout New York State advocating for increased funding to fight tick-borne diseases and will continue to advocate for these funds for New Yorkers.

Thank you to Batavia First Presbyterian Church for opening its sanctuary on Tuesday for us to record three songs with James Robert Kibby. Look for a special Christmas Eve edition of The Batavian Sessions on, well, Christmas Eve.

Also, I'm looking for more talented local/regional musicians to record for The Batavian Sessions. I can be reached at howard@thebatavian.com.