An ambulance is requested to a motor-vehicle accident at 3525 Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield, for the evaluation of a child involved in the accident.
Oakfield fire is on scene.
UPDATED at 2:26 p.m. -- in bold
So far much of Genesee County has avoided the winter storm pushing through Western New York but snowfall and wind started to intensify in the western part of the county within the past 10 minutes.
County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens said it was pretty quiet in the county overnight even though Akron in Erie County got 12 to 15 inches of snow.
"I think the amount of ice on Lake Erie is limiting the reach of the snow," Hens said.
Sheriff William Sheron said a travel ban is now in effect and he is monitoring the forecasts.
The travel ban states that emergency personnel are responding to numerous personal injury accidents and vehicles off the road, so in the interest of public safety, there is to be NO UNNECESSARY TRAVEL.
The wind pattern may have shifted a bit from what forecasters expected as well.
"That's all it takes around here is a little twist in the wind and it goes somewhere else," Hens said.
With the snow band shifting south and Darien, Pembroke, and Alabama seeing increased snowfall now, the southern half of the county could see more snow today. Batavia, Hens said, is still forecasted to receive 6 to 8 inches of snow.
Hens said you can pretty much divide the county into four quadrants when it comes to snowfall. If the storm is blowing in off of Lake Erie, everything west of Route 98 and south of the Thruway gets hit. If the storm comes in from Lake Ontario, there's more snow east of 98 and north of the Thruway.
Hens said he isn't expecting much snow in Bergen and Le Roy today.
"Unless the moisture level picks up and the band expands we may not see much snow," Hens said, adding, "I've been in Buffalo for 47 years off and on and it (snow patterns) still fascinates me."
Send your closings to howard@thebatavian.com
Press release:
In anticipation of the impending major snow/wind storm, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Genesee County Highway Department and Emergency Management Services, has issued a travel advisory for all of Genesee County.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid all unnecessary travel due to the expected significant accumulation of snow combined with strong winds and sub-zero wind chill temperatures.
These conditions will undoubtedly create white-out conditions and extremely dangerous travel for all motorists.
This Advisory is in effect from today from 3 p.m. (Jan. 29) until further notice.
Sheriff William Sheron reminds motorists that dark traffic signals that are not working are to be treated as a four-way stop.
The National Weather Service has revised its snowfall projections for the anticipated winter storm hitting Western New York this afternoon and expected to linger in the area until Thursday morning.
The weather service is calling for 8 to 15 inches of snow in some areas and winds as high as 40 mph with wind chills dropping to 30 below.
A winter storm warning is in effect.
The forecasters at 13WHAM are predicting 6 to 10 inches of snow for Genesee County with Batavia's wind chill dipping to 36 degrees below zero.
The highest levels of snowfall in the county are expected to be west of Batavia.
The winter storm warning is in effect until 7 a.m., Thursday, with a wind chill warning in effect from 6 a.m. tomorrow through 6 p.m., Thursday.
The weather service cautions that travel during the worst of the storm could be impossible and that during the wind chill period frostbite is possible to exposed skin in less than 30 minutes.
Pets should be kept indoors to reduce their exposure to weather conditions.
Press release:
Tompkins Financial Corporation reported record 2018 full year diluted earnings per share of $5.35, an increase of 56.0% compared to the $3.43 per share reported for the period ending December 31, 2017. For the fourth quarter of 2018, diluted earnings per share of $1.23 were up from the $0.16 per share reported in the same quarter last year.
As more fully disclosed in the Non-GAAP disclosure tables included in this press release, it is helpful to view comparisons to prior periods on an adjusted basis to exclude the impact of certain significant non-recurring items. Most notably, earnings per share and net income in the fourth quarter and year-to-date periods of 2017 were impacted by a one-time non-cash write-down of net deferred tax assets in the amount of $14.9 million as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. On an adjusted basis, year-to-date diluted earnings per share for 2018 would have been $5.33, an increase of 20.6% over the adjusted diluted earnings per share of $4.42 reported for the year ending December 31, 2017. For the fourth quarter of 2018, adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.23 reflecting an increase of 7.0% over the $1.15 adjusted diluted earnings per share reported in the same quarter last year. Refer to Non-GAAP Disclosure tables for additional details.
Due to changes in the Federal tax rates between periods, it is also helpful to view the current period and prior period earnings performance on a pre-tax basis. Income before tax expense was $104.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, and $23.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting an increase of 9.4% and 13.5%, respectively, over the same periods in 2017.
President and CEO, Stephen S. Romaine said “We are pleased to once again report record earnings for both the full year and quarterly periods. The results are especially rewarding in today’s environment of uncertain economic conditions. During the quarter, our net interest margin remained relatively stable as growth in average noninterest-bearing deposits helped soften the impact of rising market interest rates. Our diversified revenue sources have served us well in volatile markets, as fees from insurance, wealth management, and banking related services provide a revenue mix that is less dependent on interest rates. During 2018, each of these fee-based business lines reflected growth over the prior year."
SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS FOR YEAR AND FOURTH QUARTER:
NET INTEREST INCOME
Net interest income of $53.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 was up 2.4% over the same period in 2017. For the full year, net interest income was $211.8 million, up $10.5 million, or 5.2% from the same period in 2017.
Growth in net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2018, was largely driven by $356.4 million of growth in average loans during the year, an increase of 8.1% over the prior period. Average deposits for the year ended December 31, 2018, increased $89.7 million, or 1.9% compared to the same period in 2017. Included in the growth of average deposits during 2018 was a $103.5 million increase in average noninterest-bearing deposits, up 8.1% from the prior year average.
Net interest margin for 2018 was 3.37%, down slightly from the 3.41% reported for 2017. The decline in margin during the year was largely due to increases in market interest rates, which has resulted in funding costs rising at a faster pace than asset yields.
NONINTEREST INCOME
Noninterest income represented 26.8% of total revenues in 2018, compared to 25.6% in 2017. For the full year, noninterest income of $77.4 million was up $8.2 million, or 11.9%, when compared to 2017. Noninterest income was $19.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 and was up $2.5 million or 14.7% compared to the same period in 2017. Fee income business related to investment services, service charges on deposit accounts, and card services income all contributed to the increase over the fourth quarter of 2017. Declines in the stock market during the fourth quarter of 2018 resulted in lower investment services fees tied to assets under management, though the impact was offset by higher than normal fees associated with trust and estate activities.
Other income in the fourth quarter of 2018 included $2.5 million related to the collection of fees and nonaccrual interest for a credit that was charged off in 2010. Other income for the full year included a $2.9 million gain on the sale of two properties. The sale of these properties was related to the move of the Company’s headquarters in the second quarter of 2018.
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Noninterest expense was $47.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, up $0.9 million, or 2.0%, over the fourth quarter of 2017. For the full year of 2018, noninterest expense was $181.1 million, up $10.0 million, or 5.8%, from the same period in 2017. Noninterest expense increases for both the full year and fourth quarter of 2018 included normal annual increases in salaries and wages. The higher noninterest expense in 2018 included lease write-downs of $2.0 million in the second quarter and $514,000 in the third quarter related to leases on recently vacated space. Results for the quarter and full year periods also include an increase of $1.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively, in professional fees, primarily related to investments in strengthening the Company’s compliance and information security infrastructure.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
The Company's effective tax rate was 20.9% for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to 44.8% for the same period in 2017. The decrease is a direct result of the $14.9 million non-cash write-down of net deferred tax assets recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017, which was caused by the decline in the Federal statutory tax rate from 35% in 2017, to 21% in 2018 as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
ASSET QUALITY
Asset quality trends remained strong in the fourth quarter of 2018. Nonperforming assets represented 0.42% of total assets at December 31, 2018, compared to 0.38% at December 31, 2017. Nonperforming asset levels continue to compare favorably to the most recent Federal Reserve Board Peer Group Average1 of 0.61%.
Provision for loan and lease losses was $2.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to $2.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. Net charge-offs for the fourth quarter of 2018 were $6,000 compared to net charge-offs of $281,000 in the fourth quarter of 2017.
The Company’s allowance for originated loan and lease losses totaled $43.3 million at December 31, 2018, and represented 0.95% of total originated loans and leases at December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2017, the allowance was $39.7 million and represented 0.91% of total originated loans and leases. Contributing to the $2.1 million increase in the allowance over the level reported at September 30, 2018, was an impairment reserve related to a single credit that was downgraded during the fourth quarter of 2018. The total allowance represented 163.25% of total nonperforming loans and leases at December 31, 2018, compared to 172.84% at December 31, 2017.
CAPITAL POSITION
Capital ratios remain well above the regulatory well capitalized minimums. The ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets was 7.81% at December 31, 2018, improved from the 7.49% reported at September 30, 2018, and the 7.24% reported at December 31, 2017.
Press release:
With the arrival of significant winter weather the past few weeks and next several days, the City of Batavia Department of Public Works would like to ask for the public’s cooperation as we all try and navigate these storms.
Private plowing contractors should be aware that plowing snow into the street or onto the sidewalk is not allowed and creates dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians.
Property owners are ultimately responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property. The City supplements sidewalk plowing as crews become available and as need dictates, however, this can only be completed after streets and municipal parking lots are plowed. School routes and main road sidewalks are then given priority.
We appreciate everyone’s efforts managing these snow events.
Press release:
The New York State Police is advising motorist to avoid any unnecessary driving during the winter storm that is forecast to bring a significant amount of snow and -25 degrees below zero temperatures across the Western New York Wednesday into Thursday evening.
Troopers will be out checking all major routes of travel to ensure that motorists are as safe as possible and working with local Emergency Operations Centers as needed. The State Police need your assistance to make this possible.Motorists traveling in areas impacted by the snow are asked to leave with extra time to make a slow and careful drive to your destination. Take into consideration snow accumulation on the roads, the current snowfall rate, the wind, and visibility. Use your best judgment to determine if driving is prudent.
Keep the following tips in mind:
- Get the latest weather forecast before leaving with your local weather apps, monitor radio or TV stations.
- Always clean your windows and mirrors FULLY of any snow and ice before driving.
- Keep a full tank of gas.
- Fluid levels are sufficient ( windshield washer fluid, anti-freeze).
- Spare tire is sufficient and you have the jack and wheel wrench.
- Use headlights at all times to increase your visibility to others. Remember, if your windshield wipers are in use due to weather, then your headlights must be on.
- Drive prudently. If the conditions are adverse, you should decrease your speed accordingly.
- Brake early.
- Do NOT use cruise control. This decreases your reaction time to apply braking.
- Look out for events farther down the road. Creating more time to react can make a difference.
- Be aware of maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles. Give them room to work.
- If you do not absolutely have to go out on the roads, then don’t.
If you do go out, is your vehicle prepared?
- Is your trunk supplied to help you to be safe in case you are stopped or stranded in an area without assistance readily available?
- Gloves, blankets, warmers, tool kit, first-aid kit, nonperishable foods, water, working flashlight and batteries, cell phone charger, etc.
- Shovel, ice scraper, de-icer, snow brush, rock salt or cat litter, tow chain or cable, jumper cables or battery charger, etc.
If you are involved in a collision or leave the roadway:
If you drive off the roadway and are stuck in a snow bank or ditch, stay in your vehicle and call 9-1-1. DO NOT exit your vehicle unless it is an absolute emergency. You put yourself at risk of being struck by another vehicle.
Roll your windows down a few inches or turn your vehicle off if you are stranded in snow for a period of time with your vehicle running. Covered mufflers can cause serious physical injury or death due to inhalation of carbon monoxide.
If you should become stranded on the Thruway or any roadway, know your location by being aware of your direction and mile post marker. This will help emergency personnel reach your location as quick as possible.
Follow the New York State Police's Twitter page @nyspolice for up-to-the-minute information on road closures and weather alerts.
The Thruway Authority provides a wide variety of information for travelers including current traffic conditions, accidents, and lane closures. Visit www.thruway.ny.gov for more information.
Slow down. Be prepared. Be safe.
A mother and her adult son lost their home at 6123 Cook Road, Byron, on Monday after a fire erupted inside the residence at 7:10 p.m.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Byron and South Byron responded to the fire with mutual aid from Bergen, Stafford, Elba, and departments in Orleans and Monroe counties. The City's Fast Team also responded.
Byron Chief Robert Mruczek said the house was fully involved when he arrived on scene and he immediately called for a second alarm.
The firefighting effort was hampered by the cold and the wind. With slick roads and fire hydrants buried in snow, it was difficult to get water to the scene, Mruczek said. A metal roof also prevented firefighters from opening vents.
"We were trying to go to the inside to knock it down as fast as we possibly could," Mruczek said. "That was hampered due to the weather conditions for our water supply, so we started to attack from the outside and then the wind kicked up. The wind did not help us."
The weather conditions made it tough on the volunteers who responded to the fire, Mruczek. A school bus was set up to provide a rehab station. Firefighters are rotated from fighting the fire to rehab about every 20 or 30 minutes so they stay fresh, stay hydrated, and don't risk hypothermia.
"They work hard," Mruczek said. "You know, they do their thing. They're on the hose line. They're trying to get into the building and you've got to keep on rotating in and out because it's tiresome in the cold. You freeze up, the water freezes on you and you've got to exchange."
Both mother and son escaped the house and were physically unharmed. They are being cared for by the Salvation Army. They had no pets.
"It's unfortunate," Mruczek said. "It's sad. With the winter weather, these things happen and you try to do the best you can and you hope for the best. Fortunately, nobody got hurt. That's the good thing. Everybody's OK."
A house fire is reported at 6123 Cook Road, Byron.
It is apparently a chimney fire.
Byron and South Byron dispatched. Bergen also dispatched.
UPDATE 7:16 p.m.: Flames showing. Second alarm requested.
UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 7:19 p.m.: It has gone to a second alarm. Stafford is asked to send one engine and one tanker to the scene; the city's Fast Team is called to respond and its fourth platoon is to report to headquarters.
UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: Byron and South Byron auxiliaries are requested to the scene.
UPDATE 8:15 p.m.: Bethany Fire Department is called to stand by in quarters.
UPDATE 11:31 p.m. (by Howard): All units back in service.
A two-car accident, with one car striking a utility pole, is reported at Transit Road and North Byron Road, Byron.
Power is reportedly out in the area.
No injuries are reported.
Byron and South Byron fire departments dispatched.
UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: Elba fire police requested to assist with traffic.
Batavia Oakfield Townline Road is being closed due to an accident that is blocking the roadway in both directions.
There are no injuries reported.
Oakfield Fire on scene.
A 38-year-old Ellicott Street resident has been indicted by a Genesee County Grand Jury on 10 criminal counts related to accusations that he forced a person less than 17 years old to engage in sexual activity.
The alleged crimes were first reported in October when Dale T. Young was arrested by Batavia PD and ordered held on $50,000 bail.
The counts against Young:
Young is out of jail on bail.
Press release:
Today Henry F. Wojtaszek, president/CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming and Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTB), made the following statement regarding today’s proposed sports betting regulations by the New York State Gaming Commission.
“While we’re gratified the State Gaming Commission took the first step in authorizing sports betting in New York State, we think it’s important our million-plus customers and all Western New York sports fans and communities benefit from sports betting opportunities in their own back yard. Sports betting should be allowed at Western Regional Off-Track Betting (WROTB) and at OTB’s around the state.
"As currently proposed, a Bills fan would have to go to a Native American casino or drive 90 minutes to place a bet on the Bills. That’s not exactly convenient, and it won’t provide critical tax revenue to local governments.
“As the only municipally owned and operated a gaming facility in New York State, WROTB is not just a strong economic driver for Western New York, but we provide critical funding for community development, which creates jobs, protects families and helps to offset tax increases for residents.
“The more revenue we generate, the more we give back to communities. Since our inception, we have generated more than $226 million to 17 municipalities – legalizing sports betting in our region would only increase these important contributions.
"We look forward to working with officials on both sides of the aisle and the New York State Gaming Commission to ensure Western New Yorkers don’t miss out on this opportunity to create hundreds of jobs, enhance our tourism industry, and allow millions of dollars in investment to flow through our neighborhoods.”
A 52-year-old Pembroke woman who started a fire that destroyed her ex-boyfriend's Harley-Davidson entered a guilty plea to attempted arson in the third degree, a Class D felony, this morning just before jury selection in her criminal trial.
Judge Charles Zambito said Jacqueline M. Saeli can avoid a prison term if she makes full restitution before she is sentenced at 1:30 p.m., March 29.
District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said after her appearance that it's expected Saeli will make a $10,000 payment this week.
Saeli, of North Lake Road, was arrested following a Jan. 6 fire at 8455 N. Lake Road, Pembroke, that destroyed a garage and the bike and was determined to be arson by Deputy Ryan Young, Investigator Chris Parker, and personnel from Pembroke Fire Department and the Emergency Management Office.
UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: Hazardous weather outlook -- A winter storm warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m., Thursday. A wind chill watch has also been issued for Thursday afternoon. The wind chill could reach 25 below zero.
-----
A winter storm watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday evening in Genesee County.
The National Weather Service is expecting heavy lake effect snow with storm totals of one to two feet possible in the most persistent bands.
Winds could gust as high as 45 mph later Wednesday through Thursday. Some areas could experience near blizzard conditions with severe blowing and drifting snow.
The storm is also expected to hit Erie and Wyoming counties.
The weather service warns travel could be difficult to impossible, especially Tuesday night through Thursday, due to heavy snow and significant blowing and drifting snow. The conditions could impact the morning and evening commutes.
Press release from AAA:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.26, up 1 cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.58. The New York State average is $2.50 – down 3 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.75. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia -- $2.55 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Buffalo -- $2.55 (down 2 cents since last week)
- Ithaca -- $2.38 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Rochester -- $2.46 (down 2 cents since last week)
- Rome -- $2.48 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Syracuse -- $2.39 (down 2 cents since last week)
- Watertown -- $2.49 (down 1 cent since last week)
The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that gasoline demand is on the rise and is much higher than last year at this time. Meanwhile, EIA reports that gasoline stocks around the country are also on the rise to the point where the growth rate is the highest gasoline stock level ever recorded by EIA, since it began collecting the data in 1990. It’s also much higher than last year at this time. Increased levels of gasoline stocks could help to meet rising demand, which means the impact to pump prices could be modest.
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