There's about a 30-percent chance of snow throughout the day, increasing to 60-percent chance tonight, according to the current forecast.
Temperatures will hover in the low 20s all day.
Winds will reach just above 10 mph.
When Jason Molino talks about community engagement, and moving city efforts for neighborhood improvement beyond code enforcement and writing grant proposals, its clear he has at least one supporter on City Council.
Last night, when Molino's agenda item came up on neighborhood improvement, only Ferrando spoke up in terms that gets the gist of what the city manager is trying to push.
"I really believe in the part of the report that says that essentially you can’t force people, you can’t intimidate people, you can’t bang people over the head," Ferrando said. "You might get short-term results, but you won’t get long-term results. You’ve got to change the attitude. It’s got to be a positive kind of reinforcement."
He then talked about his experience as a youth sports coach.
"When you talk to kids and you want to turn failure into success, they’ve got to do it," Ferrando said. "You can’t hit them over the head to be good. They’ve got to want to be good. You’ve got to change that whole culture and attitude."
Ferrando concluded with a remembrance of the South Side he knew as a kid.
"A lot of the South Side was an immigrant population," Ferrando said. "They took pride in their property. Those properties were beautiful. Their gardens were beautiful. Even their backyards were beautiful. They took pride because their properties were special. They didn’t have a whole lot. We’ve got to bring that same kind of pride back to our neighborhoods if we’re going to make a difference."
And that's exactly what Molino has been talking about since he first introduced the concept of community engagement at the Oct. 27 council meeting.
To be sure, Molino isn't talking about just feel-good, community-building measures -- his proposal includes code enforcement and grant applications. But he is certainly looking at Batavia's future with far more depth than just throwing money at problems. And he's quite clear: You and I play a role just as vital as cops, firefighters and code enforcers.
Batavia won't grow and improve without community members taking pride and getting involved, which was the point of Molino sharing with council the Geneva Report.
Molino's report to the council included both grants and code enforcement, but underlying Molino's broader efforts is finding ways to promote community engagement. Last night, he just didn't put it as well as Ferrando.
Molino's eight recommendations:
In his report, Molino also shot down many of the recommendations of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee for new codes and new enforcement recommendations.
These included:
Molino's report said these proposals were impractical either because of New York State law, expense (such as additional staffing) or inefficient because they didn't improve on current procedures.
The council took no action Monday on Molino's proposals. Council members such as Bob Bialkowski asked for more time to study the reports.
In other council news:
There's a vehicle-rollover accident in the westbound lane of Route 5 in Le Roy.
UPDATE 8:42 p.m.: First responder reports that the road is "solid ice" and that the car went over the guardrail. The good news is, "everyone is out of the vehicle."
UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: Mercy EMS medic reports, "It's solid black ice out there." He's taking all of the patients to the toll booth.
UPDATE 8:53 p.m.: With the patients safely out of the area, Le Roy Fire is leaving the scene and back in service. "There's too much danger here."
A bomb threat was scrawled on a bathroom wall at Byron-Bergen High School today, and two youths have been charged with a felony as a result.
One student is 17 years old and the age of the second suspect was not released.*
Both are charged with falsely reporting an incident in the 2nd degree and conspiracy in the 5th degree.
The two students allegedly conspired in order to get out of school
The older suspect was jailed on $1,500 bail.
*NOTE: while the Sheriff's Office released the name of the first suspect, it is the policy of The Batavian not to identify possible Youthful Offenders who are not at least 18 years old, except for, in our sole discretion, serious crimes. In New York, defendants can be adjudicated a Youthful Offender through his or her 19th year. (We generally identify suspects at age 18 and 19.)
A pizza delivery driver is apparently in trouble.
A snow-plow operator reports driving along a local roadway (sorry, missed the street name) when a car with a pizza ad on it spun out and hit the snow plow. The driver then reportedly drove away (which, if true, would violate section 600.1 of the New York Vehicle Code: Leaving the scene of a property-damage accident).
The snow plow wasn't damaged, but of course its driver is required to report the incident.
And: Just as I finish writing the above, Batavia Police report identifying the vehicle.
It may be the most anticipated gym opening in Batavia, if not world, history, but Ken Mistler sent a message to his Facebook followers announcing that Next Level Fitness will finally open.
The three-level workout center at Main and Jackson will start straining muscles and pumping hearts on Jan. 2.
Mistler will close Better Bodies on Dec. 24 and use the next week to move equipment from the old gym to the new.
Mistler will be at Next Level on Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to give tours and sign new members.
There are reportedly "several" cars off the road along Route 98 in the area of Alexander.
One of the vehicles reportedly struck the gas line of a house at 10738 Alexander Road, and Alexander Fire is responding.
There are also reports of vehicles off the road and other property-damage accidents around the county.
UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: A law enforcement officer on scene just requested that County Highway snow crews get out to Route 98 quickly. He said the road is very slippery.
UPDATE 6:04 p.m.: A car struck a pole at Edwards and Buell streets and left the scene. City Fire is being dispatched because the pole is broken.
UPDATE 6:06 p.m.: Police officer responding to accident above: "He's going to have substantial front-end damage. He struck the pole right between the headlights." The officer is proceeding to a parking lot to check out a specific vehicle.
UPDATE 6:14 p.m.: Police are still searching for the car that struck the pole.
Bill Hume sends along a picture of the snow starting in Oakfield. Any snow during the day isn't expected to accumulate, but we may get 1 or 2 inches tonight.
It's red, shiny and has all the bells and whistles. No, it's not Santa's sled -- it's the new fire truck in the Pembroke Fire District.
The truck arrived at the fire station Dec. 8 and Bruce Ross sent over the picture above along with some information about the tanker.
The total cost: $285,000. But, as Ross said, "The payoff for having access to this life saving truck: absolutely priceless to both the firefighters and community."
The 2009 Peterbuilt has a 3,100 gallon tank capacity along with 60 gallons of on-board in-tank foam.
"The truck has all of the latest state-of-the-art LED emergency lighting, including a large directional arrow on the rear of the truck for use on the roadway, especially helpful on Thruway accident scenes, and a Federal Q2B siren to ensure a clear path for minimum response times to an emergency," Ross said.
The truck's equipment includes six SCBA air packs for use on interior firefighting efforts, eight extra air bottles, 48 feet in ground ladders, various hand tools used both in interior and exterior firefighting work, hard-suction hose in order to gain access to water out of a standing water source such as a pond, and a 4,000-gallon portable pond used in remote areas.
It replaces a 1978 International Tanker that held a mere 1,800 gallons of water. Ross said the old tanker carried less equipment and was plagued by an increasing number of mechanical issues.
Crews will undergo pump and driver training and the truck is expected to be put in service in January.
Michael Joseph Raphael, 20, of 4 Noonan Ave., Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Raphael was arrested yesterday at 5:17 p.m. for allegedly using obscene language and calling another person a name.
A 17-year-old from Darien Center was arrested by State Police arrested and charged with assault and menacing in the third degree. The alleged incident was reported Dec. 4 at 11:27 a.m. No further details were released.
Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When it's time for a great hamburger, Jackson St. Grill will serve you among the best around. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.
Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.
Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.
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.
South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.
Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Men, enjoy a $5 haircut again with this offer exclusive to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).
NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.
Buyers: Please remember the six-month rule -- please don't buy a gift certificate you bought within the past six months.
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.
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.
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.
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 a seven-week session (one class per week), which is a $56 value, for $28.
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.
South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.
Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Men, enjoy a $5 haircut again with this offer exclusive to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).
The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Now in stock: A big selection of poinsettias and stunning wreaths. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.
John A. Bilodeau-Redeye, 57, of 493 Bloomingdale Road, Akron, is charged with assault, 2nd degree and menacing in the second. Bilodeau-Redeye reportedly became involved in an argument with his wife over their dogs. Bilodeau-Redeye allegedly struck his wife with a cane and then grabbed a pistol and a shovel. Bilodeau-Redeye then allegedly struck his wife with the shovel while holding the pistol. The incident was investigated by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.
Michael J. Lopez, 26, of 7 Chestnut St., Apt. 3, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation and unsafe lane change. Jose Juan Santiago-Burgos, 21, of 8029 Telephone Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th; and, Derrick J. Krager, 19, of 32 N. Lyon St., lower, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Lopez was stopped by Officer Dan Coffey on Sunday at 9:37 p.m. for an alleged unsafe lane change. Officer Matthew Baldwin assisted. During the stop, the officers reportedly found Santiago-Burgos in possession of brass knuckles. As for Krager, he allegedly became upset with the police during the traffic stop and punched the car.
Sean J. Allen, 21, of Buffalo, is charged with DWI, refusal and assault, 3rd degree. Allen was arrested after Trooper Tim Ferris observed an apparently disabled blue sedan on Route 33 on Thursday. When he approached the vehicle, he reportedly found a man sleeping in the driver's seat. The woman in the passenger seat claimed the driver, Allen, had punched her in the face. Allen was jailed on $1,500 bail.
Jesse Alvin Russell, 20, of 33 Williams St., upper, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession/consumption of alcohol, under 21. Russell was stopped on Route 98 in the Town of Alexander by Deputy Patrick Reeves. He reported finding marijuana in Russell's vehicle.
Curtis M. James, 29, of 107 Watson St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, consuming alcohol in a vehicle and failure to dim headlines. James was stopped on Ellicott Street by Officer Thad Mart on Sunday at 2:35 a.m.
Frank R. Oneil, 61, of 3591 Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and improper tail lights. Oneil was stopped by Officer E.E. Bolles on Sunday at 3 a.m. on W. Main Street.
Jeffrey Allen Hoag, 40, of 2058 Black Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. Hoag was charged after his car reportedly struck a tree at 7550 Route 20 in Pavilion.
David M. Bohn, 34, of 8069 Kelsey Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, failure to keep right, operating with a suspended registration and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. On Thursday, the Sheriff's Office received a report of a two-vehicle accident at 3298 Pratt Road. One pickup truck reportedly sideswiped another and knocked off its side mirror. The suspect vehicle reportedly failed to stop. Shortly after the report of the accident, Deputy Patrick Reeves located the suspect vehicle and arrested Bohn on suspected DWI.
Alexis Anne Czaja, 27, of 60 Drake St., Oakfield, is charged with disorderly conduct. Czaja was taken into custody in Batavia on a bench warrant for failure to appear on the disorderly conduct charge.
Rolando Garcia-Perez, 38, of 15 West Ave., Elba, is charged with illegal entry into the United States. Garcia-Perez was arrested and turned over to the Border Patrol following a one-car accident on Monday at 6:54 a.m.
Derrick W. Jackson, 22, of Oakfield, is charged with menacing in the 3rd degree, criminal mischief, harassment, aggravated harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. Jackson was arrested by State Police on Sunday at 1:51 a.m. No further details provided.
Oakfield and Town of Batavia fire departments are being dispatched to 33 Sunset Parkway for the report of a trailer filling with smoke and a possible electrical fire in a wall.
East Pembroke and Alabama fire are on standby.
There have been at least three complaints around the city today, and one elsewhere in the county, of kids throwing snowballs -- at cars, at businesses, at people and at a house.
A window was broken.
Just saying ...
The State Trooper injured in an auto accident on the Thurway in Pembroke on Saturday has been identified as Nina Johnson.
Johnson, who was taken via Mercy Flight to ECMC, was released from the hospital Saturday evening.
The Trooper was involved in traffic control following a fatal accident on the Thurway just hours prior.
Her patrol vehicle was reportedly struck by an SUV driven by Catherine A. Manahan, 27, of Williamsville.
That accident took the life of Julie I. Stratton, 33, of Synder, whose car became disabled in the fast lane after striking a deer. A tractor-trailer then ran into her car. She was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Buffalo News, state police have yet to decide whether to file charges against the truck driver, Thomas M. Wallace, 45, of Brook Park, Ohio.
“We’re still investigating it to see if there was some distracted driving involved,” Harris said. “We’re looking at why [Wallace] didn’t perceive the vehicle in front of him.”
State police noted that other drivers were able to avoid hitting Stratton’s disabled car in the minutes before the crash.
Stratton was married and had two sons, ages 1 and 3.
A Batavia woman who admitted this morning to defrauding the Department of Social Services out of $9,278 has until Feb. 12 to pay it all back or face up to two years in prison.
Tami Mileham made a $2,000 payment this morning.
If she makes the remainder of her scheduled payments, she's looking at much less time in jail after pleading guilty to two counts of offering a false instrument in the second degree.
Mileham admitted to making false statements on food stamp applications about a person living in her residence at the time.
Her reduced sentence could either be 60 days in jail, or 60 days of jail time staggered over four months. Otherwise, each count carries a one-year prison term and those terms could be imposed consecutively rather than concurrently.
I was really pleased with how this picture turned out and I'm glad Don Burkel has given me an excuse to re-run it. This morning he announced the winners of the BID's Holiday Window Contest, and Valle Jewelers won.
Second prize went to Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles and third prize to Spa at Artemis.
Honorable mentions: C.L. Carr/Mistler Building, Continental School of Beauty, Floral Fantasies and WBTA.
Previously: Downtown Christmas Lights
iPhone owners in Genesee County: Rejoice. We now have the 3G network available to us.
I was pleased to notice "3G" next to the reception bars on my iPhone this morning. And then a little while ago, I got a press release from AT&T announcing the network upgrade.
The PR says enhanced cell sites are located in Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Brick House, Corfu, Darien, Elba, Leroy, Oakfield, Pavilion and Pembroke. (Brick House?)
3G is mobile broadband, meaning AT&T customers in Genesee County can now surf the Web and download e-mail a bit faster.
Now, if AT&T would just do something about the fact there is no place to buy iPhones or accessories in Genesee County.
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