The way David Bellavia sees it, there's no real chance of going back to Fallujah, not that he and few of his fellow Iraq War veterans haven't mentioned the idea in conversation.

The news reports of al-Qaida-linked forces capturing Fallujah and Ramadi hasn't sat well with Bellavia, nor the families of those who lost loved ones in battles to secure those cities for Iraq's government, said the Batavia resident who was awarded a Silver Star for his role in liberating Fallujah from insurgents in 2004.

"It's a black eye for our foreign policy in the Middle East," Bellavia said. "It's the same group we backed in Syria and not a damn thing was said about it. The enemy in Iraq is the very force that has tried to overthrow Assad. It shows how absolutely difficult the Middle East has become. This administration has decided Iraq is not important. All of the focus is on Afghanistan, so as far as Iraq goes, it's a closed chapter and we move on. For the veterans of that war, it's a bitter pill to swallow."

Bellavia said he talks regularly with fellow veterans and he's also heard from three families who lost loved ones in Fallujah and nobody is happy about the turn of events. It does indeed cause some to ask "what did we fight for?" -- he thinks that's really the goal of al-Qaida.

Bellavia compared the fall of Fallujah to the fall of Saigon, saying Fallujah is his generation's Normandy. He said it was sacred ground.

"Fallujah has no tactical value to the enemy at all," Bellavia said. "It's nothing but a moral victory. If you want to take over Iraq, you capture Basra and Baghdad. Taking over Fallujah is nothing but a thumb in the eye to Americans."

What's particularly galling, Bellavia said, is the seeming willingness of Fallujah residents, who once welcomed the Americans, now supporting al-Qaida.

"Before last month, we believed people (in Fallujah) appreciated the sacrafice, but you can't say that now," Bellavia said, "especially when you hear the locals are taking al-Qaida in and housing them and helping them stand against the government. What do you say to that?"

Perhaps if the administration had more aggressively pursued a status of force agreement that allowed more air cover for government forces, al-Qaida wouldn't have felt emboldened to capture the cities of the Al Anbar Province.

As it is, it didn't take much for the Islamic radicals to capture territory Americans once fought so hard to free.

"You know there's a problem when you get a report that a city fell and there are only eight people dead," Bellavia said. "That means whoever was defending the city just left. They didn't want to risk their blood to defend the city."

One thing Bellavia doesn't see happening is U.S. troops returning to Fallujah.

"I don't think anybody wants boots on the ground," Bellavia said. 

Even with the change in circumstances, al-Qaida isn't in full control of the city. Sunni tribal forces are also asserting authority while the Shiite-led government of Iraq has seemingly abandoned its posts.

Eventually, Bellavia believes, Iraq will muster sufficient security forces to retake Fallujah. But then what? The Sunnis and the radicals will just want it back, and so on, with no end in sight.

But perhaps, Bellavia said, that's the enduring lesson of Iraq, with consequences for U.S. foreign policy throughout the region.

"We can't be there forever," Bellavia said. "Were we going to have permanent bases in Iraq like Germany or Japan? That's the tough lesson. If they choose not to fight, they choose not to fight. It doesn't make it easier for those who lost loved ones, but we can't go back. We're all now 10 years from the fight. We have families. We have children. Would we want our sons and daughters to go back to Iraq and finish the job we couldn't? Absolutely not. There's no way I would want my son to go through anything like I went through. We served our country, we did it with honor and an unflinching sense of duty, but we can't save the world if we are the only ones willing to die for the cause."

Route 5 will be shut down at Transit and Clipnock roads due to low-hanging wires in the roadway. Stafford Fire Police are responding, along with law enforcement. National Grid is in route. "We have a ton of cars up here we're trying to get turned around along with at least three tractor-trailers."

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: The line is either cable or phone, but National Grid has agreed to snip it so it can be removed from the roadway. The appropriate company will be notified of the action.

UPDATE 4 p.m.: Stafford Fire Police are back in service.

Cancellations we know about:

• Due to severe weather conditions, all Genesee County grand jurors summoned for Tuesday, January 7, 2014 are directed NOT to report as scheduled. Genesee County grand jury service has been postponed to Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. Grand jurors summoned to appear must report to the Genesee County Courts Facility, Second Floor, One West Main Street, Batavia, New York on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. More information is available at the Genesee County Commissioner of Jurors Office at 585-344-2550 ext. 2296 or www.nycourts.gov
• Due to the winter storm expected to strike the Western New York region beginning the evening of January 6, 2014, the US Department of State’s Buffalo Passport Agency will be closed all day January 7, 2014. We expect to reopen to the public at 10AM on Wednesday, January 8.
• American Legion Post 626 Oakfield-Alabama has cancelled its meeting.
• The Alabama Fire Department has cancelled bingo for tonight.
• 4-H activities for tonight have been cancelled.
• The Village of Corfu budget meeting scheduled for tonight is cancelled.
• The Haxon Library in Oakfield is closed. It will be closed tomorrow if school is cancelled.
• The Chamber of Commerce Office will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday.
• Batavia City Schools has cancelled it's board meeting.
• City Schools have cancelled classes tomorrow.
• The Rotary basketball tournament is postponed.
• United Memorial has closed its URGENT CARE facility in Batavia early tonight due to the weather. The emergency room at 127 North Street is open.
• Oakfield-Alabama Central Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, January 7th including all afterschool and evening activities.
• St. Joes is closed tomorrow.
• The Alabama Town Hall will be closed Tuesday, January 7, 2014.  This includes the Town Clerk and Assessor offices and Court.
• Wyoming County District Attorney Donald O'Geen requested we post the following announcement because of its importance and it might get overshadowed by other news: Due to severe weather conditions, all Wyoming County Grand Jurors summoned for Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. are to report on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. Grand Jurors should report Wednesday to the Courthouse at 147 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY. If you have any questions, please contact the Wyoming County Commissioner of Jurors Office at 585‑786‑8756 or www.nycourts.gov
• Genesee County Chapter NYSARC Day Hab Programs and Workshop are closed Tuesday.
• The Genesee County YMCA, 209 East Main St. will open at 8:30 AM, Tuesday, January 7, 2014.
• From UMMC: ALL OUTPATIENT SERVICES, including URGENT CARE and OUTPATIENT SURGERY (same day surgery) will be closed, on Tuesday, January 7th due to weather. Employees of these areas should remain home unless notified by their leader to come in to work. The closure includes: Jerome Center Diagnostics; LeRoy Diagnostics; Pembroke Diagnostics, Outpatient Lab and Outpatient Medical Imaging at 127 North Street; the Wound Care Center; the Pain Center;Cardiology and Internal Medicine practice; Batavia Family Care; Tountas Family Care, LeRoy Care; Batavia Urgent Care; The Corporate Health Center; the Women's Care Centers in Medina and Batavia; the Cancer and Infusion Center; Surgical Associates Office for Drs. Froix, Zucchiatti and DiBenedetto; Cardiac Rehab; Outpatient Echo and EKG.

For a list of cancellations on WBTA's web site, click here.

If you have a cancellation, e-mail info to howard@thebatavian.com.

Deborah A. Blackmar, 50, of Le Roy, Miranda A. Ralston, 27, of York, and Aaron M. Higgins, 33, of York, are all charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Ralston and Higgins are also charged with criminal possession of stolen property. State Police in Warsaw accuse the trio of stealing, on two separate occasions in December, merchandise from the Walmart in Warsaw. The items allegedly stolen include two flat-screen TVs, a Blue Ray disc player, a laptop computer and other items, with a total value of $1,500. Most of the items were allegedly recovered at a residence in York. The Sheriff's offices in Livingston and Genesee counties, along with Le Roy PD, assisted in the 10-day investigation, which culminated in the Dec. 28 arrest of the three suspects.

Donald E. Cameron Jr., 54, of 9200 York Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI and refusing to take breath test. Cameron was arrested after Le Roy PD was dispatched to McDonald's to check on the welfare of a woman. By the time, officers arrived, the woman had left McDonald's, but was located in a vehicle operated by Cameron. She was fine, but upon further investigation, officers determined that Cameron had allegedly been driving drunk.

Justin Samuel Fagan, 28, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 2nd. This is an upgraded charge. Fagan was arrested and initially charged with third-degree assault on Dec. 29 following an alleged incident at the Blue Dog Saloon in Attica. The upgraded charge alleges serious physical injury to the victim.

Michael Christopher Schulz, 31, of Buffalo Street Road, Attica, was arrested on a Family Court warrant. Schulz was arrested by Attica PD on a Family Court warrant and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Schulz was jailed on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond.

Troy Christian Shepard, 31, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Shepard is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

CNN: Advocates: New York governor to pave way for medical marijuana

The National Weather Service has upgraded the severity of the storm expected to hit Genesee County on Monday and Tuesday, issuing a prediction of up to two feet of snow over a nearly 48-hour period.

The wind chill factor will be as low as 30 degrees below zero.

The lake effect snow warning is in effect from 11 a.m., Monday to 6 a.m., Wednesday and the wind chill warning starts at 6 p.m., Monday and goes through 6 p.m., Tuesday.

The storm will start Monday with 1 to 3 inches of snow, 6 to 11 inches Monday night, 9 to 17 inches Tuesday and an inch or less Tuesday night.

The heaviest snow will be south of Route 20.

With winds of 20 to 30 mph, visibility will be less than a few hundred feet at times.

"Travel will become very difficult to near impossible, with snow covered roads and localized whiteout conditions due to heavy lake effect snow along with considerable blowing and driving snow," the weather service predicts, adding, "dangerously cold wind chills will pose a risk for frost bite and hypothermia for anyone outside for even very short periods of time. This is life-threatening cold for those not in shelter."

UPDATE 12:42 p.m.: The National Weather Service has added a high wind warning for 1 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday, with winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 60 mph.

A natural gas leak is reported at the Rite Aid at Lewiston and West Main Street roads Batavia.

The building is evacuated.

Town of Batavia fire is on scene.

National Fuel is in route.

UPDATE 11:03 a.m.: National Fuel is on scene.

UPDATE 11:28 a.m.: Town of Batavia in service. The scene is turned over to National Fuel.

A house fire is reported at 9284 Robbins Road. Le Roy Fire Department is responding along with a Le Roy ambulance and a ladder truck from Bergen.

UPDATE 8:15 p.m.:  A responder reports it's a kitchen stove fire.

UPDATE 8:18 p.m. (by Howard): A chief requests a thermal camera. "It may have gotten up into the ceiling," he says. The City of Batavia's Fast Team is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m. (by Howard): Pavilion responding. Stafford requested to Le Roy's hall.

UPDATE 8:24 p.m.: Interior firefighter reports the fire is knocked down. Checking for extensions.

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An off-duty emergency dispatcher says he was apparently in the right place at the right time tonight when two men tried to pull off a heist of drills from Home Depot on Veterans Memorial Drive.

Nate Fix, who is also a Town of Batavia Fire 1st assistant chief and part of the private security detail at Darien Lake on concert nights, said his wife, Kayte, asked him to drive her up to Home Depot to get a knob for a kitchen cabinet at about 7:30 p.m.

While waiting, Fix called the dispatch center with a work-related question. While on the phone he noticed a man run from the big double glass doors of Home Depot carrying several drills.

"I knew something wasn't right because I could see the lights flashing of the alarms going off," Fix said. "The car started rolling before the guy even jumped in it."

Fix immediately informed dispatchers about what he just observed and deputies were immediately summoned to the area.

Fix followed the car and he figures the driver knew he was being followed when the sedan pulled into the parking lot of Office Max, so Fix drove into the car wash just down the road and waited and watched.

Soon, the white sedan zoomed past his location, he said, again heading south on Veterans, so Fix pulled out behind the sedan.

The car pulled into the B.J.'s parking lot and drove behind the building. Fix waited in the parking lot for the car to reemerge.

"The car races past me, races around Applebee's and then races toward Lewiston," Fix said.

By then, multiple patrol units had arrived on scene and blocked the intersection.

According to Fix, the car stopped and the passenger ran from the vehicle, throwing the drills to the ground.

After a short foot pursuit, the suspect was apprehended by a deputy in the area of Arena Parkway.

"I guess all those nights working security at Darien Lake paid off," Fix said. "I stayed calm, though I may have sounded excited on the phone, and reported what I saw and kept the suspect vehicle in sight."

The names of the suspects have not yet been released.

UPDATE 11:14 p.m.: Arrested was Steven Michael Merriam, 25, of South Main Street, Churchville. He is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. A search of the sedan uncovered other alleged stolen property from a Lowe's store in Amherst.

A motor-vehicle accident with possible serious injuries is reported at 4167 Batavia Elba Town Line Road, west of Route 98. Elba Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics and Town of Batavia fire. Mercy Flight is on standby. Two ambulances are needed. "Car into tree, head injury," says responder on scene.

UPDATE 2:11 p.m.: It's determined to be in the Town of Batavia's fire district. Extrication will be needed. Traffic police are asked to shut down traffic at Pekin Road. State troopers and deputies are also on scene.

UPDATE 2:14 p.m.: The road will also be closed at Route 98.

UPDATE 2:16 p.m.: Command calls for the helicopter in Buffalo to start flying to the Batavia hangar.

UPDATE 2:21 p.m.: Two helicopters -- one in Batavia and the other coming from Buffalo -- are both called to the scene.

UPDATE 2:27 p.m.: One patient has been extricated.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: Mercy Flight #5 has landed. The second patient has been extricated.

UPDATE 2:34 p.m.: Mercy Flight #7 has landed.

UPDATE 2:43 p.m.: Mercy Flight #5 is airborne and headed to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 2:51 p.m.: Mercy Flight #7 is airborne and also going to Strong.

UPDATE 3:01 p.m.: Howard at the scene was told the passanger vehicle was westbound on Batavia Elba Town Line Road when it hit a snow drift and the driver lost control of the car and it struck a tree. Authorities urge drivers to be aware that snow drifts are causing dangerous driving conditions on roads throughout the county and they should use extreme caution when driving.

UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: The injuries sustained by both patients are not considered to be life-threatening.

UPDATE 3:12 p.m.: Town of Batavia command is putting the assignment back in service and Elba Fire Police are opening the road.

UPDATE 4:46 p.m.: The driver of the vehicle was a 16-year-old female from Batavia (State Police are not releasing her name). The passenger was Ronald Filbert, 43, of Lockport. Both were taken to strong with non-life-threatening injuries. Both were conscious and alert at the time they were transported.

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported at 1013 Day Road, north of Sprague Road. The vehicle is on its side and the female driver is unable to get out. Alexander Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The driver is on the phone with dispatch and says she has minor injuries, she just can't get out of her car.

UPDATE 1:29 p.m.: The vehicle is off the roadway in a ditch.

UPDATE 1:32 p.m.: The patient is out of the vehicle.

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: Medical treatment is not necessary. Mercy is back in service. A tow is called. The guard rail is mangled.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: A water pipe was damaged in the accident and Monroe County Water Authority was notified and will send someone out there when able to do so. Meanwhile, water is leaking in the ditch.

UPDATE 1:56 p.m.: Alexander ambulance is taking the woman to UMMC. Athough she has no complaints of pain, the medic says "she's shaken up."

Investigators are looking for the apparently smiling woman in this photograph from the Walmart in Albion. The woman allegedly used a stolen gift card to purchase a cake at the store.

The gift card was reported stolen at the Walmart in Batavia after the owner's purse disappeared from a shopping cart when it was left briefly unattended in the parking lot while the owner loaded her vehicle with her purchases.

The card was used in Albion at 12:56 p.m., Christmas Eve.

The purse was recovered along the side of the roadway on Route 63 just south of Medina.

Anybody with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to call Investigator Kris Kautz at (585) 345-3000, ext. 3571.

Jacquetta Simmons need only serve one year in jail for punching a Walmart cashier on Christmas Eve, 2011, according to a ruling issued by the the Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department, NYS Supreme Court.

The court, in a unanimous decision, found that the five-year prison sentence handed down by Judge Robert C. Noonan on Nov. 14, 2012, was "unduly harsh and severe under the circumstances of this case."

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said he's disappointed in the decision.

"We felt Judge Noonan's sentence was appropriate," Friedman said. "I thought it was well reasoned. It may have happened before, but I don't recall a sentence of his being reversed in his 17 years of being a judge."

The ruling means Simmons, who became a mother to her first child shortly after an appellate judge stayed her sentence in 2012, is saved from serving any further state prison time. The one-year sentence, likely to be reduced to eight months on good behavior, will be served in a county jail.

That's disappointing, Friedman said, but most importantly, the court upheld the jury's conviction of Simmons.

Attorneys for Simmons argued to the court that the jury's verdict flew in the face of the evidence presented at trial. With a dissent from Justice Rose H. Sconiers, the court upheld the jury conviction.

The jury could reasonably conclude, ruled the majority upholding the conviction, that based on the testimony and video evidence presented, that Simmons did intentionally punch Grace Suozzi.

Sconiers wrote in her dissent that she didn't believe the evidence supported that conclusion, but rather the video supported the defense contention that somebody behind Simmons had grabbed her arm and that she swung away causing her to accidentally strike Suozzi.

Friedman said he was surprised by the dissent and found it baffling.

The Batavian has no means to contact attorneys for Simmons on a Saturday for comment.

In the majority on the conviction, and joining Sconiers in reducing the sentence, were justices Henry J. Scudder, John V. Centra, Stephen K. Lindley and Joseph D. Valentino.

The case is remitted to Noonan's court for formal sentencing. No date has been set yet for re-sentencing and Simmons remains free in the meantime.

The sentence reduction is a real disservice to the victim and her family and the community, Friedman said.

"Having gone through this and seeing the impact this had on Mrs. Suozzi, her family, a lot of people in the community who knew her and cared about her -- all of that is something that is lost in the appeal process," Friedman said. "It's one punch, but more than the physical harm is the emotional harm. It really affected her life as far as her ability to return to work and go out and about. She's a very nice lady and this sentence doesn't do her justice."

The Batavian first broke the story of the Simmons case in 2011. For a complete archive of our coverage, click here.

A one-vehicle rollover, unknown injuries, is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 386.6. Mercy medics and Town of Batavia firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 7:51 p.m.: There are two occupants. Both are sign-offs.

The Batavia Mites Firland Flyers Hockey Club played in a three-day tournament in Greece recently and went undefeated to win the team's division. The Flyers participation in the tournament was only possible because of a generous donation by the City of Batavia Professional Firefighters Association. To show their appreciation, the Flyers and their coaches wanted to pose for a picture with members of the firefighters association.

Press release:

The driver of a truck hauling an out-of-service Mercy Flight helicopter apparently hit a slick spot on the road and lost control of the truck, causing the trailer to roll over.

The helicopter was heavily damaged when it rolled off the trailer.

"It's just property damage," said Mercy Flight's CFO Margaret Ferentino. "That's the good news. Thank goodness, no one was hurt."

The helicopter was taken out of service in 2011 and had been sold to a company in Australia. It was being hauled to Canandaigua for repainting.

Most of the components had been removed to prepare it for repainting, Ferentino said.

Based on pictures from the scene, Ferentino said it appears the helicopter was totaled in the accident, but it will be assessed when it's returned to Mercy Flight's base in Buffalo.

The accident was reported at 10:38 a.m. in the area of mile marker 402, which is just west of the Pembroke toll plaza.

Photo: Courtesy NYSP Public Information Officer, Troop A, Trooper Victor Morales.

Jim Fasano was out clearing away the snow around Ascension Parish Church on South Swan Street this morning.

Fasano said the church's regular maintenance man had to go into the hospital for surgery, so all of the parishioners are pitching in and helping with the upkeep of the church and grounds.

"It's a big job," Fasano said.

The National Weather Service reports the current temperature in Batavia is 2 degrees. A wind chill advisory remains in effect until noon, and a new advisory has been issued for 9 tonight through 4 a.m., Saturday.

The forecast further out is for potential heavy lake effect snow Monday or Tuesday and continued cold and wind chill. The chance of snow for Monday and Tuesday is listed at 50 percent.

Press release from the Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter:

At some point in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, most people with dementia will inexplicably leave familiar surroundings and potentially endanger themselves. Extremely cold temperatures can be deadly for vulnerable people who venture outdoors unprepared for the conditions, but there are steps that can be taken to lessen the danger for the person, and avoid anxiety for family members.

The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association can provide valuable resources and information for those with dementia and their loved ones, including ideas for preventing behaviors that could be dangerous, such as wandering from home. “Watch for triggers, such as increased agitation, fidgeting or pacing, which can indicate their loved one wants to leave.” Chapter Program Director Lesley Kennedy advises caregivers and family members to acknowledge the feelings their loved one may be experiencing and redirect them to a new activity or environment, such as a different room. 

It is also critical, and easy, to improve safety in the home. “Motion alarms, which are available at any home supply store, can be easily installed on a door. Moving locks to a higher position on a door where they are out-of-reach is also easy and effective. And camouflaging doors with curtains can divert a person from opening it and leaving,” advises Kennedy.

Other suggestions include sticking to a routine or schedule of activities, which can be helpful in keeping those with dementia from becoming overly stimulated and overwhelmed. 

Wandering is unpredictable and it usually occurs because of disorientation caused by the disease. “It is very important for caregivers to seek assistance as soon as they realize their loved one has left the home,” says Kennedy. She recommends immediately calling 9-1-1 and indicating that there is a missing vulnerable person. Be assertive and insist that all police agencies, including county and state police, launch an immediate response. Having pictures of the missing person, and a description of their clothing, is also very important and asking friends and neighbors to join in the search or sharing the information through social media, can also be beneficial.

Finally, register with a medical alert program, such as “Safe Return,” which aids first responders by providing them with immediate links to your loved one’s caregivers, medical records, and the Alzheimer's Association.

“You are not alone in this struggle,” says Kenney. “The Alzheimer's Association has trained, confidential professionals available at any hour of the day or night to offer tips and guidance at their toll-free Helpline number — 1.800.272.3900.”

A 71-year-old woman in Byron died overnight after she she wandered outside and was later found in a field near her home.

The body of Carol Magoffin, of Byron-Elba Road, was found about 9:30 p.m. by her husband Robert about 100 yards from their house.

Carol and Robert had been napping together and when he awoke, she was missing. He searched the home and found a rear door unlatched and followed footprints in the snow, which led him to his wife's body.

He called emergency dispatch and the Byron Volunteer Fire Department and Sheriff's deputies responded.

Coroner Karen Lang also responded.

The Sheriff's office reports that Mrs. Magoffin had been ill for some time and foul play is not suspected.