Peggy Grayson is recycling.

For 16 years she has been administrator of GLOW Solid Waste Management and was recognized by the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling last month in Cooperstown as Recycler of the Year. 

"They started to describe the Recycler of the Year, and it sounds like they are describing me," she says. "I talk a lot and I was speechless. I was honored. It's a pretty big award."

Grayson who is a Le Roy native and resident of Stafford says she has been to every annual conference.

"You pick up things and make contacts and find out new things you don't know." 

The State Association describes Grayson as "inspirational and always willing to go the extra mile on a shoestring budget."

Grayson is the only employee covering Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston counties. Orleans County dropped out nine years ago. 

Working out of County Building #2 on West Main Street, Grayson says GLOW is one of the largest surviving multiple county groups in New York State.

"It's a validation of the counties sticking together and working together. We have very low overhead."

The total county contibution is $72,000.

Her most successful venture has been the Household Hazardous Waste Collection each year. Using the County Highway Department, they have gone from 150 spots in 1996 to 600 spots last year.

"We get rid of a lot of stuff," Grayson says.    

She will continue to spread the recycling word to youngsters throughout the GLOW Region. She says she has fun going into the schools and presenting information about recycling and reuse. She says kids are always asking her what's new. She hopes they relay her message to their parents, too.

To contact Peggy Grayson for recycling, reduction and reuse questions you can e-mail her at glow@co.genesee.ny.us or call 585-344-2580, ext. 5463.

A cold front moving into Western New York is bringing high winds to Genesee County, with gusts up to 60 mph.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning, which is in effect until 4 p.m.

Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected.

There are at least five power outages in Genesee County right now, with the largest in Darien and Alexander, affecting 495 and 200 customers respectively. An outage in East Pembroke has 348 customers without power. There are two minor power outages reported in Batavia.

All of these outages should have power restored by 9 a.m.

Highs in the low teens are predicted for Monday through Wednesday with snow showers.

A working house fire has been reported on Bloomingdale Road near Ackerson Road.

Flames showing in second story. Second alarm.

All people accounted for in the house.

Alabama Fire Department responding.

On my way to the scene.

UPDATE 9:15 a.m.: Bill Schutt, assistant fire chief for the Town of Alabama Fire Department, says when crews arrived on scene the homeowner was on the roof in his bare feet trying to push the chimney away from the house.  

The homeowner was later transported to an area hospital with burns to his legs. According to the homeowner's statements, the fire started in the chimney.

The fire then quickly spread to the second story and got out of control with help from the high winds. Fire crews also ran out of water at the scene several times. Tankers hauled in water from ponds that were quite a distance from the fire.

About 12 companies helped fight the fire. Several were called in from Erie and Orleans counties due to the amount of local departments already out on calls for trees and wires down.

The home is a total loss.Firefighters will be on scene for some time to get it under control.

UPDATE 10:41 a.m.: Red Cross has been called in to help the two adults that live in the home.

Mercy medic called non-emergency to the scene for a firefighter with a minor injury.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m. (by Howard): Photo below submitted by a reader.

Genesee County Sheriff's deputies are responding to an address in Bergen on Le Roy Street after a neighbor called in a possible burglary in progress.

There are three subjects about 14 or 15 years years old with a long gun in the backyard. The house may be abandoned. One subject was spotted inside, one in the garage.

Deputy on location. Out with four teens at the scene.

UPDATE 1:52 p.m.: Deputy on location says the teens are using airsoft rifles.

UPDATE 1:56 p.m.: Law enforcement clear of the scene.

City police and a Sheriff's deputy are responding to Liberty and Ellicott streets after a passing motorist dumped their McDonald's garbage on a front lawn at a residence on Ellicott Street Road.

The homeowner chased the motorist from his home on Ellicott Street Road to the city.

The parking lot at Alexander High School was packed with cars and people from all over the Genesee County community. Folks came out to give their support to an 18 year old 2012 Pembroke High School graduate who has been battling a rare juvenile cancer since last February.

The fundraiser for Austin Heineman during last night's Alexander Boys Basketball match-up with Lyndonville was organized by the Alexander Varsity Cheerleading squad.

"I wanted the girls to see what it's like to give back to the community," Varsity Cheerleading Coach Erin Coles said. "This is their chance to shine for a second, I just didn't expect this many people here." 

Admission was free. Donation buckets, 50/50 raffle, a half-court basketball shoot, a bake sale, and the sale of Austin's Army T-shirts and wristbands collected a total of $1,500 for the night. All proceeds will go toward Austin's medical expenses. 

Austin was scheduled to be at the fundraising event, but had to go to Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo for stem cell replacement yesterday morning. 

Doctors want to boost his platelet count to prepare him for a bone marrow transplant next week at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Md. 

According to Tricia Heineman, Austin's aunt, they have found two good candidates for the bone marrow transplant.

"He has the best attitude -- if there was one to make it through this, it would be him," Tricia Heineman said.

The Alexander Boys Basketball Team defeated Lyndonville 59-39 to make the night complete.

To keep updated about Austin's condition go to www.facebook.com/austinsarmy

There has been a report of a grass or rubbish fire at the rear of the transfer station on Circular Hill Road in the Town of Le Roy.

Le Roy fire is responding.

UPDATE 12:57 p.m.: LeRoy Fire is on location and keeping the assignment to what is on scene putting all others back in service.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: Le Roy has extinguished the fire and is back in service.

Jeff Allen sent us this information:

Attention political junkies:

I recently won two tickets to the January 21st Presidential Inauguration through Senator Chuck Schumer's office. I cannot attend and would like someone to be able to use them. They are reserved tickets in the Union Square. You will have to provide identification and pass through a security checkpoint. Details can be found at :

http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/

If you can commit to going and would like the tickets, e-mail me at jndallen1@yahoo.com with your contact information. First-come basis. I have the tickets in hand and can arrange to meet.

A car, pole accident with possible minor injury has been reported on Stegman Road between Slusser and Powers roads.

Mercy Medic 1 and East Pembroke fire responding.

One subject is out of the vehicle walking around, talking on the phone. Mercy medic will be responding non-emergency.

Damage to the pole is minimal and the driver is shaken up a bit.

UPDATE 9:33 p.m.: Mercy Medic 1 on scene.

UPDATE 9:40 p.m.: National Grid has been notified about the pole.

UPDATE 9:43 p.m.: Mercy Medic 1 transporting one to UMMC.

UPDATE 9:52 p.m.: National Grid has a 35-minute ETA.

UPDATE 9:56 p.m.: East Pembroke assignment back in service.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is investigating a number of daytime, residential burglaries that occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

The burglaries happened along Ridge Road and Lockport Road in Elba, Ham Road in Alabama, and Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road in Batavia. All residences were broken into by forcing open locked rear or side doors. Property stolen consisted of jewelry and electronic devices.

The Sheriff's Office would like residents in Genesee County to be extra vigilant and immediately report anything suspicious such as someone knocking on your door asking for directions, any vehicle being operated in an unusual manner, or if you witness any vehicles or individuals that appear suspicious.

Also, keep an eye on your neighbors' residence and report anything that appears to be suspicious or out of place.  

Contact the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000 to report any such incidents.

The Batavia Police Department has concluded an investigation regarding the death of William E. Hastings, who fell from a window of 400 Towers June 12, 2012.

The Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office has determined that the fall was accidental and toxicology points to a very high level of medication in his system causing him to be intoxicated at the time of his death.

Batavia Police say Hastings was alone in his apartment at the time of the incident. He spent a large amount of time at the window of his apartment observing the parking lot area to the east of the housing complex.

The investigation also revealed Hastings had a habit of abusing cough medication. The investigation, including an examination of the scene, has indicated his death was likely the result of an accidental fall.

Pictured above: Christine Crocker, owner of The YNgodess Shop & Keith MacMillan, tasting room manager of Three Brothers Winery.

Christine and her staff are proud to announce The YNgodess Shop is the #1 seller of Scandelicious Raspberry Riesling, by Three Brothers Winery, in all of New York State. Keith ("Mack") is excited about the support of their wines in the Batavia area. The Yngodess Shop has 10 tasty wines from this Seneca Lake winery in stock and is exclusive to Batavia. Three Brothers Winery operates three wineries and a brewery on their beautiful property.

The City of Batavia Fire Department is receiving a $60,000 grant to help train recruits and improve rescue capabilities.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced the grant, which comes from FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters program.

“We’re thrilled," Chief Jim Maxwell told WBTA. "It’s definitely something that will help the organization work and move into the future with the equipment and additional funding for training.”

Besides training recruits, the grant will help the department increase extrication capabilities, assist in technical rescue incidents and provide training on new equipment.

Family and friends of Patrick Suozzi, a Batavia man facing terminal cancer, are asking people for support.

On Jan. 27, there will be a benefit/fundraiser for Suozzi's wife, Mary Beth, and son, PJ, from 1 until 6 p.m. at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's) Recreation Hall, at 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia. All proceeds will help offset their ongoing medical expenses.

The fundraiser will include a meal of spaghetti, salad, bread, beverages and dessert, as well as a TV raffle, a Chinese auction, a bake sale and face painting.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 10 and under.

To purchase tickets, make a donation or obtain more information, contact Lori DiFilippo at (716) 474-2895 or Kim Turman at 356-8922

There will also be a rock 'n' roll benefit on Jan. 26 at T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St. in Batavia. It will feature three local bands: Bob Lovelace (acoustics), Amanda's Rage and Savage Cabbage (main band). The event will last from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Admission is $3 at the door, and there will be a 50/50 raffle. For more information, call 343-1547.

Photo submitted by Steve Ognibene

A one-car accident on Fisher Road between Lockport and Albion roads in Oakfield has been reported. It is just south of the S curve.

A car crashed into a tree. One female has a head injury

Oakfield Fire Department and Mercy Medic 2 are responding.

Also a minor property damage accident at Lockport and Fisher roads. 

UPDATE 7:35 a.m.: Oakfield fire advises Mercy medic to back down to non-emergency mode, also to take it easy -- the road is slippery.

UPDATE 7:42 a.m.: Mercy Medic 2 is on location.

UPDATE 7:52 a.m.: Medic 2 transporting one to UMMC.

UPDATE 8:02 a.m.: Oakfield assignment back in service.

A passerby has called dispatch reporting smoke coming from the front of a residence on Route 77 near McGregor Road.

Darien Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:13 p.m.: Darien fire unable to find any fire in that area. Some of the houses do not have numbers on them, according to one firefighter. Units coming non-emergency and mutual aid from Alden can cancel.

UPDATE 3:16 p.m.: Darien assignment is back in service.

From the time Hannah Smart was 4 years old she was writing stories and making books with the help of her mother.

"She would sit down, draw pictures, and tell me what they were in sequence. I would then write the words," Renee Smart said. "We would then read them for bedtime stories."

A 10th-grader at Pavilion High School, Hannah began her science fiction novel "Corona" two years ago. Her goal has always been to publish the story from the beginning.

"I knew what the ending was going to be before writing the book," Hannah said. "It was easier this way. I know how the characters will then effect the plot line."

Her goal since she was eight was to write a book. She loves anything science fiction. The "X-Files" and "Star Trek Next Generation" television series are just two of her favorites.

After staying home sick from school one day, Hannah decided to watch "2001: A Space Odyssey" from beginning to end. She said this 1968 epic science fiction film motivated her to write "Corona."

"I thought of a bunch of ideas for characters after seeing the movie," she said.

Hannah's father, Ed Smart, who is an architect, said his daughter started out with imaginary friends as a child. She would construct stories around them.

"She has always been very self-motivated and driven," Ed said. "She approached this with advanced discipline for her age."

"We noticed a turning point in her a year ago," Renee said. "She was able to be more self-critical and acccept criticism. She was willing to change and edit things."  

After her manuscript was complete, Hannah shopped it around to a few publishing agents but was told you have to be published before they will even look at it. 

Hannah did not get discouraged.

She looked into self-publishing her book with Createspace.

Createspace gives budding authors the tools and resources they need to self-publish and distribute their book to readers.

"Corona" is a 204-page paperback that Hannah self-published Dec. 8, 2012, and it is available on Amazon.com and Createspace. You can also go to  www.hannahsmartauthor.blogspot.com.

"My main goal is to get this published," she said.

"I want to keep writing -- it's something I love -- but I would like to be a film director. It combines both writing and pictures. You can bring it to life visually. "

A lot of creativity runs through the Smart family.

Coming up behind Hannah is her 13-year-old sister, Gabby, who is in eighth grade. She loves singing.

And Hannah's mother, Renee, is an artist and owner of Moon Java Cafe on Harvester Avenue. She says it's important to take cues from your kids: Let them take control when they need to and try not to be too pushy.

Joseph E. Marr, 34, of Nesbitt Road, Attica, is charged with promoting prison contraband, 1st, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Marr -- incarcerated in the Genesee County Jail on Jan. 1 on a charge of driving while impaired by drugs -- is accused of attempting to conceal a controlled substance while in the jail. Marr was arraigned on the charge Wednesday and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

A 16-year-old resident of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. The teen is accused of punching and pushing another person.

Press release:

On Jan. 14, the city proposed a new Refuse and Recycling Program. The proposed program includes changing to a fully automated variable size cart/tote based collection system offering residents greater capacity for recycling opportunities, while making refuse and recycling more effective and modern.

In addition, the city has proposed funding refuse and recycling through a "Pay-As-You-Throw" system in which residents will pay for refuse collection based on the size cart/tote they select, rather than through property taxes.

All residents are encouraged to watch the presentation of the city’s proposed Refuse & Recycling Program on local Channel 19 – the Community Access Channel -- this Friday, Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. to become more familiar with the proposed Refuse & Recycling Program.

The proposed budget and proposed refuse and recycling information can also be found on the city’s Web site at: www.batavianewyork.com.