Today, as we've done for the past five years, we pay tribute to the first responders who put their lives at risk every day to help keep us all safe.  Here is a slideshow of photos from throughout 2017 of first responders on the job, providing community service and in training.

A car has reportedly hit a tree near mile marker 393.7, off the eastbound lane of the Thruway.

There was airbag deployment.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 11:30 p.m.: Occupants are out of the vehicle. Ambulance can respond non-emergency for patient evaluation.

UPDATE 11:40 p.m.: Assignment back in service.

Dolce Panepinto works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers by making sure that those responsible are held accountable. If you or a family member are injured at work, or in your private life, contact us today for a free case evaluation at 585-815-9003.

Below are some previous litigation highlights: 

• A $1.275 million settlement was reached during trial for a plasterer/drywall finisher who was injured while working inside of a building. Our client suffered serious injuries to his back, neck, knee and wrist as a result of a fall down a wet staircase, a condition that had been created by the building owner. 
• A $1.25 million settlement was reached on behalf of a satellite dish Installer who suffered a herniated disc in his back. Our client was performing an installation when icy conditions at his work site caused him to fall. 
• A $1.2 million verdict was reached on behalf of a Laborers’ Local 210 laborer who suffered serious shoulder and neck injuries as a result of a fall at a job site. Our client was performing renovation work in an existing structure when the ceiling collapsed onto him, knocking him off his ladder and down onto the ground.
• A $950,000 settlement was reach on behalf of a roofer who suffered back, shoulder, and knee injuries. Our client was removing an existing roof from a commercial structure when it collapsed beneath him sending him crashing through to the concrete below. 

Call Kristin Allen at 585-815-9003 for any of your workers’ compensation needs.

A "physical confrontation" is reported at 1 State St. "in the common area" between a resident and a visitor concerning Christmas presents. "'Tis the season, be in route," said a city police officer, a couple of moments before two units arrived on scene.

Harpoon Brewery in collaboration with Big Ditch Brewing is releasing a new beer this month, Rivalry IPA, to celebrate the long-standing rivalry between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. It was released just before today's game between the two teams.

One hundred of the malts used in the beer come from Batavia-based New York Craft Malts, the malting house of Ted and Patricia Hawley on Bank Street Road.

The IPA will be available in taprooms throughout WNY and New England just days before the big game.

Photo courtesy Ted Hawley.

Tonight I took a quick trip around the City of Batavia and took a few pictures of Christmas light displays.

Merry Christmas.

Above, 209 Bank St.

261 State St.

108 Ellsworth​ Ave.

105 Ellsworth Ave.

27 Manhatten Ave.

12 Washington Ave.

211 Richmond Ave.

17 Redfield Parkway

15 Redfield Parkway

30 Roosevelt Ave.

29 Roosevelt Ave.

South Pearl Street

16 Kibbe Ave.

201 Liberty St.

Batavia residents Bill and Kay McDonald want to share their new Christmas song with the community: "Find Your Joy."

Press release:

A video Christmas greeting from New York Army National Guard Spc. Elizabeth Taylor, a native of Alexander who is deployed to Yavoriv, Ukraine, has been posted on the Department of Defense's Video Imagery Information Distribution System (DVIDS) and for media use for registered news organizations.

The short video -- a "holiday shout out to family back home in Batavia" -- can seen above. 

Taylor is one of 220 Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry and the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team assisting in the training of Ukrainian Soldiers at the Yavoriv Combat Training Center as members of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.

The training is designed to reinforce defensive skills of the Ukrainian Ground Forces in order to increase their capacity for self-defense.

The soldiers mobilized in October and have been deployed to Ukraine since December.

The painting "Otherworldliness" by Michael Price.

Press release:

"The Chromatic Nude," paintings by Michael Price, will be exhibited in the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery from Tuesday, Jan. 16 through Friday, Feb. 16. In this collection of his work, Price invokes historic methods of preparing paint and pigments using protocols that include naturally occurring minerals to produce his own paints.

Using natural minerals and semi-precious stones, including but not limited to lapis lazuli, azurite, malachite, ochre and cinnabar, he creates natural and luminous colors similar to how Renaissance painters did their work in the 14th to the 17th centuries. Price has published a two volume series of books titled "Renaissance Mysteries" in which he shares his research and discusses the processes.

His works of art explore the nude and human figure conceived within a timeless universe aiming to reveal how archetypal images are carried within ourselves as real, or imaginary - as the physical world we inhabit.

"Slowly, my research into natural color led to major developments in my painting practice. The human figure as a central archetype has remained constant over the last 40 years, but the figures have evolved to convey the essence of my search -- a chromatic figure or nude," says Price. "The chromatic nude is intended to transcend the restrictions of realism.

"They are not symbols, but signs, like the figures of Nicolas Poussin, that indicate universal direction free from social mores. The structural foundation for a composition is established by a specific rectangular format composed of square-root rectangles. This allows the message carried within the image to attain its maximum impact and resonance to unveil the memory of our immortality reflected from the mortal perspective."

Price was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England and he attended the London Central School of Art and Design, and Stoke-on-Trent College of Art. He has exhibited worldwide, including solo shows in the Post Gallery in Houston, Texas, Galerie Poller in Frankfurt, Germany, and David Findlay Galleries in New York City.

Several opportunities to meet the artist are scheduled on Thursday, Jan. 25 at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery. Price will lecture at 12:30 p.m. in the Gallery, and receptions will follow at 1 p.m. and again 5 p.m. Additional artist exhibit history and work is displayed on his website at www.michaelprice.info.

The Roz Steiner Art Gallery is open to the public Monday -- Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and during special events as published at www.genesee.edu/campuslife/arts. Admission into the Gallery is always free and open to the public.

Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“I am honored to be named to the Farm Bureau’s Circle of Friends for 2017. Agriculture is such an important part of Western New York’s economy, and we have so many dedicated farmers and producers locally who battle excessive rain, drought and other obstacles to feed our state. Whether it’s dairy, livestock or vegetables, our products are in grocery stores across the nation and that is a testament to the devotion and will of our area’s farmers.

“As the former owner and operator of our family-owned farm in Batavia for many years, I know the challenges our producers face, and that is why I will always have the backs of these dedicated men and women. I look forward to another productive year in Albany and will strive to keep New York’s farming industry the best in the nation.”

A pedestrian has reportedly been hit on the Thruway in the eastbound lane near mile marker 387.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: It also sounds like a vehicle accident is also being reported near mile marker 386.

UPDATE 3:11 p.m.: All we could get from a trooper at the scene was one person injured. At least two vehicles were involved. The pictures are from mile marker 386.

A car is off the road and a caller reports the driver appears to be injured in the area of mile marker 386.6 on the Thruway in the Town of Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

A vehicle is on its side after striking a fire hydrant in the area of 4524 Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia.

No injuries reported.

Town of Batavia Fire Department dispatched.

4243 West Avenue, Elba | $179,900. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING INFO.
Super opportunity to own this beautifully remodeled from top to bottom Country home! Literally from the studs up this home has been done -- electrical, drywall, furnace, central air, flooring, bathrooms, kitchen, windows and siding! The layout is spacious and open with cathedral ceilings and the bedrooms are large with huge closets -- the master bedroom suite is every girl's dream! Master bedroom bath and laundry hookups all on main floor for no stairs convenience! The location is on quiet country road within five minute drive of Thruway and shopping. Home has public water as well -- all the pluses of Country living with amenities! Definitely one to check out-why build when you can buy this beautiful home at almost half the cost!

32 Cary Avenue, Oakfield | $94,900. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING INFO.
Solid home in the heart of the village! This three bedroom home has a lot to offer either to someone starting out or a growing family. This home is super spacious with a very open floor plan downstairs and upstairs features plenty of closets and good size bedrooms. The kitchen is sunny and bright and has homey back breakfast nook out looking the fenced in back yard. There is an extra deep garage plenty big enough for a car and work space! The basement of the home with a little work could be great extra living space -- it is already partially finished and has a wet bar! The home does have central air and a new 200-amp electrical service and the roof on home and garage is 7 years young. With very little elbow grease this home can be up and running for the New Year! Very easy to see!

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement offering his appreciation to elementary school students, businesses, and community organizations from around the 27^th District for participating in his “Holiday Mail for Veterans” program. The office collected more than 1,500 holiday cards and delivered them to veterans at the Buffalo and Batavia VA facilities.

“I am proud of the tremendous support we received for our Holiday Mail for Veterans program from around the 27^th District,” Congressman Collins said. “This program is a great opportunity for young students and other community organizations to say thank you and share some holiday cheer with the men and women who bravely served our country.

"I would like to thank everyone who participated and extend my very best to our veterans and active duty personnel and their families this holiday season.”

“We appreciate the support of our community for Veterans at VA Western New York Healthcare System,” said Paul Crews, interim Healthcare System director. “The cards with thoughtful messages brighten up their days knowing someone has taken the time to think about them at holiday time.”

Each year, Congressman Collins’ office reaches out to all NY-27 elementary schools to join together to show our appreciation during the holiday season. This is the first year cards were delivered to VA hospitals.

Below is a list of the 2017 “Holiday Mail for Veterans” participants:

Geneseo Elementary School – Geneseo
Livonia Elementary School – Livonia
York Central Elementary School – Retsof
Bloomfield Elementary School – East Bloomfield
Lewiston-Porter Primary Education Center – Lewiston-Porter
Charles A. Upson Elementary School – Lockport
North Park Junior High – Lockport
Hyde Park Elementary School – Niagara Falls
Colonial Village Elementary School – Niagara-Wheatfield
Blasdell Elementary – Blasdell
Clarence Center Elementary School – Clarence Center
Highland Elementary School – Derby
Parkdale Elementary – East Aurora
Wales Primary – East Aurora
Eden Elementary – Eden
GLP Primary School – Eden
Charlotte Avenue School – Hamburg
Union Pleasant Elementary – Hamburg
Harold O. Brumsted Elementary – Holland
Ellicott Elementary School – Orchard Park
Colden Elementary School – Springville-Griffith
Northwood Elementary School – West Seneca
Alexander Elementary School – Alexander
John Kennedy Intermediate School – Batavia
Byron-Bergen Elementary School – Bergen
Wolcott Street Elementary School – Le Roy
Dorothy B. Bunce Elementary School – Pavillion
Manor Intermediate School – Honeoye Falls
Monica B. Leary Elementary School – Rush
Perry Elementary School – Perry
Warsaw Elementary School – Warsaw
West Elementary School – West Seneca
Avon Primary School – Avon
Avon High School – Avon
Royalton-Hartland Elementary School – Gasport
Geraldine J. Mann Elementary – Niagara Falls
Marilla Primary School – Marilla
Camp Stella Maris School Age Program -- Livonia
Geneseo Girl Scouts – Geneseo
YMCA Preschool
4H Scottsburg Leaders – Scottsburg
Arbor Realty – Williamsville
Attica Elementary School – Attica
Kendall Elementary -- Kendall

Photos of cards, decorations, and letters from Jackson School, Byron-Bergen and Pavilion.

While many Americans are worried about higher broadband costs or diminished service following the repeal by the FCC of "Net Neutrality" rules, customers of Empire Access can continue to count on unmetered, unthrottled, unlimited data, Bob VanDelinder, director of marketing for the company, told The Batavian today.

"The changes in net neutrality, we don't feel, will affect Empire Access because we still plan to keep the Internet open for our customers," VanDelinder said. "We will continue to offer unlimited data without content blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization. The customers on Empire Access should not see any changes."

Last week, the Federal Communications Commission overturned a 2014 rule known as Title II that prohibited Internet service providers from having tiered pricing plans, so-called "net neutrality."

The change has caused customers of Empire Access to call the company and express concern that their service will be changed and VanDelinder said they're all assured that there will be no changes. Soon the company will embark on a social media campaign to help spread that message. Customers will also receive an assurance of the company's commitment to unmetered service with the bills that will be mailed Jan. 1.

Proponents of net neutrality say the repeal of the law will mean restricted, or slower, bandwidth for customers or content providers who don't pony up extra cash.

Opponents of net neutrality say that Title II inhibits innovation and is holding back companies from making the investments necessary to provide faster broadband to more customers.

The idea of ISPs trying to squeeze more money from content providers is not without precedent. Prior to the 2014 rules, Comcast sought fees from Netflix and tacked on an extra charge for customers who streamed more Netflix shows and movies.

Empire Access doesn't know what its competitors might do following the rule change, VanDelinder said, but as far as Empire Access is concerned, nothing has changed.

"It's somewhat early yet to know what is going to take place with our competitors but as far as our stance on the ruling, it's our feeling that our customers come first," VanDelinder said. "We will continue to provide open access to our customers."

Over the past several years, Empire Access has been expanding throughout the Southern Tier and Western New York. It's an expansion plan that started before Title II was enacted, continued through the Title II era, and will continue going forward, VanDelinder said. Whether there is net neutrality or not, it doesn't slow down Empire Access's plan for expansion and innovation.

"We're a family-owned company," VanDelinder said. "We're a local company. What is best for the customer is really what we're striving to achieve to provide the best services."

Being a family-owned business has its advantages over larger competitors, such as Comcast, VanDelinder noted. 

While Comcast sought more money to stream Netflix, it wasn't taking the same approach with Hulu, which is owned in part by Comcast.

"Our business is providing Internet, phone, television, and security services," VanDelinder said. "We don't necessarily have these conflicts like some of our competitors do."

Since Empire Access came to Batavia and Le Roy, local customers are in a unique position of having options. Nearly 60 percent of households in America have only one company to call for broadband service.  

"One of the great things about operating in the towns, villages, and cities where we provide service is that we create competition," VanDelinder said. "Competition is good for the consumers."

Three Batavia residents were taken into custody in Wyoming County for allegedly selling drugs in Warsaw and Attica following an investigation Drug Task Force as part of "Operation Frosty."

Richard Barber, 47, of Garfield Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. He is accused of selling methamphetamine in August in the Town of Warsaw. He was jailed on $25,000 bail.

Derrick Washington, 45, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell. Washington is accused of selling crack cocaine on two occasions in the Village of Attica. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Louis Mercado, 29, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. He is accused of selling crack cocaine on two occasions in the Village of Attica. Mercado was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Also arrested as part of "Operation Frosty" was Javier Alvarez, 38, of Hopkins Street, Mount Morris. He is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. He is accused of selling heroin and a heroin-fentanyl mix in the Village of Perry.

 Korin Leonard, 21, of Freedom Road, Freedom, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd and 5th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd and 5th. He is accused of selling methamphetamine and cocaine on two occasions in the Village of Arcade.

Ranen Houston, 24, of Lake Avenue, Rochester, is charged with 11 counts of perjury in the first degree for allegedly lying to the Wyoming County Grand Jury on a drug-related investigation in the Town of Warsaw. 

“These arrests were pursuant Wyoming County Court arrest warrants following Indictments and the involvement of District Attorney Donald O’Geen’s Office," said Wyoming County Sheriff Greg Rudolph.

"The Wyoming County Drug Task Force is committed to doing our part in the midst of this drug epidemic, which includes a strong stance on enforcement and honing our investigations on the dealers who gain off of others' addictions.

"The various locations of these crimes are indicative of the scope of the problem here in Wyoming County. The Wyoming County Drug Task Force is additionally wrapping up investigations on several other drug dealers and more arrests are expected in January."