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We're in the midst of a winter weather advisory that started this morning and will last until 9 p.m.

From two to four inches of snow are predicted for today and another inch or so tonight.

With temperatures in the 20s, roads will be slick, especially on untreated roads, warns the National Weather Service.

A caller reports seeing an SUV roll over at East Main and Vine streets and then leave the area.

Another caller reports seeing a Trailblazer-type vehicle, doing 60 or 65 mph on East Main in the same area, hit a snow bank and drive off.

The first caller was headed in the opposite direction, but turned around after seeing the rollover, he said, and when he did, the SUV was gone.

A police officer on scene says there is no debris in the roadway, but there has been a lot of snow knocked into the roadway. He then reported being waved down by some people standing on the sidewalk nearby.

UPDATE 10:45 p.m.: An officer has located a tan Blazer or Jimmy. When a dispatcher asked if EMS was necessary, the officer said the driver is uncooperative at this point.

UPDATE 11:09 p.m.: Police are  interviewing witnesses and suspect(s).

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating several residential burglaries in the southwest area of the city. Entries to all residences were made in similar fashion via unsecured doors. Taken from the residences were items such as laptop computers, small electronics, gift cards and jewelry.

All incidents are similar in nature and are occurring during daylight hours.

Police will be increasing patrol activities in this area. The police department is also asking residents to be observant for, and to report, any strange activity or unknown persons in their neighborhood. Police ask that residents not attempt to intervene, but rather obtain a description of the person or persons involved, any vehicles involved as well as any direction of travel. Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately and report the incident.

All residents are reminded of the importance of locking the doors to their homes even during the daytime hours. Residents are also reminded of the importance of documenting serial numbers or other identifying numbers of valuable items in the event they become lost or stolen. This documentation will assist the police in tracking the items if necessary.

Anyone with information regarding these burglaries, or any unsolved crime, is encouraged to contact the Batavia Police Department at 345-6350. Residents may also contact the Batavia Police Department’s Confidential Tip Line at 345-6370.

Darryl P. James, 30, of Darien, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, open container, failure to submit to breath test, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. The Wyoming County Sheriff's Office received a complaint at 4:42 a.m., Christmas Day, of a vehicle operating on a resident's driveway on Church Road, Bennington, and James was arrested following further investigation. James allegedly has two prior DWI convictions. James was jailed on $25,000 bail.

Bryan Michael Wharton, 25, of Clover Crossing, Manchester, is charged with unlawful possession of untaxed cigarettes. Wharton was stopped at 4:16 p.m., Dec. 23, for alleged equipment violations on Gabbey Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy. He was allegedly found in possession of untaxed cigarettes.

There are more jobs in Genesee County, but a higher unemployment rate locally, according to statistics released today by the Department of Labor.

In November 2012, there were 29,300 jobs in the county, compared to 29,000 a year ago.

However, the county's unemployment rate went up slightly year-over-year from 7.3 percent to 7.4 percent. That translates into 2,400 people counted as unemployed in November 2012 compared to 2,300 a year ago.

Rochester's unemployment rate went from 7.2 percent to 7.4 percent and Buffalo also saw an increase from 7.5 to 7.9 percent.

Orleans County has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state at 10.1 percent.

I don't remember seeing anybody sledding last winter in Centennial Park. Today, a small crowd gathered to take in some fresh powder.

To purchase prints, click the link in the upper right of the slide show below.

Batavia demonstrated this morning that it knows how to dig out pretty quickly after getting in the neighborhood of a foot of snow overnight. By midmorning, most residents had their driveways and sidewalks cleared and a few others were just finishing up.

Above, Jack Chmielowiec, Otis Street.

Eric Haile, Summit Street.

Rick Porter, Prospect Avenue. Porter also had a request for his fellow Batavians: Please shovel your sidewalks and around your hydrants.

Leon Koukides, South Jackson Street.

Gabe Abdella, South Jackson Street.

Karen Zerbe and Bill Barton, Jackson Avenue.

Press release:

The city fire department would like to ask residents and business owners to assist in making fire hydrants accessible. During the recent snowfall some hydrants have become blocked by snow, especially in parking areas. The city fire department would like to request your help to remove the snow from around hydrants so they are visible and accessible. If you have a hydrant in your front yard, clean a 3-foot circle around it.

City fire crews will be out throughout the winter clearing snow from hydrants, but with your assistance by adopting a fire hydrant, the 500+ hydrants in the city will be clear and ready for an emergency.

Also, please be sure to keep your house numbers readily visible, and for business owners the accumulation of snow may block exit doors. All doors should be checked to make sure they can open and are not blocked by snow.

The city fire department appreciates your help in keeping the community safe. Any questions, please call Chief Jim Maxwell at 585-345-6375.

Letter to the Editor:

Now that winter is fully upon us, it is important to be reminded of a few things in regards to snow removal and winter driving:

 

1. During and after snow events, highway agencies, in the course of plowing, receive phone calls regarding damage to mailboxes, either from snow plows directly or from the force of snow being thrown by plows.  If such damage is indeed caused by snow removal, it is not done intentionally.  It is, however, an unfortunate consequence of snow removal.  As far as the particular agencies replacing damaged mailboxes, it must be pointed out that there is no statutory or legal authority requiring them to do so.  In fact, under Section 319 of the New York State Highway Law, mailboxes are considered highway obstructions and are only “allowed” in the right-of-way as a convenience to the owner as it is understood they are required for mail delivery.  Additionally, an opinion issued by the Attorney General on February 28, 1966 stated, “When the necessity of keeping the highway open conflicts with an individual’s reception of the mail, the later must stand aside.”  Highway crews do their best to avoid mailboxes, but often times visibility, oncoming traffic and heavy snow work against them.  The best method to protect your mailbox during the winter months is to ensure it is properly attached to the post and to keep the mailbox assembly simple to limit impact surface area for plowed snow.

2. Over the last few years, the practice of plowing or depositing snow from private driveways or private property onto the highway has increased significantly, especially after roadways are cleared and snow has been pushed back behind the shoulders by highway agencies.  This is a dangerous practice and it is strictly prohibited under Section 1219 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law and Section 214 of the New York State Highway Law.  Depositing snow or ice onto the roadway or shoulder may result in a serious accident and the person or persons responsible may be liable to a fine of $1000.00 per day, per occurrence for each day the occurrence remains uncorrected.  Police agencies and highway agencies will issue written warnings prior to issuing tickets.

3. “Slick Roads Cause Accident” is often a frequent newspaper headline during in the winter months.  The truth is that slick roads may contribute to an accident but they are not the sole cause of accidents.  Accidents are generally caused by drivers who fail to drive appropriately for winter conditions.  Sections 1180(a) and 1180(e) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law state that “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.”  Accepted safe winter driving practices include, but are not limited to, slower driving, increased braking distance and increased vehicle separation.  Following these guidelines will significantly reduce your chances of being involved in an accident on slick roads.

4. Highway agencies spend a considerable amount of tax money to ensure the roads are cleared in an efficient manner after snow and ice events.  Snow removal efforts do not guarantee bare or dry roads.  The cost to provide these conditions would far outstrip what most tax payers would be willing to pay.  Even when bare roads can be obtained, weather conditions such as wind and rapidly dropping temperatures can alter highway conditions dramatically from area to the next.  The best course of action for anyone traveling during the winter months is to adjust your driving to meet the conditions present.

Please drive safe, be patient and have a Happy New Year!

Timothy J. Hens, PE
Genesee County Superintendent of Highways

Should handgun permits be public record?

Outcry Over Newspaper’s Map of Handgun Permit Holders

A tractor trailer is in a ditch and on its side in the area 6086 Broadway Road, just west of Transit Road. The driver initially could not get out, but then managed to get out of the cab. He is uninjured. Bethany Fire is responding.

UPDATE 7:23 p.m.: Bethany incident, trucker was hauling canned goods.  There appears to be no fuel spill at this time.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: Parise's is so backed up with calls that they can't respond to the truck call until tomorrow.

UPDATE 7:42 p.m.: The trucker's company is sending another truck to assess the situation. Bethany FD will put out cones, even though the truck is a little off the roadway and clearing the scene.  The trucker will notify dispatch if and when the truck is moved tonight.

UPDATE 7:52 p.m.: Vehicle off the road on Alleghany Road.

UPDATE 8:03 p.m.: The vehicle off Alleghany Road, Darien, needs a wench out and is extremely low on gas, but a dispatcher said there's no guarantee of a quick response from a towing company. They're all "extremely backed up," he said. Meanwhile, a deputy is following a vehicle back to a trailer park on Clinton Street Road. The vehicle has a locked up tire.  And, a vehicle is off the road on Fisher Road and another motorist is trying to pull it out, but neither has hazard lights on, according to a caller.

UPDATE 8:08 p.m.: A deputy was going to give a courtesy ride to the Alleghany Road driver back to his residence, but an AJ's truck in the area, "as luck would have it," according to a dispatcher, just became available in Darien.

UPDATE 8:13 p.m.: Caller on Fisher Road reports a driver doing donuts on the caller's lawn. And, there is a disabled vehicle on Richmond Avenue, Batavia.

UPDATE 8:17 p.m. Back in Bethany, the trucker's company is dispatching a tow, which should be there in about 20 minutes.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: Another car off the road on Fisher Road. A deputy happened by. The driver has her own tow in route.

UPDATE 8:26 p.m.: Deputy who responded to "donut" call on Fisher: "It looks like he just went off the road. Talked with the complainant. He's all set."

UPDATE 8:30 p.m.: A tractor trailer is reportedly off the road and in a ditch on Route 63, south of Little Canada Road.

UPDATE 9:01 p.m.: Another report of another driver doing donuts near an intersection, but I didn't catch the location.

UPDATE 9:31 p.m.: Photo of the truck on its side on Route 63 on Route 20, between Suicide Corners and Texaco Town, from Doug Yeomans.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: Disabled car in westbound traffic lane of West Main Street Road, awaiting AAA.

UPDATE 1:32 a.m.: Tractor trailer stuck on Route 77, Darien, near the fire hall.

UPDATE 10:05 p.m.: A truck is stuck on Cedar Street.

UPDATE 10:17 p.m.: A deputy on Route 63 near Clapsaddle has come across a vehicle that needs a winch out.

UPDATE 10:29 p.m.: Batavia PD is out with a disabled vehicle on West Main Street near Porter Avenue.

UPDATE 10:30 p.m.: A Trooper is dispatched to Ellicott Street Road near Shepard Road for a vehicle stopped in the middle of the road.

UPDATE 10:35 p.m.: Disabled vehicle at Bank and Main.

UPDATE 11 p.m.: Deputy coming on duty, "In service, snow patrol." A woman on Roanoke Road got stuck and for some reason got out of her vehicle to call her husband. She locked her keys in the car and is now awaiting a deputy. There's a vehicle off the road on Cole Road, but it's well off the road and the owner is going to leave it there until the morning.

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.: Bethany fire police requested to Route 63 and Shepard. The tow operator requested traffic stopped for that incident. 

UPDATE 11:16 p.m.: Vehicle stuck in the snow in Alabama, off Wright Road.

UPDATE 11:17 p.m.: For the woman on Roanoke, her husband showed up, pulled her out and had an extra set of keys.

UPDATE 11:25 p.m.: Several vehicles are stuck at Route 20 and Route 77.

UPDATE 11:29 p.m.: Car fire, in roadway at 2989 Galloway Road. Town of Batavia Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 11:31 p.m.: Vehicle disabled on Bank Street in front of the nursing home, backing up traffic.

UPDATE 11:36 p.m.: A patrol car is stuck on Galloway Road.  A state DOT worker is stuck on Slusser Road.  Now, the deputy got himself unstuck, but he doesn't think he can make it to the fire location. The road is covered with high drifting snow.  The patrol will attempt to follow the fire trucks to the location.

UPDATE 11:42 p.m. Fire truck drivers advise the deputy not to try and follow them. A driver says "Galloway has disappeared, but we'll get there."

UPDATE 11:48 p.m.: A little unclear here.  Something about a fire truck arriving on scene, but nothing showing.  Then something about this isn't it, "and we'll continue west," then something about a vehicle off the road in a ditch.

UPDATE 11:51 p.m.: Vehicle is located. "It's still going," according to a responding firefighter.

UPDATE 11:54 p.m.: It's suggested that town plows hit the roads again.  A dispatcher said they just went home for some sleep after being on the road since 3 p.m.. The dispatcher asks if it's necessary for them to come out?  "I think they're going to have to," is the answer.

UPDATE 12:05 a.m.: Vehicle off the road, Route 237, Bergen.

UPDATE 12:07 a.m.: A deputy is still trying to figure out how to get to the vehicle fire on Galloway Road, but a supervisor suggests that if the fire isn't suspecious, there's no need to go.  A Batavia chief confirms the fire is not suspicious. There's a car stuck on Park Road. 

UPDATE 12:11: a.m.: Truck still suck on Cedar Street.  Tow company on scene with that truck and they're discussing whether to do the tow tonight or tomorrow. Also, another truck is now off the road on Cedar Street and a tow is attempting to pull it out. Mercy EMS is requested to a medical call in the city, but road conditions make it a 15 minute ETA.  That car blocking on State Street?  It's still there.

UPDATE 12:18 a.m.: The latest forecast: Snow at a rate of up to two inches an hour until 2 a.m., and then tapering off to light snow for the rest of the night.

UPDATE 12:20 a.m.: Batavia PD has come upon a car stuck and blocking Denio at Bank and Denio.

UPDATE 12:47 a.m.: A car is stuck on Cohocton and the "nice gentleman" who is driving it called to let dispatchers know that he could use a cup of coffee while awaiting a tow.  A deputy is dispatched to check on his well being.  The deputy dispatched was at that moment at Brickhouse Corners where he just came upon a Buffalo News delivery truck that is stuck.

UPDATE 12:53 a.m.: A car stuck on Parmalee and another one on Route 19, trying to go uphill, at Parmalee.

UPDATE 12:56 a.m.: A pickup truck with a snow plow is attempting to pull out the "nice gentleman" on Cohocton Road.

UPDATE 12:59 a.m.: Two vehicles stuck on Ross Street.

UPDATE 1:05 a.m.: Chimney fire reported at 10838 Molasses Hill Road, Alexander. Alexander Fire with mutual aid from Town of Batavia responding.

UPDATE 1:15 a.m.: There is some fire at the chimney fire. Town of Batavia asked to standby in quarters.

UPDATE 1:20 a.m.: Bethany Fire request to Molasses Hill.  Somewhere there is another tractor trailer off the road (didn't catch where) and there are cars off the road in the area of Circular Hill Road.

UPDATE 1:42 a.m. Related to the 1:20 a.m. update, it was South Street Road, and his patrol vehicle is now stuck.

View Larger Map

UPDATE 1:07 a.m.: An Alexander chief suggests the trucks will need to come in on Dry Bridge Road because they'll never make it up Mollasses Hill Road. Another chief suggests that the chief arriving on scene and make an assessment on whether Town of Batavia's response will be necessary.  "We don't want them to come any further than they have to."

UPDATE 1:11 a.m.: A second call in Alexander's district, a general alarm of fire at 10176 Gillette Road. Alexander is asking Darien to respond to the second call.

UPDATE 1:23 a.m.: Gillette Road call was accidental activation.

UPDATE 1:39 a.m.: Sheriff supervisor tells dispatch to get the towns out now and start plowing.  "I'm going down (forget the road) now and if I don't keep moving, I'm done. If we have to respond anywhere in an emergency we'll have a real problem."

UPDATE 1:44 a.m.: Attica Fire requested to Mollasas Hill. All avaialble manpower for Alexander requested to Mollassas Hill. Town plows (not sure which town) are scheduled to hit the roads again at 3 a.m. A tow driver is headed to South Street Road to assist the stuck Sheriff's patrol.

UPDATE 1:49 a.m.: Town of Batavia's Ladder 25 now requested to Mollassas Hill.

UPDATE 1:51 a.m.: Multiple cars are stuck on Route 262, Elba, and have been there for some time.  State Police received a call and contacted Genesee dispatchers. As far as dispatchers know, either tow trucks or state DOT are going to the area, but "it's going to be a while."  Also, in Basom, a doctor needs to go to the hospital in Medina and is stuck in the snow.

UPDATE 2:42 a.m.: Route 262 east of Route 98, Elba, is barely passable.

UPDATE 3:12 a.m.: Calling it a night. Alexandar and mutual aid companies still on scene at Mollassas Hill.  The calls for stuck cars has dropped off to nothing.

Main and Oak.

Harvester Avenue.

Behind the Harvester building.

Masse Gateway.

Genesee County is surrounded by one big winter storm.

The National Weather Service predicts the storm will start to hit WNY hard during the afternoon/evening commute. A winter storm warning -- and upgrade from the previous watch -- has been issued for the area.

From six to 12 inches of snow are expected to fall tonight and another one to three inches tomorrow.

Heavy snowfall could start as early as 5 p.m.

Winds will be from the northeast at 20 to 30 mph with visibility less than a quarter mile and whiteout conditions at times.

During the night, snow could fall at a rate of two inches an hour. The heaviest snowfall from this storm may be in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region with Batavia seeing only about a foot of snow.

Travel conditions will be difficult, according to the weather service.

In our region, snowfall should taper off by midmorning. Some freezing rain is possible in the afternoon. Weather systems should keep the region colder than average though next week with possible lake effect snowstorms during the period.

Press release from Suicide Prevention Coalition of Genesee County:

Often at the holidays we give thanks for those around us and think warmly of those who are no longer here but were special in some way to our lives. This can be extremely difficult when an individual has exited life through a suicide. The recent death of the nurse in England brought so many issues to light in addition to the actual suicide such as confidentiality, pranks and bullying. It may have happened in England but we have also seen too many suicides each year, every year, right here and most of those do not get the attention they deserve. Awareness is important -- not to blame or find fault -- but to learn ways to recover for the survivors and to prevent future events.

The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Genesee County has the mission of providing suicide awareness, training, prevention, and aftermath strategies for individuals, families, schools, and organizations in the county. It is focused on the goal of reducing suicides to zero. The coalition brings schools, law enforcement, counseling agencies, advocacy groups, and many others to the table to work together to accomplish the goal.

Some individuals may not be aware of many of the resources available to them such as: Genesee County Mental Health Services (344-1421) that provides counseling and psychiatric services, the Mental Health Association in Genesee County (344-2611) offering advocacy, education, and a support group for survivors of suicide, and Regional Action Phone – RAP (344-1212) our crisis hotline and information center available 24/7.

Media attention might have been too much for that nurse. The “prank” went very wrong and we often do not realize the consequences of our “kidding” or “joking.” We focus on children and adolescents bullying but what about adults? Maybe some have gone too far and been desensitized to the pain of others.

Words and actions are more significant than you think and they can lead to amazing results. If you are interested in helping to eliminate suicide, there is a seat for you at our table. Call any of the above agencies for more information.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported in the area of 6719 N. Bergen Road, Byron.

The location is near Merrill Road.

Byron and South Byron fire departments responding.

UPDATE 9:04 a.m.: Byron chief on scene says responding units can come in non-emergency.

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Alberto Laboy-Bertran, 74, of North Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and unlicensed operator. Laboy-Bertran is accused of driving at 11:40 a.m., Sunday, with 31 active driver's license suspensions and revocations dating back to 2000. Laboy-Bertran was jailed on $25,000 bail.

Aaron David Prusak, 25, of Park Street, Warsaw, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Prusak was located in a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado at 10:31 p.m., Friday, parked in the roadway of Route 19 in Bergen. Upon investigation by Sgt. Greg Walker and Deputy Joseph Graff, Prusak was allegedly found in possession of a needle and a controlled substance.

Ryan Nicholas DeSantis, 19, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. DeSantis is accused of shoplifting while working at Kmart.

Kyle David Ferguson, 20, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Ferguson is accused of shoplifting while working at Kmart.