A house fire is reported at 6123 Cook Road, Byron.

It is apparently a chimney fire. 

Byron and South Byron dispatched. Bergen also dispatched.

UPDATE 7:16 p.m.: Flames showing. Second alarm requested.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 7:19 p.m.: It has gone to a second alarm. Stafford is asked to send one engine and one tanker to the scene; the city's Fast Team is called to respond and its fourth platoon is to report to headquarters.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: Byron and South Byron auxiliaries are requested to the scene.

UPDATE 8:15 p.m.: Bethany Fire Department is called to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 11:31 p.m. (by Howard): All units back in service.

A two-car accident, with one car striking a utility pole, is reported at Transit Road and North Byron Road, Byron.

Power is reportedly out in the area.

No injuries are reported.

Byron and South Byron fire departments dispatched.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: Elba fire police requested to assist with traffic.

Downstairs has lots of room, great storage space and extra living /play area! Besides the attached garage, there is a great deep backyard with easy access to watching all the games! Easy to see! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today 344-4663 or click for more details.

Batavia Oakfield Townline Road is being closed due to an accident that is blocking the roadway in both directions.

There are no injuries reported.

Oakfield Fire on scene.

A 38-year-old Ellicott Street resident has been indicted by a Genesee County Grand Jury on 10 criminal counts related to accusations that he forced a person less than 17 years old to engage in sexual activity.

The alleged crimes were first reported in October when Dale T. Young was arrested by Batavia PD and ordered held on $50,000 bail.

The counts against Young:

• Endangering the welfare of a child. In July, Young allegedly acted in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child.
• Sexual abuse in the first degree. In July, Young allegedly subjected another person forcible sexual contact.
• Criminal sexual act in the first degree. In July, Young allegedly forced oral sex on the victim.
• Criminal sexual act in the third degree. In July, Young allegedly forced oral sex on the victim.
• Criminal sexual act in the first degree. In July, Young allegedly forced oral sex on the victim.
• Criminal sexual act in the first degree. In October, Young allegedly forced oral sex on the victim.
• Criminal sexual act in the first degree. In October, Young allegedly forced oral sex on the victim.
• Criminal sexual act in the third degree. In October, Young allegedly forced oral sex on the victim who was less than 17 years old.
• Criminal sexual act in the third degree. In October, Young allegedly forced oral sex on the victim who was less than 17 years old.
• Sexual abuse in the first degree. In October, Young allegedly subjected another person to forcible sexual contact.

Young is out of jail on bail.

Press release:

Today Henry F. Wojtaszek, president/CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming and Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTB), made the following statement regarding today’s proposed sports betting regulations by the New York State Gaming Commission.

“While we’re gratified the State Gaming Commission took the first step in authorizing sports betting in New York State, we think it’s important our million-plus customers and all Western New York sports fans and communities benefit from sports betting opportunities in their own back yard. Sports betting should be allowed at Western Regional Off-Track Betting (WROTB) and at OTB’s around the state.

"As currently proposed, a Bills fan would have to go to a Native American casino or drive 90 minutes to place a bet on the Bills. That’s not exactly convenient, and it won’t provide critical tax revenue to local governments.

“As the only municipally owned and operated a gaming facility in New York State, WROTB is not just a strong economic driver for Western New York, but we provide critical funding for community development, which creates jobs, protects families and helps to offset tax increases for residents.

“The more revenue we generate, the more we give back to communities. Since our inception, we have generated more than $226 million to 17 municipalities – legalizing sports betting in our region would only increase these important contributions.

"We look forward to working with officials on both sides of the aisle and the New York State Gaming Commission to ensure Western New Yorkers don’t miss out on this opportunity to create hundreds of jobs, enhance our tourism industry, and allow millions of dollars in investment to flow through our neighborhoods.”

A 52-year-old Pembroke woman who started a fire that destroyed her ex-boyfriend's Harley-Davidson entered a guilty plea to attempted arson in the third degree, a Class D felony, this morning just before jury selection in her criminal trial.

Judge Charles Zambito said Jacqueline M. Saeli can avoid a prison term if she makes full restitution before she is sentenced at 1:30 p.m., March 29.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said after her appearance that it's expected Saeli will make a $10,000 payment this week.

Saeli, of North Lake Road, was arrested following a Jan. 6 fire at 8455 N. Lake Road, Pembroke, that destroyed a garage and the bike and was determined to be arson by Deputy Ryan Young, Investigator Chris Parker, and personnel from Pembroke Fire Department and the Emergency Management Office.

Two of the most popular names on the Genesee Region USBC awards list -- Curtis Foss of Medina and Diane Hurlburt of Warsaw -- added to their many chances for the local association's grand prize drawing at the season-ending banquet in May with superlative league performances last week.

Foss started a bit slowly (for him) with a 223 game before stringing 24 consecutive strikes -- back-to-back 300 games -- for an 823 series in the Friday Night Mixers League at Oak Orchard Bowl.

The 31-year-old right-hander raised his average to 240 for 57 games this season (he's at 245 in a Monday league at Oak Orchard Bowl), and now has three 800 series since Jan. 4.

Hurlburt, a 48-year-old righty, also has been in a groove of late, with the latest big series comilng on Thursday at Livingston Lanes in Geneseo -- 248-266-249--763. It is her fourth 700 series this season and eclipses her previous best of 738 (Jan. 19, 2017).

She had a legitimate shot at an 800 series after rolling the first six strikes in the third game. But a pocket 7-10 split in the seventh frame, and a solid 7-pin in the ninth frame kept her from eclipsing the GRUSBC women's record of 782 set by Caycee Landers at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen last season.

"I knew that I had the 700 but I really didn't realize that I was close (to 800)," said Hurlburt, who bowls in the league with her husband, Jason, and son, Matthew.

A Fillmore native who owns her own cleaning business, she is averaging 200 in a Monday league at Letchworth Pines in Portageville and 194 in the Thursday league at Livingston Lanes. Both of those leagues were relocated after a fire shut down operations at Perry Bowling Center.

The GRUSBC's awards program allows bowlers to earn entries into a grand prize drawing in May based on high scores bowled during the season. Last year, Foss and Hurlburt had the most chances to win one of three $500 cash prizes -- with Hurlburt actually winning -- and they have the most chances again this season. 

In other league action last week, Rich Wagner of Batavia posted 792 in the Toyota of Batavia league at Mancuso Bowling Center to raise his average to a record-setting pace of 248.26, while Steve Krna rolled 279--768 in the Antique World Tuesday Coed league, also at Mancuso's.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: Hazardous weather outlook -- A winter storm warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m., Thursday. A wind chill watch has also been issued for Thursday afternoon. The wind chill could reach 25 below zero.

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A winter storm watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday evening in Genesee County.

The National Weather Service is expecting heavy lake effect snow with storm totals of one to two feet possible in the most persistent bands.

Winds could gust as high as 45 mph later Wednesday through Thursday. Some areas could experience near blizzard conditions with severe blowing and drifting snow.

The storm is also expected to hit Erie and Wyoming counties.

The weather service warns travel could be difficult to impossible, especially Tuesday night through Thursday, due to heavy snow and significant blowing and drifting snow. The conditions could impact the morning and evening commutes.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.26, up 1 cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.58. The New York State average is $2.50 – down 3 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.75. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.55 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.55 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.38 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.46 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.48 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.39 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.49 (down 1 cent since last week)

The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that gasoline demand is on the rise and is much higher than last year at this time. Meanwhile, EIA reports that gasoline stocks around the country are also on the rise to the point where the growth rate is the highest gasoline stock level ever recorded by EIA, since it began collecting the data in 1990. It’s also much higher than last year at this time. Increased levels of gasoline stocks could help to meet rising demand, which means the impact to pump prices could be modest.

WXXI: New push for physician-assisted suicide bill in NY

Children at St. Joe's this morning had fun making their own slime. It was then judged based on consistency, texture and elasticity.

For readers using The Batavian's app, click here to view the video on thebatavian.com.

To apply send a cover letter and resume along with at least three news-related writing samples to howard@thebatavian.com.

Video: Le Roy Fire members discuss why they enjoy being volunteer firefighters.

Brandon Connolly was named Fireman of the Year by the Le Roy Volunteer Fire Department at the department's annual installation and awards banquet, held this year at Terry Hills.

Firematic officers for 2019 are: Tom Wood, chief (far right in top photo); Craig Johnson, 1st assistant chief (second from right); Josh Pfendler, captain and training officer; A.J. DeFelice, lieutenant; Jared Chick, lieutenant; Joe Orlando, safety officer.

The fire department created a new safety award this year, named in honor of longtime safety officer Joe Orlando. The first recipient is Christopher DeFelice. Photo: Craig Johnson, DeFelice, Orland, and Tom Wood.

Tim Hogle served as chief for three years. This year, Tom Wood returns to the chief's role and Hogle received a thank-you plaque.

To find out how you can become a member of your local volunteer fire department, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

A snow squall warning for Genesee County was issued at 7:18 a.m. and is effect until 8:15 a.m.

Dispatchers have received reports of multiple vehicles off the road in Pembroke, Alabama, Oakfield and Batavia, and town snow plow drivers are reporting whiteout conditions in Alabama.

The National Weather Service reports a dangerous snow squall has formed from Rochester to near Allegany State Park and is moving east at 45 mph.

There are wind gusts up to 30.

The weather service warns of poor visibility and dangerous, life-threatening travel conditions. 

"Consider avoiding or delaying travel until the snow squall passes your location," the weather service advises."If you must travel, use extra caution and allow extra time. Rapid changes in visibility and slick road conditions may lead to accidents."

Elba may be ranked number one in the state now but it's not something they think much about, said Coach Tom Redband after Friday's home victory over Pembroke 46-45.

"It's a fun thing for the fans and it's a nice thing to read about but it's not something we talk about or, you know, fixate on," Redband said. "You know we want to be as good as we can in the end; whatever that might be. We don't get into whether we're number one state or winning sectionals or winning states.

"It's just the personality of the team because of their work ethic."

And winning is a whole team effort, Redband said. The best example this year is Wednesday's road win over Avon 60-33 with no player on the team hitting double digits in scoring.

"We ended up winning by 27," Redband said. "I think that's pretty rare. I can't remember the last time we lost by 27 when the top two scorers on the other team had five points. I think that's just a testament to the girls developing and being ready at all times no matter what they did last game. You know, the next girl up when somebody is not at their best or injured or we need a little boost."

Elba, a Class D team, is 15-0 on the season now and among the reasons it's ranked number one in the state is five of those wins came against Class B teams and all but one of those other wins against Class C teams. The team has scored at least 60 points 12 times.

Friday night's win -- which Elba almost let slip away -- was another example of distributed offense with Brynn Walczak scoring 12 points, Leah Bezon with 11, Lauryn Engle, 9, Taylor Augello, 6, and Maddie Muehlig, 5. Engle hit three of her four three-point attempts.

Here's how Redband breaks down his team:

"Leah Bezon has been on the team for four years now. She's only a sophomore. She keeps developing and she has a humongous upside. She's our captain.

"Brynn Walzcak has been on the team two, three years. Maddie Mulehig three years, Taylor Augello, it's her second year starting and she's really come on this year. She worked really hard in the offseason to develop her game.

"Maddie Howard who is a senior, she'll be back soon. She was injured a couple of weeks ago. She'll be back soon. She's a great, great assist person, very unselfish looking to defend and assist. 

"Then we have shooters like Adriana Long and Dakota Brinkman and Lauryn Engle, who at any point could hit three or four threes in a game.

"Kelly Mickey is a ferocious defender and then Izzy Riner who can kind of do it all.

"We're really not a top-heavy team."

Leah Bezon

Taylor Augello

Maddie Muehlig

Maddie Muehlig

Taylor Augello

Leah Bezon

Brynn Walczak

A kitchen fire, reported as a structure fire, is reported at 62 S. Main St., Batavia.

It's a lower apartment. Occupants are evacuating.

City fire dispatched.

UPDATE 12:22 a.m.: Police officers on scene report heavy smoke showing.

UPDATE 12:24 a.m.: A first responder says flames are showing at the back of the structure.

UPDATE 12:26 a.m.: "Small kitchen fire. Looks like it's extending into the cabinets. Have water on it now," says a firefighter.

UPDATE 12:30 a.m.: Fire is out; checking for extensions. Fourth platoon is called to city fire headquarters.

UPDATE 12:46 a.m.: Fire command requests Red Cross to aid two adults and four children who live in the apartment.

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