A person is reportedly in an elevator at 400 Towers, 400 E. Main St., Batavia.

The floor is not known.

City Fire Department is being dispatched.

UPDATE 10:44 p.m.: It's the west tower elevator, 2nd floor.

UPDATE 10:50 p.m.: On-call maintenance notified, reporting a five-minute ETA.

UPDATE 11:04 p.m.: The person is safely out of the elevator.

Sunday at Molasses Hill Bulk Foods, more than 20 neighborhood kids decorated their own gingerbread houses.

This is a tradition that Shannon Harder's mother used to do every Christmas with the kids in her neighborhood, and Shannon wanted to continue it at her new location.

Molasses Hill Bulk Foods is located at 466 Ellicott St. in Batavia.

A grease fire which began on an electric stove in the kitchen is reported at 17 1/2 Highland Park in the City of Batavia. City firefighters are on scene and everyone has been evacuated from the building.

An interior firefighter says he's in the attic and it doesn't look like there's any extension of the fire. When asked if he can check for two cats, he says "they were on their way down as I was coming up."

UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: The fire is out and firefighters are checking for extensions and doing overhaul of the scene. The location is between is between Jackson Street and Pringle Avenue.

UPDATE 9:37 p.m.: The City of Batavia Fire Department released the following information about the fire. The fire caused an estimated $13,000 damage to the building and contents. The building is owned by Philip Pastore. The tenant is Kristin Brockway. The fire was contained to the kitchen. (Fire Chief Jim Maxwell said earlier tonight that firefighters did a good job of containing the fire to the kitchen). Crews were on scene for one hour.

A caller to the emergency dispatch center reported seeing a Payloader being driven by a person who looked 12 years old with a passenger who looked 8 years old. They were last seen heading eastbound on Route 20. An officer is going looking for them. Not sure what community they were passing through when the call came in.

Press release:

Bergen, NY -- During a special meeting of the Byron-Bergen Board of Education on Saturday morning, Dec. 10, Casey Kosiorek, of LeRoy, was unanimously appointed as superintendent of schools, effective Jan. 9, 2012.

Kosiorek attended the meeting with his family and signed a three and one-half year contract.

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Kosiorek to the Byron-Bergen learning community, and we look forward to a long and productive working relationship with him,” said Board President Ernie Haywood.

Currently, Kosiorek is Wolcott Street School principal in the Le Roy Central School District. Prior to his appointment as principal in July 2007, he served as the school’s assistant principal. He also spent nine years as a physical education and health teacher with the Royalton-Hartland Schools in Middleport.

Kosiorek is a graduate of Batavia High School. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Canisius College and a Certificate of Advanced Study in educational leadership from SUNY Brockport. He also completed the Transition to Superintendency program through the Educational Leadership Institute at SUNY Oswego.

Under Kosiorek’s leadership, the Wolcott Street School has received honorable mention as a New York State “School of Character” and was nationally recognized by the Character Education Partnership as a school of Best Character Education practices.

Earlier this year, Kosiorek was named Elementary Level Administrator of the Year for Region 12 of the School Administrators Association of New York State.

The search for a superintendent has been a time-consuming process for board of education members but well worth the effort, according to Haywood.

“We wanted someone with the capacity to forge strong partnerships and to focus the district’s efforts on higher levels of success, and we are confident Mr. Kosiorek is the right person.”

“Mr. Kosiorek’s experience with the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and his commitment to using data to drive instructional practice, in particular, were consistent with current areas of emphasis at Byron-Bergen,” Haywood added. “We feel fortunate to have had excellent candidates to interview, but Mr. Kosiorek is a great fit.”

George Franklin Culp, 24, of Fargo Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, unlicensed operation, moving from lane unsafely and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Culp was reportedly involved in a motor-vehicle accident at 12:03 a.m. Sunday on Fargo Road, Corfu. The investigation was conducted by Deputy Eric Seppala.

Jessie Marie Cramer, 26, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Cramer is accused of shoplifting $54.06 worth of merchandise from Target.

Brian Robert Beach, 40, of West Part Street, Albion, is charged with assault, 3rd, and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Beach is accused of striking another person in the face causing physical injury and obstructing the alleged victim's breathing. The incident was reported at 12:53 a.m. Friday, at 8204 Park Road, Batavia.

Joseph Beszczynski, 26, of Darien-Alexander Townline Road, Darien, is charged with criminal mischief. Beszczynski is accused of punching a light switch box causing damage. Beszczynski was jailed on $500 bail.

I am new to this area and have never experienced Fargo Road at Christmas time. If you have not taken your family there, I would highly recommend it. There are many beautiful displays. Just keep on driving down and you will run into this awesome winter wonderland. You can park your cars and get out and take a walk around the whole place. God bless all the owners for bringing some Christmas magic to all!

Richard Wallace has been in a motorcycle accident that led to a near-death experience, had more than 40 bones in his body broken and has been struck by lightning.

But he never takes pain medication.

“I function just fine every day," he said. "That started me to think that if I can do this, other people would benefit, too."

Those experiences led him toward natural healing practices and training in shamanism. After 10 years of training with Native American masters, Wallace said he's been a practicing shaman for 20 years.

This week, Wallace and his partner Antoinette Sidari opened Awakenings Holistic Center at 2995 W. Main St. Road, Batavia.

"We feel people need some options," Wallace said. "We have a holistic cancer program because a lot of people don’t really have other options. They go to a doctor and a doctor tells them this is what we’ve got to do and we’ve got to do it quick, and a lot of people aren’t comfortable with that being the only option.  People often research buying an automobile more than they do their own health care."

Wallace and Sidari met in 2008 and found they had traveled a similar spiritual path. More than a year ago, they began planning a business around holistic healing. After looking at several locations in Western New York, Wallace decided to convert the workshop building behind his house into the center.

"There was just nothing else around," Wallace said, explaining why the couple decided to open the center. He said even similar businesses in Buffalo and Rochester are more limited in what they offer.

Among the services offered by Awakenings are amethyst bio-mat treatment, integrated energy services, holistic cancer treatment, shaman services, meditation and soul coaching.

The store offers a variety of books on holistic healing, crystals and aromatherapy supplies.

"We approach the issues that people have not just as a medical approach, where usually you get five minutes with a doctor and he writes you a prescription," Wallace said. "We approach it with mind body spirit, because it could be an emotional issue, it could be a physical issue, so we take the time with people to see what the problem is."

After Wallace's motorcycle accident in 1985, he said he was sent home from the hospital with an undiagnosed broken neck. That led to a near-death experience, which changed his life. He said at that point, spiritual teachers began to enter his life and he "followed the call of my Native American roots"  into shamanism. He studied with the White Brotherhood for 10 years. He became an ordained minister in 2005, and was ordained again in 2009 as a priest in the Order of Melchizedek.

Sidari's printed bio says she began her spiritual journey a decade ago that "turned ionto a miraculous journey of transformation back to her true self." She's studied healing arts.

She is a certified hypnotherapist.

During her spiritual journey, she has studied the teachings of Buddhist, Hindu, Vedic, Peruvian and Mayan traditions.

Wallace said there is no licensing for what he and Sidari practice.

"A lot of what we do, like what I do, as a practicing shaman, there is no piece of paper that goes with it," Wallace said. "There’s years and years of training and lots of experiences, and practice. I would rather have that than a piece of paper."

One of the big fundraisers for Don Carroll's Toys for Kids charity is a raffle for a giant gift basket of lottery tickets. Saturday, Carroll had Coffee Culture's Danielle Phelps draw the winning ticket. The winner was Jim and Sandy Foster of Mocksville, North Carolina.

Next Saturday, Santa arrives in town to provide families served by Carroll's charity with presents and pizza.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries has been reported at Judge Road and Route 77, Alabama.

Two ambulances, one from Mercy EMS and one from Oakfield, are requested to the scene.

Alabama Fire Department on scene.

No serious injuries reported so far.

UPDATE 3:22 p.m.: Alabama fire back in service. Both patients transported to UMMC.

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: According to a Sheriff's Office report, a 2003 Ford sedan driven by Joelle J. Reiner, 19, of Tooley Road, Cowlesville, was westbound on Judge Road. Reiner reportedly initiated a left turn onto Route 77. A 2010 Nissan SUV driven by Frederick C. Hart, 71, of Kennedy Circle, Medina, stuck Reiner's car.  Reiner was cited allegedly failing to yield right-of-way. Reiner was transported to UMMC with minor injuries. E.J. Hart, 74, a passenger in Frederick Hart's car, was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital. The accident was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker.

John Duyssen says he spent several years studying alternative energy, primarily considering whether to convert his farm to solar or wind.

In the end, the sun won.

"It's more consistant than wind, in my opinion," Duyssen said. "We're putting it in cattle pasture, so there's no wasted space. I don't have a 140-foot tower and cable wires to look at. And it's cool."

In all that study, and all the green agriculture classes and seminars Duyssen attended, he learned a few things about solar power.

With the help of Stein Fabrication in Le Roy, Duyssen installed specially designed platforms for the solar panels that will track the sun both on its daily and seasonal movements. The panels will absorb direct sunlight, which experts told Duyssen will increase the power production of the panels by 30 to 40 percent.

"We'll produce enough power for the farm and the house," Duyssen said. "That's our goal."

The panels and installation are being handled by Liberty Solar out of Buffalo.

The extra, lower-cost power, Duyssen said, should help him increase strawberry and honey production. Honey, he said, takes a lot of electricity for heating and refrigeration.

Asked if he wanted to share how much the solar panels are costing (some of the cost is offset by power company grants), Duyssen said, "Oh, no, because everybody will say I'm out of my mind to do this."

The 10-year break-even point could be accelerated by ongoing increases in fuel cost and/or increased production at the farm.

"Utilities just keep going up and up, gasoline, heating oil, diesel," he said. "Every little bit (of savings) helps. I've jammed the numbers and I think it's going to work."

Previously: Duyssens keep 'the family' in family farming

I was out on Bater Road in Le Roy this morning and passed by this old barn with some old farm equipment parked out front.

When I drove by DeWitt Park this morning, about an hour after the snow stopped falling, the lake was covered with geese. Of course, when I moved in close for a picture, they paddled toward the other shore, but it was still an impressive site.

As for the winter storm watch/warning, it's been downgraded to a winter storm warning. The radar map predicts some snow for Batavia around 2 p.m. and a bit heavier band of snow hitting around 5:30 p.m.

The warning is in effect until 6 p.m.

Join in the fun of Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus this Saturday at Scooter's of Batavia. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting by the fireplace from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Get one child's meal FREE with each adult food purchase ordered off the menu. Plenty of seating. No reservations necessary.

Enjoy a great meal and the thrill the kids get when they see Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Scooter's of Batavia, 3711 W. Main St. Road. Phone is 343-2101.

Leiland B. Jonathan, 42, and Larue F. Jonathan, 36, both of Basom, are both charged with both charged with DWI and three counts of driving drunk with children under 15 in the car. Leiland's DWI charge is a felony because of a prior DWI conviction. The couple was involved in a motor-vehicle accident at 11:39 p.m., Thursday, in the Town of Clarance, according to the Buffalo News. Following the accidents, witnesses reportedly told police they saw the driver and passenger switch places. Larue was also charged with charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest.

Joseph Leonard Elmert, 24, of Dugway Road, Conesus, and Joseph Bly Gohlman, 20, of Maple Beach Road, Geneseo, are charged with criminal trespass. Following an investigation into a report of a suspicious vehicle complaint in Darien at 7:39 p.m., Thursday, Elmert and Gohlman were allegedly found in a secured area of Darien Lake Theme Park without permission. The two men allegedly climbed a fence to gain entry.

Kevin Michael Bartz, 35, of Route 98, Varysburg, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and trespass. Bartz allegedly became involved in an altercation with another person while on private property. The incident was reported in Corfu at 10:50 p.m., Dec. 4.

Jared R. Burns, 25, of 309 Washington Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Burns is accused of pushing another person while that person was holding a child.

Press release:

David Cecere, executive vice president for Tompkins Insurance Agencies, has been selected by Safeco Insurance as one of its 12 “community heroes” from across the country. Based on applications submitted by Safeco agents, Cecere’s selection to this group of heroes has earned his favorite local charity, the United Way of Genesee County, a $5,000 charitable donation from Safeco.

But that’s not all. … and you can help! In a nationwide contest to determine which local hero can get the most votes, two of these 12 will win even more for the charity of their choice. When the voting is over on Dec. 15, the hero with the most votes will receive an additional $10,000 from Safeco Insurance for the nonprofit he or she supports! The charity supported by the runner-up gets $5,000.

Anyone can vote for Cecere as our own local community hero, and support the efforts of the United Way of Genesee County. To read more and cast your vote, go to:
http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/175622  before the Dec. 15 deadline. You can vote once each day.

Why vote? One of the strengths of the United Way is that it assists a wide range of people and groups in local communities. Cecere feels strongly about that the breadth of services the United Way can provide. As an extremely active board member for the United Way of Genesee County (affiliated with the United Way of Greater Rochester) in New York, he’s seen first-hand the benefits such a strong safety net can provide to society.

The list of ways the United gives back to the community is too long to list here, but includes youth advocacy, literacy efforts, support for neglected, abused, disabled, pregnant and addicted individuals. (Read the full story on the voting link.)

Over the years, he has served as the United Way Campaign chair, the board chair, and the New Accounts chair and treasurer — an impressive range of roles for a charity that provides such an impressive range of support.

Help our local hero do more by voting today!

Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc., has 15 offices in Western New York and six offices in Central New York. A part of Tompkins Financial Corp., (trading as TMP on the AMEX), the agency is affiliated with The Bank of Castile, Tompkins Trust Company, and Tompkins Financial Advisors. It is an independent insurance agency offering coverage through more than 25 different companies for businesses and consumers. Further information is available at www.tompkinsins.com.

Press release:

On Thursday, Governor Cuomo announced $785 million in economic development funding through Regional Economic Development Councils. A $450,000 portion has been carved out for the City of Batavia to improve commercial and residential mixed-use buildings.

The city had applied to the NYS Office of Community Renewal in April for these grant funds which are earmarked to enhance streetscapes and to renovate 20 buildings consisting of 10 commercial and 10 residential units within downtown.

The application was reviewed again by the Regional Economic Development Council during the state’s newly defined consolidated funding application process. Overall, it was an extended process compared to previous rounds for competitive applications. The total project will be at least $750,000 worth of public-private investment.

“The city is extremely pleased that we were awarded these funds,” said Jason Molino, city manager. “It complements the city’s strategic planning efforts and the city council’s commitment to revitalizing the civic heart of our community.”

A variety of properties were identified in the original application along Main Street, East Main Street, Center Street, Jackson Street, Court Street and School Street. Also included was the former Carr’s warehouse located at 13-15 Jackson St., rear. Just last week, the Batavia Development Corporation began to solicit developer interest in the property for redevelopment purposes.

“I am thrilled that we may dangle a little carrot in front of the prospective developers,” added Julie Pacatte, Batavia Development Corporation economic development coordinator. “Not to mention, it demonstrates the forward-thinking efforts of the city leadership.”

Pacatte was not as pleased with the lack of state funding for the new Save-A-Lot store planning to open Dec. 21 at Ellicott and Jackson streets.

“It was a very competitive process with hundreds of applications across the state,” she said. “We have already begun to look at other options to assist.”

Along with the Save-A-Lot project, the City of Batavia had also applied for Vine Street infrastructure improvements and a grant for the needed repairs to the police station. Those projects weren't funded either.

As for the NY Main Street grant, it is expected the state contract process will take another 30-60 days to complete. Meanwhile, the grant funds will not likely be available until early Spring 2012.

In all, Genesee County received $1.9 million out of the Finger Lakes Region award of $68.8 million for 93 projects. Another $1.1 million is available for the county through shared programming with other out-of-county communities.

A lake effect snow warning has been issued by the National Weather Service, with the worst of it for Genesee County in the area of Alabama and Oakfield.

The warning is in effect until 6 p.m., Friday.

Accumulations of two to four inches overnight and four to six inches Friday in the areas of heaviest snowfall are predicted.

Portions of Erie County are expected to be the hardest hit.

Visibility during heavy parts of the storm will be reduced to a quarter mile.

The worst driving conditions are expected to be during the morning commute.

A precautionary note from the NWS:

IF YOU LOSE POWER AND PLAN ON RUNNING A GENERATOR...MAKE SURE THAT THE GENERATOR IS LOCATED OUTDOORS AND IS PROPERLY VENTILATED. SPACE HEATERS SHOULD ALSO BE PROPERLY VENTILATED AND USED ONLY IF THEY ARE OPERATING PROPERLY. MAKE SURE SNOW DOES NOT BLOCK EXHAUSTS AND FRESH AIR INTAKES FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY FURNACES AND WATER HEATERS.