The storm that passed through Genesee County this morning has passed to the east and the National Weather Service has canceled the storm warning for our area.
Some light snow, with as much as an inch accumulation, is expected this evening and tonight.
The picture above was taken during some of the heaviest of the snowfall out on Prole Road, Stafford.
This information is from Genesee Community College.
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter allow Genesee Community College students to connect with peers, faculty and staff almost instantaneously. And in just two months time, GCC's social media presence has seen rapid growth thanks to a renewed, re-focused effort.
Whether it's information about the study abroad options, its Army ROTC program, campus closing information under the threat of an impending snowstorm, or just a place to connect and share memories with a friend -- the importance of social media is increasing exponentially.
"With 600 million people on Facebook alone, social media platforms are a great place to have a conversation with students, alumni and the community," said Kevin Manne, Genesee's new media specialist, who was hired in December.
"Students are becoming more comfortable using social media than traditional forms of communication like direct mail or even e-mail."
Genesee's Facebook page has seen 169-percent growth, with a total of more than 1,100 "likes" from students, alumni, faculty, staff and local community members. Genesee's new Twitter account, @sunygcc, was established in December and has already connected with more than 140 "followers."
A big advantage of these digital platforms is the analytical information that can be compiled and analyzed for future use and reference.
"The majority of our Facebook fans are between the ages of 18-24, a segment that we regularly communicate with because that's the age range of most of our students," Manne said.
"But the demographics show that we're connecting with people from 13 to over 55, illustrating that the reach of these platforms goes beyond the 'traditional' student."
Social media are attractive to businesses because most are free to use. But Manne said organizations should be prepared to invest a significant amount of time to them if they hope to achieve social media success.
"Facebook and Twitter don't shut down when you leave the office at the end of the day," he said. "A social media administrator should listen, respond and provide relevant and entertaining information in a timely manner – and that means keeping tabs on your social networks beyond traditional office hours."
Along with the college's Facebook and Twitter pages, the YouTube page (videos), Flickr page (photos) and student Wordpress blogs have been revamped with a new look and more unified usernames.
Other new communication technology Genesee is using includes applying Quick Response (QR) codes to print ads, fliers and posters. These black and white, two-dimensional bar codes allow users to "scan" the code using the camera on their mobile device or smart phone to instantly connect online.
In addition, the college will soon begin using geo-location-based social networks such as Foursquare and Facebook Places to offer special deals when users "check in" to the Stuart Steiner Theatre for discounts on tickets.
Get connected with all of GCC's social media pages from the college's homepage using the special icons on the lower right corner.
Manne leads Genesee's communication efforts across social media, blogging, Web and other emerging mediums. He previously served as communications and public relations specialist at Catholic Charities of Buffalo.
Manne earned his associate degree from GCC and graduated magna cum laude from Buffalo State College with a bachelor's degree in Public Communication. He serves as secretary on the Public Relations Society of America, Buffalo Niagara Chapter Board of Directors and is a member of its E-Communications Committee.
In 2009, he was awarded the platinum "best of show" Excalibur Award for development of a Web-based employee newsletter and in 2010 he received a silver Excalibur Award in social media.
Manne and other guest speakers are available to make presentations to local community groups at no cost to their organization through the Genesee Community College Speakers Bureau.
For a complete list of speakers, visit:
WHAM13's Sean Carroll shared this picture of the Thruway with us showing the traffic snarl from one of the accidents this afternoon.
While traffic was congested, a trooper told me there were no significant injuries. "It sounded much worse than it was," he said.
UPDATE: Also for those who might need to travel west (or returning to Batavia), the Thruway is closed between Hamburg and Dunkirk.
There are multiple accidents countywide due to weather conditions. The Thruway has accidents at several paces eastbound and westbound, most thought to be noninjury.
Many calls are flooding the dispatch center and dispatchers are asking for all scanner communications to be kept to a minimum.
A propane truck and another truck have crashed at 8053 Lake St. Road in Le Roy. Le Roy Fire and Ambulance are called. Injuries unknown.
Bergen Fire Department is asked to standby in its quarters.
UPDATE 11:50 a.m.: Bergen is now requested to go to the scene. A second ambulance is called. State Trooper is on scene.
UPDATE 11:57 a.m.: Bergen is told to go back in service. A trucker trying get through the clogged traffic is reportedly "in a hurry," to which someone replies "no doubt."
A serious accident involving a tractor-trailer and another vehicle on the Thruway is reported. There are believed to be multiple injuries.
The location is eastbound at mile marker 387.3. It's nearest to the Byron Road Bridge.
Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to respond along with Mercy EMS.
UPDATE 11:47 a.m.: Oakfield Fire is requested to standby in the Town of Batavia's hall.
Several inches of snow have fallen this morning and we seem to be in the heaviest band of the storm right now.
There's a 50-60 percent chance of snow through the afternoon, tapering off by this evening.
The winter storm warning remains in effect.
There is a report of smoke in the basement of a house at 210 Osterhout Ave., Batavia.
City fire dispatched.
UPDATE: Never heard any more on this and when I went by about 30 minutes after the initial call, the fire department had cleared.
Proposed cuts in state aid to school districts will hit rural districts harder, local educators told Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley at a well-attended gathering Wednesday night at John Kennedy School.
The hour-long session centered on school district leaders from throughout Genesee County expressing their concern and asking questions about the proposed cuts.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing a $1.5 billion reduction in state aid to schools. But the funding formula currently in place would make the cuts inequitable, to the detriment of rural school districts, local education leaders say.
Some downstate districts will see funding drop about $700 per student, while rural districts will get $1,200 to $1,700 less.
"Our concern isn’t that we won’t make the cuts," said Mark Johnson (inset, left), a trustee in the Oakfield-Alabama School District. "We’ll do the same with less. The issue is we just want the cuts to be equitable."
Hawley said he will only support a 2-percent property tax cap if there is mandate relief.
"There has to be mandate relief," Hawley said. "These are costly, cumbersome and overburdening mandates by the state of New York on districts that know how to operate a business."
City Schools Superintendent Margaret Puzio said the meeting was fruitful, if for no other reason than to hear Ranzenhofer say there is a conversation going on in Albany about the inequality of the budget proposal.
"Our kids have to compete with kids from rich urban districts," Puzio said. "If they can’t get the same AP course, the same gifted and talented programs, the same chances in athletics, how can that be fair?"
A 16-year-old resident of Sparks Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of shoplifting from Kmart on Tuesday.
A 17-year-old resident of Wyoming Road, Wyoming, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of shoplifting from Kmart on Tuesday.
A 17-year-old resident of Black Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. K-9 "Pharoah," handled by Deputy Brian Thompson, alerted on a car parked in the East Park Street area of Pavilion. After an interview with the driver, Thompson allegedly found a small quantity of suspected marijuana and three pipes with suspected marijuana residue.
The cause of a rollover accident on Clinton Street Road yesterday evening remains under investigation.
The driver was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight with non-life threatening injuries.
No citations have been issued.
Jody B. Gillette, 50, of Pine Hollow Drive, Batavia, was driving a 1993 Chrysler sedan east on Route 33 when he lost control of his car for an unknown reason. The car left the roadway, struck a sewer pipe and overturned coming to rest on its roof.
Town of Batavia fire, State Troopers, Sheriff's deputies and Mercy EMS responded to the 6:32 p.m. accident near Terry Hills.
The accident is being investigated by Deputy Cory Mower.
Before all heck broke loose this evening, I was out in the western part of the county looking for a good sunset picture when I came across this scene. Picture shot on Gabbey Road (just west of Route 77) in Pembroke/Indian Falls.
While Republicans are rallying around Jane Corwin as their standard-bearer in any upcoming special election to replace the fallen Chris Lee in the 26th Congressional District, and the Democrats have yet to select a leading candidate, the potential field of candidates could yet get crowded.
Three-time loser Jack Davis is saying he plans to run as an Independent, according to the Buffalo News, and YNN reports that Batavia resident and Iraq vet David Bellavia has registered an exploratory committee.
Buffalo News:
Davis, an Amherst resident, said Tuesday he is committed to participating in the contest for recently resigned Republican Rep. Chris Lee’s former seat one way or another, and is not reneging on his promise to spend $3 million in the process.
“As far as I’m concerned, I no longer have it; it’s spent,” he said. “It’s for a good cause with the powers behind it, and it’s for a good cause without the powers behind it.”
YNN:
Bellavia’s communications director tells YNN that Bellavia has formed an exploratory committee and filed with the Federal Elections Commission. The move allows Bellavia to start raising funds for a run in the yet-to-be announced special election to replace former Congressman Chris Lee. The communications director said that Bellavia would seek the Conservative Party endorsement.
All of this before Gov. Andrew Cuomo has even announced a special election to replace Lee.
A Rochester man was arrested for allegedly possessing brass knuckles Wednesday after getting involved in a one-car, non-injury accident on Park Road.
Charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, was Joseph Samuel Caiazza, 32, of Elmwood Avenue, Rochester.
Caiazza said he was pulling out of the parking lot of the Best Western Hotel at 10:38 a.m. when his phone rang. When he went to answer it, he struck a utility pole.
Caiazza also received citations for alleged failure to maintain lane and alleged equipment violations.
The accident was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker.
A rollover accident, with unknown injuries, is reported in the area of 5007 Clinton St. Road in the Town of Batavia.
Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.
The vehicle is on its roof and two people are the driver is trapped inside. Extraction equipment will be needed. Gas is leaking from the vehicle.
UPDATE 6:39 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called and will be flying in. A landing zone will be established.
UPDATE 6:50 p.m.: Mercy Flight is preparing to land in the parking lot at Terry Hills Golf Course.
UPDATE 7 p.m.: The victims have has been extricated.
UPDATE 7:25 p.m.: Mercy Flight is headed to Strong Memorial Hospital with a male patient who is alert.
UPDATE 7:30 p.m.: The scene is cleaned up and all units are back in service.
A structure fire is reported at 20 Vine St. in the City of Batavia. City firefighters are on scene and the second and fourth platoons have been called in. Mercy EMS is going to scene in case needed.
UPDATE 6:26 p.m.: A fire chief has asked that police officers shut the street to traffic. Three rooms have been engulfed with flames at this point. National Grid and National Fuel are being contacted to shut off power to the structure.
UPDATE 6:29 p.m.: A firefighter says the second floor is full of smoke but there are no visible flames.
UPDATE 6:43 p.m.: Three rear windows upstairs have been opened, providing ventilation. The structure consists of two apartments. A young woman lives upstairs and Nick Ricigliano and his wife and toddler live downstairs. They are all out and safe. Ricigliano said he was burned out of his home last year, too. His family lived in an apartment on State Street in the city, in the same building where a woman died in a fire caused by her smoking cigarettes near her oxygen tank.
UPDATE 7:03 p.m.: A chief reports that the building housed a total of seven people. He asked that the American Red Cross be contacted and come to the scene to help those displaced by the fire.
UPDATE 7:15 p.m.: Firefighters are checking for hot spots in cavities of the building.
UPDATE 7:28 p.m.: A city inspector is called to the scene and "someone who boards up buildings."
UPDATE 7:37 p.m.: The fire is out and crews are cleaning up.
UPDATE 7:55 p.m.: The fire chief asks for the water department to shut off service to the building.
PHOTOS: Top photo by Frank Capuano.
Calling the GOP's selection of Jane Corwin as its choice to replace Chris Lee in the 26th Congressional District, Democrats today issued a press release saying they were taking their time to evaluate candidates.
Genesee County Democratic Chairwoman Lorie Longhany sent along the press release signed by all of the county chairs in the district.
The press release invites interested potential candidates to contact their county chairs if they would like to be interviewed for a possible endorsement.
Full press release after the jump:
Today, the seven Democratic County Chairs of the 26th Congressional District of New York released the following statement outlining the selection process for the endorsement of a Democratic candidate for the 26th District special election:
“The people of this district deserve a representative that understands our issues -- whether it's in our farm communities or the suburbs of Buffalo and Rochester. We are looking for a candidate who will bring common-sense solutions to the table to work on the most important issue facing our district, improving our economy and bringing jobs to Western New York.
The process we have developed to identify the best possible candidate to serve the people of the 26th District is a deliberate, open and inclusive one. We want to ensure that all who are seriously interested in being the Democratic candidate have the opportunity to be heard and to share their vision for addressing the needs of our district.
Unlike our Republican counterparts who seem to have made a rush to judgment, we believe taking the time to find the best person is of utmost importance. Democrats are energized and excited and we are moving forward with the process. We assure the people of the 26th Congressional District that we will be ready with an outstanding candidate to run in the Special Election."
In order to be eligible for further consideration, if they have not already done so, interested candidates must submit their resume and cover letter to any of the county chairs no later than COB March 3rd. Contact information for each county chair is below.
Erie County – Chairman Len Lenihan, len@ecdems.com
Genesee County – Chairwoman Lorie Longhany, lorie.longhany@gmail.com
Livingston County – Chairwoman Judith Hunter, judith.hunter@gmail.com
Monroe County – Chairman Joe Morelle, joe@monroedemocrats.com
Orleans County – Chairwoman Jeanne Crane, jeannecrane01@localnet.com
Niagara County – Chairman Dan Rivera, ntdemocrats@aol.com
Wyoming County – Chairman Hank Bush Jr., hbush3@rochester.rr.com
Proclaiming herself anti-tax and anti-deficit spending, Erie County's Jane Corwin stopped by Batavia's Old Courthouse today to let everybody know, yes, she's really running for Congress.
"America is at a crossroads," Corwin said. "You all know the numbers, a $1.5 trillion annual deficit. We borrow one dollar for every three that we spend. That’s simply unsustainable. Our nation’s debt tops out at over $14 trillion. That’s nearly $50,000 for every man, woman and child living in the United States today. With numbers like those, what kind of legacy are we leaving for our children?"
Flanked by some of Genesee County's leading Republicans, including Sheriff Gary Maha, County Clerk Don Read, Coroner Jack Taylor and Legislature Chair Mary Pat Hancock, Corwin, a second-term assemblywoman, received the endorsement of her colleague Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
"As you get to know her, as you get to speak with her, and more importantly, as she listens to you, you are going to see she is going to be the kind of Congress person we grew accustomed to back in the days of Barber Conable," Hawley said.
He said Corwin has the dignity and honesty and caring for people to give him confidence that she will do the same kind of job Conable did.
Asked by WBTA's Dan Fischer what she might tell a friend about Genesee County, Corwin replied, "First, I'd talk about downtown Batavia. I love to spend weekends here. My son plays hockey, so we’re over at the ice rink every few weeks or so. Genesee County is beautiful. It’s a rural area. It’s got a strong agriculture history. It’s something that I think is a shining part of Upstate New York. I believe this could be a thriving area if we could just get our national affairs in order."
As for the speculation and any issue around the idea that Corwin will fund her own campaign, Corwin said she will also engage in fund raising, but certainly, she will spend some of her own money as well on the campaign.
"I don’t believe a candidate can buy a race because a race isn’t about money, it’s about ideas," Corwin said. "The ideas that I put out there, do they make sense to the voters in the area? Is it something they can relate to? Do they agree with what my plan is in the future? That’s what wins elections."
Meanwhile, the Democrat & Chronicle reports that Corwin is close to winning the conservative endorsement in Monroe County.
Also, a bill introduced by Gov. Cuomo could delay any special election. Cuomo has said the bill is necessary to ensure the election conforms with federal regulations, and if passed, the election would take place 70 to 80 days after it's called instead of the past 30 to 40 days.
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