They call it "The Big Ask."

The Big Ask is the third leg of a fund-raising effort developed by Vibrant Batavia to support it's community improvement efforts and putting together a centennial celebration for the city in 2015.

Fundraising efforts so far involve selling advertising to local businesses for a quarterly magazine and a discount card program to residents, but Vibrant Batavia also needs to raise big money from big donors.

Corporate sponsors are being sought to contribute as much as $5,000 or $10,000 each.

Monday night, members had another kind of Big Ask for City Council members: $45,000 for a second year of funding.

It's part of the plan -- Vibrant Batavia's plan has always included at least $45,000 in funding annually for three years -- but the request needs to be put before the City Council each year.

Council President Brooks Hawley said he's inclined to support the request.

"They've been doing a great job, being put together as many volunteers," Hawley said. "It's been a great effort."

Since the Spring of 2013, Vibrant Batavia has:

• Developed a logo and marketing plan;
• Entered into an agreement with Rochester-based nonprofit Neighborhood Works and hired a coordinator for Vibrant Batavia through Neighborhood Works;
• Conducted neighborhood surveys;
• Introduced Coffee Talks, a Fall Frolic, an advertiser-supported quarterly publication and discount program;
• Started planning the community's centennial celebration.

The second year of city funding is needed, City Manager Jason Molino said, to help continue and expand Vibrant Batavia's neighborhood organization efforts and planning for the centennial celebration.

"It's an energized group," Molino said after the meeting. "They want to do with good things in the community. I think they want to continue that momentum."

For 2013, Vibrant projected $67,000 in revenue, with $45,000 coming from the city. The actual fundraising effort garnered $60,790.

Expenses were $10,000 lower than projected.

Vibrant Batavia spent $31,000 with Neighborhood Works, $500 on logo design, $7,500 on developing a sponsorship plan with Buffalo Block Club, $10,902 on printing expenses and $7,500 on the centennial celebration.

For 2014, Vibrant Batavia's revenue plan projects another $45,000 from the city and $42,000 in revenue from local businesses, with expenses of $31,500 on Neighborhood Works, $35,500 on programming and $20,000 on centennial planning.

"All of us have come together, community members and volunteers, because we believe in our community," said Vibrant Batavia Board Member Marty McDonald.

Kathy and Jim Owen were honored by the City Council on Monday night homeowners of the year.

Karen Reisdorf, owner of Blue Pearl Yoga, received the City Council's Business of the Year award.

A two-car accident with injuries that is blocking traffic is reported at the intersection of North Byron and Searls roads. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

The T.F. Brown's Squirt III Batavia Ramparts Hockey Team garnered silver medals at the Empire State Winter Games held Olympic Center in Lake Placid this weekend.

Batavia was the #1 seed going into the final rounds after winning their first three games. They lost the gold medal round to the Rye Rangers.

Pictured are Head Coach Jeff Bower, Assistant Coach Brian Frieday and players Drew Bower, Vincent DiRizio, Matthew Frieday, Levi Grimm, Zachary Howard, Austin Hunt, Collin Kratz, Chase Pangrazio, Dominic Peracciny, Connor Peterson, Eric Pfalzer, Sean Pies, Jace Rademacker, and Max Tenney.

Photo and information submitted by Robert Grimm.

Following a week-long trial that ended Friday, a Batavia resident was found not guilty on three felony counts stemming from an allegation he forced a victim to engage in sexual acts.

Kyle H. Morse, 17 at the time of his arrest a year ago, was, however, found guilty on a single misdemeanor count of sexual misconduct.

The grand jury indictment on that count accused Morse of engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person without that person's consent, and the person was deemed incapable of consent by virtue of being less than 17 years old.

The jury returned not guilty verdicts on counts of criminal sexual act in the first degree, sexual abuse in the first degree and criminal sexual act in the third degree.

Morse is scheduled to appear for sentencing on the misdemeanor conviction April 10.

Batavia officially became a city on January 1,1915, after having been an incorporated village since 1823. The transition involved a progression through several steps during 1914. During 2014, I will be acknowledging each of these events 100 years after their occurrence.

Early in 1914, Village of Batavia Aldermen, the equivalent of today's City Council, had become unhappy with the work of the Charter Revision Commission appointed several years earlier. The Commission had developed a proposal for Batavia becoming a city that eliminated wards, eliminated political parties, and established a government run by a manager and five councilmen elected at large. As a result, the Aldermen wrote a competing proposal and presented it to the community on February 4, 1914. Then the Aldermen announced that their proposal would be submitted to a straw vote in order to gauge community support. That vote took place 100 years ago, today.

Voters might have anticipated that the ballot would provide an opportunity to indicate which proposal they preferred, the Commission's as described above, or the Aldermen's proposal which retained wards, retained partisan politics, and featured a mayor rather than a city manager. Instead, the ballot simply read, "Shall the charter as prepared by the Aldermen be sent to Albany?"

Since the Commission's proposal was already in Albany, a "yes" vote could only indicate a voter's desire to have both proposals presented before the State legislature. The wording on the ballot did not allow for a clear understanding of how voters assessed the relative merits of the two proposals. However, when voters cast 488 "yes" votes versus 451 "no" votes, the Aldermen chose to see the results as a ringing endorsement of their proposal over that of the Commission.

A month from now, I will provide another news release, this time reporting on what happened when the two competing proposals were presented to a joint committee of Senators and Assemblymen.

An executive of Batavia-based Muller Quaker Dairy tells an food industry news Web site that the yogurt maker is on pace to reach $100 million in annual sales in the U.S.

"Promotions are playing a role," Barb Yehling, chief marketing officer at Muller Quaker Dairy, told Foodnavigator-USA.com. "However, at the end of the day it’s product quality and taste that matter to consumers. Again, this is where Müller yogurt excels."

Yehling said the company is focused on innovation and meeting unmet needs to bring to the American public a Greek-style yogurt that is fun and flavorful.

Nina M.E. Kelso, 29, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with torturing or injuring an animal/failure to provide sustenance and owning/haboring an unlicensed dog. Batavia PD responded to Kelso's residence at 6:08 p.m., Feb. 4, to investigate a report of a maltreated/malnourished dog. Officers allegedly found a pit bull identified as Kelso's dog that was malnourished and weak. The dog was reportedly unable to stand or move on its own. The dog was also unlicensed. The dog was taken to Batavia State Street Animal Hospital and continues to receive treatment and care.

Johnnie M. Waston, 30, unknown address, Rochester, is charged with criminal impersonation, 2nd, and criminal trespass, 2nd. Waston allegedly entered the apartment on State Street of somebody he did not know at 1:54 p.m., Sunday, and remained in the residence unlawfully. Waston allegedly provided a fake name to police and was later recognized and identified by jail personnel. Waston was found to have an active bench warrant for his arrest out of the city court in Rochester.

Scott R. Merrill, 45, of Darien Center, is charged with DWI. A state trooper reportedly observed a vehicle stop at the Colby Road railroad crossing, which at the time had flashing lights and the gate arms down, indicating an approaching train. The vehicle allegedly proceeded around the gates and narrowly avoided being hit by an Amtrak train. The vehicle was stopped and Merrill was taken into custody following further investigation.

Rodney Lowell McKenzie, 49, of Weaver Street, Buffalo, is charged with inhalation of toxic vapors. McKenzie was reported found at 11:51 a.m., Feb. 5, sitting in his vehicle allegedly huffing keyboard cleaner. He was also charged with petit larceny for allegedly shoplifting from Walmart.

Danny Jay Torok Jr., 26, of Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with assault, 2nd. Torok allegedly started a fight with another inmate while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail.

Mark Andrew Kempie Jr., 45, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kempie allegedly stole merchandise valued at $13.67 from Kmart.

Gary Edwin Gerevics, 55, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and criminal contempt, 2nd. Gerevics was allegedly found in possession of firearms in violation of a court order of protection. He was jailed on $3,000 bail.

Jason A. Klinkbeil, 25, of 50 South St., Le Roy, was arrested on a bench warrant. Klinkbeil turned himself in on a warrant for alleged failure to comply with drug court. He was jailed on $100,000 bail.

Nathan Paul Crawford,18, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. Crawford allegedly exposed his genitals to another person while on East Main Street, Batavia, at 5:46 p.m., Feb. 5.

Suzanne M. Corona, 44, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Corona is accused of stealing from a location Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, at 8:38 p.m., Saturday. She was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Jacob J. Lentz, 24, of Aurora, Iowa, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Lentz was stopped at 10:50 p.m., Saturday, on Albion Road in Oakfield by State Police.

Deborah L. Smith, 55, of Spencerport, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle while on highway. Smith was stopped by State Police at 11:25 p.m., Friday, on Route 63, Town of Batavia.

A call has come in for a possible fire in the attic at 3885 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire dispatched.

UPDATE 8:41 a.m.: Chief on scene. Light smoke showing.

UPDATE 8:42 a.m.: Confirmed fire in the structure. All available man power to the scene.

UPDATE 9:25 a.m.: National Grid on scene.

UPDATE 9:56 a.m.: Red Cross requested to the scene. Two adults and five children need housing for "just a couple of days," a chief says. No clothing needed.

UPDATE: This morning's fire could have been much worse, according to Chief Paul Barrett and resident Shawn Gaylord.

Gaylord's wife smelled the smoke and found the fire. Gaylord was just returning home and he and his wife were going to go right back out and be gone for four or five hours.

If she hadn't have smelled the smoke before they left ...

Gaylord started fighting the fire before the first fire trucks were on scene, using an extinquisher and containers of water.

The effort definately helped said the Town of Batavia chief.

"I didn't stop him from fighting the fire because it was working so well until the city got here just ahead of our truck, 30 seconds ahead of our truck," Barrett said.

City fire was dispatched because the slippery roads made it a little harder to get a driver to the Town of Batavia's fire hall to get an engine rolling.

The fire was contained to an upstairs bathroom and bedroom area, caused about $10,000 in damage, Barrett said, and was definitely electrical in origin.

The meter has been pulled and electric repairs and inspection will be necessary before the house can be occupied again.

The property is owned by Timothy Dancy.

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A tractor-trailer is on its side on Ellicott Street Road near Fargo Road. No injuries are reported but traffic is blocked. 

Traffic being shut down at East Road and at Texaco Town. 

Bethany and Stafford fire departments responding. Pavilion handling traffic at Texaco Town. 

It will be an hour before a heavy wrecker is on scene to right the truck.

A two-car accident is reported at Route 63 and Fargo Road. The occupants are conscious. There is entrapment. Bethany Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding, along with mutual aid from Stafford for fire police and a rescue unit. Mercy Flight is not able to fly due to weather.

UPDATE 4:51 p.m.: An ambulance from Le Roy is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 4:59 p.m.: There are four victims.

UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: An ambulance from Byron is requested. It will be the fourth ambulance in.

UPDATE 5:07 p.m.: An ambulance from Alexander is requested to fill in at Bethany's fire hall.

UPDATE 5:19 p.m.: Two patients have been extricated.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: "Third patient extricated, one more to go."

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: The fourth and final patient is extricated. So far, two ambulances are transporting patients to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 5:38 p.m.: Bethany is taking a patient to UMMC.

UPDATE 5:39 p.m.: A total of three patients went to Strong. Two flatbed tows are called. Traffic is backed up. Command says when it clears up a crew should respond ASAP to salt the road. Once that is done, they'll go in service, he says.

UPDATE 6:40 p.m.: The roads are reopened. The Bethany assignment is back in service.

A house fire is reported at 74 S. Lake Ave. in the Village of Bergen. Bergen fire is responding along with mutual aid from Le Roy.

UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: A responder on scene reports the occupant says the basement is full of smoke. Investigating.

UPDATE 4:58 p.m.: Smoke is confirmed in the basement, but no flames showing.

UPDATE 5:01 p.m.: Fire Police will shut down the Four Corners in Bergen "as soon as the train goes by." All Le Roy equipment is cancelled, as well as a fill in unit from Churchville.

UPDATE 5:03 p.m.: Sounds like the problem is the furnace.

UPDATE 5: 25 p.m.: The Bergen command puts the assignment back in service.

A snow blower is on fire near the house at 1055 Sliker Road. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding. The location is between Gilmore and Hopkins roads.

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: A Pembroke firefighter on scene reports the fire may be out. Investigating.

UPDATE 11:32 a.m.: Pembroke command confirms the fire is out. Units can stand down. The assignment is back in service.

An accident involving two or three vehicles is blocking traffic at East Main and Liberty streets in the City of Batavia. There are believed to be minor injuries. City fire and Mercy medics are responding along with police.

UPDATE 11:10 p.m.: Two flatbed tow trucks are called to the scene.

A single-vehicle rollover accident with minor injuries is reported 7689 Oak Orchard Road (Route 98), south of Daws Corners. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. The only occupant, the driver, is out of the vehicle.

UPDATE 2:22 p.m.: A responder says the State Police are on scene. The vehicle is 50 feet off the roadway, on its roof.

UPDATE 2:24 p.m.: The Mercy ambulance is told to continue non-emergency to check the driver. A tow truck is en route.

UPDATE 2:26 p.m.: The town assignment is back in service.

Is this your cat? Lori Vosburgh is trying to help find the feline's rightful owner. Here's what she says about it:

Jacob Bukowski was driving on the Thruway Jan. 31st, when he saw this cat laying down in the median between the Pembroke and Depew exits on the Thruway, right before the South Newstead RD overpass and 4 miles east of the Clarence Travel Plaza (Tim Horton's service area).

She was thin, cold, hungry and the hair around her neck was matted. He took her home and then to the vet the next morning. She is a young female, not micro-chipped, declawed and spayed. Instead of leaving the hair matted they shaved a little of it off. She was clearly an indoor cat and very friendly. She smelled like a farm and for obvious reasons was very dirty.

We think she may have been outside for at least a month, as another woman tried to rescue her the first of January but was unable to due to safety concerns with traffic. She reported it with the police but they must not have been able to rescue her.

She's a beautiful sweet cat and I'd like nothing more than to find her owners, or someone that would be willing to take her in. It's amazing that she made it through the bitter temperatures and snowy conditions!

If it's your cat or you can help find the owner, call Brittany  at (585) 297-0297.

Le Roy track and field standout Ruben Owens, front row center, signed a national letter of intent yesterday to attend the University of Arkansas on a full scholarship.

Owens has won Section V titles in the high jump, long jump and triple jump. In all, for both winter and spring seasons, Owens holds 11 Section V titles.

He holds the school records in the high, long and triple jump.

Information and photo submitted by Tim McArdle.