A one-car rollover accident with entrapment has been reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 400.7 in the eastbound lane.

Pembroke Fire and Indian Falls Fire responding.

UPDATE: When firefighters arrived, the driver was out of the vehicle and walking around.

UPDATE 11:12 p.m.: Another vehicle is apparently off the road about a mile west of the first accident.

A large fire has been reported in the yard of Bergen Auto Recycling, 7652 Clinton St. Road, Bergen.

A Bergen chief is at the gate and says he can see a fire among either a couple of cars or a box truck.

The owner is apparently not around and the gate is locked. Fire dispatch has contacted the owner.

An employee on scene says it's a trailer containing (empty) plastic gas tanks.

Bergen units are en route.

UPDATE 9:27 p.m.: A handful of trailers are on fire, but no extension beyond those vehicles, a chief reports. Churchville Fire Department requested to stand in at Bergen Fire Hall.

UPDATE 9:29 p.m.: A South Byron tanker requested to the scene.

UPDATE 9:31 p.m.: A Churchville tanker is also requested to the scene.

UPDATE 10:20 p.m.: Some time ago, law enforcement was requested to the scene. The deputy who responded has requested an investigator to the scene.

UPDATE 10:29 p.m.: South Byron being released from the scene. Chruchville remains standing by in Bergen quarters.\

UPDATE 11:46 p.m.: Bergen back in service.

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A car-into-pole accident has occurred at 453 N. Byron Road. The location is between Lockport and Miller roads. No injuries reported.

Elba Fire Department is responding. Mercy medics on scene determined no injuries were apparent, left, and now are asked to return in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 8:16 p.m.: A firefighter reports that the pole involved, No. 4596, is cracked and National Grid should look at it, but it doesn't required immediate attention. A previous responder said the pole was "split in a few places."

City of Batavia Fire is being dispatched to 225 Liberty St. for an unknown type alarm sounding and a strange odor.

UPDATE: Didn't hear much more on this ... I did hear City Fire go back in service.

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As most of us have read, the GCEDC recently announced that it is responsible for retaining 21 jobs in the Batavia area. According to the GCEDC, this was achieved by providing two existing hotels with sales tax breaks on their project to replace windows in their buildings.

I wrote to GCEDC inquiring how we can save jobs at $429/job, and specifically, what jobs are being retained. In the email I also questioned the wisdom of granting these tax breaks for a project that will, most likely, pay for itself over time though reduced energy costs.

The following are my original e-mail, and Steve Hyde's response. I call it a response, because I certainly cannot find any answers in the verbiage.

My e-mail:

Many taxpayers would like to know exactly how $429 saves a job.

That figure is derived from your own statement that a $9,000 sales-tax break for two hotels will retain 21 jobs. I cannot, for the life of me figure how that works. Are you asserting that the two firms would not go forward with this project without this tax incentive that constitutes 4 percent of the total cost? I find that doubtful. Even if so, specifically, what jobs will be “retained”?

Please also clarify how GCEDC justifies this tax break for two existing private businesses, when they are replacing older windows with new ones that will obviously pay for themselves over time through reduced energy costs. Your prompt reply is anticipated and appreciated.

Thank you.

Bob Harker

His response:

Feb. 7, 2011

E-mail Correspondence

[ e-mail address deleted ]

Dear Mr. Harker:

Thank you for taking the time to write us with regard to the Days Inn and the Super 8 project in which the GCEDC board approved a sales-tax exemption on Feb. 3, 2011.

The GCEDC Board of Directors, by way of this project and others, is focusing on and taking action in accordance with key elements of our legal authority and with regard to our organization’s mission, which includes catalyzing community economic development success by supporting the growth, expansion and retention of Genesee County’s existing base of businesses.

The GCEDC board’s philosophy is to assist area businesses by helping to ensure that companies across Genesee County remain successful, viable, employ residents and contribute to the overall tax base of the county.

The sales-tax exemption on the renovation project at the Days Inn and Super 8 hotel is an example of a retention project by GCEDC. And through our participation, albeit in a small way (a $9,000 sales-tax exemption), we are supporting and helping retain the ongoing viability of one of our area businesses which is actively investing in our community and contributes a considerable amount to the tax base of our community by way of sales-tax generation and property-tax payments.

Given New York recently ranked number 50 in state business-tax climate as measured in October 2010 by the Tax Foundation – it is pretty clear of the importance to provide tax assistance to new and existing businesses in order to level the cost playing field and to reduce some of the tax burdens on area businesses -- especially in order to ensure their long-term viability and contributions to the community’s tax base and employment base.

Given the Tax Foundation rankings, we must continue to do what we can at the local level to ensure Genesee County is known as a “business-friendly community,” despite the high-cost structures so well known by many at the state level.

It is imperative for our long-term economic success that we continue these practices of providing tax assistance to new and existing businesses, because without viable businesses in our community – we have no economic certainty -- our employment climate would be perilous and the tax burden placed on area residents -- because of a declining business tax base -- would be far worse than it is today.

Thank you again for your correspondence and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Steven G. Hyde

President, GCEDC

Can anyone help me find the answers to my questions?

A brake fire on an unknown type of vehicle has been reported by the Thruway Authority on the I-90 at mile marker 375.1.

That puts it just at the county line.

Le Roy Fire is responding.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce this morning announced its 2010 award winners.

They are:

• Business of the Year: Sterling Tents & Awnings, Inc.
• Agricultural Business of the Year: Triple P Farms, LLC.
• Geneseean of the Year: Joseph Teresi
• The Genesee County Lifetime Achievement Award: Stuart Steiner, Ed.D
• The Wolcott "Jay" Humphrey III Excellence in Community Leadership Award: Robert Bennett

The awards ceremony will be April 9 at the Batavia Clarion, Park Road, Batavia.

UPDATE: The chamber has released additional information about the awards dinner.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 39th Annual Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, April 9 at the Clarion Hotel, Park Road, Batavia.

This is the county’s premier event honoring businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.

Understanding the recent economic situation, the chamber has lowered ticket prices hoping that this will allow and encourage attendance. Tickets are $50 per person or a table of 10 for $450.

The evening begins at 5:30 with hors d’oeuvres, entrée tables and cash bar (no formal sit-down dinner will be served). The Awards Program starts at 7 and dessert and coffee will be served at that time.

A 17-year-old resident of Mechanic Street, Byron, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. She is accused of forcing a door open, punching a hole in a wall. The youth was jailed on $100 bail.

Amy Lou Platten, 41, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Platten allegedly violated an order of protection.

City Fire is being dispatched to investigate a possible electrical fire in the wall of a residence at 8 Trumbull Parkway.

A car fire has been reported in the area of 6639 Telephone Road (Route 20), Pavilion.

Pavilion Fire has been dispatched.

This information was provided by the Office of the Sheriff, Genesee County.

Genesee County Sheriff's Office Chaplain Philip A. Green was selected as the "2011 Chaplain of the Year" by the National Sheriffs' Association.

The award will be presented to him during the association's annual Summer Training Conference, to be held in St. Louis, Mo., in June.

He was nominated for this honor by Genesee County Sheriff Gary T. Maha, who said that Green is most deserving of this prestigious award.

He is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church, located at 10982 South Lake Road, Pavilion. It is a position he has held since November 2003. He was appointed chaplain of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in May 2004 and serves on a voluntary basis without compensation. He previously served as chaplain of the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in Oshkosh, Wis.

Pastor Green is very active in his community; volunteering his time coaching youth soccer, boys modified soccer, and basketball at a local high school. He makes himself available to officers of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office day and night, whenever his assistance is needed.

Over the years he has assisted officers with making "death notifications" to victims' families and has assisted officers and their families in times of need.

He takes part in Sheriff's Office training sessions and has also instructed deputies on stress management. Pastor Green sponsors and hosts "Red and Blue Sunday" at his church each year, whereby he and his congregation recognize and express their appreciation to the first responders in Genesee County.

Pastor Green is a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains and a member of In-Pursuit Ministries. He has attended the International Conference of Police Chaplains conference and training seminars in Bradenton, Fla., at his own expense and is certified in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Pensacola Theological Seminary and is currently working on his doctorate of Sacred Ministry from Northland Baptist Bible College in Dunbar, Wis. He is also a 2007 graduate of Leadership Genesee.

Pastor Green lives in the Town of Pavilion with his wife, Marun, and their three children: Anthony, 8, Tyler, 5, and 4-year-old Laci.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Don't let your sweetie go without flowers for Valentine's Day. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Scratch Bakery, 24 Main St. Le Roy, NY: Scones, cookies, cakes, breads, rolls and more. Call ahead, 297-2441, for availability or special orders. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Batavia Downs Grandstand Bar & Grille, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY: A full menu, salad bar and drinks in one of the region's most popular entertainment venues. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50. (Must be new or current Players Club member to redeem. Expires Feb. 28)

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

South Beach, 59 Main St., Batavia, NY: Try the new lunch buffet. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50 (must be used by Feb. 28, 2011).

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for three weeks of yoga, 3 classes, a $30 value, for $15.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's, a great place for pizza, wings, subs -- eat in, take out or delivery. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; new all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

Three or four electrical wires, still connected to the pole, are on fire on the north side of Route 63, just south of York Road. A nearby tree is also on fire. (The location is reportedly near an old house than burned down a long time ago.)

Pavilion Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 7:21 p.m.: National Grid has been notified. No arrival time estimate given.

Genesee County Sno-Packers Snowmobile Club hosted clients of Genesee ARC today for the third annual "Winter Fun Party" at the club's facility in Oakfield.

The event is part of Genesee ARC's "Challenger Sports" program.

The party featured snowmobile rides, crafts and a lunch.

The club received a grant from KLIM, a maker of snowmobile clothing, so each participant received a KLIM beanie.

Photos from today's event can be purchased by clicking here.

More photos to view after the jump:

Here's a 'Legislative Column' submitted by Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.”

You don’t have to be a 'Renaissance Man' to appreciate Leonardo da Vinci’s advice.

Whether presented with an artist’s blank canvas or the complexities of engineering the future out of 15th Century technology, his attitude was to dare greatly without delay. In this new legislative session, the New York State Assembly must heed da Vinci’s words and act with the sense of urgency to our state’s current crisis demands.

In 2010, Albany’s legendary dysfunction reached levels of gridlock and infighting not seen since the Articles of Confederation. (This might be overstated – but only slightly.)

My colleagues and I must therefore renew our mission to serve our constituents, to earn the seats they have given us. I am committed to continuing my agenda from last year’s legislative session, including bringing jobs back to Western New York, reining in out-of-control taxes, and supporting economic growth through farming and other agricultural endeavors.

Costly unfunded mandates – essentially deferred taxes to pay for current, reckless spending – also demand Albany’s immediate attention in order to cut property taxes for working families.

Western New York’s rural communities occupy a special place in our state’s cultural and economic ecosystems. Our family farms are the sturdy backbone of the Empire State’s economy and our vast open spaces continue to draw visitors seeking peaceful, natural surroundings. It’s a way of life strengthened by a commitment to tradition and freedom for the individual.

But now, Albany bureaucrats want to change this culture of self-reliance and begin to dictate individual behavior.

The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is attempting to place new restrictions on property owners, including prohibiting them from burning materials or refuse in any open area. The state agency is undertaking this measure despite our lack of larger waste-management facilities found in suburban or urban areas - the very reason why some residents of the 139th Assembly District have safely and responsibly burned discarded material on their properties for generations.

A bill to prevent this power grab by the DEC was introduced in the Legislature in January 2010. Since that time, the measure has been held for further consideration in an Assembly committee. I am the prime sponsor of this vitally important legislative reform as the new session begins and will work with my colleagues to bring it to the Assembly Floor for a vote as soon as possible.

Landowners in rural communities must have the property rights protections that they deserve with the urgency required to prevent future arbitrary rulings from unelected, unaccountable government pencil-pushers.

Winter can sometimes make laggards of us, but now is no time to take it easy. As your assemblyman, I am renewing my focus and channeling my energies on the legislative priorities interrupted by last year’s chaotic session. There is no time to waste. Each day that passes is a missed opportunity to correct our course away from the fiscal cliff.

As we work together to create more private-sector jobs, reduce spending, and eliminate deficits, I will also continue to fight for your interests and our way of life here in Western New York.

As a small-business owner, I know what it takes to balance a budget. As a neighbor and friend of our region, I understand Albany’s actions can stifle economic growth and threaten individual freedoms in Western New York. This is our home, and here is my mandate: to act with urgency for your interests in 2011. ... “Being willing is not enough; we must do.”

Here's what Downtown Batavia looked like about 30 minutes ago. The snow has slowed considerably since then, but road crews report a new around of heavy snow crossing the county.

The weather advisory remains in effect until 1 a.m.

This is a particularly icy-slick snowstorm and there are reports of lots of cars sliding off roadways.

Two of Genesee County's young people seriously hurt in accidents this week remain hospitalized.

Cassandra Koepp, 17, injured in an accident on Wortendyke Road on Wednesday afternoon, remains in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital. Strong lists all patients in the intensive care unit as "guarded."

Jordan Paul Fleming, 22, who had his legs seriously injured when his car hit a tree on East Bethany-Le Roy Townline Road on Thursday is listed in satisfactory condition at Strong.