Blowing and drifting snow continues to make travel treacherous throughout Genesee County, according to a report on the scanner.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service says a lake effect storm warning remains in effect until 6 p.m.

Snow fall could be heavy at times, with from 3 to 7 inches of additional accumulation today.

Winds will blow from the northwest at 15 to 30 mph.  The wind chill will be zero to 10 below.

UPDATE 5:50 p.m.: Lake effect snow warning has been extended until midnight.  The areas of heaviest snow fall continue to be just south of Lake Ontario.

UDATE 10:10 p.m.: The lake effect snow warning has been extended to 4 a.m. The National Weather Services says, "expect dangerous driving conditions."

I am such a believer in the spirit of Christmas, that even after Christmas is over, I still enjoy the afterglow. And so it is that I have chosen pets from two different households -- a total of three dogs -- as the Pet(s) of the Week.

They embody the kind of joie de vivre that ought to be evident more often throughout the year. So Happy New Year to these merrymakers!

My name is Winslow, and I live in LeRoy with my mom. I turned 1 year old on Dec. 17. I love the Buffalo Sabres and the Buffalo Bills. We have been looking for a brother or sister for me, and often see animals at the animal shelter on The Batavian. However, when we call they have already been adopted. I agree with a previous Pet of the Week, Shadow, and if I win, I will also donate my winnings to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Thanks,
Winslow

Hello there! Our Mom and Dad dressed us like this to help spread holiday cheer and to make people smile and feel happy. Our Aunt says we just look so cute that she wanted you to see us and hope we make you feel good, too. We are Yorkie-Poms and our names are Brandy and Bailey Claus....yes that's right, the same last name as Santa. We are 10 and 11 years old and are brother and sister and even though it's cold like at the North Pole, we live right here in Batavia with our GREAT parents; Dawn and Tim Claus.

This is such a happy time of the year. We want to thank all our animals friends for leaving out a treat for us on Christmas Eve. We visited them all and wish them and their families a happy, healthy holiday season. Please remember to be kind to your companion and they will be kind to you! So "from our doghouse to yours, we wish you all a very Happy New Year!"
 
Love, Brandy and Bailey Claus........Arf...Arf...Arf....with love and licks!

Lake Effect snow coming off of Lake Ontario is going to start hitting Northern Genesee County shortly, according to the National Weather Service out of Buffalo.

Wind gusts of up to 25 mph combined with a snowfall rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour could create whiteout conditions and caution when traveling is advised.

South of the lake effect region, expect scattered snow showers with about an inches accumulation.

UPDATE 9:24 p.m.: The winter storm advisory for Batavia is canceled. We now have a lake effect storm warning in place until 6 p.m. tomorrow. Expect accumulations of 3 to 6 inches tonight. Travel conditions could be difficult.

Not long ago, a police officer in Le Roy was dispatched to help with a lockout at Tops Market.

The woman reported there was something wrong with her key.

The dispatcher said, "I'm not sure if there's much you can do to help."

Just a minute ago, the Le Roy officer reported, "It helps if you're not trying to get into your co-worker's car." Then added, "The co-worker advises that she might want to die her hair blonde."

A Chevy Avalanche is on fire, fully involved, at 883 Route 20, Darien.

Darien Fire is responding. The firs responder reports that the driver says the truck has a full tank of gas.

"There's not much we can do with it now," the responder said.

A truck overturned after hitting a utility pole on Route 98 just north of Ridge Road in Orleans County.

The accident was originally reported as in Genesee County, so Elba Fire and Mercy EMS were dispatched.

It is apparently a minor-injury accident. The driver was out of the vehicle when crews arrived.

Power was knocked out to a nearby building.

Travel conditions tomorrow could deteriorate as snow accumulates and winds grow strong, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

The service issued a weather advisory for Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Areas north of the Thruway can expect 4-8 inches of snow, while areas to the south should see only about 2-4 inches.

As winds increase throughout the day, visibility could decrease.

More than 1.3 million times in 2009, people logged onto The Batavian to find out what was going on in Genesee County.

Here's the Top 10 most viewed posts in 2009:

• Manhunt in progress near Townline and 63
• South Beach owner "was forced to close" restaurant, says sister-in-law, by Philip Anselmo
• Tractor pushes car sideways down Main Street into the city
• Blink 182 show at Darien Lake leads to 16 arrests
• Driver of Kid Rock crew busted for alleged DWI
• Member of County Legislature posting on The Batavian under assumed name
• Former Democrat releases potentially damaging Christian e-mail because 'It's personal'
• City Council officially gets out of the ambulance business, by Philip Anselmo
• Batavia's South Beach restaurant closed abruptly and without warning, by Philip Anselmo

And while we're at it, here at the Top 10 posts for December:

• Unnamed tipster leads investigators to suspected meth lab in Le Roy
• Chain restaurant in Batavia bites the dust
• GCASA director suggests marijuana should be legalized
• Today's Poll: What is your view on Global Warming?
• Bail set at $75K each for five busted at suspected meth house
• Three Batavia stores sold alcohol to a minor, according to Batavia Police
• High-speed chase passes through Batavia this morning
• City exploring program to fund home improvements for lower-income home owners
• DiNapoli predicts hefty property tax increase to support schools
• Hawley votes against so-called deficit reduction plan

People logged into The Batavian in December more than 149,000 times to find out what's going on in Genesee County.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When it's time for a great hamburger, Jackson St. Grill will serve you among the best around. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Men, enjoy a $5 haircut again with this offer exclusive to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

Sallome's Italian Deli, 40 Oak St., Batavia, NY: Wraps, subs, paninis and pasta as well as pizzas -- Sallome's offers a tasty variety of Italian deli items for eat-in or take-out.

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

SOLD OUT

I suppose because I'm black and white, they named me Panda. And while I'm not going to be as big as a panda bear, they say I'm going to be a big boy. If you think you could love and nurture a cat with the small outline of Chile, South America, on his face, then let's not monkey around. Let's start 2010 on the sugar foot, shall we?

I'm guessing my ears are the reason I'm named Lynx. If you've ever encountered one of these exotic felines in the wild, you'll recognize the distinctive, tufted ears, sort of like mine. If I'm incorrect, I'm all ears, tell me otherwise. I'm a boy in need of a home in the dead cold of winter.

Both Panda and Lynx are in Cage 86.

Not only am I handsome, beautiful and sweet, I'm a kick-back kinda guy who loves attention and, let's face it, warrants it. I am, after all, Coco, a hound mix, adult male who's good on a leash and deserves more than running around like the stray I was.

Love, love me do -- you know I'll love you. I'm a red, but I'm blue in Kennel 21, not having so much fun.

Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY   14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY   14020
(585)343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter

A tractor trailer reportedly pulled off the Pembroke exit of the Thruway while on fire.

Indian Falls Fire is being dispatched.

Thomas S. Hallett, 31, of 383 Bloomingdale, Apt. 2, Akron, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Hallett was allegedly involved in a disturbance at the Log Cabin, which lead to his ejection from the restaurant. Upon leaving, Hallett reportedly got into his car, backed up quickly, struck another car and then drove away quickly, spinning his wheels as he left. Deputy Kevin McCarthy contacted Hallett at his home and determined, based on the interview, that Hallett was allegedly driving drunk.

Ashley S. Houck, 21, of 397 Magee Ave., Rochester, is charged with parking in a handicap space. Houck was picked up on a bench warrant at 2:20 p.m. yesterday stemming from a conviction in July. Houck was jailed on $120 bail.

Timothy W. Walton, 26, of 33 Washington Ave., Attica, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Walton allegedly sent a text message to an ex-girlfriend he was barred from contacting.

Deborah R. Vogel, 55, of Le Roy, is charged with harassment 2nd. Vogel was arrested by State Police at 11:11 a.m. yesterday in Pavilion. Not further details were released.

The Canandian woman who earlier this week was charged with a series of crimes in Genesee County stemming from a high-speed chase on Dec. 19 faced justice in Orleans County yesterday.

The Buffalo News reports that Crystal Pinnock appeared in Albion Town Court to answer to charges in Albion, Barre and Gaines. She also appeared later in Carlton. 

She was charged with reckless driving, speeding and failure to yield to a police vehicle, among other charges.

Albion Justice Kevin J. Howard committed her to jail without bail.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card 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.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When it's time for a great hamburger, Jackson St. Grill will serve you among the best around. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

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

SOLD OUT

For the sixth straight year, the Batavia High Blue Devils won the annual Batavia Lions Club Basketball Tournament, this time beating Notre Dame 66-33.

Josh Budlong had 14 rebounds as Batavia moved to 6-1. Andrew Hoy scored 12 points. Tom Rapone scored 10 points for Notre Dame. Gianni Zambito added 9 more.  Co Co Irvin was the tournament's MVP. He scored 15 points in the final.

AUDIO:  Post game chat with tournament MVP Co Co Irvin (mp3).

There are 46 more photos from tonight's final game after the jump:

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I missed the details of the start of this call, but Le Roy Fire is responding to a fire alarm (first responder reports "nothing showing"), but the main twist on this call is that a train is stopped and blocking Route 19, so responders must take an alternate route.

UPDATE 5:37 p.m.: This is apparently a power-related issue. National Grid is being dispatched. Also, we learn that there was a power outage in the Village at 5 p.m. We still don't have a location for this call.

Chances are, either your home or the home of someone you know, has a fuse box. Fuses function the same way breakers do -- to cut off power if an electrical circuit is overloaded. Both fuses and breakers can be very effective in protecting your home against an electrical fire.

However, one problem that can arise with fuses occurs when someone inserts a fuse of higher amperage than the circuit is designed for. 

For example, a homeowner tires of replacing blown fuses and inserts a 30-amp fuse where a 20-amp fuse should go, the 30-amp fuse allows more current into the circuit than the circuit was designed to accommodate. 

The fuse "blows" indicating that the circuits are overloaded. These must be replaced as the fuse element burns up. 

A fire can result.

If you have a fuse box, it's a great idea to have an electrician inspect it and check the wire size to install the proper fuse bases. Type S fuses should be used in aging fuse panels to prevent over fusing. Type S fuses are the only type allowed by the National Electrical Code in new fuse box installations.

Whether you have a fuse box or a breaker box, have your electrician tell you the size of your electrical service to make sure it is sufficient. Years ago, 60-amp or 100-amp service wasn't uncommon; but most families today have electrical appliances that demand more service. It's smart to get an electrician's opinion on whether an update is needed since modern homes are typically wired for minimum 200-amp service.

Electrical fires are all too common, and many homes in the U.S. need electrical updates.  Please take whatever action necessary to update the electrical service in your home.

A bridge at Sour Springs Road built by local snowmobilers and later removed by the county could be back in place within a month, County Manager Jay Gsell told WBTA.

The County and the Town of Alabama have reached an agreement to let the bridge be reinstalled and now Gsell said the insurance companies need to approve it.

"The engineer has already looked at the drawings and their sufficient as far as the structure and how they're going to reposition the bridge," Gsell said (mp3). "Winter started, what, Dec. 22? We've got a long season ahead of us. So my sense is that bridge will probably be in place by the end of January if not sooner."

Sno-packers club leaders have previous said putting the bridge back in place won't be difficult.