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More than 1,000 customers of National Grid are without power in the Byron, South Byron, and Bergen areas.

Power went out at about 4 p.m.

It's the only significant power outage in Genesee County but there are also three large outages reported just to the east in Monroe and Livingston counties.

We don't have information on what may have caused the outages.

National Grid estimates completing reports in Genesee County by 6 p.m.

UPDATE 4:34 p.m.: As soon as this was posted, the National Grid site shows that power has been restored to this area.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.13, up 2 cents from one week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.59. The New York State average is $2.23 – up 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.69.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.19 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.17 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.18 (no change since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.21 (no change since last week)
• Rome -- $2.30 (no change cent since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.14 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.28 (no change since last week)

Increased demand for gasoline over Thanksgiving, along with a decrease in travel compared to last year, creates a mix of prices across the region. This Thanksgiving’s national gas price average is the lowest since 2015. National gas prices are 46 cents less than last year. Nearly half of all states have gas price averages that are 50 to 75 cents cheaper than a year ago.

As holiday shoppers head out in search of gifts this season, demand may increase pushing prices up slightly. However, increasing COVID-19 cases and restrictions will put a damper on travel plans so demand will likely remain lower than last year keeping gas prices lower as well.

From GasBuddy:

"As the nation saw subdued traffic for Thanksgiving, gas prices have been mostly stable in the last week as gasoline demand plummeted to the lowest since spring as Americans stayed closer to home," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "With oil holding near a pandemic high around $45 per barrel, we may see additional upward pressure in the weeks ahead, but it's unlikely to be earth-shattering.

"We're likely to remain in somewhat of a limbo until early 2021 or vaccines begin to see widespread distribution and Americans slowly start venturing back to their normal lifestyle -- if they ever do."

On South Lake Road near Genesee Street in Darien a tree is completely down in the roadway, blocking traffic, according to a dispatcher. County Highway Department is being notified and a deputy is responding.

UPDATE 12:54 p.m.: A deputy reports someone has come along and cut up the tree and removed most of it from the roadway, although there some debris remains. County Highway's response is cancelled.

The City of Batavia is taking a “fix it before it breaks” approach to upgrading the internet functionality at its facilities.

City Council, at its Dec. 14 Business Meeting, is expected to vote on a resolution to contract with an internet provider to equip the municipality with a secure, high-speed fiber connection.

Interim City Manager Rachael Tabelski reported at last week’s Conference Meeting that she received nine proposals, including bids from local companies Empire Access, Spectrum and Marchese Computer Products (in tandem with another firm).

Tabelski, in a memo to Council dated Nov. 17, wrote that the current point-to-point/multi-point radio controlled wireless system that connects City facilities shows signs of aging (it is believed to be at least 12 years old) – and is beset by "sporadic internet connectivity and very slow connection speeds.”

She also emphasized that if a radio should malfunction completely, the cost to repair it could climb as high as $35,000.

Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. said the City should “get ahead of it before it breaks down and we have to fix it.”

The resolution set to come before Council calls for the board to approve a long-term service agreement with the selected provider (to be determined). Originally, Tabelski planned for a capital cost not to exceed $25,000 to complete the internet fiber project.

In another development, Council forwarded a resolution to the Dec. 14 Business Meeting that grants the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation access to a small parcel of the Dwyer Stadium property at 267 Bank St. for environmental contamination cleanup in connection with remedial work at the Batavia Iron and Metal site next door, at 301 Bank St.

Previously, the DEC was given permission to access land at 299 Bank St., which also is part of the Dwyer Stadium property. Additional remedial work is scheduled for that parcel as well.

Tabelski, in a memo dated Nov. 16, wrote that the DEC expects minimal disturbance in the Dwyer Stadium parking area (267 Bank St.). She said the DEC plans to solicit bids for a contractor next spring and start work in the late summer or early fall.

City Attorney George Van Nest said that the city will be protected through insurance and access agreements with the chosen contractor.

A letter from the DEC to the city indicated that remedial activities generally will include “excavation and offset disposal of contaminated soils and sediment, soil sampling, backfilling excavations with clean soil, surveying and property restoration.”

The DEC is responsible for all expenses involved in the cleanup operation.

The people who attend Batavia First Presbyterian Church would like your help to nab the person (or persons) who keeps knocking down their lawn sign during the night that bears the benign message: "GOD LOVES EVERYONE NO EXCEPTIONS." Or at least help the congregants keep the sign upright.

Perhaps it is the rainbow colors used for the word EVERYONE that irks them, or maybe it's just the overall magnanimity communicated that the vandal(s) can't abide, even though this is the national Holiday Season.

At any rate, Rev. Roula Alkhouri, Ph.D., would like this to stop.

"We keep putting it back up," Alkhouri says. "We called the police and they are patrolling in the evenings. We are hoping that people who are driving or walking by could help us to keep the sign up. Michael Vacanti was fortifying the sign today (above photo). We are praying for whoever feels so threatened by this sign to know God’s love."

The church is located at 300 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Photo courtesy of Rev. Roula Alkhouri.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is calling for Congress to remain in Washington, D.C., until a new COVID-19 relief bill is passed. This comes as the Democratic leadership in the House released an amended legislative schedule with fewer voting days prior to the holidays. 

“The idea that Congress should go home for the holidays and wait until the new year when a new presidential administration takes office is reprehensible,” Jacobs said. “I have spoken with restaurants, small businesses, families, and local elected officials – I can say with full authority there isn’t time left.”

Recently, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced new COVID-19 restrictions and business shutdowns throughout Western New York. (*SEE NOTE BELOW*) Similar restrictions have been put in place in numerous other states, and national weekly jobless claims have risen the past two weeks for the first time since July.

“Many small businesses in my district are facing bankruptcy, and they are unsure if they can keep employees or survive a second shutdown without further assistance,” Jacobs said. “My colleagues and I have been trying to free $138 billion in already appropriated Paycheck Protection Program funds for months; however, the Speaker and the Democratic Caucus have refused to work with us. This is aid we can deliver right now.

“Additionally, local governments are struggling due to revenue losses and COVID-19 expenses. I have cosponsored the SMART Act to deliver billions in additional funding to these governments – without it, they will have to lay off staff and cut critical public safety, EMS, and educational services our constituents rely on."

The SMART Act (H.R. 6954) is bipartisan legislation that would provide $500 billion in aid for state and local governments. One third of this aid, roughly $161 billion, would be sent directly to local governments. 

“We need to get a deal done and there are bipartisan solutions we can pass right now," Jacobs said. "With cases spiking, employees being laid off, schools closing, and small businesses facing uncertain futures, we have no time for the political games the Speaker has been playing with this aid. The American people elected me, and my colleagues, to work for them, and they need us to act now. We should not be leaving for the holidays until bipartisan, targeted relief is passed and signed.”

NOTE: On the sentence flagged above, we questioned Jacob's spokesman because to us it reads that there are shutdowns throughout WNY. That would not be an accurate statement if it was intended to read that way. We received the following response from Jacob's office: "Parts of Erie County is in the Orange and Yellow zone designation, and part of Niagara County is in Yellow as well. Furthermore, the governor imposed a curfew on all bars, restaurants, and gyms statewide – see here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-restaurants-bars-other-sla-licensed-entities-must-close-person-service"

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported at 5743 Clinton Street Road in Stafford. An elderly female driver complains of neck and severe back pain and difficulties moving extremities. There was no air bag deployment.

A first responder says the driver may have had a medical issue. Mercy Flight is called to the scene. Mercy medics and Stafford fire have arrived.

UPDATE 5:02 p.m.: Genesee County Sheriff's deputies are on scene.

UPDATE 5:14 p.m.: Mercy Flight was cancelled. A resident of the road who witnessed the accident, Darrell Wright, said the vehicle left the roadway at the site of the former Oderkirk Farm property at a high rate of speed. It went through the field where many sunflowers used to grow, became airborne a couple of times, went through a grassy area, and landed on its wheels between two trees in front of a house (but did not strike the trees). The patient has just been extricated and is being stabilized for ground transport to a hospital. A flatbed tow truck is called to respond.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: First responders say they believe the accident stemmed from a medical issue. They confirmed there indeed was no air bag deployment. The patient will be taken to Strong Memorial Hospital.

A mixed Labrador retreiver apparently did not have a happy Thanksgiving. A caller to dispatch reports the dog has been locked inside a crate since Thursday. Batavia police are responding to a lower apartment in the first block of Oak Street.

Ashley Mooney checks out some jewelry while at Valle Jewelers in Batavia during the annual post-Thanksgiving "Shop Local Saturday." Carrie Lawrence, foreground, and Stephen Valle are co-owners of Valle Jewelers. 

Santa's recommendation for Christmas 2020: Fulfill your gift list at locally owned businesses, the backbone of our community.

Don Brown, co-owner of Batavia Bootery in Batavia, shows off a sneaker to Ohlson, Gunner and Marrick.

Robin Czwojbak with John Roche, owner of Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle in Batavia.

Chris Crocker, owner of The YNGodess Shop, with customer Paul Boylan.

Like so many parts of our lives, Special Santa has moved online due to COVID-19. And the Hillside Family of Agencies is calling on the communities we serve to help make this program successful once again.

Hillside has an office in Batavia, which serves children and families in Genesee County.

For more than 35 years, the Special Santa program has brought together countless thousands of generous individuals, businesses and volunteers in a shared act of community spirit — to ensure many children served by Hillside can enjoy toys and gifts during the holiday season. Last year alone, the program put more than 12,000 gifts in the hands of 4,500 children and families in need in New York and Maryland.

COVID-19 prompted the 2020 program to shift to an all-online model that asks the community to use Amazon Smile Charity Lists (pdf) that have been created by Hillside staff this season. Each of the 19 lists features specific gift requests made by youth in our programs. As the gifts are ordered throughout the season, they will be delivered to specific program locations for Hillside staff to get them to families.

“We couldn’t let COVID-19 stop Special Santa,” said Maria Cristalli, president and CEO. “This online model will help thousands of young people served by Hillside get the happy holidays they deserve. And community support is the real holiday magic that makes it all happen.”

Supporters can also make monetary donations to help defray program costs. 

Hillside is profoundly grateful to our community partners who have helped to ensure the success of Special Santa 2020, and especially our sponsors, the Glover-Crask Charitable Trust, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust and Lamar Advertising.

About Hillside Family of Agencies

Hillside Family of Agencies provides comprehensive health, education and human services for children and families whose challenges threaten their ability to realize their full potential.

It is guided by a deeply held belief that healthy children and strong families with opportunities to succeed are the foundation of a thriving community.

Hillside Family of Agencies is one of the oldest family and youth nonprofit human services organizations in Western and Central New York. The agency started as Rochester Female Association for the Relief of Orphans and Destitute Children in 1837. The first year 46 children were served.

It is committed to delivering the right care, in the right setting, to ensure success — whether in residential treatment, schools, homes or the workplace, Every year more than 13,000 youth, adults and families benefit from over 100 coordinated programs that provide comprehensive, cradle-to-career services in areas including child welfare, mental health, youth development, family development, juvenile justice, special education, developmental disabilities and safety net services.

Previously:

LIVE: Interview with Bonnie Birkmeyer, Hillside Family of Agencies

Hillside Family of Agencies uses tech tools to connect staff and youth during COVID-19 pandemic

A motorcyclist is reportedly down in the roadway and not alert at the intersection of Route 77 and Sumner Road, Darien.

Darien Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: Mercy Flight on ground standby. The patient is talking but medics still evaluating.

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: Mercy Flight dispatched. The landing zone will be at the Darien Fire Hall. The patient is incoherent. 

UPDATE 6:07 p.m.: A medic is released from the scene to respond to a nearby medical call.

UPDATE 6:37 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne with the patient, heading to ECMC.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported in Darien at 2198 Walker Road. A black mini van is in a ditch. Darien fire and ambulance are responding. 

A Mercy rig is also called in non-emergency mode. A first responder reports occupants are out; minor injuries.

The location is between Smithley and Simonds roads.

UPDATE 5:16 p.m.: A flatbed tow is called for the Chrysler mini van.

UPDATE 5:19 p.m.: Mercy's response is cancelled by command.

From James Call, president of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department:

We are having a BBQ with the finest premium chicken on Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Stafford Fire Hall, 6153 Main Road. Starts at 11 a.m. until sold out.

The BBQ meal is $12 and includes a half chicken, salt potatoes, applesauce, cookie and roll.

Presales tickets are available. Email:  bbq@staffordvfd.org

Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing guidleiness must be followed.

We are having an empty can & bottle collection to benefit the Madison Grace Memorial Fund, too. (The empties are being redeemed at Mickel's Nickels.)

The American Red Cross will be doing a blood drive at the fire hall also.

The flea market we had planned is postponed due to COVID-19.

The unemployment rate in Genesee County was 5.1 percent for October according to the New York Department of Labor.

That's up from 3.4 percent in October 2019 and 4.7 percent in September.

There are 28,300 county residents in the labor force, down from 29,700 a year ago.

There are 400 more people in the labor force without jobs, jumping from 1,000 in 2019 to 1,400 this year.

The GLOW region unemployment rate is 5.2 percent, up from 3.6 percent a year ago.

Ridge A. Bono, 29, of Williams Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree strangulation; endangering the welfare of a child; second-degree harassment; and resisting arrest. Bono was arrested after an investigation of a domestic incident on Williams Street at noon on Nov. 12. The defendant allegedly resisted arrest when officers tried to take him into custody. Bono was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail. The defendant was due back in city court on Nov. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Daniel J. Christie, 31, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. Christie was arrested after an incident at noon on Nov. 18 in which he is accused of breaking a door on Dellinger Avenue that did not belong to him. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Danny D. Williams Sr., 32, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Williams was arrested after an incident at 1 p.m. on Sept. 29 during which he allegedly threatened physical violence against another person. He was issued an appearance ticket for Jan. 5 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

City fire and Batavia PD are responding to a location in the first block of Vine Street for a report of a resident burning leaves.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: Fire scene commander: "Recreational fire. We're not making him put it out."

“She always knew that I eventually would be a police officer,” said Kellogg, (photo at right), who has been appointed by Village Mayor Greg Rogers to succeed Chris Hayward as chief of the Le Roy Police Department.

Kellogg’s first day as the leader of the 18-member agency is Jan. 9 – the day after Hayward steps down after 35 years with the department.

He said he is dedicating his career to the memory of his mom, who lived in Le Roy until her passing in 2019.

The 35-year-old York Central School graduate grew up in Livingston County but has spent the past 17 years as a Genesee County resident. Hired by Hayward as a part-time officer in 2015, Kellogg said he believes this is where he is supposed to be.

“Getting into law enforcement is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “I completed an internship with the Le Roy Police Department back when I was 16 years old with Chief Hayward, who was a sergeant, himself, at that time.”

Kellogg said he completed other internships and worked in the private sector, gaining administrative and management experience as a loss prevention investigator/supervisor for Six Flags Darien Lake.

“I really enjoyed working at Darien Lake – at one time I supervised 100 seasonal security guards, EMTs (emergency medical technicians) and safety officers – but again, I always knew I wanted to get into law enforcement,” he said, noting that he worked at the amusement park for 13 years prior to leaving in 2016.

The year before, he successfully completed the Rural Police Training Academy course at Genesee Community College, and began his career in Le Roy, while also working for the Perry and Attica police departments on a part-time basis.

In 2016, Kellogg moved into a full-time role in Le Roy, and in 2019 he was promoted to sergeant.

He said when he learned that Hayward was going to retire, he jumped at the chance. He went through the interview process with a panel of business owners, church and civic leaders and police department personnel, and passed the test with flying colors.

Rogers said the department is fortunate to have Kellogg as part of the village law enforcement team.

“We have been impressed with him every day he comes to work. He’s on top of everything,” Rogers said. “While I haven’t looked forward to the day when we’d have to replace Chris, having a candidate like Greg makes it a lot easier.”

Kellogg said he is grateful for the trust placed in him by village officials.

“I’m proud and humbled to take on this role; it truly is an honor,” he said. “It’s something I’ve worked toward for a long time and I look forward to continue the community policing -- the things we’ve been involved in.”

Submitted photo.

Two days ago, I happened across Dan Sprague jamming on a little death metal on his way to band practice. Sprague said he's a member of three bands, including the folk-rock band he was practicing with that day.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 5698 Byron Elba Road, Byron.

One person with a possible back injury is still in a vehicle.

Byron fire and South Byron fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 9:17 p.m.: Fire police from Elba requested to assist with traffic control.

UPDATE 9:27 p.m.: A Byron responding unit can return to quarters.

A lot has changed in the furniture business in the past 50 years. Shag carpet is out and twists and berbers are in, and good luck finding an avocado green loveseat.

But one thing hasn't changed at Max Pies. Phil Pies is still there every day to greet customers with a smile and a quip. 

"What do I love about the job?" Pies said during a celebration today of his 50 years in the business. "Meeting people. The people are the business."

Phil Pies is the third generation of Pies in the furniture business. Sticking around for 50 years, though, wasn't really something he expected when he started selling furniture.

"When I first came here, I didn't think I would actually stay here and here I am," Pies said. "I got involved in the business and I couldn't stop."