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Law and Order: Two women arrested after report of fight on State Street

By Howard B. Owens

Melissa R. Piazza, 24, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment, 2nd. Piazza allegedly threw a stick at a vehicle during an argument on State Street at 6:53 p.m., Wednesday.

Cheryl M. Lyons, 48, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Lyons allegedly brandished a stick and a knife while threatening another person during an argument on State Street reported at 6:53 p.m., Wednesday. A child was allegedly present to witness the threats.

Dillion Lee James Farley, 22, of Ridge Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely. Farley was reportedly involved in a property damage accident at 11:14 p.m. Sunday on Lockport Road, Elba. The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Jason Charles Lusk, 33, of Collegeview Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Lusk allegedly hit an acquaintance while in front of two deputies at 2:13 a.m., Saturday.

Harry Thomas Gibson, 49, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with attempted petit larceny. Gibson was seen by Dollar General staff allegedly placing merchandise in a bag in an attempt to steal it. When confronted, Gibson reportedly dropped the bag and left the scene.

Sara J. Smith, 28, of Fairmont Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant related to a criminal mischief charge. She allegedly failed to appear. Smith posted bail (amount not disclosed) and was released.

Aaron Walter Smith, 26, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Smith was arrested following an investigation by officers Chad Richards and Stephen Cronmiller into a report of a suspicious vehicle left unattended and running in the area of Kwik Fill.

Rebecca E.A. Mulholland, 23, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Mulholland's vehicle was stopped at 3:54 a.m. Saturday on Ellicott Street by Officer Peter Flanagan following a "check the welfare" request for a vehicle matching the description of the one driven by Mulholland.

Today's Deals: Bourbon & Burger Co., Alex's Place, Bohn's, Oliver's Candies, and more!

By Billie Owens

Daphne's Restaurant & Lounge, 241 Swan St., (Off Rt. 63/Ellicott St.) Batavia, NY. Daphne's is destined to become a favorite for any who enjoy something special in a dining experience. Formerly the old St. Nick's Social Club, now unrecognizable to those who used to frequent the club, Daphne's provides you with a warm, inviting atmosphere and decor, which complements the array of wonderful dishes. We offer homemade seafood and pasta dishes, meatballs that are addicting as well as large salads, hot sandwiches & homemade potato chips. Fresh desserts are prepared in our own kitchen (tiramisu has been the top seller so far). We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

The Color Salon, 35 Center St., Batavia, NY: Our attention to detail, combined with the focus on precision haircutting techniques will ensure that your hair will be your best accessory when you leave The Color Salon. We offer all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, up-dos, as well as waxing services. We carry products such as KMS and Paul Mitchell. Now available: Bella Taylor purses! We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Santino's Pizza, 2 Main St., Oakfield, NY: We're pizza and a whole lot more! Voted #1 pizza in Genesee County in blind taste test! Santino's features pizza, wings, subs, wraps, ice cream, and more! We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.

Clor's Meat Market, Catering & BBQ, 4169 W. Main St., 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 is under new ownership and now offers baked goods, pizza, wings, delivery service, and catering. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, 9 Main St., Le Roy, NY. The kind of downhome, laid-back and comfortable place that just feels right. Open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks, this eatery and bar features a variety of eats and drinks that are outstanding. Specializing in smoked meats -- each meat is dry rubbed with a proprietary mix of seasonings, then smoked slowly in their on-site smoker for maximum flavor and tenderness. With a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, combo platters and entrées, there's always plenty of choice for even picky eaters. Great food, frosty brews and some of the best folk around call the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew their favorite -- make it your favorite today! Don't forget to ask about our catering! We have a $20 gift card for $12.

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 $15.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Jagged Edges Salon, 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, NY: Jagged Edges Salon is a walk-in and appointment salon for men, women and children. It is a fun, welcoming salon that offers all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, treatments, and facial waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Casa Del Taco, 234 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Mexican food lovers will delight in this new eatery that makes tacos and burritos "the way you want 'em" plus it offers other items like taco salads, burrito bowls, loaded nachos, churros, and chili. Choose from a variety of toppings, including jalapenos, black beans, cilantro and guacamole. There are also several varieties of salsa to select from, such as corn, mango, verde, and sweet Thai ranch. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Saturday; closed Sunday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Sammy Hill's, 7 Mill St., Le Roy, NY: This new restaurant has good, fresh food, including hand-pressed burgers, and a friendly atmosphere. Choose a house specialty burger or make your own with a variety of toppings, cheeses and sauces to select from. The menu also includes flatbread sliders, garbage plates, shredded beef or marinated chicken tacos, sandwiches like the Cuban, bruschetta chicken, or deep-fried pork loin. Friday fish fry -- battered, broiled or blackened. Dine in or take out. "Come Get Some!" Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Monday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Sweet Ecstasy Bakery & Bistro, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, NY. A retail and special-order bakery and cafe located in Downtown Batavia inside Seymour Place. Offering a wide variety of items such as cookies, filled cupcakes, quick breads, pies, breakfast pastries, daily. On Fridays, it offers fresh artisan bread like baguettes, sourdough and rye starting at noon. The custom cakes are out of this world with 3D characters or gorgeous wedding cakes to suit any budget. For all your sweet treats, we have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

The Mane Attraction Salon and Spa99 Main St., Batavia, NY: offers "Affordable Luxury" in downtown Batavia. We pride ourselves in the great customer service we give to the entire family. Men, women and children are all welcome either by appointment or walk-in. We offer all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, facials, leg and back waxing, Shellac Polish System, manicures and pedicures. We are the only salon in Batavia that has an airplane chair for kids' cuts! Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

T.F. Brown's, 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." Stop in and check out our Jumbo Chicken Wings, Roast Beef on Weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from Super Salads, butcher cut Strip Loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Scooter's Restaurant in Le Roy, 140 W. Main Street Road (Route 5), Le Roy, NY: Come see us at Scooter's family restaurant with our friendly atmosphere and homestyle cooking! We offer classic American food with breakfast, lunch and dinner served all day. We also offer a full take-out menu anytime. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Stretch your body and soul with yoga. This offer is a $25 gift certificate for $12.50. For kids or adults -- new students only. Not good with any other discounts or offers. Use before August 2014.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $12.

Settler's, 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 $12.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Whether you need just the right gift or a memorial or just want to brighten your own home or workplace, The Enchanted Florist can put together just the right floral arrangement for you. 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 $12.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. Come try one of our many delicious burgers that we have to offer, as well as our HUGE Bomber Sandwich, homemade chicken fingers made to order, and the all-time favorite Dumpster Plate with many choices. We deliver. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Dave's Ice Cream, 3872 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY: Dave's offers only locally purchased products, including Perry's hard ice cream in a wide variety of yummy flavors, with a wonderful assortment of toppings and homemade waffle cones. Different soft-serve flavors are offered weekly. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Greg'ry's Bakery, 13 N. Lake Road, Bergen, NY: The bakery offers a variety of the finest cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes, breads, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and so much more. Each treat is made the same as it has been for decades and baked right here. Come in and sample some for yourself! We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

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.

SOLD OUT

Photos: Batavians with dealing heavy, wet snow on a Sunday morning

By Howard B. Owens

This is not how you want to spend a Sunday morning in Spring, clearing snow from your walks and driveways.

Whether using a blower or a shovel, Batavia residents this morning said the snow was heavy and hard to move.

Above, Ben Humes on South Main Street.

Justin Washington on Ellicott Avenue clearing snow from his car.

Jeff Emminizer, on South Main Street, enjoys a cigar while shoveling his drive. Emminizer, who owns a home-based business repairing dings and dents on cars, said he also had the BBQ going, smoking some beef. He said he grills or smokes every Sunday, regardless of the weather.

Jared Chaddock on Roosevelt Avenue with his 1964 Wheel Horse tractor. 

Fred Lord on Kibbe Avenue.

Brandan, 9, and Alissa, 4, were sledding in Kibbe Park with their father Mark Burgess.

A city plow truck on Chestnut.

Photo: Car off the road in Elba, buried in snow

By Howard B. Owens

A reader sent in this picture of a car off the road on North Byron Road, Elba. It looks like we got about six inches of snow overnight.

UPDATE: Jeff Allen sent in the picture of Maddie and Goliath a little taken aback by all the heavy, wet stuff in their yard. Below that, a picture from Greg Rada of his father's driveway this morning.

Former Batavia resident in Texas accused of plotting an insurgency

By Howard B. Owens
Robert Talbot

A former Batavia resident has been arrested by federal authorities in Texas, accused of plotting against the U.S. Government.

Robert J. Talbot, 42, allegedly was plotting to blow up buildings and kill cops once he convinced people to join him in his American Insurgent Movement.

Friday, Talbot was arraigned in Federal Court in Houston, near where he was living, and charged with illegal possession of explosive materials and interfering with commerce by threats of violence.

FBI agents tracked Talbot for eight months, in person and online, apparently going undercover and winning his trust, convincing him he was picking up followers.

That's how you isolate a "lone wolf" one agent told the Houston Chronicle to help contain their activity.

Authorities say Talbot went beyond angry rants.

He allegedlly staked out banks and armored cars and was plotting a possible robbery to fund his movement. He allegedly researched explosives and asked undercover agents for help in obtaining explosives.

Talbot was taken into custody by a SWAT team while allegedly heading to the location of a planned armored car robbery.

"I would say he had the will, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Ferko. "He was absolutely determined."

Photo: Snow on Center Street

By Howard B. Owens

Pretty much right on cue, it started to snow in Batavia this evening. Heavy, water-sodden flakes.

Temperatures are below freezing. The roadways are slick. Since the snow started, there've been four motor-vehicle accidents reported in the county.

Icy road conditions are expected to last through the morning.

Another big crowd turns out for Home Show at Falleti

By Howard B. Owens

More than 900 people turned out for the second day of the Genesee County Home Show.

The show continues tomorrow, Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Above, WBTA's Dan Fischer in the radio station's booth at the show.

Head-on collision with injuries on Quaker Hill Road, Elba

By Billie Owens

A two-car, head-on collision with injuries is reported at 6054 Quaker Hill Road. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Ridge and West Muck roads.

UPDATE 6:57 p.m.: Responders are told Mercy Flight is unable to fly due to weather.

UPDATE 6:59 p.m.: "All units be advised it's very slippery out here."

Legislators say final state budget will include $33 million for development of STAMP project

By Howard B. Owens

UPDATED 6:56 p.m. to add comments from Steve Hyde.

State lawmakers are expected to vote on a state budget Monday that will include $33 million in funding for the WNY STAMP project in the Town of Alabama. STAMP stands for Science and Technology Advanced Marketing Park.

The funds will help GCEDC complete land acquisition and make the proposed high-tech manufacturing park "shovel ready lite."

Actual shovel-in-the-ground type of work will no likely begin before the first tenant is secured, said GCEDC CEO Steve Hyde.

"The big thing is the funding being approved, committed and appropriated," Hyde said.

Once at least one company makes a commitment to STAMP, Hyde said, that's when you'll see work begin on infrastructure -- water lines, roads, power lines, gas lines and telecom.

The proposed 1,300-acre high-tech business park could transform the WNY economy, which is why a broad coalition of "partners" (other IDAs, local governments, community colleges and elected officials) came together to advocate for the funding, Hyde said.

"It was a pretty cool undertaking," Hyde said.

The funding is a big win for all of WNY, said Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer, who have both been working to help secure the funding.

"This is huge," Ranzenhofer said. This is the biggest site in North America. This is where people will want to come. This is going to be big for Genesee County and Erie County and Niagara County and all the counties of Western New York. It's going to create thousands of of advanced and technical kinds of jobs."

Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morrelle held a press conference in Irondequoit this afternoon to announce the funding.

Hawley said he was assured on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday that the money would be in the final budget proposal, which the Legislature is expected to vote on Monday.

He said dozens and dozens of people, from local elected officials up to staff in the governor's office, worked together to help make the funding possible.

"I can only say this has been a true team effort," Hawley said. "We've been working together for the regional economic renaissance of Western New York. This project when it comes to fruition could create 10,000 jobs. Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. Spreading the tax burden lessens the tax burden on us all."

There's still lots of engineer work and planning to take place for STAMP, Hyde said. There's also land acquisition deals yet to complete. The funding will help move the project along in those areas as well.

Hyde said earlier this month that STAMP is generating real interest among site selectors and Ranzenhofer and Hawley said they've heard from Hyde that there are some strong potential projects in the pipeline. Securing this funding will only help matters.

"Steve Hyde has indicated there are businesses ready to sign on the dotted line," Hawley said. "There are a number that are really close and extremely interested."

Ranzenhofer said the funding is perhaps the last carrot Hyde needs to draw some businesses into the park.

"I would expect once people see the money is in the budget he's going have some great success in closing some of these deals," Ranzenhofer said.

Hyde reiterated this afternoon that there are some solid businesses taking a good hard look at STAMP and this funding will certainly go a long way toward getting final commitments.

"Some (of the potential deals) are getting pretty deep and there's more in the sales funnel," Hyde said. "I'm very excited. What this does is allow us to show a company that the funding is there to finish the infrastructure and gives us the the ability to try hard and close these deals."

Hyde praised Gov. Andrew Cuomo for backing STAMP.

"This is fulfilling his plan to drive high tech and revitalize Upstate New York," Hyde said. "The governor's office has been incredibly supportive and I'm immensely grateful that they would work with us on this."

UPDATE 7:07 p.m.: Statement from Steve Hyde just issued by GCEDC, after the jump:

“The commitment of $33 million in the state budget to the Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in the town of Alabama in Genesee County continues the significant momentum to bring the next generation of nanotechnology manufacturing to Western New York.

“To secure such support for what is truly a transformative economic development project for Buffalo and Rochester and all points between takes the work and dedication of so many people, but it starts with Governor Cuomo who has made the revitalization of the Western New York economy as one of his top priorities.

“We want to gratefully acknowledge the support of the New York State Senate and in particular Senators Michael Ranzenhofer and George Maziarz.  The Senate was there for STAMP at the very beginning and continues to be a great advocate.

“We also want to acknowledge the leadership of Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle, Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and the members of the Western New York Assembly delegation for their tireless work in advocating for STAMP.

“This effort would not have been possible without the support of our various partners, including organized labor and the dozens of trades unions who contacted the Governor, the Senate Majority Leader and the Assembly Speaker on behalf of STAMP.

“To our economic development partners at the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise and Greater Rochester Enterprise to the leaders of the five community colleges in the region, including Erie Community, Finger Lakes Community, Genesee Community, Monroe Community and Niagara County Community colleges, we had a diverse and unified coalition of business, labor and higher education supporters to make this funding a reality.

“Finally, I want to acknowledge the support of the members of the Genesee County Legislature and in particular Chairman Ray Cianfrini as well the towns and villages of Genesee County, especially the town of Alabama. They all work extremely hard to make our region a better place to live and work.

“Our work at STAMP is just beginning but we have made great strides in just the last few weeks.  You only have to look down the thruway at Global Foundries to see first-hand the enormous economic benefits that the nano-technology industry is having in the Capital District.  If we can replicate that model at STAMP, then the Western New York economy will be transformed for prosperity for generations to come.”

Bet you thought winter was over ...

By Howard B. Owens

The forecast for tonight: heavy snow.

There's been no warning or watch issued by the National Weather Service, but some forecasters are calling for up to 10 inches of snow in the region overnight.

The Buffalo office of NWS is saying the impact of the approaching storm is uncertain. We could have minor slushy conditions, or we could get a lot of snow. Much depends on how much the temperature drops.

The weather front will start to reach us this afternoon beginning with rain. By 8 p.m., the chance of precipitation is 100 percent, according to the weather service. Heavy snow is also possible from 9 p.m. until midnight.

If you think that's bad ... there is a blizzard in the forecast this week for the upper Midwest.

UPDATE 2:49 p.m.: The NWS has issued a winter weather advisory, in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.. Storm totals predicted up to five inches. The snow could become freezing drizzles in the morning, leading to ice on untreated roads.

Photos: Chicken BBQ and thrift sale at YWCA

By Howard B. Owens

The YWCA hosted a chicken BBQ lunch and giant thrift store sale today at its location on North Street, Batavia.

Above, Director Jeannie Walton instructs volunteers on preparing chicken BBQ dishes.

The sale is going until 4 p.m. today.

Photos: Easter Bunny Breakfast at the First Presbyterian Church

By Howard B. Owens

Eva, 3, gets an ink stamp applied to her arm this morning during the Easter Bunny Breakfast at the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia.

Children were served a pancake breakfast and could also get their face painted, color Easter eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny.

With Eva is her mother, LuAnn Henry. With Eva and the Easter Bunny in the photo below is her sister Lillian, 9.

Photos: Big turnout on first night of renewed Home Show

By Howard B. Owens

Close to 400 people showed up for the first evening of the Genesee County Home Show at the Falleti Ice Arena.

We spoke to several of the 60 vendors on the floor and they were all thrilled with the turnout. Those who had long histories with the home show said the first night crowd was as big or bigger than some of the best turnouts in shows from years ago.

Guy Clark of Cedar Street Sales and Rentals summed it up best: "You can hear it. If you close your eyes, you can hear the buzz."

The home show continues Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday. The cost is $3 per adult.

Law and Order: Woman accused of trying to shoplift from Dollar General

By Howard B. Owens

Zoe A. McClure, 44, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with attempted petit larceny. McClure was allegedly observed by management at the Dollar General Store trying to conceal several items in her purse, coat and pants.

Sharon E. Herdtner, 51, of Jackson Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged failure to appear. She was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Brian D. Fisher, 60, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, was arrested for allegedly failing to answer to a parking ticket (2 a.m. to 6 a.m. on a city street). Fisher was located during an investigation into an unrelated matter and was arrested. He posted $70 cash bail.

Kenneth H. Holley, 24, of River Road, Caledonia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Holley was arrested by Officer Stephen Cronmiller following a traffic stop by Deputy Joseph Corona on East Main Street, Batavia, at 12:13 a.m. March 23.

Dawn L. Sedita, 50, of Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny. Sedita was arrested by State Police for allegedly stealing cartons of cigarettes from Jan's Smoke Shop.

Hawley shares ideas on lowering winter energy costs

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is responding to the extreme spike in electric rates, saying this is further evidence of the need to invest in new, cheaper forms of energy, like natural gas and nuclear energy. The steep rise in electric rates was caused by the increased demand for energy to heat homes during this particularly cold winter. Higher demand without a corresponding rise in supply causes an increase in prices. While energy costs will always rise in the winter, if there had been more energy options to increase the supply, the steep rise in home heating costs may not have been as noticeable.

“Every winter, Western New Yorkers are reminded of the narrow-minded approach our state has to producing energy to heat homes. High energy costs in winter are caused by a lack of options to heat your home,” Hawley said. “Natural gas and nuclear energy provide options that need to be explored so that middle-class families aren’t burdened with extreme home heating costs. We need to put middle-class families first by providing cheaper home heating options.”

Electricity rates are determined by two things; the market for electricity and the cost of delivery. While delivery costs have generally remained constant, the market for electricity can change drastically with supply and demand. Due to the record-breaking winter Upstate New York has experienced, demand for electricity has skyrocketed, and without a corresponding increase in supply, costs go up as well.

Electric consumers who want to do something about their rates can switch to fixed rates offered by some providers. This removes the risk of being hit by rate spikes in winter, but also locks you into the same rate even if prices drop due to low energy consumption. Individual consumers will need to do a cost-benefit analysis to see what works the best for them. Other steps consumers can take include saving energy by unplugging appliances and using compact fluorescent lightbulbs, both of which will reduce energy consumption and lower your bill.

For more information, National Grid has made an online webinar available to anyone who has questions about their rates and how they are calculated. This webinar can be found at https://portal.entermyform.com/packages/index.php?id=VFZSRk5VOVI

Top Items on Batavia's List

Marketing Assistant — The Batavian Wage: $17 to $18 per hour Status: Part-time (potential to expand to full-time) Location: Work from home (local candidates preferred) The Batavian is seeking a qualified individual to create banner ads and assist with advertising duties to support our customers. Qualifications: High competency with Photoshop, especially for graphic design Training and knowledge in effective ad design Excellent interpersonal skills for client interaction Additional skills with other graphic tools are a plus Key Tasks: Collaborate with the ad sales representative to design ads for our website according to customer specifications Make corrections and adjustments based on customer feedback Upload and traffic ads to our ad server, ensuring correct placement Experience: Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to perform the required tasks. Additional Information: This position starts as part-time and may expand to full-time. You will work from home; The Batavian will provide a Mac computer for the job. While remote work is possible, we prefer candidates who are local, familiar with our community, and have a strong understanding of our customers. To Apply: Submit your resume and a portfolio demonstrating your graphic design and ad creation skills with a cover letter to Publisher Howard Owens, howard@thebatavian.com.  
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