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.

The T.F. Brown's Batavia Ramparts Squirt III Hockey Team is participating in the Empire State Winter Games, being held Feb. 6 through 9 in Lake Placid. The team posed for a picture prior to lining up for the opening ceremonies at the Olympic Center. They will play four games with a chance to win gold, silver or bronze medals. The Ramparts are the Western Region representative in this invitational tournament.

Information and photo submitted by Robert Grimm.

Automatic alarms of fire and water flow are sounding at both Petco and Bed, Bath & Beyond on Veterans Memorial Drive. The Town of Batavia Fire Department command is on scene. A responder says it appears "the pump is not running" at BBB.

They have entered both stores and silenced the alarms at BBB, where there is no water flow or "obvious signs of fire." At Petco, same situation, but the burglar alarm went off, they noted probably because of their entry.

Engine 21 just arrived. All other equipment is told to remain in quarters.

UPDATE 4:01 a.m.: Reps for both businesses are responding in about 30 to 40 minutes.

UPDATE 4:18 p.m.: Everything checks out. One door or something which was supposed to be locked up was "found unsecured." Command says they are leaving it like they found it. Corps command will remain on scene until the reps arrive. The others are leaving the scene and the town's assignment is back in service. Petco reopened yesterday after some fire-related rehab due to the recent blaze in the bedding department of the store next door, BBB, which remains closed for now.

Press release:

Mercy Flight and Batavia Downs Gaming will host a fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Batavia Downs Gaming facility. Our first Big Hearts for Helicopters fundraiser will be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The event will have a Valentine's Day-themed buffet dinner featuring roasted top sirloin beef with Merlot mushroom sauce, chicken Marsala, pasta primavera, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad bar, desserts, coffee and soda. Dinner will be available from 6:30 tp 9 p.m. and there will also be a cash bar throughout the event.

There will be a Chinese and silent auction and the classic rock band Karma will play downstairs during the evening at Rush 34.

We are looking for auction items and gift baskets. If your business or organization would like to participate, please call Outreach Coordinator Lynn O'Donnell at (716) 864-5060 or (716) 626-4100.

FAX is (585) 343-3623.

Tickets are $40 per person and include dinner and $15 free play at the casino. They can be purchased at all Mercy Flight air bases, A & N Automotive, and at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce on East Main Street in the City of Batavia.

Tickets are PRESALE ONLY so please reserve your spot by Feb. 13.

All proceeds will go to help Mercy Flight continue its mission of being a Beacon of Hope for the community when minutes matter.

Bring your sweetie out for a fine evening of great food, music and entertainment for a good cause.

From WBTA:

WBTA is experiencing a transmission failure and has lost the over-the-air signal.

WBTA can still be heard on the stream on the homepage at WBTAi.com or on our iPhone app which is available free at the iTunes store.

Repairs are under way and we hope to have service restored as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding.

UPDATE 6:51 p.m.: As of at least an hour ago, WBTA is back on the air. Problems fixed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. 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.

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.

Daphne's Restaurant, 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.

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.

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.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl, 21 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.

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.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Stretch your body and soul with yoga. This offer is for $20 off of a 10-class package. Not good with any other discounts or specials. Use before June 2014. We have a gift certificate for $20 off the retail value of $100. Not valid with any other discounts or specials.

The Mane Attraction Salon and Spa, 99 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.

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.

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.

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.)

Fortuna's Restaurant inside Batavia Downs, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY: Italian-style menu, drinks in one of the region's most popular entertainment venues. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15. (Must be new or current Players Club member to redeem.)

SOLD OUT

Got cat food? The folks at Petco want you to know the store on Veterans Memorial Drive has reopened. It was partially damaged in the Bed Bath & Beyond fire.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) released the following statement regarding today’s report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that determines ObamaCare will reduce the number of full-time workers by approximately 2.3 million people through 2021.

“This report confirms what I have long believed, that ObamaCare is a flawed law and a drag on our economy. Americans have already begun to experience the devastating economic impact of ObamaCare. In New York’s 27th Congressional District constituents have shared with me stories of reduced hours and small business owners have told me they are afraid to grow and expand because of the uncertainty ObamaCare brings.

Already faced with increased premiums and higher deductibles, this report shows that ObamaCare is doing nothing to help our nation’s already struggling middle class. We cannot allow ObamaCare to slow economic growth and cost 2.3 million American jobs, as the Congressional Budget Office report predicts. This report makes it clear that our nation must address ObamaCare, and place a priority on reining in federal spending, so that we can empower our middle class and get Americans back to work.”

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will hold its annual meeting on Friday, March 7, at Genesee Community College to unveil the organization’s 2013 annual report to the community.

The attendees at the annual meeting will include Congressman Chris Collins, Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and Genesee County Legislature Chairman Raymond Cianfrini.  

“Because of the strategic leadership of the public and private sectors in 2013, the economy of Genesee County remains strong and the business climate continues to remain positive,” said Charlie Cook, GCEDC chairman. “We will discuss at this meeting our plans to continue making business attraction and expansion a priority for 2014.”

Among the economic development highlights for the region as outlined in the 2013 annual report include:

** Recognition of Genesee County as one of the to five fastest-growing food processing regions in the country by Business Facilities magazine;

** Recognition of Genesee County by Site Selection magazine as one of the top fastest-growing micropolitans in the United States due to continued growth and business attraction;

** Economic growth as a result of projects like Muller Quaker Dairy LLC, a yogurt manufacturing facility in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business (GVAB) Park located on Route 5 in Batavia; and

** An unemployment rate of 5.8 percent during the summer of 2013 according to the New York State Department of Labor, one of the lowest unemployment rates of the 62 counties in the state.

In addition to the GCEDC’s annual report highlights, the recipient of this year’s Economic Development Partner of the Year Award will be unveiled.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the annual meeting, please visit www.gcedc.com. Tickets for the event cannot be purchased at the door and seating is limited.

We received this statement today from Jessica Joyce, a spokeswoman for Bed, Bath & Beyond:

We are working with the landlord and insurance professionals to reopen as soon as possible. Yes, we did offer reassignments to all of our associates.

The store was closed following a fire in the bedding department Jan. 27 and all of the merchandise, shelving and fixtures have been removed from the store.

A former Niagara Falls police officer who admitted she was intoxicated when she assaulted and injured a woman during a Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake in August of 2012 was sentenced this morning in Genesee County Court.

Kelly L. Alcorn, 48, of Grand Island, was sentenced to a one year conditional discharge and ordered to do 100 hours of community service.

Alcorn paid full restitution in the amount of $2,128.74 before she left court today.

Judge Robert Noonan also issued five orders of protection for five years.

Alcorn, who was a 20-year veteran police officer with the Niagara Falls Police Department, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of reckless assault, 3rd, a misdemeanor, on Oct. 16, 2013.

Alcorn admitted she was intoxicated and that she wrestled the woman to the floor and hit her causing injury.

Alcorn had faced a second-degree felony assault charge before her plea.

She was initially charged with harassment, 2nd, but after the female victim contacted Buffalo media and described the attack and the extent of her injuries, the Genesee County District Attorney upgraded the charge to assault, 2nd.

Alcorn's Attorney, Norman Effman, told the court this morning, "My client had one moment of poor judgement that has embarrassed her and disrupted her life. Otherwise she has had a wonderful career serving six years in the military and 20 years in law enforcement."

Judge Robert Noonan agreed with Effman.

"You have suffered a major setback in your life and you were singled out because of your career in law enforcement, but the complainant was injured and deserves to be compensated," Noonan said.

Alcorn could have been sentenced up to one year in jail or three years probation.

In September of 2013, Alcorn left the Niagara Falls Police Department voluntarily after being placed on administrative leave after the incident occurred in 2012.

She retired with her pension.

A one-vehicle rollover accident, with minor if any injuries, is reported on the westbound Route 490 at mile marker 2.5, between the Bergen and Le Roy exits. However, the occupants are unable to get out of the vehicle. Le Roy fire and and an ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 8:22 a.m.: The occupant(s) is out of the vehicle and unharmed. The ambulance is cancelled. There is another accident not far from this one in which a car is off the road, but no one is injured. A Mercy medic who was headed to that scene before being cancelled, said the road is covered with black ice. Both the Le Roy and Bergen assignments are back in service. The DOT is to be notified that the road conditions on the 490 "are just terrible."

Leon Clayton Bloom, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and coercion, 2nd. Bloom is accused of violating an order of protection by sending a letter to the protected person. He's further accused of trying to coerce her into doing things she has a right not to do. Bloom is currently in custody on another matter.

Rodney Lowell McKenzie, 49, of Weaver Street, Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny. McKenzie is accused of shoplifting at Walmart. He was jailed on $500 bail.