Press release:

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the mask protocol for all indoor public places announced Friday is now in effect, as well as a new Frequently Asked Questions resource for business owners and the general public.

Masks are now required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. As noted on the Frequently Asked Questions webpage, an indoor public place is defined as any indoor space that is not a private residence -- businesses and venues New Yorkers frequent that are publicly owned or owned by private business. These entities include indoor entertainment venues, concert halls, indoor sports stadiums, recreational spaces, restaurants, office buildings, shopping centers, grocery stores, pharmacies, houses of worship and common areas in residential buildings. Posters encouraging people to wear masks and get vaccinated are available for businesses to use here and here.

"As Governor, my top priority is to protect the health of New Yorkers and the health of our economy, and these temporary measures will help us get through the holiday season safely," Governor Hochul said. "I share everyone's frustration that we have gotten to this point, especially with the vaccine at our disposal. I want to thank the millions of New Yorkers who have done the right thing to get fully vaccinated. We are all in this together and if others will follow suit, these measures will no longer be necessary."   

This major action to address the winter surge and concern over upcoming holiday gatherings comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise statewide to be in alignment with the CDC's recommendations for communities with substantial and high transmission. The State Health Commissioner issued a determination solidifying the requirement. 

This measure is effective until Jan. 15, 2022, after which the State will re-evaluate based on current conditions, and brings added layers of mitigation during the holiday season when more time is spent indoors shopping, gathering and visiting holiday-themed destinations.     

Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "Taking this action now is critical to slowing the COVID-19 winter surge during the holidays. Each of you can contribute: get vaccinated, get boosted if you are already vaccinated and wear a mask. We urge the public to support these new requirements in indoor public places by cooperating with the venues. We need everyone to do their part to get through this together."

For information how businesses and venues can implement a proof of vaccination requirement or a mask wearing requirement, see the Frequently Asked Questions here.

COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses are free and widely available statewide. New Yorkers can visit vaccines.gov, text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations. To schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site, New Yorkers can visit the Am-I-Eligible site. New Yorkers can also contact their health care provider, county health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), rural health centers, or pharmacies. 

New Yorkers can retrieve their Excelsior Pass or Excelsior Pass Plus here. Businesses and venues can download the Excelsior Pass Scanner app—free for any business nationwide and available in more than ten languages—here. 

Hannah R. Roberts, 18, of Fulton, is charged with criminal mischief 4th criminal trespass 3rd, and conspiracy 6th.  Roberts is accused of breaking into GO ART! at 4 a.m., Aug. 28, and of conspiring with one other person to break a window and illegally enter the property in the middle of the night. The subjects were captured on security cameras and identified as the same two who broke a window and trespassed at Rolling Hills Asylum a short time after the Batavia incident.  Nothing was reportedly stolen.  Ghost hunting appears to be the motive.  The case was investigated by Det. Jason Ivison, Batavia PD, and Investigator Kevin Forsyth, Sheriff's Office.  The name of the alleged accomplice has not been released at the time of publication.  (VIDEO: Survellience video released by Batavia PD on Sept. 17)

UPDATE: Also charged in the same incident above, Talana J. Savery, 22, of Fulton.  Criminal mischief 4th, criminal trespass 3rd, and conspiracy 6th.

Thomas C. Rada, 21, of Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs.  Rada was stopped by State Police on Route 246 in Perry for allegedly exhibiting signs of impairment. Rada reportedly failed a field sobriety test.  He was arrested and transported to SP Warsaw and evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert from the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jorden Prescott, 27, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd.  Prescott is accused of grabbing a probation officer and preventing the officer from performing his lawful duties at 10 p.m., Nov. 24.  Prescott was issued an appearance ticket.

Nathan Maniace, 77, of Batavia, is charged with an open burn violation. Maniace is accused of having an open burn and burning unapproved materials in his backyard at 3:52 p.m., Nov. 19.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Gerome J. Redmond, 40, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny.  Redmond is accused of stealing items from a local business at 5:41 p.m., Dec. 8. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Lyndsay T. Young, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Young allegedly had contact with a person covered by an order of protection at 12:13 a.m., Nov. 7. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Leonard Conner, 62, of Rochester, is charged with harassment 2nd.  Conner is accused of punching another person in the face during an argument at 7:03 p.m., Dec. 4, and a location on Bank Street, Batavia.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jan Luca Krumm, 26, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, moved from lane unsafely, and no turn signal. Krumm was stopped at 1:48 a.m., Nov. 25, on Fisher Park, Batavia. Krumm was issued traffic tickets.

Peter L. Jackson, 55, of Batavia, is charged with menacing 2nd and harassment 2nd. Jackson allegedly pushed a woman and menaced her with a kitchen knife during an incident at 12:28 a.m., Nov. 29.  Jackson was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Justin Calmes, 43, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and harassment 2nd. Calmes is accused of violating an order of protection at 3:05 a.m., Nov. 27.  H was released on his own recognizance.

Roger Joe Ridd, 55, of North Lake Avenue Bergen, is charged with strangulation 2nd. Ridd is accused of obstructing a victim's breathing causing the person to fall into a supor for a period of time. Ridd was arraigned in Town of Bergen Court and released on his own recognizance.

Cuahtemoc Moses Ramirez, 19, of Fisher Road, Oakfield, is charged with menacing 3rd.  Ramirez is accused of placing another person in fear of physical injury, serious physical injury, or death.  He was arraigned in Town of Oakfield Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Serena L. Duryea, 36, of Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Duryea was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident at 9:42 a.m., Dec. 10, in the Town of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Jennifer C. Moscicki, 45, of East Bethany is charged with petit larceny.  Moscicki was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident at 5:10 p.m., Dec. 7, in the Town of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Santa, along with Mrs. Claus made his annual visit to Foxprowl Collectibles on Ellicott Street, Batavia, this weekend.

Spider-Man will be in the story this Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Submitted photo and information.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.33, down three cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.16. The New York State average is $3.52, down two cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.26. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.47 (up one cent from last week)
• Buffalo - $3.46 (no change from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.50 (down one cent from last week)
• Rochester - $3.51 (down one cent from last week)
• Rome - $3.54 (down two cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.48 (down one cent from last week)
• Watertown - $3.55 (down three cents from last week)

Pump prices continue to drop slightly at the national level over the past week. A week ago, oil prices dropped into the mid $60 per barrel territory - a price not seen since August. Today, they are in the $70s. Lower oil prices and OPEC’s decision not to cut production played a role in the price decrease. Concerns over a potential COVID-19 induced economic slowdown also contributed, along with a slight decrease in demand. Year-end holiday travel should push demand up beginning next week.

As the ceiling of the Richard C. Call Center rumbled from 75-mile-an-hour winds Saturday evening, a group of about 70 people gathered to pay tribute to one of Genesee County’s finest. 

Larry Friedman was bid farewell and best wishes amidst of stream of anecdotes, remembrances, friendship, and his professional career accomplishments as the county’s district attorney for the last 40 years. 

“Larry’s a good man. He’s a hard worker, tenacious, and passionate about his cases, that’s why I enjoy working with him,” said Theresa Asmus Roth, program coordinator of the Children’s Advocacy Center, which she fondly described. “It’s a child-centered place, an environment that’s meaningful to our families on the worst days of their lives. They get to come to a place that looks like it was built for them.”

The advocacy center hosts children of suspected abuse during their examinations. It was one of Friedman’s many projects and goals for Genesee County, so that abused children could find safety and comfort in their first steps toward justice. Once a case was developed by medical, psychological, and law enforcement staff, it was fought by Friedman in the courtroom.

As state Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, “we’re all here because of Larry Friedman and the job he’s done in Genesee County.” 

“We can expect him and all of law enforcement to uphold the law, and they’re working strongly with all kinds of folks,” Hawley said. “No one wants you to leave. This Legislature takes great pride in recognizing and applauding Lawrence Friedman.”

Hawley presented one of many citations to Friedman, of Batavia, for his efforts to “strive to improve the lives of citizens.” Filling the DA position for six unopposed consecutive terms, with 140 felony jury trials and an 82 percent conviction rate, Friedman demonstrated his “steadfast commitment” to the role, Hawley said. 

Nearly two hours of speakers comprised a who’s who of Genesee County, which also included members of the county Legislature, management, Sheriff's Office and BAR Association, city police and various members of legal systems in Genesee and Wyoming counties. They listed his myriad attributes, from providing “faithful, conscientious service” and being “smart, quick-witted and flexible,” to being willing to share his professional enthusiasm  as mentor to kids and adults alike. 

Peter Guppenberger spoke of Friedman’s civic contributions as a Batavia Kiwanis president, secretary and “keeper of secrets.” The district attorney was instrumental in helping to not only meet the club’s goal of raising $150,000 for a new CAC site, but exceeding it to $212,000, Guppenberger said. 

“The power of one, times by like-minded people; that’s Larry’s legacy in Kiwanis,” Guppenberger said. 

While most speakers took to the podium that was front and center, Wyoming County Judge Michael Mohun opted to mill about the room regaling the audience with a story about how Friedman once loaned Mohun his three-cylinder, impressively powerful motorcycle after Mohun’s new Mustang convertible got towed away after being parked in the front of the courthouse. 

Following several weeks of abiding patience, Friedman finally asked where his motorcycle was, as Mohun was enjoying it. Mohun eventually retrieved his vehicle from impound and returned Friedman's motorcycle, he said with a smile. Mohun spoke highly of his colleague and friend and said he believes that Genesee County is “a hell of a lot better place to live” because of Friedman’s presence.

“Because of that man right there,” he said, pointing out Friedman at a nearby table. 

Incoming District Attorney Kevin Finnell, who will begin his term in 2022, acknowledged that his predecessor will be “a tough act to follow.” Friedman’s enthusiasm stems from his love of the law and to serve as prosecutor, Finnell said, adding that the entire county legal system deserves credit.

“I’ll do my best to continue their legacy in Genesee County,” he said. “You’re out here enduring this weather because of what Larry did. He’s loyal, to the staff and to the people who worked with him. He’s humble; he never wanted the spotlight; he would share it with the rest of us. Thank you Larry for taking the time to work with me for the last two years.”

When it was Friedman’s turn at the microphone, he dispersed the spotlight once again by asking anyone who has worked with him over the years to join him at the podium. One by one, he recognized their “phenomenal assistance” and thanked them for it. He also acknowledged aspects of the 16 departments that have worked with him over the years, from probation and information technology to county management and the defense department.

“I’m very grateful to the County Legislature … the Legislature realizes the need for public safety. They understand it, they respect it,” he said. “I feel so privileged to be able to serve this county. Thank you to all of you to be here despite COVID, despite the weather. And thank you to Jeanne (Walton) for being responsible for all of this, and for the committee.”

He had joked that he initially wasn’t going to retire, but he then saw that a Committee to Retire Larry Friedman had been formed by Walton, so he had to do it. He and Walton, (photo below with Friedman), plan to move west to California to be closer to family, which includes his daughters Suzanna and Rebecca.

The committee also includes Vicky Muckle, Lacie Snell, Mary Ann Wiater, Kevin Finnell, Fred Rarick, and Tom Williams. 

Top photo: Wyoming County Judge Michael Mohun shares stories about his friend and colleague, Genesee County District Attorney Larry Friedman during a retirement gathering Saturday at the Richard C. Call Center in Batavia. Guest speakers also included incoming District Attorney Kevin Finnell, Genesee County Legislature members Gary Maha and Shelley Stein, Assistant City Police Chief Chris Camp and City Judge and attorney Tom Burns. Friedman thanked the roomful of attendees, which included a portion of colleagues he has worked with, above, over the last 40 years of his legal career. 

Press release:

National Grid’s upstate New York field force of more than 3,400 workers has restored power to nearly 180,000 of the approximately 215,000 customers impacted by the powerful windstorm that swept across the region Saturday through this morning. The storm, which included gusts of up to 80 mph in some areas, brought significant and widespread damage to the company’s electricity delivery system, leaving behind at least 225 broken utility poles, 100 damaged transformers, and hundreds of toppled trees, tree limbs, and downed wires.

Among the hardest hit were areas along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, including Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Monroe, Oswego, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Crews have been working around the clock since the storm began to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

The company is providing the following general estimated times of restoration for customers who remain without service. Power is being consistently restored to customers in these regions and ETRs are updated on the company’s Outage Central site. Additionally, customers can check on the power restoration estimate for their specific address by logging into our Report or Check an Outage page.

• Eastern New York: Restoration will be complete tonight by 11:30 p.m.
• Central New York, including the North Country: Restoration will be complete for 90% of the affected customers by 6 p.m. Monday.
• Western New York: Restoration will be complete for 90% of affected customers by 11:30 p.m. Monday. The company’s extensive resources, which include support from National Grid New England crews as well as crews from North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, and Ontario, will remain in the region until the last outage is repaired.

“This storm has been extremely damaging to our electricity system,” said Matt Barnett, Vice President of New York Electric Operations. “We understand the inconvenience of being without power and our crews will continue to be out there in full force bringing service back to customers as quickly as possible.”

Just four years ago, Cory Russell of Bergen was a 151 average bowler in league competition at his hometown Rose Garden Bowl.

This season, the 36-year-old right-hander has improved to 186 -- thanks to this week's 756 series in the Thursday Owls League.

Russell bowled games of 243, 234 and 279 -- getting the first nine strikes before leaving a 4-pin in the final game -- on lanes 5-6.

In other action around the Genesee Region USBC, Batavian Tom Fluker raised his league-leading average to 236 in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League with a 718 series, which included a 289 game.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Confirmation candidates from Resurrection Parish with their parents and sponsor at Mass this morning at St Joseph’s Church. 

Candidates are:

• Aiden Anderson 
• Dominic Grillo
• Maylee Green
• Alex Johnson 
• Olivia Shell

They will be confirmed this June on Pentecost Sunday.

Today, at Walmart, police officers with four agencies -- Batavia PD, Sheriff's Office, State Police, and Le Roy PD -- gathered at Walmart for law enforcement's annual "Shop with a Cop" day, when select youths in the community receive a free gift certificate to spend on presents for family members (and perhaps get something for themselves).

The distribution location is at City Fire headquarters on Evans Street.

There are numerous power outages in Genesee County following last night's heavy winds that blew through the area.

In the City of Batavia, there are a dozen separate outages with the two largest affecting more than 2,000 National Grid customers.  One is centered around the intersection of Main and Oak and the other runs north to south along State Street.

There's also an outage that starts in the city along Pearl Street and stretches south into the Town of Batavia and affects 739 customers.

Crews have been assigned to those three outages but there is no ETA for power restoration.

Other outages:

• East Pembroke, outages affection 71 and 18 customers, crews assigned, no ETA.
• Indian Falls, 199 customers, crew assigned, no ETA.
• Tonawanda Indian Reservation, 105 customers, crew assigned, no ETA.
• Alabama, two outages 108 customers and 49 customers, crews assigned to both, no ETA.
• The northern part of the Town of Elba, 29 customers, no crew assigned, no ETA.
• The Town and Village of Elba, 329 customers, crew assigned, no ETA
• The Town of Batavia, west of Lewiston Road, north of the Thruway, 137 customers crew assigned, no ETA.  There is a smaller outage to the northwest, 15 customers, no crew assigned, no ETA.
• There are overlapping outages in Byron, South Byron, Stafford, Bergen, Le Roy Town of Batavia, that affect 96 customers (no crew assigned), 816 (crew assigned), 105 (unassigned), 130 (unassigned), 59 (unassigned), and 72 (unassigned).  

Statement from National Grid:

A National Grid field force of more than 3,300 workers is active across upstate New York removing downed wires, trees, tree limbs, broken poles and other hazards, while focusing on public safety and service restoration after a sustained, powerful windstorm hovered over the region Saturday through early this morning. The storm, which included heavy rain and wind gusts of more than 80 mph in some areas, has caused widespread and significant damage across the company’s 25,000-square-mile service area.

Crews have been working around the clock and, as of 10 a.m., have restored power to nearly 148,000 of the more than 215,000 customers impacted by the storm. Hardest hit were areas along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, including Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Monroe, Oswego, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

In preparation for the storm, the company activated its comprehensive emergency response plan, including securing additional resources and pre-staging crews and materials in areas forecasted to be most severely impacted. Additional crews from North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Michigan, Indiana and Ontario are arriving today to support the restoration efforts.

“This was an extremely destructive storm,” said Matt Barnett, National Grid’s Vice President of New York Electric Operations. “We continue to prioritize public safety as we clean up the widespread damage that includes uprooted trees and downed power lines,” he said.

Barnett noted that cleanup, reconstruction and restoration will be labor-intensive and time-consuming, with some outages in the hardest-hit areas of western, central, and northern New York potentially extending beyond 48 hours. “In addition to our critical public safety activities, we are assessing the damage to our system and equipment in order to provide estimated restoration times.”

National Grid continues to work closely with local officials to coordinate restoration efforts. Customers are reminded to remain aware of potential safety hazards such as damaged trees, particularly broken limbs that haven’t yet fallen to the ground. As always, all downed wires should be considered live and dangerous. All downed wires should immediately be reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 911.

Photo: Tree down in Centennial Park submitted by Linda LaPorte

There are three significant power outages reported in Genesee County -- one north of the Thruway in the Pembroke/Alabama area, one north of the Thruway and just west of Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia and one just east of North Spruce Street and north of East Avenue in the City of Batavia.

The first outage effects 75 National Grid customers, the second, 137 customers, and the third, 88 customers. Currently, 340 customers in the county are without power.

There is no ETA yet for when power will be restored in these areas. National Grid has assigned work crews to each outage.

UPDATE 4:15 p.m.: City Fire reports a transformer explosion in the area of Oak and Main where the traffic light is out of service.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: There is a power outage in the area of Horseshoe Lake and another in East Pembroke.  Dispatchers are handling calls related to multiple trees and poles down throughout the county.  A tree has fallen on a house at 12 Union St, Le Roy.  Wires are down but no arcing or sparking.

UPDATE 4:56 p.m.:  There is a large outage in the city affecting 1,538 customers along East and West Main Streets going as far north as the Thruway, as far west as Park Road, as far south as Chestnut, and to Ross on East.  Route 63 is now closed as well, between Route 5 and Galloway Road for poles in the road.

UPDATE 5:10 p.m.: National Grid reports 2,360 customers (out of 27,109) without power in Genesee County, with an estimated restoration time of 7 p.m. By town -- Town of Batavia 150, City of Batavia 1,640, Alabama 185, Stafford 98, Pembroke 124, Oakfield 17, Elba 15, Le Roy 39, Darien 44, Byron 39.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: Poles down blocking Route 98 in both directions between W. Saile Rd. and Elba Townline Rd.

UPDATE 5:50 p.m.: The number of customers without power in the county is up to 4,172, per National Grid, which indicates it is "assessing condition." By town -- Alabama 254, Alexander 120, Batavia 152, City of Batavia 1,642, Bergen 183, Byron 46, Village of Corfu 56, Darien 436, Elba 45, Le Roy 40, Oakfield 51, Pavilion 2, Pembroke 955, Stafford 190. 

UPDATE: There are numerous ongoing power outages in Genesee County. The total number of customers without power is 8,177.

• There is a power outage centered in Elba that affects 329 customers with no crew assigned.
• There is an outage covering Byron, Stafford, and some of Bergen affecting 816 customers with no crew assigned.
• There is an outage in Byron and Stafford affecting 96 customers with no crew assigned.
• There is an outage north of the Thruway and west of Lewiston Road affecting 137 customers with no crew assigned.
• There is an outage in Bethany and Alexander affecting 279 customers with no crew assigned.
• There is an outage in Darien near Six Flags affecting 45 customers with no crew assigned.
• There is an outage in Le Roy affecting 59 customers with no crew assigned.
• There are two outages in Alabama affecting more than 150 customers, neither with a crew assigned.
• There is an outage west of Indian Falls affecting 110 customers, no crew assigned.
• There is an outage in Basom affecting 105 customers, no crew assigned.

Top photo: A Batavia police officer conducts traffic at Main and Oak.  Below, photo submitted by Chantel Zambito of a tree that fell on a semi-truck on Lewiston Road.

Press release:

For the second consecutive weekend, National Grid has increased staffing, extended evening and overnight work shifts, and is closely monitoring weather forecasts that include wind gusts of up to 70 mph and heavy rainfall across portions of upstate New York today into Sunday. Areas along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are expected to experience the strongest wind gusts. More than 2,500 lines, service, tree, damage assessment, and public safety workers are ready to respond to damage that may occur.

To prepare for the storm, the company activated its comprehensive emergency response plan, including:

• Calling in outside resources and mobilizing field and tree crews.
• Pre-staging crews and materials in areas anticipated to be most severely impacted.
• Proactively reaching out to elected, municipal and emergency management officials to keep them updated on our preparations and provide safety information.
• Reaching out directly to customers through traditional and social media, email and texts and on our website to provide safety information and to urge them to be prepared.
• Conducting outbound calls to life support and critical facility customers to ensure they are prepared.
  In addition, on Sunday, Dec. 12, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the company will distribute dry ice and bottled water at targeted locations expected to be hardest hit by the storm.

​Company personnel will provide information about proper handling of dry ice, and customers are asked to bring a bag or cooler to transport it.
Western New York Dry Ice and Bottled Water Locations:

• City of Batavia Fire Dept. 18 Evans St. Batavia, N.Y. 14020

The company also is encouraging customers to keep safety a priority with the following reminders:

Electricity & Generator Safety

• If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.
• Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed lines should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 911.
• Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.
• Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642- 4272. In a medical emergency, always dial 911.
• Keep working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm.
• Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power.
• Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors, and others who may need assistance during an outage. Click here for details on the company’s storm preparation and restoration process.

The National Weather Service is predicting heavy winds in the area from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. this evening.

The westerly winds could hit 35 to 45 mph with gusts of 70 mph.

Impacts:  "Damaging winds will blow down numerous trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Some property damage is likely. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles."

The Batavia Middle School Choir performed Christmas carols on Friday evening at the Pub Coffee Hub on Harvester Avenue, Batavia.

The high school choir will be at the coffee shop this coming Saturday at 4 p.m.

Amanda Sutton snaps a photo of her son Kannon, 3, and daughter Alora Wolff, 10 months, with Santa at the house of Angelina Pellegrino on State Street.  Pellegrino invited Santa and Mrs. Claus to her place on Friday evening to spread even more Christmas cheer.

Angelina Bubel, 12, from Caledonia, visits Santa at the "Our Hometown Christmas at Main St. 56 Theater" in Batavia City Centre on Friday evening.

The craft and vendor show continues today until 4 p.m.

Updated, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. with comments from Schmidt:

The City of Batavia has drafted a resolution appointing Tammy Schmidt as city council’s new Sixth Ward representative, replacing Rose Mary Christian, who resigned on Nov. 15.

The matter is the only item on the agenda of a Special Business Meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, prior to the governing body’s Conference Meeting and Regular Business Meeting at the City Hall Council Board Room.

According to the resolution, Section 3.3 of the City Charter provides that when a position of Council Member becomes vacant, pending the election and qualification of a Council Member to fill the vacancy, the council shall fill the vacancy temporarily by appointment of a qualified person, who shall be the same political affiliation as the Council Member whose place has become vacant.

Schmidt is a Republican, as is Christian, who switched from the Democratic Party sometime after she was elected to her eighth -- and final -- term.

When Christian announced her retirement, it triggered a back-and-forth among the City Republican and Democrat committees as well as current City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. and Batavia resident John Roach, who was part of the City Charter Commission.

Republicans contend that the Charter wording clearly indicates that a Republican should fill the seat, while Democrats were looking for a legal ruling in light of Christian changing affiliations. That, apparently, did not happen.

RICHMOND: CHARTER IS VERY CLEAR

City Republican Chair Rich Richmond today said the “Charter is very clear – the appointment will be made by the Republican Party; a Republican will take that position.”

Richmond said he is going with what the Charter actually states “and not on what if, or how come or whatever?”

He added that Democrats have made this a political issue.

“There is nothing political about it. When they did the Charter, it was a bipartisan commission, including Republicans, Democrats and Conservatives. Nobody had a problem with it until it has come up now,” he offered.

Schmidt, a lifelong Batavian who grew up as Tammy Trigilio, has been employed for the past seven years as the financial management assistant for Genesee Justice and the Child Advocacy Center.

Prior to that, she worked for Genesee County Mental Health and Genesee County Workforce Investment. She and her husband, Mark, live on Osterhout Avenue. They have a daughter and son-in-law, Kristina and Tony Ferrando, and two grandchildren.

Richmond said he is impressed with Schmidt's credentials.

"Tammy has an excellent resume and is very intelligent and well-informed," he said. "I'm sure she will do a great job."

SCHMIDT: IT'S IMPORTANT TO GET INVOLVED

Contacted Saturday morning, Schmidt said that she has been part of the political workings in the city for quite some time and is looking forward to applying her experience -- and her love for her hometown -- "to help make it grow and prosper and be a great place for our kids and grandkids to want to stick around."

She currently is the Republican Committee Sixth Ward chair and previously served in that capacity for the Fifth Ward. Both her and her husband have been on the committee for several years and she said she is committed to learning more about city government.

"We're invested in this community," she said, adding that they own three rental properties in the Sixth Ward. "I don't want to use the tagline that Batavia Downs (Gaming) uses when they say, Dine, Stay and Play, but we live, work and play in Batavia."

When asked about replacing Christian, who served for 29-plus years, Schmidt said she has "big shoes to fill."

"Actually, I have had several conversations with Rose Mary, and she was very generous in giving me her endorsement," she said."And I still told her I plan to pick her brain. You can't beat that type of experience.

"Rose Mary was very vocal and she advocated for people to speak their minds. To me, if you want to incoporate any change, you need to be active and involved. You can't just sit home. Things aren't going to happen that way."

Previously: Will it be a Republican or a Democrat stepping in to replace Christian as Sixth Ward representative?

A motor vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Byron Holley Road and Townline Road, Byron.

Byron, South Byron, and Mercy EMS responding.

The accident is blocking traffic.

UPDATE 4:28 p.m.: Byron, South Byron assignments back in service with patient signoffs.