🌱 National Guard + National Grid + County Executive Criticizes Mayor

Hi all. Hope we are all still safe in the snow as the week progresses! Today we'll cover these stories and more...

• The National Guard has made it here.
• Poloncarz responds to the city's snow removal efforts.
• Firefighters give rescued kids a Christmas morning.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 45. Low: 41.

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in Buffalo? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

Here are the top five stories today in Buffalo:

1. Throughout parts of Buffalo, the National Guard is going door to door to perform wellness checks and assist in neighborhoods. Guard teams are making sure communities have food, water, electricity and medications. Unfortunately, authorities predict guard teams will continue to find bodies and the blizzard's death toll will continue to grow. “We are fearful that there are individuals who may have perished, living alone or people who are not doing well,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. Read more at Spectrum News.
2. Residents and small businesses who have experienced a national grid power outage for more than 72 consecutive hours are eligible for reimbursement on the resulting lost food and medication. These customers are also eligible for a $25 bill credit per 24 hours without power. Reimbursement requests must be filed within two weeks from the restoration of power. Learn more at WIVB 4.
3. As the county steps in to help with snow removal efforts in Buffalo, County Executive Mark Poloncarz calls the city's response to the blizzard embarrassing. "I don't want to see this anymore – I'm sick of it – I'm a city resident myself," he said, "The city has its own problems – because of the size of streets and the parking issues, I understand that – but we have more capabilities in the city, and if we have to, working with the state, we will find a way to get through these storms quicker by taking over operations if need be." Mayor Byron Brown responded in a press conference that he has no feud and is "peace and love" during the crisis. More information is available via The Buffalo News.
4. Mayor Byron Brown said in a press conference this morning that the city has yet to decide if the traditional New Year’s Eve ball drop will be safe to hold this year. "With over four feet of snow throughout the city of Buffalo, we would have to clean up that area, make sure that it’s safe for people to be down during ball drop," he said. Read more at WIVB 4.
5. After Buffalo firefighters rescued a stranded family on Christmas Eve, they also threw together a Christmas morning for the children. The eldest rescued child was "so excited that Santa would know he was here and he would get to celebrate at a real firehouse." Firefighters were able to wrap random items around the firehouse for him to open on Christmas morning. Learn more about the heartfelt story via WKBW 7.

Today in Buffalo:

Please continue to stay safe and abide travel bans/advisories today! As bans begin to lift, remember that many streets only have single-lanes plowed. Here are some events to check out if you can get to them safely. Please be sure to check if these events were cancelled due to weather throughout the day.

• Sunset on Snowshoes! Fort Niagara State Park, 4:00 P.M.
• Open Throw Thursday! Hatchets and Hops, 5:00 P.M.
• Elf the Musical (Touring) (recurring event) ! Shea's Buffalo Theatre, 7:00 P.M.
• Jazz Thursdays! Jazzboline Restaurant and Bar, 7:00 P.M.
• Buffalo Sabres vs. Detroit Red Wings! KeyBank Center, 7:00 P.M.

From my notebook:

• Step Out Buffalo announcement: "As the falling snow finally fades, temps warm and homes and businesses get dug out, our hearts and minds are with the families of all who lost their lives during the past few days and the many many people and businesses affected by the storm." (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Great Snow Picture with Heartfelt Captions: "Buffalonians can handle a lot of things, but the recent blizzard has put our resiliency to the test. " (Visit Buffalo Niagara via Instagram)
• Dog with a Cute Infection Solution: "The top 🔝 DM we got over the weekend was “What’s up with those buttons?!?!” 😳 Well Nora came in as a stray with a severe ear infection that had turned into a hematoma." (City Of Buffalo Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• Christmas PJ Puppy: "BLIZZARD DIARIES: In our Christmas Jammies ☃️ #dogsofbuffalo #blizzard #christmasblizzard #blizzarddiaries #buffaloweather #blizzardof22 #blizzardwatch #safeandwarm #dogsinpajamas" (Dogs Of Buffalo via Instagram)
• Kayaking the Snow Blower Down the Street: "City of Good Neighbors always supporting each other during tough times. #buffalostrong" (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Waterfront is Calm after the Storm: "The calm after the storm 🌨️ friendly reminder that the Independent Health wellness trail is open year round and is extremely peaceful and serene at this time of year ❄️ 📸 Tom Burns Photography" (Buffalo Waterfront via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Announcements:

• NCNW, New York State, is gearing up for the 49th Bethune-Height Recognition Program. (Details)
• Add your announcement

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow!