A two-car accident is reported at Byron and Cockram roads, Byron, with minor injuries.

The cars are blocking the roadway.

Byron and South Byron fire departments responding.

UPDATE 6:50 a.m.: Chief on scene says responders can come in non-emergency.

UPDATE 6:54 a.m.: Byron's ambulance will be transporting one patient.

UPDATE 7:14 a.m.: Byron and South Byron going back in service. Road reopening.

After a brief bit of rain, it turned out to be a beautiful evening for trick-or-treating in Batavia. Of course, the biggest crowds of ghouls and goblins and superheros and princesses could be found on Ellicott Avenue, but there are a couple of shots here from Trumbull Parkway, Otis Street and Osterhout.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

A report of a theft from Walmart led to a more in-depth investigation by the Sheriff's Office today and ultimately a grand theft charge against a 49-year-old Albion resident.

Jerry Dean Walls, of East Street, Ablion, is charged with grand theft, 4th, falsifying business records and petit larceny.

Following the report of the initial theft, Deputy Brian Thompson uncovered an apparent additional theft from Walmart and a theft from Home Depot.

The investigation also found that business records at a local pawn shop were falsified.

Walls is accused of committing these crimes. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on $2,000 bail.

Assisting in the investigation were Deputy Brad Mazur, Sgt. John Szumigala and loss prevention at Walmart and Home Depot.

Batavia City Manager Jason Molino started his day dressed for Halloween as Town Supervisor Greg Post. They're pictured with Hiedi Librock. (submitted photo)

The way special prosecutor Donald O'Geen sees it, today should mark a new beginning for the residents of Corfu.

Brandi Watts, the former court clerk at the center of a 20-month-long controversy over missing court funds that has spilled into village politics, issued a check to the village today for $10,128.

She also entered a guilty plea in County Court to one count of tampering with government records, a Class D felony.

If Watts obeys court orders and stays out of trouble for the next 12 months, she can avoid any jail time. She would also be given a chance at a conditional discharge of all 61 counts against her. If she violates her interim probation, she could be facing up to seven years in prison.

The full payment of restitution was "absolutely non-negotiable," O'Geen said. "That was a big component of the plea arrangement."

The guilty plea and restitution puts the cap on a case that O'Geen said dragged on too long because the slow pace of the state's Judicial Conduct Commission.

The commission was called upon more than 18 months ago to review the case of missing funds in the village court following a comptroller's audit that found books had been cooked and money had disappeared.

Watts was the clerk at the time and her father, Robert Alexander, was the village justice.

O'Geen has heard, but hasn't seen (nor is it listed on the commission's Web site) that the commission finally issued a report on its finding within the past few days.

The slow pace of the commission delayed the investigation by O'Geen and state police, which delayed prosecution of Watts.

O'Geen, who is the district attorney in Wyoming County, was appointed special prosecutor because local prosecutors have handled cases -- and were handling cases at the time the investigation started -- in Alexander's courtrooms (he was also a justice in the Town of Pembroke). He did not seek reelection in Corfu last year.

Alexander, who is charged with two counts of coercion and one count of official miscondut, did not appear in court today. He's scheduled to appear Nov. 18. He did officially resign today from the Town of Pembroke justice position, after previously having his cases reassigned and being suspended by the state.

"To me, here's the guy who kind of ran the show, so to be forced out (of office) before he wanted to be is a big deal from a public perception standpoint," O'Geen said. 

Asked if the $10,128 in restitution covers the full amount of money Watts stole, O'Geen indicted it's as close as the government will ever get to the correct amount, if the actual amount stolen is different at all.

"There are records that indicate there could be more money missing, or there could be documents filed just to make it look like there was money collected but there is no money taken," O'Geen said. "The amount we settled on was what the comptroller came up with because that's what we knew we could prove. To be honest, we don't think there's much more missing."

After the comptroller's report about the missing funds was released in January 2012 and what followed was endless turmoil in the village, with then-trustee Ralph Peterson seemingly running interference with the board of trustees on behalf of his friend Robert Alexander.

After a new court clerk was appointed, Alexander asked her to audit the court's books, and when the clerk, Pam Yasses, said she found the same irregularities, Alexander allegedly harassed her (which is at least part of the reason he faces the criminal charges he does).

Peterson was elected mayor and throughout the first half of 2013, he's been accused by his fellow trustees of an endless string of problems for village employees, other trustees and former trustees.

The situation in Corfu has taken on a reputation throughout Genesee County as a soap opera. Readers have recently contacted The Batavian wanting to know when the next installment is going to run.

Two months ago, Peterson took medical leave, reportedly because of stress. He's scheduled to return to his mayoral duties Jan. 2, and since then, there've been no new controversies coming out of Corfu.

O'Geen said there's no reason now for the issue of missing court funds to hang over the village and interfere with village business.

"I think what this does for the people in the Village of Corfu is it puts behind them a period of unrest in the sense this whole thing, as of today, is over," O'Geen said. "This is the first day of the people of Corfu getting their village back and getting back to normal. It's the first day employees do not have to worry about retribution and can move on and get back to doing what they do best, which is provide services for the people of the Village of Corfu.

"If anything, this is kind of a lesson in civics, that people should be more involved, more aware of what's going on, that every vote counts, all of those cliches," O'Geen added. "I wish the Village of Corfu all the best and hope they move forward."

If you drove past Oliver's this afternoon, you might have spotted a couple of Umpa Lumpas dancing around out front. By the time I got there, there was only one Umpa Lumpa left on shfit, but several Oliver's employees dressed up for Halloween. Above are Carey Hewitt as a dark angel, Jessica Henry as a bunny, Anna Liles as an Umpa Lumpa and Debbie Palmer as Lucy from her memorable shift in a chocolate factory.

The houses on Ellicott Avenue are decorated, the sidewalks are wide and the atmosphere is fun and focused on trick-or-treaters. It’s more like a street party and it’s known for its decorations and generous candy distribution. However, the crowds can be overwhelming.

While everyone’s there, why not treat those little ghosts and goblins to other neighborhoods throughout the community where residents are doling out just as much candy and tons of it goes uncollected?

Batavia has plenty of places that offer families a Halloween treat in their hunt for the ever-elusive full-size candy bar. Here are a few streets to try:

• North Side -- Hart, Douglas, Fairmont, Tracy
• South Side -- Jackson, Osterhout, Otis, Williams
• East Side -- East, Vine, Elm, Woodcrest
• West Side -- Montclair, Kingsbury, Vernon, Union (I know someone on Montclair who is giving out full-size candy bars.).

There are many good places in the city to visit this Halloween and they’re all good bets. Just look around you! These neighborhoods are filled with lots of friendly families and you won’t be disappointed.

Did we miss your favorite place to trick-or-treat in Batavia? Share the information in the comments below.

Hours to go door-to-door in the city are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight. Happy Halloween!

Press release:

YWCA of Genesee County Congratulates the recipients of this year's Fabulous Females Awards! They are:

• The Seedling Award -- Alexis Hackmer, a freshman at Alexander Central School;
• The Petal Award -- Shandi Seefeldt, a student at Roberts Wesleyan College and children's ministry coordinator and children's pastor at City Church;
• The 2013 Fabulous Females Blossom Award -- Dr. Mary O'Bear, who has local medical practices, is medical director at Crossroads House and the NYS Veterans Home and is associate medical director for Batavia's Homecare & Hospice program in Genesee County.

Please join us in a toast to these superior females during this year's Fabulous Females Awards Luncheon!

It's at noon Saturday, Nov. 16 at Genesee Community College. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at YWCA or Bank of Castile.

***Sponsorship opportunities are still available! They range from Bronze at $350 to Platinum for $2,500. All levels include at least one reserved table for 10 guests plus print and special recognition advertising privileges. For more information, please call (585) 343-5808.

Danielle Marie Stevens, 37, of Ford Road, Elba, is charged with petit larceny, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and unregistered vehicle. Stevens is accused of stealing a cookware set valued at $139.96 from Walmart. She is also accused of driving to Walmart while her license is suspended. Stevens was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Leonard Charles Millard, 56, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged failure to pay fine. Millard was arraigned in City Court and released on his promise to pay an installment of $100 by Friday and another $100 before his scheduled Dec. 5 court appearance.

Mary A. Brairton, 24, unknown residence, is charged with felony DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation. Brairton was arrested by State Police at 4:37 p.m. Monday on North Street, Batavia, in connection with an alleged incident reported at 2:44 p.m. Monday in the Town of Pavilion. No further details released.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently highlighted the newest problem with Governor Cuomo’s overreaching gun control law as another reason to repeal the measure. The State Police have confirmed that they will not begin tracking ammunition background checks and purchasing history on Jan. 15 as planned, due to their inability to compile a proper recording system by that time. Hawley pointed to the hang up as further proof that the bill was irresponsibly rushed into law.

“The SAFE Act was forced through so hastily that its authors didn’t even properly consider its impact on the very law enforcement agencies charged with upholding it,” Hawley said. “It is disturbing to think that this would be handled with such little care that a deadline for enforcement would be imposed that our own state police couldn’t be reasonably expected to meet.

"Between all of the amendments, corrections and corresponding protests from law-abiding gun owners, it could not be more clear that the SAFE Act must be repealed. As a co-sponsor of legislation to do just that, I will continue to fight for our constitutional rights and responsible measures to truly strengthen the safety of our communities.”

Every year about this time of year it seems, Kyle Kendall hauls in a giant fish. Here he is with a 35-inch, 11-pound pike caught at a location in Genesee County.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department is joining nearly 6,000 fire departments nationwide in promoting the annual Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries campaign on Sunday, Nov. 3.

Fire Prevention Officer Lieutenant Jeff Whitcombe encourages all residents to adopt the simple, life-saving habit of changing smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks back from daylight savings time to standard time.

“It’s an easy, inexpensive and proven way to protect your family and your home,” Lt. Whitcombe said.

Since 1987, the International Association of Fire Chiefs has joined forces with Energizer batteries to spread the message that non-working smoke alarms are responsible for needless death and injuries. Now 25 years later, thanks to the change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries campaign, home fire deaths continue to decline.

Recent surveys conducted for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Consumer Products Safety Commission found that 96 percent of all homes have at least one smoke alarm, but only 75 percent have at least one working smoke alarm. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing or dead batteries or disconnected wires. The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most families are sleeping. A working smoke alarm can provide the critical extra seconds needed to get people out safely.

According to the NFPA, the maximum life cycle of a smoke alarm is 10 years from the date of manufacture, not the date of installation. Beginning in 2002, all smoke detectors must have a manufacture date marked on the outside of the smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm does not have a manufacture date, then it is older than 10 years and must be replaced. The City of Batavia Fire Department recommends purchasing smoke alarms with 10-year lithium batteries. All smoke alarms should be tested monthly.

The City of Batavia Fire Department has a free smoke alarm and battery installation program. According to Lt. Whitcombe “We have installed hundreds of smoke alarms and batteries over the past 20 years and will continue to do so until everyone who needs them has them.”

For information about the free smoke alarm and battery installation program, City of Batavia residents should contact the City of Batavia Fire Department at (585) 345-6375.

Expect strong winds in Genesee County tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

The forecast is for winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph, so the weather service has issued a strong wind warning for 11 p.m. through 5 p.m., Friday.

The NWS warns that winds of this magnitude may bring down trees and power lines resulting in scattered power outages. The winds may also make travel difficult for high profile vehicles.

We asked the nine candidates for the three Batavia City Council at-large seats a series of seven questions -- all candidates were asked the same questions. Below are links to each candidate's Q&A.

• City Council at Large Candidate Questions for James Rosenbeck - Libertarian
• City Council at Large Candidate Questions for Lisa Whitehead - Libertarian
• City Council at Large Candidate Questions for Eugene Jankowski Jr. - Republican
• City Council at Large Candidate Questions for Incumbent Brooks Hawley - Republican
• City Council at Large Candidate Questions for John Deleo - Republican
• City Council at Large Candidate Questions for Incumbent Rose Mary Christian - For The People
• City Council at Large Candidate Questions for Diana Kisiel Kastenbaum - Democrat
• City Council at Large Candidate Questions for Tom Clark - Democrat
• City Council at Large Candidate Questions for John Demske - Democrat

I've driven past this pond on Transit Road, a bit south of Chapel Road, and never noticed this pond on the Byron side ... until today, with the smooth, still water reflecting the golden trees all around.

The pond had several geese decoys floating about.

A group of local officials met with staff members of the NYS Department of Transportation in Bethany today and learned the state is dropping plans to turn Suicide Corners -- the intersection of Route 20 and East Road -- in Bethany into a roundabout.

Tom and Debbie Douglas would have lost their home -- a former hotel more than 200 years old -- if the state had gone forward with building a roundabout.

Tom Douglas called The Batavian after the meeting, ecstatic to learn he and his wife  won't lose their home, which they've put so much time and effort into restoring.

"I'm really amazed," Douglas said.

He said the DOT will release a formal announcement today.

The new plan is apparently to increase signage and lighting at the intersection.

Legislator Esther Leadley said she spearheaded bringing today's meeting together to lobby one last time against the roundabout, but gave a lot of credit for bringing things together to Legislature Chair Mary Pat Hancock.

"Mary Pat's got a lot of clout," Leadley said.

Both Douglas and Leadley expressed a sense of surprise that the state actually listened to the concerns of Bethany residents.

"I have represented the folks in Bethany and all those who drive along Route 20 and I'm pleased that it's worked out this way," Leadley said. "I have problems with people who, or who at least I think, don't hear. They call a hearing and it's just kind of whistling Dixie. Very clear, though they conveyed at the hearing that they were not listening to us, in fact they did listen. I'm delighted. I'm happy for Bethany."

UPDATE: Press release from the DOT:

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) today announced it will enhance signage as part of safety improvements at Route 20 and East Road in Bethany, Genesee County.

In response to public comments, agency officials have decided not to construct a roundabout there. They met with community leaders today to discuss the decision and next steps.

NYSDOT originally proposed a roundabout to reduce the frequency and severity of motor vehicle accidents at this intersection. After receiving comments from local residents and community leaders, NYSDOT is developing a new plan that will include enhancing approach signs that warn drivers of the stop signs on East Road.

“This project is a great example of how public involvement works,” NYSDOT Regional Director Bob Traver said. “We informed the community about this intersection and our recommended improvements. In response, the public commented and drove our decision to change our plan.”

NYSDOT presented the safety needs and a recommended solution to the community at a public hearing on Sept. 12 at the Bethany Town Hall. Information was also available online at www.dot.ny.gov/20eastroad

NYSDOT will continue to emphasize the importance of motorists to follow the rules of the road when approaching all intersections. Motorists should not drive distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

UPDATE: Assemblyman Steve Hawley called and said that he and Sen. Ranzenhofer also lobbied the DOT to change its position on the roundabout.

"We didn't think that it was A, something that was going to work, and B, the cost of the project was onerous and expensive, and C, the taking of a house that old was objectionable, and D, the board and town residents had been quite clear about their concerns," Hawley said.

Hawley said his office became involved in the issue in the fall of 2012, when it was clear that redistricting was going to put Bethany in his district.

"There were many people working on this. DOT has listened and has done the right thing," Hawley said.

Eight-year-old Amelia McCulley was also a first-place winner in the City Fire Department's fire safety poster contest and this morning it was her turn to ride in Engine 11 to school.

All of her classmates at St. Joe's turned out to see her arrive at school after she was driven around the city a bit in the truck.

Chief Jim Maxwell, Colin, 9, Matthew, 3, Amelia, their mother Amanda. and firefighter Mike Dorgan.