The remnants of Hurricane Sandy are expected to bring high winds and heavy rain to Western New York from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning.

Two to three inches of rain are expected with 40 mph winds and gusts up to 65 mph.

A high-wind warning has been issued for Genesee County and a flood watch is in effect for all of WNY.

The National Weather Service says there is some uncertainty on the track the storm will follow with the heaviest rain and strongest wind.

"It is unusual," according to the weather service, "to get winds from the northerly direction, leaving some areas typically sheltered from strong winds more vulnerable."

There could be localized flooding both in the city and in rural parts of the county.

Winds could bring down trees and power lines.

Sandy is currently a Level One (the least strong) hurricane expected to hit the eastern seaboard sometime Monday. While not the strongest hurricane, it has the potential, according to news reports, to become a "super storm."

The width of the storm -- 105 miles -- could make it the largest such storm on record to hit the United States.

Sources:

• Reauters: Hurricane Sandy set to make history as it aims at U.S. coast
• NBC: Hurricane Sandy takes aim at Eastern Seaboard
• NOAA: Hurricane Sandy

Le Roy football is back in the sectional finals after a 44-27 win over Bath-Haverling at Sahlen's Stadium in Rochester.

After three consecutive seasons without a winning record, the Oatkan Knights will attempt to win their 15th sectional championship in school history, the 14th under Head Coach Brian Moran.

Bath-Haverling entered Saturday afternoon’s contest at Sahlen’s Stadium looking to avenge a blowout loss earlier this season, and they came out fast. The Rams took the opening kickoff and marched 71 yards on nine plays before quarterback Daniel Leonard punched in the first score of the game from a yard out.

Le Roy responded quickly, as Tom Kelso took the ensuing kickoff back 79 yards for a touchdown. The teams would trade touchdowns, as the Knights’ leading rusher Peter Privitera returned from injury to score on a 29-yard scamper to take the lead, 14-13.

Leonard would score his third rushing touchdown of the game to retake the lead as time expired in the first quarter. At that point, the Knights began to put pressure on the senior and it led to good results. After Leonard recovered a fumble, he threw an ill-advised pass under pressure on the very next play that was intercepted by Kelso.

“[Leonard] has a great arm, he’s a four-year starter,” Moran said. “We had to put ourselves into a situation to make him move his feet, get him a little uncomfortable, and I thought we did that when we came off the corners.”

Le Roy countered Bath’s passing game with their own aerial attack. After attempting only five passes last week against Holley, sophomore quarterback Mike McMullen came out throwing. McMullen went 7-for-10 passing for 151 yards and a dazzling 37-yard strike to Ryan McQuillen that would put the Knights up for good in the second quarter. Perhaps the most impressive statistic was the fact that he did not throw an interception.

“When they put 10 guys in the box, you have to take advantage of it,” Moran said. “(McMullen’s) a sophomore, but he’s played all year and he needed to step up for us. He played very well today.”

Leonard finshed 9-for-21, with 165 yards passing and three interceptions. He also ran for 109 yards and three touchdowns for Bath (6-4).

Privitera also had a big game for Le Roy, rushing for 126 yards on 14 carries with two touchdowns, including a 57-yard run on the first play of the second half. However, he was forced to leave the game in the third quarter with an apparent knee injury and did not return. The coaching staff is still optimistic that he will be able to play next week.

If Le Roy (8-1) wants to win another championship, they will have a daunting task in front of them as they will face top-seed Hornell. The Red Raiders are a three-time defending state champion and are riding a 48-game winning streak.

The Class C Championship game will take place Friday, Nov. 2, at Sahlen’s Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.

PHOTOS by Howard Owens

To purchase prints of these photos, click here. If you're unable to view the slide show below, click here.

Batavia Kiwanis hosted another successful Pancake Days pancake breakfast at the First Presbyterian Church today.

A motorcyclist who was injured in a rollover accident at 1:41 p.m., Friday, said a rider on another bike unexpectedly put on a right-turn signal.

Michale P. Julicher, 61, of Millersport Highway, Amherst, was riding on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama. He said he tried to lay down his 2009 Honda because he didn't believe he had time to stop.

Julicher was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker. No citations were issued.

(Initial Report)

Holly Lindsey submitted this photo of four generations of Roy Joseph Muntz. Roy Sr., left, is 81. Roy Jr., is 55, Roy III, is 31 and holding Roy IV. The Muntz family lives in Oakfield and Batavia.

Press release:

Western New York waterfowl hunting season opening Saturday, October 27, will likely be affected by the widespread reduced precipitation from last summer’s hot and dry weather, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. These conditions caused water levels to drop substantially in many wetlands and dried up other wetland areas. Recent rains have improved conditions; however water levels remain lower than normal. It is important for waterfowl hunters to scout potential hunting sites when making plans.

DEC Region 8 contains the state’s premiere waterfowl hunting areas in the form of the managed marshes at Iroquois and Montezuma National Wildlife Refuges and Northern Montezuma, Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).

The dry wetland conditions are particularly pronounced at the Iroquois WMA. In addition to some intentional drawdowns of impoundments to stimulate the growth of seed-producing annual plants preferred by waterfowl, the drought caused some additional units to go dry and the remainder to drop well below normal levels. The lack of rain also meant that there was no moving water to reflood the intentionally drained units. Several units are still mostly dry and all are below normal; many are one foot lower than usual. The number of permits issued was reduced by 20 percent for opening weekend at Tonawanda WMA due to lack of water in some impoundments.

The situation is less severe at Northern Montezuma WMA, where some wetland units dropped water levels significantly, but none went completely dry. Water levels in the Seneca River, Barge Canal and Crusoe Creek are lower than normal, but will support waterfowl and public access. Half of the managed marshes contain water levels suitable for hunting waterfowl, and in all sites, the production of seed-bearing annual plants is exceptional.

This year, for the first time in many years, the main impoundment at Conesus Inlet WMA was drained to regenerate the marsh vegetation. A normal year of precipitation would have made it difficult to keep the unit drained as there is a decent sized stream that flows through the marsh. The dry weather this year stopped that flow and allowed a complete drawdown. The unit is now reflooded to about half the normal depth where it will be held it until next year to allow the vegetation to fully rebound.

Overall, the waters in the marshes are more than enough to hold ducks and the extra vegetation and seeds produced due to the low waters will attract and hold birds. The biggest impact will be to hunters who usually access the marshes in boats. The low waters may make it impossible to float a boat, and will require wading to access the more remote locations. The increased vegetation may also make it a bit more difficult to find any downed birds.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in front of 8204 Park Road, just off of Oak Street. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: A responder on scene says there's one minor chest injury, probably due to seat belt friction. Three vehicles are involved.

Press release:

Genesee County farmers and private landowners were matched $1.5 million dollars in federal assistance this past fiscal year to install conservation practices on their farms, fields and forests.

Heath Eisele, district conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service said, “We are currently accepting applications for fiscal year 2013. To be considered for funding, interested applicants should submit their applications to the Batavia Field Office no later than Nov. 16.

Although the fate of the 2012 Farm Bill is undecided at this time, several programs remain intact to help landowners address a variety of resource concerns on their working lands. The NRCS programs for which applications are being accepted, include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Agricultural Management Assistance Program and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.

According to the most recent Agricultural Census, Genesee County is comprised of approximately 184,000 acres of cropland. According to Eisele, this is where farmers in particular can have the biggest impact on improving soil, water and air quality.

“Many farmers have traded in their moldboard plow for equipment that reduces tillage and improves overall soil health. However, many farmers are not aware that financial assistance is available to help them transition to a less intensive cropping system or take their conservation efforts to the next level,” Eisele said.

One grain farmer who has championed the use of innovative farming techniques and who has utilized NRCS conservation programs is Donn Branton, of Stafford. Precision nutrient application, tissue testing, reduced tillage and cover crop cocktails are just a few of the ways that Branton is able to “build” soils and sustainably increase crop production.

NRCS currently offers incentive payments to farmers willing to plant a cover crop on fields where cover crops were not previously planted. In 2012 the incentive rate was $73 per acre for grass cover crops planted conventionally and $75 per acre for organic. Planting a cover crop mixture earned farmers $90 per acre. Incentive rates may change slightly for 2013.

“Cover crop is really the first step toward improving soil quality. In order to maximize the benefits, it is important that fields are not exposed to tillage after planting or for termination. Tillage can destroy soil structure, provide a seed bed for weeds and reduce residue on top of the ground,” Eisele said.

Farmers who adopt no-till or reduced tillage methods, such as strip-till or ridge-till, can receive up to an additional $43 per acre to limit the amount of disturbance to the soil. 

“I have found that leaving residue on the surface so it can degrade naturally promotes better soil as opposed to tilling it in,” Branton said.

Farmers not able to plant cover crop or utilize residue management can receive an annual payment of $10 per acre for three years by incorporating a small grain into their cropping rotation. The small grain will provide cover throughout the winter months and can be harvested for silage or grain. Hay may also be considered if not previously grown in rotation on the farm.

Other cropland practices that are eligible for financial assistance through EQIP include: grassed waterways, nutrient management, diversions, and riparian herbaceous buffers.

EQIP also offers technical and financial assistance to farmers that have resource concerns around the farmstead. Roof runoff management, silage leachate control, milkhouse waste containment, and waste storage are some of the practices that can be implemented through the program.  Other practices such as solid-liquid separation facilities, waste storage covers, composting facilities and anaerobic digesters have also been popular in the county.

To learn more about NRCS New York Conservation Programs, visit their Web site at www.ny.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/. To apply, interested landowners can call 585-343-2362 and request an application or visit the Batavia Field Office at 29 Liberty St., Suite 3, Batavia.

Whether they be red, orange, yellow or a combination thereof, maples are among my autumn favorites.

Here's a colorful and placid stretch of Celery Brook.

This doe as she was about to cross Old Creek Road when she stopped long enough to get her picture taken.

Twin oaks stand guard at the edge of Pcionek's woods.

Canada geese passing overhead

A pair of aged maples at the edge of a cattail swamp

Roadside red clover bud

Daphne Cross started her professional life as a waitress. Now she's a restaurant owner, and her new business has her name on it.

The sign was installed today. The restaurant opens Monday.

The location will be familiar to a lot of area residents. It's on South Swan Street at the former St. Nick's Social Club.

Jeremy Yasses bought the building in June partially hoping to revive the legendary club, but when that idea didn't go as he'd hoped, he let Cross know the building was available.

"It's a nice location," Cross said. "It's big. It's on the Southside. There are residents around. They're excited. Somebody stops in every day."

The grand opening will be in three or four weeks after Cross's liquor license is approved.

For the past several weeks, Cross and crew have been busy cleaning, painting and installing equipment.

Her chef, Mark DeCann, said the menu will feature Italian dishes, seafood and steak.

"The three basics everybody wants," DeCann said.

He promises, "It will be good."

I figured this would be the last decent morning for fall photography (considering the weather predicted for next week), so I struck out early this morning and headed up to Elba to see what I could find.

I found myself on Arnold Road, which, I was surprised to discover, I had never been down before. The barn above is on Watson but shot from Arnold.

I then headed down Watson and met John, a former horse trainer, who let me take a picture of his barn and picnic table.

I started out at at Pine Hill Cemetery.

The Oakfield-Alabama High School Senior Class invites the public to a community forum where the political platforms of President Obama and Governor Romney will be examined and explained.

Local, state and regional representatives will be on hand to explain the impact of these platforms on Western New York.

The forum begins at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30, in the school auditorium, located at 7001 Lewiston Road, in Oakfield.

Representatives slated to attend are:

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer, Republican 61st District

Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, Republican 139th District

Mary Pat Hancock, chairwoman, Genesee County Legislature

Raymond Cianfrini, Genesee County legislator

Richard D. Pastecki, Village of Oakfield mayor

Michael T. Cianfrini, Town of Oakfield supervisor

Daniel Mangino, Town of Alabama supervisor

For questions regarding the event, call 948-5211, ext. 4537.

A rollover motorcycle accident is reported at the intersection of Bloomingdale and Martin roads.

It's believed there are injuries.

Mercy Flight is on standby.

Alabama Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 1:49 p.m.: The victim is alert and conscious, complaining of back pain.

UPDATE 1:55 p.m.: Mercy Flight 5 will be responding to the scene from Buffalo and will land on Martin Road.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: Mercy Flight landed a few minutes ago and is loading the patient, who is described as a man in his 50s. He had no loss of consciousness "but the motorcycle did go end over end."

UPDATE 2:19 p.m.: No more traffic is allowed on Martin Road.

UPDATE 2:26 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to Erie County Medical Center. Martin Road is reopened.

UPDATE 2:33 p.m.: Alabama is back in service.

I messed up the settings of last week's contest and nobody was able to complete their picks, so no winner last week. Sorry. This week, same question, but of course the possible answers are different.

To enter, click here. (Hey, if you find a problem with a contest, let me know ASAP so we can get it corrected.)

We just received this message from Mary Pentycofe:

ATTENTION!!!!!! All people in or around the Oakfield area. Please be on the look out for our lost African Grey Parrot. Answers to "Benny." Is known to whistle the Indiana Jones Theme song and "Hi-ho" when prompted. He went missing about 7 p.m. Thursday night 10-25-12 from 7 Coe Ave. in Oakfield, NY. If found, there is a $50 reward. Please help us find our bird. This is not a joke, we are all heartbroken.

If found or seen please call  585-307-1116.

UPDATE: Benny has been located. Mary said he's home safe. She thanked all who helped, including the Oakfied Fire Department.

Sheds, Shacks and Shelter is raffling off a shed at noon on Friday Oct. 26 at the Genesee Farmers Market in the Batavia Downs parking lot. Tickets are $2 each. The money will be donated to a local non-profit.

Tickets can be bought at the farmers market, Movies in Motion, CPR, Benny's Barber Shop and the farmers market. The winner gets $500 cash or the shed, delivered.

Some teenagers reportedly took a gun, a "38 Special," out of a vehicle in the parking lot by the Verizon Store in the Tops plaza, according to a caller to dispatch, and another caller reports that man in a blue truck in the parking lot of Batavia Downs is striking someone and yelling about them taking a weapon out of a vehicle. Law enforcement is trying to sort it out now.

A two-car accident is reported at the intersection of Tower Hill and Byron roads. There's one minor injury and it is blocking traffic. Byron and South Byron fire departments and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 5:07 p.m.: A responder on scene says "We've got extensive damage and a helluva debris field." One person will need to be extricated.

UPDATE 5:13 p.m.: The location is actually Byron Road, south of Tower Hill Road.

UPDATE 6:01 p.m.: The roadway is reopened.

UPDATE 6:05 p.m.: South Byron is back in service.

The Tonawanda Creek is a tremendous natural resource, according to Elizabeth Bentley-Huber, and it should be kept clean.

Residents dumping pollutants into storm drains isn't as much of an issue as it once was, but Bentley-Huber, along with other members of the Tonawanda Creek Watershed Committee, want to promote the idea that our neighborhoods are linked to the creek.

"One of the biggest misconceptions people have is that the water is treated between that drain and the creek," said Bentley-Huber, who is a district technician for the Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District. "Whatever pollutants and chemicals it picks up are directly washed right into the creek."

To help promote the idea that we shouldn't dump or wash chemicals into the drains, the committee has purchased through a soil and water conservation district grant, a thousand medallions to place on storm drains.

Committee members are going out each Saturday as volunteers, weather permitting, and affixing the medallions to storm drains.

Bentley-Huber said the creek could really become a bigger part of our community, an attraction for people looking for outdoor recreation.

One of the biggest problems is clearing out the 43-mile stretch (11 miles in a straight line) of creek between Attica and Batavia. Log jams on the long, flat stretch can be a big problem, especially for boaters.

"That’s a lot of nice creek," she said. "It could be open for boating, and with the economy the way it is, people are looking for more inexpensive recreation.  Boating, canoeing or kayaking on the Tonawanda would be very nice."