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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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Fall has reached that point where it's pretty much time to start raking, mowing and blowing leaves.

Joe Pero was out on South Swan Street today blowing the leaves from his trees.

Here's an announcement from the city about leaf pickup:

City wide leaf pickup will start on Monday, Oct. 29.

One city crew will begin on River Street and head east across the south side of the city.

A second city crew will start on Grandview Terrace and head west across the north side of the city.

Residents on Oak, Main and Ellicott streets are asked to place their leaves in the parkway. All other residents are asked to place their leaves in the street near the curb line.

Leaf piles must be clear of sticks and foreign materials. The Bureau of Maintenance reminds residents that catch basins are to be kept clear of leaves. To ensure that leaves are picked up, residents are asked not to park their cars in the street where there are large piles of leaves to be picked up. Please do not pile leaves in front of mail boxes, around power poles, fences, fire hydrants or other obstacles.

Leaf pickup will continue as weather permits or through Wednesday, Nov. 21.

Starting Monday, Nov. 5, the Law Street Yard Waste Station hours will change to 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Residents are encouraged to bring leaves to the Yard Waste Station through the end of the season. (It is estimated the Yard Waste Station will remain open through Saturday, Dec. 8, before closing for the season.)

Some people have told me they've seen a forecast for snow next week. The forecast on Weather.com for the next 10 days has rain every day starting Saturday, but no snow.

John Spyropoulos, co-owner of Settler's Restaurant on West Main Street, was a little taken aback yesterday to learn that the insurance company for the owner of a car that took out his 28-year-old business sign Oct. 10 won't help pay for its replacement.

State Farm said, according to Spyropoulos, that since the alleged driver, Martin F. Jones, 41, of 120 Jackson St., Batavia, wasn't authorized to drive the vehicle, the owner's policy doesn't cover the damage.

"I thought that was what uninsured motorist was for," Spyropoulos said.

It will cost $12,000 to replace the sign and the insurance Spyropoulos has on the building will pay only for $5,000 of it.

To get his money, Spyropoulos may need to file a claim for restitution through the courts. He could file a claim for the entire $12,000 expense.

If Jones is convicted, Jones could be ordered to pay for the sign at his sentencing.

Spyropoulos said he will look into that option.

Jones was charged with felony DWI, refusal to take breath test, two counts of leaving the scene of a property damage accident, unsafe backing, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, avoiding an intersection, speed not reasonable and prudent and driving on the sidewalk.

A burglary suspect turned himself in yesterday following a police investigation into a break-in at a residence on East Avenue in the city on Oct. 9.

Trevon L. Armstrong, 27, of 20 Tracy Ave., Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd, and grand larceny, 4th.

Det. Charles Dudek investigated the case, identified Armstrong as the suspect, and asked him to turn himself in. Yesterday, he did.

A flat-screen TV and a laptop computer were recovered shortly after the burglary was reported, Dudek said.

Armstrong was arraigned in Batavia City Court and ordered held without bail.

Officer Mark Lawrence assisted in the investigation.

The issue of merging the South Byron and Byron fire departments was probably first raised in 1968, according Paul Boylan, the town's attorney.

It's never happened, and after a town budget meeting Wednesday night, it's apparently not going to happen any time soon.

Trustee Scott Wooten has apparently been pushing the issue and had convinced the other trustess to produce a budget this year with a single line item for two fire departments at the same funding as last year, but with a plan to reduce their funding each year by $10,000 a year until there is only one department.

"I don't understand why we pay $1.41 (fire district tax) and the average in Genesee County is .81," Wooten said. "What are we doing differently. Why do we need two of everything?"

Members from both departments were in the audience and argued that the expense of the departments are not as simple it seemed.

All of the current equipment is paid for, and two tankers are needed to comply with insurance adjuster standards, especially with the lack of public water in much of the town, and two engines in case of multiple calls or if one breaks down.

If the departments merge, the fire hall of South Byron would need to be expanded to accommodate Byron's equipment, reducing any cost savings.

Wooten tried to compare what Byron residents pay for fire service with other communities, such as Bethany and Elba. 

But there can't be a direct comparison several volunteers said. In Bethany, the town owns the fire hall and in Elba, the village owns the department.

What seemed like a unilateral move by the board to force a merger didn't sit well with the members of the department.

"It's really not pleasant to be bullied like this," said Peter Yasses.

Wooten said he was just trying to do what he thought best for the town residents, and that a fire department tax of $1.41 per thousand seems excessive.

"Unfortunately, you think we're making too much money but somehow we're barely surviving in order to help our neighbors at three o'clock in the morning," said Dan Stevens.

Yasses asked, "who's complaining? I never hear any complaints."

Well, the farmers for one.

"But let them throw a match on one of their piles of paper," interjected Jim McKenzie, "and their whole field catches on fire and we're the ones who have to respond to it."

Chris Hilbert said even the $74,000 allocated now for each department isn't enough to run them. They each must conduct their own fundraisers in order to balance their budgets.

Some members wondered how the town would save any money with one department when current expenditures don't cover the full cost of the service.

There was much talk about hiring consultants to look at consolidation. One firm has already offered a $25,000 estimate for such a study, so the discussion turned to how to pay for it.

An actual study would determine what cost savings, if any, could be achieved; what a consolidated department would look like, and how to go about it in a way that wouldn't increase insurance premiums for town residents.

Wooten wanted to know why a consultant needed to be hired for such a study -- couldn't the fire chiefs do it themselves?. Several said they weren't qualified.

Byron Chief John Durand said he was probably qualified to do the study, but he has a conflict of interest.

"I've been a member of the department for 27 years," Durand said. "This is my seventh year as a chief. Whether I have an actual prejudice or not, everybody is going to think I do because of all that time with the department."

Durand seemed to like the idea of a study, but said if the departments were going to go to all the trouble of an expensive study, they should contact the Bergen and Elba departments and discuss the possibility of a regional department.

Hilbert suggested that each department kick in $7,000 and the town pay $7,000 toward the study, but under the current budget proposal, the town can add only $5,900 in more spending and still remain under the state's property tax cap.

It was at that point that Wooten decided to drop his merger proposal.

"If you're telling me this is the best for Byron, then I'll stay with you," Wooten said. "I'm confident that you're never going to come together. I'm convinced of that. This gentleman over here tells me we must have two of everything, so then we might as well have two departments.

"I just want to see why we're at $1.41 and the average is .81," Wooten added. "If you're telling me that's the way it has to be, then I'm willing to accept that."

Notre Dame's girls soccer team beat Fillmore today for their first-ever sectional win, 1-0.

Pete Welker supplied us with three photos from the game. Above, Burgandy Bartlett kicks the only goal of the game.

Bailee Welker

Tess Diskin with the ball.

UMMC invited the public into the ICU unit today to see a new patient simulator that will be used to help train hospital staff.

The $60,000 machine is a gift from CHART, the hospital’s insurance carrier. It provides a realistic representation of various medical conditions so medical personnel can practice everything from inserting an IV to performing defibrillation.

For more info, click here.

Above, Dan Grower learns about the simulator from Pamela Lynch.

This Saturday, you can get your flapjacks flipped by Sheriff Gary Maha and served table side by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

Saturday is the annual Pancake Days sponsored by the Batavia Kiwanis Club. Maha and Friedman are both Kiwanis members and they will be joined by a couple dozen more Kiwanis members who will ensure you get a hot, tasty breakfast for the low price of $5 (children 10 and under, and seniors, $3).

The breakfast runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Main and Liberty streets, in Batavia.

Arrive early. There's always a big turn out.

To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Anita at 585-813-5371, or ask a local Kiwanian.

Pictured are Anita Strollo, left, Friedman, Club President Ed Minardo, Maha, Immediate Past President David Chua and Joe Forsyth.

Below, an article about the breakfast from Anita Strollo:

It’s been a long year sampling pancakes all over Western New York to insure that this year’s Kiwanis Club of Batavia’s 54th Annual Pancake Day lives up to the reputation it had in years past.

Last year our suppliers got changed unexpectedly and we thought we were getting comparable product only to find out that the pancake batter and sausages were less than satisfying. It was too late at that point and we counted on our understanding community and the fact that so many other treats were available at the annual event which raises funds for area children’s projects.

This year Serena, Joe and I sampled a lot of pancakes! I am a notorious pancake hater so we were looking for a pancake that even I liked. When Sheriff Maha (our chief pancake cook and longtime Kiwanian) offered that he and his wife recommended a local stop for pancakes, we ventured there. They had a similar situation with pancake mixes years ago and had to go on the same type of quest!

Serena and I sampled the pancakes there and they were fabulous. After some research by us and much help from Batavia Restaurant Supply to locate a supplier on the East Coast, we are now ready to serve up the tastiest pancakes we’ve had in years. Batavia Restaurant Supply is going to be stocking the mix from now on!

Joel Chasteck from the Genesee County Nursing Home located the brand of sausage that we always used, and after we add our “secret ingredient” our customers will be very pleased.

When it looked like the bad apple crop and the closing of our cider supplier’s mill was going to preclude us from serving fresh apple cider for the first time ever, Roanoke Apple Farms quickly jumped into action. They gave us a very fair deal on cider so we can serve and sell it again at this year's breakfast.

We will also be offering a Gluten-Free option. Patricia Hawley from Fountain of Youth Organics in Brockport will be donating some pancake mix as well as lending her gluten-free designated griddle and cooking implements.

Pancake Days is so named because it used to be a two-day event.  Within the last few years, it has become a one day event that still serves the same amount of pancakes and extras as the two-day fundraiser did.

The funds raised allows Batavia Kiwanis to sponsor free community events like the Thanksgiving Day Skate, Easter Egg Hunt, AMBA Blood Screening, Kiwanis Night at the Muckdogs and so many other events.

The all-you-can-eat breakfast is fully served and includes a beverage choice of cider, coffee, milk (chocolate or white compliments of Upstate Milk Cooperative) orange juice or tea.

Pancake Days will be this Saturday, Oct. 27 at the First Presbyterian Church Service Building on the corner of Liberty and Main streets in Batavia from 7 a.m. – 2pm. Cost is $5 for adullts, $3 for seniors 62 and over and children 10 and under.

Any one child in costume accompanied by one adult will also get in free.

There will be entertainment as usual and there are tickets available at the door or from any Kiwanian.

Students at Oakfield-Alabama High School got a little firsthand experience today at trying to drive while distracted and State Police and Nationwide Insurance hope they get the message: Don't do it.

The insurance company, in conjunction with the State Police, brought in a computer simulator that allows students to put their hands on a steering wheel and drive through a neighborhood while dealing with multiple distractions.

There's the friend they're giving a ride home who won't wear her seat belt, talks incessantly and wants them to drive faster so she can get home sooner.

She also asks them to try phoning her brother and then sending him a text message. The phone pops up on the screen allowing them to finger-tap in numbers while keeping one hand on the steering wheel.

Meanwhile, deer and skateboarders cross their path, they must stop for a stop sign in front of a cop, pull on a freeway and merge into traffic.

"Distractions take away the focus of being in that car and driving, and when you take away that focus, that's when accidents happen," said Trooper Jeffrey Bebak.

Bebak said for teens, distracted driving can be a particularly deadly combination.

"They all feel they’re invincible," Bebak said. "In a general health perspective, they’re young, they feel great, they feel like they can do multiple things at once, including driving.

"You couple that with just their basic inexperience behind the wheel and you add the texting or use of a mobile device, it’s a bad combination. Too often that’s when accidents happen because of that feeling that I’m invincible."

Michael Granica, a financial specialist with Nationwide, said he's been involved in the simulation presentation before and he believes the simulator is making a difference.

"We had several students come back to us after the program and tell us that they thought about putting their phones down and they haven’t used them since," Granica said. "So if we’re able to change the habits of one person while they’re driving, everything we’ve done to promote safe driving has been worth it."