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Genesee Community College will receive a $209,000 grant for its Nursing Workforce Diversity program. The board of trustees learned the good news Monday night when they met at the Batavia campus for the annual election of officers.

The grant is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and will help licensed practical nurses successfully transition to the college's nursing program and eventually become registered nurses. The funding provides mentoring, tutoring, stipends, scholarships and technology support. This is the second Nursing Workforce Diversity grant the college has received.

Trustees reelected Charles R. Ruffino as board chair for the 2011-2012 year; as well as Maureen T. Marshall, vice chair; and Diane D. Torcello, secretary.

Ruffino is a resident of Batavia and a retired New York State Department of Education administrator. Marshall, of Elba, is owner and operator of Elba-based Torrey Farms. Torcello, of Pavilion, is a Bank of Castile branch manager.

The board also approved a resolution authorizing President Stuart Steiner to execute documents for the sale of the lease of the Verizon cell tower located on the Batavia campus. The resolution updates board action from June, and gives the college the opportunity to receive proposals from more than one company.

Sale of the lease would provide at least $176,000 to the college, as well as 50 percent of any revenues generated from the tower. The sale is subject to an environmental review and approval by the Genesee County Legislature, sponsor of the college.

Lastly, trustees approved a series of technical revisions to board policies, such as inclusion of gender-neutral language in policies.

A vehicle struck a tree, then a house at 15 Holland Ave. in the City of Batavia. There are no injuries reported. City fire responded and is clearing. There is a small amount of structural damage to the porch and a little damage to the vehicle.

A large amount of smoke is reported in the area of 7427 Clinton St. Road. Bergen Fire Department is responding to investigate. It's coming from behind a truck parts business.

UPDATE 1:29 p.m.: The chief reports that the fire is visible from Dublin Road and Route 33. It is said to have started accidently. A grass truck from Le Roy and another one from Stafford are requested. The location is between Lyman Road and Maple Avenue, far back on the property at Demo's Truck Parts, Inc.

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: Byron and South Byron fire departments are called to bring a tanker truck to the scene.

UPDATE 1:56 p.m.: The fire is out.

UPDATE 2:06 p.m.: Firefighters finishing up the work have asked for water and the ladies' auxiliary is going to bring it to them.

UPDATE 2:36 p.m.: Stafford was put back in service some time ago. Now Le Roy, Byron and South Byron fire departments are also back in service. The Department of Environmental Conservation is sending someone to investigate the situation.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Telephone and Cook roads in Pavilion. It's possibly a head-on collision. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding and the availability of Mercy Flight is being checked.

UPDATE: 1:10 p.m.: A responder on scene says there are minor injuries, including a chest injury and an arm injury. No need for Mercy Flight. Three vehicles are involved.

Smoke is reportedly coming from the woods along the east side of Fargo Road, south of Reynolds Road, in Darien. Darien Volunteer Fire Department is responding. The caller said there was a large amount of black smoke pouring from the area.

UPDATE 8:42 p.m.: Firefighters on scene report that, at this time, the fire is deemed to be a controlled burn.

UPDATE 8:52 p.m.: It is a controlled burn and those responsible for it are putting it out. Darien fire is back in service.

Anglers on the Munson Street Bridge (also known as the Red Bridge) in the Town of Le Roy are complaining that some swimmers have shown up, thereby impinging on their afternoon fishing enjoyment. Law enforcement is called to handle the matter.

A controlled burn that may have spread is reported at 1046 Bloomingdale Road in Alabama. Alabama Fire Department is responding.

A live wire that is arcing is also reported there. National Grid has been notified. No ETA given.

UPDATE 9 a.m.: The fire chief says the situation is under control. National Grid is expected any minute now.

A possible house fire is reported on Hutchins Street near South Jackson Street. A neighbor reports smoke is pouring from the roof. City fire department is responding.

UPDATE 10:17 p.m.: Firefighters on scene see fire and smoke coming from the area of 146 Hutchins St. Southwest winds at 1 mph. "It's a personal bonfire." City ladder truck 15 in service. Police who responded said the smoke was caused by juveniles at the site putting leaves on the fire. The bonfire is apparently legal.

UPDATE 10:32 p.m.: The people enjoying the bonfire put it out.

Here's a press release about Sunday's local home and garden tour.

The Landmark Society of Genesee County, Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and St. James Episcopal Church are collaborating for a July 10 home and garden tour.

The event will run from 1 – 5 p.m. and 11 homes are included on the tour. The ticket price is $20, $15 for Landmark Society members, and can be purchased at Harrington’s Greenhouse in Batavia and the St. James Church office.

After visiting the gardens, there will be a dessert reception and presentation by Master Gardeners and a question-and-answer period at St. James Church. Door prizes will also be awarded donated by local greenhouses.

For more information, please call 343-6802.

A patron, believed to be a male, fell off the Ride of Steel roller coaster (also known as Superman) this afternoon and died at Darien Lake Theme Park, according to Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha.

No other information is available at this time.

UPDATE (8:20 p.m.): According to a park spokesperson, the victim is an adult male. The accident happened at about 5:30 p.m. The ride and surrounding area are closed while the incident is under investigation.

A car versus motorcycle accident, with injuries, is reported at Walnut and Law streets. The caller at the scene reports the motorcyclist is conscious. City fire and police along with Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 7:17 p.m.: Portions of the streets will be shut down temporarily due to the accident.

UPDATE 7:32 p.m.: The motorcyclist is being taken to UMMC with non-life-threatening injuries. The fire engine is back in service.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 395. One person is lying on the ground. East Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 6:47 p.m.: Four vehicles are involved. A medic on scene says injuries are minor. A second ambulance is requested.

UPDATE 6:51 p.m.: East Pembroke command ordered Mercy Squad 1 to go back in service.

UPDATE 7:01 p.m.: A State Trooper is on scene and a tow truck is en route.

A brush fire is reported in front of 3445 Galloway Road, just west of Kelsey Road. Town of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 5:13 p.m.: "It looks like a controlled burn in a swampy area by the road. But nobody's around," says an officer at the scene. A non-emergency response is requested.

UPDATE 5:15 p.m.: Logs about 60-feet long and a tire are burning. They are not sure if the logs are within DEC regulations, but they know the tire is not. They are going to put out the fire "in leiu of a report."

A property damage accident is reported in front of Arby's on West Main Street in the city. It is blocking traffic. City fire and police are responding.

A three-car accident, with minor injuries, is reported at Route 77 and the Thruway interchange. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding.

A two-car, head-on collision accident is reported on Indian Falls Road in the area of Pratt Road. Both drivers will need extrication. One of them is unresponsive and has three minors as passengers.

East Pembroke Fire Department is responding, along with mutual aid from Pembroke and Indian Falls, plus two Mercy EMS units. Two Mercy Flight helicopters are called in and a landing zone is being set up on the corner of Pratt and Indian Falls roads.

An Oakfield medic is on scene and a rig out of Oakfield is called to respond, too. Corfu Fire Police are called to handle traffic control and to shut down Indian Falls Road.

UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: A third Mercy Flight helicopter is called for, and is available, but a crew needs to be assembled. They are working to do that and will advise.

UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: The first helicopter is on the ground. Indian Falls at Route 5 is being closed to traffic.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: A second landing zone is being set up north of the scene, on the southeast corner of Indian Falls and Cleveland roads.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: A third helicopter has secured a crew and is 15 minutes away.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: A third landing zone is being set up at Kilian and Slusser roads.

UPDATE 5:33 p.m.: The second helicopter has landed, but not at the site originally designated. It's at Pratt and Indian Falls roads, where the first helicopter landed.

UPDATE 5:37: "Mercy Flight is advising they have a fourth helicopter if Squad 2 can ride on it."

UPDATE 5:38 p.m.: A fourth helicopter will not be needed.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: All patients have been extricated.

UPDATE 5:43 p.m.: Oakfield medics are en route to UMMC with two small children on board.

UPDATE 5:46 p.m.: The last helicopter has landed. The first chopper is headed to Women & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: The second helicopter is headed to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 6 p.m.: The last helicopter is headed to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester at the patient's request.

UPDATE 7:48 p.m.: All East Pembroke units back in service. The road is reopened.

UPDATE 10:11 p.m.: A caller has told dispatchers that a television news crew is setting up in the area of the accident with very bright lights, "blinding drivers." A deputy is responding.

More pictures from the scene after the jump.

A car has struck a tree on Trumbull Parkway. City Fire Department and Mercy EMS on scene.

UPDATE: There didn't appear to be any injuries.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY. Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY. Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have $20 gift certificates for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: it's finally time for spring gardening.  Pudgie’s has everything you need, from bird bathes and flowers of every variety to mulch and fertilizer. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for three weeks of yoga, three classes, a $30 value, for $15.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. Decorate your home or office for spring or summer. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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