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A crash is blocking traffic at Ellicott and Court streets in the city. Two vehicles involved, no injuries. City fire and Batavia police are responding.

A two-car accident that's blocking traffic is reported at Alleghany and Bloomingdale roads, Basom. One person has a chest injury. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

The long-anticipated Ellicott Trail was supposed to be finished by Thanksgiving, but it's now Valentine's Day and still no dice. Why? One word: WEATHER.

"The Ellicott Trail is about 70 percent complete," said Thomas Lichtenthal Jr., Town of Batavia highway superintendent and assistant engineer. "We plan on completing it by June this year and open it to the public. We had some weather delays in the fall last year that didn't allow us to complete it."

Only four months to go, which will mark to the month when actual construction began three years prior.

The $1.7-million project is funded mainly with state Department of Transportation grant money. It's a joint venture by the City of Batavia and the Town of Batavia, with each contributing 10 percent of funding. The town is the lead agency.

A new bridge on Walnut Street was paid for with a $250,000 Municipal Facility Grant, and Genesee County Parks Department capital project funds will pay for a boardwalk at DeWitt Receation Area.

The trail itself is 4.6 miles long, but from end to end it's nine miles if you include sidewalks and bridges. It goes from Seven Springs Road to Pearl Street Road (Route 33).

Once open, during daylight hours only, signs will point the way for pedestrians and bicyclists. Motor vehicles will not be allowed on the trail, except for those of first responders -- firefighters, medics and law enforcement. City police will have bike patrols in spring and summer.

The off-road sections have been the most labor-intensive because of culverts, dilapidated railroad beds, trees and other vegetation and the removal of them.

Ellicott Trail will provide an alternative for physical exercise, the enjoyment of nature, and traversing the city and its businesses. Enthusiasts tout this kind of amenity as one that is increasingly attractive to urbanites, especially Millennials.

(Top: File image of the winning entry in the Ellicott Trail logo contest, unveiled in February 2017. It was created by Jayme Privitera, a professional graphic designer.)

The Genesee County Planning Board on Thursday night recommended approval of a site plan review to operate a gift shop in the former Warner’s Flower Shop at 21 Main St., Oakfield.

Seeing no significant countywide or intercommunity impact, the board gave its OK for Denise Linsey, of Basom, to purchase the building and set up her own store in the Commercial (C-1) District, which will be called “Simple Pleasures Home Décor & Gifts.”

Linsey’s application states that the store will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The proposal now will be considered by the Oakfield Village Board for final approval.

In other action, the board recommended:

-- Approval with modifications of a special use permit for Thomas Dougherty of 1262 Herkimer Road, Darien, to construct a recreational pond on his property.

The approval is contingent upon the developer adhering to guidelines issued by the Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District office that focus upon the location and construction parameters as well as obtaining permits from the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

-- Approval of a site plan review for the construction of a 6,000-square-foot storage building (40-by-150) at Six Flags Darien Lake. The proposed 24-foot high building would be located off Sumner Road in an area behind the amphitheater.

-- Approval of a downtown design (site plan) review for contractor Ben Boyce to install a 12-foot by 9-foot overhead door and a 3-foot by 7-foot swing door along the west wall of the Tenney Coin Laundry facility at 200 Ellicott St., Batavia.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has penned a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie requesting that Library Aid be fully funded in this year’s state budget.

Gov. Cuomo plans to cut Library Aid by $5 million this year, for a total of $91.6 million, according to his Executive Budget proposal. Furthermore, the governor aims to cut Library Construction Aid by $20 million back to a total of $14 million. 

“This level of state aid is inadequate for libraries within this state and there are no other educational institutions expected to function at this level of state aid," Hawley wrote in the letter. "It is imperative that increases in Library Aid are made each year in proportion to the general education funding. As you know, library monies in the budget are not in line with education funding – it is separate, therefore, libraries are not recipients of those increases.

“There should be no barrier when it comes to providing our constituents with the essential tools necessary for their betterment. Our constituents, who range from toddlers to the elderly, depend significantly on the services provided by our libraries. In addition, access to resources for job training, start-up businesses, consumer health, education, financial and technology training come from our libraries.

In previous budget negotiations, Hawley was successful in working with members across the aisle and the governor in restoring proposed cuts to Library Aid.

Thomas J. Leonard, 36, no permanent address, is charged with falsifying business records in the first degree, petit larceny, and conspiracy in the sixth degree. Leonard was arrested at 6 p.m. on Feb. 13 on an arrest warrant out of Town of Batavia Court. The warrant stems from an investigation into a larceny that occurred at Walmart. It is alleged that Leonard stole property from Walmart, then attempted to pawn the property at Pawn King Pawn Shop and falsified business records in the process. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court, then released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to court on March 17. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien. The arrest was made by Deputy Erik Andre with the assistance of Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Christopher Michael Sims, 31, of Manhattan Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated, with a prior conviction within 10 years; parking on a highway; having an uninspected motor vehicle; and refusing to take a breath test. Sims was arrested at 5:46 a.m. this morning (Feb. 14) on Dubline Road in Bethany after a traffic complaint. It is alleged that Sims was driving a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol after being found unresponsive parked in the roadway. He was processed at the jail and released on appearance tickets. He is due in Bethany Town Court on Feb. 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Kyle Christopher Madden, 26, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Madden was arrested at 12:18 p.m. on Feb. 13 at an apartment on Lake Street Road in Le Roy during an investigation of an unrelated matter. He was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Le Roy Town Court on Feb. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Driving down Route 262 in Byron this morning, I spotted this old, snow-covered truck, in a yard off the roadway.

A reader spotted the Planter's Nutmobile (replete with the now-deceased Mr. Peanut) on Route 98 this morning.

As part of the legal process required by the state for a special election, the eight-county chairs that comprise the NY-27 met last night and officially named Nate McMurray as their candidate in the April 28 election.

The chairs are Michael Plitt, Judith Hunter, Jeanne Crane, Jerry Zeller, Brittany Wells, Francine Del Monte, John Hurley (who attended via phone), and Cynthia Appleton.

The meeting was held at the Holiday Inn in Batavia.

UPDATE: Press release from Nate McMurray:

Nate McMurray, the Democratic candidate in NY-27, issued the following statement in response:

“I am putting my full heart into this race. We all know this election is critical because we aren’t just sending a message to New York, we are sending a message to the entire country to say that we don’t want ‘politics as usual’. We don’t need another ‘Rich Chris’ using this position to make deals for themselves and their companies. We need representation and a message that includes everyone. We need to give the people of NY-27 a voice,” said Nate McMurray.

“Nate was our person from the start,” said Michael Plitt, Chair of the Genesee County Democrats. “His platform shows that he knows exactly what our district needs. He’s going to protect social security. He’s going to improve healthcare. After years of not having someone who represented our interests, Nate is someone who finally can.”

“I can tell you that Nate McMurray has created a grassroots movement here and has demonstrated understanding and concern for the residents of Wyoming County and beyond.  But it's more than that. He has reminded all of us that Liberty is a precious thing, not to be buried but held up to the light every day of our lives and when Nate McMurray goes to Washington, we know he will do that very thing," said Cindy Appleton, County Chair of Wyoming County Democrats. 

"Last night we ratified what we have known for a very long time: Nate McMurray is our candidate. We've been united behind him for over two years because he works like no one else we've ever seen to bring true representation to NY 27,” said Judith Hunter, County Chair of Livingston County Democrats.

“Unbelievably, the Republican powers that be have decided for the third time in the last dozen years that what this district needs is a rich guy named Chris who can't possibly understand what life is like for the ordinary voters of the 27th, despite the fact that the previous two times ended very badly. Unlike his opponent, Nate McMurray gets it.”

“A tough and well-deserving candidate,” said Brittaney Wells, County Chair of Monroe County Democrats, “Nate McMurray was officially designated last night by the Monroe County Democratic Committee for the Special Election in NY-27. The MCDC has complete faith that Nate will uphold his values as a fighter for families and a defender of the United States and the communities he will represent.” 

Jay Zona, County Chair of Niagara County Democrats, said, “Niagara County was one of the first counties to get on board with Nate for this special election.  He performed very well here in the 2018 election as a new name and we are looking forward to getting his message out.”

Here's a birthday present that paid off in a big way -- a lottery scratcher purchased at a convenience store in Elba for Nichole Williams turned out to be worth $1 million.

Williams, a mother of three, and a cancer survivor, and resident of Knowlesville, said the money will help pay off her medical bills and she will start a college fund for her children.

“It’s definitely a blessing,” Williams said. “It’s definitely a huge weight lifted off my shoulders that I can provide college for my kids or if they don’t want to go to college we can put it towards a tech school or whatever else they want to do.”

Photo and information courtesy OrleansHub. For more on this story, click here.

Press release:

Tens of thousands of women worldwide participated in the IF:Gathering, either in person at the sold-out event in Dallas Feb. 7-8 or via livestream to locations like Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia. Representing a variety of cultures and denominations, these women hold one thing in common: they want to live like God is real.

The IF:Gathering provides space for women to wrestle with essential questions of faith, to dream, and to connect with one another. In Batavia, local leaders are hosting a delayed airing of the IF:Gathering on March 27 and 28 at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia (North Campus).

Join the women of Northgate, Batavia and the surrounding areas for two days of amazing speakers via telecast, including IF:Gathering founder Jennie Allen, plus Jo Saxton, Jada Edwards and Beth Moore. There will be live worship, and refreshments.

Ticket cost is $15 for both days.

Time is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday March 27; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28.

For more information about the local IF:Gathering and to register, click here.

Allen, the author of "Restless" and "Nothing to Prove," created the nonprofit organization with the intention of providing a pure, honest space for this generation of women to wrestle with the essential question: IF God is real, THEN what?

To date, IF:Gathering has reached more than 1.2 million women in more than 179 countries. By partnering with the organization Days for Girls, Northgate is coming alongside women around the world, fostering relationships, and using women’s God-given gifts to not only transform hearts but also leave a tangible impact on the entire world.

"We have a grand desire to see an entire generation discipled and unleashed to then go and make more disciples of Jesus. We believe with God it’s possible," according to their website.

Pembroke scored 300 points in Wednesday's second match of the Scholastic Bowl at Genesee Community College to beat out Pavilion, 140 points, and Oakfield-Alabama, 130.

Alden won the first match, beating Akron and Elba, 340 to 220 to 70.

A car is on its side in a one-vehicle accident at Lewiston and Fisher roads in Oakfield.

A person reportedly has a minor head injury.

Mercy EMS requested to the scene for patient evalutaion.

Oakfield fire responding.

• Nate McMurray for Congress in NY27
• Kim Smith for NYS Senate District 61
• David Krzemien for Genesee County Sheriff
• Sammy DiSalvo for City Council at Large
• Terry Thompson for Alabama Town Board
• Vicki Almquist for Village of Bergen Trustee
• Greg Rogers for Village of Le Roy Mayor
• Ray Yacuzzo for Village of Le Roy Trustee
• Jim Bonaquisti for Village of Le Roy Trustee

Submitted photo and press release:

The 13th GLOW Region Tech Wars will be held Thursday, March 12, at Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus. The annual Tech Wars brings middle and high school students from all 24 of the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming (GLOW) region's school districts together in teams to work collaboratively to demonstrate their technical expertise through innovative, mind-expanding competitions.

Each year, with a forward vision and new developments in technology, Tech Wars introduces new events. 2020 is no different. This year's competitors (students) have chosen from close to 30 available competitions to showcase -- and put to the test -- some basic and some extremely intricate and innovative technology. Regardless of the event, all of the students enjoy the opportunity to see their hard work come to fruition.

Tech Wars event details, rules and competition descriptions are available at techwarsgccny.org.

Tech Wars 2020 events brings back some favorites such as: Battlebot Soccer; the Regatta; Bridge; CO2 Cars; King of the Hill; Logo Design; Sculpture; Onsite CAD Drawing and Reverse Engineering CAD; Skimmer Cars; Sumo Bots; Tractor Pull and Trebuchet; and will introduce the all new, Lumber Labyrinth.

In addition to Lumber Labyrinth, Tech Wars 2020 also introduces Skimmer Cars and Technical Drawing for the middle schoolers as well as other legacy events such as Catapult; Paper Airplane; Rube Goldberg; and Sculpture. Back by popular demand for all participants is the Mystery Event, which allows students to use their creativity and skills in an on-demand, timed situation.

For the second year, Tech Wars also features STEAM Jam @ Tech Wars, an event held simultaneously for third- to fifth-grade students from GLOW region schools. More than 100 students will participate in various team building and mind-stimulating activities that foster skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM). As an educational precursor to a future in technology, STEAM Jam participants will have the opportunity to observe the fun and exciting Tech Wars 2020 competitions.

Educational support for Tech Wars and STEAM Jam comes from the dedication, state-of-the art facilities and quality instruction in the GLOW region schools. Teachers share ideas and explore new technology and developments through both a Regional STEAM Teachers' cohort and a Regional Tech Teachers' Cohort.

Focused on local economic development, the newly established Regional Tech Teachers' Cohort collaboratively cultivates relationships between the schools and local professionals to provide information sessions, field trips, school to work opportunities, and more to enhance student learning experiences. Through these experiences and relationships students begin to form goals and a vision for their own futures.

The efforts of programs like Tech Wars, STEAM Jam and the Cohorts are already making a difference with many thanks to community support. Tech Wars 2020 has been presented with a record number of sponsors Gold Sponsors: Liberty Pumps, Northeast Industrial Tech Inc., Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, Graham Corporation, Amada Tool America Inc., and Glow with Your Hands. Silver and Bronze Sponsors: LandPro Equipment, Oxbo International, Takeform, DWB Enterprises and the Varysburg Lions Club.

"The support of local businesses and organizations in this region is second to none," Ann Valento, ACE program specialist said. "Without these organizations and other generous local donors, Tech Wars would not be possible.

"Our local sponsors also serve as volunteers, judges, and spend their valuable time talking with students and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, the businesses that participate in these events get an exclusive opportunity to meet and network with the future workforce in our community."

Tech Wars is also proudly sponsored and hosted by Genesee Community College and its ACE (Accelerated College Enrollment) program. The ACE team and the entire GCC community work diligently to provide a safe and appropriately-equipped environment to showcase the students' technological skills and creativity.

Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to learn hands-on, often in business settings and with industry professionals. The ACE Program's Career Pathways is committed to helping students explore career options and make a smooth transition from high school to further education and/or a career.

For more information about the Career Pathways programs, please contact Ann Valento, Genesee Community College Career Pathways Specialist at 585-3430055, ext. 6316, or amvalento@genesee.edu.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for 12 hours, from 10 p.m. until 10 a.m. with three to five inches of snow expected in Genesee County, according to the National Weather Service

Residents can also expect very cold air to hit the region Thursday night through Friday night with wind chills dropping below zero.

Graphic: Accuweather

Adrian R. Laird, 18, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree rape. Laird's arrest stems from an alleged incident on Hutchins Street in Batavia at 8 p.m. on Jan. 10. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court on Feb. 10 and is to return there at 9 a.m. on Feb. 13. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Alexis V. Finnin, 31, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested after an investigation of an incident on East Main Street in Batavia at 8:38 p.m. on Sept. 14. It is alleged that at that time she was intoxicated/impaired to the point of not being able to adequately supervise a 5-year-old child, thereby subjecting the child to risk of physical, mental and moral harm. She was released on an appearance ticket and was due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Tanya Lee Captain, 32, of Darien, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated -- a BAC of .18 percent or more; DWI -- first offense; criminal mischief -- intentionally damaging property; and failure to stop at a stop sign. She was arrested at 11:57 p.m. Feb. 11 in Alexander after an incident was investigated that occurred on Pike Road in the Town of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Alexander Town Court on Feb. 18. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Heberlein, assisted by Deputy John Baiocco.

Michelle L. Sahr, 52, of North Main Street, Albion, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court after she was located by Albion PD on an unrelated matter. She was processed at Batavia PD and released on an appearance ticket for Feb. 13 in city court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Debra Lynn Mattoon, 40, of Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield, was arrested and charged with petit larceny at 4 p.m. Feb. 7. It is alleged that she stole merchandise from Tops Friendly Market in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today scoffed at politicians on the Social Services Committee, many of whom are from New York City, who voted unanimously to block Hawley's bipartisan legislation (A.2251) that would institute a 90-day residence requirement before someone is eligible for welfare benefits in New York.

Republicans voted unanimously to report the bill to the floor for a full vote before the house.

“New York’s bloated welfare system has driven our state into fiscal ruin, causing a multi-billion dollar deficit that will likely fall on the middle class," Hawley said. "It is policies like these that perpetuate our reputation as the cradle to the grave capital of the nation, and attracts more visitors looking for a handout.

“In perilous fiscal times like these when we should be passing bills to root out fraud, waste and abuse in our social service system so that we can afford to help those who have fallen into unfortunate circumstances, instead of expanding an already wasteful system."

An Oakfield man is accused of fleeing from police after a deputy attempted a traffic stop for an alleged expired registration early yesterday morning in the Town of Batavia.

Jonathan F. Suggs, 37, of Lewiston Road, Oakfield, faces multiple charges in three towns after leading police on a chase through Batavia, Oakfield, and Alabama, where Suggs eventually stopped, according to a Sheriff's Office press release.

The suspect was released on an appearance ticket.

Deputy James Stack attempted to stop a 2016 Jeep Cherokee at 1:30 a.m. yesterday. Suggs was later identified as the driver. Once he stopped, he was taken into custody without further incident.

He is charged with: unlawfully fleeing a police officer; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; failure to yield right of way to an emergency vehicle; speeding; and other vehicle and traffic violations.

He is scheduled to appear in: Town of Batavia Court at 1 p.m., March 12; Oakfield Town Court at 6 p.m., March 2; Alabama Town Court at 6 p.m., March 11.

The American Warrior Festival -- a free show to celebrate our troops, veterans and American way of Life -- will be held at T.F. Brown's Restaurant in Batavia this Saturday (Feb. 15), starting at 4 p.m. and going until 1 a.m.

T.F. Brown's is teaming up with Strength in Numbers Entertainment for this special event with several live bands, including:

• Lonesome Road
• Tetness
• Zackstreet Boys
• Vette
• Zynaptic Gap
• Axton Landing
• The Remediators
• Joel Russlett
• Old School

Sponsors are: The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant; Oliver's Candies; OrCon Industries Corp.; WMW Welding's Most Wanted; Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew; and The Firing Pin.

T.F. Brown's is located at 214 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.