I have not posted a blog entry in a while and was feeling it was long overdue. As most of you know I began blogging on The Batavian when I was running for LeRoy Town Council last fall. I continued blogging on The Batavian because it is an excellent forum for which to discuss what is going on in our world.

I am blogging today to announce (in case you haven't heard) that I am running for Trustee in the Village of LeRoy in the local March elections. Many of the issues that I ran on for Town Council are cross over issues that remain valid and important to the Village of LeRoy as well. I have blogged here in the past on most of the campaign issues. Most of you have also already read about my credentials in a past blog. I don't want to waste your valuable time by repeating myself.

The bottom line is that I believe in the Village of LeRoy and its future. I continue to want to be a part of the solutions and not a part of the problems. It is my goal to be YOUR voice on the Village Board! Everyone deserves to be heard and deserves equal representation regardless of any demographic factors. Please feel free to post comments, questions, and concerns here. If you do not feel comfortable with this open forum then feel free to contact me at my new/private campaign e-mail:

Keys4Trustee@rochester.rr.com.

I have begun knocking on your doors in this lovely Western New York in February weather and look forward to knocking on more.

As always, thank you for your time and consideration!

An Oakfield woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries Friday morning when her car slid off Lewiston Road in Alabama, striking a guardrail and utility pole.

The accident report filed by Deputy Loni Nati states that Rebecca L. McDonnell was traveling "at an unsafe speed in slush," but the report does not mention any traffic citations.

The 47-year-old McDonnell, of 4-6 Stevens St., Oakfield, was hurt when her car turned onto its side.

The accident occurred at 7:08 a.m.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St. Batavia, NY: In Irish pubs, it doesn't get more authentic than O'Lacy's. Be sure to try the homemade chips. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Sallome's Italian Deli, 40 Oak St., Batavia, NY: Wraps, subs, paninis and pasta as well as pizzas -- Sallome's offers a tasty variety of Italian deli items for eat-in or take-out.  We have $10 gift certificates for $5 eac

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: The Batavian is able to offer a limited number of reduced price hair cuts for children under 12. Click Here for details of the offer and to purchase vouchers.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here

SOLD OUT

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at Route 63 and Peoria Road in Pavilion. A van is on its side. Unjuries, if any, are unknown.

A Pavilion fire engine is responding and Le Roy medic is on scene. The driver is now in the ambulance.

Stafford Fire Department and an engine from the Town of Batavia are being sent to 8282 Pearl Road for a possible chimney fire.

UPDATE 6:13 p.m.: Stafford is on scene and reports nothing is showing. Town of Batavia engine is returning to quarters.

A fire in the engine compartment of a pickup truck prompted Bergen Fire Department to shut down traffic temporarily at 920 Johnson Road, between Apple Tree and O'Brien roads.

Le Roy Fire Department is responding to a report of power lines down in the area of Asbury and Harris roads.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: The source of the outage is identified as Niagara Mohawk Power pole no. 9428, which was replaced just last weekend. The cable company is being alerted because the line is arcing into its line.

Lori A. Brickwood-Coles, 31, of 219 Liberty St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Brickwood-Coles is accused of violating an order of protection. She was ordered to stay away from the work place of an acquaintance and allegedly did not.

Accidents from the State Police blotter:

2:52 p.m., Feb. 17, Maple St., Alabama, one vehicle; Driver 1: David L. Tyler, 58, of Le Roy. No injuries.

4:17 p.m., Feb. 17, Gabby Road, Pembroke, two vehicles; Driver 1: Tiffany L. George, 23, of Basom; Driver 2: James L. Keyes, 48, of Buffalo. No injuries.

7:32 p.m., Feb. 17, Steven Hawley Drive and Bank St. Road, one vehicle; Driver 1: Kathy A. Saeli, 47, of N. Chili. No injuries.

8:38 p.m., Feb. 17, East Main St., Town of Batavia, one vehicle; Driver 1: Dimitrios G. Manou, 19, of Webster. No injuries.

8:28 p.m., Feb. 16, Route 63, Alabama, one vehicle; Driver 1: Jeffery A. Luxon, 25, of Middleport. No injuries.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C—Batavia) responded thusly to Governor Paterson’s proposal to temporarily withhold state-tax refunds from New York residents.

“This week’s announcement by Governor Paterson that he plans to delay state income-tax refunds is unacceptable and just another prime example of Albany’s inability to manage taxpayer dollars,” Hawley said. “Many families and small businesses depend on receiving their refunds on time in order to make large purchases, which in turn boost their local economy. By withholding these refunds, Albany is adding to the unreasonable financial strain New Yorkers are already being forced to bear.”

The Paterson administration is considering a plan to withhold $500 million dollars in refunds, in order to help close the budget gap. In doing so, the state does not have to pay interest on withholding the tax refunds until 45 days after April 15, giving the state an interest-free loan from taxpayers. According to the governor’s office, tax refunds will be sent to filers no later than the first two weeks of April.

“Taxpayers are mandated to submit their tax returns on time every year or face an interest penalty. If the state is late in paying refunds, why shouldn’t it be forced to pay taxpayers back with interest, too? It is my hope that in the coming days, the governor will reconsider this ill-advised proposal and give taxpayers the refunds they deserve. Otherwise, my advice to New Yorkers is the same that I give to my own family: take more exemptions on your future tax filings because it’s your money to begin with, not their's,” Hawley concluded.

Yo yo, check it out...

When a group of dedicated students and faculty join together to support an important cause, creative things can happen -- especially in the middle of the night.

At the Feb. 5 "All-nighter for Haiti" at Genesee Community College, more than 50 students willingly shared a sleepless night in the Student Union pledging their support for the earthquake-ravaged country.

Under the guidance of Candice S. Faulring, instructor of psychology and faculty advisor to the Gay-Straight Alliance student club, the event not only raised nearly $2,000, it  created a new sense of camaraderie from an array of different student clubs.

"The students were very excited throughout the night and in the end, they just didn't want the positive experience to end with the all-nighter," Faulring said. "We are already planning to make this an annual event, picking a new charitable cause each year. Of all the things I've been involved with at GCC, this is one I'm most proud of."

The event was co-sponsored by the following student clubs and departments: Gay-Straight Alliance, the African-American Student Union, FORUM Players, the Art Club, College Village and Student Activities. Proceeds from "All-nighter for Haiti" will be donated to Yele Haiti and Doctors Without Borders – Haiti.

The students groups worked together to organize the all-night series of different activities that included team-building exercises, movie features, a karaoke contest, ping pong and billiard games, pizza and wings at midnight, comedy, and perhaps most dynamically, the heartwarming, one-hour discussion about Haiti. Students talked about how people around the world, not the least of which includes GCC, are pulling together to help bring the impoverished nation back from the brink of oblivion.

"What was so wonderful was the open, honest conversations that drew the students from very diverse backgrounds and different interests together," Faulring said. "Cohesion like this doesn't happen in just an hour in a classroom setting. New friendships were definitely made that night and those will last long beyond the all-nighter helping Haiti."

Students are looking forward to sharing their experience by posting their photos on Facebook and continuing their communication through the Internet. They are also beginning to plan the next all-nighter this fall.

The term "pulling an all-nighter" may conjure negative images of students cramming for an exam, finishing a paper or working through a double shift. But this "all-nighter" brings to mind students and faculty dedicated to helping people in need. It really means creative collaborations that lead to camaraderie.

For more information please contact Candice Faulring, instructor of psychology at Genesee Community College at 343-0055 x6295 or email csfaulring@genesee.edu.

Peter H. Scrooby is officially persona non grata at Darien Lake Theme Park after reaching a deal with the Genesee County District Attorney's office over his July 15 disorderly conduct charge.

The 33-year-old Irondequoit resident was accused of violating 240.20 of the state penal code while attending the Kid Rock concert last summer. Tonight in Darien Town Court, he agreed to plead guilty to the charge in exchange for no jail time and no factual admission of being a disorderly person.

Under what is known as the Alfred procedure, the prosecutor recited the evidence against the defendant, who waived his right to a trial and cross-examination by witnesses. It's the same as being convicted by trial.

Scrooby was present with his lawyer, Tom Burns, and wore cream-colored pants, black shoes, a dark-brown jacket, white shirt and a geometric-patterned, olive-green tie. His shoulder-length, light-brown hair appeared uncombed.

Assistant District Attorney Robert Zickl relayed the people's version of things to Justice Gary Graber.

Security guard Kevin Nunn reported that after another security employee made him aware of Scrooby's conduct, he found Scrooby standing on a chair and smoking a cigarette, neither of which are permitted at the concert venue.

Nunn claims he told Scrooby to stop those actions and that Scrooby "seemed to ignore" the directives at first, but did put the cigarette out and seemed about to get down off the chair when Nunn left. Shortly thereafter, Nunn returned to find Scrooby once again smoking a cigarette and standing on his chair. It was then that Scrooby was told to leave and he "indicated he would not leave."

Zickl said with thousands of concertgoers present, the security team aims to handle problems as quickly and efficiently as possible so as not to incite a riot or create more trouble.

"Scrooby had to be carried from the seating area to the gate, screaming profanities," Zickl said. "At the North Gate, where people enter and leave the concert area, a guard said he was kicking and rearing back with his head. He was screaming 'Look what you're doing to me! Can you see what they're doing to me?!'"

Zickl said Scrooby's behavior constituted public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm.

Burns said his client admits smoking and standing on his chair but claims someone came on the loudspeaker and told people to stand on their chairs, which is why he did that. As for Scrooby's behavior while being removed from the concert, Burns said the way his arm was twisted behind his back caused "excruciating pain" and he displayed an "instinctive type of reaction to pain." His client also maintains that there was inappropriate conduct by security personnel.

"We ask as part of this agreement that he not be welcome back at Darien Lake," Zickl said.

Justice Graber OK'd that restriction, fined Scrooby a mandatory surcharge of $125 and ordered bail money be refunded.

Graber said concerts are necessarily more restrictive than other public activities in what can and can't be allowed.

"There's a way to walk out and deal with it later," Graber told Scrooby. "We'll consider this a lesson learned."

NOTE: This story is a follow up to an article we did July 15 about what a night is like in Darien Town Court when a big concert is being held at Darien Lake Theme Park. Scrooby was one of the defendants who came through the court room that night.

A UPS driver making a left hand turn reportedly did not see an oncoming car causing an accident at 1020 Akron Road, Pembroke this morning.

The second driver, Kenneth Benware, II, 56, of 365 Wright Road, Akron, was injured and transported to an area hospital.

The driver of the first car was Adam M. Stone, 29, of 27 Spencer Court, Batavia. He was driving a truck owned by United Parcel Service.

Stone was given a ticket for allegedly failing to yield the right of way.

A structure fire is reported near the north corner of South Main and Walnut streets, by the roundabout, in the City of Batavia. Smoke was said to be coming from a yellow house. But a fireman reports: "I'm in the area, I don't see anything yet."

UPDATE (12:57 p.m.): Fireman says "Nothing showing, We're clear here."

A two-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on Akron Road in Pembroke, east of Wyman Road. Pembroke and Indian Falls are responding, along with Mercy EMS. Fire police are requested to block traffic on Akron and Wyman and Akron at Route 77.

A motor-vehicle accident with injury is reported in front of Tim Horton's restaurant at 20 Main St. in the City of Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS are handling it.

Billie will handle the bulk of the site update duties over the next two days.

I'll be in Washington, D.C.. I'll be participating in a meeting on the future of journalism, where I've been invited to discuss The Batavian. The group hosting the discussion is preparing a White Paper on the topic. The study group is made up of academics and government officials.

I'll be online as often as possible (multitasking as always, except when I'm on a plane or it's my turn to speak).

The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center is on track to become one of the elite dispatch centers in the state, if not the country, with Director Steven C. Sharpe setting the bar high.

It's Sharpe's goal -- and has been since 2006 -- to have the dispatch center receive an Accredited Center of Excellence rating from the the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

No New York county has received an ACE rating since Monroe did it 18 years ago.

"It’s aggressive, but if you want to be the best and you want to say you’re the best, then you prove it by doing it," Sharpe said.

Sharpe, along with dispatchers John Spencer and Beth Hynes-Fisher will attend a training program in Orlando, Fla., in April that will provide the trio with more information on what it takes to win the accreditation as well as training in leadership, educating others and quality assurance. There will also be a series of classes on specific dispatch situations they can take.

The accreditation focuses on emergency medical dispatch, but Sharpe said the benefits go beyond sending ambulances out.

"The thing is, it doesn’t just effect our emergency medical dispatching," Sharpe said. "It makes us better dispatchers for police and fire as well.”

While achieving the accreditation is something Sharpe set his eye on as far back as 2006, he couldn't have dispatchers focus on the training during the years of moving into a new facility and consolidating with Batavia and Le Roy. Sharpe said his team started concentrating heavily on the accreditation in June and has already achieved a better than 90-percent compliance with protocols and calls. Accreditation requires at least 90-percent compliance on most calls and more than 95 percent on certain types of calls.

Part of the procedure required is that dispatchers go through a series of questions with callers in emergency medical situations. It's important for dispatchers to correctly assess the situation so they send the right personnel and ensure the emergency responders are properly prepared for what they might find.

"People often ask, 'why am I being asked all these questions?'" Sharpe said. "What we’re trying to do is find out what all the signs and symptoms are, and more importantly, give you instructions so you can help the person who is in need of assistance."

He said callers don't often understand that while one dispatcher is conducting the interview, another dispatcher is already starting an ambulance to the scene. Callers sometimes express concern that an ambulance isn't being sent right away, and that usually is not the case.

Sharpe joined the Sheriff's Office in December 2005 after eight years in the Air Force working in intelligence. He said his USAF background plays a critical role in how he approaches his job now.

"One of the core values of the Air Force is excellence in all we do and this is one of the things I carry over into here," Sharpe said "It’s what we expect of our dispatchers. It’s a very challenging job. It’s a very difficult job. It’s very stressful. But they hold themselves to such a high standard."

Dispatch Center photo is a file photo.

Danger: Slippery, icy roads.

That's the warning tonight from the National Weather Service, which has issued a winter weather advisory effective through 11 a.m.

The wet snow of this afternoon is giving way to a freezing drizzle overnight.

The icing will be minimal, notes the Weather Service, but it doesn't take much to put a thin glaze on roadways.

Untreated roads will be quite slick.