A car has rolled over on the Thruway in the Pembroke area, but a second called to dispatch reports the driver is getting out of the car.

Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS are being dispatched.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m.: First responder reports that the westbound lane is heavily covered in snow. The dispatcher responded that several calls have come in to report that situation and the Thruway Authority has been notified.

UPDATE 4:27 p.m.: If I'm hearing this right, an ambulance is stuck in the snow and a tow has been requested to pull it out. It's unclear if it's at this location or another.

A lot of homes in Genesee County are really old, and so are their chimneys. But yesteryear's chimneys weren't designed for venting the energy-efficient appliances of today, nor are they safe and working properly just because they may look OK.

If you could see inside your chimney, you might find a lot to be concerned about.

A flue that services a fireplace or woodstove might have: cracks and/or missing pieces of a clay liner; mortar and bricks that are eroded or loose; and creosote buildup. These conditions could be the result of flue fires, improperly ventilated appliances, a misused woodstove, bad construction or excessive moisture.

A flue servicing the furnace side of a chimney, might show cracked or missing tiles, a missing or corroded liner, excessive soot or, in oil flues, moisture. These problems can cause wallpaper to peel and plaster to crack, allowing carbon monoxide to seep into the home.

Chimney defects can result in injury and death. It doesn't take much to start a house fire -- one spark or ember can cause catastropic damage. Deterioration can allow deadly fumes to fill the house.

WNY Fireplace Outlet, located on W. Main. St. Road in Batavia, offers a solution that includes a lifetime warranty (transferable to subsequent owners) and does not require rebuilding the chimney. It's called the HomeSaver Pro Strength Chimney Relining System and is considered the strongest on the market, hands down.

This smart and effective way to remedy chimney problems -- or guard against them -- is tested and listed by Underwriters Laboratories as meeting its highest safety standards.

It features a specially formulated stainless steel -- to handle gas, oil, wood or coal flues -- and a patented, gas-tight interlock system that is incredibly strong and unsurpassed in its ability to handle the harsh and corrosive environment inside chimneys. It can even contain violent chimney fires.

It fits every chimney configuration. It's flexible enough to bend and it can be shaped to fit through tight damper spaces, like those for fireplace inserts. It is ideal for venting furnaces, boilers, water heaters, woodstoves and pellet stoves.

The staff at WNY Fireplace Outlet can answer any questions you may have about this product and provide you with cost estimates. They can help you gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safer. Call them at 343-1924 or 343-9259.

Trudy the trooper is my pick for Pet of the Week. She was lost, found, almost lost again -- as in soon-to-be euthanasized at an overcrowded shelter -- then found and is living happily ever after.

"Hi, my name is Trudy and I am a border collie/Australian shepherd/mutt mix. I am very smart, calm and affectionate. I love to go for walks and chase squirrels. I also love my squeaky toys. And of course I would never turn down a belly-rub. My dad (Bruce Thaxton of Le Roy) loves me a lot. He tells me that I'm gorgeous. I've got a really good life now, but it wasn't always that way.

I said my name is Trudy. At least that's what my name is now. No one knows my original name. See, my dad adopted me from a local animal shelter. The nice people at that shelter had brought me here all the way from another shelter in Ohio. The people at that shelter had found me wandering with no collar. No one came to look for me either. The shelter in Ohio got filled up and they were about to start putting their dogs to sleep, but I was rescued! Can you imagine someone having to get rid of me? That would be a loss to humanity. Who would follow my dad everywhere he goes?"

The bit about "a loss to humanity" makes me digress from thinking about Pet of the Week. I am reminded of one of my favorite writers, John Donne (1572-1631). He wrote that piece about "for whom the bell tolls," which is not really a poem, rather prose found in "Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, Meditation 17."

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

Now back to gnawing my smoked pig snout.

Bergen Fire has responded to a report of a chimney fire at 5999 W. Sweden Road.

A responder reports that there were flames visible between the stove pipe and wall.

UPDATE: No visible flames from the roof. Interior firefighters are taking the pipe apart. Brockport's ladder truck has been released.

View Larger Map

Alexander Fire is being dispatched to a report of a vehicle crashing into a barn, with a possible roll over, on Sandpit Road.

The exact address is unknown at this time.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: No address yet, but the vehicle is upside down in the basement in the barn.

The following video was taken at Batavia High School on Friday, Jan. 8, before and after the Encore Theatre Arts performance of Disney's "High School Musical." There is another performance tonight at 7:30 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the BHS auditorium.

Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvrrisCIuSs

We've received a few e-mails about "shots fired in Brockport." 

The D&C reports the campus is in lockdown. WGRZ reports:

WHAM Radio in Rochester reports the gunman shot two people inside a home and then shot a Monroe County Sheriff's deputy in the ankle. They are now reporting that the gunman is in custody.

I realize there are a number of young people from Genesee County who attend college in Brockport, but because Brockport is outside of our coverage area, we have no sources for additional information.

New Today: Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY. Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card 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.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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.

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.

Belladessa's Pizzeria/Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Here's a deal -- half off on a Family Meal Deal from Belladessa's, which is a large 1 topping pizza, 24 wings and 2-liter bottle of soda. It's a $25 value for $12.50.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate 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.

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. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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

SOLD OUT

Last night, the Lady Irish took the Batavia Rotary Club Basketball Tournament Championship over Pavilion, 48-29.

Notre Dame is now 7-1.

MVP Nichole Hart scored 19 points. Liz Geandreau scored 8 and Hannah Scott-McGrail netted 11.

For Pavilion, Amie Brooks, 8 and Erin Cleveland scored 6.

The All Tournament team: Geandreau, Scott-McGrail, Brooks, Chelsea Turcer from Alexander and Hart.

More pictures after the jump:

During the half time of last nights finals in the Batavia Rotary Girls Basketball Tournament, 6th graders from St. Joseph School and Pavilion matched up in a game of their own.

More pictures after the jump:

An Erie County man has been accused of selling narcotics to a Genesee County undercover agent.

John L. Tillman, 34, of 87 Phyllis Ave., Buffalo, was picked up by the Erie County Warrants Office and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office today.

Tillman is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd.

The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force received a sealed indictment against Tillman after he allegedly sold crack cocaine in the City of Batavia to an undercover agent.

Tillman was arraigned in Genesee County Court and jailed without bail.

A two-vehicle accident with injuries is snarling rush-hour traffic on Main Street. The accident occurred in front of Denny's on West Main and one of the vehicles is said to have heavy front-end damage.

No word yet on injuries. Medics and tow trucks have been called to the scene.

A 20-year-old Stafford man has been arrested following an investigation into the theft of more than $7,000 worth of construction tools in 2008.

John R. Testa, of 6005 Bartof Road, was arrested Wednesday by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and charged with one count of criminal possession of stolen property in the 3rd degree, a class D felony.

He is accused of allegedly taking about $7,331 in tools reported stolen from trailers at the Lowe's construction site on Veteran's Memorial Drive in Batavia. The goods were believed to have been taken during the night hours June 25 - 26, 2008.

The tools were allegedly found in Testa's possession on July 1, 2008 at a location in the Town of Stafford. They were recovered by the Sheriff's Office, with the exception of two saw-alls and a cordless drill, which are still missing.

Testa was arraigned before Stafford Town Justice Call and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. His next court date is set for 1 p.m. on Feb. 2.

Investigator Timothy Weis handled the case, with assistance from Deputy Daniel Vanvalkenburg and Deputy Ronald Meides.

Batavia-based Graham Corporation is bouncing back from the economic downturn, CEO James R. Lines told the Buffalo News.

The company has recently booked $37 million in orders and that revenue should start hitting the books by the fall.

“We believe that sales over the next few quarters will continue to reflect the sporadic nature of order receipt that began over a year ago,” Lines said. “We also believe this should be the bottom of the cycle for us.”

Graham still expects its sales during the fiscal year that ends in March to be between $60 million and $65 million, down from its record sales of $101 million the year before.

We might see a little sun on what Weather Underground calls a "partly cloudy" day, but we're more likely to see a little more snow.

Temperatures will hover in the mid 20s.

And looking forward over the next few days, the cold and dabs of snow is likely to continue.

Jocks. Brainiacs. Skaters. Cheerleaders. It may sound like a typical high school experience, but this weekend the spectacle won't be in the Batavia High cafeteria, it'll be on the stage. 

Starting Thursday night, Encore Theatre Arts will be performing "Disney's High School Musical." The play, which is based on the smash-hit movie, follows nerdy Gabriella and jock Troy as they sing and dance their way through falling in love and discovering their place in high school.

Director Lynda Hodgins says that the play is very similar to the movie, with only a few changes, such as a new character and a slightly different setting. Some of the original characters were cut out completely, and others' parts were slightly adjusted.

"The Taylor in the musical has a bigger part than in the movie," says Maureen Edwards, 12, of her role as Gabriella's best friend. "You see her friendship with Gabriella more."

The show will also differ from the movie when it comes to dancing, says choreographer Tara Kaczorowski, who also has the part of mean-girl diva Sharpay Evans. 

"The only dance that's the same as in the movie is for 'We're All in This Together,' because we thought kids would be expecting that. Surprisingly, this has been one of the easiest shows I've choreographed so far, because the music has a good beat and it's fun to dance to," says Kaczorowski.

So is it difficult taking on the roles of some of the most beloved actors in recent 'tween media? 

"Well, I based some of my character off of Zac Efron's," says Brian Bodgan, who plays jock-turned-actor Troy Bolton. "I try to give him the same passion and pizzazz that Zac did, but I'm definitely a different Troy."

Bogdan, 24, says he was attracted to the role right away because of similarities between him and his character. 

"I was a lot like Troy in high school. I grew up playing sports year-round, and also doing theater. They always went hand-in-hand for me, and Troy is trying to find the balance between them. So I see a lot of myself in the character."

Justin Ryan, 22, who plays Sharpay's equally attention-loving sidekick, brother Ryan Evans, also has no trouble getting into his role.

"I basically am Ryan in real life," he laughs. "You know, theater geek, classy dresser. I actually used a lot of stuff from my own closet for my costumes." 

The cast, which is mostly composed of high school and college students as well as twenty-somethings, is proof that the story is popular among all ages, not just children.

"I love the movie," Edwards confesses. "I used to listen to the soundtrack every day."

"When it first came out, I thought it was fantastic, and I was in college!" says Ryan.  "There was so much hype for it, and I thought it was really great."

When asked if it was his favorite movie, Paul Teresi, 16, replies, "Duh!"

And Bogdan said "It's a story I think everyone can relate to. The characters are going through this journey of discovering themselves, and everyone goes through that in high school. It's a time for finding who you are. I think that's what makes the show so successful and recognizable."

"Encore is a new company," says Hodgins, "and they wanted to do something with a wide appeal that's a big ticket seller."

Sell tickets it surely will. After all, everybody loves a high school musical.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7-9 and 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at Batavia High School. Tickets are $10 when purchased at Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles and $12 at the door.

We are mature, Rubenesque, spayed females seeking long-term, committed relationships with humans. We need not be together, but we do insist on puurrrfect homes.

We agree that this includes affection, nourishment, brushing and long walks (sic). We are past the age of curtain climbing and toy chasing. We want long naps in sunny spots, to lounge in front of the fireplace or over the heater vent, and to ponder life's persistent questions.

We enjoy watching people cook delicious meals and will do dishes in exchange for the pleasure.

We are more than just pretty faces -- Velvet, above, and Star, right. (AKA Black Velvet and Belle Star.) There is more here than meets the eye. There's the unfathomable allure of feminine mystique, which should never be underestimated in its ability to charm.

Serious inquiries only. No games. Please contact our representative at the front desk.

Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621

Batavia, NY   14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY   14020
(585)343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter
 

Wanted by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office: Gene S. Schmidt. The Sheriff's Office has two warrants for Schmidt: Alleged violation of probation and alleged harassment 2nd. Any information on his whereabouts can be provided to the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.