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GCC honors former board president with prestigious Alpha Medal of Service Award

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Prominent local businessman and Army veteran John Dwyer, who has served Genesee Community College for many years in various leadership roles, was honored recently with GCC's Alpha Medal of Service Award.

Individuals honored with an Alpha Award are selected for their extraordinary philanthropic support of GCC programs and goals, and serve as an inspiration not only to students, but to the greater community, according to Rick Ensman, GCC's head of development and external affairs.

"John's commitment and enthusiasm is inspiring," Ensman said. "He believes deeply in the mission and programs of the college, and never misses an opportunity to tell GCC's story and advocate for our students."

Among his many accomplishments at the college, Dwyer served as president of the GCC Foundation for four, one-year terms and worked tirelessly on all foundation committees, chaired the campaign that supported construction of the Student Union and helped steer the fundraising campaign for the Conable Technology Building, which serves the business community through The BEST Center (Business and Employee Skills).

Dwyer's commitment to service also reaches deeply into the broader community. During the past 40 years, he has served on numerous economic development committees, including the GLOW Workforce Investment Board and the Genesee County Local Development Corporation; he has volunteered his time and expertise to guide the Genesee County Industrial Development Agency and the Batavia Associated Retailers Board; and he has shared his knowledge and civic pride with a number of public, school and religious associations, including the Children's Home Association, Notre Dame High School, and the Buffalo Catholic Diocese.

A Batavia resident, Dwyer retired as president of Thomas & Dwyer, Inc., Retail Shoe Stores and executive director of the Genesee County Industrial Development Agency in recent years. The Alpha Medal of Service was bestowed during GCC commencement ceremonies on May 20.

Making the most of social media is focus of GO ART! workshop aimed at nonprofits, artists, and cultural groups

By Billie Owens

GO ART! is kicks off its new workshop series "Embracing Innovation" with "Marketing and Best Practices for Social Media" -- at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, at GO ART!

This workshop will feature two professionals from Genesee Community College: Kevin Manne, new media specialist and Shirley Verrico, art gallery director. It is targeted for nonprofit organizations, cultural groups and individual artists.

GO ART! is located at Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., in Downtown Batavia.

GO ART! recently received a grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation to present a series of workshops, entitled “Embracing Innovation,” offering a variety of technical assistance.

“Social media can be a valuable resource for your business or organization,” Manne said. “It’s no longer just for college students or teens looking to make connections with friends.

"Your group or business should also have a presence and voice in social media to connect with new customers, employees and potential partners. And, the majority of sites and tools are free to use and have great potential reach, making them invaluable for marketing – with the right plan.”

GO ART! members are free to attend this workshop. There is a nominal fee for non-members or organizations wishing to attend: individuals - $10; organizations (maybe bring up to three people) $20.

Light refreshments will be available. The workshop will be approximately two hours.

Please register in advance by calling 343-9313 or email info@goart.org

Future “Embracing Innovation” Workshops:
 
Aug. 21: Fundraising and Development for the Small Town Organization presented by Mark Peterson, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise.
 
Oct. 16: Business Planning with the Artist in Mind presented by Sam Campanella, SBDC certified business advisor, GCEDC
 
January 2013 (date TBA): Volunteerism and Board Development
 
(date TBA) Engaging Youth: Preserving the Past with our Future

UMMC awarded 'Gold Seal' for meeting health care standards

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals. The accreditation award recognizes United Memorial’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s advanced standards.

United Memorial underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey in late January 2012. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated UMMC for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

"Achieving Joint Commission accreditation, demonstrates United Memorial’s commitment to the highest level of care for our patients," said Mark C. Schoell, CEO of United Memorial. "With Joint Commission accreditation, we are making a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down. Achieving Joint Commission accreditation, for our organization, is a major step toward maintaining excellence and continually improving the care we provide.”

The Joint Commission’s hospital standards address important functions relating to the care of patients and the management of hospitals. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement experts and patients.

United Memorial has received accreditation for three years, from January 28, 2012 to January 27, 2015.

Hawley presents new U.S. flag to St. Joe's school

By Howard B. Owens

The U.S. flag flying outside of St. Joe's School had gotten so tattered that teacher Marianne Clattenburg thought it needed replacing. She mentioned it to Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Hawley offered to deliver a new flag to the school.

Today, Hawley was joined by a group of third-, fourth- and fifth-graders to raise the flag for the first time.

After talking with students a bit about the importance of the flag and sharing a little bit about state government, Hawley and the students hoisted the new flag high upon the pole.

When the students found out their picture was going to be on The Batavian, they were thrilled and some wanted to be sure their names were included, so here they are: Shawn, 3rd; Rachel, 3rd; Tegan, 4th; Jocelyn, 4th; Andres, 4th; Bella, 5th; Garrett, 4th; Gabby, 4th; Vincent, 5th; Marlea, 5th; Faith, 5th; Jace, 3rd; Benjamin, 3rd; Spencer, 5th; Tori, 5th; Megan, 4th. Their teacher today was Karen Green.

Car crashes into guard rail on westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A car has reportedly smashed into the guard rail on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 386.2. There are injuries. Town of Batavia Fire Department and medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:15 p.m.: Responders on scene say there is one female, said to be argumentative, who was thought to be injured, but claims she has no pain. State police are arriving on scene. The car is partially blocking the roadway.

UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: Engine 24 is handling the assignment and medics are put back in service.

UPDATE 4:22 p.m.: The passing lane will be briefly shut down so responders can clear away debris in the roadway.

UPDATE 4:38 p.m.: Town of Batavia is back in service. The driver declined medical treatment.

Youth Lacrosse Camp at Van Detta Stadium

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Lacrosse Club is pleased to announce its third annual Youth Lacrosse Camp from June 27 to July 19. There will be no session on July 4.

The camp is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Van Detta Stadium.

Students entering grades two through seven are eligible to participate. They will work with current coaches and players to learn the fundamentals of "the fastest game on two feet."

There are three payment options*:

1) $50 -- Covers registration and entrant gets to keep a lacrosse stick, ball and Batavia Lacrosse jersey;

2) $30 -- Covers registration and entrant gets to keep a reversible lacrosse jersey;

3) $10 -- Covers registration.

*No athlete will be turned away due to financial limitation.

For more information go to <http://www.batavialacrosse.com> or call Coach Joe Hussar at 343-2480, ext. 7429.

Weeklong sport and wellness camp offered at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Once again, Genesee Community College will welcome middle school aged-students to participate in the annual summer Sport and Wellness Experience. The popular weeklong camp focuses on helping children develop the skills and mindset necessary to compete in various sports, but also to help them appreciate the value of good health and wellness habits.

"We are going into our third year of this camp and it has really been a lot of fun," says GCC Health and Physical Education Director Rebecca Dziekan. "The kids have been great and the feedback has been so positive. Combining a variety of different sports with a little education on some important wellness topics provides a nice experience for all the participants."

GCC's Sport and Wellness Experience runs one full week and each day is filled with a well-rounded lineup of activities and great collection of contemporary topics that face young adults today, including but not limited to bullying, relationships, alcohol and drug abuse.

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 23-27, with all activities taking place on the Batavia campus at One College Road. Participants have full access to GCC's new athletic facilities including the new turf soccer field, Fitness Center, Anthony B. Zambito Gymnasium and the tennis courts. The $120 cost covers instruction in tennis, soccer and volleyball as well as all of the educational discussions, a daily lunch in the college cafeteria, and a program T-shirt. A variety of GCC instructors lead the classes and discussions with guest speakers also sharing their expertise.

"The program in the past two years have 'wowed' both the student participants as well as their parents, and many attendees return for a second year," Dzeikan said. "From experiencing the college's high-end athletic facilities to the working with coaches and staff, we believe the program offers everyone involved a very engaging and fulfilling experience."

To learn more about the camp, and to download a registration form, visit this Web site: http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/wellness/.

'Best and brightest sixth-grade math and science minds' honored today at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The best and brightest sixth-grade math and science minds in the GLOW region were honored during an awards breakfast at Genesee Community College today.

In February, school districts across the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming county region nominated 70 students for the inaugural cohort of the Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC. Embedded within the competitive application process was an opportunity for two students to earn a full scholarship to Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC for their first year in the program.

Two students were selected from among 21 Scholar of the Year finalists to win the first-ever award, and all the finalists were recognized today (May 29, 2012). The scholarship winners and 2012 Inaugural Math Science Scholars of the Year are Triton Adamski of Pembroke Central School, and Kiera Gross of Pavilion Central School.

Triton earned the highest score in the competition by performing exceptionally well on the competitive placement examination (placing into college-level mathematics). Combined with his excellent classroom grades in math and science, a thoughtful essay on the role of LEGOS ® in the better understanding of math and science, and an educational Powerpoint presentation, Triton clearly earned top honors. Triton also received awards for reading and character, and has been asked to tutor younger students in reading and math. He is an active member in team sports, his school's band, and the SADD club at Pembroke. Triton's mother, Denise Adamski, told the ACE program that he is looking forward to a wonderful and challenging experience at Genesee Community College.

Kiera demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the scientific method with her essay about the use of crash-test dummies in safety experiments. An active sixth grader at Pavilion Central School, Kiera is a member of PageTurners, as well as Sixth-Grade Band and Chorus. Kiera is also a black stripe belt at Cain's Taekwondo Academy, where she is a member of SMAC Competition Team and GOLD (Guidance on Leadership Development) Team. She also helps run craft activities for kids in grades one through four in Kids Count Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Akron Free Methodist Church. She is a Cadette Girl Scout and a member of 4-H. She enjoys caring for animals, camping, and making her own science experiments.

ACE program specialist Karlyn M. Finucane says she and other members of the GCC ACE team are looking forward to working with all of the students who were nominated for the Math Science Preparatory Award throughout the next several years.

"While the inaugural cohort was limited to 48 students, the overall quality of the applicants and overwhelming interest expressed by the community for this type of program has prompted the research and development of several additional math and science enrichment opportunities to meet the educational needs of our region's top performing students," says Finucane.

In alphabetical order, students nominated by their school districts in Genesee County for the Math Science Preparatory Program include:

•    Triton Adamski, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Landon Bish, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School *

•    Logan Cadieux, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School *◦§

•    Kim Davis, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Cassandra DeLelys, Elba Central School ◦

•    Trevor Fitzgibbon, Alexander Central School *◦§

•    Samantha Gibbs, Alexander Central School

•    Cassidy Graham, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Kiera Gross, Pavilion Central School *◦§

•    Cameron Hausfelder, Alexander Central School *

•    Gabrielle Havens, Batavia Middle School *

•    Kelsey Hilburger, Elba Central School ◦ *

•    Madison Hoerbelt, Batavia Middle School

•    Lauren Hume, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Ethan Hutchins, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Tara Jagodzinski, Pavilion Central School *◦§

•    Logan Kellogg, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School

•    Jora Kusmierski, Alexander Central School

•    Jay Lewis, Batavia Middle School *

•    Nathan Loria, Batavia Middle School ◦ *

•    Michal Lullo, Batavia Middle School *

•    Joseph Marchese, Batavia Middle School

•    Aaron Michalak, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Christa Moscicki, Batavia Middle School

•    Madison Murray, Batavia Middle School ◦

•    Jason Normandin, Pavilion Central School ◦ *

•    Callee Norton, Elba Central School ◦

•    Anand Patel, Batavia Middle School *

•    Benjamin Pflaumer, Elba Central School ◦

•    Justina Pruski, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦ *

•    Lauren Reding, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦ *

•    Erik Scharlau, Alexander Central School

•    Kylie Schlagenhauf, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦

•    Jordyn Schmidt, Batavia Middle School

•    Trevor Schoonover, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Chloe Schrier, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Edward Skalny, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Benjamin Slenker, Alexander Central School *◦§

•    Job Smith, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Ethan Stone, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Nicholas Ventola, St. Joseph's School *◦§

•    Grace Vogler, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Moira Werner, St. Joseph's School ◦

•    Emma Whalen, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Claire Zickl, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Bethany Zwolinski, Pembroke Central School ◦

Key:

* Accepted for Math Science Preparatory Program

◦ Nominated for Math Science Scholar of the Year Award

◦§ Award Finalist

Smell of smoke reported in apartment on Ellicott Street

By Billie Owens

City firefighters are responding to investigate the smell of smoke in the lower front apartment at 415 Ellicott St. This may be related to an electrical problem.

UPDATE 1:02 p.m.: City fire is back in service.

DEC starts project to control flooding on a portion of the Tonawanda Creek

By Howard B. Owens

A decades-old tree was removed from the banks of the Tonawanda Creek today and the property owner hopes people understand -- it wasn't by his choice.

The tree removal is part of the Department of Environmental Conservation's effort to control flooding along the Tonawanda.

The location is off South Main Street Road, just east of the intersection with Fairway Drive (see map below).

Nate Fix, who owns Rebel Liners on West Main Street Road, bought the nine-acre parcel in 2005. Most of the land can only be used for agriculture. He can never build on it because of a DEC easement.

The DEC contacted Fix and told him about the tree removal and plans to cut away and deepen the creek bank.

"It was a beautiful old tree, but I understand why they're doing it," Fix said.

A few years ago, Fix said, floodwaters rose to about 4 feet on his property.

Mark Malinoski, DEC director of operations, said today that the project will provide more capacity for the Tonawanda in that section of the creek, which makes an abrupt right turn there before turning again sharply toward the west.

The improvements were recommended by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Besides removing several tons of soil, the DEC contractors will strategically place bolders along the creek in order to dissipate the energy of water flow to slow erosion in that section.

The creek bed has moved several feet north since the 1930s. In fact, Fix's property line actually extends into the creek, which is anomaly along the creek through Genesee County.

Throughout most of the county, the creek and a bit of bank on each side are public property.

"I pay taxes on that portion of the property, too," Fix said.

The tree came down, Malinoski said, because of its proximity to the creek bank.  Such trees actually speed up the erosion process because the water bores in at the roots and hollows out the bank around the roots.

Fix said the DEC offered him the wood from the tree as well as all the topsoil being removed. Fix gave the solid to his neighbor Bob Dickinson, owner of Dickinson Auto Service. Dickinson said he was thrilled to get the soil, which is filling in a large depression in the back of his lot.

Batavia high sophomore named Outstanding Future Leader and awarded $1,000 scholarship

By Billie Owens

On Sunday, the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership New York West Seminar concluded its three-day program, naming Adam Weaver, a sophomore from Batavia High School, an Outstanding Future Leader. As part of this recognition, Weaver received a $1,000 scholarship to be used at the college of his choice. Weaver was one of only two students awarded with this honor.

From June 1-3, 120 high school sophomores from across the western region of New York state attended New York’s premier youth leadership program – Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership New York West Seminar or HOBY (pronounced ho-bee) – at the University of Rochester.

Now in its 29th year, the primary focus of this year’s seminar was to shed light on bullying in light of the tragic regional and national events that unfolded over the past year, garnering significant attention at the local, state and federal levels. Over the course of the three-day seminar, students learned critical life skills and underwent intensive panels, workshops, speakers and community service activities.

On Friday, students had the opportunity to listen to the Rodemeyer family (from Williamsville) share their story in memory of their son Jamey who took his life in 2011 due to bullying. Weaver was chosen to receive this honor based on personal essays, surveys and interviews in addition to her participation over the weekend.

“As alumni of the program, we understand and believe in the lasting difference that this program makes in both the life of a young person – like Adam – and in their community,” said Jeremy Gerevics, HOBY New York West co-chair. “This interactive and encouraging environment allows participants to develop leadership skills and to begin thinking critically about the issues that will impact their futures. By giving them the tools they need to be empowered to go back to their schools and communities with skills and the confidence to make a difference, they do take on new initiatives to be leaders in their communities. Congratulations to Adam and all of our ambassadors – the HOBY New York West Class of 2012. We welcome them to our HOBY family.”

Law and Order: Corfu man accused of fighting

By Howard B. Owens

Stephen A. Lewis, 31, of Corfu, is charged with disorderly conduct. Lewis is accused of fighting and violent behavior. The alleged incident was reported at 5:59 p.m., Tuesday, at 8132 Buffalo Road, Bergen. Lewis was held without bail.

Robert Lee Ealey, 26, of Phelps Avenue, Rochester, was arrested on a county court bench warrant. Ealey was released from the Monroe County Jail and turned over to the Sheriff's Office. Ealey was jailed pending arraignment.

Cody L. Amrhein, 20, of Alexander, is charged with assault, 3rd, and menacing, 2nd. Amrhein was arrested by State Police stemming from an alleged incident at 9:02 p.m., Tuesday. Amrhein was released on his own recognizance. No further details were released.

Regarding yesterday's accident on Route 98, the drivers involved where Daniel J. Dragon, 26, of Albion, and Wanda A. Pangrazio, 47, of Albion. The State Police Web site lists no citations issued nor arrests made. The Trooper who handled the investigation is out of the office today, so no further details are available.

Laughing Buddha fundraiser collects $565 for Pembroke cancer patient

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Laughing Buddha recently held a piercing benefit to benefit Austin Heineman, a Pembroke High School senior with a rare form of cancer. The drive raised $565 to go to Austin to help pay for medical bills. MTV reality star Johnny Bananas was in town to make an appearance and host the event, which lasted all night Friday and included him meeting everyone who stopped in, taking photos and signing autographs. Bananas also made an appearance at City Slicker's Bar & Grill afterward.

Notre Dame girls win regional championship

By Howard B. Owens

The Notre Dame Girls Softball Team won the Far West Regional Championship today after defeating Forestville Central High School, 7-2.

Carly Pike fanned 10 and surrendered only five hits.

The team is now 19-7 on the season.

Notre Dame now moves on to the state semi-finals.

Photo submitted by Scott Grefrath.

Car accident at Route 98 and West Saile Drive, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with possibly one minor injury is reported at Route 98 and West Saile Drive. It is partially blocking the roadway. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: A responder says extrication will be needed.

UPDATE 3:32 p.m.: A second ambulance is requested. One vehicle has heavy front-end damage and will require a flatbed tow.

UPDATE 3:34 p.m.: The driver of a gray car in a ditch will require extrication.

UPDATE 3:36 p.m.: West Saile Drive is being shut down completely.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: An accident investigator is called to the scene. Some responders are put back in service.

UPDATE 3:53 p.m.: One medic is back in service after patient refusal of treatment.

UPDATE 3:55 p.m.: The other medic is transporting two patients to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 4:11 p.m.: Town of Batavia is back in service.

UPDATE (by Howard): A witness said he saw the accident in his rearview mirror.  He said the black car turned right off West Saile Drive and swerved, for no obvious reason, into oncoming traffic. Even before the car started to swerve, he said the silver car was slowing down. The driver of the silver car needed to be extricated. Both the driver and her passenger were taken by ground ambulance to a hospital. The driver of the black car was not injured. We'll try to get an update from the State Police later.

Mark your calendar: 34th annual Picnic in the Park in Batavia

By Billie Owens

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council’s 34th annual family event “Picnic in the Park” takes place this Fourth of July. 

The festivities run from Noon until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4th, in historic Centennial Park at Richmond and Ellicott avenues in Batavia. As is tradition, the “Picnic in the Park” is kicked off by the Batavia Concert Band performing on the Main Stage at Noon.

This year’s “Picnic in the Park” includes all-day musical entertainment, arts and crafts show, folk arts programs, food vendors, children’s activities, and much more. Admission is free.

Please call GO ART! at 343-9313, email info@goart.org, or visit <http://www.goart.org> for more information. Applications are still available for artists, crafters, food vendors or nonprofits wishing to have a booth.

Transition ceremony for Robert Morris 'family' on Flag Day at Van Detta Stadium

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Robert Morris Elementary School in Batavia will be sharing the limelight with the old "red, white, and blue" on Flag Day -- June 14th. The students, as well as the faculty, staff and administration will participate in a joyful ceremony at Van Detta Stadium celebrating the transition each of them will be making in the upcoming 2012-2013 school year.

Robert Morris Elementary School will be closing its doors as of July 1st, and the Robert Morris Family will be turning their focus toward the future. The celebration will take place at 1:45 p.m., and is opened to anyone who would like to attend.

The Robert Morris Family would like to extend a special invitation to any, and all, of the staff/faculty from Robert Morris's past to join in the celebration. Robert Morris would like their students to remember that just as it is important to know where it is they are going, it is equally as important in knowing where it is they have been, and the school's history is rich with individuals who have helped make Robert Morris what it is today.

If you are a retired Robert Morris staff member, or a former Robert Morris student, and you are planning to join us on June 14, please gather at the entrance of Van Detta Stadium, by the large parking lot between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m. and someone will be there to greet you.

(The stadium is located at 120 Richmond Ave. in the City of Batavia.)

Photos: Special Olympics torch run

By Howard B. Owens

The Special Olympic torch was carried from Elba to Batavia today by a group of runners -- mostly members of the local law enforcement community -- with a stop at Woodward Field for a run around the track with Batavia fifth-graders.

The torch was carried from Genesee ARC's location in Elba to ARC's main facility on Walnut Street.

The fifth-graders were at Van Detta Stadium today to participate in a variety of track and field competitions, but mostly the event is about helping the Class 2019 get to know each other as they transfer from three different elementary schools into a single middle school.

The children also heard remarks by some Special Olympic athletes.

Woman accused of driving drunk prior to accident given year in jail for probation violation

By Howard B. Owens

A young Batavia mother who was among the first people in the state charged under Leandra's Law for driving under the influence with children in the car will spend a year in jail for violating probation by allegedly driving drunk again.

Michelle T. Crawford, 26, of 7963 Batavia Stafford Townline Road, sobbed throughout the court proceedings this morning and asked Judge Robert C. Noonan for another chance at rehabilitation.

Besides the violation of probation conviction, Crawford is still facing charges that she drove drunk March 8 and was involved in a rollover accident in Byron. Crawford was seriously injured in the accident and had her jaw wired shut for a period of time as a result.

Crawford was on probation, having recently completed one alcohol treatment program, at the time of the accident. While she wasn't convicted under Leandra's Law on the prior case, which was heard in Erie County, Crawford was found guilty of driving under the influence and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

In court today, Crawford's attorney said his client has a serious drinking problem and needs treatment, not jail time.

"Jail isn't going to fix Ms. Crawford," Attorney Louis P. Violanti said. "I realize society may demand jail time, but without treatment, she's going to end up doing life on the installment plan, one year at a time, three years at a time, until one day she wakes up and she's in her 60s and her life is gone and her children are grown."

Violanti said Crawford was recently accepted to an in-patient program and that her rehabilitation would be a long-term process.

When Crawford spoke, she cried through all of her statement.

"If I don't get this under my thumb, I'm never going to have my family," Crawford said. "Please let me be able to do this. Please from the bottom of my heart. I'm a good person. I just made poor choices and I just want to go home to my family and the people that I love. And I want to prove that I can be successful in life and not be harmful to anybody else, including myself."

Noonan said if Crawford was appearing before him for just the first time he would be a lot more sympathetic to her plea to be with her children, but Crawford promised Noonan once before, he said, to follow the orders of the court and then apparently violated them.

"You're very lucky you didn't kill a family or somebody else in your alcoholic stupor," Noonan said. "Now you must face the consequences.

"We're all very interested in doing something that will get Michelle Crawford going in the right direction in life," Noonan added, "but right now you must be punished."

The year in jail -- Crawford has already served about three months -- is the maximum penalty under the sentencing guidelines for her misdemeanor convictions.

Crawford still faces a misdemeanor DWI charge and a felony count of aggravated unlicensed operation.

Noonan said he and the attorneys are trying to come up with a plan for Crawford on those charges that will satisfy justice and get her help.

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