When 17-year-old Sarah Scott was in the sixth grade, she envisioned one day making a dress out of duct tape. That's the kind of kid she was. Artsy and a little out there. Fast forward to May 15, and she lived her dream, with her dress, at the Pavilion Central School's prom.

The best thing is "what it's worth in memories," Sarah said. "It was a lot of fun."

James Kutter, her date, wore a tuxedo make out of duct tape, too, of course. This silliness took a great deal of work but had a solid purpose -- competing for scholarship money.

So it was thrilling when they learned last week that they are among 10 finalists in the annual "Stuck at the Prom" scholarship contest sponsored by Duck Tape brand, a manufacturer of duct tape. There were 240 entries nationwide, including some from Canada.

The weird but wildly creative competition is 10 years old this year.

Sarah says she didn't know about the contest but had joked about making a prom dress out of duct tape with her friends. She had long forgotten about her sixth-grade ambition and the Victorian design she drew and put away some place.

Then a student at school mentioned the contest. She Googled it and decided to take part. But she admits procrastinating on the project. Nothing like a little self-induced stress to get the creativity flowing.

She went to the thrift shop and bought the clothes she would alter and blanket with duct tape. She miraculously came across the old design she drew in elementary school and plunged in.

The finished products were Victorian in style, with a floor-length skirt -- cut away in front to reveal a ruffled under-skirt -- a ruffled bustle in back, and a bodice featuring a large cameo design on the back.

The basis of the ruffled under-skirt was a denim skirt that was two sizes too big. Turns out that was not an issue.

"That's the thing about duct tape, it's easy to work with. It sticks to itself. It's perfect."

She also had little lace-up ankle boots, a purse, chocker and a fancy eye-mask on a hand-held wand, in keeping with the prom night's theme "Masquerade." All duct taped. James, also 17, did his part by covering his suit in black duct tape, leaving it to Sarah to embellish and finish. His outfit also included a ruffled shirt front, walking stick and black shoes.

"He was uncertain about the whole thing at first, but trusting. He said 'It's your prom, you can do what you want to.'"

The design features large, colorful vines, leaves, rosettes and the giant, rimmed cameo featuring a butterfly and purple flower. (Think Porter Waggoner and Patsy Montana in the late 19th Century.)

All of this took Sarah about $150, 86 solid hours of "spare" time and 26 rolls of duct tape, purchased one or two at a time so as not to waste anything.

Duct tape has come a long way. Sure, there's black, gray, white and clear. Had no idea about the crazy color palette available nowadays. Sarah also used chrome-colored duct tape, silver, purple, blue, red and lime green.

She did her own hair and makeup. And on the big night, she and James were met with responses "across the spectrum."

"Pavilion is a small school and it's quite strange for someone to do this," she explained matter-of-factly.

Turns out that duct tape, which purportedly can cure warts and do other wondrous things (it's holding up my Scion's back bumper), is practical for a whole lot of things, except wearing. It's heavy. The dress alone weighs at least 20 pounds. Duct tape doesn't breathe, thus it's hot. Besides being a tacky prom dress, it gets tacky. Sarah tried to dance in it, but gave it up almost instantly.

"I'm going to change my clothes," Sarah told her peers.

"But what about the group picture? Aren't you going to wear the dress for the group picture?" someone asked.

"When's that?" Sarah responded.

"At the end of the night," said the peer.

No way. So Cinderella doffed her gown and donned something she could dance in and the evening at Batavia Country Club went swimmingly.

As for the scholarship money, up until July 26, people can go online and vote for the entry they want to win. They can vote once per day. Sarah and James are hoping people in Genesee County and elsewhere will take the time to log on and vote for them every day.

Go to <www.stuckatprom.com>.

First Place gets $3,000 per person ($6,000 per couple), plus $3,000 for the school. Second Place gets $2,000 per person ($4,000 per couple), plus $2,000 for the school. Third Place gets $1,000 per person ($2,000 per couple), plus $1,000 for the school.

The remaining seven winning couples get $500 per couple.

Sarah, who is graduating a year early, will be attending Michigan State University this fall and plans to major in zoology and minor in arts. She would like to work with Indian elephants in field studies.

In the senior yearbook, she was voted "Most Artistic," and plans to spend the summer wielding and working with rocks. She also enjoys pottery, drawing and painting.

"I guess you could say I'm a fashion designer, too," she said.

Top prom photo supplied by Sarah Scott.

Local law enforcement is looking for individuals who allegedly used stolen credit cards to make purchases at a retail store in Batavia.

The credit cards were allegedly stolen from a vehicle parked on Gateway Drive on June 14.

Credit cards were also stolen from a car on Park Road on June 4.

Batavia PD is investigating the Gateway Drive theft and the Sheriff's Office is investigating the Park Road incident.

The individuals in the picture above are wanted for questioning in the case. They may be driving the car in the picture below.

Police are asking persons who may have information on the identity of the suspects to contact the Batavia Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (585) 345-6444 or the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department at (585) 345-3000 x-3570. Persons can also leave information on the Batavia Police Department’s Confidential Tip Line at (585) 345-6370.

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Reliever Jose Rada was handed a one-run lead in the eighth inning Tuesday and let it slip away, surrendering two runs to State College and giving the Batavia Muckdogs their second straight loss.

Batavia (2-3) lost 5-4 to the Spikes (2-3).

The only Muckdogs with two or more hits Tuesday were catcher Audris Joel Perez, with three, and DH Adam Melker, with two. Perez had 2 RBIs and a stolen base.

No Muckdog managed an extra base hit.

Starter Ron Russell went four innings and gave up two earned runs. Reliever Travis Lawlor gave up one run in three frames.

The Muckdogs are in State College again tonight. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Genesee County's unemployment rate dropped to 6.6 percent in May, four points lower than May 2009, and five points lower than April.

Batavia's unemployment rate is the best its been since November, 2008, when the rate was 6.0.

The official numbers confirm anecdotal evidence of an improving employment picture provided last week by Scott Gage, director of the Genesee County Career Center.

The positive trend is ahead of the curve for New York State, which saw only a one point improvement in the job picture, with the state going from 8.4 to 8.3 year-over-year.

Genesee County is also faring better than all of the surrounding counties, which continue to have unemployment rates of at least 7 percent, with Wyoming and Orleans counties above 8 percent.

The Buffalo area's 7.6 percent unemployment rate is the best it's been since December 2008, when the rate was 6.8 percent. Rochester's rate of 7.3 percent is also a big improvement over the previous 16 months.

Tonya L. Buzzell, 27, of 26 Rochester St., Bergen, is charged with aggravated harassment. Le Roy Police report that officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the village allegedly involving Buzzell.  Some time later, Buzzell allegedly sent a series of harassing text messages to a resident of the village. The alleged incidents occurred Saturday.

There are five cats that have the basement of the old Carr's building pretty much to themselves.

The cats wound up in the basement after owner Ken Mistler sold his pet store on East Main Street and the new owners wanted to get out of the cat sale business. Mistler's wife, Andrea, set up the cozy basement apartment and she ensures all of their needs are met.

They have plenty of places to climb and lounge. There's even a ramp to a cat gate that allows them outdoor time in a fenced-off area behind the Carr's building.

Andrea takes care of the cats and besides feeding them and keeping the litter boxes clean, she gives them plenty of affection.

For the cats, the living arrangement is probably more like a penthouse than a basement.

A Warsaw man accused of grand larceny in a complicated scheme to steal money and building materials was in City Court today asking that an order of protection for two alleged victims be lifted.

The attorney for Dustin Hurlburt, 32, said Hurlburt could complete work if the order was lifted.

The District Attorney did not object to the request.

The orders were lifted.

Hurlburt is due back in court Aug. 10.

(Dan Fisher at WBTA contributed to this report.)

Reached on his mobile phone, Tom Lewin, reportedly manager of LKLWL Properties out of Amherst, the listed owner of the former Latina's Market building at 45-47 Ellicott Street just hung up on The Batavian.

Asked what he plans to do about the sea gulls roosting on top of the apparently deteriorating former grocery store, Lewin said, "I have no comment" and terminated the call.

Lewin reportedly took the same tact when reach by Geoff Redick of WBTA earlier today.

Lewin reportedly said there are no plans to sell or develop the building. Redick reports that Lewin refused to comment on the issue.  Redick said he asked if he had a reason to disregard the public health in Batavia, Lewin reportedly called it a "loaded question" and discontinued the interview.

WBTA reports that the Business Improvement District has requested LKLWL clean up the problem, and USDA Wildlife Services have been contacted, and that the County Health Department regards the growing number of gulls as a possible public health concern.

WBTA reported that LKLWL has refused to let anybody on the roof to investigate the situation.

Ken Mislter, who owns 10 properties downtown and has in previous years helped organize the classic car show in the Court and Ellicott parking lot said the reason there is no classic car show this year is the car owners don't want to subject their rides to gull droppings.

The property is listed on the BID's website as for sale or lease. The current assessed value is $700,000.

Reginald Wilson, convicted for his role in a burglary on State Street in September, must make restitution of $1,400 Judge Robert C. Noonan ruled today.

Already sentenced to 15 years in prison, Wilson was escorted into Genesee County Court by state prison guards for his 2 p.m. restitution hearing.

The elderly lady who was sleeping in her bedroom at the time of the burglary testified that she had to have the locks changed on her house, her car and replace a number of missing items.

A state victims' fund paid her $195 to help some of the costs associated with the crime, and she received more than $500 from her insurance company, but she still out about $700.

Noonan ordered that Wilson begin paying restitution immediately from his inmate fund to the victim. When she is paid off, he is to pay the state's victim fund, followed by the insurance company.

If the sum isn't paid off by the time of his term is up, Wilson is to begin making $100 monthly payments 60 days after his release.

If the other defendants -- Joseph Dash and Dillon Brito -- are ordered to pay restitution, they will share the expense until the $1,400, plus a 5-percent fee, is paid off.

A 49-year-old truck driver from Decatur, Ala. was killed in an early morning crash on the Thruway just east of the Le Roy exit.

State Police investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the one-vehicle accident that took the life of Freddie R. Hatfield.

Hatfield was reportedly seen driving erratically before his truck veered off the roadway and into a line of trees 50 feet from the shoulder, where his truck burst into flames.

"It could have been a medical issue or he may have simply fell asleep,"  State Police Capt.  Michael Nigrelli told WBTA.

No other vehicles were involved.

Le Roy Fire responded to the scene of the 6 a.m. crash to handle the accident and the fire, which was just over the Genesee County line.

Hatfield was hauling building material from Ohio to Gates, driving for Crete Carriers of Lincoln, Neb.

The sister of convicted murderer Scott F. Doll is in trouble this week.

Dawn Doll, 53, of 19 Thompson Drive, Corfu, is accused of sending an unwelcome Father's Day card to a member of the Sheriff's Office involved in the investigation of the murder of Joseph Benaquist in Pembroke.

The card reportedly contained a handwritten letter that accuses the officer of making statements to Scott Doll during an interrogation that added further stress to her mother's life.

She accuses the investigator of telling Doll the night of the murder, but before the body of Benaqust was found, "I know you killed your mother and stole her van."

Dawn Doll then adds at the conclusion of the letter, according to a copy of the alleged letter in the court file, "It is you (underlined three times) who is killing my mother. May you rot in hell."

Doll was arrested by State Police at 5:22 p.m., Saturday, and charged with  aggravated harassment, 2nd, a communication that caused alarm. The Class A misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail, 3 years probation and a $1,000 fine.

The officer said in a court statement that the tone and nature of the letter did alarm him.

"The content of the letter was disturbing to me," he wrote. "The fact that a Father's Day card was sent along with the letter and receiving the envelop on Father's Day was very threatening to me and my family members."

According to a statement included by a State trooper, Dawn Doll reportedly said she wrote the letter, "because of a statement he made to my brother, Scott Doll, the night my brother was picked up. I felt that I needed to throw it back at him cause I'm watching my mom deteriorate before my eyes."

She reportedly adds, "I wanted him to know that he's the one killing my mother, not my brother, as he accused him of the night my brother was picked up."

The investigator then reportedly asks Dawn Doll, "Now that you are discussing it in person, do you feel that you have done something wrong?"

"Yes, now that we have discussed this, I feel that I'm in the wrong," Doll reportedly replied. "I should never have done it. If I could take it back, I would."

Later she reportedly says, "I did not know how serious it was. I'm not a violent person and if I could go back, I would not have gone about it this way."

Dawn Doll is scheduled to return to City Court at 1 p.m. tomorrow to answer the harassment charge.

Here's a news release from Marc Coppola, a candidate for state Senate:

Marc Coppola, Town of Tonawanda resident and candidate for NYS Senate, is calling for an end to political corruption in Albany. Several minor party leaders are now under investigation for alleged illegal activities.

Coppola, who is the endorsed Democrat for State Senate running against Mike Ranzenhofer for the 61st District, believes fusion voting is part of the problem. It’s an election system that allows for candidates to run on multiple party lines.

“Minor parties and their leaders have a disproportionate amount of influence in New York State politics and our government,” Coppola said. “It has proven to be a pay-to-play system and a breeding ground for corruption.

"New York is one of only several states in the country that allows the tail to wag the dog and the voters and residents of this state deserve better."

Coppola has not requested, and will not accept, any party nomination other than his own and challenges his opponent, incumbent Ranzenhofer, to do the same.

"As long as candidates participate in this system that has become disingenuous, sometimes corrupt, and an insult to voters, it will continue," Coppola said. "I for one choose not to."

If elected, Coppola will sponsor legislation ending fusion voting in New York State.

Two Genesee County men remain hospitalized in serious condition following separate accidents over the weekend.

Both men were charged with DWI.

Ace J. Morz, 42, of Corfu, was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC on Sunday (his birthday) following an accident around 9:45 p.m. on Genesee Street, near the county line, in Darien.

Morz reportedly crossed over into oncoming traffic. He apparently tried to swerve to avoid a tractor-trailer heading west when his SUV was struck by the truck, according to Rebecca Gibbons, public information officer for the State Police in Batavia. (initial report)

The driver of the truck, George Hall, 55, of Kingsley, was not injured in the crash.

On Saturday, around 9:15 p.m., Kevin M. Hermann, 21, was reportedly driving on Route 63 when he attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Little Canada Extension. Gibbons said that the State Police investigation indicates he was driving too fast when his car went into the turn. His car traveled off the far side of the road and flipped over several times.

Hermann, of Batavia, was ejected from the vehicle.

Gibbons did not know if he was wearing a safety belt.

He is listed in guarded condition, which means he's in ICU, at Strong Memorial Hospital.

There were other passengers in the car, but the available report did not list how many or who. There were no other people reported injured.

The investigation into both accidents is ongoing and additional citations may be issued.

Suzanne M. Corona, facing a rare charge of adultery, will not appear in City Court today as scheduled because her case must be heard by a different judge.

Corona has retained local attorney Brian Degnan to handle her case. Degnan is the son-in-law of Judge Robert Balbick, who was scheduled to hear cases for the 1 p.m. calendar today.

The case is being moved to June 30, when Judge Michael DelPlato is on the bench.

Degnan notified City Court of his position in the case by letter.

The 41-year-old Corona is accused, along with Justin Amend, 29, of Oakfield, of engaging in sex on a picnic table in Farrall Park when the park was filled with parents and children.

Both were charged with public lewdness, only Corona faces the additional misdemeanor charge of adultery.

Corona has denied there was actual sex going on, though has admitted to inappropriate behavior.

Her case has been picked up by media across the United States and Britain.

Corona has yet to enter a plea in court.

A minor injury is reported following a car and tractor-trailer accident at routes 63 and 20, Pavilion.

Pavilion Fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 10:41 a.m.: The vehicles are blocking traffic.

UPDATE 10:47 a.m.: The victim has a leg injury and chest pain as well as a facial laceration. The steering wheel was deformed by the impact.

UPDATE 10:53 a.m: Mercy Flight dispatched.

Bottom two photos are from a mobile phone and submitted by a reader.

For a year-end project, I thought it would be cool to take some video and pictures of music- and arts-related activities -- respectively -- in the Genesee County schools.

The following video is 20 minutes long and divided into two parts (Youtube limits most users to about 10 minutes per video). It features concert footage from various schools in the county.

PART 1

PART 2

I have to make a quick apology for the poor video quality in a couple of instances. I had to be very careful to protect the identity of the kids (the ones photographed without parental approval), so I made sure none of the students' faces appeared too clearly on camera; plus, to be honest, the first camera I used turned out to be pretty awful when it came to taking video (even while taking decent pictures).

I also feel bad that I couldn't include every group I filmed in the video. My selections were based on a combination of different criteria, including:

•  making sure the best songs were included
•  making sure all of the schools I visited were included
•  arranging the selections in a way that flowed nicely

So there's the music part. Here are some pictures I was able to take of art work done by Elba and Leroy students:

ELBA ELEMENTARY ART

Kindergartener Cody Soules stands in front of his drawing of a tree branch (top right).

First-grader Taylor Augello stands with her rendition of Van Gogh's "The Starry Night" (right above her head).

ELBA HIGH SCHOOL ART

Both of the following pictures were submitted by Dan Carnevale. Sophomore Sydney Gallup (top photo) and two unidentified students stand with their drawings.

LEROY JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (art and artists)

Also, see the May 27 announcement on the winners of the Architectural Drawing contest for fourth-graders.

Congratulations all of the students for a job well done!

Nick Longmire's lead off home run at State College on Monday night might have provided a spark, but it wasn't enough to carry the Batavia Muckdogs to victory.

Batavia (2-2) dropped the game 8-7.

Longmire provided most of the offense, going 4-5 and driving in four runs. He also tripled and stole a base.

Shortstop Yunier Castillo added two hits and two RBIs.

Starter Nicholas McCully surrendered two runs on three hits in five innings. Houston Summers was charged with a blown save after giving up three runs in two innings, but because the Muckdogs regained the lead while he was still the pitcher of record, he could have picked up a win.

But reliever David Kington was also tagged with a blown save and a loss after giving up three runs on four hits in his one inning of work.

The victory was the first of the year for State College (1-3).

The Muckdogs have two more games at State College before moving on to Mahoning Valley.