Alexander Fire and Darien Ambulance as well as law enforcement are being dispatched to a motor-vehicle accident at 2198 Walker Road.

The driver is reportedly trying to avoid detection. His air bags deployed and there is reportedly blood on the air bags.

The driver is trying to hide in some weeds.

UPDATE 11:31 p.m.: The car has Ohio plates. The driver is not currently in sight. Fire personnel are heading to the area with flares and night-vision goggles.

UPDATE 11:55 p.m.: Because of the size of the area, law enforcement has been unable to seal off the area. The search continues.

UPDATE 11:58 p.m.: A K-9 is not available. The State Police helicopter is being called in.

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A passerby reportedly found an unconscious person on Judge Road in Alabama who may have been struck by a motor vehicle.

The first firefighter on scene reported the individual was conscious by the time he arrived and was highly intoxicated, though may have been struck by a car.

Mercy Flight is on standby and Mercy EMS is in route.

Rain, sleet and snow didn't keep several hundred people from trying to get flu vaccinations today at County Building Number 2 in the Town of Batavia.

At one point, the line snaked outside and around the side of the building. Seniors, parents and children were waiting two or more hours for either a shot of the seasonal flu vaccine or the H1N1 nasal mist.

A winter storm of sorts started not long after the clinic doors opened, and by then the line  already stretched well outside the building.

"I was standing in the rain and snow out there a little while before and I was thinking, I'm going to get a flu shot to prevent getting sick and I'm going to get sick standing in line in the rain and the snow, so I wonder if it's really worth it," Walter Kershenski said. He also happens to be Stafford Town Clerk, and said he stood in line for more than two hours.

There were reports of people driving from Orleans, Monroe and even Chautauqua counties for the vaccinations, and apparently, nobody was being turned away for the free vaccines.

Interim Health Director Randy Garney said the Health Department was expecting to provide at least 500 doses of vaccine in two hours, but had received an extra shipment of seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine just days ago.

"I figure, two hours, that's going to be about all we're going to be able to process, but we're going to keep the clinic open as long as there is a line," Garney said.

"With recent events that have taken place, we were expecting a large crowd," Garney said.

Rosemary Sero, of Oakfield, said all the reports of people getting sick with H1N1 and especially the death of a Pembroke student, has her feeling very cautious about taking care of her two young daughters.

"They're using a lot of hand sanitizer," she said. "They wash their hands a lot. I tell them not to touch their face."

Ricky Palermo has spent nearly 30 years working tirelessly to help find a cure for spinal-cord injuries.

On Dec. 4, UMMC and the Jerome Foundation will recognize his efforts when he is given the 25th Annual Health and Humanitarian Award at a luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.

Both foundations are honoring Palermo for three decades as a national research participant, and for his regional advocacy and local fundraising on behalf of curing spinal-cord injuries.

Wes Audsley, CEO of Genesee/Wyoming counties' YMCAs, cited Palermo's tireless efforts to find a cure for spinal-cord injuries when choosing him as a nominee. Palermo was injured 28 years ago in an accident which left him paralyzed from mid-chest down.

"This humble man has contacts and influence in all corners of our community, based solely on the content of his character and the sincerity of his work. Everyone takes Ricky's call, everyone contributes to Ricky's cause, and everyone feels better for the experience of knowing and working with Ricky," said Audsley in a press release.

The Miami Project is the world's most comprehensive spinal-cord injury research center and is based at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. It was the inspiration for Palermo's drive to raise funds and awareness for those with spinal-cord injuries.

In 1997, Palermo and his family started the Ricky Palermo Foundation. Since then, it has raised $500,000 in support of the Miami Project, United Memorial Medical Center and the Genesee/Wyoming counties' YMCAs.

Palermo is a member of the Board of Directors of the Genesee County YMCA, where he has developed an exercise program for those with spinal-cord injuries. His foundation offers free rehabilitative exercise opportunities for people suffering from paralysis, regardless of the level of injury. It also offers counseling and hope, says Audsley. The program is funded by contributions to Palermo's foundation.

The Health and Humanitarian Luncheon is open to the public. Reservations can be made by contacting the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation at 344-5301. Seating will be limited so early reservations are recommended.

A youth in Le Roy has been arrested by undercover agents for allegedly trying to buy an unlicensed handgun.

The youth is not being identified by the Sheriff's Office and the case is being turned over to family court.

Members of the Local Law Enforcement Drug Task Force were called into the investigation to help with the arrest after the Sheriff's Office learned that the youth was making inquiries in the Le Roy area about buying a gun.

The youth is being charged with attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

The Batavia Muckdogs will have a new coaching staff for 2010.

Mark DeJohn, who led the Muckdogs to a NY-Penn League championship in 2008, will not be back. He's being replaced by Dann Bilardello.

Bilardello has served in the St. Louis Cardinals organization for the past three years as catching coordinator. Prior to that, he was a manager in the Red Sox and Dodger minor league systems.

The new pitching coach is Ace Adams, who filled that role in Quad Cities in 2009.

DeJohn remains in the Cardinals organization as a roving instructor.

If you haven't received a flu shot yet, you can do so today at County Building Number 2 on W. Main St. Road, Town of Batavia.

The walk-in clinic will be open from 2 to 4 p.m..

Seasonal flu vaccine is available for people 19 and older, and H1N1 vaccine is available for people 2 to 24 years of age, and for people 25 to 59 who care for or live with infants.

Vaccine supplies are limited.

Mary A. Brairton, 20, of 6790 Junction Road, Pavilion, is charged with aggravated DWI, aggravated driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to reduce speed on a curve, leaving the scene, unlicensed operation and aggravated unlicensed operation. Brairton was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident on Bernd Road, Monday at 12:42 a.m.  and allegedly fled the scene. Brairton was reportedly found later by Deputy Frank Bordonaro at her residence and taken into custody.

David S. Taylor, 49, of 2384 Titus Ave., Rochester, is charged with DWI, speeding and moving from lane unsafely. Taylor was allegedly driving on Route 33 in the Village of Corfu on Sunday at 12:04 a.m. when he was allegedly seen by Village police traveling at a high rate of speed and swerve into the oncoming traffic lane.

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Try the fresh, skinless haddock fish fry on Fridays. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5. (NOTE: Because of people recently doubling up on their Kravings purchases -- transactions we had to cancel and refund money on -- we have FOUR Kravings gift certificates available this morning.)

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 $9.

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.

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.

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

PLEASE READ: Reminder, please do not purchase the same gift certificate you've purchased within the past six months.  We have to refund your money and put the GC up for sale again on another day.

SOLD OUT

I'm Phoebe, a fine-looking, female pit-bull terrier. Although I was found as a stray, I am good on a leash and good in the car.

All my newfound friends here say I'm sooo fun and playful. Just look at my perky ears and how healthy I am! I like to show you affection and give hugs by wrapping my front legs around your neck. But what sets me apart from many of my peers, is my super-duper sweetness -- something I hear a lot. Love it! I'm in Kennel 24. Hugs and kisses, kisses.

 

I need your love! Now. I somehow wound up here, very "malnourished," which is to say I was starving. On top of that, I had a badly infected eye. I'm coming along, though. I'm not starving anymore. My eye has healed but I am blind in my right eye.

I'm a little tiny tiger and they've named me Gypsy. I need a loving family who will give me some extra TLC so I can grow up to be a strong, beautiful companion. I'll be looking for you, with my good eye, in Cage 60.

Byron Fire is responding to the smell of natural gas at 7232 Byron-Holley Road.

A first responder reports the strong smell of natural gas in the area and another fire official asked for dispatch to contact RG&E. "We've been here numerous times," he said.

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Over these last few months, I have had the privilege of being a candidate for Batavia City Council at Large. I was not successful with that campaign but I came away with a deep appreciation for the City of Batavia and for those that want to serve it.   I want to start of by saying Thank You to all of my supporters here in the City of Batavia. I continue to be deeply humbled by your amazing support. I would also like to thank all of the candidates, both Republican and Democrat. You all did a great job and ran a wonderful campaign. My hat is off to each of you. Lastly, I have to thank my family and friend. I truly believe that I have the best family a person can ask for and the greatest friends.

If there is one thing that I can take away from this election is I have made some life long friends and I had the chance to really get out there and meet YOU; our city residents. I am truly blessed to be able to call you my neighbors and to call Batavia my home. So in the end, I am still a winner.

With that being said, I am going to make one more promise to you. You have unleashed the community advocate within me. This will not be the last time you see me. I am going to become even more involved and more educated on the issues. An angel was sent to me this morning. I was out for my morning walk (mind you less then 12 hours after I was told I did not win this election) and an older women stopped me and simply said, “What a beautiful morning. But the snow is coming.” I agreed with her, “Yes the snow is coming.” You see while I was talking to her, I found out that this poor women has to walk everywhere. She has no vehicle and she does not always have enough money to ride the bus or call a cab. So in her world, yes the snow is coming. It physically stops her from doing her every day things. This literally made me start crying on Ellicott Street this morning. It reminded me why I decided to run in the first place; to be able to help out the people who need it most. I will not be afraid to stand-up to City Council and I will continue to fight for those less fortunate. I have a challenge for all of you. Do not let your voice go unheard. Do not just sit there as the train passes you by. Our biggest weapon is our words. Do not be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. There is still a lot of work to be done. To quote Eleanor Roosevelt,” You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” Please do not stop fighting for what you believe in. We have to let our elected officials know , “The Snow Is Coming!”

My name is Sara Burk-Balbi. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister. I am a student, a friend and I will be your candidate for the future.

With my deepest and most sincere regards,

Sara Burk-Balbi

E-mail from Steve Boldt:

I would like to wholeheartedly thank the residents of Stafford for their vote  of confidence.  I’m proud to be a resident of Stafford and even prouder  that I’ve been given the opportunity to serve another term as Highway Superintendent.  You have my word that I will continue to work hard  and do what is best for the Town and its residents.  Family and work  obligations prevented me from visiting with each and every resident before  the election, but I encourage residents with concerns or suggestions to  contact me at 343-2907.  (I’m often out on the roads but I will return your call.)

Thank you!
Steve

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.

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.

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Try the fresh, skinless haddock fish fry on Fridays. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl St., Batavia, NY: Winter teas, spices and fall colors for your home in stunning floral arrangements and seasonal wreaths are now available at Herbly Wonderful. We have a $25 gift certificate for $11.

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.

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.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

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

SOLD OUT

Congressman Chris Lee has returned from a fact-finding trip to Afghanistan. WBTA interviewed him this morning and Dan Fischer has posted an extended audio file on WBTA1490.com (mp3).

Tune into WBTA's Main and Center tomorrow to hear Lee talk about the health care being considered in the House of  Representatives.

Computer problems kept the votes from being tallied last night, but this morning the Board of Elections released unofficial numbers for the referendum on revising the City of Batavia Charter.

It passed, 748 to 503.

When I visited a couple of polling places last night, poll workers told me they heard from several people who had no idea what the revisions were. They hadn't seen the coverage, and more importantly, hadn't read the actual document.

It is kind of hard to find on the City's Web site, so here's a link to what you just approved (PDF).

What's more surprising than the Republicans winning all of the key contested races is the margins. That may merely reflect the GOP registration advantages and the fact there were no real wedge issues to define the campaign. Voters basically said they're happy with the GOP incumbents on the City Council and satisfied with the GOP majority in the County Legislature.

Go back and look at the video of the interviews we did with the candidates in conjunction with WBTA:  There were few disagreements.  There was no big issue to sway voters toward a particular candidate or a particular party.  The Democrats just didn't have a big enough flag to wave to say "this is what voting for us means."  I've not been around Batavia politics long enough to say this with certainity, but it seems if Democrats want to win multiple-ward seats, they need to articulate issues that set them apart. And they need to unite around the candidate(s) with the best chance to win.

What may have hurt the Democrats the most was infighting. The "Coffeecake Caper" brought a lot of that to the surface, with Tim Paine explicitly accusing a faction of Democrats with bringing forth Julie Wallace to block him from a clear path to the nomination.

Speaking of Julie Wallace, she seems like a really goodhearted person and a sweet lady. I bet she's fabulous with kids. Good luck to her on her quest to be a CASA volunteer.  She will undoubtedly do a great job. That doesn't mean she was qualified to run for City Council.

Did the Coffeecake Caper sink Rose Mary? I don't think so. In the end, I think it was a wash. Rose Mary came out looking like an honest, tell-it-like-it-is, stand-up person, which is why she's represented her ward for 18 years. But the Republicans, particularly Joe Gerace, played their cards just right by disavowing Tim Paine's actions without hesitation, which probably neutralized any benefit Rose Mary might have gained from the attack on her.

Word has it it (though numbers aren't available yet) that the City Charter revision passed. That's good and bad. John Roach is right -- the city engineer position should be done away with. But opening the door to the elimination of the Police Department without fully vetting the options could be a mistake.

Following this campaign helped me get greater insight into local politics, and I came away with the impression that the local political parties, especially the city parties, are less about partisan ideology and more like civic social clubs.  Both the Republicans and Democrats work very hard to try to help their candidates win, but not in the name of pushing a partisan agenda, but rather because they want to see their own club do well in the big game. At least that's my impression this time around.

What can I say? Thank you so much for everyone who supported me through this endeavor. Even though we ended on the wrong side of the line, you have no idea what an honor it has been being invited into your lives these past six months.

I would like to thank the City of Batavia Democratic, City of Batavia Conservative and the independent Better Batavia parties for their endorsements!

For those who shared my line, Sara Burk-Balbi and Julie Wallace, congrats on a job well done and kudos to you for the courage you showed to put yourselves out there! I would also like to say congrats to Chris Charvella and Rose Mary Christian who fought long hard campaigns as well.

Chris did an amazing job and I believe we will and should see him again soon! Kudos Sir!!!

To those who won; Marianne Clatenburg, Frank Ferrando, Tim Buckley, Hollis Upson and Bob Radley. Congratulations on a job well done! Now DON'T STOP!!!!! Our city and County has so much potential and there is just show much work to be done. We need you now more than ever!

Last, I would like to thank those who walked with me through this journey. Charlie Mallow asked me to run and he has stayed by my side throughout. He is a great friend and I am grateful for him. Sara Burk-Balbi and I became friends because of this experience and her friendship helped me on more than one occasion! Finally I would like to say thank the great God above for my wife, Laura and my two amazing girls, Delilah and Vivian. Life is nothing without you.

Thank you all again and God Bless,

Phil Ricci

Final Unofficial Numbers, posted 11:09 p.m.

Note: City Charter question not yet tallied and those numbers are not expected to be announced until tomorrow between 11 a.m. and noon.

WBTA Live Stream

Office   Votes Percent County       County Clerk Don M. Read 4610   District Attorney Lawrence Friedman 5077           City - Vote for 1       Genesee County Legislator District 7
(Wards 1 & 6) Rose Mary Christian  361     Robert H. Radley  510           Genesee County Legislator District 8 (Wards 2 & 3) Christopher M. Charvella  235     Hollis D. Upson  424           Genesee County Legislator District 9 (Wards 4 & 5) Edward DeJaneiro, Jr  303           City – Vote for 3       Council at Large - City of Batavia Sara J. Balbi  637   Council at Large - City of Batavia Phillip J. Ricci  730   Council at Large - City of Batavia Julie Ann Wallace  547   Council at Large - City of Batavia Timothy E. Buckley  1263   Council at Large - City of Batavia Marianne Clattenburg  1275   Council at Large - City of Batavia Frank C. Ferrando, Jr  1284   Alabama - Vote for 1   Votes Percent Legislator - District 1 Raymond F. Cianfrini     Town Justice Patricia A. Buczek  229   Town Council Janet I. Sage  188   Town Council Terry Thompson  99   Town Council William J. Cleveland  176   Town Council Samuel G. Scarborough  172   Alexander - Vote for 1   Votes Percent Legislator – District 6 Esther G. Leadley  258   Town Council William G. Hirsch  136   Town Council William R. Franz  119   Town of Batavia - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator – District 4 Mary Pat Hancock     Supervisor  Gregory H. Post  447   Town Clerk/Tax Collector  Teressa M. Morasco  476   Town Council (Vote for 2) Daniel G. Underhill  437   Town Council Patti A. Michalak  439   Supt. Of Highways  Rodney W. Cook  415   Bergen - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 2 Charles N. Zambito     Supervisor     Donald S. Cunningham 191   Town Justice Donald R. Kunego 180   Town Council (Vote for 2) Rachael J. Millspaugh 188   Town Council Joseph A. Nenni 175   Bethany - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 6 Esther G. Leadley   258   Town Justice Thomas McBride  151   Town Council (Vote for 2) William Gick  113   Town Council Susan Neer  132   Byron - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 2 Charles N. Zambito     Supervisor Robert A. Crnkovich  213   Supervisor Thomas Felton  107   Town Clerk Debra Buck-Leaton  310   Town Justice Daniel DiMatteo  189   Town Council (Vote for 2)  Jeffrey J. Thompson  248   Town Council John Redick  178   Supt. Of Highways  George Heins  264   Darien - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 3 Annie M. Lawrence  514   Town Clerk  Linda P. Graber  261   Town Clerk  Alice E. Calmes  462   Town Council (Vote for 2) Stephen J. Ferry  361   Town Council Charles J. Flagg  291   Town Council Jimmie E. Flaming  69   Town Council Michael A. Plitt 307   Town Council Christopher M. Nicastro  369   Town Council-Unexpired Term Samuel E. Williams  229   Town Council-Unexpired Term David D. Riker  380   Elba -Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 2 Charles N. Zambito  245   Town Supervisor Lucine Kauffman  155   Town Council (Vote for 2) Andrew Wormuth  151   Town Council Deborah Bell  142   LeRoy -Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator – District 5 Jerome J. Grasso  945   Town Justice Kermit Arrington  703   Town Justice Darryl D. Sehm  662   Town Council Thomas Stella   713   Town Council Christine M. Smith  870   Town Council Jay E. Whipple  592   Town Council-Unexpired term  Jennifer AO Keys  422   Town Council-Unexpired term  Kelly J. Lathan  860   Oakfield - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 10 Raymond F. Cianfrini  163   Supervisor     Kenneth Dodd     Town Justice (Vote for 2) Thomas Graham  197   Town Justice Dennis R. Beedham  338   Town Counci l(Vote for 2) Carol L. Glor  166   Town Council Michael Cianfrini  166   Town Council-Unexpired term Tim Kabel  164   Pavilion - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 6 Esther G. Leadley     Town Justice John Welsh  132   Town Council (Vote for 2) Linda Thompson  145   Town Council Ronald O. Zarbo  128   Pembroke - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 3 Annie M. Lawrence     Town Justice Robert Alexander  544   Town Council (Vote for 2) Thomas C. Schneider, Jr.  179   Town Council Edward G. Arnold. Jr.  406   Town Council Paul R. DiFiglia  187   Town Council John J. Worth  416   Stafford - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 4 Mary Pat Hancock  691   Town Clerk Walter Kershenski  571   Town Council (Vote for 2) Ronald Panek  322   Town Council Donald L. Mullen  292   Town Council Michelle Mouery  272   Supt. Of Highways  Steven Boldt  443   Supt. Of Highways  James D. Pontillo  151