Collins already had stopped his bus, put out the red stop sign and then beckoned the kids to cross the street.

"I suddenly saw this speeding car coming from behind an SUV behind me,'' Collins said. "The first thing I thought of was stopping the kids because they had started across the street and were in the pathway of the speeding car. I put on the air horn and motioned for them to go back. They did and the car crashed into the bus and landed right where they would have been crossing the street.''

Bus driver Gary Collins has driven for Fairfield City Schools for eight years. Recently, he saved several children from being hurt or killed when he alerted them to an out-of-control driver. The Enquirer/GLENN HARTONG

For his quick thinking, Collins was honored by the Fairfield School District and the Fairfield Police Department last week.

"If he had not been alert, those kids could have been injured or killed,'' said Lt. Ken Colburn, communications director for the Fairfield Police Department. "His good, quick thinking definitely prevented a tragedy.''

Collins, a grandfather, lives with his wife, Carla, in Hamilton. He said he was making his first stop Oct. 19 when the incident occurred.

"I pick up kids from kindergarten age to the eighth grade," Collins said. "I am glad I was able to prevent an accident and also glad to be honored.''

He received a certificate and a plaque.

"It is nice to hear something good said about bus drivers. Most of the time what you hear are bad things about us," Collins said.

Dante Gianearlo Assante Hanez, 19, of Mason, was cited with failing to control a vehicle and driving without a license.

Elect a dessert

After the election is over, voters can select their choice of desserts from 6-10 p.m. Nov. 18 at the third annual Sweet Adventures Dessert Competition and Tasting.

The Cincinnati chapter of the International Special Events Society is sponsoring the event at the Cincinnati Club, 30 Garfield Place, downtown.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Cincinnati Council of Adventures For Wish Kids, a non-profit organization that helps children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The agency provides support and group outings for families.

Voters will select the best-tasting and best presentation in both chocolates and non-chocolates. The event will feature desserts from about 20 of the area's most talented dessert and pastry chefs.

"Whatever the outcome is, I am sure that local dessert lovers and the participating chefs agree on one thing - that the real winners will be the kids with life-threatening illnesses who get to enjoy the Adventure for Wish Kids events and programs throughout the year,'' said Elisa MacKenzie, co-chair of Sweet Adventure 2004.

Admission is $50 in advance or $60 at the door. For more information, call MacKenzie at (859) 261-3262.