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The Ramble Music & Arts Fest, scheduled to start at noon today in Jackson Square, will still take place today, despite this morning's thunderstorm.

The performance schedule will run about an hour behind because of the storm, but all performers are still expected to take the stage.

UPDATE: At 11:45 a.m., singer Brent Persia was already performing on the acoustic stage. The Ramble is under way.

The Ramble Music and Arts Festival is known as a celebration of the musical culture of Genesee County—but to many of the musicians participating, it means so much more.

“I think it’s a very popular event because all the people get to reminisce about the old times,” says Andy Hare, who will participate in the 7th annual festival for the third time this Saturday. “It’s almost like a class reunion for many of the musicians and the people who follow them—the old guys like us, chasing the Sixties.”

The “us” Hare is referring to are the members of the Moonshine Valley Band, his former group that will be reunited Saturday night. The band is one of several from the good old days that is coming together specifically for this occasion.  

“It’s a chance for guys like me to get out and show they’ve got a few kicks left in them,” Hare jokes.

Founder Bill McDonald says that the festival was started to serve that very purpose — to take a walk down memory lane by reuniting all those local musicians who had played together years ago. It has since grown from its humble beginnings — this year’s event will feature 37 acts, several artists, and “many ramblin’ revelers.”

“The purpose has always been to get the current community and folks who once called our area home involved, to share in the fun and keep the music and friendships vibrant,” he explains.

The Ramble is not strictly geared toward the middle-aged crowd — the event attracts people of all ages and generations.

“The festival day and the weeks pre and post have brought many friends, young and old, musical mates, and people in general, together for some fun,” says McDonald.

The festival-goers falling under the “young” category give the Ramble its charm, as the majority are the receivers of a passed torch.

“It shows the young people what’s coming, because many of them are offspring of the performers,” says Hare. “It’s generational entertainment.”

The Ramble Music and Arts Festival will take place from noon to 8 p.m. this Saturday, July 7, in Downtown Batavia. The 37 participating acts will perform on two different stages: the electric acts in Jackson Square, and the acoustic acts on Center Street. A remembrance of past musicians will take place at 4 pm. Admission is free.

Batavia police are on Hutchins Street dealing with a person who is reportedly on a rooftop hallucinating and yelling statements about the police.

Batavia Fire Department is sending over a ladder truck and Mercy EMS is in route.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: The person is safely off the roof and is being transported to UMMC for evaluation. Lt. Jim Henning said that the subject asked for water and 10 minutes to gather his thoughts. Once he drank the water, he was ready to climb down the ladder provided by fire personnel. Henning said the subject fits the description of a suspect in an earlier criminal mischief complaint wherein some bathroom fixtures were ripped from the wall in a building on Swan Street.

Edward J. Fuller, 22, of Clifford Avenue, Rochester, was sent to prison for three years Thursday after being picked up on a warrant in Mt. Morris and being turned over to the Sheriff's Office. Fuller was previously convicted of criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and failed to appear for his sentencing, so a warrant was issued. Following his arrest, Fuller was transported to Genesee County Court and sentenced by Judge Robert C. Noonan. (Original Arrest Report)

Thomas Charles Zimmer, 35, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Zimmer was allegedly in his wife's hotel room in violation of a court order.

Javier Resendez, 23, of Cockram Road, Byron, is charged with illegal entry into the United States. Resendez was taken into custody following a report of a suspicious male trying to find a ride home at the Arrow Mart on Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Samuel Robert Thomas, 57, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Thomas is accused of stealing and damaging 16 newspapers left for sale at the Arrow Mart on Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

A small fire is reported on the northwest corner of the roof on Building #4 at the VA Medical Center, located at 222 Richmond Ave. in Batavia. City firefighters are on scene and they report "there's a little smoke up there."

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: The third platoon is called to stand by in the city fire hall.

UPDATE 2:34 p.m.: The small fire is described as "smoldering" and stems from roofing work. They are checking for extensions now.

UPDATE 2:42 p.m.: The fire is knocked down and they continue to check for extensions, reporting there is still some smoke coming from what is described as a balcony area.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: They plan to use a chainsaw to open up a portion of the roof to ensure there is no extension inside.

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: The blaze is believed to have started when a worker used a heat gun while doing some lead paint abatement.

UPDATE 3:19 p.m.: The fire is completely out.

Joy Hale is this year's winner of the annual Don Carroll's Toys for Kids lottery ticket basket raffle. The basket contained more than $200 in scratchers and gift certificates (not counting potential winnings, of course). Hale's ticket was drawn by Jeff Heubusch, owner of Southside Deli, who donated the lottery tickets. Above, Carroll, left, and Heubusch.

Nicholas A. Antonucci, 25, of 4192 Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with burglary, 2nd, grand larceny, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th. Antonucci is accused of stealing a shotgun from a residence in the Town of Gainesville and of stealing a dirt bike from a residence in the Town of Covington. The shotgun was reportedly recovered in Batavia. Antonucci was already in the Wyoming County Jail on $100,000 bail charged with other burglaries and thefts. On each of the new charges, $50,000 was added to Antonucci's bail.

Jordan Kyle Prentice, 21, of Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with DWAI, unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to keep right and driving left of pavement marking. Prentice was stopped at 12:42 p.m., June 22, on Judge Road, Alabama, by Sgt. Tom Sanfratello for allegedly driving down the middle of the road. Prentice is accused of driving under the influence of marijuana.

Bradley Micheal Crandall, 44, of Lake Street, Le Roy. Crandall is accused of stealing cans of beer from Tops in Le Roy. He was apprehended after a short foot chase by a store employee.

John Arthur Smith, 45, West Bergen Road, Le Roy, is charged with resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Smith is accused of interfering with an investigation into a domestic incident. He allegedly pushed a deputy's arm away several times as the deputy attempted to place him into custody.

Sarah P. Nichols, 29, of 112 Ellsworth Ave., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Nichols is accused of stealing $50 from the cash drawer at her place of employment on West Main Street.

Lucas George Yauchzee, 22, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Yauchzee is accused of grabbing another person by the arms and pushing that person backwards during an argument.

Christine M. Krug-Leach, 45, of 703 W. Ferry St., Buffalo, is charged with DWI, DWAI and refusal to submit to breath test. Krug-Leach was stopped at 11:11 p.m. on West Main Street, Le Roy, by Le Roy PD following a report of an erratic driver.

Matthew R. Mancini, 26, of Bedford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. Mancini was stopped at 11 p.m., Tuesday, in the Village of Alexander by State Police.

Scott Sullivan, 32, of Darien, is charged with a traffic device violation (sign). Sullivan was issued an appearance ticket by State Police on Wednesday morning.

Matthew S. Ryan, 29, of Chittenango, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Ryan was detained by State Police in Darien at 7 p.m., Tuesday.

One person was injured in an accident at 6:17 p.m., Tuesday, in the parking lot of Auto Zone, 8347 Lewiston Road, after one car backed into another.

Angelo A. Ricci III, 31, of Lyndonville, was transported to UMMC with minor injuries.

Ricci's car was struck by a 2003 Dodge Van driven by  Andrew R. Webster, 31, of Batavia,

Webster, nor his four passengers, were hurt in the crash.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff.

The 2,266 people who packed into Dwyer Stadium on July 4 were treated to more than just fireworks. They got to see the kind of nail-biter game that makes baseball America's pastime.

Down 2-1 going into the bottom of the ninth, the hometown heros strung together a single, double and single, to plate two runs and walk off with a victory.

The winning run scored on a close play at the plate (see above, and the slide show for more pictures of the score) when Anthony Melchionda scored on a single by Jacob Wilson.

It was the first lead the Muckdogs enjoyed all night.

The low-scoring game meant that nine innings passed quickly.

Muckdogs management entertained fans with a game of musical chairs before the sun faded enough to allow the fireworks show to begin.

If you can't view the slide show of photos, click here.

What a beautiful day for a picnic in the park, and today, hundreds of Batavia and Genesee County residents agreed.

The city's annual Picnic in the Park in Centennial Park was a perfect reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a great community and a free country.

It was also great to see Don Carroll out doing what he does best: Raising money for Toys for Kids.

If you're unable to view the slide show below, click here. To purchase prints of any of these photos, click here.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand spent some time in Western New York on Tuesday, including at least two stops in Batavia.

Gillibrand met with area Democratic leaders for lunch at Larry's Steakhouse and then toured the Alpina Products factory under construction at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

The facility, which will produce Greek yogurt and other dairy products, is nearing completion and should open in late August or September.

Gillibrand said seeing what is happening at the ag park -- which includes construction of a dairy production facility across the road from Alpina by PepsiCo and the Theo Muller Group -- is "really exciting."

"It's such an opportunity for agricultural growth in this region," Gillibrand said. "Not only is Greek yogurt production one of the fastest growing products in New York, but nationwide, and it's so well located with all of our dairies that are so close by. It makes business sense. Not only do we have a great workforce, but we have a great product, so it's going to be exciting to create these jobs, to have this industry grow in Western New York."

While there's been conflicting reports on whether New York dairies can produce enough milk to meet the demands of the new and existing Greek yogurt factories in the state, Gillibrand said she believes the dairies can meet the demand.

She said she has also introduced legislation to help New York's small dairies increase production without driving up their insurance costs.

Currently, if a small dairy wants to add a significant number of milk-producing cows, they're going to hit a cap on production imposed by insurance rules.

Gillibrand's legislation would remove the cap.

"That might give the ability of a small dairy to go up to 300 or 400 cows to meet the needs of their customers," Gillibrand said. "That would make a big difference for these projects."

Yogurt producers, Gillibrand said, don't want the expense of trucking in milk from other states to keep their production lines going and her legislation would keep the local milk flowing, she said, adding that there would be no regulatory burdens for small dairies to grow to meet local demand.

Steve Hyde, CEO of Genesee County Economic Development Center, also introduced Gillibrand to the STAMP project -- the 1,300 acre high-tech/nano-tech park that has been in planning for five years.

The senator took quite an interest in the project. She noted that with New York's previous success in Luther Forest -- the nano-tech corridor developing between Buffalo and Albany -- the surrounding technology-oriented university system, and the investment already made in the project, STAMP has a good chance to attract major manufacturers.

It was a validation of how the community and region came together on the ag park to have Gillibrand in Batavia on Tuesday to tour the Alpina facility.

"It’s really kind of heartwarming because this ag park was really nine-and-a-half years in the making," Hyde said. "Once we found a way to get it all done, get it funded, get it built, having two very significant manufacturing projects land in our back yard – like we talked about today, talk about the multiplier effect, Alpina’s working with OA-T-KA, and Stueben Food and a company in Rochester on packaging -- it’s just really really awesome."

Members of the Hoisingtons Rangers -- a group of reenactors of Batavia residents attached to Ft. Niagara -- were in Centennial Park this morning with a group of 5- through 12-year-olds to teach them a little about history.

The kids are part of a YMCA summer program.

The reenactors taught the kids about the period they represent -- the War of 1812 -- and those clothes they wore, the dishes they ate with and the muskets they shot.

The reenactors were Michael Richmond, Richard Richmond, Pete Bosch, Cynthia Richmond, Marge Ward, Amber Richmond.

Note: Several children asked me to take their pictures hoping to be on The Batavian, and I got some fine portrait shots, but a Y staffer asked me not to publish the pictures because a waiver is required by the parents. I don't need a waiver, but I don't want to get anybody at the Y in trouble with a boss. Sorry, kids, no portrait pictures.

Contractors were in Centennial Park this morning cutting down trees that a city staffer told me were targeted for removal because they were diseased. Three or four trees were cut down to a bare stump. The stumps will be removed at a later date.

Tomorrow is the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council’s 34th annual family event “Picnic in the Park.”

City crews were in Centennial Park this morning putting up stages and tents in preperation for the big summer party.

While rain is predicted for the morning, by the time the picnic starts, the skies should be clearing.

The Fourth of July festivities run from noon until 5 p.m. in the historic park at Richmond and Ellicott avenues in Batavia. As is tradition, the event 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.

Press release:

The Batavia Business Improvement District has awarded four more façade improvement grants to its downtown businesses. The recipients are: Kenneth Mistler, owner of City Slickers, 59 Main St.; Rich Clark of CPR (Computer & Phone Repair), 216 E. Main Street; Paul Marchese, Marchese Computer Products, 220 Ellicott St.; and Gerald and Thomas Williams, The Williams Law Firm, 2 Court St. Plaza.    

They received the following matching funds for improvements to their structures: Ken Mistler and City Slickers - $1,944 for new signage on the front and rear of his building; CPR - $286.69 for signage on their frontage; Marchese Computer - $1,205 for signage and gooseneck lighting; and Williams Law Firm - $1,487.50 for awnings on the second floor. These funds were awarded based upon the Business Improvement District’s design guidelines.  

The Batavia Business Improvement District is a not-for-profit, municipal / business incorporated association. It was established back in 1997 by a group of business owners to make improvements above and beyond what the municipality was normally responsible for.

B.I.D. provides programs, events and economic benefits to more than 190 downtown property owners and tenants. It has contributed greatly to the renewed vitality of downtown, the preservation of the character of its structures and development of its streetscapes.

According to Don Burkel, downtown manager, these improvements demonstrate a long-term commitment by these business owners to downtown and positive steps for its future. Eighty-seven businesses within the district have benefitted from this program and received more than $323,380 in funding. You also have to consider that these businesses have reinvested in total project costs of over $2,450,935 in Batavia’s downtown, which is pretty impressive.

A dirt bike rider has reportedly been injured at Area 51, 5100 Harloff Road, Batavia.

The rider lost consciousness but is awake, though disoriented.

Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

East Pembroke Fire and Oakfield Ambulance responding.

UPDATE 8:19 p.m.: The patient is now reportedly unconscious. Mercy Flight dispatched.

UPDATE 8:28 p.m.: Mercy Flight 5 in route.

UPDATE 8:30 p.m.: Patient is conscious and alert, complaining of hip and shoulder pain.

UPDATE 8:32 p.m.: Mercy Flight 5 is on the ground.

UPDATE 8:44 p.m.: Mercy Flight is flying to Erie County Medical Center.

A mulch fire is reported at the ESL Federal Credit Union on Veterans Memorial Drive. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 4:49 p.m.: A fireman on scene reports it is a small mulch fire and calls for a brush truck to respond in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: The fire is out. Town of Batavia is back in service..

There is reportedly a magazine sales company working in the area and residents in Batavia and Oakfield (I think Oakfield) have called to complain about sales rep activity.

Reps from the same company were in town last week and were told to get a permit from the City of Batavia. Batavia, as well as some other jurisdictions in Genesee County, require door-to-door sales reps to have permits.

This morning, a dispatcher checked with the city and there is allegedly no permit on file.

Sales reps can reportedly earn a trip to Rome if they do well with their sales.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: There was an inquiry as to whether the individuals could be charged for soliciting without a permit and a dispatcher replied, "I know you're going to find hard to believe, but their team leader isn't picking them up." Officer: "I'm shocked." The rep that was out with the officer says he just wants to return the money from the sales and their receipts and call it a day.

Jason D. Lang, 28, of 244 Liberty St., Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting an incident, 3rd, and aggravated harassment, 2nd. Lang is accused of calling 9-1-1 at 12:13 a.m., Saturday, to report hearing gunshots at a local hotel. Lang allegedly made the call twice. Batavia PD determined there were no gunshots at the hotel. Lang allegedly made several more calls to 9-1-1 "for no legitimate purpose." Lang was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Jamie E. Andrews, 28, of 15 School St., Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment, 2nd, and assault, 3rd. Andrews is accused of driving on Swan Street and deliberately striking an acquaintance with her car. The alleged victim was treated and released at UMMC with a minor injury.  Andrews was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Philip A. Dodson, 21, of 662 N. Plymouth Ave., Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Dodson was arrested in Monroe County and turned over to Batavia PD. Dodson was arraigned in city court and released.

Tara L. Hall, 33, of 32 Brooklyn Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Hall is accused of threatening a neighbor during an argument.

Chad M. Johnston, 26, of 111 Liberty St., Batavia, is charged with criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument. Johnston is accused of possessing a hypodermic instrument inside his residence.

Luke W. Ritzenhaler, 29, of 67 Oak St., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Ritzenhaler is accused of being in a fight at a location on Oak Street where he allegedly picked up another person and also threw an object at that person. He also allegedly damaged molding around a doorway.

Bruce V. Wiseley, 64, of 30 S. Main St., Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Wiseley is accused of becoming unruly while at a business on West Main Street and shouting obscenities at employees.

Lyle Robert Henderson, 29, of Lakeview Avenue, Syracuse, is accused of a family court violation. Henderson was arrested in Oneida County and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Following arraignment, Henderson was jailed on $4,000 bail.