Three Batavia churches were broken into overnight and items were stolen from at least one of the buildings, according to Officer Eric Hill, Batavia PD.

Det. Pat Corona said there was evidence recovered that should help police identify the suspect or suspects.

The first burglary was reported early this morning at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., and Hill and Corona responded to the scene.

Hill didn't release what was stolen from St. James, citing an ongoing investigation.

Corona said the burglar at St. James kicked in a door to gain entry.

While Hill and Corona were tied up at St. James, officials at the First Baptist Church, 306 E. Main St., reported somebody had forced his way into the church building.

Det. Rich Scauff reported for duty to investigate that break-in. Hill said no items have yet been reported stolen at the Baptist church.

As Corona was leaving St. James, officials from St. Mary’s Church, 16 Ellicott St., reported signs of forced entry at their church.

Corona said the suspect or suspects forced their way in through a basement window (photo above) and forced their way into several storage areas but so far nothing is confirmed missing.

No arrests have been made yet. The investigation is continuing.

The suspect in a stabbing that occurred shortly before 1 a.m. today on Lewis Place in Batavia was arrested and jailed without bail. Adante L. Davis, of 218 State St., Apt. 4, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd.

The victim was treated at UMMC for non-life-threatening injuries and released. Davis was also treated at UMMC for injuries allegedly sustained in the physical altercation. Davis is scheduled to appear in court tommorow at 11:30 a.m.

The case was investigated by Officer Frank Klimjack and Officer Eric Bolles.

(Initial Report)

Two games into his professional career, Alex Mejia came through for the Muckdogs in a big way Saturday night, giving local fans an idea why the Cardinals selected the Pac-12 Player of the Year in the fourth round of June's amateur draft.

Mejia put the Muckdogs on the board in the third inning against the Lowell Spinners with an RBI double. It was Mejia first professional hit (top photo).

The former El Camino Real High School (Sylmar, Calif.) All-City shortstop also flashed some leather that proved solid defensively.

Mejia helped lead the Arizona Wildcats to a College World Series championship and signed with the Cardinals just a week ago at the end of his junior year in college to help his family out financially. He received a $250,000 bonus.

The newest Muckdog comes from a strong baseball family (his father was an All-American at Pepperdine, his sisters play college softball and his cousin is with the Washington National's AAA farm team). 

The 21-year-old Californian put up impressive numbers at Arizona, hitting .357 in 2012 and .335 in 2011.

ESPN featured Mejia in a recent article, and the shortstop received some high praise.

"His passion to succeed, his intangibles, his knowledge of the game ... Alex has it all," Lopez said. "I wouldn't trade him for anyone."

There are some analysts who believe Mejia is the best shortstop in all of college baseball. The reigning Pac-12 Player of the Year -- and Defensive Player of the Year -- is hitting .361 and boasts a fielding percentage of .959.

But Mejia wasn't the only player to contribute to the Muckdog's 3-0 win over Lowell in front of 667 loyal Muckdog fans.

David Washington, a fourth-year pro from San Diego, who is showing signs of putting it all together this year and is hitting .322, drove in two key runs in the fourth inning with a two-out double.

Tyler Melling picked up his first in four starts this season, tossing six shutout frames, scatting seven hits and striking out five Lowell batters. Mellin's ERA dropped to 2.05.

Last season's starting shortstop is now the Muckdog's closer, and Yunier Castillo picked up his third save on the year. After eight appearances, Castillo's ERA is 0.80 and he's fanned 12 in 10 innings.

First-round pick Patrick Wisdom continued his solid rookie season with two hits and some impressive defense at third base.

Also collecting a hit was catcher Jesus Montero, who is the top offensive player for the Muckdogs so far this season.

Montero is hitting .407 with three home runs and 12 RBI. His OPS is 1.072.

The fifth-year pro is the brother of Seattle Mariner's catcher Jesus R. Montero (the Seattle catcher is known as Jesus Rafael Montero as opposed to the Muckdog's Jesus Montero). The elder Montero was traded to Seattle by the Yankees, where he was considered one of the top catching prospects in the major leagues.

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A fight involving several subjects was reported on Lewis Place and Batavia PD responded.

Officers are on scene and report there is a stabbing victim at a residence on Lewis Place and possibly one other injured person.

No indication on how serious the injuries are.

Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 12:52 a.m.: Police were told that the victim was at a residence on Lewis, but when officers arrived, they were told the victim had left, so officers are trying to locate the victim. The knife was recovered in front of a neighboring residence. Mercy EMS is on scene.

UPDATE 1:01 a.m.: A second ambulance is requested to Batavia PD headquarters for a report of a male having trouble breathing.

UPDATE 1:04 a.m.: The victim and his brother are going to UMMC ER. Police are interviewing a suspect at HQ. Batavia PD has cleared the scene on Lewis Place.

More than 40 bands and solo performers congregated downtown Saturday, the rain stayed away, and a good time was had by all at the annual Ramble & Arts Fest in Jackson Square.

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Mercy medics are responding to Dwyer Stadium in the City of Batavia where a female behind the third-base line was reportedly struck in the head by a baseball bat. There's a Muckdogs game in progress.

UPDATE 8:11 p.m.: The woman is 50 and was struck by a flying bat from 30 feet away. She is said to have head and hand injuries and is arriving at UMMC.

A young child fell off her bike and struck her head on the pavement at 4 Lewis Place in the City of Batavia. She is unconscious. Mercy medics and city fire are en route.

UPDATE 7:19 p.m.: The girl is 12 years old and lost consciousness for about 30 seconds. She is now conscious, alert and in stable condition. She has elbow and knee pain and pain on her right side. She was not wearing a helmet. Mercy Medic #1 is taking her to UMMC.

Message from County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens:

The County Highway Department will begin a series of repairs to the River Street Bridge next week. The repairs include joint replacements and a full deck mill and fill. The repairs will have a major impact on travel across the bridge as traffic will be reduced to one lane. Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes. The repairs are scheduled to start on Tuesday and last for at least two weeks with another closure later this summer to complete the repairs.

GOP candidate for Congress Chris Collins reportedly has a history of saying things he maybe shouldn't, and his opponent in the race for the NY-27 has shown she's willing to use those statements against him in the campaign.

“All of us are human," Hochul said in an interview Thursday. "It’s important if you misspeak that you own it and say you made a mistake."

But, she added, “When there’s a pattern, then it’s trouble. If it’s an honest mistake that is a different category.”

As for criticizing Collins for saying people no longer die from cancer in an interview with The Batavian, Hochul said she thinks the comment raises legitimate policy concerns that should held up to scrutiny.

“He said it was out of context," Hochul said. "It looked like it read in context to me. He also said he misspoke, but either way, if you’re going to engage in this level of debate and criticize health policy that provides care to people with preexisting conditions, if you want to have these conversations, it’s important to state your position clearly."

Collins readily admits he makes statements that are easy targets for his political opponents, but he said that's just a byproduct of his straightforward style.

“Clearly, I’m not a politician," Collins said. "I come out of the private sector. I speak very directly. I actually answer questions. I’m not someone who filters, who is consistently filtering everything you say.”

As for the cancer comment, Collins thinks it's ridiculous that anybody would believe he thinks people no longer die from cancer.

Opponents concentrating on just one portion of his full quote miss the overall point he was making, Collins said.

Clearly what he said is there've been advances in health care, Collins said, and new treatments are more costly, above any increase in inflation, than what existed even just 10 yeas ago.

"The result is we live a lot longer and people today are surviving where they may not have a decade ago," Collins said. "Thanks for advances in cancer treatment that saved my sister’s life."

Over the course of Collins's several years of public life, the former Erie County executive has been criticized many times for public statements, most notably in 2009, when Collins compared Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to Hitler, and in 2010 when Collins was reported to have offered a woman a seat at an event in exchange for a lap dance.

“I will say, about the Shelly Silver comment, it was a poor attempt at a joke in front of a friendly audience," Collins said. "It didn’t come across and in hindsight, I should not have said that.

"As for the lap dance remark," Collins added. "It never happened. I can’t apologize for something I never said.”

During her year in Congress, Hochul has gotten into trouble for an apparent misstatement once.

Republicans jumped all over a statement by Hochul at a political forum in Erie County where she reportedly said, “Well, basically, we’re not looking to the Constitution on that aspect of it. Basically, the decision has been made by this Congress that American citizens are entitled to health care.”

Hochul thinks that the public is ready to forgive a politician a genuine mistake, but when they do say something inappropriate they should own the mistake.

"If you’re not adding anything positive to the policy debate, then you have to deal with the consequences," Hochul said.

In his interview published in The Batavian on June 24, Collins made other remarks that could be construed as politically sensitive misstatements, but Democrats have not pursued those comments as aggressievely as the cancer statement.

Most notably, Collins made statements that could lead one to conclude that the GOP nominee doesn't believe in civilian control of the military and that the president is commander-in-chief -- two concepts enshrined in the Constitution.

When asked if there was an opportunity to cut spending by cutting the military budget, Collins said, "It’s not my call. I would say you look to your military commanders, you say what is our mission and you look to the experts on how to achieve that mission in in the most cost-effective way, making sure they’ve got the tools they need to accomplish their mission."

Collins then added that President Barack Obama has been out of line in his handling of the military in Afghanistan.

"Whereas our current president has tried to micromanage the military," Collins said. "He’s replaced commanders in Afghanistan because they don’t agree with his policies."

In an interview Friday, Collins said he certainly supports civilian control of the military and understands the president is commander-in-chief.

“President Obama has politicized his position beyond what you would call a professional commander-in-chief," Collins said. "That’s just my opinion. Others may have a different opinion, but I know many people who share my opinion.

“The Constitution is the Constitution and he can do what he’s allowed to do, but that doesn't mean that what he does is right," Collins added.

From Hochul's point of view, Collins's remarks regarding the president's handling of Afghanistan is misplaced criticism.

"Regardless of party affiliation, the president of the United States remains the commander-in-chief," Hochul said. “When the president made a decision to take out Osama Bin Laden, some said that may have been too big a risk. I understand he overrode a lot of people when he made that decision, but I thank him on behalf of the people of this country that he did.”

Finally, as is often the case in taped interviews, the original statement from Collins on advances in health care was quite long and was trimmed to make for shorter reading. While we believe the quote as printed in the origional article fully explains the point Collins was attempting to make, for transparency's sake, below is his full statement. The part of the quote used in the original article is in bold.

"The fact of the matter is, healthcare today is different than healthcare was five, 10, 20 years ago. We didn’t have Lipitor, we didn’t have robotic surgery, we didn’t have what we have for prostrate cancer. People just died. People now don’t die from prostate cancer, breast cancer and some of the other things. The fact of the matter is, our healthcare today is so much better, we’re living so much longer, because of innovations in drug development, surgical procedures, stents, implantable cardiac defibrillators, neural stimulators -- they didn’t exist 10 years ago. The increase in cost is not because doctors are making a lot more money. It’s what you can get for healthcare, extending your life and curing diseases, and drugs that step in for high cholesterol and high blood pressure and everything else. Those are expensive, if anyone thinks that’s just free, we didn’t have them 20 years ago, so when people, I think, erroneously say, the increased cost of health care is more than inflation, they’re forgetting about, you’re getting a different product. Do you like the product you’re getting today or not? That’s decisions I think people have to make."

Two women are reportedly having a heated argument over clothes at the Golden Coin Laundry on East Main Street in Batavia. Police are responding.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Route 5 and Clipnock Road. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 1:17 p.m.: A second ambulance is requested. It is reported that a car was rear-ended. The availability of Mercy Flight is being checked.

UPDATE 1:18 p.m.: The vehicles are off the road, not blocking. There is no entrapment, but head injuries are reported. Mercy Flight out of Buffalo is on an in-air standby.

UPDATE 1:24 p.m.: Traffic control is requested.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled.

UPDATE 1:48 p.m.: Mercy Medic #3 is transporting one patient to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 1:55 p.m.: Mercy Medic #1 is transporting two patients -- mother and daughter -- to UMMC. The driver is 48 years old and has neck pain and a right wrist abrasion. Her air bag did deploy. The passenger is 13 and has slight pain in her right shoulder. Her air bag did not deploy. She is able to walk into the facility. Neither person lost consciousness. Stafford Fire Department is back in service.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m. (by Howard): The driver of the Mercury Mountaineer reportedly told a deputy she didn't see the silver sedan stopping to make a left-hand turn and then couldn't stop in time to avoid a collision.

Press release:

The Leadership Genesee Class of 2012 is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for local groups and organizations that are in need of assistance.

Leadership Genesee is a yearlong experiential leadership program of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County that has been equipping community members to be well informed community stewards since 2001. With more than 250 graduates to date, alumni include many community leaders, local executives and business leaders.

Since the group is focused on improving the quality of life for the residents of Genesee County, the Class of 2012 has decided to “roll up their sleeves” and offer assistance to local not-for-profits that serve the community.

Peggy Marone, executive director of the program, feels the class has much to offer.

“We have 27 dedicated, intelligent, and involved citizens that are willing to lend their talents to help make our community a better place to live,” Marone said.

The group is seeking input from 501(c )3 agencies that need assistance with marketing efforts, business planning or other issues.

More information can be found by contacting us at LGproject2012@gmail.com.

UPDATED 1:14 p.m. with additional information on charges.

A 32-year-old man who clambered on to rooftops in two separate incidents Friday is in jail, being held without bail, after being charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief.

Bradley J. Broadbent, no permanent address, climbed onto a roof and reportedly jumped from roof to roof between homes on Hutchins Street late Friday afternoon.

Police, fire and medical personnel responded to the scene and Broadbent was talked into getting onto a ladder and climbing down.

He was transported by Mercy EMS to UMMC for evaluation.

At about 8 p.m., Broadbent reportedly fled UMMC's emergency room and a short time later, police were notified of a person entering a residence on Tracy Avenue.

Broadbent reportedly knows the woman who lives at the residence.

After a search of the residence, officers reportedly located Broadbent on the roof of a neighbor's garage.

Several other charges are pending against Broadbent, according to police.

On Friday, Lt. Jim Henning characterized Broadbent as a person of interest in a case of vandalism at a business building on Swan Street.

At the Hutchins Street incident, Broadbent was observed making repeated head and upper body movements, appearing very jittery. Police described his behavior as "irrational."

The criminal trespass charge stems from the Hutchins Street incident. At Hutchins Street, Broadbent also allegedly kicked in a door of a residence, leading to the criminal mischief charge.

According to Henning, Broadbent will also be charged at his arraignment July 9 with burglary for allegedly entering the Tracy Avenue residence.

Photo: From the Hutchins Street incident Friday. 

The driver of an SUV reportedly drove into some trees an the edge of BJ's Wholesale Club in Batavia. He got out of the vehicle and was obviously angry. No one is sure what happened or why. Sheriff's deputies are responding.

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.

A shed fire is reported at 10330 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

Bethany Fire Department with mutual aid from Town of Batavia responding.

UPDATE 10:41 a.m.: Homeowner appears to have put out the fire with a garden hose.

UPDATE 10:45 a.m.: Town of Batavia back in service.

UPDATE 11:05 a.m.: A Bethany tanker has gone back in service.

UPDATE 11:16 a.m.: Bethany is back in service.

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A two-car rollover accident with injuries is reported at Sumner and Colby roads, Darien.

Darien fire and ambulance responding. Mercy EMS also dispatched.

UPDATE 10:25 a.m.: Chief on scene says Mercy Flight will not be needed at this accident.

UPDATE 11:04 a.m.: One patient transported to Warsaw, one patient is a sign-off.

UPDATE 11:19 a.m.: A third person was transported to UMMC. Darien is back in service and the roadway is reopened.

There is a report of wires arcing in the area of 2104 Judge Road, Alabama.

Alabama Fire Department is responding.

There are also reports of tree limbs down in a few locations, including on Pratt Road.

UPDATE 10:08 a.m.: Report of wires down and arcing in area of 8900 Creek Road, Batavia. Town of Batavia fire responding. Also, according to National Grid, some 170 customers are without power in the Dodgeson Road area of Alexander.

UPDATE 10:13 a.m.: Pavilion Fire Department is also working an incident on York Road.

UPDATE 10:21 a.m.: National Grid reports 31 customers without power along Route 20 in the area of Brookville Road, Alexander. Also, a tree is down in the area of Dillon Road, Pavilion.

UPDATE 10:27 a.m.: Pavilion is working multiple incidents of trees and lines down. All available manpower requested to the hall.

UPDATE 10:31 a.m.: 15 minute ETA for National Grid on Town of Batavia's incident.

UPDATE 10:41 a.m.: Photos sent in by Tim Walton. A tree was knocked down by a lightning strike in the area of 100 Ross St., Batavia. The tree damaged a car (only one parked where three are normally parked) and took out a fence on Batavia Middle School property. Also, a tree reported down on Old Creek Road and a chief responds he's also received a report of a tree down on Little Canada Road. Dispatcher: "Copy, trees down everywhere."

UPDATE 10:50 a.m.: Report of lines down, arcing on Wilkenson Road, East Pembroke. East Pembroke fire responding. Also, fewer than 10 customers without power in the area of Route 20 and Route 63, Pavilion. No word on whether traffic signals at that location effected.

UPDATE 10:56 a.m.: Texaco Town intersection, traffic lights on four-way red flash.

UPDATE 10:58 a.m.: Creek Road and Little Canada trees removed. Wilkenson Road being closed between Route 33 and Lear Road.

UPDATE 11:23 a.m.: Creek Road is clear. Town of Batavia is back in service.

UPDATE 11:34 a.m.: East Pembroke is back in service.

UPDATE 12:12 p.m.: There is a power outage around Creek Road that stretches from East Alexander to north of Route 63. More than 400 customers are without power. The Dodgeson Road outage now effects more than 300 customers.  There are a handful of lesser power outages throughout the county.

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: Photo below from Dana Lamb of tree down on power line on Brown Road, Pembroke.

UPDATE 12:39 p.m.: National Grid has or will cut power along York Road and South Street (or a portion of them) so large fallen trees can be removed by county highway crews. Pavilion fire command is informed of this.

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.