The 2013 Ramble Music and Arts Fest was again a success with hundreds of music fans enjoying performances by three dozen bands.

Several bands put in great performances and one of the most impressive was from a band called Verse (top photo and third photo).

Bill Kauffman (second photo) opened the event with these remarks:

What is Batavia? It’s Centennial Park in the autumn, all red and orange and melancholy. It’s Dwyer Stadium as the sun sets behind the left-field wall. It’s gamblers watching the longshot they bet on at Batavia Downs come in dead last, as it always—almost—does. It’s three on three basketball at Williams Park, or the Little Leaguer in right field at MacArthur Park praying “please don’t hit it to me.” It’s the St. Joe’s lawn fete. It’s Adam Miller’s. It’s beef on weck at the Pok-a-Dot. It’s 20-year-olds talking and laughing through the night in a corner booth at Sport of Kings. It’s reading about old classmates in the police blotter. Then in the obituaries. It’s drinking and dancing in Jackson Square. It’s Billy Walker walking down Main Street. It’s Wayne Fuller’s voice. It’s Bill McDonald with his guitar.

And it is the Ramble. Now in its eighth year, this annual gathering of musicians and people who love music has become a part of the score of Batavia. We have such a rich and varied musical history in this city, this county. We have the oldest community orchestra in the country. We were the Motown of the accordion. We’ve had thriving garage rock and folk music scenes. We’ve had, and have, alternative and heavy metal and country and rap musicians and bands, as well as gospel singers and crooners of the standards. We have church choirs and we have kids banging away at thrash and metal music in their basements. Discordant and harmonious…peaceful and angry…traditional and twisted…It’s the soundtrack of Batavia.

And so I give you…the 2013 Ramble.

To purchase prints of any of these photos, click here.

Two dogs are locked inside a Cadillac Escalade in front of the Peking Buffet at 8222 Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia, which is in the same plaza as BJ's Wholesale Club. A caller is concerned for the canines' welfare and a Sheriff's deputy is responding.

A man is reportedly sleeping on the ground with beer cans under his head at the Flying J Travel Plaza in Pembroke. He has been asked to move along, but is refusing, so a Sheriff's deputy is responding.

Some folks in Corfu are upset over a new sidewalk along the west side of Alleghany Road that they say they didn't want, don't think is needed and didn't know was coming until construction was already under way.

The sidewalk was installed last month by NYS Department of Transportation.

"This section of highway was evaluated for improved pedestrian mobility from the residential area on the south side of the village towards the business district where likely destinations of foot traffic travel to including the school, retail and service areas," said DOT regional public information officer Lori Maher.

While the sidewalk removes what some residents once considered a part of their yard, the sidewalk is entirely within DOT right-of-way, Maher noted.

But that's not the worst of it. Residents complain about grading, leaving gas line extensions exposed and the poor quality of fill dirt used for landscaping.

They also say the sidewalk is a potential pedestrian hazard on both ends of the 113-yard-long strip of concrete.

On the north end, tractor-trailers making a right-hand turn from Genesee Street onto Alleghany have no choice but to cross over the top of the sidewalk.

On the south end, the sidewalk ends about 20 yards short of the viaduct, leaving a pedestrian planning on continuing south -- perhaps to the Pizza Pantry, no choice but to cross Route 77 at a point where northbound drivers might have a hard time seeing an unexpected pedestrian.

"Every piece of sidewalk starts someplace and ends in a logical terminus," Maher said.

Jenny McMartin, an Alleghany Road resident who, with her husband, had to spend more than $300 on new landscaping after the DOT chopped a steep incline into their front yard, attends every village board meeting and said the village was presented with three sets of plans for the project. None of them included the sidewalk.

Maher acknowledged that the DOT dropped the ball on notification to the Village of Corfu.

"The new sidewalk was constructed in the state right-of-way so no land was acquired, hence no formal notification prior to construction was made," Maher said. "During the construction phase, we worked with individuals to get grading releases, etc. Sidewalks are generally welcomed as a safety measure and added curb appeal. Since this was a fraction of the project’s scope, deliberate outreach with the homeowners was overlooked. We apologize for the oversight and will reevaluate our polices for future projects."

Grading releases were necessary to regrade driveways along the route.

Rob McNally kind of now regrets agreeing to his. He has two driveways on his property and now one of them is a bumpy ride in and out. A volunteer firefighter who rents the second floor of his house to tenants, McNally worries that anybody trying to make a quick exit off Route 77 into his driveway will hit that bump and lose control.

"Each of the driveways were built to standard and should pose no further concern," Maher said.

Last Saturday, McNally (top photo) spent the afternoon regrading his front lawn and removing a wheelbarrow full of pebbles and rocks from the fill the DOT dumped on his property.

At that point, the hydroseed -- which should sprout in seven to 10 days -- was two weeks old and hardly a blade of grass had sprouted in many areas. There were also patches in the parkway where no seed was applied.

Maher said the DOT will monitor the grass situation, but the fill used was up to state-approved specifications.

Earlier this week a DOT designer did meet with some of the residents, including McMartin and Trustee Dave Bielac.

The DOT's position, McMartin said, is that if the village thinks a guard rail is necessary at the south end of the sidewalk, the village will need to install it.

"They also said they are not putting in crosswalk," McMartin said. "If you need to cross the road go to Genesee and cross there."

McMartin praised Bielac for trying to work with the DOT to resolve the issues.

"Dave has been great during all this," she said.

Bob Evans Restaurant, 196 Oak St., Batavia, will be closed from July 7-14 for a remodel that will update the interior and exterior appearance, according to Assistant General Manager Jonathan Allen.

The restaurant will add a bakery section as part of the project.

The Sheriff's Office made the following arrests during the Kid Rock concert Friday at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Jordan J. Apps, 35 of Bertie Bay Road, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief after allegedly punching the window out of a vehicle. Apps was on $20,000 bail.

Craig M. Lawson, 34 of Talbot Street, Ontario, Canada, was charged with third-degree assault after allegedly punching another patron in the face knocking him unconscious. The victim was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight. Lawson was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Brian R. Becker, 38 of Eastham Court, Webster, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and operating with a suspended registration.

Patrick J. Gillen, 22 of Baywood Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jhon A. Polanco, 16 of North Clinton Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

The following people were cited for alleged possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21.

Elliot J. Austin, 18, of Claybed Road, Filmore
Abbey C. Paulsen, 17, of Route 19 Filmore
Megan A. Bailey, 18, of Roszyk Hill Road, Machias
Charles C. Lorraine, 20, of West Walworth Road, Macedon
Chelsea M. Wartinger, 20, of Corydon Drive, Depew
Kriston M. Farrell, 20 of Beale Avenue, Cheektowaga

Irish folk band Penny Whiskey, always a crowd favorite, opened the Jackson Square concert season Friday with two hours of Celtic rhythms and melodies. The square was pretty jam-packed with local music fans for the show.

Penny Whiskey is: Kirk McWhorter, Jon Carlson (top photo), Dan Lelito, Paul Kneis (second photo).

The Ramble Music and Arts Fest starts Saturday at 11 a.m.

Natalie Muscarella uses mom's camera to get some pictures of the band.

Officers Mark Lawrence and Eric Dibble next to the mural portrait of a Batavia police officer in Jackson Square.

To purchase prints of these photos, click here.

A tow truck is reportedly on fire in front of 182 Oak St., Batavia.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 12:24 a.m.: After Ladder 15 reported on scene, I've not heard anymore on this call.

A caller complained to dispatch that a neighbor appeared to be videotaping her children and the family dog. Le Roy Police are out with the alleged videotaper on Bradnell Avenue.

Visit Big Dipper today at: 240 Ellicott St., in Batavia or call  585-219-4466  and 585-219-4447

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is currently investigating several recent burglaries to unsecured garages/sheds. The Batavia Police Department would like to remind citizens to secure any and all of their property when it is not attended. If anyone has any information regarding the recent burglaries, please contact the department at (585) 345-6350.

Penny Whiskey kicks off a new season of concerts in Jackson Square at 7 p.m.

If it's raining at 5 p.m. or looks like rain is coming, the show will be moved to City Centre.

The Batavian is sponsoring tonight's show and I'll be there with freebies (photo prints, T-shirts and gift cards to local businesses) for anybody who signs up for a new membership in The Batavian Club.

Here's a list of shows this season:

It's My Party ('60s Hits) -- July 12
Ghost Riders (Country) -- July 19
OHMS Band (Rock) -- July 26
Bonnie & Collide (R & B) -- Aug. 2
Skiffle Minstrels (Swing & Zydeco...) --  Aug. 9
Kelly's Old Timers (Country) -- Aug. 16
C'est Bon All Girl Cajun Band (Cajun) -- Aug. 23
Mitty & The Followers (MoTown) -- Aug. 30

David W. Maxwell, 62, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, failure to dim headlights, failure to keep right, refusal to take breath test and controlled substance not in original container. Deputy Kevin McCarthy spotted Maxwell's car at 10:09 p.m. Tuesday on Route 33 in Pembroke and Maxwell allegedly failed to dim his headlights for oncoming traffic. When McCarthy attempted a traffic stop on Maxwell's car, Maxwell allegedly refused to pull over. A short pursuit followed and Maxwell eventually pulled over on Route 33 in the Town of Batavia.

Donna Marie Kroft, 59, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kroft is accused of shoplifting at Kmart on Tuesday.

Dora Poodry, 19, of Basom, is charged with petit larceny. Poodry was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 9:18 p.m., Wednesday, at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive. No further details released.

New York Times: For Islamists, Dire Lessons on Politics and Power

A trailer fire is reported at the Darien Lake Theme Park campgrounds, site 155.

Darien fire is dispatched with Corfu fire responding mutual aid.

UPDATE 6:27 a.m.: Fire is out.

A sky lantern may look pretty, but firefighters warn they're potentially dangerous and also outlawed in New York.

Tonight, one floated over the City of Batavia Fire Hall that narrowly missed landing on the roof of Saint Mary's.

"Should this unattended fire in the sky have landed on the roof of the church or surrounding buildings it could have caused significant damage," said the department in a press release about the incident.

Firefighters retrieved the lantern and extinguished the still-burning fire.

"We ask that all residents discontinue the use of 'sky lanterns' so they and their neighbors can enjoy a safe 4th of July," the release said.

PDF: A safety alert about sky lanterns.

PHOTO: From the PDF, not the actual lantern from tonight's incident.

Bob Zeagler was all decked out for the 4th -- as he usually is -- at GO ART's Picnic in the Park today in Centennial Park.

The picnic was once again a successful community event.

To purchase prints, click here.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported, unknown injuries, in the City of Batavia on East Avenue between Columbia and Vine streets. A moving Pontiac was hit along with a utility pole, causing the transformer to explode at 19 East Ave. The roadway is not passable and three National Grid trucks are on location. City fire and Mercy medics are on scene.

UPDATE 6:18 p.m.: A responder says power is out in the vicinity of the accident, including UMMC, which is activating its back-up generator immediately. "They gonna get my house, too, or just the hospital?" asks a dispatcher. Response: "You'll have to wait, Dan." Then the dispatch guy sighs in resignation ''ghsss...OK."

UPDATE 8:32 p.m.: Press release from Batavia PD:

The Batavia Police are investigating a two-car property damage motor vehicle accident. An eastbound pickup truck drifted into the westbound lane and side swiped a westbound vehicle on East Avenue. The pickup truck then struck a utility pole at the intersection, breaking the pole in two. Power was knocked out to approximately 2,600 customers, but was quickly restored by National Grid crews who were working in the area. The operator of the truck indicated he took his eyes off the road when some items fell onto the floor of his moving vehicle. The operator was cited for failure to keep right. The roadway will remain closed while the pole is being replaced by National Grid.

The following arrests were made Wednesday by the Sheriff's Office during the Dave Matthews Band Concert at Darien Lake Theme Park.

ToniMarie Gigante, 39, of Hallam Road, Buffalo, is charged with disordlerly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance and refusing to leave the concert venue. Gigante was arraigned and jailed on $250 bail.

Christopher K. Grasso, 30, of Westside Drive, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing an officer who was breaking up a fight. 

Shane M. Curry, 18, of Broxbourne Drive, Fairport, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly attempting to fight a deputy in the concert venue. Curry was jailed on $100 bail.

Thomas W. Hummel, 17, of Chapel Hill Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession, of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing oxycodone and marijuana.

Michael D. Capezzuto, 19, of Fenwick Lane, Victor, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, after allegedly jumping onto the hood of a car, causing damage.

John R. Adams, 17, of Welsey Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence into a restricted area of the concert venue.

John M. Vandemoortel, 31, of Chadwick Drive, Waterloo, is charged with disordley conduct after allegedly using obscene language, causing a disturbance.

Robert C. Stapleton, 44, of Orchard Street, Ovid, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with security while being escorted from the concert venue.

John J. Stefaniak, 18, of George Street, Hamburg, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue after being previously ejected from the concert.

Lawrence J. Lent, 20, of Bownshill Lane, Fairport, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being told not to return.

Patrick T. Van Vortel, 19, of Garnsey Road, Pittsford, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking a deputy while being ejected from the concert venue.

Matthew D. Wieczorek, 44, of Westminster Avenue, Syracuse, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected.

Rachel M. Sanchez, 24, of Lake Street, Angola, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly using obscene language and causing a disturbance while exiting the concert venue.

Kristen B. Faricellie, 17, of Wood Acres Drive, East Amherst, is charged with trespass after allegedly entering the concert venue without a ticket.

The following people received apperance tickets for alleged unlawful possession of marijuana:

Kelsey B. Sargent, 20, of Creek Road Extension, Lewiston
Matthew W. Ortiz, 20, of Gleason Circle, East Rochester
Richard S. Bailey, 24, of Garage Road, Farmington
Keith D. Langdon, 18, of Dublin Road, Penfield

The following people were issued citations for alleged possession or consumption of alcohol under age 21:

(Name redacted upon request)  18, of Ashford Court, East Amherst
Gabriel S. Zumpano, 19, of State Route 28, Barneveld

(Name redacted upon request), 19, of Shirley Avenue, Buffalo
Daniel J. Miller, 19, of Norbrook Road, Fairport
Rachel D. Anderson, 18, of Drayton Parkway, Hamburg
Thomas W. Gavin, 18, of Frontier Drive, Blasdell
Brian M. Castonguay, 17, of Willowbrook Drive, Orchard Park
Ryan M. Enright, 19, of Buffalo Road, Churchville
Adam C. Ludwicki, 20, of Knollwood Drive, Churchville
Ian F. Mohr, 17, of Wildmere Road, Rochester
Michael E. Anvelt, 19, of Forest Wood Lane, Pittsford
William C. Phelan, 18, of New England Drive, Rochester
Madeline R. Kalke, 18, of Rogers Parkway, Rochester
Luke A. Tierney, 18, of Minuteman Trail, Rochester
Brandon W. Hardy, 20, of Bridlepath Lane, Lancaster
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Caroline Lane, Elma
Nicole E. Deming, 18, of Country Club Drive, Syracuse
Annessa N. Sax-Bolder, 19, of Hillair Circle, White Plains
Avery P. Palardy, 20, of Joseph C. Wilson Boulevard, Rochester
Zachary J. Mietus, 20, of Congress Avenue, Rochester
Zoe T. Duberstein, 19, of Antlers Drive, Rochester
Hannah E. Roselli, 19, of Mill Street, Hornell
Allison E. Roberts, 19, of East Washington Street, Hornell
Danielle K. Dero, 19, of Bradnell Avenue, Le Roy
Nicholas C. Augostini, 20, of Foxburn Road, Penfield
(Nane removed upon request), 20, of Mt. Liberty Drive, Penfield
(name removed upon request), 20, of Genesee Street, Rochester
(name removed upon request), 20, of Genesee Street, Rochester
Kristine N. Celeste, 18, of Scovell Drive, Lewiston
Patrick J. Gardner, 18, of Oakbrook Drive, Williamsville
Marissa A. Peltier, 19, of Clarence Center Road, Clarence
Nicholas J. Ferry, 19, of Hollingson Road, Clarence
Julia L. Griffith, 19, of Doncaster Road, Kenmore
Roseann J. DeVito, 20, of Canandaigua-Farmington Townline Road, Canandaigua
Robert M. Dicioccio, 18, of Lynn Drive, Orchard Park
Emily A. Wood, 18, of Nottingham Terrace, Hamburg
Trevor J. Snyder, 18, of Ellis Road, Orchard Park
Katherine E. Janish, 19, of North Lake Drive, Orchard Park
Mary J. Russo, 20, of Chapel Woods, Williamsville
Shannon E. Wrona, 18, of Traverse Boulevard, Buffalo
Kevin C. Ort, 18, of Sannita Drive, Rochester
Rosemarie L. Leach, 19, of Affinity Lane, Rochester
Shannon M. McCooey, 18, of Sunrise Terrace, West Seneca
Alayna M. Wageman, 19, of Sandlewood Drive, Getzville
Kristen L. Waskosky, 20, of Berkley Drive, Lockport
Nicole M. Carcione, 20 Leete Road, Lockport
Stephanie E. Hudson, 18, of Polar Drive, Penfield
Sean P. Byrne, 20, of South Geddes Street, Syracuse
Taylor M. Novakowski, 18, of MDL Cheshire Road, Canandaigua
Zachary R. Zimmerman, 20, of County Route 65, Watertown
Matthew J. Barvaccia, 19, of Sunrise Park, Pittsford
(name redacted), 20, of Maple Street, Hornell
John N. Dagon Jr., 20, of Maple Street, Hornell
Matthew R. Dansa, 19, of Chase Drive, Orchard Park
Monica M. Reiser, 18, of Birdsong Parkway, Orchard Park
Dennis F. Segrue, 18, of Chateau Place, Mendon
Cameron E. Orlando, 17, of Stratford Lane, Rochester
Madeline M. Box, 19, of Crestwood Road, Corning
Austin J. Antkowiak, 18, of Burbank Drive, Orchard Park
Kerry J. Winter, 19, of Holmes Hill Road, Conesus
Brendan P. Hart, 18, of Cynthia Circle, Orchard Park
Joseph F. Dagher, 18, of Via Marina, Williamsville
(Name redacted upon request), 18, of Velcoda Drive, Rochester
Jessica A. Kuzdzal, 20, of New Road, Amherst
Alyssa M. Filiatreau, 19, of McBurney Road, Clifton Springs
Lucia M. Forte, 19, of Lin Road, Utica
Daniel E. Gershman, 20, of Evelyn Avenue, North Bellmore
(name redacted upon request), 19, of Clooney Drive, Henrietta
Matthew S. Leonard, 19, of Cape Henry Trail W. Henrietta
Allison A. Yacono, 19, of Tumbleweed Drive, Pittsford
Kevin M. Burke, 16, of Chase View Road, Fairport
Cody M. Grasso, 20, of West Bihrwood Drive, West Seneca
Patrick J. Crowley, 20, of Union Road, West Seneca
Stephen R. Greiner, 19, of Highpoint Court, Orchard Park
Danielle K. Ruf, 16, of Hitree Lane, Rochester
Alexandra N. Emiliano, 18, of Christina Drive, North Chili
Kendra N. Thomas, 19, of Beartown Road, Painted Post
Taylor N. Royce-Parvlot, 20, of Chestnut Street, Corning
Peter M. Gropp, 19, of Shannon Glen, Fairport
Michael B. Caruso, 20, of Neuchatel Lane, Fairport
James T. Coon, 18, of Culver Parkway, Rochester

Lightning, thunder, fireworks, and that was all before the final out at Dwyer Stadium on Wednesday night as the Batavia Muckdogs rolled over the Auburn Doubledays 12-2 to end the Fourth of July show.

It was a tight ball game until bottom of the 5th when the 'Dogs exploded for seven runs, putting together a string of singles and walks and capitalizing on a throwing error by Doubledays third baseman Cody Gunter.

Batavia entered the bottom of the 5th down 2-1, with the Muckdogs' sole run to that point coming on a long ball off the bat of first baseman Felix Munoz. The ball was just long enough and just fair enough down the right field line to put Batavia on the scoreboard.

After Batavia's scoring deluge in the 5th, the rains came in the 6th, forcing a 38-minute delay after the top of the 6th.

Many of the 1,800 fans in attendance on 4th of July fireworks night (which was actually on July 3) left the park during the downpour.

The work stoppage didn't slow the Muckdogs, however, as they added four runs in the bottom of the 6th, with three runs plated on a bases-clearing triple by Carlos Lopez.

The winning pitcher was Fairfax, Va., native Ryan Newell, who tossed six innings, giving up seven hits, two runs (one earned), striking out two and walking only one. Through three starts, Newell is 1-1 with a 1.69 ERA.

Dane Stone (top photo), a second-year pro from Miami, dominated during two innings of relief work, holding Auburn scoreless on one hit while striking out four batters, including three of the four he faced in the eight. It was Stone's first appearance of the season.

Closing out the game in a non-save situation was Texan James Wooster who walked one but struck out two.

Munoz, a six-year pro from the Dominican Republic, had two hits, two walks, drove in three runs and scored three times. The home run was his first four-bagger of the season. He's hitting .313 on the season.

Lead-off hitter and starting shortstop Justin Bohn also had two hits. The Phoenix, Ore., native also had a walk, a run scored and a stolen base.

Left field Autstin Dean, from Spring, Texas, scored two runs on a walk and a single.

Avery Romero, from St. Augustine, Fla., and playing third base, reached on an error and a walk and scored twice.

The Muckdogs are now 7-7 on the season, a game and a half behind first place Jamestown in the standings.

Hitting leader so far is Romero with .353 average, giving him the fifth highest average in the NYPL at this point in the season. Munoz leads the team with 10 RBI.

Yefri Perez has seven stolen bases.

Batavia isn't home again until Monday, when the Muckdogs will complete a game-shortened game against Jamestown starting at 5:05 p.m. and then play a seven-inning match against the Jammers at 7:05 p.m.

Austin Dean

Justin Bohn lays down a perfect bunt for a base hit in the bottom of the fifth.

Part of the post-game fireworks show.