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The Batavia Police Department is looking for the public's assistance with identifying the suspects in the attached picture.

The suspects were involved in an alleged hit-and-run property damage accident at UMMC on July 29.

UPDATE 11:46 a.m.: The people in the photo have been identified.

Police say, "They have been contacted and rectified the situation."

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.71, down 3 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.87. The New York State average is $2.86 – down 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.01. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.82 (down a penny since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.81 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.79 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.81 (down a penny since last week)
• Rome -- $2.84 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.76 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.79 (down a penny since last week)

The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.71 per gallon, which is 3 cents less than last week, 5 cents less than a month ago, and 16 cents less than a year ago. The latest data from the Energy Information Administration reveals that demand continues to drop. Total domestic stocks of gasoline are also down. Refinery utilization is down slightly.

Overall crude prices declined last week after President Trump announced new tariffs on imports from China, furthering a trade war between the world’s two largest economies and oil consumers. Market observers are concerned that increasing tariff costs will likely reduce global demand for crude oil. If the trade tension between the countries leads to more tariffs, crude prices will likely decline further.

One hundred years ago, in August 1919, the folks of Genesee County dedicated the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, better known as the Upton Monument. To commemorate the centennial of the monument, the Veterans Council and the American Legion conducted a rededication ceremony on Saturday.

A new pier into one of the ponds at Genesee County Park, suitable for relaxing and taking in nature and wildlife, was dedicated Friday by the leaders of Camp Hard Hat and the students participated along with their supporters and family members.

This is the sixth project completed in the park by Camp Hard Hat students over the past six summers.

The staff at the YWCA of Genesee County in Batavia has taken what was once a kind of drab thrift store and turned it into a hip, modern boutique.

In this video, Executive Director Millie Tomidy-Pepper explains the transformation and gives us an update on how the YWCA is doing following its financial troubles a year ago.

It can be tough being a mom and Friday, UMMC and the YWCA came together for a Mom's Health Resources Fair at the Y to provide local moms with help and advice.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the Dierks Bentley Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Thursday.

Aaron J. Bonn, age 38, of Wagler Avenue, Baden, Ontario, Canada, is charged with second-degree harassment after allegedly pushing another person. 

Zachary L. Kramer, age 18, of Hillbridge Drive, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing a bottle of alcohol from within the concert venue.

Mackenzie M. McDonald, age 19, of Teal Drive, Fairport, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return. 

Fourteen people were cited for possession of alcohol under age 21.

John Schnitter, of Geneseo, with a time of 16:32, won the GLOW Corporate Cup 5K in Batavia on Thursday.

Kimberly Tomasik, of Orchard Park, was the top female with a time of 18:36 and a fourth overall finish.

In second place, William Buckenmeyer, of Batavia, with a time of 17:40. In third place, and first in the 18-29 division, Collin Mulcahy, of Batavia, with a time of 18:07.

The second- and third-place women were Liz Bender, of North Chili, 19:04, and Kimberly Mills, of Oakfield, 19:38.

For full race results, click here.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved incentives for Graham Manufacturing at the board’s Aug. 1st meeting. The GCEDC board also accepted an application for incentives from Wendt Propane.

Graham Manufacturing is investing $1.075 million for capital improvements to expand various properties at its campus in the City of Batavia. The company will renovate an existing 8,000 square feet of buildings, including an expansion and renovation of its 4,000-square-foot welding school to meet market demand for welders.

An existing 4,000-square-foot manufacturing building also will be repurposed and the company will build a new 5,000-square-foot warehouse for storage needs. A supplemental application from Graham Manufacturing was accepted at the meeting, with a public hearing to be held.

“Graham Manufacturing has a very long history in our community and once again the company is demonstrating its commitment to our community by making capital investments in its infrastructure,” said GCEDC Board Chair Paul Battaglia. “When companies are making these types of investments, it means they intend to stay and grow which is always a positive sign.”

Wendt Propane, based in Sanborn in Niagara County, is seeking sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions of approximately $125,000 to build a new 9,600-square-foot facility in the Town of Le Roy.

The $1.3 million project consists of $800,000 is construction costs, $410,000 is equipment costs, and $90,000 in real estate costs. Construction of the new facility would result in the creation of four new jobs.

A flower box fire is reported at 335 Northside Meadows, Batavia.

City fire responding.

A car has reportedly hit a guard rail and is on fire in the area of mile marker 395 in the westbound lane of the Thruway.

No word on injuries.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 12:05 a.m.: Town of Batavia also requested to the scene, mutual aid.

A 32-year-old Batavia man went into County Court today facing a certain prison sentence for menacing a police officer with a BB gun but left with a second chance.

The attorney for Brandon Fogg told Judge Charles Zambito that his client had secured a bed-to-bed substance abuse treatment program and asked that he be allowed to enter the program Friday morning for 21 days of treatment. 

Expressing a bit of reluctance, the judge agreed to let Fogg enter treatment, with his mother providing transportation from the Genesee County Jail to the Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment.

"I'll give you an opportunity to convince me that I shouldn't send you to prison," Zambito said. "That doesn't mean you won't do further jail time and time on probation."

Absent a chance at treatment, Fogg could have reasonably expected to be sent to prison today for one and a half to four years.

"One of the conditions is that you stay in bed-to-bed treatment and follow any recommendations of the program," Zambito said. "If you violate any of the terms of the program you will be brought back here and sentenced and you will be going to prison."

Batavia police officers encountered Fogg on Cedar Street in early June after he trespassed at a location on Ellicott Street. Due to an illegal tire on Fogg’s vehicle as he drove away from the location, officers initiated a traffic stop.

According to police, Fogg attempted to flee the vehicle, but he was taken to the ground by Officer Darryle Streeter. Fogg then removed from his pocket what appeared to be a handgun during the struggle between himself and Streeter.  

An employee of a nearby business came to the aid of Streeter by stepping on Fogg’s wrist, which caused him to drop the BB gun from his grasp. Streeter took Fogg into custody shortly afterward.

Fogg's next scheduled court appearance is Aug. 26 when Zambito will decide whether a prison term is still appropriate or if he should receive less time in the local jail.

A former high school basketball star who got caught with a gun outside the county manager's home on Washington Avenue in November is being released from jail before being sent to prison so he can be at the hospital later this month for the birth of his child.

Judge Charles Zambito granted the unusual request because he promised TeeSean Ayala, 19, the opportunity to be around for the birth of his baby if he cooperated with prosecutors. Today Zambito acknowledge that Ayala kept his promise.

"I'm doing all of this because you did cooperate," Zambito said. "That's part of the bargain."

In May, Ayala entered a guilty plea to a charge of criminal possession 2nd, which carries a mandatory prison sentence with a maximum possible term of 15 years.

The plea also satisfied several charges related to local burglaries.

"If you flee, you will eventually be caught and then you're going to be sentenced to the 15 years," Zambito told Ayala. "If you commit any crimes while you're out, you will be sentenced to 15 years and face enhanced sentencing on those charges."

Ayala said he understood.

When the case was first called a little after 1:30 p.m., there was some discussion between Zambito and the attorneys about whether to adjourn the sentencing of Ayala. Ayala's attorney Richard Shaw started whispering to Ayala and at one point, Ayala became visibly emotional and said loudly, "but it's my first one."  

Shaw continued whispering to Ayala and Zambito asked if he and his client needed to discuss the matter privately. They did so Zambito ordered the case recalled later in the afternoon.

When Ayala came back into court, Zambito said he had been reminded of the promise to allow Ayala to be present for the birth of his child if he kept up his end of the bargain.

Zambito said Ayala isn't to leave his residence for any reason other than going to court or to go to the hospital for the delivery of his child when his fiancée goes into labor.

Ayala is allowed to have visitors but cannot be in contact with Malik Ayala, his brother who is a co-defendant.

Sentencing on the weapon charge is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Aug. 21.

Batavia-born, Buffalo music scene legend Michael DiSanto was hospitalized July 22 after suffering a stroke.

He will require rehabilitation after losing the use of the left side of his body.

You can read more about DiSanto's health and how the Buffalo music community is responding in the Buffalo News.

Here's a GoFundMe page to assist Michael.

Top photo is one of I took of Michael on St. Patrick's Day 2014 at Center Street. The next photo is from the Ramble in 2013, which is the first time I saw him perform and was amazed by his talent. Below are also the three songs we recorded live with him on the third floor of Eli Fish for The Batavian Sessions. If you watch nothing else today, watch his cover of "Little Red Corvette."

Press release:

For the second year in a row, Batavia will be honored with an inductee to the New York Penn League Hall of Fame.

The 2019 class features Batavia's Gene Baker, who was not only an outstanding player and manager, but a pioneer in breaking the color barrier in Minor and Major League Baseball.

Baker will be joined in the NYPL Hall of Fame with Jane Rogers, Josiah Viera and Bernie Williams.

The purpose of the New York‐Penn League Hall of Fame is to recognize individuals for their overall accomplishments and contributions to the league, on the field of play or in an administrative role, in addition to their overall career in baseball.

“As the oldest, continuously operated Class-A league in professional baseball, the list of players, coaches, field managers, general managers, and owners reads like a Who’s Who of Baseball,” said Ben Hayes, president of the New York‐Penn League. “We are proud to induct another class of extraordinary nominees.”

The following individuals comprise the New York‐Penn League’s 2019 Hall of Fame Class:

GENE BAKER

A man of firsts, Baker played a significant role in the history of the New York-Penn League and baseball in general when he broke the managerial color barrier by becoming the first African-American manager in organized baseball when the Pittsburgh Pirates named him skipper of the Batavia club in 1961.

In 1963, he became the second black coach in the major leagues following Buck O’Neill by a half season. He can also be credited with being the first black manager in Major League Baseball when he took over for ejected Pirates Manager Danny Murtaugh on Sept. 21, 1963.

After his coaching days, Baker spent many years as a scout for the Pirates' organization. He spent eight seasons in the majors with the Cubs and Pirates and was the first African-American player to ever make the Chicago Cubs' roster in 1953.

JANE ROGERS

As the first person hired by the Staten Island Yankees in 1999, Jane Rogers has been with the club for the entirety of its 20-year history in New York City.

Originally hired as the organization’s office manager, Rogers has progressed through various roles, including that of general manager, and her current position as senior vice-president, Baseball Operations.

Her tireless efforts leading the organization, and in particular the club’s relationship with the New York Yankees, have led to strong relationships with players and front office administrators alike. Rogers’ personality, generosity and kindness have led to her holding a special place in the hearts of many present Major League superstars.

During the three months that followed the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Rogers was responsible for managing Richmond County Bank Ballpark’s operations, which included a 24-hour/7-day-a-week distribution center for NYFD, NYPD and other city agencies that used the ballpark for a staging area.

Over the past two decades, she has mentored and led countless former SI Yankees employees, who have gone on to become executives throughout organized baseball. In addition, Rogers has been an important contributor to the Staten Island community and the New York-Penn League as a whole.

JOSIAH VIERA

Josiah captured the hearts of baseball fans around the country during his life, but it was in the New York-Penn League, with the State College Spikes, that his impact was most directly felt.

Josiah was born with Hutchinson-Guilford progeria, a rapid aging condition. His joyous spirit and enthusiasm was a source of inspiration for players, coaches, staff and fans. During his time as the Spikes' honorary bench coach, Josiah helped propel the club to three Pinckney Division titles and New York-Penn League championships in 2014 and 2016.

Just like all of the other coaches, Josiah gave instructions, encouraged players and exhorted them with his life’s motto, “Never Give Up.”

His presence created an unforgettable moment at the 2019 NYPL All-Star Game, held at his home field, in State College, Pa. As he made the final pitching change of the game, he left the field to a standing ovation from both teams and every fan in attendance.

Late in 2019, Josiah passed away at the age of 14. While he is greatly missed by every member of the Spikes and the New York-Penn League family, Josiah's spirit remains as a shining example of determination and perseverance in the game of baseball and the game of life.

BERNIE WILLIAMS

Williams hit .344 as a member of the 1987 Oneonta Yankees playing in 25 games before a promotion to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He made his Major League debut with the N.Y. Yankees on July 7, 1991 and would go on to play his entire 16-year MLB career in pinstripes. In his 16 seasons, he collected 2,336 hits, 449 doubles, 287 HR and 1,257 RBI to go along with a lifetime batting average of .297. He is a four-time World Series champion and the all-time leader in postseason RBI with 80. He also ranks second all-time in postseason HR (22), hits (128), doubles (29), total bases (223), and runs (83).

A five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, Williams won the 1996 ALCS MVP, 2002 Silver Slugger and 1998 AL Batting Title. He joined Yankee immortals by having his number 51 retired in 2015.

The New York‐Penn League Hall of Fame was established in 2012. Inductees are nominated and voted on by New York-Penn League club officials.

Inductions are scheduled to take place on Aug. 21, during pregame ceremonies at the 2019 New York‐Penn League All‐Star Game at Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of the Staten Island Yankees.

Last year, the late Wayne Fuller was joined in the Hall of Fame with Marvin Goldklang and Andres Galarraga.

Fuller's voice was a constant in Batavia, the birthplace of the New York-Penn League. For almost four decades Wayne served various roles for his hometown team including radio broadcaster, PA announcer and official scorer from his spot in the Batavia press box which was named the Wayne H. Fuller Press Box in 2009.

Press release:

The Tri-City ValleyCats kept J.D. Orr hitless on Tuesday night, a rain-shortened 1-0 Batavia Muckdogs win. It snapped a 10-game hitting streak for Orr.

Wednesday night, Orr made the ValleyCats pay. With one out in the ninth inning and Batavia trailing, 5-4, Orr laced a two-RBI single to left and the Muckdogs held on to win, 6-5.

It is the third straight win for the first-place Muckdogs, who are 27-18. The Muckdogs had a lot of help as the three teams chasing Batavia for first place in the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division all lost on Wednesday.

West Virginia (22-21) now trails Batavia by four games, Mahoning Vally trails by five along with State College, Pa., and Auburn. The only team to win on Wednesday in the Division was 15-29 Williamsport.

Batavia Manager Tom Lawless used five pitchers in the victory, but the last one he turned to was closer Evan Brabrand, who pitched a perfect ninth with a strikeout. Brabrand, a ninth-round draft pick of the Miami Marlins, picked up his ninth save of the season. In 11 appearances he has the nine saves, a 2-1 record and in 10.1 innings has struck out 15.

Orr, a left-handed outfielder who was drafted in the 10th round this year by the Marlins out of Wright State in Dayton, Ohio, hit third in the lineup Wednesday and went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, a run and a walk. Orr, who has 20 stolen bases on the season, is hitting .368.

Batavia had a lead in the sixth when newest Muckdog Julian Infante belted a two-run home run to left field for a 3-2 lead. C.J. Stubbs hit his fifth home run of the season in the bottom of the eighth for Tri City and Batavia was down to their last three outs.

However, Orr's single brought in Milton Smith II and Jack Strunc.

Strunc (run), catcher Andres Storms (double, run) and Rosario all had hits.

Geremy Galindez improved to 3-0 on the season with the win, as he pitched the eighth. Julio Frias started and went five innings, striking out five, allowing one walk and two runs. Brock Love, a 34th-round pick out of Alabama came in a tough situation and went 1.1 innings, pitching perfect baseball with two strikeouts. Love has a 0.00 ERA this season for the Muckdogs in five appearances and 6.2 innings.

Batavia is at Tri-City Thursday then returns home to Batavia on Friday to play the Connecticut Tigers. Check muckdogs.com for a new ticket special for Friday's game, a family four-pack of tickets is just $20. The game is at 7:05 p.m.

Press release:

The GLOW Corporate Cup is tonight starting at 6 o'clock in Centennial Park. The 5K race will be traversing through several streets in the northeast section of the city.

Temporary road closures are expected on Richmond Avenue and Ellicott Avenue, along with other streets in the northeast area. Vehicular traffic should expect delays.

If possible, vehicles should avoid the area between 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. and be cognisant of the runners, who will be using city streets.

A map of the racecourse and further information about the event can be found at http://www.glowcorporatecup.org/

A car has reportedly hit a bicyclist in the area of 8020 Bank Street Road, Batavia.

Minor injuries reported.

Town of Batavia fire dispatched along with Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m. Town of Batavia fire is back in service.

Press release: