Near the end of our visit to Picnic in the Park, I noticed a tree in the northeast corner of the park with this fungus of some sort growing on it. Rather interesting shape and texture.

Billie and I didn't get a chance to stop by Picnic in the Park at Centennial Park until later afternoon, but there was still plenty going on with live music, food and arts and crafts.

More pictures after the jump:

A two-car "T-bone" accident is reported at Sumner and Colby roads in Darien. There are injuries but everyone was conscious at the time of the call to dispatch.

Darien Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 1:02 p.m.: A firefighter says a utility pole was damaged. It doesn't appear to be in danger of toppling over but it was "struck pretty good." One of the cars involved has Indiana plates. Two tows are called, including one flatbed.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: Darien fire is back in service.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: Mercy medics are taking three people to UMMC and another person is being taken there in a private vehicle. National Grid has been notified abou the damaged pole.

With more than 2,200 fans in Dwyer Stadium for baseball and fireworks, the Batavia Muckdogs mounted a three-run, eighth-inning rally to snatch a 3-2 victory over Mahoning Valley.

Starter Jonathan Cornelius went four innings without giving up a run, and only one hit, but did not figure in the decision. Relief pitcher Eric Binder picked up his second win of the year.

Danny Miranda completed his fourth save.

The Muckdogs are now 8-10 on the year and will taken on Mahoning Valley (10-7 and tied with Jamestown for first place in the Pinckney Division) again at 7 tonight at Dwyer Stadium.

Second-season Muckdog Mike O'Neill started the rally in the eighth frame with a walk, advancing to second on a fielder's choice when Joey Bergman, also a returning Muckdog, grounded out. 

O'Neill scored when Juan Castillo singled sharply to left field and Aaron Sillga misplayed the ball.

Two more errors added two more runs for Batavia when Jeremy Patton hit a grounder to right that right fielder Kevin Fontanez overran, allowing Castillo to score and Patton to take a charge at third base. He scored on a throwing error by second baseman Todd Hankins.

First baseman Romulo Ruiz had two hits, raising his season average to .308.

More pictures after the jump:

Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kravings offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY. Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have $20 gift certificates for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

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Note: if you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

Buffalo News: No end to debate about selling of wine in grocery stores

The Muckdogs put on a great fireworks display for July 4th. Here are a few pictures taken from inside Dwyer.

Later, I'll post pictures from the game and Picnic in the Park.

More pictures after the jump:

A car has reportedly hit a cow on West Sweden Road, Bergen.

The cow has been hurt, but no occupants in the car believed injured.

Law enforcement in route.

UPDATE: A passerby was apparently able to identify the owner of the cow and has gone to notify the owner. There are apparently no human injuries.

City Fire Department is responding to a report of a house fire at 29 Burke Drive, Batavia.

Residents called dispatch and said they came home, opened the door and smoke was pouring out and the fire alarms were going off.

UPDATE 6:30: "Fire knocked down. Checking for extension."

UPDATE: At the time I left the scene, caused still not determined. Firefighters were ventilating the house before continuing investigation. The residents' pets were removed for their safety.

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Here's some pictures from the 2011 Batavia Ramble Music and Arts Fest held in downtown Batavia yesterday.

More pictures after the jump:

A caller reports a column of black smoke in a field across the road from her house in the area of 9153 Warsaw Road.

The first chiefs on scene say there is a large amount of black smoke that seems to be coming from the area of East Bethany Road.

Trucks will be held in quarters until the location is determined.

Le Roy Ambulance also dispatched.

UPDATE: It's a controlled burn.

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A motor-vehicle accident has been reported in the area of 22 Alleghany Road, Village of Corfu.

Unknown injuries.

Corfu Fire Department and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 2:36 a.m.: One lane of traffic shut down. No word on injuries, but it isn't sounding serious.

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A caller reports heavy smoke coming from the grill area of 44 Main St., Batavia.

City Fire Department requested to the scene to investigation.

UPDATE 12:33 a.m.: Ladder 15 on scene. Nothing showing.

UPDATE 12:38 a.m.: Appears to be a grease fire under the grill. Firefighters will need to dismantle the grill to get to the fire.

A car fire is reported at 157 Vine St., Batavia.

The caller reports wires in the engine compartment are burning.

City Fire Department is dispatched.

UPDATE 12:23 a.m.: Engine 12 and Ladder 15 were dispatched. Ladder 15 is returning to station.

UPDATE 12:32 a.m.: Engine 12 clears the scene, responds report of smoke at Wendy's.

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When Robin Cotler and the Images Evolution Dance team performed in the town of Ladek Zdroj, Poland, last year, they probably never expected to be invited back so soon.

Cotler -- the founder and director of Images Evolution and its housing studio, "Images in Dance" -- travelled with her students to the small mountain town last year as part of a cultural exchange program. She said they were recommended by a previous participant.

"Soul Force" is the name of the work they performed for the people of Ladek Zdroj. It was so well received that the group was invited to come back this year for a repeat performance and commissioned to perform another piece as well.

"As far as I know, we're the only company they've invited two years in a row," Cotler said, adding that performing groups are normally asked to come back every other year or so.

Dancers' ages range from 16 to 23. They are pictured above, along with Cotler (left). They are, from left, Joseph Cotler (back), Krista Montrone, Emily Drilling, Robert Tyler, Kristen Drilling, Laura Neth (back), Charity Newton (front), Noelle Cotler, Stephanie Denzler and Stephanie Breining.

Last night, on the eve of their departure for Poland, Images Evolution treated locals to "Soul Force" -- and to a premiere performance of "I Am," the new piece they are bringing to Poland -- at its Liberty Street site.

Cotler got the idea for "Soul Force" from research she had done on the founding of the United States. "Soul Force," according to Cotler, was the name some of the first Americans gave to the idea behind founding our country.

"The whole purpose of the U.S. being formed," Cotler said, was so that people could live together in peace, freedom, and respect. That's kind of gotten lost."

Images Evolution's performance is about these ideals and how things like greed, vanity and political manipulation have gotten in the way.

"I Am," on the other hand, has more personal themes.

"It's almost a sequel (to "Soul Force")," Cotler said. "It's about finding yourself, and finding love for yourself. Once you love yourself, then you are able to love others."

Here is a selection from "Soul Force."

And here is a selection from "I Am."

Cotler sees dance as an art that helps to "open people up and break down defenses." She is very happy to bring that art to Ladek Zdroj, a community she called "the definition of underserved and underfunded."

In addition to bringing Image Evolution's performance to the people of Ladek Zdroj, Cotler will be helping to create a dance academy there.

"Last year we formed some real bonds," she said. "(The people of Ladek Zdroj) talked to me about having me help them pioneer a new program."

She hopes that by helping to get this new dance company off the ground, she will be providing the town with a resource for creative, artistic expression that would not otherwise be available.

"Images in Dance" offers dancing lessons to children, teens and adults, and has locations in Batavia, Akron, Perry and Brockport. For more information, visit their website (www.imagesindance.com), call 343-2818 or e-mail imagesindance@yahoo.com.

A possible tractor-trailer fire is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 387.6. The vehicle is an orange truck with a box trailer. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

A truck driver says she saw a car stopped in front of her on West Main Street Road on Friday but simply couldn't stop in time to avoid a collision.

The driver of the car, Dawn M. Newton, 50, of Shepard Road, Batavia, was taken to UMMC with only minor injuries, even though her 2000 Chevy sedan was heavily damaged.

The truck driver, Janice C. Kelley, 58, of Montana Road, Savannah, was cited for allegedly following too closely.

(initial report)

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Delavan's, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kravings offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: it's finally time for spring gardening.  Pudgie’s has everything you need, from bird bathes and flowers of every variety to mulch and fertilizer. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY. Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985. Pizza, wings, pasta and more. We have $20 gift certificates for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

Alabama Hotel, 1353 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY: A historic and legendary tavern and restaurant. The Alabama Hotel is famous for its fish fries, but also serves a variety of top-quality entrees, featuring Certified Angus Beef. Now with expanded hours. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. Decorate your home or office for spring or summer. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Batavia Downs Grandstand Bar & Grille, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY: A full menu, salad bar and drinks in one of the region's most popular entertainment venues. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50. (Must be new or current Players Club member to redeem.)

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY. Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

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Distracted driving was the cause of a one-car accident at 3:33 p.m. Friday on Lewiston Road, according to a Sheriff's Office report.

According to Deputy Chad Minuto, Christina Mae King, 19, of Chestnut Ridge Road, Gasport, said she reached for something in the car that had fallen when her 1996 Chevy SUV drifted onto the shoulder. King swerved to the left, overcorrecting and going into the oncoming lane. She then overcorrected again, which is when she lost control of the car.

King was westbound in the area of 395 Lewiston, near Salt Road, in Alabama, at the time of the accident.

Both King and her passenger, T.L. King, 20, were taken to Medina Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

King was cited for allegedly driving without a license and moving from lane unsafely.