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"Climate Change and Sustainability" was the topic of today's Wolcott J. Humphrey Symposium on Leadership and Community Life in the Call Arena at GCC.

Peter Boyd, a lecturer at the Yale School of the Environment and Founder and CEO of Time4Good, was the keynote speaker.  He outlined the scope and nature of the climate crisis as well as discussed options for slowing global warming.

His talk was followed by a panel discussion with William D. Carleton, general manager of solar operations and maintenance, Suzanne Hunt, co-owner of Hunt Country Vineyards, Dan O'Connell, general manager at Plug Power, and Curt A. Gooch, dairy environmental system solutions expert at Land O'Lakes.

Grandmaster Yuanming Zhang, a master of the ancient Chinese medicine of Qigong, which involves exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being, has been in Batavia this past week giving seminars to area residents of all ages.

Last week, he taught children calligraphy as well as a form of Qigong known as a five-animal play.

Yesterday, he conducted a class for adults in Qigong using essential oils. 

And today, his seminar was on pyramid meditation.

In 2005 Zhang established the World Federation of Reflex Medicine and in 2006, in conjunction with the World Reflexology Association, held a Conference for academic exchange at the United Nations Headquarters. 

According to his website, Zhang, now a resident of Laguna Beach, Calif., was born into the Yellow Emperor Concealed Transcendent family lineage in Sichuan province in 1963. His entire life has been devoted to Internal Kung Fu and Traditional Chinese Medicine. He traces his lineage through renowned Zhang family ancestors back to the sage Laozi (Lao Tzu) and even further back to the Yellow Emperor of China. One of his ancestors was Zhang Liang, the 80th generation descendent of the Yellow Emperor.

Dr. Catherine Homrig, a veterinarian with Pumpkin Hill in Byron, said she has studied with Zhang for a number of years. She arranged for his visit to Genesee County and said one of his goals is to increase awareness of ancient cultural practices in China.  He also wants to help people improve their health.

"One thing for people to learn about is the benefits of Qigong as a healing art and also a way of exercising, releasing stress, finding balance, and restoring good health," Homrig said. "And then again, cultural awareness. Master comes from a long lineage and so his (teaching) is the ancient traditional style. And with that comes strong energy. And they're probably not going to experience that in many places besides going to China."

Zhang teaches one more seminar, Om Fire Drago Qigong, during this visit, at 6:30 p.m. tonight at GO Art!, 201 East Main St., Batavia. No experience is necessary. Beginners are welcome.  Wear comfortable, athletic clothing and non-skid shoes.  The cost is $35 a person.

First two photos by Howard Owens.  The remaining photos were submitted by Dr. Catherine Homrig (she is on the left in the photo below).

Katrina McCracken impressed the judges yesterday at GCC in a business pitch competition with her creativity, giving her a second-place prize.

The competition was open to the general public though it was mostly GCC students who shared their entrepreneurial dreams with the judges.

The first-place prizes went to Brielle Jennings, BriixBandz Clothing, as most likely to succeed, and to Kayla Warwick, Swift Tea, as most creative.

First four photos by Howard Owens.

Submitted photo.

From left to right:

• Amy Conley, BCC Co-advisor
• Jake Kasmarek, BCC President
• Brielle Jennings, 1^st Place Most Likely to Success with BriixBandz Clothing
• Katrina McCracken, 2^nd Place Most Creative with Flower Farm Girl
• Kayla Warwick, 1^st Place Most Creative with Swift Tea
• Lina LaMattina, BCC Co-advisor
• Not pictured is Ashley Bliss, 2^nd Place Most Likely to Succeed with AB Construction

For the third straight week, the number of positive COVID-19 tests reported in Genesee county has increased significantly, according to Genesee County Health Department data released today.

Even so, the CDC rates the risk of community spread in Genesee county as low.

There were 168 new positive tests reported in the county for the week of April 13 through April 19.  In the previous week, there were 119 new cases, and in the week before that, 62, which is double the new cases from the prior week.

According to health department data, 43 of the newly reported cases were from home tests. There is no way of knowing how many people tested positive with home test report results to the county.

To report a positive home test to the health department, click here.

The CDC guidelines for areas with low community spread are: "People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask."

While an old, rusted firearm that was fished from a creek in Oakfield is still at a police lab, nothing of value has been gleaned from it thus far, said Chief Deputy Joseph Graff.

The "unusual catch" was snagged by some people magnet fishing on May 22, 2020, in the area of the 6000 block of Fisher Road in Oakfield.

The Sheriff's Office took possession of the firearm with an interest in seeing if it might be tied to any crime in the area. There has been no public statement on what crime it might possibly be tied to.

A few days later, Graff told The Batavian, "It is very rusted/corroded and not identifiable in its present state."

At the time, Graff said they would be looking for anything identifiable that could be restored.

A Batavia man is in custody and accused of criminal possession of a weapon 2nd following a traffic stop at 12:29 p.m. Monday, when he was allegedly found in possession of a loaded revolver.

While Lorenzo Baker, no age provided, was being stopped by a patrol officer, the Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at his residence, 36 Dellinger Ave. upper, as part of an ongoing investigation.  

Police say that additional evidence was found in Baker's residence.

Given the ongoing nature of this investigation, police say they are not releasing further information about the nature of the investigation or what was located in the residence.

Baker was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $25,000 cash bail, $50,000 bond, or a partially secured bond of $75,000. 

Baker is scheduled to appear in court again at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Reader-submitted photos.

For the sixth straight month, Genesee County's unemployment rate was lower than the pre-pandemic rate for the same month, according to the New York State Department of Labor. The rate of 3.7 percent for March of this year reflects a dip when compared to a 4.5 percent rate in March 2019.

The rate in March 2021 was 5.6 percent and the rate in March 2020 was 5.7 percent.

The current rate is the lowest it's been from available state labor department records going back to 1990.

There are 29,300 workers reported in the labor force for Genesee County currently, compared to 28,700 in 2021 and 29,800 in 2019.  

The reported total number of Genesee County residents who were employed in March 2022 is 28,200, compared to 27,100 a year ago, and 28,420 in 2019.

There are 1,100 people reportedly looking for work, compared to 1,600 a year ago and 1,320 in March 2019.

The unemployment rate for all of New York State is 4.7 percent, which is higher than the March 2019 -- pre-pandemic -- rate of 4 percent.

Marco Antonio Hernandez, 22, if South Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal sexual act 1st and rape 1st.  Hernandez was arrested and charged in relation to an incident reported at 11 PM on July 30 on South Street in LeRoy. No further details released. He was ordered held on $5,000 bail.

Peter Joseph Gravante, 33, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with bail jumping 3rd, Gravante is accused of missing a court date in Town of Byron Court. Gravante was given an appearance ticket and released.

Cameron Jacob Sokolowski, 29, of River Street, Batavia, is charged with bail jumping 3rd.  Following his arrest, Sokolowski was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Justin Micheal Conner, 29, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, speeding, and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. Conner was stopped at 12:56 a.m. on April 9 on Clinton Street Road, Batavia by Deputy Ewert Morgan. Conner was issued appearance tickets and released. 

Brenda Marie King, 57, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny.  King is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart at 2:39 p.m. on April 16. King was released on an appearance ticket.

Jamal Cineque Robinson, 19, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with assault 3rd and obstruction of governmental administration. Robinson was allegedly involved in a dispute at 7:45 AM on April 14 at a residence on Gilbert Street. As a result of an altercation of a victim reportedly sustained a head injury. Robinson was a range in Town of Le Roy Court, an order of protection was issued, and he was released on an appearance ticket. 

Andrew Scott Lehman, 31, no address provided, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to yield right of way on the left turn. Lehman was stopped at 6:50 PM on April 5 on East Main Road in Le Roy by Le Roy patrol officer John Ceneviva. He was released on traffic tickets.

Thomas P. Scanlan, 28, of Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired/under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving the wrong way on a one-way street, and driving in violation of a conditional license. Scanlan was stopped by a Batavia patrol officer on North Spruce Street at 7:40 p.m., Jan. 30, and arrested on April 9. He was issued traffic tickets and released. 

Jeffrey E. Schnettler, 50, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to use designated lane, and failure to keep right. He was stopped at 1:48 a.m. on April 9 on Pearl Street by a Batavia patrol officer. He was issued and released. 

Crystal A. Mounts, 44, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, conspiracy 6th, and failure to appear. Mounts was arrested on a total of six warrants out of City Court including ballistic chargers. Mounts was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Samuel R. Baudanza, 25, of Wyoming, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Baudanza was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident report at 12:18 a.m. on April 16 in the Town of Le Roy. He was released on an appearance ticket. No further details released. 

Rodney W, Willis, 41, of Basom, is charged with assault 1st. Willis was arrested by State Police on April 14 in connection with an incident reported at 3:28 a.m. on February 20. He was ordered held in jail. No further details released.

Iverson M. Davis, 20, of Rochester, is charged with grand larceny 3rd and eight counts of possession of a forged instrument 2nd.  Davis was arrested on April 12 in connection with an incident reported on March 30 at 10 a.m. in the Town of Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket. No further details released. 

A house fire is reported at 2 Willow St. in the City of Batavia.  

Smoke and flames are said to be pouring out of the side of the residence.

The occupant may not be home. 

City Fire responding.

UPDATE 3:44 p.m.: The correct address maybe 2 Walnut.  The caller confirmed 2 Willow three times on the phone. She plots to Walnut.

UPDATE 3:56 p.m.: The correct address is 2 Walnut Place.

UPDATE 4:19 p.m.: National Fuel and City code enforcement on location.

UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: City Fire back in service.

UPDATE 5:35 p.m.: Interim Chief Dan Herberger said the fire was contained to a single room but there is smoke damage throughout the house. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. One firefighter suffered a minor injury.

North Darien Bible Church sponsored an Easter Egg Hunt this morning on church grounds.

After a two-year hiatus, the annual Batavia Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt returned this morning to Centennial Park in Batavia. Despite damp and cold conditions a couple of hundred children turned out to hunt for hundreds of eggs, including golden eggs that contained a slip that awarded the finder a giant chocolate bunny from Oliver's Candies.

Local law enforcement have two people in custody after a larceny incident at a store on Veteran's Memorial Drive on Saturday afternoon. 

A black Honda Odessey minivan was attempting to evade police as it left the area of Veteran's Memorial Drive. This led to a short pursuit through the City of Batavia.

The pursuit ended at Porter Avenue and West Main Street when the minivan became stuck at the intersection due to the traffic on West Main.

According to local law enforcement, the driver of the minivan then fled on foot from the van and was later apprehended on Washington Avenue by Batavia patrol officers.

A female passenger remained inside the minivan.

Both are in custody.

The minivan was towed from the scene.

Story and photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Lucine Kauffman, right, reacts to a generous tip she received during Friday night's celebrity bartender challenge at GO Art! in Batavia.

Lucine, former supervisor for the Town of Elba, was up against her husband, local author Bill Kauffman.

The winner on Friday was Lucine, who earned $65.32 in tips to $62.01 for Bill.

All the tips are donations to GO Art!

Willow Amherein dances in her rehearsal for a green screen video production during the final day, today, of GO Art!'s spring week-long art camp for children.

GO Art! offers art camps during school breaks -- winter and spring -- to expose children to as much art as possible.

Many of the classes during the camp were taught by guest artists. The artists included:

• Blanca Rodriguez from Avon, originally from Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. She demonstrated and helped the campers make traditional foods: tortillas, pico de gallo and a drink, agua de jamaica (Hibiscus flower "tea".)
• Womba Africa, a Ghanaian drumming and dance group from Rochester. Their leader is Quaye Odai, and two other members of the group came on Friday, Odai and Raymon. They came to the U.S. in 2019 and settled in Rochester. They perform for all kinds of community events, concerts and do assemblies or visits to schools.
• Grandmaster Yuanming Zhang, who earned international recognition for his expertise in medical qigong, internal martial arts, energy painting & calligraphy, practical application of the Yi-Jing, and remote energy healing. He did Calligraphy with the kids.

The students also painted and made 3D mosaics.

At the end of an interview, Mary Jo Whitman, education/SCR director for GO Art! as a group working at paintings on a nearby table, "What is art?" and Kashmarae Wissinger spoke up immediately: "It's everything!"

"That's right," Whitman said. "It's everything and that's the goal of our program."

Photos by Howard Owens

Jodi Fisher working with students on their green screen video projects.

Mary Jo Whitman mixing paint for a student.

Thera Sanchez helping a student with her art project.

In a service conducted by pastors Roula Alkhouri, Batavia First Presbyterian Church, and Jim Renfrew, Byron Presbyterian Church, first responders, and health care workers received a Good Friday blessing outside City Hall.

There were representatives from Batavia PD, City Fire, UMMC, and the Genesee County Health Department at the service.

Both Alkhouri and Renfrew reminded those in attendance of the example set by serving others first.

As part of the service, the agencies received certificates of appreciation as well as a basket of sweets.

A 29-year-old man in Basom has been charged with attempted murder.

Jarrett C. Coniglio, of Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with three other felonies and two misdemeanors.

He was arrested after deputies responded to a residence on Sandhill Road on the reservation for a reported assault. 

He is accused of attacking a male victim with a knife causing serious physical injury. 

Coniglio was arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and ordered held without bail.

In addition to attempted murder 2nd, a Class B felony, Coniglio is charged with:

• Assault 1st, a Class B felony;
• Criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, a Class D felony;
• Intimidating a witness 3rd, a Class E felony;
• Criminal mischief 4th, an A misdemeanor; and,
• Menacing 3rd, a B misdemeanor.

The incident was investigated by Erik Andre, assisted by Sgt. James Diehl, Investigator Kevin Forsyth, Investigator Ryan DeLong, Investigator Howard Carlson, Investigator Chad Minuto, Investigator Joseph Loftus, Sgt. Mathew Clor, Deputy James Stack, Deputy Aryton Blankenburg, Deputy Ryan Mullen, and Deputy NicholasChamoun.

Kristopher Robert Almeter, 34, of Union Hill Drive, Spencerport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Almeter was arrested following an investigation into a motor vehicle accident reported at 9:01 p.m., April 11, in the area of 7405 Reuben Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation.  The accident was investigated by Deputy Zachary Hoy. Almeter was released on appearance tickets.

Jordan Alexander Brown, 20, no address provided, is charged with criminal mischief.  Brown is accused of damaging the property of another person. The damage was reported at 4:59 p.m., April 13, at a location on Lewiston Road, Alabama. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Beth Ann Jeffres, 40, of Pavilion Warsaw Road, Covington, is charged with filing false instrument 2nd. Jeffres is accused of providing a false supporting deposition on March 21 at a location on School Street, Batavia.  She allegedly provided another supporting deposition on April 7 recanting her original statement. She was released on an appearance ticket. 

James Joshua Preedom, 37, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Preedom is accused of harassing a person at 6 a.m., April 8, at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Zachary S. Natale is indicated on a count of burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony, and two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. Natale is accused of entering a dwelling on Elm Street in the City of Batavia on May 7, 2017, with the intent of committing a crime in the dwelling. He is accused of stealing firearms, including a Savage Arms A17 bolt action, Savage Arms Axis .223, Kel-Tec .556, and a Marlin Firearms 3030 lever action. He's accused of stealing property with a value in excess of $1,000.

Kenrey D. Benjamin is indicted on two counts of burglary in the first degree, a Class B violent felony, a count of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony, and attempted assault in the first degree, Class C violent felony. Benjamin is accused of knowingly entering a dwelling, an apartment on Lake Street in Le Roy,  without permission and remaining in it on Oct 17, with the intent of committing a crime in the dwelling and of causing physical injury to an occupant of the dwelling. He is accused of using a knife against another person. He is accused of attempting is permanently disfigure another person.

Marcus T. Hill is indicted on counts of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. Hill is accused of driving a 2006 Hummer HU3 on Clinton Street in the City of Batavia when he knew or should have known that his privilege to drive had been suspended or revoked on at least ten separate dates.

Jaequele M. Tomlin is indicted on counts of criminal mischief in the third degree, a Class E felony, and harassment in the second degree. Tomlin is accused of damaging the property of another person, a television and television stand, on Nov. 4, at a location in the City of Batavia. Tomlin is accused of having physical contact, or threatening to do so, with another person in an attempt to harass, annoy, or alarm the other person.

Thomas J. Wolcott is indicted on a count of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony. Wolcott is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection while on Central Avenue, City of Batavia, on Oct. 28.

Raven M. Spikes, 20, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful dissemination of intimate images. Spikes allegedly posted a video of sexual conduct on social media at 5 p.m., March 20. She was issued an appearance ticket.

James R. Tillery, 49, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Tillery is accused of damaging property at a restaurant on East Main Street, Batavia, at 8:25 p.m., March 28. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Gary Philip Castronova, Jr., 36, of Dewitt Road, Webster, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, unlicensed driver, aggravated unlicensed driver 3rd., and insufficient turn signal. Castronova was stopped at 8:05 p.m., April 8, on East Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Ayrton Blankenberg. He was issued an appearance ticket. Also charged, Heather Nicole Holbrook, 36, of East Main Street, Batavia. She is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and driving with no seat belt. 

Justin Michael Conner, 29, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, speeding, and failure to yield for an emergency vehicle. Conner was stopped at 12:46 a.m., April 9, on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Morgan Ewert. He was released on appearance tickets.

Carrie L. Hensley, 44, of Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Hensley allegedly refused to return a vehicle to its owner after borrowing it on April 2. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jacob L. Hernandez, 27, of Batavia, is charged with obscenity 3rd. Hernandez allegedly sent lewd images of himself to another person at 8:20 a.m., March 31. He was arrested by Batavia PD on the charge after a Sheriff's deputy tried to arrest him on a bench warrant and Hernandez allegedly fled on foot into a wooded area where he was later detained. He then turned himself over to Batavia PD. He was ordered held on bail on the new charge as the charge related to the warrant.

Marie I. Frye, 57, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Frye is accused of punching another person at 8:03 p.m., March 26, while a child was in the room. Frye was arraigned in City Court and released.

Joseph W. Freeman, 37, of Batavia, is charged with failure to stop at a stop sign and obstructing governmental administration. Freeman allegedly fled from police on his bicycle at 4:44 p.m., April 3, during an attempted traffic stop. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Dean C. Siminski, 32, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Siminski is accused of contacting a person at 3:20 p.m., March 29, he was ordered by a court not to contact. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $10,000 bail, $20,000 bond, or $40,000 partially secured bond.

Gina M. Olszewski, 29, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Olszewski was arrested by a Batavia patrol officer following an investigation initiated at 8:28 p.m., March 28, into a possible criminal mischief at a local business. Olszewski was released on traffic tickets.

Nancy L. Lawrence, 69, of Batavia, is charged with soliciting alms on a public street. Lawrence was arrested following a complaint of a person begging for money on Alva Place, Batavia, at 11:30 a.m., March 29. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Matthew W. Kurtz, 52, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Kurtz allegedly had a third-party contact a person he was prohibited from contacting by an order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jolene Y. Stevens, 33, of resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Stevens is accused of fighting with police when officers attempted to arrest her ona warrant at 12:03 p.m., March 4. Stevens was arraigned in City Court and released.

Robert J. Ritchey, 58, of Oakfield, is charged with two counts of criminal sex act with a child less than 11 years old 1st, three counts of forcible touching, three counts of sex abuse 1st, and three counts of acting in a manner injurious to a child. Ritchey was charged following an investigation by State Police after a report was made at 1:17 p.m., April 5. He was ordered held in jail. No further information was released.

Lori A. Green, 59, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Green is accused of stealing something in the Town of Batavia at 2:21 p.m., April 9. She was issued an appearance ticket.  No further information was released by State Police.

Jared C. Kostrewa, 28, of North Tonawanda, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of.08 or greater. Kostrewa was stopped by State Police at 2:23 a.m., April 8, in the Town of Darien. She was released on an appearance ticket.