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Notre Dame beat Oakfield-Alabama in high school baseball at Dwyer Stadium today, 8-4.

The winning pitcher was Ryan Fitzpatrick, who worked all seven innings giving up five hits and one earned run while striking out 11.

For the Irish, Colin McCulley, Gavin Schrader, and Fitzpatrick all had two hits each and Fitzpatrick knocked in three runs while scoring twice.

For the Hornets, Bodie Hyde and Gaige Armbrewster each had two hits.  Hyde drove in four runs. He was also the starting pitcher and took the loss.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here,

Troop Leader Melissa Sciortino holds a trash bag while Girl Scouts Lana, left, and Kennedy, gather garbage dropped on the ground by people at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia.

Also helping from Troop 60870 in Spencerport was Isabella.

The girls were earning badges for environment, hiking and wilderness.

The clean-up was part of the Genesee County Parks Department celebration of Earth Day at DeWitt.

Robert and Sara Mackenzie were among the volunteers today helping to clean up Oakfield for the community's 13th annual Earth Day observance. The Mackenzies were picking up trash on Drake Street Road.

Heidi Young, with the Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District, loads a pair of trees into the truck of Joe Reif, of Clarence, as part of the department's tree and shrub program for 2022.

Area residents were able to pre-order a variety of trees and shrubs for spring planting from Soil and Water and pick them up today at the Agri-Culture Center on East Main Street Road, Batavia.

This year there were 41 tree and shrub options for sale and 15 different multi-stem packages. Items ranged from evergreens, hardwoods, fruit trees, and flowering shrubs, to perennial flowers and ferns. Items that were not offered in a while have reappeared in the catalog this year, including white cedar transplants, yellow birch, pin cherry, and white flowering dogwood.

Photos by Howard Owens

Little League opening day in Le Roy commenced with a parade for players and coaches down Main Street.

We'll have more coverage of opening day later.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Author Barbara Knight held a reading of her new book “Lily’s Healing Journey” at GO Art! this evening.

The book is the story of a little girl who is happy and loves to sing, until something “yucky” happens in her life. She learns over the course of the story she realizes how deep her hurts are and finds a way to bring hope, healing and happiness back into her life.

Knight said she hopes that the book will touch hurting hearts and bring hope and healing. 

A 62-year-old motorcyclist with a passenger drove into the side of a dump truck at about 12:45 p.m. today at Clinton Street Road and Seven Springs Road in Stafford.

The male driver sustained life-threatening injuries and was flown to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight.

The female passenger was less seriously injured and transported to Strong by Mercy EMS.

Both driver and passenger were wearing helmets.

The dump truck driver was not injured.

Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, Sheriff's Office, said the dump truck was northbound on Seven Springs Road and the motorcycle was eastbound. It's unclear at this time which vehicle may have had a red light at the intersection.  The accident is under investigation.

The names of those involved have not yet been released.

The intersection was reopened and all units cleared the scene at 2:35 p.m.

UPDATE 6 p.m.: The motorcycle operator has been identified as Dana M. McGill of Batavia.  He was driving a 1998 Kawasaki. His passenger was Carrie L. Hensley, 44, of Batavia. According to investigators, McGill failed to stop for a red light. Charges are pending.  The bike struck a 2022 Mack truck operated by Jonathan Barefoot, 79, of Caledonia. The accident is being investigated by deputies Travis DeMuth, Jenna Ferrando, Jeremiah Gechel, and Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, investigators Kevin Forsyth, Chad Minuto, Joseph Loftus, and Eric Andre, and Crash Management Team members Sgt. Jason Saile, Deputy Richard Schildwaster.  Batavia PD, State Police commercial vehicle unit, Mercy EMS, Stafford Fire, Town of Batavia Fire, and South Byron Fire, assisted at the scene.

(Initial Post)

Photos by Howard Owens.

A motor vehicle accident is recorded at Seven Springs Road and Clinton Street Road.

Multiple departments responding. Mercy Flight dispatched.  Traffic is being shut down in the area.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: The accident involves a motorcycle and dump truck.

A truck has struck a utility pole, shearing it from its base, in the area of 9516 Wortendyke Road, Batavia.

There may be no injuries.

East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:02 p.m.: The pickup truck, no further description, has left the scene.  The pole is in the road.  The road is being closed.

UPDATE: 9:07 p.m.: Mercy EMS response canceled. 

UPDATE 9:13 p.m.: National Grid was notified about five minutes ago. No ETA given.

UPDATE 9:15 p.m.: The truck will have significant passenger-side damage, missing a headlight.

UPDATE 9:21 p.m.: The truck is possibly a 2004 F-150, dark in color.

UPDATE 9:24 p.m.: A caller reports seeing a truck matching the description with no headlight and a flat tire on Seward Road.  A deputy reports finding fluid on Westbound Route 20.

Devon Johnson, of Brockport, was among the GCC students on hand this afternoon for the opening of a new art show, "Illusions," in the Roz Steiner Art Gallery.

Her piece is a black and white photo of a friend in front of a mural in Rochester.  She said she selected the piece because she liked the angle, the shadows, and the mural.

The show runs through May 12.

"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.