A man has reportedly fallen approximately 20 feet from a grain elevator at a location on Bloomingdale Road in Alabama.
Alabama Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
Dispatchers are checking on the availability of Mercy Flight.
UPDATE 10:26 a.m.: Oakfield Fire dispatched to set up a landing zone for Mercy Flight.
UPDATE 10:33 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.
EXPlAINER:
Press release:
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Energy announcing a conditional commitment to Plug Power for an up to $1.66 billion loan guarantee to supercharge American-led industry clean hydrogen production:
“This $1.6 billion federal investment will supercharge Plug’s world-class workforce across Upstate New York as Plug builds new facilities across the nation, all powered by the equipment made in New York. Green hydrogen has the potential to help us decarbonize some of the trickiest parts of our economy – from the industrial sector to marine shipping – and with the major federal investments through the Inflation Reduction Act I championed, Upstate NY is poised to lead the way in powering America’s clean energy future. From the electrolyzers made at Plug’s state-of-the-art Gigafactory in Henrietta, NY to the fuel cells manufactured at Plug’s Capital Region facility, this means new growth, new demand for Plug across Upstate NY. With federal investments like this we are unlocking the potential for green hydrogen to power America’s clean energy future, with Plug and Upstate NY leading the way.”
UPDATE, Press release from the Department of Energy:
Today, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) announced a conditional commitment to Plug Power Inc.’s (Plug) subsidiary, Plug Power Energy Loan Borrower, LLC, for an up to $1.66 billion loan guarantee to help finance the construction of up to six facilities across several states to produce clean hydrogen utilizing the company’s own electrolyzer technology. Advancing clean hydrogen is a key component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach to building a robust clean energy economy that creates healthier communities, strengthens energy security, and delivers new economic opportunities across the nation. Today’s announcement will help unlock the full potential of this versatile fuel and support the growth of strong, American-led industry that ensures the United States remains at the forefront of the global economy for generations to come.
As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to create good-paying, high-quality job opportunities for American workers, this loan guarantee, if finalized, will support an estimated 100-300 jobs during the construction period when at full capacity, and at least 50 new full-time jobs for each location. Together with the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, and ongoing research, development, and demonstration in the DOE Hydrogen Program, this announcement will help strengthen local economies, create and maintain high-quality jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in sectors critical to meeting U.S. net-zero goals, and enhance America’s manufacturing and industrial competitiveness.
Plug has a development pipeline that includes the build-out of clean hydrogen facilities in several potential locations across the United States to supply its national customer base with end-to-end clean hydrogen at scale. This conditional commitment advances President Biden’s efforts to strengthen domestic clean energy supply chains, which are essential to meeting the nation’s ambitious climate goals and enhancing our national and energy security. If finalized, the project will support an integrated and resilient commercial scale clean hydrogen fueling network across several regions of the United States.
The hydrogen fuel from the project is expected to power fuel cell-electric vehicles used in the material handling, transportation, and industrial sectors, resulting in an estimated 84% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional hydrogen production, which derives hydrogen from natural gas (CH4) and ultimately produces carbon dioxide (CO2). The benefits of harnessing hydrogen fuel cells in applications such as material handling equipment include enhanced operational efficiency, reduced environmental impact through zero-emission operations, and increased productivity due to faster refueling times compared to conventional batteries. Major corporations such as Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot use Plug’s hydrogen fuel cells across their warehouse and distribution centers.
The clean hydrogen facilities will utilize Plug’s electrolyzer stacks that are manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art gigafactory in Rochester, NY, and will use modular designs to ensure a resilient hydrogen fuel delivery network. Plug is among the leading commercial-scale manufacturers of electrolyzers in the United States and currently operates the largest Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer system in the United States at its Georgia hydrogen plant.
Electrolyzers use electricity to split water into its component parts, hydrogen and oxygen. Plug’s PEM technology allows it to operate efficiently even with variable electricity, enabling it to leverage electricity from intermittent renewables. Electrolyzers that use renewables to power their hydrogen production produce emissions-free clean hydrogen. The electrolyzer stacks can be easily configured to produce systems at 1 megawatt (MW), 5 MW, and 10 MW scales. (One MW powers the equivalent of 750 American homes based on their instantaneous demand.)
Plug is expected to develop and ultimately implement a strong Community Benefits Plan for each project and has committed to working with local communities for project siting, including soliciting input from local economic development corporations. In particular, Plug will initiate a community outreach program dedicated to promoting awareness, understanding, and utilization of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source, which aims to engage and empower communities by providing educational resources, interactive activities, and collaborative initiatives that highlight the benefits and potential applications of hydrogen technology. Plug employs local workforce development strategies and programs that leverage the comprehensive suite of services offered by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act’s network of One-Stop Career Centers, including the development of apprenticeship programs for operations jobs.
LPO works with all borrowers to create good-paying jobs with strong labor standards from construction through the life of the loan. Plug also supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
This announcement is part of a broader suite of actions LPO has taken in line with the President’s Investing in America agenda, which is growing the American economy from the bottom up and middle-out—from rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, to creating a manufacturing and innovation boom powered by good-paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, to building a clean-energy economy that will combat climate change and make our communities more resilient. Leveraging loan authority from the President’s Inflation Reduction Act, LPO is spurring billions in public-private investments to boost the nation’s competitiveness, strengthen supply chains, and create good-paying jobs to power the clean energy economy.
The financing would be offered through LPO’s Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program, which includes financing opportunities for innovative energy and supply chain projects like Plug’s, certain state-supported projects, and projects that reinvest in existing energy infrastructure.
While this conditional commitment indicates DOE’s intent to finance the project, the company must satisfy certain technical, legal, environmental, and financial conditions before the Department enters into definitive financing documents and funds the loan guarantee.
Learn more about the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, the Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Clean Hydrogen report, and how the DOE Hydrogen Program and Hydrogen Interagency Task Force are supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s all-of-government strategy to addressing the climate crisis and delivering a clean and equitable energy future for all.
UPDATE, Press release from Plug Power:
Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), a global leader in comprehensive hydrogen solutions for the green hydrogen economy, received a conditional commitment for an up to $1.66 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) Loan Programs Office (“LPO”) to finance the development, construction, and ownership of up to six green hydrogen production facilities.
The production facilities, which will be selected for financing in accordance with procedures to be set forth in definitive documentation with DOE, will be built across the nation and supply major companies, including Plug’s existing customers, with low-carbon, made-in-America green hydrogen. The hydrogen generated will be used in applications in the material handling, transportation, and industrial sectors.
“Green hydrogen is an essential driver of industrial decarbonization in the United States,” said Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh. “Earlier this year, Plug successfully demonstrated our innovation and technical ability by launching the first commercial-scale green hydrogen plant in the country in Woodbine, Georgia. This loan guarantee will help us build on that success with additional green hydrogen plants.”
Marsh added, “We appreciate the partnership with the DOE Loan Programs Office and are pleased to have worked through an intensive due diligence process. The loan guarantee will prove instrumental to grow and scale not only Plug’s green hydrogen plant network, but the clean hydrogen industry in the United States.”
Plug, the leading commercial-scale manufacturer of electrolyzers, currently operates the largest proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer system in the United States at its Woodbine, Ga., hydrogen plant. Plug’s current green hydrogen generation network now has a liquid hydrogen production capacity of approximately 25 tons per day.
Plug’s green hydrogen production plants utilize the company’s own electrolyzer stacks manufactured at its state-of-the-art gigafactory in Rochester, NY, and Plug’s liquefaction and hydrogen storage systems engineered at its facility in Houston.
DOE’s support for Plug’s green hydrogen projects represents a major milestone in the U.S.’s commitment to advance the development of large-scale hydrogen production, processing, delivery, and storage. It also underscores the application of green hydrogen to help meet decarbonization goals across multiple sectors of the economy.
While this conditional commitment represents a significant milestone and demonstrates the DOE’s intent to finance the project, certain technical, legal, environmental and financial conditions, including negotiation of definitive financing documents, must be satisfied before funding of the loan guarantee.
LPO works in support of President Biden’s ambitions to drive growth in US manufacturing and innovation, create jobs, and build a clean energy economy that will address climate change and make communities more resilient.
Plug’s projects under the loan will adhere to the Biden Administration’s Justice 40 Initiative. This process includes gathering input from local labor, workforce, and economic development organizations in addition to first responder and non-profit organizations. The plants are expected to create good-paying jobs accessible to a diverse talent supply and help develop workforce skills needed to drive the transition to a clean energy economy.
LPO’s Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program, which supports innovative energy and supply chain projects and projects that reinvest in existing energy infrastructure, will provide the financing to Plug.
For prior Plug Power coverage, click here.
Press Release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is once again partnering with Sunnking Sustainable Solutions to offer free electronic device collection and recycling for the community.
Collection day will be Saturday, June 22 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the parking lot at 5130 E Main Street Rd. in Batavia. Pre-registration is requested of all attendees at the website https://form.jotform.com/Sunnking/eo-batavia---june-2024.
“Recycling is a small but impactful way we can help keep our communities clean and I’m grateful to the good people at Sunnking Sustainable Solutions for partnering with me for another year of work,” Hawley said. “Anything from cell phones to computers to TVs can be recycled, so please, register today and help keep our communities clean!”
Press Release:
A partner of the Veterans Administration Medical Centers (VAMCs) in Buffalo and Batavia, Western New York Independent Living, Inc. (WNYIL) received the sole contract for Veteran Directed Care (VDC) with the VA.
While the Veteran Directed Care model is new to WNY, it has demonstrated success in self-directed care by Veterans across the nation. VA Medical Centers partner with non-profit Independent Living Centers to empower Veterans to employ their own aides (often already being provided by family members).
WNY Independent Living CEO, Douglas Usiak shares, “As an aging service-connected disabled Veteran myself, I am excited to know that my brother and sister Veterans will have the comfort to direct their own homecare needs and remain in their home of choice as long as possible. A secondary satisfaction to being involved in the launch of this program is the opportunity to work with the VAMC in the capacity of a partner, and not just one of their consumers of services. This partnership gives me the opportunity to advance my lifelong passion of promoting the Independent Living philosophy that believes that we all have a right to live in our homes, work in our communities, and engage in society as a person with a disability.”
A focus of this program is to reach the underserved rural parts of WNY where Veterans face provider shortages, geographic and distance barriers, limited broadband coverage which impairs their ability to participate in telehealth, and social determinants of health relative to rural living experiences (i.e., access to transportation, employment).
To ensure a trust-built rapport with Veterans, WNY Independent Living has employed another Army Veteran, Thomas Patterson, to serve in the Person-Centered Counsellor role and interface directly with the Veterans in assessing their needs in their homes and communities. Veterans and Tom work together to build a Spending Plan to identify costs for their Personal Assistants and obtain any additional goods and services the Veteran requires to improve quality of life in their home and community.
The power of this Veteran Directed Care program can be recognized in the experiences of the individual Veterans who are participating in VDC. For example, a 94-year-old Veteran who functions independently in his own home and wants to remain there with some additional oversight for specific household tasks and community access – like going to the library for a new mystery novel, has employed his daughter-in-law for these functions. Another Veteran depends on his granddaughter for activities of daily living and then she needs to go to her job in the community to support herself. Being able to be paid to continue the care she already provides to her “Poppy” will improve the quality of life for both. One thing is certain: their stories are being heard.
Crucial to WNY Independent Living’s successful launch as a VDC program, VDC Director Julie Andrews Krieger expresses gratitude for the mentorship of the other providers in the VDC community, including the Independent Living Center of Hudson Valley and VA Medical Center in Albany.
WNY Independent Living will support Veterans across the wider WNY region in Niagara, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties. We are proud to serve the Veterans in our community. To qualify for this program, a Veteran must request Veteran Directed Care from their VA physician and Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) at the local VA Medical Center or VA Clinic and an assessment is completed and referral made to the VDC program.
The Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
Elba beat Kendall 11 to 3 in softball on Monday.
Brea Smith was 4-4 at the plate with three singles and a double, along with six RBIs and a run scored. She also pitched a complete game with six strikeouts and no walks.
Lydia Ross was 3-5, with three runs scored, an RBI and four stolen bases.
Ava Chatt was 2-4 with two runs scored.
Danielle Offhaus had a triple for Kendall.
Photos by Kimberly Ball
Austin Malek, 22, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with strangulation 2nd, assault 3rd, unlawful imprisonment, and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Malek is accused of assaulting a female victim at about 2 a.m. on May 2 at a location on North Street in the village of Le Roy.
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A reader who lives on Holmes Avenue in the city of Batavia has spotted this white cat hanging out at the corner of East and Holmes avenues for the past week, apparently without a home. The cat has a collar on, and the reader is hoping to reunite it with its pet parents.
Genesee County residents who are curious about the new Genesee County Jail and would like to see it inside for themselves before it starts holding inmates will get their chance on Saturday.
Sheriff William Sheron has announced an open house that day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The new jail is located at 3839 West Main Street Road, Batavia -- basically to the east of and between the Animal Shelter County Building #2.
Previously:
Press Release:
Pavilion Central School District (PCSD) is thrilled to announce the inaugural Gopher 5K Fun Run/Walk on June 1, utilizing the newly developed Pavilion Walking Trail. This community event marks the first public introduction to the scenic campus trail, offering a unique opportunity for community members to engage in physical activity while enjoying the natural beauty of the school’s surroundings.
"We are so excited to finally be able to share our beautiful campus with the community," said Ashley Tallman, Pavilion Central School District Wellness Committee Coordinator and Health/Physical Education Department Chair.
"We have been planning for how we could use our grounds for physical activity since former and retired teacher Marianne Witowski was here. Our inaugural Gopher 5K on June 1 gives us an opportunity to share the trail with a wider audience in a more formal way and brings awareness to this great resource in our community. We are really excited about how the trail will support the health and well-being of our school community. We are truly hoping the 5K becomes a staple in our community and that the 1st ever Gopher 5K brings the community together and highlights the trail as a great resource to support the health and well-being of our school community."
The Pavilion Walking Trail, a collaborative effort between Pavilion Central School District staff and various community stakeholders, including the Genesee Valley BOCES, has been in the works for over a year. Funded in part by the State of New York through the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities Initiative, the trail is designed to increase physical activity opportunities for students, families, and the broader community.
The Gopher 5K Fun Run/Walk invites competitive racers and casual participants alike, with the option for timing via chipped bibs for those who register by May 27. Walk-in registrations are welcome on the day of the event, though chipped bibs may not be available. Family registrations are also encouraged; however, these entries will not be timed.
To register for the Gopher 5K Fun Run/Walk, please visit the Google Registration Link. We appreciate cash donations on the day of the race to support the ongoing maintenance of the trail and the event's timing system.
For more information, please contact Ashley Tallman at atallman@pavilioncsd.org.
Join us in making this inaugural event a staple in our community and help us celebrate a healthier, more connected Pavilion!
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Four juveniles from Buffalo are charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree after they made an attempt to flee from a deputy in a Kia Forte at 12:37 a.m. on May 7.
The youths, who are not identified in the police report, were released to the custody of their parents or guardians.
Information on the incident was released on Monday. It began early Tuesday morning at the Batavia Thruway entrance when Deputy Jeremiah Gechell attempted a traffic stop.
The Kia attempted to flee at a high rate of speed, according to the report. During the pursuit, deputies learned the Kia had been reported stolen in the town of Eden.
The black Kia continued east on the Thruway at a high rate of speed, attempted to exit in Le Roy, and then headed east on I-490.
Deputy Ryan Mullen deployed spike strips on the exit ramp, and three of the Kia's four tires hit the strip.
The driver and a passenger attempted to flee on foot east on the 490.
Following a foot pursuit, Gechell and Sgt. Mathew Clor apprehended a male and female from the vehicle. A female passenger ran into the woods near the Thruway and was ordered out and placed into custody. Le Roy Police Officer Selah Martek located another male passenger attempting to hide in a ditch near the Kia, and that subject was placed into custody.
The charge against them is a Class D felony.
Press release:
The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Monday and Tuesday from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the general area of South of West Main Street and West of Jackson Street.
Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until clear.
This annual testing is essential to maintain the community class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settles in the water lines. Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel's knowledge of the hydrant locations.
If you have any questions or should notice a hydrant needing repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.
A rollover accident with a possible head injury is reported in the area of 1254 Sumner Road, Darien.
Darien Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 10:46 a.m.: The patient is out of the vehicle.
A residence at 4 Central Avenue, Batavia, is reportedly filling with smoke, no flames showing.
One person has exited the structure; another is refusing to leave.
City Fire dispatched.
UPDATE 9:42 p.m.: Engine 12 and Ladder 15 on the scene, two-story wood-frame structure, nothing showing at this time.
UPDATE 9:44 p.m.: It appears to be a grease fire on the stove. The fire is out. Ventilating.
UPDATE 9:47 p.m.: The scene commander asks dispatchers to note that a resident is refusing to leave the structure.
A motor vehicle accident is reported in the area of 10738 Alexander Road, between Stroh Road and Main Street, Alexander.
Injuries are reported.
Unknown how many vehicles involved.
Alexander Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 9:27 p.m. Additional responders and proceed non-emergency.
Respect for the sport of bowling was front and center on Saturday night as brothers Tim and Tom Rohl were inducted into the Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame at the local association’s Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony at Batavia Downs Gaming.
Honored for their achievement on the lanes, the Le Roy natives were enshrined before 70 people at the newly remodeled Genesee Banquet Room.
Their presenters – former GRUSBC President and Hall of Famer Paul Spiotta for Tim and Hall of Famer Mark Brown for Tom – each spoke of the way the gentlemanly demeanor displayed by the soft-spoken left-handers over the past 40 years.
Both Spiotta and Brown mentioned the word “respect” in their introductory speeches – noting that the Rohls earned the respect of their peers by showing respect for the game.
Tim Rohl, 57, who has resided in Florida for the past 18 years, is a four-time GRUSBC Masters champion, while Tom Rohl, 50, who continues to live in Le Roy, won the prestigious scratch singles tournament twice.
They have multiple GRUSBC Association Tournament titles, including the Johnson-Ianni Doubles event as teammates in 1999, as well as victories in tournaments throughout the area.
Many others were recognized at the banquet, including Batavia High senior Benjamin Sputore, who received the Barbara J. Kreiley Scholarship Award ($750) and also a plaque and ring for his 300 game on Oct. 14, 2023. Sputore also had the high series for boys with 720.
Sputore (photo at right) said he plans to attend Genesee Community College in the fall in pursuit of an associate’s degree in general studies/criminal justice.
ASSOCIATION LEADERS – 2023-24
Adult
High Game, Men – 300 – (28)
High Series, Men – 857 – Brian Cline (Mancuso Bowling Center)
High Average, Men – 239 – Brian Cline (Mancuso Bowling Center)
High Game, Women – 289 – Amanda Coniglio (Mount Morris Lanes)
High Series, Women – 745 – Amanda Coniglio (Mount Morris Lanes)
High Average Women – 212 – Traci (Spanitz) Gustke (Le Roy Legion Lanes)
Youth
High Game, Boys – 300 – Ben Sputore (Mancuso Bowling Center)
High Series, Boys – 720 – Ben Sputore (Mancuso Bowling Center)
High Average, Boys – 194 – Dominic LaPiana (Mount Morris Lanes)
High Game, Girls – 211 – Ava Tortorice (Mount Morris Lanes)
High Series, Girls – 534 – Emma Balduf (Mancuso Bowling Center)
ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS
Open Team – Christ Recycle, 2,860. Team members are Marvin Christ, Larry Boyce, Albert Burch and Robbie Hanks.
Women's Team – Splitz & Giggles, 2,501. Team members are Sharon Stefanini, Tiffany Crawford, Barbara Casavant and Breanna Seever.
Open Doubles – Daryl Dillon and Greg Gilman, 1,524.
Women's Doubles – Karen Allis and Jane Chaddock, 1,284.
Open Singles – Jeremy Yasses, 775.
Women's Singles – Breanna Seever, 654.
Open All-Events – Scott Culp, 2,262.
Women's All-Events – Breanna Seever, 1,937
TWO DIRECTORS ELECTED – DUES INCREASE APPROVED
GRUSBC members in attendance elected Matt Bourg of Alexander and Troy Fanton of Kendall to the association’s board of directors. Bourg’s term runs through 2026 while the term of Fanton, who is replacing Pat Fuller of Medina, starts on Aug. 1 and runs through 2027.
A proposition to increase the membership dues by $1 – to $25 for a Standard membership and to $9 for a Local Only Adult membership passed by a 43-6 vote.
The GRUSBC’s local portion of the dues had been fixed at $8 for a Standard membership since 2019-20, and now will increase to $9. The USBC's national office receives $15 and the New York State USBC gets $1.
GRAND PRIZE DRAWING WINNERS
Association members Donna Pike of Mount Morris, Danielle Schultz of Batavia and Jack Duyssen of Le Roy each won $500 in the grand prize drawing that concluded the awards ceremony.
Twenty-five-dollar winners were Tim Fonte of Dansville, Keith Holland of Alexander, Joe Connolly of Le Roy and Christina White of Kendall.
Andy Martin of Le Roy won the Brunswick Rhino Pro bowling ball.
Previously: Brothers Tim, Tom Rohl to be inducted into Genesee Region USBC bowling Hall of Fame on May 11
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