Monday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on November 17, 2025
Plug Power Shift Casts Doubt on Genesee County Hydrogen Plant
Howard Owens with the Batavian reports, Plug Power’s plans to sell assets and electricity rights in New York are raising new questions about the fate of its $290 million green hydrogen plant at WNY STAMP in Genesee County.
The company announced this week it expects to generate more than $275 million through asset sales, released cash, and reduced expenses. As part of that effort, Plug signed a non-binding agreement to sell electricity rights at an undisclosed New York site and partner with a U.S. data center developer. The only site where Plug is building a hydrogen plant in the state is STAMP.
CEO Andy Marsh said monetizing assets will strengthen the company’s balance sheet and expand Plug’s reach into the data center market. The company will also suspend construction of six hydrogen plants nationally tied to a $1.66 billion federal loan guarantee.
Stream Data Centers is widely seen as the likely partner. The company has been pursuing a multi-billion-dollar data center project at STAMP but recently paused its plans while seeking a larger footprint.
GCEDC President Mark Masse said Plug’s announcement does not affect ongoing development at STAMP, including the upcoming opening of Edwards Vacuum and continued substation work. Plug’s project has been paused since early 2024, though the company continues making full PILOT payments.
The data center’s location and developer were not identified in Plug’s announcement.
Exchange Street to Close for Sewer Line Work
The Village of Attica DPW says Exchange Street will be closed to all traffic from the Attica Rodeo driveway to the Catholic Cemetery driveway beginning Tuesday, November 18th at 8 a.m. through Wednesday, November 19th at about 4 p.m. Crews will be working on a sewer line in that stretch. Drivers are asked to plan alternate routes during the closure. Officials apologize for the inconvenience and thank residents for their patience as repairs are completed.
El Toro Loco, Stranger Things Shine in Batavia Downs Features
Despite heavy rain and delays, two top-class events at Batavia Downs Saturday night produced standout performances. El Toro Loco took the $12,500 Open Handicap trot, going wire to wire under Kevin Cummings to notch his 10th win of the year in 1:58. He’s owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.
In the $12,500 Open Handicap pace, Stranger Things surged late through the passing lane to win at 9-1 in 1:54.2 for driver Shawn McDonough and trainer Angelo Nappo.
Joe Chindano Jr. led all horsemen with five wins on the night. There was no Pick-5 winner, creating a $1,901 carryover and a $7,500 guaranteed Pick-5 pool when racing resumes Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Le Roy Falls in Far West Regional, Ends Season at 23-2
The Le Roy girls volleyball team saw its strong season end in the Class C Far West Regional, falling to Portville in three sets, 25-11, 25-15, and 25-13. Kylie Wilson led the Oatkan Knights with 19 digs, while Shea Williams added 12 digs and four kills. Chloe Moran finished with 10 digs and two kills, and Evy Kanaley recorded eight digs and eight assists.
Suri Woods posted five blocks at the net. Le Roy ends the year 23-2 as LCAA, Section V C1, and Sub-Regional champions. Portville advances to the state semifinals. Byron-Bergen also fell in regional play, losing 3-2 to Tuckahoe.
Defenders Roll to Class C Title; ND/B-B Falls in Class D Final
The Alexander/Pembroke Defenders are Section V Class C champions after a 30–14 win over Letchworth/Perry/Warsaw on Saturday at Rush-Henrietta. L/P/W struck first on an 81-yard run, but the Defenders answered quickly.
Sean Pietrzykowski punched in a two-yard score, and Pierce Dinkins added another to give A/P a 12–7 halftime lead. The Defenders took control in the third quarter. Brody Heckman scored on a 10-yard run, and moments later, the play of the game. Brett Maloney blocked a punt and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 24–7 before a lightning delay.
After the restart, Ryder Reichert capped the night with a two-yard touchdown and finished with 161 yards on the ground to earn MVP honors. Alexander/Pembroke stays undefeated at 10–0 and moves on to face Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton in next week’s state regional.
In Class D action, Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen jumped out to an early lead but fell to Avon 41–15. The Irish finish the season 5–6.
