Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on March 4, 2026
Alabama Planning Board Hears Details on $11 Billion STAMP Data Center Project
The Town of Alabama Planning Board received detailed plans Monday night for a proposed $11.1 billion data center project at the STAMP site in Genesee County.
STREAM U.S. Data Centers is proposing three identical buildings totaling 2.2 million square feet across a 90-acre north and south campus. The facilities would operate around the clock, supporting cloud services and data processing, with rooftop cooling systems and backup generators.
The meeting, held jointly with the Town Board, did not include public comment, though residents attempted to ask questions.
Planning Board members raised concerns about the rural, agricultural setting, wetlands, wildlife impact, and potential noise. Project consultants said the company has experience building in similar areas and plans to use acoustic barriers and industry-standard noise mitigation.
A public hearing will be scheduled once the developer submits a complete application.
OACS Accepting Alumni Hall of Fame Nominations
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame.
The district will accept nominations from March 1st through May 1st, honoring graduates who have achieved distinction in their careers, communities, or personal accomplishments since leaving OACS.
Eligible nominees must have graduated prior to 2011 and demonstrated significant achievement in areas such as professional success, civic involvement, or positive impact within the Oakfield-Alabama community.
Anyone may submit a nomination during the two-month window using the district’s online nomination form.
Gas Prices Jump as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Oil Supply
Gas prices are climbing sharply as war in the Middle East rattles global energy markets.
The average price for a gallon of regular in the U.S. jumped 11 cents overnight to $3.11, according to AAA. Analysts say prices were already edging higher with the seasonal switch to summer fuel blends, but crude oil has surged amid attacks in Iran and disruptions in the Persian Gulf.
Iran has struck energy facilities and tanker traffic near the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil chokepoint, pushing prices to their highest levels in more than a year.
Experts say prices could rise further, though hitting four dollars a gallon nationwide remains unlikely for now. Meanwhile, drivers in parts of Europe are lining up at pumps amid growing concerns over supply.
Darien Lake to Hire 1,500 for 2026 Season
Six Flags Darien Lake is gearing up for the 2026 season with a major hiring push.
The park will host a hiring event March 11th through the 13th, looking to fill more than 1,500 seasonal positions. Openings include lifeguards, ride operators, security staff and food service workers. Most jobs are available for applicants 16 and older, with some opportunities for those as young as 14.
Park officials say they aim to match applicants with roles that fit their interests and skills.
Darien Lake opens for the season May 15th, and applications are also available online.
Reyncrest Farms Named Agricultural Business of the Year
Reyncrest Farms in Corfu is being honored as the Genesee County Chamber’s Agricultural Business of the Year.
The Reynolds family — John and Shelley, along with their children and extended family — operate the 3,000-acre dairy farm, which supports its herd with homegrown corn, alfalfa and straw. The farm is known not only for production, but for community involvement, hosting tours, civic meetings and educational events.
The family emphasizes animal welfare, using sand bedding for cow comfort — a practice they call the gold standard — along with modern nutrition and care systems.
With 25 team members and multiple generations involved, the Reynolds say the award reflects a full team effort and a shared commitment to keeping both their farm and community strong.
China Condemns Iran Strikes but Stays on Sidelines
China is voicing concern but stopping short of intervention after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Several hours after the attacks, Beijing said it was “highly concerned” and called for an immediate halt to military operations. The next day, Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the strikes as unacceptable and urged renewed dialogue.
Despite growing military capabilities and past joint drills with Iran, China has shown no sign of direct involvement. Analysts say Beijing is focused primarily on defending its interests closer to home, including Taiwan and the South China Sea.
China’s cautious response also comes ahead of an expected visit by President Donald Trump to Beijing next month, underscoring its preference for diplomacy over direct confrontation.
Notre Dame, Elba Advance to Class D Final
It’ll be Notre Dame and Elba in the Section V Class D championship.
Notre Dame rolled past No. 2 C.G. Finney 53-35 behind a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double from Sofia Falleti. The Irish built a 30-16 halftime lead and never looked back, using patient offense and relentless defense to secure the win.
On the other side, Elba upset top-seeded Avoca-Prattsburgh 55-43. The Lancers led by 13 at halftime, survived a third-quarter comeback, then shut the door with dominant fourth-quarter defense. Lydia Ross led Elba with 16 points.
Both teams now move on to the sectional final.
