batavia

     Jenna Josephite       Shawn Hunter

Jenna Josephite, 28, of Main Street, Batavia, and Shawn Hunter, 33, of Wakefield Street, Rochester, are charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd. Members of the Wyoming County Drug Task Force observed Josephite and Hunter allegedly sell a large quantity of suspected crack cocaine to a subject who had been under surveillance by the task force in the Warsaw Shopping Plaza in Warsaw. Josephite was jailed on $20,000 bail and Hunter was ordered held without bail.

Chad E. Alwardt, 37, of Byron, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Alwardt was arrested Tuesday by members of the Local Drug Task Force on a warrant. While being taken into custody he was allegedly found in possession of heroin. The nature of the warrant was not released. He is being held in the Genesee County Jail.

Lindsay Goins, 61, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting an incident. He was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

An 18-year-old resident of Stittville is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol. The youth was arrested at 9:55 p.m. Wednesday at College Village. State Police did not release the defendant's name.

Two 18-year-old residents of Batavia are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youths were arrested Wednesday by State Police at a location on Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive, Batavia. State Police did not release the names of the defendants.

Press release:

A new restaurant ownership training course is slated to begin in October featuring two monthly classes over the winter, or approximately 26 hours of training that concludes in February.

The program involves two juried tastings that each class participant is required to prepare. Registration opens online Friday, Sept. 8^th at www.freshLabBatavia.com. Top contestants of the freshLAB Foodie Challenge may win free tuition to attend the freshLAB Boot Camp. 

A range of small business specialists and industry experts have been coordinated by the Batavia Development Corporation to prepare the aspiring restaurant owners for a business sector that is reported to have a multimillion dollar opportunity in Genesee County.

Genesseans are assumed to spend approximately $20,000,000 to eat, drink and be entertained some place other than Genesee County. The downtown strategy is to keep the dining dollars local by becoming a dining and entertainment destination that will capitalize on the market opportunity.

“We are hosting a Foodie Challenge Sept. 23rd to stir food creativity,” said Barb Shine, coordinator of the program and Batavia Development Corporation Board member. “Good flavors come first, we want creative cooks to consider opening his/her restaurant.

"To follow, we’ve assumed a bigger role to coordinate the Boot Camp. We’ve corralled the necessary resources and experts for talented and industrious operators to seriously consider the restaurant business.”

Research and local experience shows that a written business plan is not a sufficient judge of a candidate’s readiness to get started or grow. In fact, 59 percent of hospitality businesses fail within three years according to Restaurant Management Software POS Sector study. One reason for failure is noted as the lack of a strong concept setting the business apart from the competition.

The Boot Camp instruction has carved-out more than three hours to discuss the trends and market opportunities in food service, a highly competitive and shifting business.

“What’s your 'Because?” " asked Katie Frilllici, representative of JFS/Curtze food distributor. “You must have a compelling reason for people to select your eatery over another.” 

JFS/Curtze should know, they have been in the food business for 135 years. Frillici and her colleagues have been invited to participate as guest instructors for the Boot Camp where they, too, will share trade ideas to help develop a winning concept. JFS/Curtze is a full-line food service distributor now serving eight states.

Other select instruction will be led by Palmer Food Services, Chef Tracy Burgio of Batavia Career & Technical Education Center and Matt Gray, entrepreneur and owner of five restaurants. Legal, insurance and regulatory representatives in addition to agriculture business educators will be on hand.

Tentative Boot Camp program schedule:

• October: Program Orientation and introduction of restaurant operations, concepts, etc.;
• November: “Back of House” featuring inventory management, food safety in addition to a juried tasting prepared by Boot Camp participants;
• December: Finance and accounting for the restaurant business, freshLAB support area;
• January: Concept development and business pitch, topped with final juried tasting;
• February: Independent study, final business plan due;
• March: two candidates will each open a restaurant at freshLAB restaurant incubator turn-key space, pre-approved for a $30,000 special rate loan

Industry experts will lead the classroom training in operations, marketing and financial management. Other mentors will guide menu planning to inventory management, distributor purchasing to farm sourcing. Estimated Course Value more than $1,300 being offered for $349.

The Boot Camp is considered a prerequisite for entrepreneurs considering to lease space at the new freshLAB restaurant incubator foodhall now under construction on Main Street, Batavia. The Foodie Challenge will reward the top five competitors by offering TUITION FREE invitation to the Boot Camp.

freshLAB restaurant incubator was conceived to strengthen the local food service industry and capitalize on more than $20,000,000 that leave Genesee County each year when residents eat, drink and enjoy entertainment elsewhere.

The project is funded, in part, by USDA Rural Development to intentionally link regional agriculture to the menu. A program coordinated by the Batavia Development Corporation in cooperation with the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Batavia Business Improvement District and Batavia Career & Technical Education Center. https://freshlabbatavia.com/

It's the first day of a new school year and the first day for Kia Evans as principal of Jackson School in Batavia.

Evans greeted students this morning with hugs and high fives. 

"I'm excited," Evans said. "This is what we do so I'm excited and I'm excited for the kids."

Evans grew up in Buffalo and started her career teaching in Buffalo. She taught for 10 years in Buffalo and Amherst and then became an assistant principal, working the past five years as an assistant principal in Williamsville.

Nick Cain talks with Batavia Middle School students today during Connect Day at the school, which is a time for new students, mostly incoming fifth-graders, to get acquainted with the school before classes start.

They met eighth-grade mentors and participated in team-building exercises. Cain provided karate instruction to go with a talk on success in school. The other pictures below are from a game that is part four-square and part volleyball.

Press release:

Join us for some spooky fun on Saturday, Oct. 21st, when the Batavia Cemetery Association will host a candlelight guided ghost walk through the Historic Batavia Cemetery on Harvester Avenue in Batavia.

The tours will feature the famous and infamous movers and shakers who shaped and influenced the City of Batavia. The guided tour will bring guests to meet men and women of Batavia, who, for various reasons, held great power and exerted great influence in their day, were victims of tragic events, or both.

• Philemon Tracy, one of the few Confederate officers buried in the north;
• Ruth the unknown victim of a horrendous murder;
• Joseph Ellicott, a man of great power and great flaws; and
• William Morgan, the man who disappeared and was allegedly murdered before he could reveal the secrets of the Masons, are some of the ghosts who will tell their stories on the tour;
• Also visiting will be Rev. John H. Yates, poet, preacher, philanthropist, journalist and author of nationally known hymns;
• Civil War veteran General John H. Martindale, who was Military Governor of the District of Columbia in 1865;
• Dean and Mary Richmond, who greatly influenced civic life in Batavia in the 1800s, will meet with guests in their mausoleum on the last stop of the tour. Dean Richmond made a great fortune in Great Lakes shipping and was the second president of the New York Central Railroad. Mary Richmond vastly expanded her husband’s fortune after his death and sat on the boards of many businesses and civic organizations.

Tours begin at 7 p.m. and run every 15 minutes until 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes refreshments. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Some tickets may be available at the gate the evening of the event at Historic Batavia Cemetery, Harvester Avenue, Batavia. Proceeds benefit the upkeep and restoration of the cemetery.

For more information, or to make reservations, contact 343-3220.

     Quinton Spinks

A 33-year-old Vine Street resident has been arrested and accused of selling crack cocaine on at least two occasions to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force.

Quinton L. Spinks is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

He was arrested on a grand jury warrant Aug. 28.

He was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Press release:

On 09/02/2017 at approximately 11:41 a.m., the Batavia Police Department responded to an incident involving a knife where a subject had been cut in the upper arm. The injured subject was treated and released at the hospital. Police were able to locate and speak to all parties involved in the incident. Further police assistance was declined.

Amanda Lynn Abrams, 26, of Council House Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. The Sheriff's Office received a complaint at 5 p.m. Sunday of several broken windows, including broken windows on a vehicle, at a location on Sand Hill Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation. Upon investigation, it's alleged that Abrams broke windows "with no reasonable grounds to believe she had such a right," damaging the property of another person.

Joseph A. Saraceni Jr., 21, of Linwood Avenue, Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlicensed driver, following too closely and failure to signal a turn. Saraceni was stopped at 9:45 a.m. Aug. 28 in Wyoming County after a trooper observed Saraceni allegedly following another vehicle too closely. When the trooper attempted to follow Saraceni, he made an abrupt turn reportedly without signaling. During the traffic stop, State Police say Saraceni presented an expired license. He provided a list of medications he was taking that included controlled substances. The trooper conducted a field sobriety test and he was processed at SP Warsaw by a drug recognition expert. He was issued an appearance ticket and turned over to Monroe County Sheriff's Office on an active probation warrant.

Bill Buckenmeyer won the Batavia Area Jaycees' Labor Day 5K race yesterday with a time of 18:11.

The female winner was Kimberly Mills with a time of 19:53.

The top walker was Gina Giese with a time of 36:13.

There were also winners in various age categories.

At the youngest level, 14 and under, the top male and top female were Kameron Kuszlyk (22:46) and Maya Ciocola (29:20).

In the over 60 category, Frank Gioia (21:24) and Janice Spiotta (26:12) had the best times.

For a complete list of participants and times, click here.

A couple of City firefighters today had Ladder 15 in the parking lot of Yancey's Fancy on Evans Street to practice with one of the truck's unusual capabilities, lifting the front wheels off the ground.

Typically, if firefighters wanted to swing the bucket to the rear of the truck and lower it to the ground, the negative angle would only be 5 percent.  With wheels up, the bucket can reach a negative angle of 20 percent.

That might come in handy if the bucket was needed, say, to rescue somebody from Tonawanda Creek, or down in a gully or any situation where the truck was being used on a slope and the bucket needed to be lowered to the ground. The old Ladder 15 didn't have a frame strong enough to handle this maneuver.

The Batavia Blue Devils rolled into Syracuse with the goal of shutting out Johnson City at the Carrier Dome to open the 2017 season. They rode out 37-0 victors.

"I felt really good about our defense," said lineman Anthony Ray. "Our defense is always good. We’ve just got kids who are physical and who can hit. One of our goals was to put up a giant goose egg, not let them have anything, have a shutout, so I think we completed that and that’s a good thing."

Batavia scored on the first play of its first possession when Ray Leach broke out for a 56-yard run to the goal line. The Mustangs then fumbled the kickoff giving Batavia good field position again. On Johnson's City's next possession, the snapper on a fourth-down punt attempt overshot his target resulting in a safety, extending Batavia's lead to 16-0.

That's how the day went for Johnson City. In the second half, when a Johnson City runner was about to cross the goal line, Taiyo Iburi-Bethel caught him from behind and punched the ball out of his hands, sending it out the back of the end zone for a touch back and giving Batavia the ball on the 20. After another long drive by the Mustangs, Chandler Baker snagged one of his two interceptions to deny Johnson City a score again.

"Coming in, we worked very hard in practice, just from the start, from the get-go," said Baker, who is also QB1. "We’ve been improving every single day, so coming in, I had confidence in my guys. I knew they were going to give 100 percent and that’s what they did and we came out with a win."

A win is a win, but Coach Branden Briggs, who expects his players to execute on every play, wasn't entirely satisfied.

"I'm hoping we’re not happy with a win here today, to be honest with you," Briggs said. "It’s good to get a win, but we’ve got a long way to go. We’ve got a lot of mistakes to clean up. I’m confident we can do that, but the kids must buy into that and we’ve got to get much, much better."

Both Baker and Ray said they see room for improvement.

"We did good, but we can always improve," Baker said. "Me personally, I've got to limit the interceptions. I can’t have that. Next week we’re going to have Aquinas and they’re going to be a battle. We’ve just got to work really hard in practice and we’ll be fine."

Ray said there are some tasks the defense needs to address, such as improving player discipline in staying in position and closing up holes up the middle.

The team was eager to play on the big stage of the Carrier Dome, said receiver Ethan Biscaro.

"We were very excited and we were ready," Biscaro said. "We put in enough preparation and practice and we knew if we came out and played like we do at practice that we could beat anyone."

Leach rushed for 256 yards on 19 carries and scored once. He said he was proud of the effort of his teammates.

"Our team did good," Leach said. "We all did our 1/11th and that’s all we needed to do to get the W. We knew we had to come out hard to stop them. Our goal coming into this year was get a shutout at the Carrier Dome. We put our heart into it."

Briggs said Leach also knows there are things he needs to work on to improve.

"He needs to hit that hole a little bit harder," Briggs said. "He can’t dance as much. He understands that. We’ve had that conversation."

These kinds of details will be important when the Blue Devils open their home season Friday against Aquinas, which may be their most daunting opponent of the season.

"It’s going to be a whole different animal next week," Briggs said. "The kids will understand that when they watch the film. Aquinas put up a great game against one of the great teams in AA football in section V. It’s going to be a true test of our character and a true test of where we really are as a benchmark."

Asked if the team came out a little flat in the second half, Briggs said, not flat, but dehydrated.

"They found out they need to get in better shape," Briggs said. "The need to get into conditioning a little more, get serious, take care of their bodies more outside of football."

Baker was 9-13 passing for 193 yards and two TDs.

Taiyo Iburi-Bethel had four receptions for 96 yards and a TD. Eric Davis had a single catch, but it was a big one -- a 30-yard TD.

Antwan Odom had eight tackles.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Top photo: Ray Leach on a run to score in opening seconds of the first drive to give Batavia an 8-0 lead.

Chandler Baker scores early in the game.

A 19-year-old Nigerian college soccer player was sentenced to time served today after agreeing to a plea bargain on a sex charge.

Hamma S. Yusuf Jr. has been incarcerated for 11 months (nine in Genesee County; two in North Dakota for reasons not explained). In Genesee County Court this morning, he pled guilty to a Class A misdemeanor -- sexual misconduct, on an "Alvord basis," meaning without a factual admission of guilt. The maximum sentence he could serve on that misdemeanor is one year.

He was originally charged with first-degree rape in a case involving a 13-year-old girl when he was 18. He was also granted "youthful offender" status today, which means in due time his crime can be expunged from his record, provided he does not commit another one.

But Yusuf is not home free. Although he was released today from Genesee County's custody, an immigration detainer was filed by the U.S. Immigration Service. Therefore, he will imminently be in their custody and his temporary visa status will be reviewed and possibly revoked.

Judge Charles Zambito clearly and articulately explained the proceedings to Yusuf and was careful that the client of defense attorney Michael D'Amico understood them and the impact the guilty plea may have on his immigration status.

D'Amico described the athletic teenager as articulate, thoughtful and a good soccer player who realizes "he got himself in a tough spot." When asked, the soft-spoken African said he completed two years of college and could write and speak English fluently.

Nothing was said about regrets.

Zambito agreed to issue the requested order of protection for the victim and fined Yusuf $175 plus a $25 mandated surcharge.

Then the orange-jumpsuited, handcuffed teen was led away to be processed and transferred to the custody of immigration authorities.

A registered sex offender and former resident of Chaddock Road, Bethany, was in Genesee County Court again today for a probation violation.

According to District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Christopher Joseph Campbell has been staying with a woman and her three children, which is a violation of his probation.

"He can't be around children, even if the mother has no objection," Judge Charles Zambito told the defendant and his attorney, Michael Locicero. "It's not up to her. It's up to me."

The mother, who was sitting in the gallery, was asked by the judge if she understood that. She said yes, and was asked to state her name for the record.

The defendant, with nearly shorn hair and sporting a Van Dyke (see photo, taken in February), was dressed in street clothes -- jeans, a gray T-shirt, and turquoise, gray and white zip-up fleece jacket. He looked over at his girlfriend and shrugged his shoulders a couple of times during the proceedings.

Although his attorney said he is employed full time, Friedman said that it is his understanding that Campbell was fired from his job.

Zambito said he will revoke Campbell's probation if he is found around children and he will be arrested. Period.

Last October, Campbell was charged with failure to report a change of address as required by law. It is a felony. He formerly resided on West Main Street Road in Batavia before moving to Bethany. But the state database for sex offenders, as of today, lists him as residing on West Main Street Road.

According to the state database, the 39-year-old, who is 5'10" and weighs about 190 pounds, was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse in 2007. He was a "non-stranger" who sexually abused two girls, ages 10 and 7, in the summer of 2005. Although force was not used, according to the record, he is listed as "sexually violent." He was arrested for the sex crimes by Monroe County authorities.

Campbell served two years in state prison.

Campbell is due back in court at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

A man accused of forcibly stealing a cell phone and beating and strangling a woman's beagle will get a thorough mental health exam to determine his fitness for court proceedings, Judge Charles Zambito ordered today in Genesee County Court.

Shawn Michael Twardowski is charged with one count of third-degree robbery, a Class D felony, for allegedly taking a cell phone from a woman on Jan. 26 on Bank Street in the City of Batavia; and one count of cruelty to animals, a Class A misdemeanor.

A possible plea deal was withdrawn, for now at least.

His attorney, Michael Locicero, told Judge Zambito that his client "displayed competency issues in his last court appearance" in August. Today, Locicero reiterated his concerns, saying a recent "mental forensic evaluation" does not address Twardowski's "competency per se" and he again expressed reservations about his client's "fitness to proceed," and comprehend a plea bargain.

Locicero said his client told him that at some point he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, but nothing in his file confirms that diagnosis. He described his client as "non-responsive" in face-to-face dealings with him. Indeed throughout his brief appearance in County Court this morning, the tall, lanky Twardowski, handcuffed and wearing inmate orange, sat or stood slope-shouldered, staring vacantly at the table. 

The defense attorney once more asked for a "730 Exam" -- a comprehensive mental health evaluation of his client.

Last month, Assistant District Attorney Robert Zickl objected to that request and noted that no comprehension issue was raised when the defendant sought a judicial diversion. Zambito, who subsequently called for more information and specifics to be gathered in the intervening weeks, seemed reluctant to grant the 730 Exam request.

"I've reviewed the records," Zambito said. "There's nothing to indicate he's incompetent, but I have not dealt with him personally."

Zickl again objected to the request, adding that the plea offer would be withdrawn and if he is found competent, the case would go to trial.

"If he's (found) not competent to stand trial, he's not competent to consider a plea offer," Zambito said, making Zickl's point moot.

Zambito ordered a 730 Exam for Twardowski.

The case is on the docket again at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13.

Clarence J. Carithers, 32, of West Academy Street, Albion, is charged with: unlawful fleeing a police officer; three counts of endangering the welfare of a child; reckless driving- speeding (86 in 55-mph zone); failure to stop at blinking red light; unsafe turn without signaling, speed in excess of 55 mph (111 mph); and inadequate lights. Carithers allegedly drove his vehicle past a Sheriff's patrol at an excessive speed on Lewiston Road, Alabama, at 12:44 a.m. and then failed to stop at a blinking red light at the intersection of Lewiston and Alleghany roads, continuing southbound on Route 77 at a high rate of speed. Carithers then allegedly turned onto Bloomingdale Road and failed to signal. He is accused of driving in excess of 55 mph on Bloomingdale before stopping at a gas mart located on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. He was arrested by Deputy Eric Meyer, arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and jailed without bail. Assisting were Sgt. John Baiocco, Sgt. Jason Saile, Deputy Ryan Young, and Deputy Howard Wilson.

Devan Dashaun Hazel, 23, of St. Mary's Street, NYC, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th. He was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Stafford Court and jailed on $250 bail.

Kalil T. Walker, 23, of Isabelle Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear in City Court. Walker posted bail and was released.

Timothy J. Wood, 28, no permanent address, was arrested on a warrant upon release from the Niagara County Correctional Facility. He was turned over to Batavia PD, arraigned in City Court and sentenced to 15 days in jail.

Nicholas D. Martino, 37, of Main Street, Alexander, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. 

Darryl Robinson, 53, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Robinson was taken into custody during an investigation into an unrelated incident. Robinson allegedly failed to appear in City Court on charges of harassment, 2nd, and unnecessary noise.

Robin A. Pickering, 33, of Electric Avenue, Lackawanna, was arrested on a warrant. Pickering allegedly failed to comply with terms of DWI conviction in 2015. She was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Shuvon J. Williams, 41, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Williams was allegedly involved in an altercation in the Dollar General parking lot on East Main Street, Batavia, at 6:10 p.m. Friday.

Kelly A. Morrison, 44, of Skyline Drive, Lady Lake, Fla., is charged with menacing, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal possession of a weapon (prior conviction). Morrison allegedly brandished a large pocket knife during an altercation at 6:10 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of Dollar General in Batavia. Morrison was jailed without bail.

A 17-year-old resident of Edward Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 2nd, resisting arrest, and unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth allegedly damaged a parked vehicle in the area of Bank Street and Washington Avenue, Batavia, and then resisted when officers attempted to place him under arrest. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Maria Katriliotis, 35, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Katriliotis allegedly kicked another person at 3:40 p.m. Saturday.

Brandon C. Smart, 40, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Smart was arrested after police responded to a location on Hutchins Street to investigate a noise complaint.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at a location on Cedar Street, Batavia.

Dora L. Poodry, 23, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear on a petit larceny charge. Poodry is in custody on an unrelated charge.

Meredith H. Cutro, 40, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal trespass. Cutro allegedly entered the home of another person at 4:44 p.m. Aug. 22and refused to leave when told to leave. Cutro allegedly pushed another person when that person was trying to get her to leave.

Dustin L. Landin, 38, of James Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for an alleged violation of his release under supervision contract. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Traci Lynn Abrams, 19, of Skye Road, Alabama, is charged with possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. Abrams was arrested by Batavia PD and turned over to the Sheriff's Office on a warrant.

Rudy P. Bail, 23, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Bail was charged by State Police at 8:36 a.m. Thursday in the Town of Bethany.

Press release:

To all residents: Please be aware that the spray pad at Austin Park will be closing for the end of the summer season on Sept. 5.

Thank you for a wonderful year.

The spray pad is scheduled open again next Memorial Day.

More than a decade of planning, preparation, promotion, lobbying, public hearings, and approvals have finally culminated in the first shovel in the ground for the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in the northwest corner of Genesee County.

Contractors are making room for roads along with water, sewer, and electrical transmission lines, clearing brush and trees and grading the ground to specifications.

"We're pretty excited to be moving forward on infrastructure and breaking ground and turning it into a modern business park," said Mark Masse, VP of operations for Genesee County Economic Development Corporation.

The infrastructure project, which includes a new water main being installed down Judge Road in Oakfield to Route 77 and then out to STAMP, is covered by a $33 million budget appropriations in New York's 2014 state budget. 

The new sewer system is still in the design and approval process and electrical won't be completed until the first tenant -- probably 1366 Technologies -- designs its project and specifies its electrical needs, but all of that infrastructure will be covered by the 2014 budget appropriations.

The new Oakfield-Alabama water line will carry 200,000 gallons of water a day to the Town of Alabama and STAMP. A second water line will also be installed from Pembroke to STAMP, which will provide 600,000 to 800,000 gallons per day of capacity, giving STAMP access to nearly one million gallons of water a day.

As for 1366, the company continues to be engaged with GCEDC in preparations for construction of its solar wafer manufacturing plant, but is still awaiting final approval of a loan guarantee by the Department of Energy. The Trump Administration has yet to fill vacancies on the DoE's board, which must authorize final approval.

Rachael J. Tabelski, GCEDC's director of marketing and communications, said both Rep. Chris Collins and the office of Sen. Charles Schumer have been engaged in trying to help move the process along.

Tabelski also said tech companies looking for locations such at STAMP have shown a good deal of interest in the project. GCEDC has received 14 requests for information and hosted 10 site visits. The projects combined represent a total of $11.5 billion in investments.

"The sales funnel is full," Tabelski said. "There's a lot of interest in STAMP, so it's a matter of when not if."

When that when arrives, Genesee County and the entire region will be expected to provide the employees for these new companies, so GCEDC is also aggressively pursuing workforce development projects with area schools, colleges and universities, Tabelski said.

"There is going to be a need in mechatronics, nano technology, and STEM at all levels of these companies," Tabelski said. "We will have a need for all of these kinds of workers."

(STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering (and) Math.)

Smoke is reportedly coming from the garage at 8 Prospect Ave. in the city. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 5:06 p.m.: The address is approximate -- either 8 or 10 Prospect -- the house is yellow with a flagpole out front; caller is from adjacent street (Ellicott Avenue).

UPDATE 5:08 p.m.: Fire command says may be a grill fire in back of 4 Prospect.

UPDATE 5:10 p.m.: It's a grill that's smoking due to food cooking; fireman is going to caller's house to speak about the fire concern.

UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: The assignment is returning to service.