House approves $7.8M for air base

The US House of Representatives approved $7.8 million to be earmarked for the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. The money will be used to build quarters for visiting airmen. The current facilities are 50 years old and do not meet ADA standards. The funding must now be approved by the senate before it becomes law.

Delphi to hire temporary workers

Delphi will be hiring a number of temporary workers this summer at it's Lockport plant to replace current employees that plan to take the company's proposed retirement incentive plan. Under the terms of the labor deal, Delphi can hire these workers at $14 per hour, significantly less than the $27 per hour that the union workers now recieve. Applications for the temporary jobs will be available at Mayor Michael Tucker's office. People with skilled trades credentials are encouraged to apply.

Tanker closes route 93

A section of Route 93 was closed for a good part of the day yesterday after an 18-wheel tanker truck rolled over on its side spilling liquid asphalt and diesel. The accident happened just after 7:30 Friday morning closing the bypass between Robinson Road and State Street. The driver, 69-year-old James Hagen of Hamburg, crawled out of the wreckage. He was treated at the scene by Rural Metro, then taken to Lockport Memorial Hospital with a head injury. The Sheriff's Department says the truck was carrying 8,500 gallons of liquid asphalt when he lost control. The truck skidded about 80 feet into a ditch and landed on its right side. About 200 gallons of asphalt and 30 gallons of diesel spilled and were cleaned up by hazmat crews.

Schools lag behind taxes

New York schools are 48th in the nation for graduation rates, while property taxes are the highest in the country according to a report issued today by the Alliance for Quality Education. Spokesman Mike Davoli blames the state's school funding formula. He says the 12 year study of districts across the state shows the need for improved state funding. Davoli says dropout rates of 1 in 3 are all too common. He says the study found a direct correlation between per-student spending and graduation rates. The new state budget includes and increase to account for inflation, but he says it just preserves the status quo. He says the system needs an overhaul with more funding coming directly from the state.

Webcam Showcases Locks

Visitors to the City of Lockport web site will be able to see a new live view of the canal within two to three weeks. The City Council Wednesday accepted a donation of $2,500 from the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation to purchase and install a live cam. Digital Surveilance Solutions is providing systems integration. The live shot will be viewable on the city's web site, elockport.com and also on the NTCC web site. The city will pay about $500 of the cost.

Slaughter "meets" with students

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter won't actually be in the room when she meets with a group of Grand Island High School seniors this afternoon. She'll be in Washington speaking to them through the use of a new video teleconferencing unit. She's has it installed in her Washington office and at her 3 district locations. The Grand Island School District recently invested in the technology so its students can meet people from across the country ... and world.

Howard gets extension

The Niagara Wheatfield School Board voted Wednesday on a one-year contract extensionfor school superintendent Judith Howard. The deal does not include any salary increase.

But can it give the bird?

A Maccaw is loose in the area of Erie Street in Lockport. We're told his name is Fred and that he's been loose since last night. Also, an animal right's agency tried unsuccessfully to capture the bird. He's said to be noisy and likes to swear.

Delphi Won't File Report on Time

Delphi says it wont' be able to file it's first quarter financial report on time. The auto parts maker says it needs more information on the potential outcome of their talks with the union and with General Motors. The company also says it failed to file it's 2005 annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission. They said they'd file the quarterly report after they complete the annual one.

Sheriff Investigates Sign Problems

The Sheriff's Department is investigating the destruction of two signs for Newfane School Board candidate James Langton. One is at the corner of East Avenue and Transit. The other in front of a former meat market on route 78. Langton says both have been damaged twice.

Baseball game strands Lockport men

Two men from the Lockport weere rescued on stormy Lake Ontario around 11:30 Sunday morning after their boat ran out of gas. Jeremy Van Cleve, 24, and Brian Michalak, 22, drifted about 7 hours in the 21 foot fiberglass craft and didn't know where they were. Neither were hurt. The pair were returning from Toronto, where they had gone to see a baseball game.