HURRICANE FORCE WINDS VISIT NIAGARA COUNTY

Hurricane force winds sweeping the Niagara Region Sunday causing numerous power outages and downed trees. Thousands of County residents lost power... and some customers are still in the dark. The National Weather Service says the Buffalo Niagara International Airport seen winds of up to 60mph.

DOG BITE

A Lockport woman was apparently bitten by a dog when arriving at a clients home Sunday in the falls. The victim works for a home nursing agency, and was confronted by an American Stafford Shire Terrier named Duke. The County's Sheriff's Office says Duke lunged at her as she came inside... biting her in the face before letting go. The victim was taken by the dog's owner to Mount Saint Mary's Hospital where she received over 20 stitches for the laceration. The owner assured deputies... Duke was vaccinated for all his current shots, and his rabies vaccination is good until 2010.

WARME

Federal prosecutors filing a memorandum in U.S. District Court last week in advance of Tuesday's hearing for accused Falls Police officer Ryan Warme. They said he threatened to beat a former girlfriend to death, and threatened to make another unnamed person's life a living hell. Prosecutors also allege Warme gave detailed information about the workings of the department's undercover unit to known drug dealers. Defense Attorney Joel Daniels previously asked Judge Hugh Scott to release the names of the witnesses, but assistant U.S. attorney Anthony Bruce believes Warme wants the names simply to find out who's talking about him.

SHERIFF K-9 DIES

The Niagara County Sheriff's Department announcing the sudden passing of a popular K-9 Sunday. Gene-O was purchased with funds generously donated in memory of Gene O'Shea in September 2006. He came from Slovakia where he was born in 2006, and was state certified in patrol, tracking, narcotics, and was handled by Deputy James Hildreth. Gene-O reportedly located many narcotics during his short career, apprehended criminals, and assisted in the location of missing persons... not to mention the demonstrations he put on for various groups. Gene-O is said to have died of natural causes.

TIM HORTON'S

The plan by Tops Friendly Markets to bring Tim Horton's outlets to all locations is complete. The popular restaurant chain founded by a late Sabres defenseman signing a deal with Tops earlier this year bringing 20 full service and 62 self serve locations to the stores. Tops president and C-E-O Frank Curci said some of the self serve sites will one day convert to full service outlets.

NOAH

The Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope - better known as NOAH - is once again pushing the county legislature to create a local hiring quota for publicly funded projects. Reverend Rex Stewart says they have another chance to pursue their case in 2009. He said attorney Claude Jeorge promised the group a face to face meeting to talk about the plan's legality, however, he was cautioned that the proposed guidelines might interfere with the competitive bidding process which may drive up costs. Stewart says they'd like to have at least 30% of the people working on such projects should actually live in the county.

WITH A NEW SHERIFF COMES A NEW CHIEF DEPUTY

The Niagara County Sheriff's Office announcing the promotion of Captain Steven Preisch to the rank of Chief Deputy. The 18 year veteran of the department is a certified police instructor, a former sniper for the emergency response team, a field training officer, and a use of force expert. He's also said to have been responsible for bringing tasers to the office back in 2007. The previous Cheif Deputy - James Voutour - was elected Sheriff in November, and both he and Preisch will begin their new posts January 1st.

CAR THEFT

A 1992 Chevy Silverado was stolen from the driveway of a Lemke Drive Wheatfield resident. The $5,000 truck was believed to have been taken sometime between midnight and 7:30 Christmas morning. The owner said the pickup was locked and the keys were in his house. An additional $200 damage was done to a fence; it was apparently struck as the truck drove away.

FALLS MAN GETS HIS WISH

A man who was yelling at the top of his lungs on 22nd Street early Friday was charged with disorderly conduct. Falls police say Melvin Bradford kept yelling, "take me to jail!... Go ahead!" The officer reportedly believed the 48 year old was under the influence of drugs, and in fact took him to jail shortly before 6. Earlier that morning, a large steak knife had to be taken from the man.

JUDGE TEMPORARILY BLOCKS PATERSON'S TAX ON SMOKES

A State Supreme Court judge has barred Governor Paterson's plan to tax cigarette sales on Indian reservations. Justice Rose Sconyers issuing a temporary restraining order Wednesday until the effected state officials appear in court January 27th. Margret Murphy is a former Buffalo city judge currently representing a Seneca, and she told the Buffalo News that state officials have yet to develop a system of rules and regulations for the new collections. She wants to see a system for providing rebates to natives who are taxes for their purchases in reservation stores. Earlier this month, Paterson signed legislation requiring cigarette wholesalers to prove to manufacturers they are complying with the new tax law.

DEAL

Time Warner Cable says it's reached an agreement with the
owners of Channel 7 to continue to carry it's programming.
WKBW-TV is owned by Granite Broadcasting and the deal
also covered stations they own in Syracuse and Binghamton.
No details were announced.

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO DRUGS

Lockport Police say they found marijuana and
other drug paraphenalia Monday night when they
pulled over a Wilson man on Gooding Street for
allegedly failing to make a proper signal. Ernest
Ganshaw of 2414 Riverview Drive allegedly had a
purse in the car containing the pot, a pipe, a
metal scale, and a metal crusher.

WARME

Accused Falls Police Officer Ryan Warme is still being held
in the Stueben County Jail after a federal judge yesterday
postponed a hearing on whether he should be granted bail.
Judge Hugh Scott took the action after Warme's attorney...
Joel Daniels...complained it was difficult to prepare a defense
because prosecutors had not given him the names of Warme's
alleged victims. The Judge told Daniels and prosecutors
to submit written arguments to him next week on the matter.
Scott said he was concerned about the safety of the witnesses
and Daniels right to confront them. Warme was arrested December
2 on accustaions he trafficked in cocaine and forced two women
to have sex with him. The Assistant US Attorney said Warme
is a danger to the witnesses and the two women are especially
fearful of him.

CIGARETTE TAXES

Seneca Nation President Barry Synder Senior says they're
considering all their options after the Governor signed the
bill yesterday to begin taxing cigarette sales to non Indians
at reservation stores. Synder said every aspect of the Nation's
relationship with the State would be revisited. Paterson said
a 1994 Supreme Court ruling gives the State the legal right
to collect the tax. He said it would also cut down on smoking.
The state tax on a pack of cigarettes is $2.75.

SCHOOL CAPITOL PROJECT VOTE

Voters in the Lockport School District to decide the fate
today of a proposed $29.5-million capitol project. The polls
will be open from noon till 9pm. Developer David Ulrich ran
a two page ad in yesterday's paper attacking the plan and
School Chief Terry Ann Carbone. School Board President
Marietta Schrader told WLVL today Ulrich was mistaken
when he said she made more than the President of the
United States. She also said it did not cost the District
any money to send out a circular detailing the proposition
to voters. She said the contractor paid the cost. Schrader
also said Ulrich's claim that the District had fallen in the
Business First rankings since Carbone took over was
incorrect.

LOCKPORT TRAFFIC ADVISORY BOARD

The Lockport Traffic Advisory Board deciding Monday to
let the Common Council determine if an Irving Street woman
can get a permit for on-street parking. Mayor Mike Tucker
opened the meeting and asked the Board to be more flexible
following coverage of the woman's plight last week by the
Union Sun & Journal. She's fighting a zoning violation charge
from the Building Inspection Department for parking on her
front lawn. She needs a decision by January 6, the next
date she's slated to appear in Housing Court.

DYSTER

Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster announced Monday he would
deliver his State of the City address January 29 at the Conference
Center. He said he's talked to the Senecas and they hope to resume
construction on the land surrounding the casino and hotel sometime
in 2011. He also expects Globe Speciality Metals will reopen in March.

DOG

A 33 year old Lockport man who allegedly stole a family's
dog was arrested by police last night behind the Union Sun
& Journal building. Police reports say Walter Gardner III
of 132 Spalding was arrested without resistance but somehow
he had injured himself prior to his arrest. He was taken to LMH
and then transferred to ECMC for treatment of a fracture to his
spine. Police had been called to the victim's home on Union
Street around 9:30. The caller told police she had let their dog
out into their fenced in backyard and it began to bark a short
time later, She opened the door and saw Gardner asking to
come in. The family has a full stay away order of protection from
him. She locked the back door and ran to do the same to the
front...and about that time her son yelled that Gardner had
taken Bella, the family dog. Police say she was found safe.
Gardner is charged with petit larceny, trespassing, and criminal
contempt.

BUDGET CUTS

The five Democrats in the County Legilsature are
planning to propose just a bit more than $545,000
in budget cuts at tomorrow night's meeting. Minority
Leader Dennis Virtuoso says the plan includes doing
away with four political patronage jobs...the clerk of
the Legislature, the county auditor, the deputy county
Treasurer, and one assistant county attorney. The
Democrats say another $50,000 can be saved by
dropping out of the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise.
Virtuoso also wants to reduce oil and gas lines back
to where they were last year, The Legislature is slated
to vote on a $304-million budget tomorrow night.

RITE AID

A worker in the Pharmacy at the Rite Aid store at
130 Washburn allegedly admitted to police Saturday
she had stolen more than $12,000 worth of hydrocodone
pills with the last year and a half. Jamie Branch of
6108 Ruhlman Road is charged with third degree grand
larceny. She confessed after a video surveillance camera
allegedly caught her taking a bottle of 100 pills last
Monday. She said she had been selling them to a friend.

FIRE

A mother and her three kids are being helped by the
Red Cross following an overnight fire at Monteagle
Ridge Estates on Hyde Park Boulevard in the Falls.
The blaze started in a dryer in Unit 155 around 3:15am
and spread to the exterior of the building. Damage was
estimated at $30,000. Firefighters cleared the area just
before 5am.

TRANSPARENCY

County Republican Chairman Henry Wojtaszek says he's concerned
about secret negotiations supposedly going on to find a
replacement for Senator Hillary Clinton. He's calling on the
Governor to put together a formal, bi-partisan commission.
They'd interview all those interested in the position and give
Paterson a list of qualified applicants. Wojtaszek says the
Governor should stop playing "footsie" with the Kennedy and
Cuomo clans. Wojtaszek wants an open and transparent
process that'll publically identify potential candidiates and allow
for a public vetting of them. He says we should where they stand
on the issues and find out if they know that New York State
is comprised of more than the give boroughs, Long Island, and
Westchester.

LOCKPORT SCHOOL PROPOSAL

Lockport developer David Ulrich is urging residents to
vote against the School District's proposed $29.5-million
capitol project tomorrow. In a paid, two page advertisment
in the Union Sun & Journal, Ulrich says that, considering
the financial situation of our State, the County, and especially
our local community, the proposal is both totally insensitive
and absolutely unaffordable buffoonery. He says he's
totally unimpressed with Superintendent Terry Ann Carbone
and says it's ridiculous that she and 2/3 of the Assistant
Superintendents don't live here and won't be affected by
the burdens they place on the rest of us.

TAXES

The Governor signed that bill in Utica this morning to
tax the sale of cigarettes to non Indians at reservation stores.
He's expected to call for even more revenue raising measures
tomorrow in his 2009 State budget. Sources say Paterson wants
to increase taxes on insurance policies, on non diet soda's under
an obesity tax, and to revive the state sales tax on clothing. He
also wants to make changes in the funding of hospitals and
health care providers that would shift more of the costs onto
individuals and employers. The news of all these taxes and fees
appeared in Sunday's Albany Times Union and a Paterson
spokesman did not deny them. The Obesity Tax is expected
to raise $404-million. He's also expected to renew his call for
a $600 tuition increase at SUNY schools and universities and
to lift the 8-cent limit on how much the state can collect on a
gallon of gas.

GROUNDBREAKING

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held this morning for
a new 3-story, 92-unit senior apartment facility in
Wheatfield. Forestview Senior Village is being built
by Calamar and it'll be an enhanced version of their
neighboring senior apartments, The Woodlands
Senior Village. Forestview will be an entirely smoke
free, pet friendly residence offering one and two
bedroom apartments. We're told it will complete the
final phase of development in the Woodlands
Corporate Center East which opened in 2005. State
Senator George Maziarz and County Legislature
Chairman Bill Ross were on hand for the ceremonies.

MEDICAID RECOVERIES

The Governor announcing Friday the State recovered
$551-million in improperly paid Medicaid funds this year.
That was more than double the target set by the Federal
government which had set the goal at $215-million. Medicaid
Inspector General Jim Sheehan said to understand the
signifigance of the number, you have to consider that all
50 states combined only recovered $305-million last year.

LAYERS & LAYERS OF GOVERNMENT

State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo called for a new
law yesterday that would eliminate redundant layers of
government. He said there are more than 10,000 local
entities across the State that can tax and assess fees for
everything from Town lighting to sewage systems. Erie
County has more than any other with 1,044. Niagara
County has 92. Cuomo's plan would make it easier
for citizens to dissolve local agencies and even villages.
It's supported by the Governor but would have a hard time
in the Legislature where lawmakers have friends and
patronage jobs to protect at local agencies.

NEW CHARGES

The 18 year old Falls man accused of raping a clerk at
the Watsons Choclates store in August was indicted on
new charges yesterday in County Court. Anthony Markel
of Buffalo Avenue allegedly broke into LaSalle Collission
with two other teens June 7 or 8 and stole a truck. He was
out on bail from that arrest when the incident took place
at the candy store August 9. He plead not guilty to third
degree burglary, criminal mischief, and two counts of the
unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

JOB OPENING

Lockport Mayor Mike Tucker is looking for a new
confidential secretary. He says his previous secretary's
employment was terminated last week. Any city resident
with secretarial skills can apply and it is not a civil service
job. The salary depends on experience but Tucker
warns the job will only last as long as he continues to
be in office. Resumes should be sent to City Attorney
John Ottaviano at City Hall at 1 Locks Plaza.

SMOKES

The bill that would force Native Americans to begin
collecting taxes on cigarettes sales at reservation stores
is sitting on the Governor's desk. Paterson has ten days
to either sign it or veto the measure. He asked the Assembly
to hold the bill after they passed it in August so he would
have time to negotiate with the Seneca's. A meeting with
them last week did not produce a deal. The bill would make
it illegal for tobacco companies to supply wholesalers that
ship cigarettes to retailers that sell tax free. Paterson says
he wants to collect the tax but believes forcing the issue
will only result in lawsuits and further delays. Seneca President
Barry Synder Senior says they're exploring all their options.
He said they had tried to educate governors and policymakers
on the issues involved and warned a thousand families could
be affected if the bill becomes law. Paterson is under pressure
because he's slated to introduce his version of next year's budget
Tuesday. The money the bill could produce would mean he might
not have to make some cuts to public schools and health care.
State Senator George Maziarz says the bill will not tax cigarettes
made by Native Amercians on their own reservations.

FALLS POLICE OFFICER

Falls Police Superintendant John Chella says charges
against a new member of his department have been
reoslved. Thirty-seven year old Henry Walerowicz had
been wanted in Lackawanna. A warrant was issued there
last year over a series of threteaning phone calls
Walerowicz allegedly made to another man last November
and December. Chella says they recieved a notice from
Lackawanna City Court that the case has been put on
a reserve calender for 90 days and, at the end of 90
days, if there is no reoccurence, it will be dismissed.
Chella said he first found out about it when a reporter
questioned him this week. He said there was an
aggravated harassment warrant issued in December
of '07, which would have been about 4 months before
Walerowicz was hired. He said Walerowicz was not
an officer when the warrant was issued and that
Lackawanna had not contacted Walerowicz and told
him about it. He says he believes Walerowicz did not
know of it's issuance. Detective Captain Ernest Palmer
said it was not entered into the National Crime Center
database.

DIGITAL TV

Senator Chuck Schumer is warning Upstate New Yorkers
they may not receive broadcast television when the DTV
transition takes place in February...even if they bought a
digital converter box. He said unlike the current analog
system, digital signals are "all or nothing." That means
those using an antenna and who live between 30 & 65
miles away from the TV stations tower may need a booster
to get a signal. He wants the government to come up with
a plan by January 15 to provide more financial help ...
similiar to the converter box coupons..so that affected
viewers can buy a booster antenna. The Neilson Company
says about 62,000 of the 637,000 TV households in the
Buffalo market get their TV over the air.

TIM HORTON'S

Tim Horton's can now be found inside the two Tops
Supermarkets in the Lockport area. The store on Transit
Road features a full service location while a kiosk has been
added to the store in Wrights Corners. The doughnut maker
signed a deal in October that'll add either a full service
location or a self serve kiosk at all of the supermarket
chains 82 locations in Western New York.

HIGH SCHOOL CAPITOL PROJECT

A larger crowd at the high school Wednesday night
for another presentation on the Lockport School
District's proposed $29-million capitol project. Financial
experts say 90% of it's cost will be paid for by the State
but some said that doesn't necessarily mean the District
should do the project. Some said they would support
renovations to the High School but were against the
Sports Complex. One mom said she liked plans to make
the High School more accessible to the handicapped
noting her son had to use a wheelchair in the past. Another
spoke about the success of Starpoint's recent capitol
project. He said he taught there and it had improved
student attitude and pride and it couldn't be measured
in dollars. The public gets to vote on the project next
Tuesday. LCTV taped the meeting and will show it several
times prior to the vote.

CERETTO

County lawmaker John Ceretto is now a member of the
Niagara River Greenway Commission. The Lewiston
representative was appointed by new Senate Majority
leader Dean Skelos. Ceretto's term will run 4 years.

OLD FORT NIAGARA

Senator Chuck Schumer announcing yesterday the National
Park Service has given Old Fort Niagara a $240,000 grant.
He said it should go a long way in helping to preserve a
national treasure for generations to come. The money will
be used for wide ranging structural improvements...including
the refurbishment of masonry, the restoration of brick walls,
roof replacement, and upgrading electrical wiring. The grant
comes from the "Save America's Treasures" program.

CAR BREAK-IN'S

Five residents of Cambria waking up yesterday morning
to discover their cars had been burglarized overnight. Two
of the victims live on Saunders Settlement, two on Cambria
road, and the fifth in Pascoe Park. On Saunders Settlement,
a $400 Garmin GPS system was taken from one of the
vehicles while the other said $300 in bowling equipment and
a $100 worth of CD's were missing from her 2007 Ford. The
victim in Pascoe Park said a $100 brief case was taken and
about $100 damage was done to his dome light and another
light on his dash. Not as much was taken from the two vehicles
on Cambria Road. One man said he lost a $100 Midland Portable
Radio, the other $5 in cash and an ashtray. None of the
vehicles were locked.

DRUGS

A 20 year old Lockport man is facing drug charges after
police allegedly found 13 small baggies of marijuana and
another bag of suspected cocaine on him last night. A 21
year old female was also charged with possession of
marijuana. The two were arrested while police were at
103 Genesee looking for another person. Officers said they
smelled burning marijuana and came upon John Petty. He
told them he and 21 year old Latisha Burton had just smoked
a dime bag. He gave them what he said was the remainder...
but police alledge they found the 13 others in a subsequent
search. Petty was taken to Police Headquarters for booking
and a clear bag of suspected cocaine allegedll fell out of a
body cavity. Police also confiscated $135 for possible
forfeiture. Burton, of 174 Genesee, was charged with
possession of marijuana. Petty, whose address was uncertain,
with possession of marijauna and possession of a controlled
substance.

NIAGARA FALLS BRIDGE COMMISSION

State Senator George Maziarz still wants the Niagara Falls
Bridge Commission to release details about the severance
package given to former Executive Director Tom Garlock and
he said so yesterday at a press conference at Niagara Falls
City Hall. He said the Commission should "let the sunshine
in and disclose information not only on the termination of
Garlock but also on the compenstation package granted to
his replacement, Lew Holloway. Maziarz said the Commission
should do the right thing and provide information the toll paying
public has every right to know. Commission Chair Janice
Thompson continues to insist they can't do so because of
the privacy laws in the Province of Ontario. She said they are
not subject to "freedom of information laws." Maziarz is not
satisfied with her response and said he would file a lawsuit
if the information was not released within 30 days. He said
he had retained local Attorney Ned Perlman and that Perlman has a
great reputation in forcing agencies to release such information.

FALLS STUDY

A group of 11 graduate students from U-B's School
of Architetecture presented the results of a semester
long study they did on downtown Niagara Falls to the
City Planning Board last night. They found out what
many already knew. The majority of the city's 4.5-million
annual visitors don't stay long. The students suggested
they could be enticed to stick around longer if there
was more to do and if hotels offered a better view of the
Falls. Three main corridors were targeted for hotel
development including areas around the Aquarium,
on Third Street, and near the State Park. They identified
41 acres of land that had no apparent planning obstacles.

LOCKPORT PARKING

Lawmakers in Lockport continued to talk last
night about on-street overnight parking during
their work session. Amanda Alexander and Richelle
Pisceri argued the City should open up some side
streets for 24 hour parking but the Mayor and the
rest of the council said they would oppose any such
action. They said the Traffic Advisory Board should
consider making it easier to get a permit. City Clerk
Dick Mullaney suggested they should set up an
appeals process for applicants that are rejected.
There is currently no appeal of the Ttrafic Board's
rulings. Mayor Mike Tucker said lifting the ban on
overnight parking would create a far bigger problem
than the one they would solve and would lead to a
massive amount of confusion.

CAROLINE KENNEDY FOR SENATE?

Two surveys on who should replace Hillary in the
Senate show different results. The Buffalo News
says most people support Caroline Kennedy. Their
information comes from a poll done by the Public
Policy Institute. Another poll taken by Marist College
came up with different results. Their survey of 503
registered voters found 25% want Kennedy, 25 %
favor State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, and
26 percent said they weren't sure. Buffalo Mayor
Byron Brown was mentioned by 6 per cent of the
respondents. Kennedy is the choice among
Democrats while Republicans tend to want Cuomo.
The other survey in the News said 44% want Kennedy
and 23% Cuomo.

KEEPING JOBS HERE

The County Legislature's Administration Committee
last night o-k'd a three year deal that'll stop a
Wheatfield company from sending jobs to Mexico.
They agreed to give "Vishay Thin Film" 85,000
kilowatts of the low cost power the County received
from the Power Authority for their support of it's
50 year relicensing. The company on Liberty Drive
produces resistors used in electronic components.
They promised to make a $490,000 three phase
investment in new equipment. The County's
Deputy Commissioner for Business Development
said the local managers were told to cut energy costs
or a production line employing about 20 people
would be moved to Juarez, Mexico. The full
legislature must still approve the allocation at their
next meeting.

GREENWAY PROJECTS

Three Niagara River Greenway projects in the Falls
were approved yesterday by the committee that has
the final say on whether any money is spent. They o-k'd
giving the City $100,000 in matching funds to restore the
interior of the Customs House on Whirlpool Street,
$75,000 for a parks planning and connectivity project,
and almost $139,000 to put in a new steel footbridge
on 93rd Street over Cayuga Creek. By a 4-3 vote, the
committee o-k'd funding for a controversial 11 year
recreation plan submitted by the Lew Port School
District. It includes the construction of six tennis
courts, outdoor lighting, baseball and softball fields,
and other improvements including paving and
sanitary and storm sewers. The money comes from the
Recreational portion of the Niagara Power Coalitions
settlement with the Power Authority for their 50
year license. The Authority provides $3-million a
year to members of the Coalition.

TOMAINO

A 21 year old Lockport man was charged with
trespassing around 12:30 this morning after he
allegedly forced his way into the home of his former
sister-in-law. Richard Tomaino of 6144 Ruhlman Road
was arrested at 123 Spalding. Police say they were
originally called to 92 Spalding for a disturbance...
that they found several intoxicated adults arguing
inside the upper rear apartment. The people who
didn't live there left. One of them was Tomaino.
Police say he walked across the street and forced
his way into the other apartment. A male inside gained
control of Tomaino and held him until police arrived.

SUBWAY FLIM FLAM

A flim-flam artist took a worker at the Subway Restaurant
on the Boulevard in Wheatfield for $50 just after 8 last night. The
Sheriff's department says a black male told the 17 year old
clerk he wanted to buy a cookie but only had a $50 bill. She
was counting out his $49 in change when he asked her to
also make change for a $100 bill.....then he asked for his $50
back. The Sheriff's department said the man was wearing
a dark blue windbreaker, a dark baseball hat, and dark pants.
He left in an unknown vehicle in an unknown direction.

WHEATFIELD VOTE

Those who voted yesterday in Wheatfield overwhelmingly
o-k'd a change in the Volunteer Firefighters Incentive Plan.
The change increases the amount the Town contributes every
year from $480 to $700 per firefighter. It also allows firefighters
to accrue service credits after age 62 toward their 40 year
limit....and authorizes a buyback for some firefighters of up to
five years of service credit. The vote was 183-9. The Town
Board has already agreed to the changes. The referendum was
needed to formally amend the law.

WILSON HAZING CASE

The three teens charged in the Wilson High School baseball
hazing case were back in Town Court last night. Town Justice
George Berger said a hearing would be held January 10 to
determine whether the statements they made to State Police
will be admissable in court. The hearing is a mandatory
preliminary to a trialand will be held at 9am. Defense Attorney
P. Andrew Vona told the Buffalo News the focus will be on
whether the statements were given voluntarily and without
police coercin.

TRAGIC DEATH

A civic leader in Wheatfield was killed Tuesday morning
when his car slid into oncoming traffic on icy Upper
Mountain Road in Lewiston. Fifty-six year old Donald
Moyer Junior was a member of the Niagara Wheatfield School
Board and a major contributor to many organizations. He
was going to work when the accident happened around
6:45. His vehicle was broadsided by a pick-up operated
by 61 year old Gerald Buttery of Ransomville. Moyer was
found dead in the driver's seat and attempts to revive him
were unsuccessful. Buttery was taken to ECMC by
ambulance with non life threatening injuries. The accident
happening on Upper Mountain between Green and Walmore
Roads. Moyer was the Vice President of the Ransomville
Lions Club and a longtime member of the Lewiston Recreation
Commission and the Sanborn Volunteer Fire Company. He
graduated from Niagara Wheatfield in 1970 and was elected
to the School Board in the Spring of 2005. A memorial service
hosted by the fire company will be held at 8pm tomorrow at
Rhoney Funeral Home in Sanborn. Funeral services will be
held there at 11am Saturday.

GAS TAX

State Assembly Republican leader Jim Tedisco says the
EPA should forget about it's plan to tax farmers for the
"livestock emissions" of their animals. A recent A-P story
reported the agency is exploring the possibility after the
Supreme Court ruled last year gas passed by cows and hogs
may contribuite to climate change and is a form of air
pollution. The Agency is considering taxing farms or
ranches that have have over 200 hogs, 50 cattle, or 25
dairy cows. The plan is to charge about $20 for each
hog, $87.50 per head of cattle, and $175 for a dairy cow.
Tedisco said the EPA is completely out of touch with
reality and the State's Congressional delegation should
ensure the ludicrous plan goes nowwhere fast.

HELP NEEDED IN NEWFANE

The Mission Committee of Newfane's First Baptist Church is
looking for all kinds of donations to help make the holiday
brighter for many rural familes. Volunteer Denise Noble has
been working with the community for many years. She says
the collect new and used artificial Christmas trees up to
six feet in height plus the lights and ornaments to decorate
them. She also needs clean new or used toys and has none
at the moment. They're also accepting winter blankets,
boots, gloves, hats and even food for the Migrant Family
Food Pantry. She says many of the needy in rural areas can't
make it to Buffalo or the Falls to get help because there is
no public transportation. You can reach her at 940-8286.

WINGS

The Travel Channel will air a ten minute segment Wednesday
night on this year's Buffalo Wing Festival. It'll be shown as part
of a program called "Bar Food Paradise" which airs at 9pm.

HEDGES

The Falls woman charged with operating an unlicensed
bed and breakfast where a 12 year old Bronx girl stayed
before drowning in the Niagara River in August was in
City Court yesterday to answer three housing code
violations. Sixty-two year old Eva Hedges of 722 Fourth
Street is being represented by Lockport Attorney George
Muscato. She's charged with putting up structures
without building permits, erecting a fence that's too tall,
and having strictures on her property ...a deck, gazebo,
and garage...that exceed 30 per cent of the total property
in a residential district. They have until December 22
to submit motions and are scheduled to argue them
January 12.

NO HUNTING ON COUNTY PROPERTY

The County issued a reminder yesterday that hunting is
prohibited on it's property. Public Works Commissioner
Kevin O'Brien said they had gotten reports that hunters
had been trespassing on county parkland. He said violators
would be prosecuted. He said the County welcomes
sportsmen but they cannot tolerate the use of firearms and
bows on county property. Anybody seeing anyone hunting
on County land is asked to call the Parks Department at
439-7951 or the DPW at 439-7242.

NIAGARA FALLS COUNCIL MEETING

Lawmakers in the Falls continued their efforts last night
to eliminate the city's two tier tax system. They voted to
shift ten per cent of the total tax burden from businesses
to homeowners next year. City Assessor Dominic Penale
said in 1998 the non homestead properties were responsible
for 53 per cent and the residential for 46 per cent. He said
through the ten years going up to 2009 it was reversed. The
City adopted the two tier tax system in 1998 when businesses
dominated the tax base. That's changed and they now
account for about 32 per cent of the total but they're continuing
to pay 46 per cent of the burden. Penale said the change would
put them back on track to equalize the rates. The Council also
failed to get a supermajority and could not override the Mayor's
veto of their plan to eliminate the position of Senior Planner Tom
DeSantis in next year's budget. Chairman Sam Fruscione and
Councilmembers Bob Anderson and Steve Fourneir voted to do
away with the job but four votes were needed to override the
Dyster's veto. There have been reports of dissatisfaction with
DeSantis but Councilmember Chris Robbins said the position is
needed. He said it's up to the Administration to decide who has the
job. In other action, City Administrator Donna Owens told the
Council their contract with the SPCA will expire soon and they
will meet with the agency in the next week or so to negotiatte
the terms for next year. Fruscione said it would be
"unacceptable" to renew the deal if the problems they had
earlier this year continue. There were complaints that dogs
were not picked up and the Council held back the funding for
a period. He told Bob Anderson to work with Owens and the
Corporation Counsel to come up with a new plan.

STARPOINT PRE K

The Starpoint School Board voted 6-0 Monday night
to create a universal pre-K program that'll start in
February. It'll be paid for with State aid and be
limited to 35 students. A lottery would be held if
the more than that number apply. The program will
be held off campus and a proposal will be sent to
four outside agencies.

BUFFALO SABRES

The Buffalo Sabres spending Monday denying a report
by sportswriter Jim Kelly that they're involved in negotiations
to sell the team. Spokesman Larry Quinn said Tom Golisano
is not shopping the team and would never discuss selling it to
anyone who would move them out of Buffalo. The story will
appear in Thursday's edition of Western New York Hockey
magazine. Kelly says someone wants to buy the team and the
two sides are negotiating price and talks are in the exploratory
stage. Quinn told the Buffalo News he would not speculate
on whether the team could be sold in the near future, but said
he didn't want fans or their players to worry about it. He said
this team is not moving out of Buffalo. Kelly said his article
doesn't say the team is in danger of moving, just that Golisano
has someone interested in buying the team and the discussion
is about price.

SLICK DRIVE

Sheriff's deputies were busy this morning handling some
minor accidents on area roads. One woman was taken to
LMH after her car slid off the Niagara Street Extension Hill
around 7:30 and struck a tree. Minor injuires were reported
after a car and a pikc-up collided around 7:45 at Transit
and Rapids. Sheriff's deputies also responded to a two
vehicle accident on Lake Road in Ramsomville around the
same time.

SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army in the 48 upstate counties is
experiencing one of it's most challenging fund raising
seasons ever. So says Major Ronald Lugiano at the Army's
headquarters in Syracuse. He says donations are
generally down. One center reported they
were $4,000 below last year while another was short
$16,000. He said very few were reporting donations
above last year and if they are, they're just barely above.
The drop is coming at a time when more people than
ever are asking for help. The best way you or your
organization can help is to sign up for a shift as a
bellringer. Lugiano says people can't give if they don't
have someone manning the kettles to take
advantage of people's spontaneous act of
generosity. Call 434-1276 in Lockport or 283-7697
in the Falls.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

North Tonawanda's Department of Public Works facility
was crowded Saturday for a first-ever combination flu and
rabies clinic put on by the County Health Department. The
free shots were dispensed inside the facility on Erie Avenue.
The flu vaccine was supplied by the federal Centers For
Disease Control and the State Health Department had three
representatives there to observe and make comments. County
Health Director Dan Stapleton said it was the first time such a
combined clinic was held anywhere in the U.S. He said what
they learned here would be shared with other Health Departments
across the country.

SUPERINTENDENTS SEARCH

The Roy Hart School Board will begin talking to the
six semi finalists for the School Superintendent's job
later this week after reviewing the applications of more
than 15 people over the weekend. Three more closed
door meetings are slates for 5pm Thursday, Friday, and
next Monday. The new Superintendent will replace
Paul Bona. He will retire at the end of June after being
in charge for the past ten years.

ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR CHARGED

The Director of Admissions at Niagara University is due
in Lewiston Town Court Tuesday night after being
arrested for DWI late Thursday. Harry Gong of Lockport
was pulled over on Saunders Settlement Road near
Bridgeport Road just before 11:30 Thursday night.
Deputies said another driver told them he saw Gong's
vehicle drive into a ditch, pull out, and nearly strike a
utility pole. Deputies said the 39 year old nearly fell as
he stepped out of his car. He also failed three field
sobriety tests and nearly fell over when performing
the "walk and turn." Gong registered a blood alcohol
content of .20, 2 1/2 times the legal limit. He was also
charged with aggravated DWI and failing to keep right.

STOLEN T-V

A Town of Lockport woman telling Sheriff's deputies last
night a Westinghouse 34 inch TV was stolen from her
mobile home on Cardinal Drive. The $1300 set was taken
between noon and 8:30pm. Deputies say footprints were
found in the snow but the suspect walked on them both ways
so they could not be identified.

JOB LOSSES

Members of the I-D-A are expected to meet with officials from
Lockport's Jamestown Container Corporation this week after
officials announced they would shut down their operation on
Grand Street next year. Mayor Mike Tucker told WLVL News
Friday he got a certified letter a week ago today informing him
of the decision. Meantime, Ashland Advanced Materials said
they were forced to lay off eight people this week because of
delays in re-starting the factory on Niagara Falls Boulevard.
The company president said they had been hired for early
training but without the ability to begin production, there is
no work for them to do. The Ohio company hopes to start
hiring workers again in February. They're asking former
employees whose jobs were eliminated in 2002 to reapply
at that time. The company makes heat treated rayon bundles,
heat treated carbon powder, and carbon fiberboard.

BRIDGE INCREASE

The falling Canadian dollar will cause the Niagara Falls
Bridge Commission to charge more if you'll be using it
at any of their three bridges starting January first. The
price for passenger vehicles will be $3.75 Canadian. The
adjustment also includes an increase for those using the
Canadian Express Pass. It'll be $3.15. Commercial
vehicles rates will also reflect the difference in currency
exchange rates.

EXPENSIVE TRIP

A 51 year old Ontario man who was caught trying to sneak
247 pounds of high grade marijuana over the Lewiston
Queenston Bridge was recently given a 36 month prison
term by U-S District Judge William Skretny. Stipan Krak
of Grimsby had hidden the pot in six hockey duffle bags
in the cab of his tractor trailer. The offense happened on
March 20, 2007. Officials say the pot was worth an
estimated $938,000.

TOY FUND TELETHON

The 80th anniversary of the Niagara Falls Fire
Department's "Christmas Toy Fund" will be
celebrated Saturday during their annual telethon.
The broadcast starts at noon in the High School
Performing Arts Center. Spokesman Bill Butksy
said they hope to make it a bit nostalgic by
bringing back some of the old announcers. The
Toy Fund always operates a year in advance and
the money they collect Saturday pays for next year's
activities. The show will air on Time Warner Cable
Channel 21 in the Falls and Lockport. The broadcast
itself will be handled by students at the High School.
The Niagara Eexperience Players, The Hot
Country Liners, and three live bands are included in the
entertainment line-up. Last year's money is being
spent this week. Firefighters passed out about
$30,000 in vouchers for Winter clothing Monday at
Wal-Mart to familes that had requested help. Seniors
from area nursing homes were also treated to a holiday meal
Thursday at Antonio's. The toys will be distributed to
about 1,200 kids next week.

LOCKPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lockport firefighters dealt with a problem in the elevator
shaft around 6pm Thursday at N-C-C-C's Corporate Training
Facilty at 50 Main Street. We're told there was some smoke,
but no fire. There was no estimate of damage.

ASSAULTING CHILDREN

A 21 year old Falls man accused of assaulting two
children accepted a plea deal Thursday in County
Court. Rondell Levick of Elmwood Avenue plead
guilty to reckless assault on a child in one case.
He shook his 4 1/2 month old son so forcefully
last December first that it caused permanent brain
damage. He also admitted to beating his girlfriend's
3 year old daughter in April. Levick could be sentenced
to seven years in prison when he's sentenced January
22. His trial on more serious charges would have
started Monday.

METROPOLITAN

The furnishings and equipment from the recently closed
Metropolitan Bar and Grille in downtown Lockport will be
auctioned off December 16 to help pay $376,000 in
delinquent loans. City Corporation Counsel John
Ottaviano said the auction will start at 10am at the
restaurants location at 80 Main Street. Owner Pete
Calieri of Clarence received three loans totalling
$400,000 from the Greater Lockport Development
Corporation.

FINAL TALLY

Final numbers released yesterday by the Board of Elections
showed Barak Obama carried Niagara County by nearly
a thousand votes. Once all the absentee ballots were
counted and affadavit ballots were ruled upon, the final
number for Obama was 47,303. McCain had 46,348. The
Democratic candidate has carried the County in the
past six presidential elections. The Board also released
the final tally in the Sheriff's race. Democrat Jim Voutour
had 44,124 to 41,480 for Republican Ernest Palmer.

FALLS SCHOOL BOARD

The Niagara Falls School Board agreed last night to cut
$866,000 in spending as they attempt to deal with a
$4.7-million deficit. They could not agree on saving
another $243,000 by cutting five substitute teachers and
a monitor. That issue ended up in a 4-4 tie vote. Some
of the board saying they will look at other ways to
realize the savings and revisit the issue when they
meet again next Thursday. As for the $866,000 in cuts..
they included a $300,000 reduction for utlities, the
elimination of $200,000 from the contract of a technology
consultant, and the removal of $89,000 from the fue
budget ...since gas prices have fallen.

TOO MUCH

State Comptroller Tom Dinapoli says the Lockport School
District has piled up a $9-million surplus that could have
been used to cut your taxes. The number is a result of an
audit of the district that included the period between Jukly 2006
and May 2008. He said everyone wants to save for a rainy day
but is unacceptable for school districts to hold money at the
expense of local taxpayers. He said the district needs to eliminate
unnecessary reserve funds and use the surplus to reduce the
district tax burden. The audit found the district increased taxes
by 11 per cent in the 2002-2003 fiscal year. In that same year, they
also created five new reserve funds and significantly increased
the amount in a sixth. He said officials could not explain why
the reserve funds were created or why they're still needed.
School Chief Terry Ann Carbone offered no apologies when
we spoke with her yesterday. She said the reserve funds
were legal and not funded to the full amount. She said both
she and the board felt they have been very prudent and
fiscally responsible by putting money aside for a rainy day.
Nevertheless the Board has to submit a corrective action plan
detailing how they will address the concerns addressed in
the audit.

THEATRE

The City of Niagara Falls Development Corporation last
night gave the owner of the former Dome Theatre a $250,000
grant to help renovate the building. John Hutchins said he
plans to rename it as the Rapids Theatre and offer rock concerts
that'll appeal to a regional audience. The 1920's era structure
at 1711 Main has been closed since Hutchins bought it a tax
foreclosure auction last year. The entire upgrade will cost
$1.8-million and he said he needed the money to attract
private financing. Hutchins said he already has concerts
booked for next April.

LOCKPORT COMMON COUNCIL

Hoping to get two for one, Lockport lawmakers pulled a
resolution last night to buy five new vehicles for the
city's building inspectors. The purchase was put off till
their next meeting because some alderman said they had
heard commercials from car dealers offering two for one
deals. The Council was going to buy the cars through the
State after six local dealers couldn't beat the State's price
of just over $78,000. Alderman Joe Kibler also wondered
where the money was going to come from. Mayor Mike Tucker
said his Charity Ball last Saturday raised an estimated
$13,000 to $15,000 for Niagara Hospice. He said he would
not know the final number until all the bills are paid.

TOY FUND SENIOR DINNER

About 500 seniors from nursing homes across the County
expected at Antonio's today for the annual free holiday meal
sponsored by the Niagara Falls Fire Department. It'll start at
1. The meal is one of the many activities paid for with money
raised during the Toy Fund telethon. This year's broadcast
starts at noon Saturday and originates from Niagara Falls High
School. It'll be carried on Channel 21 on Time Warner Cable
in the Falls and Lockport. This year marks the 80th anniversary
of the Toy Fund.

WRONGFUL DEATH SUIT

The parents of a 12 year old Bronx girl who drowned in
the Niagara River in August planning to file a wrongful
death lawsuit against the City of Niagara Falls and the
County. The Lubowska's maintain they failed to stop
Eva Hedges and her son Timothy from operating an
unlicensed summer camp on Fourth Street in the Falls
known as Renaissance House. Magdalena Lubowska
was staying there when she was taken on a field trip
to Whirlpool State Park August 13. She slipped on a
rock and fell into the rapids. The family alledging
negligence, carelessness, recklessness, and gross
negligence.

FALLS POLICE OFFICER

The Niagara Falls police officer arrested on drug and
sex charges Tuesday night pleaded not guilty in federal
court Wednesday afternoon. Police Superintendent John
Chella said in July, the FBI, the ATF, and the DEA became
involved into the investigation into the activities of 27 year
old Ryan Warme. He said it followed years of citizen complaints.
Officials believe Warme raped two women in October 2006. He
reportedly told one of them he would take her to the reservation
and shoot her if anybody found out. And while on duty on
September 24, 2007, he allegedly forced a woman to perform
oral sex while at her apartment investigating a domestic dispute.
Investigators also alledge Warme bought cocaine multiple times
a week..at least five times while in uniform. U-S Attorney
Terrence Flynn said Warme could be sentenced to life in
prison if found guilty. He is the son of retired Falls Police
Captain Gordon Warme.

WAL MART SUPERCENTER

Town of Lockport Attorney Dan Seaman annouced
at Wednesday night's board meeting the
Appelate Division of State Supreme Court will hear
oral arguments in March on the Wal Mart
Supercenter lawsuit. Lockport Smart Growth
maintains waivers and variances given to the
retailer last year were illegal. They lost their
case before State Supreme Court Judge
Richard Klock and filed an appeal in the
Rochester court November 21. The Town Board
also decided to hold a public hearing at 1pm
December 17th on increasing sewar rates. The
plan calls for a $5 increase per quarter for all
users and adds a residential usage charge
for the first time. They would pay a dollar for
every thousand gallons used over
15-thousand. The increases would take
effect with January's billings.