GOOD NEWS FOR LOCAL CANAL BUSINESS ::Friday, April 4::

State Senator George Maziarz has some good news for Mike Murphy and others operating business along the canal. He says "on Monday, the Thruway Authority will announce that they're reversing their earlier decision" to staff the lift-bridges less - thus resulting in less trips taken by Murphy's canal cruise business. Maziarz said the plan would have caused economic hardship along the waterway. Murphy says he plans to open for the season on May 5th. The boats are getting their annual clean-up right now at Smith Boy's Marina in North Tonawanda.

YOUR SUPPORT NEEDED IN FIGHTING UNJUST HEALTH CARE RATES! ::Friday, April 4::

The Town of Wheatfield has been spearheading the effort to reform the way health insurance is dealt in New York State. The Wheatfield Business Association sponsored a second public forum last night on that topic, where town Supervisor Timothy Demler announced he's reaching to other towns and cities to come on board with this initiative. He says they'll be sending out a set of resolutions passed by the town to other municipalities for review and a potential vote; mostly dealing with the high costs and requesting support that the state regulate once again health insurance premiums.

Local officials can only do so much, and since high health costs effect a great portion of our region, WBA president Tom Stevenson says more of the public should become involved, saying that "it's just as important as the price of gas." Because of this fact, Demler says there's an open spot on a bus for you to travel with the group to Albany to voice your concerns to the state's top leaders. He says the trip will be sponsored by the WBA and several other orginazations, and they plan to rally the state legislature when they're there.

Wheatfield resident or not; if you're determined to take a stand, the group will be chartering a bus headed for the capitol on Monday, May 20th for a two day 'tour of duty.' Transportation costs will be covered, but lodging and other amenities are not included. For more information, you're asked to get in touch with the supervisor's office.

Wheatfield resident or not,

LOCK-CITY AMONG OTHERS WHO WILL REAP BENEFITS FROM REVISED BUDGET ::Friday April 4::

The City of Lockport will get over $296-thousand more in state aid under the new State budget.. Mayor Michael Tucker says the cash will go to lower property taxes. He says "it's quite obvious...over the past couple of years we've got a large increase" and thanks Senator Maziarz, "he's always looking out for the City of Lockport." The addition brings the total to $2,878,000.

At the same time, Assemblywoman Francine Del Monte announced that Niagara Falls will get a 10.8% increase bringing the city's total state aid to over $19-million. She said the towns of Hartland, Newfane, Niagara, and Wilson - plus the villages of Lewiston, Wilson, and Youngstown - will all see a 5% hike. The increase for the towns of Cambria, Porter, Wheatfield, and Lewiston will be 3%.

TWO SEPARATE ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPINGS IN WESTERN NEW YORK :: Friday, April 4::

The New York State Police and the Depew Police Department are currently investigating two separate reports of a man approaching children as they are walking home from school.

On March 31, 2008 at about 3:55 p.m. the Depew Police Department received a report of a man who attempted to motion a 9-year-old girl over to his truck. As the girl got off the school bus and began to walk home, the man above pulled over to the side of the road and motioned for the girl to come over to his truck; the girl then ran home. The man is described as an older white male with white hair and a long white beard wearing a brown knit cap and a brown jacket. The truck is described as a two tone blue pickup truck - possibly a 2000 or newer Dodge Ram with an extended cab. The incident occurred in the area of Patrick and Evane Drive, in Depew.

The State Police in Boston are currently investigating two similar complaints. On Wednesday between 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. an older man operating a dark colored vehicle - possibly a BMW or Mercedes - approached an 8-year-old boy as he was walking home from school and later a 12-year-old girl who was also walking home from school. He told both children that he lost his dog and asked if they would like to ride along and help him find it. Both children ran home. The man was described as a white male with grey hair and a grey beard between 50-60 years of age. These incidents occurred on Pearl Street and Greenbriar in Boston.

Anyone with information or reports of similar incidents is asked to all the State Police Boston office at 941-9300 or the Depew Police Department at 683-1123.

LOCKPORT COMMON COUNCIL AGREES TO HELP DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES::Thursday, April 3::

Lockport city officials agreed to let traffic flow in both directions on Hawley St. from W. Genesee to West Ave. to help the Shamus restaurant. Mayor Michael Tucker said the no parking signs on the west side of Hawley will also be removed. The council also gave Tom's Diner the OK to erect an awning on the city's right of way at 11 Main St. The local gem has recently expanded into the building next door.

In other council news... Tucker told city leaders the vote on the 'landlord residency law' would not take place April 16th. That's because city attorney John Ottaviano will be on vacation and alderman Pat Schrader will be out of town. It's being pused back to the first meeting in May.

THE SMOKE HITS THE FAN IN THE EYES OF THE NATIVES::Thursday, April 3::

With health groups pushing the state to end tax free cigarette sales - now that the cigarette tax has been increased by $1.25 a pack - the Seneca Nation used that news from Albany to rally yesterday in Niagara Square to insist that the nation will never collect taxes for the state. "At the Boston Tea Party, Americans fought taxes" and other similar phrases were printed on signs at the rally, which attracted more than 100 of the Seneca Nation of Indians. Under previous administrations, attempts were made to collect taxes on cigarettes and other sales made by vendors on Indian reservations. Seneca Nation officials want to know where Governor Paterson stands on the issue.

MAN INVOLVED WITH JANUARY STANDOFF MAKES PLEA ::Thursday, April 3::

The man who held Lockport police at bay during a two hour standoff January 14th pleaded guilty to a felony yesterday in Niagara County Court. 42 year old Michael Huntington of Olcott St. faces up to four years in prison when he's sentenced by Judge Matt Murphy on June 3rd. However, assistant public defender Matthew Pinn says Huntington is to be admitted to the city of Lockport mental health court to enforce mental treatment, and he speculated that if treatment instructions are obeyed, Huntington might avoid prison. In the meantime he's in county jail in lieu of $50-thousand bail set by Murphy, but Pinn said he thought Huntington would be assigned to a mental facility by the city court. The maximum sentence is four years for third degree criminal mischief - the charge to which Huntington admitted.

LIBRARY BUDGET PASSES AS USUAL (TOO BAD IT DOESN'T WORK LIKE THAT IN ALBANY)::Thursday, April 3::

The Lockport Public Library passing their 3% or $41-thousand increase in 2008-2009 Wednesday where director Marie Bendemen says there wasn't much opposition. She says an average of 300 voters turn out each year, and thanks those 'yes-voters' who allowed the library to maintain its operations.

LEGISLATURE NOT IN SUPPORT OF RETURNING TOM CHRISTY TO TELEVISION AUDIENCE ::Wednesday April 2::

The County Legislature saying no last night to a second resolution asking LCTV to put "Legislative Journal" back on TV. The resolution - which dominated the night's meeting - failed by a 14-5 tally. Eight public speakers voiced their support, including some who can't even receive the show, like Royalton Deputy Supervisor Jennifer Beeber. She says the Town will vote on a supportive resolution, and urges other towns and villages to do the same. Legislative Chairman Bill Ross - who said during the last meeting he loved being on the show -was among the 14 republicans who voted against the resolution. Prior to the meeting about 40 came out to a rally held at The Daily Grind coffee shop where Christy spoke about the situation.

In other news the legislature also agreed to pay $180-thousand for land on Lockport-Junction road for the new public works facility. A resolution supporting the capping of the local share of taxes on a gallon of gas at the $3 price point was sent to the administration committee.

SABRES PROLONG PLAYOFF CHANCES ONCE MORE, LOOK TO BEAT CANADIENS DURING THURSDAY'S MUST WIN ::Wednesday, April 2::

The Sabres staving off elimination from the playoffs Tuesday in Toronto, where Buffalo came back to the 'max' and scored a game winning goal from Maxim Afinigenov in the 6th round of the shootout, beating the Leafs 4-3. The Sabres were down 2-0 at one point in the game, eventually upping the score to 3-2 when Dereck Roy sent the equalizer in the net moments before the end of regulation. The Men in Blue get back in action Thursday night in Montreal shooting for another must win, sporting 88 points and in 10th place in the conference - three points behind the Bruins and Flyers.

GRAND ISLAND TOLL REMOVAL UPDATE ::Tuesday April 1, 2008::

State Senator George Maziarz says we're a step closer to getting rid of the tolls on the Grand Island Bridges. The bill he's sponsoring to transfer the jurisdiction of the I-190 from the Thruway Authority to the State Department of Transportation passed the Senate Transportation Committee today, and he says the next step is the floor vote in the Senate. A similar bill sponsored by representative Sam Hoyt is being reviewed in the Assembly. The proposal would make the State DOT responsible for maintaining, repairing, and reconstructing the 190 at state expense. Future improvements would be eligible for federal aid. Maziarz says it's no small task, but the overtaxed and over tolled people of Western New York deserve their best efforts to bring the tolls down.

NEW YORK STATE FAILING TO MAKE AN APRIL FOOL'S DAY BUDGET DEADLINE ::Tuesday April 1, 2008::

Governor Paterson and the State Legislature failed to meet the deadline for adopting a new state budget last night, giving special interest groups valuable time to use the delay to lobby for or against new spending and tax policies. Despite the new governor's 'rosy' predictions just 24 hours earlier for a timely budget by midnight last night, the evidence of lateness surfaced Monday morning with the introduction of emergency appropriation bills to keep the government running while talks continued. The budget has now been late 22 out of the last 24 years. It could be the end of the week before a $124-billion spending plan is passed.

Meantime, the inaction turned the Capitol into a feeding frenzy for lobbyists. Bank lobbyists pushed to turn back a big new tax on credit card operations. School advocates - despite a record $1.8-billion increase in education aid - pushed to lock in hikes for future years. Lobbyists for counties worked successfully by midafternoon to unearth $20-million to keep the state splitting the costs of the welfare program. The biggest push came from tobacco lobbyists, who pounded the marble halls offering lawmakers other ways to raise more than $200-million instead of a planned increase in cigarette taxes. Sunday night, the plan was to raise the tax by a $1.25 a pack, but by Monday afternoon word spread that officials were considering $1.50 a pack.

LOCK-CITY POLICE ADD NEW TOOL TO THEIR TICKET PRODUCING ARSENAL ::Tuesday April 1, 2008::

'Big Brother' has come to the Lockport Police Department - a new license plate reader - that officials are hailing as a valuable new tool for law enforcement. The 'Mobile Plate Hunter 900' is the newest technological addition to Chief Larry Eggert's crew. It can read more than 1,000 license plates an hour as vehicles pass patrol cars at up to 70 mph. The plate reader then takes a photograph and zeros in on the number, converting it to text and making a record of it. The number is run through several databases to check for violations; including suspended registrations or licenses, insurance lapses, and arrest warrants. The reader will soon be mounted on the LPD's new traffic car - a Ford Crown Victoria - that will be purchased through a grant secured by State Senator George Maziarz and Assemblyman Mike Cole. The $23-thousand for the plate reader was also covered by a state grant. Chief Eggert says the equipment costs more than the car, adding that it will look like a fighter jet on the inside

FORMER FOUNDRY FACES FORCLOSURE ::Tuesday April 1, 2008::

After two decades of avoiding the situation for fear of being stuck with the cost of a toxic clean-up, the City of Lockport is planning to foreclose on the former Dussault Foundry at the end of Washburn Street. Corporation Counsel John Ottaviano said Monday that the city has gone to court to take advantage of a recently added provision in state law called 'incidence of ownership.' In effect, it's a temporary takeover to allow the property access for an environmental investigation. However, Mayor Michael Tucker says it's likely the city will end up with the property permanently, and that doesn't bother him one bit! Tucker says he wouldn't be opposed to taking that property back if it's clean. Ottaviano says the parcel is considered an orphan site because the former owners are deceased and their estate didn't transfer the ownership to anyone. Court records show the unpaid taxes and fees on the property - dating back to 1989 - add up to over $389-thousand.

SABRES GIVE FANS A SPECTACULAR REGULAR SEASON HOME FINISH, BUT DO THEY HAVE ENOUGH JUICE TO CRAWL INTO PLAYOFF CONTENTION?

Although the Sabres outlasted the Boston Bruins with a winning goal in overtime Sunday during the final home game of the regular season, don't expect them to make the playoffs. They remain five points out of 8th place with just three games left to play! Unless they win all of their remaining games - and all the teams in contention lose their games - sadly, it's all over. However, a "win is a win" says Jason Pomminville, saying "that's all they can do at this point." Rookie Andre Sekara scored the game winner just 39 seconds into overtime giving the Sabres not one but two points season points. Tuesday in Toronto the Sabes play their first of their final three games; all on the road, and needing a miracle to advance to the post season.

GOVERNOR PATERSON EXPECTS TO PASS A MIDNIGHT HOUR BUDGET ON THE 1ST; IS HE JUST FOOLIN'?

Governor Paterson and legislative leaders saying Sunday that they have cut a final state budget that includes a record increase in aid to public schools, despite a worsening economy. It also restores a number of cuts to health care programs. At the same time, it also raises about $1-billion from an assortment of hiked taxes and fees, including a $1.25 per pack increase on cigarettes. The budget is required to be finished by midnight tonight. The package also includes some restoration of some earlier proposed cuts to the Star property tax program, the rejection of a gas tax, more money for the popular tuition assistance program, and $245-million in restored aid for hospitals and nursing homes. Counties thought, said the State, was shifting costs to them; which will have to be made up through higher property taxes. Senate majority leader Joe Bruno says quote, "we've done the best we can for the families in New York State" after emerging from a closed door meeting with Paterson and legislative leaders. The sides say budget bills will begin being passed today, with the hopes of meeting tonight's midnight dealine before the 2008 fiscal year starts Tuesday.

DEMOCRATS EXPECT TO TAKE 2ND STAB AT SUPPORTING CHRISTY DURING TOMORROWS LEGISLATURE MEETING

Democrats in the County Legislature are standing by a resolution that asks representatives from LCTV's Board of Directors to reinstate the weekly call-in program 'Legislative Journal,' and it's long-time volunteer host Tom Christy. However, their republican counterparts may opt to drop the issue altogether. Minority leader Dennis Virtuoso says his resolution concerning the future of the cancelled program and its host will once again be offered up for consideration during the next legislative session Tuesday. The measure asks county lawmakers to go on record in support of the program, and asks Lockport Mayor Michael Tucker and Town Supervisor Marc Smith to join the county in urging representative from LCTV's board to reinstate the program with Christy - who has served as volunteer for ten years.

Meantime; a group of residents backed by a free speech organization called 'Infringement' are preparng to make it known just how much they want 'Legistlative Journal' back on the air. Members of the group known as Niagara Lockport Infringement have scheduled a rally in support of the show and Christy. The event will begin at 5:30 tomorrow at the Daily Grind coffee shop at 21 Main Street in Lockport. A notice advertising the rally states that the group will then move on to the bastion of political discourse known as the County Legislature in time for their meeting at 7pm.