Twenty-seven food vendors are expected at noon Sunday for the
annual Taste of Lockport at Ida Fritz Park. There'll be live music
from noon till 3 from the Flying Blind Blues Band and Southbound]
from 3-6. All vendors will be accepting cash. "The Daily Grind"
won the "best sandwich" award last year while Thaxton's took home
the "best dessert" honor for their chocolate peanut butter pie.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
QUESTIONS
The Republican running for Sheriff says he wants some questions
answered about the July 30th failure of the county's dispatch and
9-1-1 systems. Ernest Palmer says it could have, and still may, affect
the safety of all county residents. The system failed at about 1pm on
Wednesday July 30 and was down for about 2 hours. The 9-1-1 calls
were transferred to Lockport and the Falls...which chose not to
tie into the county-wide system. Palmer accuses the Sheriff's Department
of trying to hide the problem from the public. He says the cause hasn't
been determined and fixed so it doesn't happen again.
answered about the July 30th failure of the county's dispatch and
9-1-1 systems. Ernest Palmer says it could have, and still may, affect
the safety of all county residents. The system failed at about 1pm on
Wednesday July 30 and was down for about 2 hours. The 9-1-1 calls
were transferred to Lockport and the Falls...which chose not to
tie into the county-wide system. Palmer accuses the Sheriff's Department
of trying to hide the problem from the public. He says the cause hasn't
been determined and fixed so it doesn't happen again.
FALLS CITY COUNCIL
The Niagara Falls City Council has scheduled a series of meetings
around the city to talk with residents about problems and concerns
in their neighborhoods. The first will be at 6:30 Monday night in the
Wrobel Towers at 800 Niagara Avenue. 0thers are set for 6:30 Tuesday
at Spallino Towers and at 11:30 Thursday at the LaSalle Senior Center.
The meetings will continue on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the
following week. The August 25 session will be at 10:30 am at the Doris
Jones Resource Center. The next will be August 26th at 11am at the
John Duke Senior Center and the last will be on Wednesday August 27
at 11:15 at Saint John's A-M-E Church.
around the city to talk with residents about problems and concerns
in their neighborhoods. The first will be at 6:30 Monday night in the
Wrobel Towers at 800 Niagara Avenue. 0thers are set for 6:30 Tuesday
at Spallino Towers and at 11:30 Thursday at the LaSalle Senior Center.
The meetings will continue on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the
following week. The August 25 session will be at 10:30 am at the Doris
Jones Resource Center. The next will be August 26th at 11am at the
John Duke Senior Center and the last will be on Wednesday August 27
at 11:15 at Saint John's A-M-E Church.
R-E-O SPEEDWAGON
Lockport's Ulrich City Center was packed Friday night as REO
Speedwagon took to the stage for the second to last show in
the Molson Canal Concert Series. Mayor Mike Tucker said he
took the band's lead singer, Kevin Cronin, on a tour of the city
and the locks before the show. He said Cronin asked a lot of
questions and was interested in the historic buildings downtown
like the 0ld Post 0ffice and the former City Hall. They also took a
walking tour of the locks. "The Common Kings" and "Tres Bein"
opened for REO.
Speedwagon took to the stage for the second to last show in
the Molson Canal Concert Series. Mayor Mike Tucker said he
took the band's lead singer, Kevin Cronin, on a tour of the city
and the locks before the show. He said Cronin asked a lot of
questions and was interested in the historic buildings downtown
like the 0ld Post 0ffice and the former City Hall. They also took a
walking tour of the locks. "The Common Kings" and "Tres Bein"
opened for REO.
MARKEL
A Grand Jury expected to begin hearing testimony next week in the
case against a 17 year old Falls teen accused of holding up and trying
to rape an 18 year old female clerk last Saturday at the Watson's Candy Shop
in Pine Plaza. Anthony Markel waived his right to a preliminary hearing
yesterday during a brief appearance in Falls City Court. He's charged with
first degree rape, predatory sexual assault, two counts of committing a
first degree sex act, and robbery. A pending burglary charge will also be
considered. Markel is being held on $250,000 bail in the County Jail. He
was arrested late Monday when police found him hiding behind a false
wall in the basement of his grandmother's home....where he also lives..
at 12 South 86th Street.
case against a 17 year old Falls teen accused of holding up and trying
to rape an 18 year old female clerk last Saturday at the Watson's Candy Shop
in Pine Plaza. Anthony Markel waived his right to a preliminary hearing
yesterday during a brief appearance in Falls City Court. He's charged with
first degree rape, predatory sexual assault, two counts of committing a
first degree sex act, and robbery. A pending burglary charge will also be
considered. Markel is being held on $250,000 bail in the County Jail. He
was arrested late Monday when police found him hiding behind a false
wall in the basement of his grandmother's home....where he also lives..
at 12 South 86th Street.
GORGE RESCUE
Three teens from the Falls were rescued from a ledge in the Niagara
Gorge around 5:30 Friday night after they became trapped while hiking.
18 year old Robert Ashcroft was given an appearance ticket for not
using established trails. He and the other two, who are 14, were released
to their parents. 0fficials say the trio had been hiking between the State
Park 0bservation Tower and the Rainbow Bridge when they decided to
scale the gorge wall. Fire Battalion Chief Dan Boland said it appeared
they were afraid to try to come back down because of the height. Ashcroft
eventually slid down and helped firefighters locate his buddies.
Gorge around 5:30 Friday night after they became trapped while hiking.
18 year old Robert Ashcroft was given an appearance ticket for not
using established trails. He and the other two, who are 14, were released
to their parents. 0fficials say the trio had been hiking between the State
Park 0bservation Tower and the Rainbow Bridge when they decided to
scale the gorge wall. Fire Battalion Chief Dan Boland said it appeared
they were afraid to try to come back down because of the height. Ashcroft
eventually slid down and helped firefighters locate his buddies.
CORNERSTONE STRIKE
No new talks have been scheduled after 73 workers at Lockport's
Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union walked off the
job Friday. They're members of Local 212 of the "Office & Professional
Employees International and have been working without a contract
since their old deal expired last November. It's members rejected a
tentative agreement for a second time Tuesday. It included a provision
asking them to pay 5 per cent of their health care costs starting next
November. Cornerstone issued a statement saying the deal would have
continued to provide workers with a more than competitive benefit
package including single and family health insurance for full time workers
and 401 K retirement plan. A union spokesman charged that management
also wants to change plans and add a higer deductible. The workers could
keep the old plan but would have to pay the difference. Cornerstone said
the South Transit Road location would stay open and be operated by it's
Board of Directors and management team. The Stevens Street and
Middleport branches are closed but the A-T-M's are operating.
Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union walked off the
job Friday. They're members of Local 212 of the "Office & Professional
Employees International and have been working without a contract
since their old deal expired last November. It's members rejected a
tentative agreement for a second time Tuesday. It included a provision
asking them to pay 5 per cent of their health care costs starting next
November. Cornerstone issued a statement saying the deal would have
continued to provide workers with a more than competitive benefit
package including single and family health insurance for full time workers
and 401 K retirement plan. A union spokesman charged that management
also wants to change plans and add a higer deductible. The workers could
keep the old plan but would have to pay the difference. Cornerstone said
the South Transit Road location would stay open and be operated by it's
Board of Directors and management team. The Stevens Street and
Middleport branches are closed but the A-T-M's are operating.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
CASINO CASH
Officials at the Seneca Nation saying yesterday they delivered
$57.3-million in slot machine revenue to the State last month. Most of the
money was generated in the Falls which accounted for $38.1-million.
The City of Niagara Falls will get $9.5-million and must share some of
it with the school district, the hospital, the county and the N-F-T-A
for the construction of the new airport terminal. The money is from
earnings realized in 2007. The city and state are getting a larger
proportion of the slot revenue. The compact called for it to increase
from 18 per cent to 22 per cent as of January 1, 2007.
$57.3-million in slot machine revenue to the State last month. Most of the
money was generated in the Falls which accounted for $38.1-million.
The City of Niagara Falls will get $9.5-million and must share some of
it with the school district, the hospital, the county and the N-F-T-A
for the construction of the new airport terminal. The money is from
earnings realized in 2007. The city and state are getting a larger
proportion of the slot revenue. The compact called for it to increase
from 18 per cent to 22 per cent as of January 1, 2007.
PLANT CLOSING
About 138 workers in Wheatfield will be out of a job in 0ctober.
SHERWOOD VALVE on Liberty Drive says it's consolidating
all of it's manufacturing and assembly operations to their
other facilities in Washington, Pennsylvania, and Cleveland.
County and State officials say they offered them an incentive
package to stay but never got an answer. The company shut down
it's Lockport plant in December 2006 and shifted 16 of the 51 lost
jobs to Wheatfield.
SHERWOOD VALVE on Liberty Drive says it's consolidating
all of it's manufacturing and assembly operations to their
other facilities in Washington, Pennsylvania, and Cleveland.
County and State officials say they offered them an incentive
package to stay but never got an answer. The company shut down
it's Lockport plant in December 2006 and shifted 16 of the 51 lost
jobs to Wheatfield.
SHRINKAGE
A resolution that would support cutting the County Legislature from 19 to
11 members has been submitted for their September 2nd meeting.
Sponsors John Ceretto, Danny Sklarski, and Gerry Farnham are all
members of the Majority Caucus. Ceretto expects it will be sent to
committees for discussion and the county attorney says it can't be done
until after the 2010 census.
11 members has been submitted for their September 2nd meeting.
Sponsors John Ceretto, Danny Sklarski, and Gerry Farnham are all
members of the Majority Caucus. Ceretto expects it will be sent to
committees for discussion and the county attorney says it can't be done
until after the 2010 census.
I-D-A APPLICATIONS
The County I-D-A today accepted an application for help in building
a new "Comfort Inn & Suites" in the Falls. The owners of the "America's
Best Value Inn" on Niagara Falls Boulevard are proposing to tear most of
it down and put up the new 40-thousand square foot structure in it's place.
They asked for a 10 year commerical pilot...and sales and mortgage tax
exemptions. The property is at 9900 Niagara Falls Boulevard and close to
the Falls Airport. It would have 74 rooms.
The Agency also accepted an application for assistance from Calamar
Construction of Wheatfield for a proposed 92 unit senior housing complex
at the Woodlands Senior Village in the town. They want a standard 15 year
senior housing pilot...and sales and mortgage tax exemptions. The project
would represent an investment of over $9-million.
The Board also accepted an application from a Virginia corporation wanting
to move it's manufacturing operations to Vantage International Pointe.
Compact Mold East makes and repairs molds for the plastics industry. They
asked for a standard 15 year industrial pilot...and sales and mortgage tax exemptions.
The I-D-A says it would represent an investment of $1.3-million in the county and
create 6 jobs within 3 years. About $240-thousand in new tax revenue will be
created over the life of the pilot. A public hearing on the Comfort Inn request
will be held September 3 at 4pm in Niagara Falls City Hall. The other two hearings
on the Calamar and Compact Mold requests will be held at 4pm September 9th at
the I-D-A.
a new "Comfort Inn & Suites" in the Falls. The owners of the "America's
Best Value Inn" on Niagara Falls Boulevard are proposing to tear most of
it down and put up the new 40-thousand square foot structure in it's place.
They asked for a 10 year commerical pilot...and sales and mortgage tax
exemptions. The property is at 9900 Niagara Falls Boulevard and close to
the Falls Airport. It would have 74 rooms.
The Agency also accepted an application for assistance from Calamar
Construction of Wheatfield for a proposed 92 unit senior housing complex
at the Woodlands Senior Village in the town. They want a standard 15 year
senior housing pilot...and sales and mortgage tax exemptions. The project
would represent an investment of over $9-million.
The Board also accepted an application from a Virginia corporation wanting
to move it's manufacturing operations to Vantage International Pointe.
Compact Mold East makes and repairs molds for the plastics industry. They
asked for a standard 15 year industrial pilot...and sales and mortgage tax exemptions.
The I-D-A says it would represent an investment of $1.3-million in the county and
create 6 jobs within 3 years. About $240-thousand in new tax revenue will be
created over the life of the pilot. A public hearing on the Comfort Inn request
will be held September 3 at 4pm in Niagara Falls City Hall. The other two hearings
on the Calamar and Compact Mold requests will be held at 4pm September 9th at
the I-D-A.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
MRS. RIBS HONORED ::Tuesday, August 12th::
The rain eventually winning out Monday night and shortening Lockport's Monday Night Cruise...but not before Mayor Mike Tucker read a proclamation honoring the late Sarah Jane Person. Everybody knew her as "MRS RIBS" and the proclamation listed the many awards her cooking had won. Her daughter Eula was among several family members expressing their appreciation. Live music was supplied by the band "Round Midnight" with DJ Hank Nevins filling in the spaces. "Wild Critters of Niagara County," Boy Scout Troop 40 from Wrights Corners, and the Palace Theatre were among the many groups showing up for "Community Night." Umbrellas starting popping open around 6:45 when sprinkles began falling but the crowd stayed put for the tribute to Mrs. Ribs. The rain intensified however and the cruise closed up shop around 8.
CORONER JOYCE QUITS ::Tuesday, August 12th::
County coroner James Joyce said Monday he's retiring after 30 years in office. He said it had nothing to do with an inquiry by the legislature into his involvement with a couple who started a chain of massage parlors that federal prosecutors say were fronts for prostitution. Joyce insisted that he had reached 30 years on the job and the time had come to maximize his benefits. The announcement means the probe into his involvement will end. Joyce was just re-elected to a 4 year term last year and a special election to fill the remaining three years will be held in November.
ROYALTON TERMS
A public hearing on a proposal to increase the length of terms for
key officials in Royalton from 2 to 4 years drew some outspoken critics
during a public hearing Monday night. The board voting to put the issue
on the November ballot. Seperate propositions will seek voter approval
for the Supervisor, Tax Collector, Town Clerk, and the Highway Superintendent.
Voters turned down a similar measure in 2004. Council members already have
four year terms.
key officials in Royalton from 2 to 4 years drew some outspoken critics
during a public hearing Monday night. The board voting to put the issue
on the November ballot. Seperate propositions will seek voter approval
for the Supervisor, Tax Collector, Town Clerk, and the Highway Superintendent.
Voters turned down a similar measure in 2004. Council members already have
four year terms.
ELECTIONS
The last day to register to vote in the September 9th primary is
this Friday. The Board of Elections will stay open till 7pm Thursday
to give those wanting to sign up extra time. Voter registration forms
can also be found at all post offices, banks, libraries, and at town and city
halls. Those expecting to be out of the county on election day can request
an absentee ballot by calling 438-4045.
this Friday. The Board of Elections will stay open till 7pm Thursday
to give those wanting to sign up extra time. Voter registration forms
can also be found at all post offices, banks, libraries, and at town and city
halls. Those expecting to be out of the county on election day can request
an absentee ballot by calling 438-4045.
BILLS ON T-V
The Bills saying today Thursday's game against the Steelers in Toronto
will be seen locally on channel 7. 0fficials said all the tickets for the game have
been distributed. They also said individual tickets for the game are expected
to become available on TicketMaster and through the Rogers Centre Box 0ffice.
The "out of town" home game is part of the team's marketing effort that'll see
two games a year played in Toronto.
will be seen locally on channel 7. 0fficials said all the tickets for the game have
been distributed. They also said individual tickets for the game are expected
to become available on TicketMaster and through the Rogers Centre Box 0ffice.
The "out of town" home game is part of the team's marketing effort that'll see
two games a year played in Toronto.
TEEN ARRAIGNED IN FALLS RAPE CASE
Niagara Falls City Judge Angelo Morinello setting bail at $250-thousand this
morning for Anthony Markel. The 17 year old is accused of robbing and trying
to rape a clerk at the Watson's candy store on Niagara Falls Boulevard around 7:30
Saturday night. Policwe say he took about $1000 from the store and another $75
from the victim's wallet. He allegedly told her he wanted some fudge and then took
the knife she was using to cut it and demanded cash. Police say he then held it to
her neck and forced her into a bathroom where he removed some of her clothes and
tried to rape her. Markel plead not guilty in this mornings proceedings. The judge set
another session for 9am Friday. Markel will be represented by a public defender. The
victim suffered bumps and bruises but was not seriously hurt. Markel was arrested
about 4:30 pm Monday when police found him hiding behind a false wall in his
grandmothers basement on South 86th Street where he lived.
morning for Anthony Markel. The 17 year old is accused of robbing and trying
to rape a clerk at the Watson's candy store on Niagara Falls Boulevard around 7:30
Saturday night. Policwe say he took about $1000 from the store and another $75
from the victim's wallet. He allegedly told her he wanted some fudge and then took
the knife she was using to cut it and demanded cash. Police say he then held it to
her neck and forced her into a bathroom where he removed some of her clothes and
tried to rape her. Markel plead not guilty in this mornings proceedings. The judge set
another session for 9am Friday. Markel will be represented by a public defender. The
victim suffered bumps and bruises but was not seriously hurt. Markel was arrested
about 4:30 pm Monday when police found him hiding behind a false wall in his
grandmothers basement on South 86th Street where he lived.
Monday, August 11, 2008
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
The Chairman of the committee putting together Lockport's
historic preservation ordinance says it's almost ready to send
to the City Council for approval. The measure would create an historic
preservation commission and require the owners of some historic homes
to get their approval before making any changes to their outward appearance.
Chairman Bob Hagan says the ordinance will designate historic districts and
some individual buildings. Lockport has 20 structures on the national registry
of historic places and ten of them are stone houses. Mayor Mike Tucker said last
week he wants all six council members to meet individually with the committee
to discuss the terms of the ordinance.
historic preservation ordinance says it's almost ready to send
to the City Council for approval. The measure would create an historic
preservation commission and require the owners of some historic homes
to get their approval before making any changes to their outward appearance.
Chairman Bob Hagan says the ordinance will designate historic districts and
some individual buildings. Lockport has 20 structures on the national registry
of historic places and ten of them are stone houses. Mayor Mike Tucker said last
week he wants all six council members to meet individually with the committee
to discuss the terms of the ordinance.
TODDLER INJURED
A 14-month old Town of Lockport boy is in the intensive care unit at
Buffalo's Womens & Children's Hospital after he fell out a second floor
window Sunday morning. The accident happening around 8:45 at
5969 Southwood Drive. The boy's dad said his kids were jumping on a
bed when the toddler took a bad bounce and hit a window screen. It popped
out and he went through the window and onto a concrete pad below. The
boy was conscious and alert when deputies and members of the South Lockport
Volunteer Fire Company responded. He was taken to the hospital by Mercy
Flight where officials discovered he suffered a fractured skull.
Buffalo's Womens & Children's Hospital after he fell out a second floor
window Sunday morning. The accident happening around 8:45 at
5969 Southwood Drive. The boy's dad said his kids were jumping on a
bed when the toddler took a bad bounce and hit a window screen. It popped
out and he went through the window and onto a concrete pad below. The
boy was conscious and alert when deputies and members of the South Lockport
Volunteer Fire Company responded. He was taken to the hospital by Mercy
Flight where officials discovered he suffered a fractured skull.
HARLEY
A Royalton man says his $13-thousand dollar black Harley Davidson
motorcycle was stolen from his unlocked garage. Bart Babcock of
Rochester Road reported the theft Sunday but says he had not checked
on it since last Thursday. A $50 helmet was also taken. Babcock said the
keys were not in the ignition. Deputies say several other valuable items in
the garage were not touched.
motorcycle was stolen from his unlocked garage. Bart Babcock of
Rochester Road reported the theft Sunday but says he had not checked
on it since last Thursday. A $50 helmet was also taken. Babcock said the
keys were not in the ignition. Deputies say several other valuable items in
the garage were not touched.
SEVERENCE PAY
The State Power Authority has awarded it's outsted President and CEO
nearly $110-thousand in severence pay even though he was on the job
for less than a year. Roger Kelley's resignation was demanded by Governor
Paterson. The severence deal is being looked upon as a way for the top
brass at the Authority to show their displeasure with the action. Kelley will
also be reimbursed for unspecified expenses incurred from August 1 through
January 31 of next year. The Authority also agreed to cover the cost of hiring a
firm to find Kelley a new job.
nearly $110-thousand in severence pay even though he was on the job
for less than a year. Roger Kelley's resignation was demanded by Governor
Paterson. The severence deal is being looked upon as a way for the top
brass at the Authority to show their displeasure with the action. Kelley will
also be reimbursed for unspecified expenses incurred from August 1 through
January 31 of next year. The Authority also agreed to cover the cost of hiring a
firm to find Kelley a new job.
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