The Niagara Falls Police Department making an arrest Friday
in the investigation into a "whites only" sign that was found on
a drinking founatain at the Department of Public Works. 52 year
old James Curtis is a 26 year employee. He's charged with second
degree aggravated harassment under the "hate crime" category....
an "E" felony. Curtis posted $500 bail and is expected to be
arraigned at 9 am Tuesday in City Court.
Friday, August 29, 2008
TREES
The City of Niagara Falls will be getting a $20,000 state grant
to help conduct an inventory of it's trees. Mayor Paul Dyster
says a city's tree stock must be maintained, developed, and
planned for. The money, which is coming from the State DEC,
will also help identify potential planting spaces located on city
right of way's. Dyster says the inventory fits into the city's
master plan and the Greenway projects.
to help conduct an inventory of it's trees. Mayor Paul Dyster
says a city's tree stock must be maintained, developed, and
planned for. The money, which is coming from the State DEC,
will also help identify potential planting spaces located on city
right of way's. Dyster says the inventory fits into the city's
master plan and the Greenway projects.
LABOR DAY FLEA MARKET
Wilson's Exley United Methodist Church will hold their Labor Day
Flea Market this year. Vendor chairperson Joyce Banagis says about
75 have pre-registered and she expects another 25 to show up and
do so Monday. Food will also be on sale. The event runs from 9am till
3pm on the grounds of the Wilson Historical Society on Route 425. It
wasn't held last year after officials at the Barnham Building expressed
concerns a newly rehabbed floor would be damaged. Banagis says they
won't use that portion of the building this year, just the breezeway.
Flea Market this year. Vendor chairperson Joyce Banagis says about
75 have pre-registered and she expects another 25 to show up and
do so Monday. Food will also be on sale. The event runs from 9am till
3pm on the grounds of the Wilson Historical Society on Route 425. It
wasn't held last year after officials at the Barnham Building expressed
concerns a newly rehabbed floor would be damaged. Banagis says they
won't use that portion of the building this year, just the breezeway.
MAZIARZ
State Senator George Maziarz is beaming over his endorsement
by Tom Golisano's "Responsible New York" campaign. He told
WLVL NEWS he appreciated Golisano's support and Golisano must realize how
hard he works. "Responsible New York" backs candidates who are
committed to sound state financing, government transparency, and
improving the state's business climate.
by Tom Golisano's "Responsible New York" campaign. He told
WLVL NEWS he appreciated Golisano's support and Golisano must realize how
hard he works. "Responsible New York" backs candidates who are
committed to sound state financing, government transparency, and
improving the state's business climate.
TUSCARORA INN
The Greater Lockport Development Corporation voted Thursday
to lend the Tuscarora Inn on Walnut Street another $20,000. Community
Development Director Bill Evert said the terms are the same as for the
original $80,000 loaned to them last December. The additional money was
needed due to cost overruns. The GLDC also scheduled interviews with three
real estate brokers interested in marketing the four recently rehabbed 19th
century buildings on Canal Street.
to lend the Tuscarora Inn on Walnut Street another $20,000. Community
Development Director Bill Evert said the terms are the same as for the
original $80,000 loaned to them last December. The additional money was
needed due to cost overruns. The GLDC also scheduled interviews with three
real estate brokers interested in marketing the four recently rehabbed 19th
century buildings on Canal Street.
SEARCH
Four agencies are searching Lake Ontario for a 61 year old Pennsylvania
man and his girlfriend. Frank Yantos and his companion, Mary Ellen Fosbrink
left the 0lcott Marina on a boat at 4:30 Wednesday morning to go fishing,
They were last seen about 2pm that day. Coast Guard officials say they
have two boats in the water, along with another from the Sheriff's department.
A helicopter is also being used as well as a C-130 from Canada. Yantos's boat
trailer was still parked at the marina this morning. He's described as a regular
there and a friend told officials it's unusual for Yantos to be gone more than a
day. He's a seasonal renter at the Harbor Resort on Route 18 and is from
Delmont Pennsylvania. Fosbrink is also believed to be from the Keystone
State.
man and his girlfriend. Frank Yantos and his companion, Mary Ellen Fosbrink
left the 0lcott Marina on a boat at 4:30 Wednesday morning to go fishing,
They were last seen about 2pm that day. Coast Guard officials say they
have two boats in the water, along with another from the Sheriff's department.
A helicopter is also being used as well as a C-130 from Canada. Yantos's boat
trailer was still parked at the marina this morning. He's described as a regular
there and a friend told officials it's unusual for Yantos to be gone more than a
day. He's a seasonal renter at the Harbor Resort on Route 18 and is from
Delmont Pennsylvania. Fosbrink is also believed to be from the Keystone
State.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
WOJTASZEK CHALLENGES GREAR
County G-O-P Chairman Henry Wojtaszek issuing a challenge
to Brian Grear. Grear hopes to take the Republican nomination
away from State Senator George Maziarz in next month's primary
and Wojtaszek says Grear should release his personnel file from
the Sheriff's Department. He says Republican voters know
very little about Grear and what we do know doesn't appear to
be very good. Wojtaszek says he's troubled by Grear's failure to
join the search for a three year old girl who went missing a few years
back. He said the Sheriff publically criticized Grear for not doing
so and Grear has never given a clear explanation of the matter.
Wojtaszek also pointed to Grear's lawsuit against the county.
to Brian Grear. Grear hopes to take the Republican nomination
away from State Senator George Maziarz in next month's primary
and Wojtaszek says Grear should release his personnel file from
the Sheriff's Department. He says Republican voters know
very little about Grear and what we do know doesn't appear to
be very good. Wojtaszek says he's troubled by Grear's failure to
join the search for a three year old girl who went missing a few years
back. He said the Sheriff publically criticized Grear for not doing
so and Grear has never given a clear explanation of the matter.
Wojtaszek also pointed to Grear's lawsuit against the county.
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
Niagara University's gotten a $300,000 grant to help pay for
a new science building planned for the campus. The cash from
the Maergaret Wendt Foundation will be applied toward the University's
ongoing capitol campaign, "The Promise of Niagara." The new building
may not be completed till 2012 but is needed. The current science building
dates back to 1961.
a new science building planned for the campus. The cash from
the Maergaret Wendt Foundation will be applied toward the University's
ongoing capitol campaign, "The Promise of Niagara." The new building
may not be completed till 2012 but is needed. The current science building
dates back to 1961.
N-TRIPLE-C
Students will be moving into N-C-C-C'S new dorm over the weekend.
We're told that 215 out of it's 308 rooms have been taken and college
spokesperson Michelle Schmidt said they expect the remainder will
go quickly as students find out all that the "College Village Suites"
have to offer. The $19.3-million structure is the first new building to
be built on the campus since the school moved to Sanborn in 1973.
The move-in will take place from 10 till 2 Saturday and Sunday. The
college will also have most of their support services open over the
weekend as well including the financial aid and business offices,
the Wellness Center, and the bookstore.
We're told that 215 out of it's 308 rooms have been taken and college
spokesperson Michelle Schmidt said they expect the remainder will
go quickly as students find out all that the "College Village Suites"
have to offer. The $19.3-million structure is the first new building to
be built on the campus since the school moved to Sanborn in 1973.
The move-in will take place from 10 till 2 Saturday and Sunday. The
college will also have most of their support services open over the
weekend as well including the financial aid and business offices,
the Wellness Center, and the bookstore.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
"CAPPY"
Lockport's famous downtown canal boat will be getting a facelift
in the coming weeks. Mayor Mike Tucker told the Council tonight
the city will power wash the boat next week and the Canal Corporation
was donating the paint to freshen up the structure. He said Noah's
Ark owner Kathy 0'Keefe had gotten a couple of grants to add new
landscaping and a new sign would be added. The boat sits on the
Tri-Way Bridge at the intersection of Transit, Walnut, and West Genesee.
It's only occupant is "Cappy.". Tucker said O'Keefe spearheaded the
project and deserves all the credit.
in the coming weeks. Mayor Mike Tucker told the Council tonight
the city will power wash the boat next week and the Canal Corporation
was donating the paint to freshen up the structure. He said Noah's
Ark owner Kathy 0'Keefe had gotten a couple of grants to add new
landscaping and a new sign would be added. The boat sits on the
Tri-Way Bridge at the intersection of Transit, Walnut, and West Genesee.
It's only occupant is "Cappy.". Tucker said O'Keefe spearheaded the
project and deserves all the credit.
LOCKPORT RECYCLING
Lockport Mayor Mike Tucker saying tonight he will appoint a
three person committee to look into curbside recycling. The
announcement coming after the City Council spent around half
an hour talking with officials from Waste Management. Tucker
said he expected the committee would talk to other companies
and bring the results back to the Council. Alderwoman Richelle
Pasceri has been pushing for the program and expects to be one
of the three appointees. Waste Management reccommended the city
do "single stream recycling". It's where residents put a variety of
material into a single container for pick-up. It's then sorted later at
their processing facility. Waste Management never gave an answer
when they were asked three times how much it might cost the city
to begin the program. Pasceri said she hoped the City might make
a profit on the venture.
three person committee to look into curbside recycling. The
announcement coming after the City Council spent around half
an hour talking with officials from Waste Management. Tucker
said he expected the committee would talk to other companies
and bring the results back to the Council. Alderwoman Richelle
Pasceri has been pushing for the program and expects to be one
of the three appointees. Waste Management reccommended the city
do "single stream recycling". It's where residents put a variety of
material into a single container for pick-up. It's then sorted later at
their processing facility. Waste Management never gave an answer
when they were asked three times how much it might cost the city
to begin the program. Pasceri said she hoped the City might make
a profit on the venture.
NURSES
Officials at Niagara County Community College say they have
received a nearly $109,000 state grant to support the growing
enrollment of it's nursing program. The cash will pay for a full
time clinical coordinator and part time tutors. Nursing Division
Chair Kay Collard said it would provide support for almost 500
students. Studies have shown there won't be enough R-N's in
the State by 2015 and the shortage will worsen by 2020.
received a nearly $109,000 state grant to support the growing
enrollment of it's nursing program. The cash will pay for a full
time clinical coordinator and part time tutors. Nursing Division
Chair Kay Collard said it would provide support for almost 500
students. Studies have shown there won't be enough R-N's in
the State by 2015 and the shortage will worsen by 2020.
MEDICAID FRAUD
The County Legislature's Administration Committee met
Tuesday night and o-k'd creating a new position of
"Special Assistant for Medicaid Provider Fraud." The
salary will be decided when the resolution comes up for
a vote at next Tuesday night's meeting of the Legislature.
Social Services Commissioner Tony Restaino said it should
be around $70,000 but County Manager Greg Lewis was
concerned that would be more money than department heads
receive. The Committee voted to table another request by
Social Services to add seven caseworkers at Child Protective
Services. The state will only pay for them till next March and
then the County would have to pick up the cost. Restaino
said the help is needed. There's been an increase in child abuse
reports and the state wants caseworkers to handle only 12
active investigations per month. Niagara County's currently
have 17. The decision to table came after Restaino said he
didn't think the County would be sanctioned for not doing so.
Tuesday night and o-k'd creating a new position of
"Special Assistant for Medicaid Provider Fraud." The
salary will be decided when the resolution comes up for
a vote at next Tuesday night's meeting of the Legislature.
Social Services Commissioner Tony Restaino said it should
be around $70,000 but County Manager Greg Lewis was
concerned that would be more money than department heads
receive. The Committee voted to table another request by
Social Services to add seven caseworkers at Child Protective
Services. The state will only pay for them till next March and
then the County would have to pick up the cost. Restaino
said the help is needed. There's been an increase in child abuse
reports and the state wants caseworkers to handle only 12
active investigations per month. Niagara County's currently
have 17. The decision to table came after Restaino said he
didn't think the County would be sanctioned for not doing so.
CORNERSTONE STRIKE SETTLED
Employees were back on the job Wednesday at Cornerstone
Community Federal Credit Union after management and
members of local 212 reached a new deal Monday. It took
effect immediately. Members of local 212 walked off the job
August 15th after rejecting an initial offer for a second time.
Community Federal Credit Union after management and
members of local 212 reached a new deal Monday. It took
effect immediately. Members of local 212 walked off the job
August 15th after rejecting an initial offer for a second time.
CONSTRUCTION SUSPENDED
The Seneca Gaming Corporation suspending construction Wednesday
in Buffalo and Salamanca. Spokesman Phil Pantano said a number of
factors that went into the decision and it the result of a lot of careful and
close consultation with their board of directors and the Seneca Nation
Council but it's primarily driven by the state of the economy. He said the
Seneca Gaming Corporation continues to be one of the strongest financial
operating companies in the gaming industry and it was their responsibility and
duty to their owners and bond holders to make sure it continues to be the case.
He said it was the appropriate and responsible decision to make before they
get too far into the projects. When asked if Tuesday's decision by Judge
William Skretney had any bearing on the announcement, Pantano said this was
not a decision that was made overnight. He said they alluded to it in their
most recent financial filing with the SEC and it was primarily driven by the
economy and the increased costs of doing business. He said they had
every intention of completing the projects at the appropriate time. 105
construction workers are affected in Buffalo and 40 in Salamanca.
in Buffalo and Salamanca. Spokesman Phil Pantano said a number of
factors that went into the decision and it the result of a lot of careful and
close consultation with their board of directors and the Seneca Nation
Council but it's primarily driven by the state of the economy. He said the
Seneca Gaming Corporation continues to be one of the strongest financial
operating companies in the gaming industry and it was their responsibility and
duty to their owners and bond holders to make sure it continues to be the case.
He said it was the appropriate and responsible decision to make before they
get too far into the projects. When asked if Tuesday's decision by Judge
William Skretney had any bearing on the announcement, Pantano said this was
not a decision that was made overnight. He said they alluded to it in their
most recent financial filing with the SEC and it was primarily driven by the
economy and the increased costs of doing business. He said they had
every intention of completing the projects at the appropriate time. 105
construction workers are affected in Buffalo and 40 in Salamanca.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
PAUL BONA TO RETIRE
Roy Hart School Superintendent Paul Bona announced today he intends
to retire at the end of next June. He's served as school chief for more than
a decade. In a statement, he said it's been a priveledge to work with some of
the finest professional and support personnel who continually strive to make
our vision a reality on a daily basis.
to retire at the end of next June. He's served as school chief for more than
a decade. In a statement, he said it's been a priveledge to work with some of
the finest professional and support personnel who continually strive to make
our vision a reality on a daily basis.
HIGHWAY SUPERVISOR SUICIDE
The body of former Marilla Highway Supervisor David Pearce
was found by relatives around 1am today in the bed of his
pick-up. Pearce died of a gunshot wound to the head, an
apparent suicide. The 55 year old had just been sentenced to 7 months
in prison yesterday for taking money under the table.
was found by relatives around 1am today in the bed of his
pick-up. Pearce died of a gunshot wound to the head, an
apparent suicide. The 55 year old had just been sentenced to 7 months
in prison yesterday for taking money under the table.
BODY IDENTIFIED
Officials say a body found in the Niagara River Saturday has been
positively identified as being that of a 12 year old Bronx girl
who was swept into the Rapids August 13. The identification
of Magdelena Lubowksa was done using dental records. Her body
was found between Lewiston and Youngstown about 10 am Saturday by
two kayakers.
positively identified as being that of a 12 year old Bronx girl
who was swept into the Rapids August 13. The identification
of Magdelena Lubowksa was done using dental records. Her body
was found between Lewiston and Youngstown about 10 am Saturday by
two kayakers.
POT IN SHOE
A Lockport woman who was accused of sending her 4 year old
son to a preschool program with bags of marijuana in his sneaker
pleading guilty yesterday in City Court. 27 year old Sherry Sanney
plead guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and violating the
terms of a previous drug conviction. She'll be sentenced November
10th. Her public defender insisted after the session that Sanney did
not put the drugs in the sneaker but would not comment further.
Charges remain pending against Sanney's boyfriend. 21 year old
Joshua Brown is due in court next week.
son to a preschool program with bags of marijuana in his sneaker
pleading guilty yesterday in City Court. 27 year old Sherry Sanney
plead guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and violating the
terms of a previous drug conviction. She'll be sentenced November
10th. Her public defender insisted after the session that Sanney did
not put the drugs in the sneaker but would not comment further.
Charges remain pending against Sanney's boyfriend. 21 year old
Joshua Brown is due in court next week.
WORKERS COMP
The Governor saying today the cost of workers comp fell more
than 20 per cent this year and he expects another 5 per cent
drop next year. Paterson said benefits for workers recently
increased to $550 a week and they will continue to rise each year
until 2010 when they will be indexed at two thirds of the average
weekly wage. He said last year's reforms set the framework and New
York now has one of the least expensive programs in the nation.
than 20 per cent this year and he expects another 5 per cent
drop next year. Paterson said benefits for workers recently
increased to $550 a week and they will continue to rise each year
until 2010 when they will be indexed at two thirds of the average
weekly wage. He said last year's reforms set the framework and New
York now has one of the least expensive programs in the nation.
BUFFALO CASINO
U-S District Juge William Skretny refusing today to order the
Seneca Indians to immediately shut down their casino in
downtown Buffalo. He said the National Indian Gaming Commission
should carry out it's obligations and decide whether the operation
should be closed. He said the federal agency should review his ruling
issued July 8 that gambling is illegal on the site and issue the necessary
violation notices. Skretny also denied a request by casino supporters
to let the federal commission decide whether casino gambling in Buffalo
is legal, saying that was up to him. Seneca President Maurice John said he
expected the government would launch an immediate appeal. He said the
judge ruled in July that Buffalo Creek is sovereign land and we must now
seek a higher court's determination to allow us to do what we choose on that
land. As for now, the downtown casino will stay open and the Seneca's
will continue building their $333-million casino and hotel.
Seneca Indians to immediately shut down their casino in
downtown Buffalo. He said the National Indian Gaming Commission
should carry out it's obligations and decide whether the operation
should be closed. He said the federal agency should review his ruling
issued July 8 that gambling is illegal on the site and issue the necessary
violation notices. Skretny also denied a request by casino supporters
to let the federal commission decide whether casino gambling in Buffalo
is legal, saying that was up to him. Seneca President Maurice John said he
expected the government would launch an immediate appeal. He said the
judge ruled in July that Buffalo Creek is sovereign land and we must now
seek a higher court's determination to allow us to do what we choose on that
land. As for now, the downtown casino will stay open and the Seneca's
will continue building their $333-million casino and hotel.
Monday, August 25, 2008
WILSON
E-S-P-N'S "Outside The Lines" put the unwanted spotlight on
the Wilson hazing incident during a 12 minute piece Sunday
morning. Meantime the Defene Attorney for one of the teen
victims says a plea bargain is in the offing. All three defendants
are due in court Thursday night.
the Wilson hazing incident during a 12 minute piece Sunday
morning. Meantime the Defene Attorney for one of the teen
victims says a plea bargain is in the offing. All three defendants
are due in court Thursday night.
AMERICAN LEGION BAND OF THE TONAWANDAS
The American Legion Band of the Tonawandas won it's 15th
national championship Saturday at the American Legion National
Senior Band Contest in Phoenix. Their 40 minute performance
drew cheers and rousing applause. They finished with a score of
92.13. Second place honors went to the American Legion Band
of Joliet , Illinois. They scored an 88.36.
national championship Saturday at the American Legion National
Senior Band Contest in Phoenix. Their 40 minute performance
drew cheers and rousing applause. They finished with a score of
92.13. Second place honors went to the American Legion Band
of Joliet , Illinois. They scored an 88.36.
YMCA DONATION
The First Niagara Bank Foundation has given the Lockport Family
YMCA $250,000 toward it's "Building For 0ur Future" Capital Campaign.
"Y" Executive Director Mark Albiez says it brings them to 52% of their
$11 1/2-million goal. The Campaign involves constructing a new 68-thousand
square foot South Branch facility on Snyder Drive and restoring the downtown North Branch location. The Foundation will present the check during a ceremony
at 9:30 Tuesday morning at the Lockport branch at 55 East Avenue. The new
31-acre South Branch will include an aquatic center, three gyms, a teen center,
wellness center, and outdoor recreational facilities. Its expected to be completed
in 2010. The revitalization of the downtown operation will take place from
2010 to 2012.
YMCA $250,000 toward it's "Building For 0ur Future" Capital Campaign.
"Y" Executive Director Mark Albiez says it brings them to 52% of their
$11 1/2-million goal. The Campaign involves constructing a new 68-thousand
square foot South Branch facility on Snyder Drive and restoring the downtown North Branch location. The Foundation will present the check during a ceremony
at 9:30 Tuesday morning at the Lockport branch at 55 East Avenue. The new
31-acre South Branch will include an aquatic center, three gyms, a teen center,
wellness center, and outdoor recreational facilities. Its expected to be completed
in 2010. The revitalization of the downtown operation will take place from
2010 to 2012.
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