STATE ECONOMIC PROBLEMS

Governor David Paterson talking doom and gloom today as
he met with lawmakers over the state's financial situation. He
said the State deficit is now projected to hit $1.2-billion this year and
he thought it would hit $2-billion. He told lawmakers he wants
them back in Albany November 18th for a special economic
session. He wants another $2-billion cut from the current
spending plan and said the State could see unprecedented
deficits next year. He said he would introduce his budget for
2009 on December 16 and wants it passed before the April
first deadline. The governor's budget proposal is normally released
in January. He said the 4th quarter of the year would be very bad
for New York because that's when the Wall Street bonuses normally
come in. They're 30% of the State's tax collections in the 4th
quarter and they're predicted to be down by 43 per cent and the
State would lose $20.7-billion. He said capitol gains collections
would be down 35% and the State had lost $38-billion this year.

TIME WARNER

Time Warner customers will have to find some rabbit
ears today if they want to watch channels 4 & 23. The
owner of the 2 stations, LIN Broadcasting, refused to
budge from their demand that the cable system...and
ultimately it's subscribers....pay to watch their programming.
The cable system replaced channel 4 with a preview of a
CBS college sports channel. HBO Family was inserted
in place of WNLO...which is over the air on channel 23...and
was on channel 16 on most cable systems. Time Warner
said LIN turned down their request for an extension of the
agreement and said they're continuing to reach out to the
company to get relief for their customers. Time Warner
is offering a free antenna for subscribers. Call 866-664-
2793 for details. Many CBS programs...such as "CSI"
and "Criminal Minds" are also carried
by CTV..channel 9 from Toronto. A federal law gave
channel 4 the right to force Time Warner to block those
programs out in the past. That should no longer apply
since Channel 4 chose to be off the cable line-up.

POND

A Town of Lockport man waking up Wednesday to find
someone had dumped oil into his pond. 46 year old
Scott Phillips of 5831 Cameron Drive was told by deputies
he would have to make his own arrangements for clean up
if the health department was unable to do so. The damage
was estimated at $500.

STOLEN COMPUTER

Officials at UB said Wednesday no personal information was
on a lap top computer that was stolen from a Dysinger Road
apartment Tuesday. The information on about 200 students
was deleted in June. The $1200 machine was among items
taken in a break in. One of the victims works at the school
and told sheriff's deputies the computer might still have the
personal information on it. Luckily it did not.

LOCKPORT SCHOOL BOARD

The Lockport School Board spent a great deal of time Wednesday
night talking about a proposed capitol improvement project at
the High School. A representative from their consultants, Hodgson-
Ross, told the board they have a month to decide whether they want
to include a new atheltic complex in the project. If they leave it out,
the project would cost about $21.9-million and it would cost property
owners nothing. If they put it in, the cost would go to $29-million and
there would be a 12-cents per thousand dollars valuation increase
every year for the next 15 years. The project calls for the complete
renovation of the technology wing, the creation of a Performing
Arts Center including changes to the Auditorium and surrounding
music rooms. They also plan to add about six special ed classrooms,
a new fitness center, upgrade science labs, and put in new energy
efficient windows. The public will have the final say in a referedum
which has yet to be scheduled. The work would be done over the
Summer in 2010 and 2011.

NIAGARA FALLS BUDGET

There would be no increase in property taxes under a
$93-million 2009 budget proposed Wednesday by Niagara Falls
Mayor Paul Dyster. The Mayor's proposal uses leftover
state aid to help offset a 5% increase in spending. Council
President Sam Frusicone noted it would be third year in a row
with no tax increase. He said all they would do now is review
the proposal and see if there's anyway to work in a tax cut.
Dyster said he reduced or froze non contractural spending.
The Council will spend the next two months reviewing
the budget with department heads. The first such session
will be at 4pm next Wednesday. After all adjustments are made,
the spending plan must be passed by December 15.

WHEATFIELD BUDGET

There'll be no tax cut for the first time in 14 years in Wheatfield under
the budget proposal presented Wednesday by Wheatfield Supervisor
Tim Demler. The $12-million package contains substantial increases
in sewer and refuse collection fees. The charge for collecting garbage
is expected to increase from $135 to $163 because of fuel surcharges
paid to Modern Disposal. The sewer rate is projected to increase from
$132 to $152 per thousand dollars valuation. That's being caused by
new D-E-C requirements in storm water management. Taxpayers will
also see a 13-cent increase in fire protection costs per thousand dollars
valuation. Demler said the Town would also have to pay $128,000
more for health insurance for it's workforce. Department heads are
slated to discuss the proposal next week. A public hearing will be
held November 8. The spending plan must be passed by November
20.

WRIGHTS CORNERS MCDONALDS

A Gasport man allegedly drove his vehicle into a drive thru order
box at the Wrights Corners McDonalds around 11pm Wednesday
when he got upset when workers made a mistake on his order.
29 year old Wayne Freeman of 3638 Orangeport Road was arrested
later at his apartment. The entire incident was captured on video
cameras. He told deputies he lost his temper because of continuous
errors in orders at that location. Workers said Freeman told them he
was "going to trash this place" even though they corrected their
mistake. His vehicle also struck a guard pole near the drive thru.
The damage is at least $1,000. He's charged with felony criminal
mischief and leaving the scene of a property damage accident...and
is due in Town of Lockport court October 21. The McDonalds had
two drive-thru's and the other is open.

YOUTH SMOKING

A soon to be released report will say the number of high school
students who smoke in New York has fallen 2.4% since 2005.
The State Health Department reported in 2005 that about 16.2%
of students engaged in the habit. The new report will say it fell
to 13.8% last year.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

Governor David Paterson will sign an executive order creating
an 11 member state commission to look into the possibility
of leasing the operation of the Thruway, the Lottery, and other
State assets to private companies. The panel's executive director
will be Samara Barend. Paterson stressed the State won't be selling
anything, but he wasn't very specific about what might be under
consideration for a lease.

U-B COMPUTER STOLEN

A spokesman for UB says they're not sure if a computer
that was stolen Tuesday from an apartment at 6489 Dysinger
Road contains the personal information of about 200 students.
John Della-Contrada says the employee who was using the
laptop says it's likely the information had been removed
from the computer two months ago. She's working with her I-T staff to
determine if it was. He said if they find out the information
was still on the machine they will immediately notify those
affected. The victims said another $500 worth of X Box
equipment and games were also missing. Sheriffs deputies said
the dead bolt did not work on the front door and the family room
window looked like it had been tampered with. The burglary took
place between 8am and 7pm. Deputies are also investiagting a
second burglary at 6135 Robinson Road. A 20 year old man says
$1200 in cash was taken between 6:30am and 2pm Tuesday. A dead
bolt was pried open to gain entry.

NEWFANE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

The Newfane Early Childhood Center will be closed again today ..Wednesday
October 1...because paint chips have been falling from the ceiling. Assistant
Principal Sharon Smith says kindergarten, pre-k, and Head Start classes are
cancelled. Kindergarten classes will resume tomorrow at the Elementary School
on the same schedule. Pre-K and Head Start classes are cancelled for the
rest of the week. Smith said they're optimistic pre-k will resume Monday at the
Early Childhood Center and Head Start will be at the Elementary school until
they're done with their remediation. The School Board met with the public last night to discuss the situation. Superintendent Gary Pogorzelski said the problem is in the beams and he had some testing done. None of the chips contained lead but he wanted to address it before it becomes a bigger problem. He said they've hired a lead containment consultant to look at the situation. He said once the problem is abated they would look at a long term solution.

NIAGARA FALLS CITY COUNCIL

Lawmakers in the Falls voting last night to spend $10,000 to tackle
the problem of overgrown trees. That'll go for overtime but it's
expected the Forestry Department will need help so the Council
also told Public Works Director Dave Kinney to put together a
proposal to solicit bids from private companies. They didn't say how
much they plan to spend. The Council also awarded a $4.38-million
contract to Mark Cerrone Incorporated for the reconstruction of the
West Pedestrian Mall. The State has allocated $7.9-million for the
project which includes buying and teraing down the Wintergarden
and extending Old Falls Street to the entrance of the State Park.
A resolution to appoint former councilman Babe Rotella to the
city's three-member Civil Service Commission was pulled from the
agenda. He would have replaced Willie Fields who passed away
September 19.

LOCKPORT PARKING RAMP

Lockport Mayor Mike Tucker said Monday four companies have
chosen to compete for the contract to design the city's new parking
ramp. They are Foit Albert Associates of Buffalo, the E-I Team from
Amherst, Kimball of Pittsburgh, and F-R-A of Henreitta. Each will get an
hour interview November 3. The company that's chosen will be asked
to submit two designs and prices for a two level underground ramp at
Main & Pine. One design calls for retail stores above it and there would
also be small street level park. The cost of tearing down the current
five level structure is part of the project.

STATE BUDGET WOES

The governor said Monday he will meet with legislative leaders
Friday to brief them on the potential impact of the national
economic meltdown on the state budget. Paterson said 20%
of state revenues come from Wall Street and the impact would be
significant. He said his Administration is reviewing revenues for
September and would be issuing a new financial plan next month.
He said the state comptroller had accepted an invitation to take
part in Friday's session. Meantime local representatives Louise
Slaughter, Tom Reynolds, and Brian Higgins all voted for the
bailout plan which failed yesterday in the House. Reynolds said
he would have supported a more cost effective alternative if given
the opportunity but said he had learned you can't let the perfect
be the enemy of the good. He said too may jobs, homes, 401 k's
college educations and community banks are on the line to risk
further inaction. He said he relucantly voted yes but did so with a
heavy heart and the understanding the bill was not a cure-all.
He said the outcome means they have to work harder to reach a
bi-partisan compromise.

TAX FORECLOSURE AUCTION

More than 80 tax foreclosed properties will go up for bid
October 11 when the County holds it's annual in-rem
auction, County Treasurer Dave Broderick says they
include homes, vacant lots, and commercial properties.
You can get a free sale catalogue at his office at 59 Park
Avenue or at the County Clerks office at 175 Hawley.The
sale will be conducted by Auctions International and the
properties can be viewed on their website as well. The
sale will be held at N-C-C-C.

SHOTS FIRED

Falls police recovered three shell casings Saturday night after
a teenager allegedly fired at a Cleveland Avenue couple as they
were sitting on their front porch. Police say the trouble
started about 5pm after the couple asked three teens walking
down the street to "keep it down" and stop using vulgar language.
They started to swear at them and one stopped about 50 yards away,
pulled out a handgun, and fired three shots. They fled between houses
and were able to elude police.

TAXES

County leaders met for 4 hours Saturday as they discussed
the framework for the proposed "Commission On Tax Relief."
The idea was suggested last week following the release of a new
report by the Tax Foundation showing the county was back on top
as the most taxed spot in the Nation. Majority Leader Rick Updegrove
said they discussed the Commission's framework and establish the
process by which the commission members would be selected. He said
their mission will be to identify the sources and offer real solutions.
The vice chair of the Legislature's Economic Development Committee,
Andrea McNulty, attended the work session along with several colleagues
from the legislature. McNulty said the commission would be modeled
after the state level "Commission On Property Tax Relief"
led by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. She said they
would challenge every taxing jurisdiction to find solutions.
There are more than 30 taxing entities in the County.

PURSES TAKEN AT GONZO'S

Two Lockport men were arrested just after 2am Sunday after they
allegedly stole purses at Gonzo's Bar at 11 Main Street. 23 year old
Scott French of 6601 Old Niagara Road was charged with grand
larceny, posssession of stolen property, three counts of possession of
a controlled substance, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental
administration. Police said he was being chased by several patrons
when they got there. They initially followed him in a patrol car but it
ended in a short foot chase. He allegedly refused to comply when told
he was under arrest and had to be physically subdued. 24 year old
Brian Winslow of 79 Ontario was arrested inside the bar and charged
with possession of stolen property.

SPOTLIGHT ON TALENT

A 15 year old Lockport High School student took first place
Saturday night at the second annual "Spotlight on Talent" at
the Palace. Joshua Vacanti won $400. He sang a song called
"Hero." Julie Patel of Wilson High took second place for her
song "Girl In 14G." Andrea Adinolfe, a Junior at Newfane, came
in third with an original song entitled "Dream." A country folk
ballad duet by Jim McCarthy and Mark Piret took fourth place.
About 300 people were at the fundraiser. The winners were
determined by audience reaction and three judges, Theresa
Wert, Paula Venne, and Geoff Perry.

APARTMENT HOUSE FIRE

A fire in a 7-unit apartment building Sunday night at 616 Chestnut
in Niagara Falls did an estimated $50,000 damage. The blaze was
reported just before 8pm and was caused by unattended cooking.
It started in apartment six and the resident of that unit, 54 year old
John Bender, was taken to the Medical Center for treatment of
smoke inhalation, Eight other adults are being assisted by the
Red Cross. Firefighters were there about two hours.