Brian Stearns was named the top graduate
yesterday as the Niagara Falls Fire Department
welcomed 14 new members to it's ranks.
Fire Chief Bill McKay said Stearns previously
worked as a paramedic for Rural Metro. He
compiled a 96.56 over 13 weeks of training.
Six of the 14 will replace retirees. The other
8 were added under a grant the department
was awarded. The 13 weeks of training was
done in the Falls because McKay said it
would have been difficult to get 14 slots
at the State Fire Academy.
Friday, February 27, 2009
HEAD ON ACCIDENT
A 66 year old Lockport man is in fair condition at
ECMC following a head on collission around
1:45 pm yesterday on Park Avenue near Bristol.
George Swan of Hawley Street was taken to the
hospital by Mercy Flight. Police charged 46 year
old John Levanduski of Medina with failure to
keep right. He said he bent down to
pick up some change off the floor of his vehicle
and didn't notice he had gone into the other lane.
ECMC following a head on collission around
1:45 pm yesterday on Park Avenue near Bristol.
George Swan of Hawley Street was taken to the
hospital by Mercy Flight. Police charged 46 year
old John Levanduski of Medina with failure to
keep right. He said he bent down to
pick up some change off the floor of his vehicle
and didn't notice he had gone into the other lane.
POWER AUTHORITY CASH
The New York Power Authority will provide cash for
two projects in the Falls. $335,000 will help pay for
a $435,000 effort aimed at enhancing the Rainbow
Boulevard roundabout ...and almost $102,000 will be
used to add electrical service and lighting at Gill
Creek Park. A committee that oversees relicensing
funds from the Power Authority o-k'd the spending
Thursday. The improvement to the traffic circle
will include a major public art element. Officials
hope to announce an artist for the project in June
for the 100th anniversary of the signing of the
boundary waters treaty between the U-S and
Canada.
two projects in the Falls. $335,000 will help pay for
a $435,000 effort aimed at enhancing the Rainbow
Boulevard roundabout ...and almost $102,000 will be
used to add electrical service and lighting at Gill
Creek Park. A committee that oversees relicensing
funds from the Power Authority o-k'd the spending
Thursday. The improvement to the traffic circle
will include a major public art element. Officials
hope to announce an artist for the project in June
for the 100th anniversary of the signing of the
boundary waters treaty between the U-S and
Canada.
JOHNSON
County Court Judge Matt Murphy refused Thursday
to lower the bail for a Falls man accused of stabbing
his wife to death in January. Twenty-six year old
Robert Johnson will remain in the County Jail on
$200,000 cash or $400,000 property bail. He's
accused of stabbing his wife Ahkenya 41 times
with numerous knives.
to lower the bail for a Falls man accused of stabbing
his wife to death in January. Twenty-six year old
Robert Johnson will remain in the County Jail on
$200,000 cash or $400,000 property bail. He's
accused of stabbing his wife Ahkenya 41 times
with numerous knives.
OTTAVIANO
Lockport attorney....and City Corporation Counsel...
John Ottaviano is going to work for the law firm of
Harris Beach. He says they approached him about
the arrangement over the Christmas break. He'll be
an employee, not a partner. He told WLVL he'll
continue to work out of his East Avenue office and
represent the same clients. He says he won't have to
do payroll, client billings, and collections. All that
will be handled by Harris Beach. He said he can
concentrate on practicing law. The partnership takes
affect Sunday.
John Ottaviano is going to work for the law firm of
Harris Beach. He says they approached him about
the arrangement over the Christmas break. He'll be
an employee, not a partner. He told WLVL he'll
continue to work out of his East Avenue office and
represent the same clients. He says he won't have to
do payroll, client billings, and collections. All that
will be handled by Harris Beach. He said he can
concentrate on practicing law. The partnership takes
affect Sunday.
PATERSON VISIT
The Governor's office announcing he'll hold a Town Hall
meeting next Wednesday in Niagara Falls. The session is
set for 5:30 at the Doris Jones Family Resource Building
on 9th Street. The doors will open at 4:30. Seating is
limited and on a first-come, first serve basis. Paterson
announced January 5 he would hold a series of meetings
to discuss the State's financial problems. He's already
held three on the Eastern side of the State. Others will
be held in Rochester March 11 and at SUNY Geneseo
March 12.
meeting next Wednesday in Niagara Falls. The session is
set for 5:30 at the Doris Jones Family Resource Building
on 9th Street. The doors will open at 4:30. Seating is
limited and on a first-come, first serve basis. Paterson
announced January 5 he would hold a series of meetings
to discuss the State's financial problems. He's already
held three on the Eastern side of the State. Others will
be held in Rochester March 11 and at SUNY Geneseo
March 12.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
DELPHI
A federal bankruptcy court gave Delphi the o-k
Tuesday to cancel health care benefits April 1
for 15,000 retired salary employees. Judge
Robert Drain did give the retirees permission
to form a committee. They would work with the
company to determine if any workers in the
affected group belong to a subset of vested
workers who can negotiate over their benefits.
The Committee will also check to see if some
retirees can qualify for a federal tax credit that
would pay 65% of their health care premiums
if their pensions are ultimately turned over to
the Pension Guarantee Corporation. Drain said
he would listen to their findings at a hearing on
March 11. Witnesses for the company told the
Judge the cuts were vital to Delphi's survival.
They said their lenders demanded them. About
1600 objections were filed by workers. Delphi
said ending the benefits will save them
$70-million a year and eliminate $1.1-billion in
debt. Yesterdays ruling does not affect retirees
covered by union contracts.
Tuesday to cancel health care benefits April 1
for 15,000 retired salary employees. Judge
Robert Drain did give the retirees permission
to form a committee. They would work with the
company to determine if any workers in the
affected group belong to a subset of vested
workers who can negotiate over their benefits.
The Committee will also check to see if some
retirees can qualify for a federal tax credit that
would pay 65% of their health care premiums
if their pensions are ultimately turned over to
the Pension Guarantee Corporation. Drain said
he would listen to their findings at a hearing on
March 11. Witnesses for the company told the
Judge the cuts were vital to Delphi's survival.
They said their lenders demanded them. About
1600 objections were filed by workers. Delphi
said ending the benefits will save them
$70-million a year and eliminate $1.1-billion in
debt. Yesterdays ruling does not affect retirees
covered by union contracts.
POSSIBLE CHANGE IN PLANS
The Niagara Falls Engineering Department says it
will look over a suggestion to remove a stretch of
Pine Avenue from the street resurfacing plan
announced last week. Councilmembers Bob
Anderson and Sam Fruscione want to use some of
the money to resurface a section of Buffalo Avenue
in LaSalle. The Engineering Department said they
will report back to the Council if the change can be
made.
will look over a suggestion to remove a stretch of
Pine Avenue from the street resurfacing plan
announced last week. Councilmembers Bob
Anderson and Sam Fruscione want to use some of
the money to resurface a section of Buffalo Avenue
in LaSalle. The Engineering Department said they
will report back to the Council if the change can be
made.
FIRE IN THE FALLS
A fire in the Falls just after 9 last night did an
estimated $30,000 in damage to a vacant 2 1/2
story brick apartment building at 424 8th Street.
A similiar structure next door ..also vacant...
suffered $10,000 in exposure damage. Crews
were on the scene till about midnight. The
cause is under investigation. Fire officials
said yesterday they suspect a fire at 2319
McKenna Avenue was deliberately set.
estimated $30,000 in damage to a vacant 2 1/2
story brick apartment building at 424 8th Street.
A similiar structure next door ..also vacant...
suffered $10,000 in exposure damage. Crews
were on the scene till about midnight. The
cause is under investigation. Fire officials
said yesterday they suspect a fire at 2319
McKenna Avenue was deliberately set.
TOPS SHOPLIFTER
A shoplifter at the Transit Road Tops dropped a
basket containing $78 in groceries in the parking
lot around 1am today as he was being chased by
store personnel. A worker told Sheriffs deputies
the man got into a waiting red sports car..also
driven by a white male...and sped away towards
the city. She was not able to get the license
plate number but told deputies she would give them
a copy of the surveillance video. The man was said
to be about 6 feet 2 and wore a baseball cap and
striped jeans.
basket containing $78 in groceries in the parking
lot around 1am today as he was being chased by
store personnel. A worker told Sheriffs deputies
the man got into a waiting red sports car..also
driven by a white male...and sped away towards
the city. She was not able to get the license
plate number but told deputies she would give them
a copy of the surveillance video. The man was said
to be about 6 feet 2 and wore a baseball cap and
striped jeans.
CAMBRIA VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
The Cambria Volunteer Fire Company is back in the
ambulance business. Fire Chief Dale Heiser says
the Barker Fire Company lent them their second
ambulance and it was put into service Tuesday
morning. Cambria's ambulance is being repaired
and they may have it back in a week or two depending
on insurance issues. The ambulance and two of
their trucks were damaged when a fire erupted in
a pumper truck last Monday in their Main Hall. Heiser
says the ladder truck was tested yesterday and there
are repairs to be done but it should be back in service in
a couple of weeks. He said the other one has not
been looked at yet but it looks like it may be able to
be also saved. The departments Banquet Hall is o-k
and the Lenten fish frys will be offered this Friday. Heiser
again thanked all the other departments in the area
for their help.
ambulance business. Fire Chief Dale Heiser says
the Barker Fire Company lent them their second
ambulance and it was put into service Tuesday
morning. Cambria's ambulance is being repaired
and they may have it back in a week or two depending
on insurance issues. The ambulance and two of
their trucks were damaged when a fire erupted in
a pumper truck last Monday in their Main Hall. Heiser
says the ladder truck was tested yesterday and there
are repairs to be done but it should be back in service in
a couple of weeks. He said the other one has not
been looked at yet but it looks like it may be able to
be also saved. The departments Banquet Hall is o-k
and the Lenten fish frys will be offered this Friday. Heiser
again thanked all the other departments in the area
for their help.
STIMULUS MONEY
Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced
yesterday the Falls will get $950,000 to help build the new
train station in the old Customs building. The cash is
included in a new federal spending bill expected to pass
next week. Schumer said the Federal Transit Administration
has been stalling the project and he convinced them to move
it forward. Meantime, the county's deputy Public Works
Commissioner told the legislature's Administration Committee
last night the Fed's have o-k'd $5.3-million worth of stimulus
projects in the county. It includes reconstructing part of
Wheatfield-Pendleton Townline Road. resurfacing Nash Road
in Wheatfield and Hartland Road in Somerset, replacing the
Cedar Street Bridge in Royalton, and replacing storm sewer
receivers on Tonawanda Creek Road in Pendleton. The
County expects to be ready to award contracts in June.
yesterday the Falls will get $950,000 to help build the new
train station in the old Customs building. The cash is
included in a new federal spending bill expected to pass
next week. Schumer said the Federal Transit Administration
has been stalling the project and he convinced them to move
it forward. Meantime, the county's deputy Public Works
Commissioner told the legislature's Administration Committee
last night the Fed's have o-k'd $5.3-million worth of stimulus
projects in the county. It includes reconstructing part of
Wheatfield-Pendleton Townline Road. resurfacing Nash Road
in Wheatfield and Hartland Road in Somerset, replacing the
Cedar Street Bridge in Royalton, and replacing storm sewer
receivers on Tonawanda Creek Road in Pendleton. The
County expects to be ready to award contracts in June.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
PATERSON SPIRALS DOWNWARD
A Siena Research poll released today shows the
Governor's standing with new York voters has
taken a major hit. His favorability rating is now at
40%, down from 54% last month. His job
performance rating is 28% positive and 59%
negative. Only 19% said they were ready to give
him another term next year. The poll also found
that more Democrats now want Andy Cuomo to
run for Governor by a margin of 53-27%. Paterson
had a slight lead last month over the current
Attorney General. The survey also found Paterson
would lose to Rudy Guiliani in a general election.
Cuomo would beat the former New York City
mayor by 13 points if the election were decided
today. The survey was conducted February
16-18 by telephone calls to 622 registered voters.
Governor's standing with new York voters has
taken a major hit. His favorability rating is now at
40%, down from 54% last month. His job
performance rating is 28% positive and 59%
negative. Only 19% said they were ready to give
him another term next year. The poll also found
that more Democrats now want Andy Cuomo to
run for Governor by a margin of 53-27%. Paterson
had a slight lead last month over the current
Attorney General. The survey also found Paterson
would lose to Rudy Guiliani in a general election.
Cuomo would beat the former New York City
mayor by 13 points if the election were decided
today. The survey was conducted February
16-18 by telephone calls to 622 registered voters.
GIVE IT TO NEW YORK
New York's two senators are asking the President to
send any unwanted funds from the economic recovery
package to our State. A number of Republican
governors have recently said they planned to refuse
money from the Economic Recovery plan for their
State. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer maintain
New York receives 78 -cents from the federal government
for every dollar it sends to Washington. They wrote the
President and said if other states are willingly refusing federal
support, New York should benefit given our "donor state"
status.
send any unwanted funds from the economic recovery
package to our State. A number of Republican
governors have recently said they planned to refuse
money from the Economic Recovery plan for their
State. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer maintain
New York receives 78 -cents from the federal government
for every dollar it sends to Washington. They wrote the
President and said if other states are willingly refusing federal
support, New York should benefit given our "donor state"
status.
ALBION ACCIDENT
Six people were taken to Medina Memorial Hospital
yesterday morning after a van and a school bus
collided around 11:30 on Albion Eagle Harbor Road.
Sheriff's deputies said the bus was going West when
a van driven by 32 year old Alice Drennan of Albion was
on the South shoulder of the road facing West. She
apparently drove into the path of the bus. The
collission pushed the bus off the road and it sheared
off a fire hydrant before coming to rest in a culvert.
Three pre-school age children, a 78 year old bus
aide, and both drivers were taken to the hospital
with non life threatening injuries. Drennan was cited for
two traffic infractions.
yesterday morning after a van and a school bus
collided around 11:30 on Albion Eagle Harbor Road.
Sheriff's deputies said the bus was going West when
a van driven by 32 year old Alice Drennan of Albion was
on the South shoulder of the road facing West. She
apparently drove into the path of the bus. The
collission pushed the bus off the road and it sheared
off a fire hydrant before coming to rest in a culvert.
Three pre-school age children, a 78 year old bus
aide, and both drivers were taken to the hospital
with non life threatening injuries. Drennan was cited for
two traffic infractions.
BARKER MAN CHARGED
Lockport Police charged a 32 year old Barker man with DWI
just after 2:30 this morning on Main Street. Officers say
Christopher Becken of 1923 Quaker Road was driving in
the wrong lane and coming towards them. He told them
he had consumed 4 or 5 beers at Gonzo's. Officers
said there were two open cans of Bud Light in his car.
He was also charged with failure to keep right.
just after 2:30 this morning on Main Street. Officers say
Christopher Becken of 1923 Quaker Road was driving in
the wrong lane and coming towards them. He told them
he had consumed 4 or 5 beers at Gonzo's. Officers
said there were two open cans of Bud Light in his car.
He was also charged with failure to keep right.
FALLS STREETS
Lawmakers in the Falls had their usual conversation
yesterday about the state of the city's streets.
Councilmember Bob Anderson said the situation has
gotten so bad crews should work 24 hours a day. He
said there are large lights that could be set up to do
so. DPW Director Dave Kinney originally said it wouldn't
be safe to have them working at night but Council Chair
Chris Robins agreed with Anderson. He said some
smaller streets, such as Grand Avenue, could be
blocked off at both ends and safety would not be a
problem. He added there is money in the budget to
do so. Lawmakers also plan to ask the Mayor to make
some changes to the list of streets to be resurfaced
announced last week. Councilmember Sam Fruscione
said he liked the section of Main Street to Portage
taken off and the money spent on Buffalo Avenue
from 61st Street to 84th Street. All the reccomendtaions
are merely suggestions at this point, the final decisions
are up to the Mayor.
yesterday about the state of the city's streets.
Councilmember Bob Anderson said the situation has
gotten so bad crews should work 24 hours a day. He
said there are large lights that could be set up to do
so. DPW Director Dave Kinney originally said it wouldn't
be safe to have them working at night but Council Chair
Chris Robins agreed with Anderson. He said some
smaller streets, such as Grand Avenue, could be
blocked off at both ends and safety would not be a
problem. He added there is money in the budget to
do so. Lawmakers also plan to ask the Mayor to make
some changes to the list of streets to be resurfaced
announced last week. Councilmember Sam Fruscione
said he liked the section of Main Street to Portage
taken off and the money spent on Buffalo Avenue
from 61st Street to 84th Street. All the reccomendtaions
are merely suggestions at this point, the final decisions
are up to the Mayor.
FIRES
An overnight fire totally destroyed a vacant home at
2319 McKenna Avenue in the Falls. A dispatcher
describing the 2 1/2 story wood frame structure as
a total loss saying it was only assessed at around
$17,000. Neighbors reported the fire around 2:20
and crews cleared the scene just after 4:30. They also
fought a blaze just after 10 last night at 517 Ferry
Avenue. It started in a second story bedroom and
they were able to confine it to that area. Damage
was estimated at $5,000. The causes of both are under
investigation. The department was also called to
Teletech at 333 First Street this morning to check
on a smouldering EXIT sign.
2319 McKenna Avenue in the Falls. A dispatcher
describing the 2 1/2 story wood frame structure as
a total loss saying it was only assessed at around
$17,000. Neighbors reported the fire around 2:20
and crews cleared the scene just after 4:30. They also
fought a blaze just after 10 last night at 517 Ferry
Avenue. It started in a second story bedroom and
they were able to confine it to that area. Damage
was estimated at $5,000. The causes of both are under
investigation. The department was also called to
Teletech at 333 First Street this morning to check
on a smouldering EXIT sign.
DELPHI
Delphi will ask a federal bankruptcy court today for the
o-k to cancel health insurance and supplemental benefits
for salaried active employees and retirees hired before
1993. They'll also ask Judge Robert Drain to end a
program for workers hired between 1993 and 2000. They
weren't eligible for company paid health insurance when
they retire but contributed one percent of their salary to
a savings program used to pay for health care. The company
wants to end the benefits as soon as April 1 saying they can
save $70-million a year and take more than $1.1-billion off
their balance sheet. The company is not asking for any
changes in the program in place for salaried workers hired
after 2000. The Delphi Salaried Retiree Association
will ask the Judge for permission to set up a salaried
retirement committee to participate in the case.
o-k to cancel health insurance and supplemental benefits
for salaried active employees and retirees hired before
1993. They'll also ask Judge Robert Drain to end a
program for workers hired between 1993 and 2000. They
weren't eligible for company paid health insurance when
they retire but contributed one percent of their salary to
a savings program used to pay for health care. The company
wants to end the benefits as soon as April 1 saying they can
save $70-million a year and take more than $1.1-billion off
their balance sheet. The company is not asking for any
changes in the program in place for salaried workers hired
after 2000. The Delphi Salaried Retiree Association
will ask the Judge for permission to set up a salaried
retirement committee to participate in the case.
GREENS RESTAURANT
A potential new operator of the Greens Restaurant at the
Hyde Park Golf Course told Falls lawmakers Monday
they should drop a new requirement that says the facility
must close for four months a year. Mark Dominquez and
his wife Dawn say they want to submit a bid but they're
being told they can't submit it the way they want. They
want to submit a proposal for a 12 month operation and
their proposal says only 8 months. He said they would
be disqualified because it falls outside the parameters.
They want the request for proposals changed so a year
round operation is possible. Dominquez says it should
be up to the operator, not the city,to decide. The bids
close at 11:30 Friday morning. He told WLVL they will
not participate if the change isn't made. His wife Dawn
worked as a waitress and barmaid under the former
operators who closed up shop in January. She says
they'll miss out on holiday parties, birthday parties, and
other events if they're not permitted to stay open over
the Winter. Council Chairman Chris Robins said the
Mayor would have to decide whether to change the terms.
He wasn't at yesterday's meeting. He was in Albany
attending a conference.
Hyde Park Golf Course told Falls lawmakers Monday
they should drop a new requirement that says the facility
must close for four months a year. Mark Dominquez and
his wife Dawn say they want to submit a bid but they're
being told they can't submit it the way they want. They
want to submit a proposal for a 12 month operation and
their proposal says only 8 months. He said they would
be disqualified because it falls outside the parameters.
They want the request for proposals changed so a year
round operation is possible. Dominquez says it should
be up to the operator, not the city,to decide. The bids
close at 11:30 Friday morning. He told WLVL they will
not participate if the change isn't made. His wife Dawn
worked as a waitress and barmaid under the former
operators who closed up shop in January. She says
they'll miss out on holiday parties, birthday parties, and
other events if they're not permitted to stay open over
the Winter. Council Chairman Chris Robins said the
Mayor would have to decide whether to change the terms.
He wasn't at yesterday's meeting. He was in Albany
attending a conference.
GUILTY PLEA
A 22 year old Wheatfield man pleaded guilty in County Court
yesterday to criminally neglient homicide and DWI. Ryan
Gath of Maple Drive killed a close friend September 21 when
he lost control on a curve at Lower Mountain and Dickersonville
Road after they had been drinking all day at a tailgate party at
Ralph Wilson Stadium. The accident took the life of 25 year old
Matthew Marin of Shawnee Road in Cambria. Gath told police
he had consumed as many as 17 beers that day. Marin's family and
two others were also hurt in the accident. They want Judge Matt
Murphy to give Gath probation when he's sentenced June 23.
Gregg and Lori Marin say they forgave Gath for religious and
practical reasons. They say they don't want to hold the anger
in their heart and a prison sentence would just screw up another
young person's life.
yesterday to criminally neglient homicide and DWI. Ryan
Gath of Maple Drive killed a close friend September 21 when
he lost control on a curve at Lower Mountain and Dickersonville
Road after they had been drinking all day at a tailgate party at
Ralph Wilson Stadium. The accident took the life of 25 year old
Matthew Marin of Shawnee Road in Cambria. Gath told police
he had consumed as many as 17 beers that day. Marin's family and
two others were also hurt in the accident. They want Judge Matt
Murphy to give Gath probation when he's sentenced June 23.
Gregg and Lori Marin say they forgave Gath for religious and
practical reasons. They say they don't want to hold the anger
in their heart and a prison sentence would just screw up another
young person's life.
LOCKPORT RECYCLING
A Lockport committee decided last night to tell the City
Council full curbside recycling should be gradually
phased in after a starting date and contractor are
chosen. The committee plans to give an 18 gallon bin
to each one or two family household. Multiple dwellings
and businesses would get a larger 95 gallon tote. Highways
and Parks Superintendent Mike Hoffman estimates it'll
cost about $285,000 to start the program . It includes
a new $155,000 garbage truck to carry the recycables.
The City would take the material to the company that
eventually wins the contract. Hoffman asked the City
Council last week to buy the truck saying it's needed
whether or not they start recycling. He did say they
would have to hire someone to drive the vehicle
at a cost of $47,000 a year. Officials hope the program
will pay for itself in 5 years time if enough people
participate. Alderwoman Richelle Pisceri pushed the
idea and said she'd like to see her ward chosen as the
one to start the effort.
Council full curbside recycling should be gradually
phased in after a starting date and contractor are
chosen. The committee plans to give an 18 gallon bin
to each one or two family household. Multiple dwellings
and businesses would get a larger 95 gallon tote. Highways
and Parks Superintendent Mike Hoffman estimates it'll
cost about $285,000 to start the program . It includes
a new $155,000 garbage truck to carry the recycables.
The City would take the material to the company that
eventually wins the contract. Hoffman asked the City
Council last week to buy the truck saying it's needed
whether or not they start recycling. He did say they
would have to hire someone to drive the vehicle
at a cost of $47,000 a year. Officials hope the program
will pay for itself in 5 years time if enough people
participate. Alderwoman Richelle Pisceri pushed the
idea and said she'd like to see her ward chosen as the
one to start the effort.
Monday, February 23, 2009
SHOPLIFTING CRASH
Two men were arrested just after midnight Sunday
after their car crashed into a utility pole as they
tried to get away after allegedly shoplifting about
$40 worth of meat from the Tops on Niagara Falls
Boulevard in the Falls. Police said they traced tire
tracks in freshly fallen snow to a nearby street
where the car had struck the pole and left. Moments
later a vehicle with heavy front end damage drove past.
Police followed it into Sabre Park where both the
driver and the passenger ditched it and fled in
opposite directions. Police tracked the suspected
shoplifter to a nearby mobile home park and charged
22 year old Richard Day of Tuscorora Road with petit
larceny. The suspected driver was found about a mile
away inside Wegmans on Military Road. Twenty-three
year old Jose Irizarry of 24th street was charged with
leaving the scene of an accident, speeding, and
running a red light. Police are trying to determine if
the vehicle was also stolen and additional charges are
possible.
after their car crashed into a utility pole as they
tried to get away after allegedly shoplifting about
$40 worth of meat from the Tops on Niagara Falls
Boulevard in the Falls. Police said they traced tire
tracks in freshly fallen snow to a nearby street
where the car had struck the pole and left. Moments
later a vehicle with heavy front end damage drove past.
Police followed it into Sabre Park where both the
driver and the passenger ditched it and fled in
opposite directions. Police tracked the suspected
shoplifter to a nearby mobile home park and charged
22 year old Richard Day of Tuscorora Road with petit
larceny. The suspected driver was found about a mile
away inside Wegmans on Military Road. Twenty-three
year old Jose Irizarry of 24th street was charged with
leaving the scene of an accident, speeding, and
running a red light. Police are trying to determine if
the vehicle was also stolen and additional charges are
possible.
DELPHI
Retired non union employees of the Delphi Corporation
will be in bakruptcy court tomorrow challenging the
company's decision to terminate their health insurance
and life insurance retirement benefits. State Senator
Bill Stachowski chairs the Senate's Commerce and
Economic Development Committee. He says the
State put up $25-million to help the company work their
way through bankruptcy and they expect them to
negotiate any changes in benefits. He says the law
requires negotiations with a committe representing
non union employees and retirees before benefits can
be modified. He said the company has had 4 years
to do so but it's not to late to start now.
will be in bakruptcy court tomorrow challenging the
company's decision to terminate their health insurance
and life insurance retirement benefits. State Senator
Bill Stachowski chairs the Senate's Commerce and
Economic Development Committee. He says the
State put up $25-million to help the company work their
way through bankruptcy and they expect them to
negotiate any changes in benefits. He says the law
requires negotiations with a committe representing
non union employees and retirees before benefits can
be modified. He said the company has had 4 years
to do so but it's not to late to start now.
FALLS CITY COUNCIL
Lawmakers in the Falls will meet two hours earlier
tonight so four members of the Council can drive
to Albany to lobby State officials tomorrow. The
4pm work session will be immediately followed by
their official meeting at 5. It normally begins at 7.
Councilmember Sam Frusicone told the Gazette
they're going East so we can beg for money for our
roads and streets. Council member Charley Walker
is hoping to convince the leadership an investment in
the Falls can pay big dividends. He'll also express
concerns about a possible $3.5-million cut in aid
to the Medical Center.
tonight so four members of the Council can drive
to Albany to lobby State officials tomorrow. The
4pm work session will be immediately followed by
their official meeting at 5. It normally begins at 7.
Councilmember Sam Frusicone told the Gazette
they're going East so we can beg for money for our
roads and streets. Council member Charley Walker
is hoping to convince the leadership an investment in
the Falls can pay big dividends. He'll also express
concerns about a possible $3.5-million cut in aid
to the Medical Center.
STEVENS LAWSUIT
Attornies say they've reached a settlement in that
libel and slander suit filed by Town of Niagara
Supervisor Steve Richards in 2007 against former
Town Supervisor James Sacco. Richards charged
Sacco had defamed his character through a
series of comments published in the media and
letters sent to Town officials, Sacco's insurance
company will pay Richards $7500 which he's
previously pledged to donate to charity. The
original complaint cited eight examples of alledged
defamation but Supreme Court Judge Ralph Boneillo
dismissed five of them. Sacco says his insurance
company insisted on settling rather than defeding
the case in court, Sacco continues to be critical of
Town government. He delivered a letter to all four
councilmembers last week addressing "quality of
life" issues in the Town.
libel and slander suit filed by Town of Niagara
Supervisor Steve Richards in 2007 against former
Town Supervisor James Sacco. Richards charged
Sacco had defamed his character through a
series of comments published in the media and
letters sent to Town officials, Sacco's insurance
company will pay Richards $7500 which he's
previously pledged to donate to charity. The
original complaint cited eight examples of alledged
defamation but Supreme Court Judge Ralph Boneillo
dismissed five of them. Sacco says his insurance
company insisted on settling rather than defeding
the case in court, Sacco continues to be critical of
Town government. He delivered a letter to all four
councilmembers last week addressing "quality of
life" issues in the Town.
ANJO BASEBALL
Lockport's An-Jo baseball league has announced a new
partnership with the New Era Cap Company. League
President Todd Fragale says they approached them
looking for a spot to hold tournaments and they
have ten fields available that are underutilized. He
called it a perfect fit. He said New Era will provide
substantial help to renovate their facility and fields.
He called it a long term partnership....that in the short
term they'll help modify two fields and add fences
to them. The work will be done this year. The first
of nearly a dozen New Era tournaments will take
place May 15. Two baseball camps and a softball
camp are also planned. Anjo will hold registratation for
baseball for children ages 4-11 Saturday from 9-1
Saturday and Sunday at the Transit Road Tops.
Those signing up at that time will get a free New Era
cap.
partnership with the New Era Cap Company. League
President Todd Fragale says they approached them
looking for a spot to hold tournaments and they
have ten fields available that are underutilized. He
called it a perfect fit. He said New Era will provide
substantial help to renovate their facility and fields.
He called it a long term partnership....that in the short
term they'll help modify two fields and add fences
to them. The work will be done this year. The first
of nearly a dozen New Era tournaments will take
place May 15. Two baseball camps and a softball
camp are also planned. Anjo will hold registratation for
baseball for children ages 4-11 Saturday from 9-1
Saturday and Sunday at the Transit Road Tops.
Those signing up at that time will get a free New Era
cap.
MEDICAL CENTER
A patient from Holley allegedly assaulted two workers
at the Medical Center over the weekend. Officials
say workers were trying to stop the man from baging his
head against the wall Sunday morning when the 46 year
old punched a 23 year old program aide in the face. The same
man allegedly punched a 38 year old nurse in the eye
Saturday as she tried to help restrain him during an
aggressive outburst. Police haave not yet pressed
charges.
at the Medical Center over the weekend. Officials
say workers were trying to stop the man from baging his
head against the wall Sunday morning when the 46 year
old punched a 23 year old program aide in the face. The same
man allegedly punched a 38 year old nurse in the eye
Saturday as she tried to help restrain him during an
aggressive outburst. Police haave not yet pressed
charges.
D-W-I ARREST AT KFC
A Newfane man was charged with a felony DWI Saturday
night at the Kentucky Fried Chicken store on West Avenue.
Workers called police after 44 year old David Folmar of Beebee
Rpad showed up just before 10 pm. When police got there
they say they found his car parked, running, and unattended
in the drive thru lane. Folmar was in the store standing at the
counter. Police say he failed field sobriety tests. He told
officers he had been at Josie's Bar earlier and decided he
wanted some chicken and mashed potatoes. He was also
charged with leaving his vehicle running while it was
unattended.
night at the Kentucky Fried Chicken store on West Avenue.
Workers called police after 44 year old David Folmar of Beebee
Rpad showed up just before 10 pm. When police got there
they say they found his car parked, running, and unattended
in the drive thru lane. Folmar was in the store standing at the
counter. Police say he failed field sobriety tests. He told
officers he had been at Josie's Bar earlier and decided he
wanted some chicken and mashed potatoes. He was also
charged with leaving his vehicle running while it was
unattended.
TELETHON
Sunday's Variety Kids telethon on channel 7 raised almost
$1-million, 157,000 for Woman and Childrens Hospital. The
47th annual broadcast ran from 7am-7pm and originated from
the grand ballroom of the Adams Mark Hotel. Terry Buchwald
served as honorary chairman while a member of Variety's
Board of Directors, Laura Little, was the general chair.
Channel 7 says the event is the longest running locally
produced telethon in the world.
$1-million, 157,000 for Woman and Childrens Hospital. The
47th annual broadcast ran from 7am-7pm and originated from
the grand ballroom of the Adams Mark Hotel. Terry Buchwald
served as honorary chairman while a member of Variety's
Board of Directors, Laura Little, was the general chair.
Channel 7 says the event is the longest running locally
produced telethon in the world.
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