WILSON BASEBALL COACHES

Wilson Town Justice George Berger ruled
yesterday evidence of possible hazing incidents
from previous seasons will not be permitted
in the trial of two former high school baseball
coaches unless the defense brings it up. Thomas
Baia and Bill Atlas are charged with endangering
the welfare of a child. The case will be decided by
a six person jury and will take place in open court
during regular business hours. The judge said he
would take a week's vacation from his regular job
but attorneys wonder whether it'll be enough time.
Berger said a pool of prosepctive jurors would be
sent from all over the County to increase the chances
of finding an impartial jury. The trial will begin July 6.
The trial of the three former players will start
June 20.

DELPHI/GENERAL MOTORS

Delphi will get more time to come up with a
plan to restructure without having to worry
that it's lenders might force them into
liquidation. Bankruptcy Court Judge
Robert Drain Thursday extended the
deadline till May 4 for the company to
submit their plans on how they would use
additional financing from GM to emerge from
bankruptcy. The lenders will have till May 8
to approve it. G-M issued a statement saying
they had offered "fair and reasonable" terms
but they had been rejected by both Delphi and
the lenders but the judge said it made sense to
continue the talks and a hearing was scheduled
for May 7. In exchange for the extra time,
Delphi will have to pay a higher interest rate
on it's bankruptcy financing and an undisclosed
amount of other fees. Meantime, GM said
yesterday the Tonawanda Engine Plant is not on
the list of 13 facilities they plan to shut down over
the Summer to reduce inventory. The closures
begin next month and they will affect Tonawanda.
Workers will be off in varying shifts during a two
month period because they serve numerous
assembly plants. A spokesperson said they were
still trying to get a handle on schedules.

JAIL ACCREDITATION

Sheriff Jim Voutour was presented with a
plaque at Tuesday night's Legislature meeting.
The New York State Sheriff's Association said
our county jail was one of only 19 across the
State to meet their 166 standards for
accreditation. The Association's Executive
Director said the Board of Assessors that
reviewed the operations of the Corrections
Division found the jail meets or exceeds every
standard. Peter Kehoe said the Sheriff's Office
is one of a very few to also achieve accreditation
of their law enforecement, civil, and forensic
lab divisions.

GUN CONTROL

County lawmakers are not happy about a series
of anti gun measures headed to the floor of the
State Assembly next Wednesday. They voted
17-2 Tuesday to let Albany know they're against
a plan to force the holders of pistol permits
to renew them every five years. Middleport
lawmaker Mike Hill said the Sheriff told them
he might need additional manpower to handle
such a situation. Hill called it another unfunded
state mandate. He and lawmakwers John Syracuse
and Gerry Farnham added their names to the
resolution sponsored by Vice Chairman Clyde
Burmaster. Another part of the proposed law
would prohbit gun shows from taking place
on public land and facilities. The two no votes
were cast by Jason Murgia and Jason
Cafarella of the Falls.

SPRING CLEAN UP

About 1400 residents in the Falls have
signed up to take part in Saturday's
annual Spring Clean Up. It all starts at
8 with a free breakfast at the Seneca
Niagara Casino & Hotel. The Mayor will
speak and then garbage bags and gloves
will be handed out. Organizers say the
number of people signing up will make it
one of the largest crews in the history of
the annual event. An appreciation picnic
will cap off the effort at 12:30 at Hyde Park.
State Senator Antoine Thompson will be
there. The Honorary Chairman is Fire
Chief Bill MacKay.

GREAT WEATHER

County residents are getting their grills out
and preparing for some lawn work ...forecasters
say temperatures will be 20 to 25 degrees
above normal for the weekend. Highs today
will be in the low 70's and some spots could
hit 80 Saturday and Sunday. There is the
chance of a shower or isolated thunderstorm
this afternoon and early tonight and it will be
rather windy Saturday.

TAYLOR FREE ON BAIL

A former Newfane Middle School janitor accused
of child sex abuse is free on bail. Forty four year
old James Taylor used his elderly parents home
as collateral. He's accused of abusing as many
as 4 girls between 1994 & 2005. He has signed a
confession but it's not sure if it will be admissable
in court. Taylor will have to wear an ankle monitor
and avoid the road where the alleged victims live.

FUTURE LIFE

There could be a future for the soon to be
vacant Public Safety Building in the Falls.
Two Buffalo development companies want
to convert it into a 30 suite assisted living
facility. The plans of Ontario Speciality
Contracting and McGuire Development also
include the former 39th Street School. It
would be given new life as a 35 unit
apartment building. The two would be
called Sherwood East and West. The
$10-million plan is contingent on the city
receiving a $1.25-million "Restore New
York" grant to get the asbestos out of
the Public Safety Building.

BEER TAX

The price of beer will be going up. The new
State budget increases the tax on a gallon
from 11 to 14-cents.

CREDIT CARD STOLEN

A 43 year old Wheatfield man says his credit
card company told him over $800 in purchases
were racked up within a few hours after his
credit card was allegedly stolen Monday night from
his locker at the Summit Fitness Center. The
shopping spree took place at the Outlet Mall.
A spokesman for the Fitness Center told the
Sheriff's Department another customer had their
wallet taken the previous week. The Fitness
Center requires members to swipe a card before
entering and a list of all those in the gym on the
two occasions will be sent to deputies as part
of their investigation.

PRESCRIPTION PILLS

The Sheriff's Department took possession
Wednesday of more than 50 prescription
pills brought to school by a 16 year old
Wilson student. The girl told deputies
the hydromorphones belonged to her mom
who had passed away. She said classmates
were asking for them. She gave deputies
and the Assistant Principal the names of
students she had given some to. School
officials said the matter would be handled
internally and not as a criminal matter.

LOCKPORT CITY COUNCIL

Lockport Detective Captain Rick Podgers was
a guest at last night's city council work session
as lawmakers continued to talk about Mayor Mike
Tucker's $45,000 plan to add additional security
at City Hall. Podgers and the Mayor saying they
were concerned criminals coming into City Court
have free rein of the building. The Council is still
not completely sold on the idea. Alderwoman
Richelle Pisceri pointed out that everyday people
could be put in more jeapordy if they're forced to
stand in line with those going into court. The only
metal detector in the building is currently located
near the courtroom entrance and is only used by
people doing business there...but the plan calls
for it to be moved to the front doors and everyone
would have to pass through it. They also talked
about the proposed recycling program. No official
vote was taken but it was agreed they would ask
for bids from companies to do full curbside
recycling.

EMERGENCY LANDING

A small plane made a precautionary landing
around 11am yesterday in a wheatfield on the
East side of Cambria-Lockport Townline Road.
The two seater was carrying two men and
originated in Lindsey, Ontario. They were not
hurt and said they needed to make repairs
and would then continue on their trip to an
airshow in Florida.

SCHOOL BUDGETS

Tax hikes are part of two of the three school
district budgets o-k'd last night. Residents in
Lockport and the Falls will be paying more but
there would be no increase in Newfane
under a $32.8-million spending plan approved
by a 5-2 vote last night. It cuts 7 1/2 positions
including an assistant principal at the middle
school, a third grade teacher, four secondary
school teachers, a cafeteria monitor, and half
of a speech therapist position. Donna Piezala
and Dave Adams cast the no votes. In
Lockport, the proposed spending plan comes
to $77-million. It includes about a dime increase
per thousand dollars valuation, but it could be
less when assessments are finalized in July.
In the Falls, the school board approved a
$127.9-million spending plan. Finance Director
Joe Giarizzo said homeowners could pay 10 to
20 cents more per thousand is home assessments
remain the same. Commercial property owners
have been paying about a dollar more and their
rates will go down. The public vote on all
school budgets happens May 19.

TOWN OF NIAGARA SEX CASE

A 39 year old Falls man was charged Tuesday with
engaging in sexual conduct with a child under the
age of 11. Mark Kevin Goupil of 61st Street faces
a felony charge of predatory sexual assault against
a child. He was arraigned in Town of Lewiston
court and is being held on $100,000 cash bail or
$200,000 property in the County Jail. State Police
say Goupil was a friend of the family and the
incidents allegedly took place between May 2008
and February of this year in their home in the Town
of Niagara. The investigation is not over and
anyone with information is asked to call Investigator
Christopher Puckett at 297-8730.

NEWFANE SPECIAL ED TEACHER

A 50 year old Special Education teacher at Newfane
High School is free on $5,000 bail after being
arraigned in Town Court yesterday on charges he
had an inappropriate relationship with a student
under the age of 17. Allan Grogan is charged with
one felony count of disseminating indecent material
to a minor, two counts of endangering the welfare of
a child, and four counts of third degree sex abuse.
School Superintendent Gary Pogorzelski said
Grogan has been placed on administrative leave
but could not say now if he would still collect
his salary. He promised an answer would be
forthcoming in a few days. Grogan is from Derby
and has taught at Newfane for six or seven years.
Pogorzelski said they had had some suspicions
and worked very closely with the Sheriff's office
in the investigation. The court also ordered
Grogan to stay away from all Newfane School
facilities and the victim. Grogan is due in court
for a felony hearing at 5pm May 12. He's being
represented by William Berard III of Niagara Falls.

GUARD CHARGED AT COUNTY JAIL

A 37 year old corrections officer at the County
Jail was arrested yesterday on charges he had
a sexual relationship with a female prisoner.
Scott Magill of the Town of Lockport is charged
with five counts of second degree sex abuse. He
was released on his own recognizance after
being arraigned in Town Court. The incidents
allegedly happened about a month ago. Magill
is suspended with pay but faces a disciplinary
hearing. Sheriff Jim Voutour said they were
preparing for it today and they hope to have it
as soon as possible. He expects Magill will end
up being suspended without pay. He said
his office was alerted to the allegations by
the State Department of Corrections. They
intercepted a letter sent from an inmate at the
Jail to a prisoner in another facility. Voutour
said the woman is still incarcerated at the
Jail and cooperated fully with the
investigation. He said there is no such thing
as voluntary sex because an inmate does
not have the ability to consent to anything
while they are in custody. Magill has worked
for the department for 13 years.
capable of providing su

SOUTH STREET HOME

An Oklahoma bank now owns a dilapidated house
in the City of Lockport after no one bid on the
structure during a private foreclosure auction.
The home at 407 South Street had been owned
by Dennis and Paula Costello but wound up in
the possession of Midfirst Bank after a trust went
bad. The property has been in Housing court for
nearly ten months after the City condemned it
a year ago. City prosecutor Matthew Brooks
told the Union Sun & Journal the bank will
be notified about numerous violations and the
city's expectations that they repair it or have it
torn down.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

State lawmakers are expected to pass a bill
o-k'ing the medical use of marijuana. The
Buffalo News says it hasa good chance of
passing before the current session ends in
June. It would permit qualified patients to
grow their own plants, buy it on the streets,
or to get it through a State dispensary. The
bill is considered a sure bet in the Assembly
but could run into problems in the Senate
where four Democrats...including Bill
Stachowksi...are thought to oppose it.
Advocates say they might need some
Republican votes. The Obama Administration
said in February they would stop raiding
dispensing centers in States legalizing it's
medical use. The bill would let a qualified
person possess up to a dozen plants or
2 1/2 ounces.

HIGGINS

Congressman Brian Higgins has introduced a
bill to amend the 1957 law that gave the Power
Authority the right to build and operate the
Niagara Power Project. It says a third of
the power generated should be set aside for
companys located within 30 miles of the
site. Higgins says any proceeds from the sale
of any leftover power should should remain
in Erie and Niagara counties. His bill would
establish a five member development corporation
to decide what to do with the money. It would
include the Mayors of Niagara Falls and Buffalo,
the Chairmen of each counties legilsature, and
a member appointed by the Governor. Higgins
believes the Authority is under representing
the amount of unused power and the profits
it generates. He thinks a third of is being sold
and estimates it brings it $63-million a year.

SMOKES

The State Assembly's Health Committee yesterday voted
down legislation that would have prohibited the sale of
tobacco products in pharmacies and retail stores
that contain pharmacies. The American Lung Association
said it should not deter the Senate from taking up the measure.
They say pharmacies are in the business of making
people better and they should not be pushing an
addictive drug that makes people much worse.

NIAGARA FALLS COUNCIL MEETING

Niagara Falls DPW Director Dave Kinney
said yesterday the so called "pothole
killer" was sent back last week after their
current lease expired. It cost the City
$33,100 to use it for 65 days. Mayor Paul
Dyster said they would ask the council for
casino money to bring it back later this
year. Lawmakers approved the purchase of
a $120,000 asphalt zipper machine to go
beyond pot hole repairs. It's a portable
milling machine that can do larger sections
and should arrive quickly as it's being
purchased from a company in Buffalo.
Kinney said he had 6 spots around the
City that he wanted to use it on initially.
Dyster said they would start the city's
in house paving program April 27 on
Sixth Street. The streets chosen for
resurfacing this year will be announced at'
a press conference May 1. He also
told the Council the consultant hired to
lead the upgrade at the Hyde Park Ice
Pavillion would be at the next Council
meeting May 4. Lawmakers turned down
a plan to build a temporary playground on
land owned by the school district at Portage
and Ferry Avenue. Bob Anderson and
Steve Fournier voted no, Council President
Chris Robins and Sam Fruscione abstained
because they are teachers, and only Charley
Walker voted yes. The vote would have given
the city the go-ahead to use the land until the
school district needed it. Anderson said they
should fix up the parks it already has before
taking on any new responsibilities. Walker's
yes vote was surprising because he was
unhappy when he was told at the 4pm work
session basketball courts were not included
because some residents were concerned they
would attract the wrong element.
in the

INMATE DEATH

A 45 year old inmate at the County Jail took his
own life Saturday. Vassel Simon of Lewiston
was found hanging in his cell at 2:30 Saturday
morning during a routine inspection. Medcial
personnel and corrections officers performed
CPR and made numerous attempts to
resusicate him by using an automatic
external defibrillator but were unsuccessful.
He was taken to ENH-Lockport and pronounced
dead shortly after 3:30. Simon had been behind
bars for less than a week. He was incarcerated
last Sunday and was being held on $50,000 bail.
He was accused of first degree rape, second
degree burglary, and other charges stemming from
an incident in the Falls. He allegedly climbed into
a winodw at a home earlier this month and raped
a mother of four while her children slept.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Catholic Charities is nowhere near it's $11-million
goal. Officials said yesterday they have collected
about $620,000 in cash and pledges in the two weeks
since Palm Sunday. That brings the total to
$9-million, 304-thousand or 84.5 per cent of the goal.
In Niagara County, an additional $20,850 has been
pledged in the past two weeks. That brings the total
amount here to $916,400. Officials shared their
appreciation for the gifts but expressed concern
for the need to close the gap as soon as possible.
They have till the end of their fiscal year on June
30 to meet the target.

PUBLIC LEWDNESS

A 25 year old Olcott man was charged yesterday
with exposing himself to children in the Wilson
area. Richard Baldwin was caught after a two
month investigation. Two of his victims
identified him through photographs. One
of the incidents allegedly happened March 21
near the Wilson Library and the other April 6
on Autumnview Drive. Baldwin is charged with
public lewdness and endangering the welfare
of a child. He was arraigned before Town Justice
George Berger and posted $500 bail. The State
Police say he's also a "person of interest" in
another incident at a state park. Sheriff's deputies
say their investigation isn't over and more
charges are possible.

LETS MAKE A DEAL

Eighteen year old DeQuanna White told County
Judge Matt Murphy yesterday he would accept
a plea deal offered by prosecutors last week.
The reputed member of the Bloods gang agreed
to plead guilty to first degree manslaughter in the
death of 35 year old Dorothy Banks last
September...and first degree assault for shooting
a man last August in an argument over a dog.
The deal calls for White to get 30 years in prison
when he's sentenced July 2.

WILSON SCHOOL BOARD

The Wilson School Board last night approved
a $23-million-850-thousand budget that
includes extracurricular activities and
modified sports. They had thought about
eliminating them but they were put back
after the District learned they'd be getting
$410,000 in federal stimulus money. Some
other savings were realized by moving staff
around and sharing some services with
BOCES. The tax levy would go down about
a penny per thousand dollars valuation
under current assessment and equalization
rates, but they are expected to change.

SIENNA RESEARCH POLL

A new Sienna Research poll shows a majority
of New Yorkers are not against same sex
marriage. It was favored by a 53-39 per cent
margin in a survey of 682 voters taken last
Monday thru Wednesday. The same poll showed
the Governor's approval numbers have fallen
even further. Only 27% of those surveyed had
a favorable opinion and Paterson would lose to
Rudy Guiliani if the two were to run against each
other for governor next year....however Guiliani would
be beaten by Andrew Cuomo if Cuomo were the
Democratic nominee.

BARKER SCHOOL BOARD

The Barker School Board last night approved a
$20-million, 202-thousand budget for the
upcoming year. It includes a 2.9% increase
in taxes. This year's budget was just under
$19.9-million. Residents in the Somerset
area would pay about 55-cents more per
thousand dollars valuation while others in
Hartland, Yates, Newfane, and Ridgeway
would see an increase between 44 & 49-cents.
School Chief Roger Klatt said the district would
cut the number of school busses next year from
11 to 10 and they're consolidating a public
relations position with others. He said they
expect to add full day kindergarten.

WHEATFIELD FLOOD

Another 70 homes have been removed from the
flood plain maps in Wheatfield. That was the
word last night from Supervisor Tim Demler. He
met with about hundred residents prior to the
Town board meeting, He said they would not rest
until all the remaining 319 homes are removed
from what he called a "federal money grab."
He said FEMA had not given them the specific
areas and addresses that had been removed and
they've asked the agency to extend the deadline
for appeals. The designation requires property
owners with mortgages to pay as much as $1100
a year more in flood insurance and also impacts
new home buyers. The Board also agreed to
solicit bids for the painting of the CSX Bridge
over the Boulevard. All non union workers hired
after December 15, 2003 will also have to contribute
toward their health insurance. After passing
probation, they would have to contribute
40% the first year, 30% the second, 20% the
third, and 10% every year after that.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

A Lockport woman waqs allegedly pushed dwon
a flight of stairs Saturday night during a domestic
disturbance at a home on Bridlewood Drive. The
victim said her boyfriend, 32 year old Robert
Culotta, also repeatedly punched her in the
stomach and ribs and hit her so hard in the head
that she blacked out. Her 8 year old son called
9-1-1. The woman was treated at ENH-Lockport.
Culotta is charged with menacing and assault.

ROBOT

A robot designed by a team of 25 Lockport
High School students took third place Saturday
at a world high school robotics competition at
the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Warlocks designed
and built a 5 foot machine that won first place in
it's division and third place overall. More than
500 robots built by high schoolers around the
world competed in the three day event. The team
gets help from Delphi. They returned home
Sunday. The competition was sponsored by
FIRST, which stands for "For Inspiration and
Recognition of Science and Technology."

GOLF COURSE OPENING

Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster will hit the
first ball of the season Friday morning when
the Hyde Park North 18 Golf course and
driving range open for the season. Season
passes are on sale at the Clubhouse from
1o till 4 today and Wednesday.

BARKER

The Mayor of Barker says she'll form a small
committee to look at the advantages and
disadvantages of dissolving the village government.
Joanne Greenwald says a longtime resident asked
her to explore the possibility. Meetings will be open
to the public and are expected to start next month.
Greenwald was just re-elected Mayor last month.

LEWISTON ACCIDENT

A 13 year old Lewiston boy was taken to
Buffalo's Womens and Childrens Hospital
by Mercy Flight Sunday morning after the
ATV he was riding was hit by a car on
Dickersonville Road. The youngster
suffered head, chest, and leg injuries.
The driver of the car was taken to Mount
Saint Mary's for observation. The Sheriff's
Department says the boy was riding with a
group of others on off road vehicles when
he made aU turn in front of the car. The
driver was unable to stop in time. The boy
was found lying in the road around 11:30 am

FALLS SHOOTING

A 27 year old Falls man in guarded condition after
being shot in the chest around 4am Sunday after his
girlfriend's car broke down in the 500 block of
18th Street. Police say the incident could be related
to an earlier home invasion in the 500 block of Fourth
Street. They found a black mask in the back seat of
the car and the victims of the home invasion said the
two men who burst into their home were wearing
masks. The female owner of the car told police
she was walking to a convenience store to get
transmission fluid when she heard three gunshots
and heard the victim, Alexander Lee, yell that he
had been shot. One witness told police the victim
knocked on his door clutching a dipstick. Police
said a resident of the home that had been broken into
told police he would take care of what happened
himself.

ERIE CANAL WINNERS

Two men from Buffalo have won this year's
Erie Canal Songwriting Contest. John Mahoney
and Patrick Gordon's tune is called "Down on The
Erie." Spokesman Doug Farley calls it an uptempo
ballad which highlights some rather unusual
observations about bullfrogs and fishing poles
along the waterway. This year's "Key To The Locks"
award will go to Clint Starkey. He's been active
in many community organizations including the
Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce. The
second place in the songwriting contest went
to John Kogut of Bath, Ohio for a song called
"The Water." A father and son team from North
Tonawanda placed third with "Towpath Mishap."
The first place winners share $100, the second place
winner receives $50, and the third place winners
get a $50 certificate from the Lockport Music Center.
The entries were judged by Farlety, Deputy County
Historian Craig Bacon, and Music Center owner
Ralph Fava. They will be honored May 9 at
ceremonies at the Erie Canal Discovery Center.