The State Labor Department reports the County's
unemployment rate improved slightly last month.
It had been 9.9 per cent in April, it fell to 9.3 per cent
in May. The number had stood at 6.6 per cent a year
ago. There was also an improvement in Orleans
County. It fell to 8.8 per cent last month after being
at 9.6 per cent the previous month. There was no
change in Erie County where it remained flat at
8.1 per cent. The Statewide numbers continued to
climb. The Labor Department said the rate increased
from 7.7 per cent in April to 8.2 per cent last month,
a 16 year high. The Governor released a statement
saying it's further proof the Senate needs to get back
to work. He said it's a time for action and for placing
the people's interests above personal politics.
Friday, June 19, 2009
O-K TO SUE
State Supreme Court Judge Richard Klock
ruled Thursday a 21 year okld Falls man can
sue the City for using a taser to obtain a DNA
sample. Ryan Smith was tasered by the Police
Department last September when he refused to
open his mouth to allow them to swab the inside
of his cheek. The judge said he was skeptical
about Smith's chances of winning damages but
he gave his lawyer the o-k to file a late notice of
claim against the City. He said people have a
right to litigate their claims.
ruled Thursday a 21 year okld Falls man can
sue the City for using a taser to obtain a DNA
sample. Ryan Smith was tasered by the Police
Department last September when he refused to
open his mouth to allow them to swab the inside
of his cheek. The judge said he was skeptical
about Smith's chances of winning damages but
he gave his lawyer the o-k to file a late notice of
claim against the City. He said people have a
right to litigate their claims.
TEXTING WHILE DRIVING
It'll soon be illegal to text message while driving
in Niagara County. The Legislature Tuesday
night o-k'd a measure that'll go into effect after
lawmakers hold a public hearing July 28th and
then take second vote on the law. The fine
would be $150. The State DOT says about
30% of all accidents are caused by distracted
drivers.
in Niagara County. The Legislature Tuesday
night o-k'd a measure that'll go into effect after
lawmakers hold a public hearing July 28th and
then take second vote on the law. The fine
would be $150. The State DOT says about
30% of all accidents are caused by distracted
drivers.
BURGLARY, MENACING & ASSAULT
A 23 year old Lockport man was caught by police
early Thursday after he allegedly entered a home
at 119 Erie and assaulted a woman. Lemuel Hardy
Junior of 25 Adam is charged with burglary,
menacing and assault. The victim said she was
chatting with an out of state friend on her computer
around 4am when she felt someone place their
arm around her neck in a chokehold. She initially
thought someone else in the house was having
fun with her, but then realized it was an intruder.
She began to struggle and fight and told police
Hardy choked her and punched her several times
about the head and face. A TV was knocked over
in the struggle and the woman grabbed a folding
chair to defend herself. That's when Hardy ran
out a side door leading to Evans Street. Police
caught him a short time later on Walnut and the
victim identified him as the man responsible.
She was taken to ENH-Lockport for treatment.
Police said Hardy entered the house through an
unlocked side door off Evans.
early Thursday after he allegedly entered a home
at 119 Erie and assaulted a woman. Lemuel Hardy
Junior of 25 Adam is charged with burglary,
menacing and assault. The victim said she was
chatting with an out of state friend on her computer
around 4am when she felt someone place their
arm around her neck in a chokehold. She initially
thought someone else in the house was having
fun with her, but then realized it was an intruder.
She began to struggle and fight and told police
Hardy choked her and punched her several times
about the head and face. A TV was knocked over
in the struggle and the woman grabbed a folding
chair to defend herself. That's when Hardy ran
out a side door leading to Evans Street. Police
caught him a short time later on Walnut and the
victim identified him as the man responsible.
She was taken to ENH-Lockport for treatment.
Police said Hardy entered the house through an
unlocked side door off Evans.
SUPERMARKET BREAK-IN'S
Candy, cash, and cigarettes were taken early
Thursday in two supermarket break-in's in the
Falls. Police say the rear door of Bishara
Brothers Grocery was smashed and ten
cartons of cigarettes and $200 in candy were
removed, the total coming to over $1500. A
window at the Safeway Food Mart at 623 Pine
said a front window was removed at about 4am
and a quantity of cigarettes were taken and
$800 was stolen from the register. Police are
trying to identify the bandit through a store
video.
Thursday in two supermarket break-in's in the
Falls. Police say the rear door of Bishara
Brothers Grocery was smashed and ten
cartons of cigarettes and $200 in candy were
removed, the total coming to over $1500. A
window at the Safeway Food Mart at 623 Pine
said a front window was removed at about 4am
and a quantity of cigarettes were taken and
$800 was stolen from the register. Police are
trying to identify the bandit through a store
video.
WINE EMPORIUM
The owner of the Lockport Wine Emporium says
he has been unable to reach a deal with the City
to operate out of 79 Canal Street. Jack Martin plans
to run the store out of a building he already owns
at 16 Main. He expects to open in mid-July.
he has been unable to reach a deal with the City
to operate out of 79 Canal Street. Jack Martin plans
to run the store out of a building he already owns
at 16 Main. He expects to open in mid-July.
SUMMIT MALL
Wheatfield Supervisor Tim Demler said
yesterday a bankruptcy court in North
Carolina has cleared the way for the Summit
Mall to stay open at least through the end
of July. Demler said the owners are
negoiating with a potential buyer and the
Town is continuing to offer it's help to keep
the process moving along. He said a sale
is very close and hopefully it'll happen within
the time frame to allow the Mall to stay open.
yesterday a bankruptcy court in North
Carolina has cleared the way for the Summit
Mall to stay open at least through the end
of July. Demler said the owners are
negoiating with a potential buyer and the
Town is continuing to offer it's help to keep
the process moving along. He said a sale
is very close and hopefully it'll happen within
the time frame to allow the Mall to stay open.
BUDWEY'S OPENING IN NEWFANE
Final preparations are being made in Newfane
where Budwey's will open it's new supermarket
Sunday. The 1900 square foot store has seen
an almost complete makeover. Frank Budwey
says about 97% of it is new, that they even
replaced the floor. State Senator George
Maziarz is expected to be on hand for the
grand opening at 9am Sunday.
where Budwey's will open it's new supermarket
Sunday. The 1900 square foot store has seen
an almost complete makeover. Frank Budwey
says about 97% of it is new, that they even
replaced the floor. State Senator George
Maziarz is expected to be on hand for the
grand opening at 9am Sunday.
SWINE FLU
The County Health Department says three
children in the Falls have swine flu and three
others in Barker have recovered from the
illness. Two of the children in the Falls
attend Gaskill Middle School while the
other is a three year old. A spokeswoman
said they check with hospitals and schools
each day to check on possible cases. She
said despite the sudden increase in cases,
schools have not reported any significant
spikes in absenteeism.
children in the Falls have swine flu and three
others in Barker have recovered from the
illness. Two of the children in the Falls
attend Gaskill Middle School while the
other is a three year old. A spokeswoman
said they check with hospitals and schools
each day to check on possible cases. She
said despite the sudden increase in cases,
schools have not reported any significant
spikes in absenteeism.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
HOSPITAL CUTS
Eastern Niagara Hospital will close it's
Founders Health Clinic in Wrights
Corners at the end of the month. Hospital
spokeswoman Carolyn Moore blamed a
$1.3-million cut in State funding. She said
eight of the clinic's 15 workers would lose
their jobs but seven otrhers would be
offered positions elsewhere. The closure
is just one of several actions to save cash.
Eight positions, some vacant, were cut
at their two hospitals and four jobs were
eliminated at the Newfane Rehabilitation
and Health Care Center. Hospital CEO
Clare Harr said the State budget contained
a $500,000 loss in aid to the hospitals and
the nursing home was hit with an $800,000
cut in funding. She said it was a difficult
decision but they had an obligation to do
what was prudent.
Founders Health Clinic in Wrights
Corners at the end of the month. Hospital
spokeswoman Carolyn Moore blamed a
$1.3-million cut in State funding. She said
eight of the clinic's 15 workers would lose
their jobs but seven otrhers would be
offered positions elsewhere. The closure
is just one of several actions to save cash.
Eight positions, some vacant, were cut
at their two hospitals and four jobs were
eliminated at the Newfane Rehabilitation
and Health Care Center. Hospital CEO
Clare Harr said the State budget contained
a $500,000 loss in aid to the hospitals and
the nursing home was hit with an $800,000
cut in funding. She said it was a difficult
decision but they had an obligation to do
what was prudent.
LOCKPORT PAVING PROJECTS
The entire length of Niagara Street in Lockport
will be repaved as part of the City's Summer
paving program. Mayor Mike Tucker released
a list last night of 31 streets that'll have work
done on them. It includes High Street from South
Transit to Park Place and State Road between
Amelia and Summit. Also included are Bristol
Street and Avenue, Carlton Place, Church Alley,
Elm & Fletcher, Gaffney Road, Matt Murphy Way,
Nichols, Olcott, Ontario, Spalding and Water
Streets. Selected blocks will see some action
on Cottage and Grand Streets, Harwood Avenue,
Hawley, Irving and Market Streets, Park Avenue
and Prospect, South, South Niagara, Vine, Washburn
and West High. Tucker said crews had already
completed work on Oliver Street and the City
parking lot on Chestnut. Highways and Parks
Superintendent Mike Hoffman told lawmakers
the deadline for companies to submit bids for
the City's curbside recycling contract has been
extended till July 10.
will be repaved as part of the City's Summer
paving program. Mayor Mike Tucker released
a list last night of 31 streets that'll have work
done on them. It includes High Street from South
Transit to Park Place and State Road between
Amelia and Summit. Also included are Bristol
Street and Avenue, Carlton Place, Church Alley,
Elm & Fletcher, Gaffney Road, Matt Murphy Way,
Nichols, Olcott, Ontario, Spalding and Water
Streets. Selected blocks will see some action
on Cottage and Grand Streets, Harwood Avenue,
Hawley, Irving and Market Streets, Park Avenue
and Prospect, South, South Niagara, Vine, Washburn
and West High. Tucker said crews had already
completed work on Oliver Street and the City
parking lot on Chestnut. Highways and Parks
Superintendent Mike Hoffman told lawmakers
the deadline for companies to submit bids for
the City's curbside recycling contract has been
extended till July 10.
YAHOO
A couple of promising developments today
in the quest to get Yahoo to build it's $150-million
data center in Niagara County. The company's
Senior Director of Data Center Engineering
and Operations said last night no spot's
perfect but Lockport comes closer than most
and they are farther along in the process here
than anywhere else. Senator Chuck Schumer
disclosed today he is working with the company
and Verizon to reach a decision on the cost
involved in connecting the phone company's
existing infrastructure to the potential site in
the Town Industrial Park. The Town Planning
Board last night o-k'd a 20 year property tax break
which includes a full exemption from property
taxes for ten years. The company would be
taxed at 20 per cent of it's assessed value in
years 11 & 12. The rate would go up by 20%
every two years thereafter until the full
assessment was reached. The Planning Board
will have a public hearing and vote on the site
plan at 2pm June 30th, the Town IDA will hold a
public hearing and vote on the proposal an
hour later.
in the quest to get Yahoo to build it's $150-million
data center in Niagara County. The company's
Senior Director of Data Center Engineering
and Operations said last night no spot's
perfect but Lockport comes closer than most
and they are farther along in the process here
than anywhere else. Senator Chuck Schumer
disclosed today he is working with the company
and Verizon to reach a decision on the cost
involved in connecting the phone company's
existing infrastructure to the potential site in
the Town Industrial Park. The Town Planning
Board last night o-k'd a 20 year property tax break
which includes a full exemption from property
taxes for ten years. The company would be
taxed at 20 per cent of it's assessed value in
years 11 & 12. The rate would go up by 20%
every two years thereafter until the full
assessment was reached. The Planning Board
will have a public hearing and vote on the site
plan at 2pm June 30th, the Town IDA will hold a
public hearing and vote on the proposal an
hour later.
BEETLE
The State DEC says a beetle that destroys ash
trees has been found in Cattaragus County.
It's the first time the emerald ash borer has
been detected in our State. It destroys green,
white, black, and blue ash. There are more than
900 million ash trees in New York and there is
little than can be done to stop it's spread. The
State adopted regulations last year that ban
untreated firewood from entering the State and
makes it illegal to transport firewood grown here
more than 50 miles from it's source. Ironically,
the name of the Commissioner of the State Office
of Parks and Recreation is Carol Ash. She said
they would try to protect forests in the Southern
Tier and at Alleghany State Park. She said
patrons should not bring firewood to that park
or any other. She said to buy it locally and
to burn all that you buy.
trees has been found in Cattaragus County.
It's the first time the emerald ash borer has
been detected in our State. It destroys green,
white, black, and blue ash. There are more than
900 million ash trees in New York and there is
little than can be done to stop it's spread. The
State adopted regulations last year that ban
untreated firewood from entering the State and
makes it illegal to transport firewood grown here
more than 50 miles from it's source. Ironically,
the name of the Commissioner of the State Office
of Parks and Recreation is Carol Ash. She said
they would try to protect forests in the Southern
Tier and at Alleghany State Park. She said
patrons should not bring firewood to that park
or any other. She said to buy it locally and
to burn all that you buy.
ROYALTON HOME INVASION
The Sheriff's Department reporting a home
invasion last night in Royalton. It happened
just after 11 in an apartment at 4443 Main.
A 26 year old woman said she arrived home
and was investigating a noise, when her
door was kicked in and she was assaulted
by three black men wearing masks. They tied
her up and locked her....and her four year
old daughter in a seperate room...then fled
after taking her purse and car. The
woman suffered brusing and swelling to her
head and facial lacerations. The child was
unharmed.
invasion last night in Royalton. It happened
just after 11 in an apartment at 4443 Main.
A 26 year old woman said she arrived home
and was investigating a noise, when her
door was kicked in and she was assaulted
by three black men wearing masks. They tied
her up and locked her....and her four year
old daughter in a seperate room...then fled
after taking her purse and car. The
woman suffered brusing and swelling to her
head and facial lacerations. The child was
unharmed.
MARIJUANA GROW HOUSE
More than 300 marijuana plants were seized
by Falls Police early Wednesday morning in a
raid on a home at 228 71st Street. The house
contained a high tech air filtration system and
sophisticated lithium lights were hung through
the grow areas. A 15 year old girl and an 18
year old boy were in the house but police said
they did not live there. The adult resident was
said to have been hospitalized Tuesday and no
arrests were made. Officials said a Warrants
Officer got a tip something was going on.
A subpoena from a City Judge enabled them
to get a copy of the home's eletctric bill and
it indicated the usage was five to ten times above
normal. A Customs Department chopper with
infra-red equipment flew over the home and it
showed extreme heat eminating from the
structure. The City's Building Inspectors cut
off the power and condemned the house.
by Falls Police early Wednesday morning in a
raid on a home at 228 71st Street. The house
contained a high tech air filtration system and
sophisticated lithium lights were hung through
the grow areas. A 15 year old girl and an 18
year old boy were in the house but police said
they did not live there. The adult resident was
said to have been hospitalized Tuesday and no
arrests were made. Officials said a Warrants
Officer got a tip something was going on.
A subpoena from a City Judge enabled them
to get a copy of the home's eletctric bill and
it indicated the usage was five to ten times above
normal. A Customs Department chopper with
infra-red equipment flew over the home and it
showed extreme heat eminating from the
structure. The City's Building Inspectors cut
off the power and condemned the house.
WANTED FOR QUESTIONNING
Falls Police Wednesday identified two men they
want to question in connection with last Saturday's
shotgun slaying on Ferry Avenue. They are 21
year old Phillip Holloway of Texas and 26 year old
Darrius Molson of the Garden View Apartments in
Cheektowaga. They said Molson is known to
hang out around 19th and Walnut. Twenty-seven year
old Deion Wood was shot to death around 3am last
Saturday while he was sitting on a porch with a
woman on Ferry Avenue. Anyone with information
is asked to call 286-4553.
want to question in connection with last Saturday's
shotgun slaying on Ferry Avenue. They are 21
year old Phillip Holloway of Texas and 26 year old
Darrius Molson of the Garden View Apartments in
Cheektowaga. They said Molson is known to
hang out around 19th and Walnut. Twenty-seven year
old Deion Wood was shot to death around 3am last
Saturday while he was sitting on a porch with a
woman on Ferry Avenue. Anyone with information
is asked to call 286-4553.
NEWFANE BREAK IN
Three hundred dollars was taken during a daytime
break in Monday on Rounds Road in Newfane.
The victims said they were not going to report it
but this is the second time it's happened. The money
was taken from a desk in the bedroom. They
suspect entry was made through an unlocked rear
porch window.
break in Monday on Rounds Road in Newfane.
The victims said they were not going to report it
but this is the second time it's happened. The money
was taken from a desk in the bedroom. They
suspect entry was made through an unlocked rear
porch window.
WILSON CARPET FIRE
A carpet fire just before noon yesterday caused
heavy smoke damage to a home at 5165 Ide Road
in Wilson. Sixty-seven year old Jonathon Cheek
said he was cleaning spilled paint on carpeting
in the basement with gasoline. He waited about
ten minutes and was using a vacuum to clean it
when it caught fire. He left the two story home and
called 9-1-1. The Wilson Volunteer Fire Company
was able to contain the blaze to a small portion
of the carpet. It's believed static electricity started
the small blaze.
heavy smoke damage to a home at 5165 Ide Road
in Wilson. Sixty-seven year old Jonathon Cheek
said he was cleaning spilled paint on carpeting
in the basement with gasoline. He waited about
ten minutes and was using a vacuum to clean it
when it caught fire. He left the two story home and
called 9-1-1. The Wilson Volunteer Fire Company
was able to contain the blaze to a small portion
of the carpet. It's believed static electricity started
the small blaze.
HESS ROAD
A man who was suspected of trying to steal
landscaping equipment and other tools from
a front yard on Hess Road was able to
elude three police agencies late last night.
The owner had the suspect trapped in a
tree with a light shining on him when
sheriffs deputies arrived...but the man
jumped from the tree and deputies, the
State Police, and a Town of Lewiston K-9
officer lost him in a chase through a wooded
area. The items were on the lawn because the
owner was trying to sell them.
landscaping equipment and other tools from
a front yard on Hess Road was able to
elude three police agencies late last night.
The owner had the suspect trapped in a
tree with a light shining on him when
sheriffs deputies arrived...but the man
jumped from the tree and deputies, the
State Police, and a Town of Lewiston K-9
officer lost him in a chase through a wooded
area. The items were on the lawn because the
owner was trying to sell them.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
COUNTY LEGISLATURE
County lawmakers decided last night to speed
up their plan to downsize the Legislature. They
voted to hold a public hearing next month so
the proposal to reduce the number of
respresentatives from 19 to 15 could be placed
on the November ballot. North Tonawanda's
Paul Wojtaszek co-sponsored the resolution.
He called it a plan to "rightsize" the legislature
and noted it was consistent with what they've
done to the County workforce over the past five
years. He said they had reduced it by about
20% and cutting four members would be
about the same percentage. Lawmakers had
originally planned to appoint a special
committee to study the question and then hold
the referendum next year. The vote was 19-0
though Minority Leader Dennis Virtuoso said
he wished they would take more time to study
the issue. Wojtaszek said they are awaiting the
results of next year's census. Legislature
Chairman Bill Ross still plans to appoint a
commitee after the election to study other
possible changes including term limits and
a possible pay raise. If the public approves the
idea, the smaller Legislature would be elected
for the first time in 2011.
up their plan to downsize the Legislature. They
voted to hold a public hearing next month so
the proposal to reduce the number of
respresentatives from 19 to 15 could be placed
on the November ballot. North Tonawanda's
Paul Wojtaszek co-sponsored the resolution.
He called it a plan to "rightsize" the legislature
and noted it was consistent with what they've
done to the County workforce over the past five
years. He said they had reduced it by about
20% and cutting four members would be
about the same percentage. Lawmakers had
originally planned to appoint a special
committee to study the question and then hold
the referendum next year. The vote was 19-0
though Minority Leader Dennis Virtuoso said
he wished they would take more time to study
the issue. Wojtaszek said they are awaiting the
results of next year's census. Legislature
Chairman Bill Ross still plans to appoint a
commitee after the election to study other
possible changes including term limits and
a possible pay raise. If the public approves the
idea, the smaller Legislature would be elected
for the first time in 2011.
ALBANY
A State judge refused yesterday to declare last
week's GOP led coup of the State Senate illegal.
Judge Thomas McNamara said having the court
decide the dispute would be an intrusion into the
internal workings of a co-equal branch of
government. The Governor urged both sides
to return to the Chamber and get to work. He
said there are 21 relatively uncontroversial bills
to extend legilsation that will expire without
action, and another 20 that involve issues
that need immediate attention. He said they
could put aside their leadership differences
and stipulate there would no leader for the
time being, that some impartial person could
preside over the Senate and that the bills
could be passed in a couple of days, then
they could find a way to resolve the issue.
A reporter asked Paterson who would be
first in the line of succession if anything
happened to him. Paterson said the issue
is in dispute and said he interpreted the
silence that followed as meaning that
everyone wished him good health.
week's GOP led coup of the State Senate illegal.
Judge Thomas McNamara said having the court
decide the dispute would be an intrusion into the
internal workings of a co-equal branch of
government. The Governor urged both sides
to return to the Chamber and get to work. He
said there are 21 relatively uncontroversial bills
to extend legilsation that will expire without
action, and another 20 that involve issues
that need immediate attention. He said they
could put aside their leadership differences
and stipulate there would no leader for the
time being, that some impartial person could
preside over the Senate and that the bills
could be passed in a couple of days, then
they could find a way to resolve the issue.
A reporter asked Paterson who would be
first in the line of succession if anything
happened to him. Paterson said the issue
is in dispute and said he interpreted the
silence that followed as meaning that
everyone wished him good health.
COURTHOUSE DEDICATION
The public's invited this afternoon as dedication
ceremonies are held for the new Courthouse and
Public Safety Building in the Falls. The formal
remarks by a long list of speakers is at 4 pm.
Mayor Paul Dyster says the Chief Judge of the
State Court of Appeals, Jonathon Lippman,
will be among them. A private reception for
the court staff will follow. A street festival
for the public from 6 till 10 will include music
from The Junkyard Dogs, and a classic
rock band, Everyday People. The building
will be open for tours. It all happens rain or
shine.
ceremonies are held for the new Courthouse and
Public Safety Building in the Falls. The formal
remarks by a long list of speakers is at 4 pm.
Mayor Paul Dyster says the Chief Judge of the
State Court of Appeals, Jonathon Lippman,
will be among them. A private reception for
the court staff will follow. A street festival
for the public from 6 till 10 will include music
from The Junkyard Dogs, and a classic
rock band, Everyday People. The building
will be open for tours. It all happens rain or
shine.
OPERATING CERTIFICATE SUSPENDED
The State has suspended the operating certificate
for the group home in Lockport where 24 year old
Renee Greco was murdered. An administrative
director for New Directions Youth & Family Services
said she did not believe they would ever place
children in the home again. Greco's friends plan
to hold a vigil in Greco's memory in front of the
East Avenue home next Monday at 7:30.
for the group home in Lockport where 24 year old
Renee Greco was murdered. An administrative
director for New Directions Youth & Family Services
said she did not believe they would ever place
children in the home again. Greco's friends plan
to hold a vigil in Greco's memory in front of the
East Avenue home next Monday at 7:30.
WHEATFIELD SUPERVISORS RACE
The Democratic and Working Families parties
have endorsed Sam Conti Junior for the
Town Supervisor's job in Wheatfield. The
42 year old is a crane and shovel operator
in the local state parks. He ran unsuccessfully
for the Town Council in 2005 and 2007. He
promises an open government if elected and
pledged to get new grants to pay for walking
and bike trails. He's also in favor of sharing
services with other municipalities and the
development of a cargo hub for the Falls
Airport to create jobs and cut taxes.
have endorsed Sam Conti Junior for the
Town Supervisor's job in Wheatfield. The
42 year old is a crane and shovel operator
in the local state parks. He ran unsuccessfully
for the Town Council in 2005 and 2007. He
promises an open government if elected and
pledged to get new grants to pay for walking
and bike trails. He's also in favor of sharing
services with other municipalities and the
development of a cargo hub for the Falls
Airport to create jobs and cut taxes.
TOODLER FALLS FROM WINDOW
A toddler was taken to Buffalo's Womens and
Childrens Hospital with minor injuries yesterday
morning after he fell out of a second story window
in the Town of Lockport. The incident happened
around 10:30 at 5788 Glendale Drive. Sheriff's
deputies said the boy, who is either 2 or 3, was
alert and crying when they arrived. The boy's
mom, 26 year old Rebecca Synder, said he
fell from a window in an upstairs bedroom. She
said the window had been closed and locked...and
that the boy's older brother alerted her to the
accident. She told deputies there had never been
a screen on the window but the owner said there
had been one there when Synder moved in.
Child Protective Services was notified.
Childrens Hospital with minor injuries yesterday
morning after he fell out of a second story window
in the Town of Lockport. The incident happened
around 10:30 at 5788 Glendale Drive. Sheriff's
deputies said the boy, who is either 2 or 3, was
alert and crying when they arrived. The boy's
mom, 26 year old Rebecca Synder, said he
fell from a window in an upstairs bedroom. She
said the window had been closed and locked...and
that the boy's older brother alerted her to the
accident. She told deputies there had never been
a screen on the window but the owner said there
had been one there when Synder moved in.
Child Protective Services was notified.
PRIDGEN ADVISES DIVERSITY TRAINING
The pastor of Buffalo's True Bethel Baptist
Church told the Lew Port School Board last
night the entire board should undergo
diversity training to prevent any further acts
of discrimination against minorities and women.
The Reverand Darius Pridgen publically
accepted the apology of School Board
President Robert Weller for sending
controversial e-mails to other members. He
said what hopefully began as possibly poor
judgement will end in good leadership. About
50 people were at the meeting and Pridgen's
remarks were well received. Weller called
him a gentleman afterwards. In their formal
meeting, the Board voted not to pay the legal
bills for four former members who are being
sued by outgoing member Scott Stepien.
Church told the Lew Port School Board last
night the entire board should undergo
diversity training to prevent any further acts
of discrimination against minorities and women.
The Reverand Darius Pridgen publically
accepted the apology of School Board
President Robert Weller for sending
controversial e-mails to other members. He
said what hopefully began as possibly poor
judgement will end in good leadership. About
50 people were at the meeting and Pridgen's
remarks were well received. Weller called
him a gentleman afterwards. In their formal
meeting, the Board voted not to pay the legal
bills for four former members who are being
sued by outgoing member Scott Stepien.
NEWFANE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
The Newfane School Board last night o-k'd
a request for proposals for a new school
resource officer. The action coming after
they decided earlier this month to opt out
of their contract with the Sheriff's Department.
They can still reply to the request, as can any
private corporation, retired officers, or the
State Police. School Superintendent Gary
Pogorzelski said the entire process will go
quickly and could wrap up in a few weeks.
The Board is hoping to fill the position in no
more than two months.
a request for proposals for a new school
resource officer. The action coming after
they decided earlier this month to opt out
of their contract with the Sheriff's Department.
They can still reply to the request, as can any
private corporation, retired officers, or the
State Police. School Superintendent Gary
Pogorzelski said the entire process will go
quickly and could wrap up in a few weeks.
The Board is hoping to fill the position in no
more than two months.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
AFTERMATH OF GRECO MURDER
State Senator George Maziarz not happy
with what he and Assemblywoman Jane
Corwin found out yesterday after they
met with the Deputy Commissioner of the
State's Office of Children and Family Services,
Karen Walker Bryce. The meeting was
prompted by last week's murder of 24 year
old Renee Greco by two teens at a group
home in Lockport. Maziarz said he was
very very concerned that the two teens , and
several hundred others across the State,
are being placed by the agency in inappropriate
settings. He said both of the teens, and
especially one of them, had an extremely
violent past and staff at secure facilities had
reccomended they not be released to an
unsecure one. Maziarz said he would meet
with the head of the agency today about their
guidelines that said one adult could supervise
six troubled males. He said those guidelines
are inappropriate....and that Bryce would not
answer when asked if they were releasing
troubled teens to insecure facilities. The
two teens charged in the killing appeared in
City Court yesterday. Eighteen year old
Anthony Allen and 17 year old Robert Thousand
are being held without bail. They're being
represented by Public Defenders and waived a
felony hearing to determine if there was
enough evidence to prosecute them. That sent
the case to the County level and it's expected to
be presented to a Grand Jury.
with what he and Assemblywoman Jane
Corwin found out yesterday after they
met with the Deputy Commissioner of the
State's Office of Children and Family Services,
Karen Walker Bryce. The meeting was
prompted by last week's murder of 24 year
old Renee Greco by two teens at a group
home in Lockport. Maziarz said he was
very very concerned that the two teens , and
several hundred others across the State,
are being placed by the agency in inappropriate
settings. He said both of the teens, and
especially one of them, had an extremely
violent past and staff at secure facilities had
reccomended they not be released to an
unsecure one. Maziarz said he would meet
with the head of the agency today about their
guidelines that said one adult could supervise
six troubled males. He said those guidelines
are inappropriate....and that Bryce would not
answer when asked if they were releasing
troubled teens to insecure facilities. The
two teens charged in the killing appeared in
City Court yesterday. Eighteen year old
Anthony Allen and 17 year old Robert Thousand
are being held without bail. They're being
represented by Public Defenders and waived a
felony hearing to determine if there was
enough evidence to prosecute them. That sent
the case to the County level and it's expected to
be presented to a Grand Jury.
PHONES OUT AT LOCKPORT CITY HALL
Lockport Mayor Mike Tucker says the City
will be switching phone companys as an
outage that started around noon Friday
continued yesterday and was not resolved
till around 10:30 this morning. He said it's not the
first time it's happened and he told City
Engineer Norm Allen yesterday to send out
a request for proposals for another company
to provide service. He said this is the last time
it was going to happen. The outage also affected
the Courts, Police, and Fire. Tucker said they
used cell phones but luckily the
9-1-1 service was not affected. The
City has been using Choice One.
will be switching phone companys as an
outage that started around noon Friday
continued yesterday and was not resolved
till around 10:30 this morning. He said it's not the
first time it's happened and he told City
Engineer Norm Allen yesterday to send out
a request for proposals for another company
to provide service. He said this is the last time
it was going to happen. The outage also affected
the Courts, Police, and Fire. Tucker said they
used cell phones but luckily the
9-1-1 service was not affected. The
City has been using Choice One.
FALLS COUNCIL SAYS TO STOP SENDING SEX OFFENDERS TO LIVE HERE
Lawmakers in the Falls last night passed
a resolution asking State Supreme Court
Judges to stop sending sex offenders to
the City to live. The action taken following
State Supreme Court Judge Richard Klock's
ruling that sent 51 year old James McKinney
of North Tonawanda to a boarding house
not far from the Niagara Street School. They
want Klock to reconsider the ruling. The
resolution passed after the Revitalization
Coordinator For The Niagara Street Business
Association, Ron Anderluh, spoke during the
4 o'clock work session. He said they don't
want the City to be used as a dumping ground
and they already have the highest concentration
of sex offenders in the State. They want the
McKinney decision reversed. Council President
Chris Robins teaches at the school and asked
Anderluh to present a report to the Council.
Robins said the sex offenders can be on the
streets from 8pm to 8am and that the children
go to school at 8:45 and get out at 3:30. He
said there are many times they look out the
window right after school and they see the
offenders walking up and down the street.
He said data shows most will reoffend again
and asked whose child is it going to be with?
Klock will get a copy of the resolution and so
will other State agencies involved in the
decision. The MidTown Inn....formerly
known as the Zodiac Lounge, has about a
dozen sex offenders living there according
to the business association.
a resolution asking State Supreme Court
Judges to stop sending sex offenders to
the City to live. The action taken following
State Supreme Court Judge Richard Klock's
ruling that sent 51 year old James McKinney
of North Tonawanda to a boarding house
not far from the Niagara Street School. They
want Klock to reconsider the ruling. The
resolution passed after the Revitalization
Coordinator For The Niagara Street Business
Association, Ron Anderluh, spoke during the
4 o'clock work session. He said they don't
want the City to be used as a dumping ground
and they already have the highest concentration
of sex offenders in the State. They want the
McKinney decision reversed. Council President
Chris Robins teaches at the school and asked
Anderluh to present a report to the Council.
Robins said the sex offenders can be on the
streets from 8pm to 8am and that the children
go to school at 8:45 and get out at 3:30. He
said there are many times they look out the
window right after school and they see the
offenders walking up and down the street.
He said data shows most will reoffend again
and asked whose child is it going to be with?
Klock will get a copy of the resolution and so
will other State agencies involved in the
decision. The MidTown Inn....formerly
known as the Zodiac Lounge, has about a
dozen sex offenders living there according
to the business association.
FALLS FIREHOUSE
Falls Fire Chief Bill MacKay told the City Council
last night his department is applying for a
federal grant to pay for major renovations or
reconstruction of the 10th Street Fire Hall.
The action was prompted by the recent
collapse of a portion of the roof. MacKay said
the collapse was caused by heavy Spring rains
and the DPW had been patching the section
for years. DPW Director Dave Kinney said
the hole was considerable and a roofer
said it would cost over $5,000 to repair.
MacKay said the roof was only part of the
problem, that the building was designed for
the horse and buggy era and originally had
horses and barns. He says it does not meet
the criteria for a fire station. Councilmember
Sam Fruscione toured the building last week
and said you can see clear though to the sky.
It's one of five fire halls in the city.
last night his department is applying for a
federal grant to pay for major renovations or
reconstruction of the 10th Street Fire Hall.
The action was prompted by the recent
collapse of a portion of the roof. MacKay said
the collapse was caused by heavy Spring rains
and the DPW had been patching the section
for years. DPW Director Dave Kinney said
the hole was considerable and a roofer
said it would cost over $5,000 to repair.
MacKay said the roof was only part of the
problem, that the building was designed for
the horse and buggy era and originally had
horses and barns. He says it does not meet
the criteria for a fire station. Councilmember
Sam Fruscione toured the building last week
and said you can see clear though to the sky.
It's one of five fire halls in the city.
YAHOO
The County Planning Board yesterday approved
Yahoo's plan to put in a $150-million data center
in the Town of Lockport Industrial Park. It's still
not a lock that they'll be coming here, but if they
do, the project would be built in two phases. The
first would include an office building, five
prefabricated metal pods, and a 115-kilowatt
power station. Phase Two would be completed
by 2012 and include five more pods. Each pod
would measure about 60 by 270 feet and would
have a slanted roof. They would be connected
by a single central maintenance hallway. The entire
compound would be surrounded by a six foot
high security fence. The Town is expected to
o-k the site plan and tax breaks next month. No
one from Yahoo was at the meeting. They hired
Wendel Duchscherer to conduct the site work
and a representative spoke for the company.
He said the jobs would pay $50,000 to $65,000
a year.
Yahoo's plan to put in a $150-million data center
in the Town of Lockport Industrial Park. It's still
not a lock that they'll be coming here, but if they
do, the project would be built in two phases. The
first would include an office building, five
prefabricated metal pods, and a 115-kilowatt
power station. Phase Two would be completed
by 2012 and include five more pods. Each pod
would measure about 60 by 270 feet and would
have a slanted roof. They would be connected
by a single central maintenance hallway. The entire
compound would be surrounded by a six foot
high security fence. The Town is expected to
o-k the site plan and tax breaks next month. No
one from Yahoo was at the meeting. They hired
Wendel Duchscherer to conduct the site work
and a representative spoke for the company.
He said the jobs would pay $50,000 to $65,000
a year.
BREAK ROOM FIRE
A fire in a break room at Relco yesterday morning
did an estimated $10,000 damage. Workers
discovered the blaze just after 8am as they started
their shift. The Terrys Corner Fire Department
was able to contain it to the one room.
did an estimated $10,000 damage. Workers
discovered the blaze just after 8am as they started
their shift. The Terrys Corner Fire Department
was able to contain it to the one room.
RANSOMVILLE CAR BREAK-IN'S
The Sheriff's department is investigating two
vehicle break-in's discovered yesterday
morning in Ransomville. Both were left
unlocked overnight. A woman at 3851
Ransomville Road said about $3 in change
was taken from her center console. A 35
year old man in the house next door said
$80 in change and a Smith & Wesson knife
were missing from his vehicle. The woman
also said a neighbor down the road told her
that her purse had recently been removed
from her vehicle.
vehicle break-in's discovered yesterday
morning in Ransomville. Both were left
unlocked overnight. A woman at 3851
Ransomville Road said about $3 in change
was taken from her center console. A 35
year old man in the house next door said
$80 in change and a Smith & Wesson knife
were missing from his vehicle. The woman
also said a neighbor down the road told her
that her purse had recently been removed
from her vehicle.
LOCKPORT RESIDENT FACING DRUG CHARGES
Thirty-eight year old Stephen Demmin of 19
Ontario in Lockport is facing drug charges
following a traffic stop around 7:15 last night
on Lockport Olcott Road. Deputies pulled
him over for not wearing his seat belt and for
talking on his cell phone. They said they
found a Folgers cofee can containing 34
Lyrica pills and that Dennim's license was
suspended for not paying a fine in
Cheektowaga. He told deputies the pills
were not his, that they belonged to a man
who had used his vehicle. He'll be in Newfane
Town Court tonight.
Ontario in Lockport is facing drug charges
following a traffic stop around 7:15 last night
on Lockport Olcott Road. Deputies pulled
him over for not wearing his seat belt and for
talking on his cell phone. They said they
found a Folgers cofee can containing 34
Lyrica pills and that Dennim's license was
suspended for not paying a fine in
Cheektowaga. He told deputies the pills
were not his, that they belonged to a man
who had used his vehicle. He'll be in Newfane
Town Court tonight.
N-C-C-C BOOKSTORE
Barnes & Noble College Booksellers is taking
over the operation of the NCCC College Bookstore
today. They will also operate another bookstore
and retail shop in the college's planned Hospitality
and Tourism Center when it opens in the Falls.
Officials say the change will make it possible for
students to buy their books at the same time they
register for classes..and new products and services
will be available. Barnes & Noble College Booksellers
operates almost 700 campus bookstores around the
nation.
over the operation of the NCCC College Bookstore
today. They will also operate another bookstore
and retail shop in the college's planned Hospitality
and Tourism Center when it opens in the Falls.
Officials say the change will make it possible for
students to buy their books at the same time they
register for classes..and new products and services
will be available. Barnes & Noble College Booksellers
operates almost 700 campus bookstores around the
nation.
STARPOINT FOOD FIGHT
A Starpoint high school student will be
disciplined by the school....and his father...
after he was handcuffed during a large
food fight last Thursday on the last day
of school. The fight started around
noon and ended with about 75 students
tossing food and lunch trays. Four
deputies were called to the school just
before noon to stop the anticipated
disruption but it went on anyway. Deputy
Craig Beiter and his k-9 dog Zeus had
food thrown at them. The boy was taken
out in cuffs but School Chief doug
Whalen convinced the deputies to let
the school and the dad handle discipline.
About 200 students were in the room when
the fight took place.
disciplined by the school....and his father...
after he was handcuffed during a large
food fight last Thursday on the last day
of school. The fight started around
noon and ended with about 75 students
tossing food and lunch trays. Four
deputies were called to the school just
before noon to stop the anticipated
disruption but it went on anyway. Deputy
Craig Beiter and his k-9 dog Zeus had
food thrown at them. The boy was taken
out in cuffs but School Chief doug
Whalen convinced the deputies to let
the school and the dad handle discipline.
About 200 students were in the room when
the fight took place.
Monday, June 15, 2009
STATE SENATE
A judge is expected to rule this afternoon
if lawmakers can't come to an agreement
over whose in charge of the State Senate.
He told both sides Friday to try and come to
a resolution themselves over the weekend.
He said if they can't, he will issue a ruling.
The Senate is slated to convene at 3pm.
Assemblywoman Francine Del Monte is
hoping they can get it together so they can
deal with all the legislation already passed
in the Assembly. She tells us one of the
bills awaiting action is one she authored
that would bring more bass fishing tournaments
to the State. She says the biggest bass
fishing tournament organization in the
country, FLW Outdoors, rates our State
as being number one for bass fishing...that
three of the top five small mouth bass fisheries
are located on Lakes Erie, Ontario, and
Champlain.
if lawmakers can't come to an agreement
over whose in charge of the State Senate.
He told both sides Friday to try and come to
a resolution themselves over the weekend.
He said if they can't, he will issue a ruling.
The Senate is slated to convene at 3pm.
Assemblywoman Francine Del Monte is
hoping they can get it together so they can
deal with all the legislation already passed
in the Assembly. She tells us one of the
bills awaiting action is one she authored
that would bring more bass fishing tournaments
to the State. She says the biggest bass
fishing tournament organization in the
country, FLW Outdoors, rates our State
as being number one for bass fishing...that
three of the top five small mouth bass fisheries
are located on Lakes Erie, Ontario, and
Champlain.
SECRIST BENEFIT
Tickets will be on sale at the door tonight for
a benefit for Chet's Dog House owner Chet
Secrist. He has leukemia and tonight's spaghetti
dinner and silent auction is just one of several
events that'll be held over the next month and
a half to help pay his medical bills. There'll also
be a show at the Palace with Rob Lederman and
Friends July 22 and a "Dog Day of Summer"
festival on Main Street July 25. Tonight's event
runs from 5 till 8 at the Masonic Hall above the
Submarina at Main and Cottage.
a benefit for Chet's Dog House owner Chet
Secrist. He has leukemia and tonight's spaghetti
dinner and silent auction is just one of several
events that'll be held over the next month and
a half to help pay his medical bills. There'll also
be a show at the Palace with Rob Lederman and
Friends July 22 and a "Dog Day of Summer"
festival on Main Street July 25. Tonight's event
runs from 5 till 8 at the Masonic Hall above the
Submarina at Main and Cottage.
A MURDER SATURDAY IN THE FALLS
Falls Police Detective Captain Ernest Palmer
said last night the department is following
up on information received from the public as
they try to catch two men who shot a 27 year
old man to death early Saturday morning. Dieon
Wood was gunned down as he sat on a porch
in the 1900 block of Ferry Avenue. Neighbors
told police they heard at least five shots and
then saw two men dressed in black running from
the scene. Wood was on parole and was sitting
on the porch with a woman when the attack took
place. She was not hurt but Wood suffered
multiple gunshot wounds to his lower body.
said last night the department is following
up on information received from the public as
they try to catch two men who shot a 27 year
old man to death early Saturday morning. Dieon
Wood was gunned down as he sat on a porch
in the 1900 block of Ferry Avenue. Neighbors
told police they heard at least five shots and
then saw two men dressed in black running from
the scene. Wood was on parole and was sitting
on the porch with a woman when the attack took
place. She was not hurt but Wood suffered
multiple gunshot wounds to his lower body.
BRUNO A SUPPORTER
Former State Senate Majority Leader Joe
Bruno says he now supports legalizing
same sex marriage. The 80 year old says he
sees it as a civil rights issue. In a statement,
he said, as a Republican, I believe in
personal freedom. He added that Governor
David Paterson's support helped him change
his mind on the issue. He said Paterson has
been a long time friend.
Bruno says he now supports legalizing
same sex marriage. The 80 year old says he
sees it as a civil rights issue. In a statement,
he said, as a Republican, I believe in
personal freedom. He added that Governor
David Paterson's support helped him change
his mind on the issue. He said Paterson has
been a long time friend.
LOCKPORT INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
The City of Lockport is looking for more
participants for this year's Independence
Day Parade. Co-chair Tony Nemi says it'll
be held on Thursday, July 2....a change from
past practice. It's always been held on July
3 but that falls on Friday and they don't
want the marchers to conflict with the
Molson Canal concert going on at the
Ulrich Center. He says six bands and baton
twirlers have already committed to be
there and now they're looking for
community groups, churches, and
even businesses that want to take part.
As in years past, the parade will start
at the high school, go down Locust
and end at the Ulrich Center. Call 434-3071
or stop by the Recreation Department for
the necessary paperwork.
participants for this year's Independence
Day Parade. Co-chair Tony Nemi says it'll
be held on Thursday, July 2....a change from
past practice. It's always been held on July
3 but that falls on Friday and they don't
want the marchers to conflict with the
Molson Canal concert going on at the
Ulrich Center. He says six bands and baton
twirlers have already committed to be
there and now they're looking for
community groups, churches, and
even businesses that want to take part.
As in years past, the parade will start
at the high school, go down Locust
and end at the Ulrich Center. Call 434-3071
or stop by the Recreation Department for
the necessary paperwork.
TASTE OF LOCKPORT
Sixteen restaurants and wineries have already
signed up to be at this year's Taste of Lockport
but there's always room for more. An informational
meeting on the event will take place Wednesday
morning at the Daily Grind Coffee Shop at 21 Main.
Event Chair Jeannie Wolf says other
restaurant owners can get information about
the event and how to participate. They're also
looking for volunteers to help with the beer and pop
tents and other activities. The winner of last
year's Peoples Choice Award, Camaratta's will
be back. Some of the others are Danny Sheehans,
Mrs. Ribs, The Sugar Shack, The Shamus, Garlocks,
Papa Leo's and Sweet Melody's. Wolf says she'll
be there between 8 & 9 Wednesday morning and
people can come and go as they need to. The
Taste of Lockport will be held August 16 at
Ida Fritz Park.
signed up to be at this year's Taste of Lockport
but there's always room for more. An informational
meeting on the event will take place Wednesday
morning at the Daily Grind Coffee Shop at 21 Main.
Event Chair Jeannie Wolf says other
restaurant owners can get information about
the event and how to participate. They're also
looking for volunteers to help with the beer and pop
tents and other activities. The winner of last
year's Peoples Choice Award, Camaratta's will
be back. Some of the others are Danny Sheehans,
Mrs. Ribs, The Sugar Shack, The Shamus, Garlocks,
Papa Leo's and Sweet Melody's. Wolf says she'll
be there between 8 & 9 Wednesday morning and
people can come and go as they need to. The
Taste of Lockport will be held August 16 at
Ida Fritz Park.
KITCHEN FIRE
A fire around 2am Sunday forced a family of
six from their apartment at 6559 Lincoln Place
in Lockport. The blaze started with an
electrical problem in the kitchen stove. Freddie
Dpuglas, Sadie Taylor, and their three
children were put up for the night in the
Lockport Hotel by the Red Cross. They were
treated by at the scene for smoke inhalation
by the South Lockport Fire Department. They
said their smoke detector work them up. Another
resident of the apartment, Thomas Rowland, said
he tried to put the fire out with baking soda. South
Lockport ventilated the apartment after Sheriff's
Deputies used a fire extenguisher to put out
the blaze before they arrived.
six from their apartment at 6559 Lincoln Place
in Lockport. The blaze started with an
electrical problem in the kitchen stove. Freddie
Dpuglas, Sadie Taylor, and their three
children were put up for the night in the
Lockport Hotel by the Red Cross. They were
treated by at the scene for smoke inhalation
by the South Lockport Fire Department. They
said their smoke detector work them up. Another
resident of the apartment, Thomas Rowland, said
he tried to put the fire out with baking soda. South
Lockport ventilated the apartment after Sheriff's
Deputies used a fire extenguisher to put out
the blaze before they arrived.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat For Humanity holding a ceremony
Sunday for a new four bedroom home under
construction at 8480 Lake Road in Somerset.
The structire will go to Tina Page, her four
sons and her mother. Eight area churches
are supporting the project and about a
hundred friends, family, and volunteers
worked on the home yesterday. They'll
continue to do so on Wednesdays,
Thursdays, and Saturdays. The family hopes
to move in before Christmas. When it's
finished, it'll be the 13th home built by the
organization in Eastern Niagara County.
Sunday for a new four bedroom home under
construction at 8480 Lake Road in Somerset.
The structire will go to Tina Page, her four
sons and her mother. Eight area churches
are supporting the project and about a
hundred friends, family, and volunteers
worked on the home yesterday. They'll
continue to do so on Wednesdays,
Thursdays, and Saturdays. The family hopes
to move in before Christmas. When it's
finished, it'll be the 13th home built by the
organization in Eastern Niagara County.
BOUNDARY WATERS CELEBRATION
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Canadian
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon
agreed Saturday to start talks to update the
Boundary Waters treaty. The two spoke at
the 100th anniversary celebration of the signing
of the original pact on the Rainbow Bridge.
Clinton said the two nations had to recommit
to strengthening the partnership and that the
update needed to reflect new knowledge,
technology, and threats. About 400 spectators
watched the ceremony. It was followed by a
six hour environmental fair, live music,
and fireworks.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon
agreed Saturday to start talks to update the
Boundary Waters treaty. The two spoke at
the 100th anniversary celebration of the signing
of the original pact on the Rainbow Bridge.
Clinton said the two nations had to recommit
to strengthening the partnership and that the
update needed to reflect new knowledge,
technology, and threats. About 400 spectators
watched the ceremony. It was followed by a
six hour environmental fair, live music,
and fireworks.
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