STORM

The Sheriff's Department and the County's Fire
Control Center handled a multitude of fire and
rescue calls Thursday night when high winds,
rain and lightning moved across the County
from the Souhtwest to the Northeast between
8:30 &9:30. A transformer fire and lighting
strike at South Transit Lanes in Pendleton
caused a power outage along South Transit
from Robinson to Tonawanda Creek Road.
Another strike caused a fire at 3476 North Road
in Wilson and crews from the Olcott Fire
Department investigated after lightning struck
the home of Michael Evereth at 1680 Hess Road
in Newfane. The Saint Johnsburg Fire Department
helped an elderly couple at 2944 Krueger Road
in Wheatfield when part of their roof blew off
doing $5,000 damage. It was secured with tarps
and there were no injuries. Also in Wheatfield,
wires were reported down at Kreuger and
Ward Roads and at Shawnee & Niagara Falls
Boulevard. Lightning strikes were also recorded at
4057 Crescent Drive in Wheatfield and at 6231
Tonawanda Creek Road in Lockport. Three more
were reported in North Tonawanda at 493 Division,
570 Ward Road, and at 206 Spaulding. The
National Weather Service called it a classic
summer thunderstorm. The peak wind gust at
the Buffalo-Niagara Airport was only 35 mph, but
a gust of 65 miles an hour was recorded at a
school along the Buffalo-Kenmore line.

RYAN LACEY

A felony hearing was waived yesterday in
North Tonawnada City Court for the Lockport
man charged in the traffic death of a 19 year
old Wilson woman. Twenty-one year old
Ryan Lacey is charged with felony vehicular
manslaughter and DWI. His case will be moved
to County Court. His girlfriend, Kristina Moley,
was killed July 21 when Lacey lost control of
his SUV on a curve on Ruie Road and struck
a tree. His blood alcohol content was point 11.

VICTIMS OF FLOOD GO TO WATER BOARD

About a dozen members of the Evershed Block
Club in the Falls were at last night's meeting of
the City's Water Board. They're still trying to
get some satisfaction following the flooding of
their neighborhood on March 23 and from a
smaller event that affected 9 homes between
July 22 -25. Spokesman Ken Sherman told
WLVL they filed a freedom of information
request last night to get details about similiar
events that took place in 1958, 1973, 1992 and
2009. They'll also file a request with the City
Council since the Water Board did not exist
prior to 2003. Sherman says the Board
promised to do an investigation with 6 to 8
weeks after damage forms were submitted
from the most episode but none has been
done. Their ultimate goal is to get the board
to pay for the damage and the other is to get
the line replaced that's caused all the problems.

SMOKIN EAGLES BARBECUE FESTIVAL

The Smokin Eagles International Barbecue
Festival opens at 4:30 this afternoon at the
Summit Mall and continues Saturday and
Sunday. There'll be live music tonight
and the teams will be coming in and
setting up. They're coming in from as
far away as Virginia and Canada. The
gates will close at 11 so they can devote
the rest of their time to cooking. Five
vendors will be selling pulled pork
sandwiches, brisket, ribs, and chicken
dinners or sandwiches. Saturdays events
include an international pinball championship
inside the Mall featuring classic machines. You
can pay $10 and play on them all day. The
Grand Champion of the barbecue competition
should be known around 4:30...and because
this is the State Championship, they will get
seat at the National Finals Halloween Weekend
in Georgia. Tim Demler and Steve Richards
will compete for the Supervisors Cup Sunday
around 11am. They'll be cooking chicken and
ribs. There'll also be a kids grilling competiiton
and a "backyard barbecue" event. Admission
is just a dollar and the proceeds go to Niagara
Hospice and the Juvenile Diabetes Association.

FREE MUSIC

Lockport's Summer concert series wraps up
tonight with Randy Bachman, but there'll be
a free show tomorrow night in the Falls with
a band that previously entertained crowds in
Lockport. Rusted Root will play outside the
Hard Rock Cafe during a free show that starts
at 4. Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon and
Matt Wertz are also on the bill along with
Agent Me, Free Henry, and Son of the Sun.
There'll be a chance to win an autographed
guitar with proceeds going to Music Is Art.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The County Historical Society, also known
as The History Center, has named Ellen
Nelson of Lockport as it's "Volunteer of the
Year." She used her organizational skills
to index their extensive collection of
photographs and also helped out at the
Strawberries & Antiques Festival." Nelson
will be honored at the Center's annual
dinner October 1. The event will be at
Cornell Co-operative Extension and feature
a buffet meal by Donna Eick. Local
re-enactor Paul Stillman will portray the
life of Galileo. Call 434-7433 for tickets.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY

Niagara University and The Catholic Health
System announced a partnership yesterday
that'll provide work experience for MBA students
and the opportunity for ongoing education for
registered nurses working for Catholic Health.
The partnership begins with the Fall semester.

LOCKPORT COUNCIL MEETING

The Lockport Common Council last night
o-k'd a series of amendments to the city's
water ordiance that could clear the way for
a possible increase in the future. They did
away with specified charges that had been
spelled out in the ordinance and replaced
them with references to the water
department fee schedule. Mayor Mike Tucker
said it doesn't necessarily mean there will be
an increase. He said it's too early to tell,
that they'll look at the final numbers in the
budget and see if they can make an
adjustment on the expenditure side to
offset some of the increases they have. If they
can't, then there'll be a raise in rates. He
said their first and primary goal would be to
cut costs before hiking rates. City Clerk
and Budget Director Dick Mullaney urged
them to increase the quarterly usage charge.
Tucker said he was welcome to his opinion
but until the Council sees the numbers
in the budget they would not be able to
decide. He said they should have a better
handle on it by the end of September.
The Council amended it's contract with the
Molson Canal Concert Series to reflect
the fact there are 9 shows this year instead
of eight. The City pays the cost of the
stage which averages out to about $8,500
a week. Tucker said it was worth it. He
said restaurant owners tell him they see
people coming back to the City after the
Summer's over and that the concerts
give residents a chance to enjoy some
good music with their families for free.
Lawmakers also approved the purchase
of two new sludge pumps for the Sewer
Plant. They'll cost about $22,000 each.

FIREFIGHTERS CONVENTION IN THE FALLS

The 137th annual convention of the Fireman's
Association of New York opened yesterday at
the Falls Conference Center. They saluted
Clarence Center Fire Chief Dave Cash and
the volunteers that responded after the crash
of Flight 3407. Locally, County lawmaker
Pete Smolinski was presented with a plaque
recognizing his 50 years of service as a
firefighter. The North Tonawanda lawmaker
said his many years of service helps him as
a legislator, he's the Chairman of the Public
Safety and Security Committee. Smolinksi
said he started out as a volunteer firefighter,
became a professional firefighter for 35 years,
and then once again became a volunteer.
Legislature Chairman Bill Ross also attended
the opening ceremony. The group was last
in the Falls 11 years ago, the Legislature
helped lure them back by chipping in
$15,000 of it's share of the casino money.
The convention runs through Friday.

MORE LOCAL JOBS

The Governor was in Amherst yesterday
annoucning that Geico will add an extra
300 people to it's local workforce over the
next three years. Paterson said the company
would invest $2.4-million in the expansion of
it's service center. The State will provide
1.6 megawatts of low cost power through
2013. They will also receive a sales tax
exemption from the Amherst IDA. Niagara
and Erie Counties will provide workforce
training assistance.

SHERRIFF ISSUES WARNING

Sheriff Jim Voutour alerted parents yesterday
about an incident that happened Monday in
Wheatfield. He said a complaint was received
that a young child was playing in a driveway
when a stranger parked in front of the home
and sat in his vehicle for a few minutes. The man
than got out of his trruck and approached the
child. He got to within ten to fifteen feet when the
child yelled Stranger and ran. The man walked
back to his truck, sat there for a few seconds,
and drove off. The vehicle is described as
a blue F-150 style pick-up with white hunting
stickers. The man was in his 40's with light
colored hair. Anyone with information is
asked to call the Sheriff's Department at
438-3327.

UNITED WAY DAY OF CARING/GOALS

The United Way of Niagara announced yesterday
they hope to raise almost $864,000 in this year's
campaign. The Eastern Niagara United Way did
not announce a target. Chairman and Acting
CEO Bob Hagan said one of their major corporate
supporters has not decided on their goal and
it affects theirs. He said it would be announced
in a few days. Volunteers on both sides of the
County worked on a variety of community projects
yesterday. About 180 people from groups and
businesses were at 16 locations in Lockport
including Opportunities Unlimited, the YWCA,
the American Red Cross, and the YMCA. About
20 painted the building at Lockport Cares and
others washed windows and did gardening
at Niagara Hospice. The campaign co-chairs
for the Eastern section are UAW 686 President
Paul Entwistle and Town of Lockport IDA
Executive Director Dave Kinyon. The United
Way of Niagara did community projects yesterday
and had a carnival for about 200 kids at Sal
Maglie Stadium.

CANALWAY TRAIL REPAIRS

The State Canal Corporation will begin making
repairs today to a thousand foot section of
the embankment of the Canalway Trail in
Lockport. It'll be closed from the Exchange
Street Lift Bridge to the Lake Street Bridge.
Workers from the Canal Corporation will be
placing sheet piling in the embankment to
prevent seepage from the Canal into
surrounding area. The work is expected
to take two weeks and will not impact boat
traffic. Walkers will be diverted to the South
side of the trail.

OLDEST WOMAN

The oldest woman in the County turns 105 today.
Leetah Brown will celebrate her birthday Saturday
with a party in the garden of the Odd Fellow and
Rebekah Health Care Facility on Old Niagara Road.
She was born Leetah Smith and has been married
twice. Her second husband Richard Brown, passed
away in 1977. She was awarded her high school
diploma when she turned 100. Saturday has been
proclaimed Leetah Brown Day by the County and
the Village of Barker. She expects to receive well
wishes from the President and the Governor. She's
proud of the one's she's gotten in the past from
Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

STOP D-W-I

The fifth of seven major STOP DWI campaigns this
year starts tomorrow statewide and continues
through the Labor Day Weekend. State and local
law enforcement agencies will be out in force
utilizing sobreity checkpoints and saturation
patrols.

FALSELY REPORTING AN INCIDENT

A 52 year old Lockport man was charged by
police last night with falsely reporting an
incident. Louis Szmak of 211 Lock told
officers a woman entered his apartment
through a window and stole his
hydrocodone pills. Police say he kept
changing his story and eventually admitted
he made up the story so he could get more
from his doctor. He said he also wanted to
get back at the woman for things she had
done to him.

EXPLOSIN LEADS TO DRUG CHARGES

Lockport police charged a 19 year old with
possession of a controlled substance around
1:45 pm Wednesday after they went to
investigate an explosin on Park Avenue. They
determined it was caused by fireworks but were
unable to find whoever set them off. While doing
interviews, they arrested Justin Foltz of 131 Locust
after he allegedly told them he had a prescription
bottle in his pocket. It contained his regular
prescription plus four hydrocodone pills, and
he was charged for having them.

UNITED WAY DAY OF CARING

Volunteers on both sides of the County are helping
not for profit organizations today. The United Way
is holding it's 17th annual "Day of Caring." Mary
Kay Kirsch in Lockport says more than 160
volunteers from a variety of groups and businesses
are pitching in at 16 spots on the Eastern side of the
County. Twenty people from The Lockport Education
Association and five from Diversified Manufacturing
painted at the Lockport Cares homeless shelter.
Eight others from the Newfane School District washed
windows and did some gardening at Niagara Hospice.
In the Falls, the United Way of Niagara is doing similiar work.
They're also having a youth festival for about 250
children that participate in summer youth programs
that the United Way funds at Sal Maglie Stadium. The
volunteers had a free continental breakfast and
will return to their starting point at noon for lunch
and the announcement of their goals for this year's
campaign.
for about

WALKER GETTING BETTER

The cocker spaniel puppy who was rescued
August 8th after being dragged behind a car
in the Town of Lockport is continuing to
recover at the Erie County SPCA. Linda Tilton
manages the K&K Convenience Store on Lake
Avenue where the dog was let go in the
parking lot. She'll be adopting him...she's
named him Walker...and says he's doing very
well. She told WLVL she was with him last
night and he's incredibly energetic and is a
happy little puppy. She said he just wants to
run & play. She said his cage is completely
covered with pictures of other people's
animals, get well cards, letters from kids
at school. Tilton says she's personally
received hundreds of letters that were sent
to the SPCA and the store. She said he can
come home as soon as he stops licking the
open wounds on his paws. She said even though
he has a collar on his head, his back legs are
so long that he can reach them around the
collar. She said as soon as he stops doing it
he can come home. She told WLVL she
appreciated everyone's interest and wanted
to thank all the people who had a kind word,
or donated money. She plans to have a day
when anyone who wants to can come and see
him. Tilton also says the Erie County SPCA has
asked her and Walker to lead the Paws In The
Park walk September 12th at Beaver Island
State Park. Meantime Sheriff Jim Voutour
says an arrest could happen soon in the case.
He said investigators are making some progress
and they had gotten tips from the public. He
said they had identified some possible suspects.
He said one of them is out of state right now but
has been tied to a local address. He said they
needed to talk to them and had to prove that it
was done intentionally. If so, it would be a felony.

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY SHERIFF FOUND DEAD

Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis John was
found dead around 9:30 yesterday morning of
an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. State
Police say the body of the 51 year old was found
outside of his county vehicle on Sunfish Run
Road in the Town of Cold Spring in Cattaraugus
County. Niagara County Sheriff James Voutour
says he knew John for a long time, that he had
taught him in the Police Academy and as sheriff's
they had been together a couple of weeks ago
at a convention in Lake Placid. He said he and
John and their wives had talked. Voutour said
John was a "first class guy" and he did a lot
for him. He said he would answer his questions
and would really be missed. He said John was
one of the best sheriff's in the State. Voutour
said the job carries a lot of stress and he was
sure there were other factors involved but he
would not speculate on them. He said John was
very active in the Sheriff's Association. The
Buffalo News says John sent a text message to
Undersheriff Tim Whitcomb around 9am. It
gave specific directions on where to find his
body and asked him to take care of his wife.
Whitcomb said he talked to John the night
before and he sounded fine. He was the first
and only Native American sheriff in the State.

MARZBAN LET GO

The City of Niagara Falls is looking for a new City
Engineer after Ali Marzban was let go yesterday.
He had been suspended without pay over
undisclosed issues regarding his conduct in
the office. Officials say he had previously
received verbal and written warnings. City
Administrator Donna Owens said the Administration
will conduct a national search to find a
replacement. The Mayor is on vacation and
unavailable to comment.

FOURNIER

Falls City Court Judge Robert Merino yesterday
dismissed charges against City Councilmember
Steve Fournier. The 37 year old had been
charged with resisting arrest and disorderly
conduct stemming from a May 2 incident at
Bragg's Tavern on Ferry Aevnue. Merino said
Fournier must stay out of trouble for six months
and not drink on Third Street.

WILSON HAZING CASE

The 19 year old who plead guilty in the now
debunked Wilson hazing case was sentenced
in secret last night in Town Court. His Defense
Attorney said his client did not receive jail time
but neither he, nor Assistant DA Robert Zucco,
would reveal the actual sentence. The defendant,
his parents, and grandparents left out of a back
door to avoid reporters.

OAK RUN GOLF COURSE

Over $1500 in damge was discovered yesterday
morning at the second hole of the Oak Run Golf
Course on Lake Avenue in the Town of Lockport.
Reports say the cup area had been dug up and
several cut marks were ripped into the turf area.
A Nazi swastika was spray painted onto the grass
and an obscentity was carved into the sand trap
along with crude drawings. The flag to the second
hole was stolen and the wooden tee markers on the
third hole were also missing.

DORM BREAK-IN

Three hundred dollars and a debit card were taken
in a burglary of a dorm room at Niagara County
Community College. A 17 year old female told
deputies it happened between 2 pm and 2pm Tuesday.
Deputies said the doors to all four rooms in the
suite had pry marks on them and another suitemate
said her room had been entered but nothing was
missing. Both girls said another suitemate's boyfriend,
and his buddies, were in the suite on a regular basis
and had caused problems before. They said they had
previously seen him use a kitchen knife to pry open
a door to an empty room. A bent kitchen knife with
several gouges on it was found in the sink and taken
as evidence.

GIRL ATTACKED BY ANOTHER FEMALE

A 17 year old Lockport girl was arrested
on Orchard Street around 7:45pm Tuesday
after she allegedly attacked another girl
on Washburn Street. Marcea Holman of
95 North Transit was charged with
harassment and criminal mischief. The
victim said Holman came up to her and
asked about her ex-boyfriend....and then
started screaming obscenties and hit her
in the face causing a small cut in the middle
of her forehead. She then grabbed the
victim by the hair and pushed her to the
ground. She lost some hair and her
$160 glasses fell off and a lens fell out.
During booking, Holman complained of
pain and told police she was four months
pregnant. She was taken to ENH-Lockport
by the Fire Department for treatment.

MENACING & HARASSMENT

A 22 year old Lockport man was charged with
menacing and harassment around 6:30 last
night following an incident at the convenience
store at Hawley & Green Streets. Peter Digiacomo
of 6343 Robinson Road allegedly threatened to
stab another man in the neck with a screwdriver.
The victim told officers he was riding to the store
on his bike when Digiacomo pulled up in a car
driven by his ex-girlfriend. Digiacomo jumped out
of the vehicle and chased the victim to the store
where he ran inside to safety and called police.
Digiacomo was arrested a short time later outside
the Walnut Street Liquor Store.

DELPHI RETIREES

Leaders of UAW Local 686 told retired hourly
Delphi workers Monday they will not face a cut
in their benefits because of last week's federal
takeover of the company's pension fund. About
700 people packed the Fine Arts Auditorium at
NCCC for an informational meeting. They were
told there would be changes in where their
checks come from and the monthly benefit
might even be divided into two checks. They
were also advised to ignore any notices they
might get with next month's check asking them
to refund some of their benefits to the government.
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, GM
and the UAW are slated to talk Thursday about how
GM will cover it's share. Former Unit Number One
President Dave Kagels said it might take the
Corporation 6 to 18 months to get the bugs worked
out of the formula splitting the liability with GM.

SHAKE-UP AT COUNTY SPCA

A shake-up is in the works at the County
SPCA. The resignation of longtime leader
Al Chille and two of his key associates were
announced Monday. Chille is 83. He said
he would retire October 2. His long time
Associate Director Patricia Mccue and
Board President Carmen Morreale
resigned last week but were not made public
until Monday. Morreale is 77 and said he
was stepping aside for health reasons. Chille
had led the agency for 28 years. The Vice
President of the Board, Bruno "Brandy"
Scrufari III will apparently be in charge
of organizing the search for a new
Executive Director. He said he had no problem
with looking out of state. He floated the
idea of appointing an interim director so the
search is not rushed.

FAKED SUICIDE?

A 21 year old Town of Lockport man was
charged by State Police Sunday night with
faking his own suicide over the internet.
Joseph Shepherd of Minnick Road was charged
with aggravated harassment and falsely
reporting an incident. State Troopers say
he faked his suicide while using a webcam
in a chatroom with several people in England.
Trooper Wayne Carr said Shepherd repeatedly
talked about how he was depressed because a
relationship had ended and that he was going
to slice his wrists, When he stopped chatting
and was no longer moving, his fellow chatters
contacted authorities in England and they
eventually traced him to Lockport. Carr said
Shepherd told them he had fallen asleep with
his webcam on. He was released on an
appearance ticket and is due in Town Court
August 25.

THE FALLS SIX

State Supreme Court Judge Ralph Boneillo
last week tossed out most of the lawsuit filed
by the Falls Six against the City. In a written
opinion released by the City Monday,
Boneillo agreed with the City most of the
allegations are untimely based on State
law. The decision leaves five of the six with
only one or two specific claims. The workers
had maintained they were passed over for
promotions and training opportunities because
of their race. They also claimed they were forced
to take drug tests and suffered verbal abuse.
Their attorney, Richard Wyssling, said he
would advise them to appeal but said he
had not had a chance to review their
remaining allegations to see how they want to
proceed.

THE TEST IS COMING

Residents in Royalton will be the first to
use the County's new paper ballot scanning
system in the September 15th primary. Elections
Commissioners say that test will be followed by
anorher in Hartland in the general election.
If all goes well the new machines will be used
county-wide in the 2010 election. The Commissioners
also issued a reminder this Friday is the last
day to register to vote in the primary. Their office
at 111 Main Street in Lockport will be open
till 7pm Thursday to make it easier to do so.
Forms can also be found at all Post Offices,
banks, public libraries, and at Town and City
Halls. You must re-register if you have moved
since the last election. You can also apply for
an absentee ballot if you'll be out of the County
on Election Day.

BIKE STOP LEADS TO DRUGS

Lockport Police eventually found a small amount
of marijuana Monday after they pulled a 36 year
old bicycle rider over for a vehicle and traffic
violation. Daniel Macrae of Washburn Street
was stopped around 4:45am on Saxton. Police
say that while they were attempting to interview
him, Macrae walked away, reached into his
pockets, and threw several marijuana cigarette
roaches on the ground. A Phillips blue ray
DVD player he was carrying was also
confiscated till he could prove ownership.
He's charged with v&t violation, possession
of marijuana, and obstructing governmental
administration.

MUSEUM DIRECTOR ACCUSED OF SEX ABUSE

The director of the Medina Railroad Museum was
released on $5,000 bail Monday after he was
charged Friday with first degree sex abuse. A
27 year old woman filed a complaint alleging that
67 year old Martin Phelps sexually assaulted her
while she was at the Museum Friday afternoon.
Phelps bought the building in 1991 and spent
six years remodeling it. He's a retired City of
Batavia firefighter.

DEAL NEAR ON TAXES

Somerset Town Supervisor Richard Meyers
told the Union Sun & Journal Monday recent
talks between the Town and AES have been
promising and they might announce a deal
within a month. He said a basic agreement has
been reached and they want to see how it'll
fit into the three taxing jurisdictions...the
Town, the County, and the Barker School
district. The negotiations on the value of the
AES plant are needed because a court tossed
out the controversial payment in lieu of taxes
deal in May.

HOPE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

More than 400 educators from across the
State, Ohio, and China are at Niagara Falls
High School today for the kick-off of the
Hope Leadership Institute. HOPE stands
for "Harnessing Optimism & Potential
through Education. The Hope Foundation
is a not for prodit organization established
20 years ago. The purpose is to bring
school districts together in teams to
discuss how they can change school culture
to better meet the needs of inner-city children.
The Lockport School District is well
represented at the meeting. Newfane is
participating along with Lyndonville,
Niagara-Wheatfield, NCCC, and Niagara
University. The Syracuse and New York City
school districts are here as well. Attendees
will attend sessions on a variety of topics.
The conference continues till Thursday at
Niagara Falls High School.

WHEATFIELD BOARD MEETING

Lawmakers in Wheatfield voted Monday to
temporarily stop issuing building permits
to Ryan Homes until they resolve a drainage
problem. The action wastaken after a
resident of Wheatfield Lakes told the board
he, and others in his neighborhood, have had
drainage and flooding problems for two years
and nothing has been done about it. Supervisor
Tim Demler said he would meet with the company
this week, they would look at the area, and come
up with a solution. The Board also voted last
night to apply for a $600,000 State grant to
make improvements at Fairmont Park. Water
and Sewer Chief Richard Donner reminded
residents to make appointments to have the
new radio read water meters installed in their
homes. It only takes ten to fifteen minutes.

MUSCATO PASSES AWAY

Lockport Doctor George Muscato Junior passed
away Sunday under the care of his family. He was
85. Arrangements are with Prudden & Kandt
Funeral Home. There will be no prior visitation.
A celebration of his life will take place Saturday
morning at 11 at All Saints Parish at Saint
Patrick's Church.

DELPHI RETIREES MEET

The Fine Arts Auditorium at NCCC was
just about full this morning as Delphi
retirees gathered to hear facts about
any changes made to their pensions and
health insurance as a result of the company's
recent bankruptcy. The session was led by
former Unit One President Dave Kagels.

YOUTH WEEK

The basketball court at Lockport's Dolan
Park was filled with kids this morning for the
first event of Youth Week. The Basketball
Olympics started at 10:30 with three events,
dribbling, hot box, and free throws. The
competition featured first, second, and third
place prize for each age group. Events
continued Monday afternoon at 2:30 at the
Community Pool. Tuesday will feature a
chalk-in and free ice cream social at Altro
Park. The popular Car Cram was moved to
Wednesday this year at the request of the
sponsor, Subdelicious. The frog jumping
contest preceeds it at 10:30 in the morning
at Altro Park. Thursdays events include a
scavenger hunt at each of theCity's 8
parks and a talent show at Outwater Park.
The week wraps up Friday with a bicycle
rodeo at Altro and an individual picnic at
each location.

TASTE OF LOCKPORT

Garlocks won the award for the best entree
Sunday at The Taste of Lockport at Ida Fritz
Park. Judges said Dee's Sugar Shack had the
best appetizer, Cammarata's the best sandwich,
and Wagners Restaurant and Lake Effect Ice
Cream tied for the best dessert. Mayor Mike
Tucker had the job of picking the winner in
the later category. Peter Green chose the
winners among the participating wineries.
The Freedom Run Winery was chosen for the
best red wine and Leonard Oakes Estate
Winery the best red wine. Thirty-three
vendors were there and there was live music
by the Stoll Brothers Band and The Flyin
Blind Blues Band.

BOTTLE LAW

A Federal court ruled Friday most elements of the
State's expanded bottle deposit bill can take effect
no later than October 22. A statement from the
Governor's office said consumers can expect to pay
a nickel deposit on bottles of water by that date.
Paterson called it a victory for the State's environment
and it's treasury. The Court also ruled that beer and
soda companies must give the State 80% of the
unclaimed deposits. Paterson said it would provide
millions of dollars to Albany. The original bottle
bill was passed in 1982 and only affected carbonated
beverages like beer and soda.

MATTEO ANELLO

The brother of former Falls Mayor Vince Anello
is taking the City to court over his arrest at a
council meeting in October 2007. Matteo Anello
filed suit last Thursday. He's seeking unspecified
damages for what he claims were his false arrest
and imprisonment and malicious prosecution.
Councilmembers Bob Anderson, Sam Fruscione,
Charles Walker and Chris Robins are also named
as defendants along with former councilmember
Babe Rotella and police officer Franco Tallarico.
The incident happened during the public comment
portion of a council meeting. Anello started to
speak about alleged anti-Italian remarks made
by Anderson...who was chair at the time....when
Anderson ruled Anello did not have the floor and
ordered him removed from the Chambers. The
lawsuit suggests Tallarico used excessive
force.

AIR QUALITY ALERT

An "AIR QUALITY ALERT' for high ozone levels
is in effect till 10 tonight. The State Health
Department advises you to limit strenuous
outdoor activity. The very young and those with
pre-existing respiartory problems such as
asthma or heart disease should be especially
careful. The Lockport Theatre Organ Society
says to get out of the heat and enjoy the music
of Kevin Scott on their Mighty Wurlitzer. The
show starts at 7 at the Dale Association.
Admission is $6, refreshments will be
served at intermission. Free parking is
available in the rear of the building.

NOCO ROBBED

A man armed with a small handgun and wearing a
black ski mask robbed the Noco Express on Williams
Road in Wheatfield of about a hundred dollars just
after 4am Sunday. The 36 year old clerk telling
Sheriff's deputies he started yelling as soon as
he entered the store and that he "racked" or charged
the weapon as she was getting the cash from the
register. She said he reached over the counter,
grabbed the money, and ran out the front door
to the back of the store. She described him as
being a white male, between 5 foot 8 and 5 foot 10,
and weighed between 180 and 200 pounds. He had
blue eyes and a reddish moustache and smellled of
alcohol. He was wearing a black coat, black
pants, winter gloves, and white shoes. A variety of
police agencies were involved in the search and the
Border Patrol brought in a dog but he was unable
to establish a track.

MAN WITH KNIFE ARRESTED

A 54 year old Lockport man facing several charges
after he allegedly pulled a knife on a man around
4:30 pm Sunday at 1 West Avenue. The victim
suffered no injuries. He told police he saw Karl
Smith taking cans out of the trash and that as
he approached him, Smith pulled out a knife and
threatened to cut him. Police reports say Smith
was on the ground being held by firefighters
when they arrived and that he was handcuffed
following a brief struggle. Smith, of no permanent
address, was charged with menacing, attempted
assault, resisting arrest, and obstructing
governmental administration.

PURSE STOLEN

A Lockport woman told police early this
morning her purse was taken from her 2001
Mazda Tribute late last night while it was
parked at 111 Cottage. It was taken between
11 & 11:30 p.m. About $565 worth of items
were inside.

WEST HERR HONDA

Four tires and four rims were found missing
around 3:30 this morning from a 2009 Honda
Fiat at West Herr Honda on South Transit. The
Sheriff's department says the car was found up
on bricks and a pallet while they were on patrol.
They're worth $1,600. No other vehicles were
tampered with.