Friday, August 28, 2009

RIBBON CUTTING/OPEN HOUSE AT FALLS AIRPORT

The NFTA will hold the ribbon cutting at 9am
next Wednesday for the new terminal at the
Niagara Falls Airport. It'll be followed by an
open house from 1 till 7. NFTA Executive
Director Larry Meckler said there would be a
fly-over by the Navy's Blue Angels at 5pm.
He said they actually scheduled the event
around the Blue Angels because they knew
months ago they would be here. The
terminal won't be in service until a couple
more weeks. He said it's substantially
finished but there are some approvals
and authorizations that have to be obtained.
The new facility is about three times the size
of the old one. It has two jetbridges and
upper and lower level waiting rooms. Military
and private vintage aircraft will be on display
next Wednesday and there'll be free parking
and at the terminal and at The Summit just
down the street. Metro Bus will provide free
round-trip shuttles until 7:30.

LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS TO ATTEND TODAY'S FUNERAL

Members of the Lockport and Niagara Falls
fire departments are attending today's
funeral for Buffalo firefighters Lieutenant
Charles McCarthy Junior and Jonathon
Croom. A dispatcher in Lockport said just
about everybody that's not on duty will be
there. Falls Fire Chief Bill MacKay told WLVL
more than 50 members would be attending
and their two unions rented a bus to
avoid parking problems. He said they
would be standing outside Saint Joseph's
Cathedral where the first service for McCarthy
started at 9:30. He said inside the cathedral is
where the members of the Buffalo Fire Department
would be along with the familes of the fallen
heros. At least two thousand people will be
in the church and MacKay said he expected
10,000 others would listen outside. The
service for Croom will be at 1pm. MacKay
said they're all one big family. He said last
night he went down to the viewing and he
was standing behind firefighters from
Miami, Florida who came here for the funerals.
The Electric Tower in downtown Buffalo was
bathed in purple light last night to honor the
two.

LEWISTON JAZZ FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

The Lewiston Jazz Festival kicks off at 5:30
tonight with simultaneous performances on
four different stages in a three block stretch
of Center Street. Village Mayor Richard Soluri
said the street would be closed from Fourth
thru Seventh Streets. You'll find vendors,
great food, and continuous music. Saturday
will be the main day and there'll be a jazz
crawl Sunday when there'll be performances
at restaurants and venues throughout the
Village. The Mambo Kings and Jamie Holka
from the Falls are among those slated to
perform tonight. Don Menza will offer a
tribute to former jazz great Stan Getz tomorrow
night at the Sixth Street bandshell. You can
get complete details by going to "Visit
Lewiston.jazz.com. Funding the event became
a problem after the Power Authority dropped
out as a sponsor but Lewiston lawmaker
John Ceretto convinced the County Legislature
to provide $5,000 of it's casino money to help
pay for it.

CUOMO ANNOUNCES FINES AGAINST BASIL

State Attorney General Andy Cuomo announced
Thursday his office has obtained a court order
and settlement agreement amounting to a
combined $70,000 in fines and costs against
two Basil dealerships for deceptive and misleading
ads about the Cash For Clunkers program. His
office took the action after Basil Resale Sheridan
and Basil Toyota failed to abide by cease and
desist letters sent to the dealerships and nearly
40 others across the State. He said Basil Toyota
not only failed to comply but actually re-ran the
same ad that spurred his initial inquiry.

L-H-S DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

Former Lockport mayor Ray Betsch was among
a dozen graduates of Lockport High School
inducted into the school's list of Distinguished
Alumni last night. Cambria Town Supervisor
Wright Ellis was another, along with local
historian and businessman John Hall,
Judge Haldane Mayer, lawyer James Newton,
singer Jimmy Sacca, and baker Norman Sinclair.
The others were Dianne Cross, Augustine DiMillo,
Bill Hobbs, Wayne Secord, and Bruce Williams.
Those that attended wlit a candle and signed
their names on the official Distinguised Alumni
Registrar.

IT WON'T DO

The director of the County Health Department
told his board last night he will not support a
plan to move the Health Department into the
former Harrison Radiator Plant in downtown
Lockport unless substantial changes are made
to the structure. Dan Stapleton said he'd be
all for it if the County had millions of dollars
to upgrade the facility, but in it's present state
it's unacceptable. County lawmakers suggested
the idea last month as a way to avoid spending
$278,000 to repair the heating and air conditioning
system in their current location.

FALLS SCHOOL BOARD

The President of the Union representing teachers
in the Falls said Thursday they will go to court if the
district tries to fire ten of his members for not
living in the City. Joseph Catalano's threat followed
an announcement by the School Board last week
that they would begin a 30 day review and the
ten could be terminated by September 24. Board
Attorney Angelo Massaro said last night the policy
is legal and would stand up in court. A Buffalo based
detective agency has been investigating alleged
violations of the residency rule since March. Board
member Don King said this is the first time they've
taken any action to enforce the policy enacted
in 1994. He espects the union will challenge it,
but said if they're not going to enforce it, they
should not have it.

WOJTASZEK

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani and
aides to former Governor George Pataki spent a
lot of time on the phone Thursday. Sources say
they were calling key Republican County Chairman
across the State and urging them to support
Niagara County GOP Chairman Henry Wojtaszek
as he trys to become the head of the State Republican
party. Guiliani's involvement is thought to be a
signal that he's interested in running for Governor
next year.

MOVING IN DAY AT NIAGARA UNIVERSITY

Students will begin moving in today at Niagara
University as the Fall semester gets underway.
President, the Rev. Joseph Levesque, will
deliver remarks at the New Student Convocation
at 4pm in the upper level of the Gallagher Center.
The school will also hold a series of events for
students over the weekend.

THE OFFICE

A scene from an upcoming episode of NBC's
The Office was shot yesterday in the Falls.
Actor John Krasinski and actress Jenna
Fischer were filmed on The Maid Of The
Mist where their characters Pam Beesley and
Jim Halpert finally get married. The episode is
expected to air October 8 as an hourlong
special.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

LOCKPORT IN REM SALE

Twenty-five parcels were sold last night at City
Hall at Lockport's annual in-rem auction. A
three story Victorian at 274 High Street went for
$32,000. Two other homes at 130 Juniper and
24 Charlotte sold for $26,000 each. The total
take for the City coming to about $215,000.
Most of the collection consisted of run down
houses and vacant lots. A single house in
North Tonawanda at 1380 Sherwood Avenue
was sold in a seperate auction for $10,500.

SHOOTING AFTER ACCIDENT

A 28 year old Falls man was charged with reckless
endangerment and second degree assault after he
allegedly shot another man following an accident
around 8:30 last night in the 9200 block of Saint
John's Parkway. Thomas Trusdale was arrested
a short time later at a home in the 400 block of
75th Street. The victim was taken to ECMC with non
life threatening injuries.

TWO ARRESTED FOR SELLING ALCOHOL TO MINORS

The Sheriff's Department and the State Police arrested
two County residents for allegedly selling alcohol to
minors last night and early this morning. The effort
focused on underage sales at bars and drinking
establishments. Thirty-four year old Jennifer Burch
of Ridge Road in Gasport allegedly sold two bottles
of Coors Light to two underage operatives at the
Time Out Sports Bar on East Main in Olcott. She's
due in Newfane Town court September 1. Forty-four
year old Joseph Olscamp of the Falls was arrested
at The Office at 2319 Niagara Falls Boulevard in
Wheatfield. He's due in town court September 8.
Both are charged with unlawfully dealing with a
child and prohibited sales. Twelve establishments
were checked between 8:30 last night and 12:30 this
morning.

GARDEN DEDICATION

Lockport's United Neighborhood Watch Group
will hold an official ribbon cutting tonight for
their Memorial Garden Project at 169 Genesee.
The lot once held a house that was condemned and
torn down in the Fall of 2007. The block club decided
to turn it into a garden in memory of former member
Peter DeAngelo. His wife Gerry led the effort to
put together the garden in one of the city's most
run down neighborhoods. It includes an arbor
entrance, benches, and a wide variety of plantings.
The ribbon cutting will be at 7pm, Mayor Mike
Tucker will attend.

BURGLARY

A $500 black and red goped were among the items
taken in a break-in Tuesday at a shed behind a home
at 179 Ash Street in Lockport. The Sheriffs department
says the hasp on the building was cut between 9am
and 10:30 pm. A $500 remote controlled toy truck,
a $200 Diamondback mountain bike, and a Craftsmen
19 inch drill and case were also taken.

GRAND LARCENY

A Louisiana man telling the Sheriff's Department
Wednesday several items were stolen from a home
he owns at 8591 Ernest Road in Gasport. The
resident of Luling, Louisiana said he had been
letting a family stay in the home for the past
six months rent free because they were struggling
financially. They moved out about two weeks ago
and left the place in a mess...garbage, raw meat,
and other debris were left inside and a door was
left off the hinges. He said that, when he arrived
at the house to clean, he discovered that a washer
and dryer, a wood burning stove, another stove,
and a bedroom set were missing. Two neighbors
said they saw a variety of items being loaded into
a U-Haul Trailer but it was backed so close to the
door they could not tell what was being put inside.
The 40 year old victim estimated his loss to be
$1500.

NO MORE FLOODING

New tamper resistant sprinkler heads have been
installed in all the jail cells at the new Falls Public
Safety Building. Police Superintendant John
Chella said the change was completed about a
week and a half ago and he hopes it will prevent
inmates from flooding their cells. That's happened
four times since the building opened. The City
also plans to add three floor drains to the cell
area at a cost of about $10,000. They'll be cut
into the hallways and tied into sewer lines
installed below the floor.

NEWFANE MAN HURT IN PENNSYLVANIA

A 20 year old Newfane man is in serious condition
following an accident in Pennsylvania late Sunday
morning. Timothy Tomaino was riding a four
wheeled ATV in the Alleghany National Forest
when it flipped over and landed near his face and
chest. Forest Serice officials said he had been
driving down a steep descent when he locked the
front brakes causing the rear of the vehicle to come
off the ground. He's at Altoona General Hospital.
He was wearing a helmet and no charges were
filed.

REUNION FOR FORMER CHURCH MEMBERS

About 250 former parishoners at the now closed
Sacred Heart Church in the Falls will reunite for
a picnic Saturday at Hyde Park. The 155 year old
church was shut down by the diocese in April
of last year. The Reverand James Kasinski, who
led the parish for 13 years, will be there. He's
hoping the attendees will wear Sacred Heart's
colors of red and white and bring photos and
other memorabilia to share. Tickets for the
event sold out quickly.

PARTY PARTY PARTY

A Lockport man was charged with violating the
city's noise ordinance just before 5am Wednesday
as he was celebrating his 22nd birthday. Angel
Roman of 115 Washington was advised to keep
the noise down, but was arrested after he
allegedly slammed the door, went back inside,
and started yelling for a period of time.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

LEE VISITS LOCKPORT

Congressman Chris Lee addressed the Lockport
Rotary yesterday and also toured VandeMark
Chemical in the afternoon. His first stop in the
City was at WLVL where he discussed a wide
range of issues for about a half an hour. One of
them involved his efforts to protect the benefits
of Delphi retirees. He said they had just gotten
an update from the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation and they are going through them
individually trying to figure out where they
would ultimately end up. He said Financial
Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank
promised there would be a hearing on the issue.
He said a lot of retirees had not been treated
fairly and that many of the salaried retirees
had originally been left out in the cold and
he was trying to make sure they were not
left out of the process. On health care, Lee
said that, in the 8 months since he has been
in Congress, it seems the government is
trying to become more obtrusive in our
daily lives. He said the system is broken
and they need to make it more affordable
and gain greater access, but he doesn't think
the goverment should take over the system.
He said people in the district should do their
homework and undertand the repercussions
of such a move. He said calls to his office
are 3 to 1 against the proposed government
option.

FARMING ACCIDENT

A 54 year old Pendleton man was killed in a
farming accident last night at 4697 Tonawanda
Creek Road. John Bayer died when his tractor
flipped over backwards and pinned him
underneath. His body was found by his brother,
Peter, just before 10pm last night. He told deputies
his brother was trying to remove another tractor
that was stuck in the mud with the one he was
operating when the accident happened. John
Bayer was pronounced dead at the scene.

SWINE FLU MEETING

The County Health Department plans to
primarily use the schools to administer shots
to combat an expected second surge of the
swine flu this Fall. School administrators,
school nurses, and other educators were
among the 130 or so medical professionals
and first responders attending a 4 hour
strategy session yesterday at the Public
Training Facility in Lockport. The Health
Department has agreements with every school
district to administer the shots. The County's
Assistant Director of Emergency Services,
John Cecula said they want to make sure
that all county officials know what's going
on and that Legislature Chairman Bill Ross
and lawmaker Danny Sklarsski were at the
session. He said it was one of many
meetings that will probably be taking place
in the future. He said he would rather get to
know everyone involved now rather than at
the time they have to set up an emergency
point of dispensing. He said the vacination
process would involve two shots administered
about 4 weeks apart.

TENTATIVE TRIAL DATE SET FOR TWO TEENS

A tentative trial date of February 8 was set
yesterday for the two teens accused of killing
a counselor in a group home in Lockport.
Eighteen year old Anthony Allen and 17 year
old Robert Thousand were in court for a
brief appearance yesterday. Judge Sara
Sheldon Sperrezza ruled they should continue
to be held without bail in the County Jail. The
two were brought into court seperately, a
source told the Buffalo News they are not
getting along and it's been decided they
should be kept apart as much as possible.
The two are accused of killing 24 year old
Renee Greco in a home on East Avenue
operated by New Directions Youth & Family
Services. A pretrial conference will be held
November 10. A friend of Greco's said
outside the courtroom that Greco told
her she had been having trouble with Allen
and that he had it out for her. She said one
time he tried pushing Greco down the stairs
and that he had struck her in the head on
another occasion.

NO MEETING TONIGHT

Lockport lawmakers will take tonight off.
Council President John Lombardi says
they will not have a work session tonight,
but they will begin looking at next year's
budget Monday. They're set to discuss the
needs of the Building Inspection Department,
Police and Fire starting at 3pm. Requests
from Engineering & Building Maintenance
will be heard at 3pm Wednesday followed by
Highways & Parks, and Utilities.

MY MALL IS BETTER

The owner of the Summit Mall sent a formal
proposal last week to NCCC. Jim Anthony wants
them to reconsider using it as a possible location
for the school's proposed Culinary Arts Institute.
The college announced last month they have had
preliminary discussions about putting it in the
vacant Rainbow Centre Mall in the Falls. Anthony
said his mall has lots of room and parking spots
and a new roof. He said the former Macri's
Restaurant and Food Court would be ideal for
students. He offered to sell them the former
Steve & Barrys location or another that was
once occupied by Hens & Kelly for $1.95-million.
The College Board of Trustees will talk about
the offer at their next meeting, but President
James Klyczek noted they originally ruled it
out because it was "off the beaten path."

BASKETBALL JAM SATURDAY IN THE FALLS

A Johnny Flynn "Back To School" basketball jam
will be held in the Falls Saturday at Gluck Park.
Registration begins at 8:30, the games at 9.
Recreation Department spokesman Patricia Davis
Says teams in all age groups are encouraged to
take part. Flynn was a standout basketball player
while in high school and at Syracuse University.
He was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves
earlier this year. Gluck Park is at South and Weston
Avenues. Call 923-5232 to sign up or for more
information.

DEMLER LOSES LINE/SIGNS MISSING

Wheatfield Supervisor Tim Demler failed to
submit paperwork in time and will not have
an independent line in the September 15
primary. The County Board of Elections
said he never got a form in by last Friday
officially accepting the nomination of his
new " Wheatfield United" party. Demler
said he had it on his desk but forgot about
it in the excitement of last weekend's
barbecue festival. Meantime, about 20
signs supporting the candidacy of his
challenger, Robert Cliffe, were reported
missing yesterday. His wife told the
Sheriff's department they were removed
between August 15-22 from a variety of
locations around Town. They were worth
about $200.

DOG BITE

A 21 year old Sanborn woman was attacked by a
large German Shepherd around 4:30 yesterday
while she was reading gas meters in Newfane.
Jessica Smith of Shawnee Road received six
stitches to her arm and three to her leg at ENH-
Newfane. The owner, 60 year old Diane
Centner of 2385 Lockport Olcott Road, said
she placed the dog inside when she saw Smith
coming up the driveway but it broke out and
attacked Smith before she could stop it. Smith
said she yelled at the animal and tried to drive
it away with her clipboard, but it bit her left arm
and dragged her to the ground. It then bit the
back of her left thigh. The dog is licensed and
up to date on it's shots.

N-T COUNCIL PRESIDENT RESIGNS

The President of the North Tonawanda Common
Council submitted his resignation last night. Brett
Sommers said he would finish out his term as
councilman at large...it ends January 31...but
wanted to spend more time with his family. The
43 year old is a social studies teacher at the
city's high school and has been council
president for six years. He told a reporter
he really enjoyed being a dad this Summer
and school's set to start. He said he was just
not up for trying to be the leader of the City Council
for the next four months. Lawmakers will elect
a new leader next Tuesday.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

CONGRESSMAN IN LOCKPORT TODAY

Congressman Chris Lee will address members
of the Lockport Rotary at noon today as part of
a day long visit to the area. He plans to talk
about the issues of the day including health
care, cap and trade, and his efforts to protect
the benefits of Delphi employees. Lee will also
tour VandeMark Chemical this afternoon and has
meetings slated with Mayor Mike Tucker and
Town of Lockport Supervisor Marc Smith. He
invites you to take part in a Town Hall meeting
at 6:50 tonight. You can call his office at 634-
2324 if you want to participate. He expects
about 10,000 people will be on the line.

SWINE FLU

More than 130 first responders and representatives
of various State and Federal agencies are meeting
today in Lockport to discuss strategies for dealing
with an expected second surge of the swine flu that's
likely to hit this Fall. Public Health Planning and
Information 0fficer Elaine Roman said they don;t
know what to expect but they know from previous
past history with pandemics the first surge is usually
relatively mild and the second has generally proven
to be much more severe in complications and
fatality rates. The workshop at the Public Safety
and Training Facility is expected to last four hours.
Roman called it a strategy and policy meeting for
how they are going to address H1 N1 in Niagara
County and how they are going to vaccinate all
the different populations once the vaccine arrives.
She said they need to vacinate everyone between
the ages of six months and 24 years and school
nurses would be key partners at the meeting. They
also have issues with the pregnant population
because they are 4 times more likely to be affected
by the disease. Roman said they would present
the latest information and then break into work
groups to come up with strategies.

BRODERICK CASE RESOLVED OUT OF COURT

The two sides involved in a dispute over County
Treasurer David Broderick's handling of a
controversial estate case reached a settlement
yesterday and avoided a trial. The 2 hour and
15 minute off the record conference was held
in the chambers of County Judge Matt Murphy.
The deal reduced Broderick's commission for
handling the estate of the late Marion B Synder
of Lewiston to $7,500. Broderick had maintained
State law should have entitled him to twice as
much. The agreement specified that none of
those involved would comment on the outcome
and barred any further legal action by any of
those involved. The "no comment" provision was
drafted by Broderick's lawyer, George Muscato of
Lockport.

WOJTASZEK GETS KEY ENDORSEMENT

County Republican Chairman Henry Wojtaszek
apparently won the endorsement yesterday of
former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani in his
quest to become the chairman of the State
Republican party. Current chairman Joe
Mondello announced yesterday he did not want
another term. Wojtaszek met with Guiliani in
New York City. Manhattan attorney Ed Cox also
wants the job. He has the backing of Erie County
Executive Chris Collins and about 60% of the
party's County Chairman across the State. The
endorsement fueled speculation Guiliani may
run for Governor next year.

LEWISTON MERGER?

Village and Town officials in Lewiston met
yesterday to discuss the results of a yearlong
study about sharing services or possibly
merging. The consultants said a total merger
could save Village taxpayers $80,000 in the
first year and $200,000 in the second. The
average homeowner in the Village would see
a reduction of at least 23 per cent in the tax
rate. Village Mayor Richard Soluri said he would
like to discuss the issue at the next Village board
meeting September 8 before making any decisions
on whether to move forward. Most of the $80,000
cost for the study was paid for by the State.

CONDOLENCES

The Chairman of the county's Community Safety
and Security Committee expressed the county's
consolences yesterday after two Buffalo
firefighters were killed fighting an early morning
blaze. Pete Smolinski said Niagara County is
saddened by the news from it's neighbors in
Erie County. He said their loss is a painful
reminder of the dangers faced by the men and
women who put public safety above their own
every day by choosing to be first responders.
Firefighters Lieutenant Charles McCarthy and
Jonathon Croom were killed when they entered
the building and the floor collapsed underneath
them and they fell into the basement. Smolinski
said firemen are a close family.

SMITH FOUND GUILTY

A county jury took only three hours Monday to
find 21 year old Ryan Smith guilty on all 24 counts
he faced in connection with two home invasions,
a shooting, and an armed robbery. Smith is the
Falls man who was tasered by police when they
needed to obtain a second DNA sample. He
faces up to 50 years in prison when he's sentenced
November 2. Defense attorneys say they will
appeal. He still has an unresolved rape
indictment pending.

CRUISE DISTURBANCE

A 27 year old Lockport man was charged with
disorderly conduct last night after he allegedly
ignored signs and rode his bicycle through Ida
Fritz park during the Monday Night Cruise.
Police say William Tester of 285 South Niagara
did not stop after city councilman Pat Schrader
yelled at him to do so, and that another worker
Tom Groff, walked in front of the bike to stop
him. His actions caused Tester to swerve
and almost hit a car on display. Tester
allegedly uttered profanities and caused a
crowd to form as he was being arrested.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE

A 29 year old Lockport man was arrested by
police around 2:30 this morning after he
allegedly threw a bed down the stairs during
a domestic argument. Mark Mix of 14 Blackley
Court, Apt 4, is also accused of throwing a
fan at his wife and threatening to beat her
if the cops came. Police said the couple's
children were asleep at the time. Mix was
charged with second degree harassment.

SEX OFFENDERS

About a dozen people spoke last night during a
two hour discussion at the Falls Library about why
there are so many registered sex offenders living
in the city. The issue came to the forefront earlier
this Summer when a man convicted of having
sexual contact with four young girls was placed
at the MidTown Inn near the Niagara Street
Elementary School. James McKinney was moved
to a North Tonawanda motel and is slated to be
moved again by the end of the month. One resident
said they needed to demand a solution, that
sexual criminals do not belong in residential
neighborhoods.

Monday, August 24, 2009

"WALKER" HOME WITH HIS NEW FAMILY

The six month old cocker spaniel puppy that was
rescued by the manager of the K&K Convenience
Store after being dragged behind a car was released
from the Erie County SPCA Friday evening. Linda
Tilton's adopted him and named him Walker. She
says it'll take him some time to get used to his new
surroundings. She said he paces a lot and that
nights are not good for him, he needs to be
comforted to go to sleep but once he's asleep
he seems good. He seems to be happy and likes
her other little dog but she hates the cone on his
head, that she doesn't want too much to do with
him with the cone on. Tilton alos has a terrier
beagle that's about the same size as Walker. Tilton
said she loves him without the cone, and that when
she takes it off they play and run. The cone provides
some amusing moments because he bangs into
things because he can't see side to side and it's
quite comical. Walker must still check in at the SPCA
for medical treatment. He still has sticthes and staples
and open wounds and he must go back Tuesday...
but he's well enough not to be locked in a cage all
day. Tilton is still planning to bring him to work some
day soon so he can meet all the people who have been
so concerned about his welfare.

FATAL FIRE IN BUFFALO

Two Buffalo firefighters were killed this morning
fighting a three alarm blaze on the East side
at Bailey near Genesee. The fire was reported
around 4am and officials say they are also
looking for at least one other victim. Buffalo
Fire Commissioner Michael Lombardo says the
two firefighters went in after they thought they
heard someone pounding for help in the
basement. The main floor collapsed under them
as they entered. The two story structure had a store
on the first floor and apartments above. Lombardo
called it a sad day.

SMOKIN EAGLES INTERNATIONAL BARBECUE FESTIVAL

Wheatfield held onto the trophy for a
second year Sunday beating the Town of
Niagara in the Supervisors competition at
the International Smokin Eagles Barbecue
Competition at the Summit Mall. The 3-day
event was marred by showers Saturday
and Sunday afternoons. Organizer Roy
"Honcho" Gregory said third place went
to Donnie's Smoehouse of Buffalo,
second place to The Barbecue Pack out
of Toronto, and The Grand Champion was
Regal Barbecue of Buffalo. They'll get a
paid entry into the national championships
in Georgia. Gregory estimated over 10,000
people stopped by at one time or another
over the weekend. Many of the vendors
sold out Saturday but were restocked for
Sunday. Gregory said the one thing he
would remember is that all of his friends
from work, from the Town, from Barbecue
World and elsewhere all got together for
one big party. The proceeds go to Niagara
Hospice and the Juvenile Diabetes Association.

T-BIRD CONVENTION

The 16th annual International Thunderbird
Convention kicked off yesterday at Lockport's
Holiday Inn. Sales & Marketing Director
Terri McDoanld says about 175 T-bird
enthusiasts will call the hotel "home" through
Sunday. She said all of their 95 rooms are
full for the week. You'll get a chance to look
at most of the cars tonight at the Lockport
Cruise. At least 40 are expected to take
part. If you can't make it tonight, all the cars
will be lined up at the Holiday Inn Saturday
for a car show. Niagara USA says the members
will be making numerous side trips to
spots around the County during the week
including the Falls, Old Fort Niagara, the
Power Vista, Lockport Locks & Erie
Canal Cruises, and the Erie Canal Discovery
Center. The convention is expected to have
an economic impact of about $300,000.

RIBBON CUTTING

Lockport's United Neighborhood Watch Group
will hold a ribbon cutting Thursday night for their
Memorial Garden Project at 169 Genesee. The spot
once held a house that was demolished after
being condemned by the City. The garden
project was started to memoralize former United
Neighborhood Watch member Peter DeAngelo.
He passed away unexpectedly in the Spring of
last year. The ribbon cutting will be at 7pm
Thursday.

DRUGS

A 19 year old Lockport man was taken to the
County Jail on $250 bail after Sheriff's deputies
allegedly found marijuana and a glass pipe to
smoke it during a traffic stop just before 2am
today on Lockport Olcott Road in Newfane.
Alexander Donelson of 350 Hawley was pulled
over for crossing the yellow line. Deputies
discovered his license was suspended for
failing to answer a summons in Clarence.
Deputies also charged his 18 year old
passenger, Joshua Incardona of 308 East
Avenue, with underage possession after he
told them 5 cold bottles of Bud Light were
his.

CANDIDATES FORUM

Residents of the Falls can submit questions
to the moderator of the upcoming candidates
forum to be held September 2 at the Earl Brydges
Library. Doctor David Taylor of Niagara
University will moderate the session sponsored
by the Block Club Council, the NAACP, the
Kiwaniis and the Rotary. It'll feature primary
candidates for City Council and county legislature
districts in the Falls. Questions and topics should
be related to issues of concern to residents and
business owners. Send them to dtyalor@niagara
.edu. The forum will be at 6pm on Wednesday,
September 2.

AMERICAN LEGION BAND

The American Legion Band of the Tonawandas
took top honors Saturday at the Legion's
national contest in Lousiville, Kentucky. Their
40 minute performance earned a score of 94.
The band performed under Music Director
Michael Shaw. This is the 16th national
championship, they were formed 80 years
ago.

LOCKPORT WOMAN ATTACKS ANOTHER FEMALE

A 23 year old Lockport woman is charged with
harassment and endangering the welfare of a
child after she allegedly attacked another woman
Sunday night in the parking lot at 317 Michigan.
Ashley Wallace of 235 Washburn was arrested
a short time later at her home. The victim said she
was in the parking lot with her 4 year old daughter
when Wallace approached her...and after a brief
verbal argument...allegedly grabbed her by the
hair and punched her several times in the face.
It happened about three to four feet from the
youngster. A witness saw it happen and called
police. Wallace was also found to be in
possession of marijuana while she was being
questioned by police.

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