SCANDAL

ABC News is reporting the Governor has decided
not ro run for another term in the wake
of the scandal that's enveloping Albany. The
Buffalo News says top aides to Paterson are
telling insiders and Democrats Paterson will
end his re-election campaign today, but he
will resist calls that he resign. This follows
yesterday's resignation by the head of the
State's Criminal Justice System. Denise O'Donnell
suggested she had been lied to by State Police
Superintendent Harold Corbitt last month
when he told her about an incident last Halloween
involving Paterson aide David Johnson and his
girlfriend. Corbitt
supposedly told her State Police were not involved.
Paterson said he knew nothing of any State Police
contacts with the woman who was seeking an order
of protetcion against Johnson...but the New York
Times reported Paterson talked to the woman the
day before she was to appear in court. She never
showed up and the case against Johnson was
dismissed. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is investigating.

SLAUGHTER TESTIFIES AT HEALTH CARE SUMMITT

There were many sob stories at yesterday's Health
Care Forum in Washington, but our own Congresswoman
Louise Slaughter took top honors. She told a story
about how a Buffalo woman was forced to use her
dead sisters dentures because she couldn't afford
to buy her own. Slaughter spoke for about 4 1/2
minutes during the noon hour. She began by saying
bans by insurance companies to cover
those with pre-existing conditions had to go. She
called it cruel,, capricious, and said it was only aimed
at the "bottom line." Congressman Chris Lee was not
invited. He said afterwards lawmakers needed to take the
points both parties agreed on and move them forward.
The President's closing remarks did not indicate he
intends to do so and it appears the Democrats will
try to pass the bill without GOP help through the
reconcillation process.

GROSE TO STAY ON FOR NOW

The Niagara Falls Water Board voted Thuersday
to continue to employ former Executive Director
Gerry Grose as a temporary independent
contractor. The decision coming after a plan
to have North Tonawanda Water and Wastewater
Superintendent Paul Drof run the operations in
both cities fell apart. Grose will continue to run
the Falls operation in March and April. He will be
paid about $9,000 a month. He retired at the end
of January.

PRINICAPAL RESIGNS AT DESALES

The principal of Lockport's DeSales Catholic
School has resigned effective Monday. Michael
Powers said he will be joining his family to take
advantage of an opportunity in the Western
Adirondacks. The Reverand Joseph Vatter of
All Saints parish will serve as interim principal.
The Board of Trustees has appointed a committee
to lead the search for a new Chief Administrator.

DISTURBANCE

Lockport police were called to another disturbance
yesterday morning at the County Probation Department
at 111 Main Street. Twenty-eight year old David
Foltz of 62 O'Brien Drive allegedly head butted a
wall causing a small hole and kicked a desk resulting
in a small dent and a loosening of the front metal
frame. O'Brien then got out of his chair in an
agressive manner and threatened to beat the two
probation officers. They had to forciby restrain
him and as they were doing so, they ended up
crashing into another wall causing a hole four
feet long and three feet wide. Foltz was already
in handcuffs by the time police arrived and he was
charged with criminal mischief.
the time police arrived

TEA PARTY SATURDAY

REFORM NEW YORK will hold a tea party at noon
Saturday in the Lafayette Tap Room at 391
Washigton Street in Buffalo. The Tea Party movie
will be shown and there will be several speakers.
Plenty of parking can be found at the corner of
Ellicott and North Division. Lunch and drinks will
be on sale.

NEWFANE

Two Newfane residents said their unlocked cars were
entered Wednesday night in the 25-hundred block of
Transit. A 33 year old woman said about 60 CD's and
a lighter were taken from her car. A 56 year old man
said a pack of cigarettes, a bottle of prescription
ibuprofen, and a RES Q Me tool were missing from
his. Another resident on Lockport Olcott Road said
someone entered her home between Monday and
Wednesday and apparently used a computer. She
found muddy footprints, a light on in the kitchen,
and a spare key in the garage was gone.

CONTINENTAL CARBONIC

State Senator George Maziarz announced Thursday
the New York Power Authority has awarded 800
kilowatts of low cost electricity to an Illinois company
looking to build a dry ice manufacturing and
distribution facility in Medina. Continental Carbonic
says the$6-million facility will be located in the
Medina Business Park. About 35 jobs are expected
to be created within three years. Maziarz said
it just goes to prove once again, that if you hold
NYPA accountable rather than praise them for
giving us the crumbs off the table, they will come
to the plate. He called it great news for Orleans
County and said they would hire local people.
The company will compress and refrigerate carbon
dioxide gas which is an energy intensive practice.
It's expected the gas will come from EPCO, which is
near the proposed site.

FIRST NIAGARA

First Niagara Thursday took away one of the titles
from John Koelmel. He'll now just be the C-E-O
and they will begin a national search for a new
President. He's held both titles since December
2006. He will continue to handle the President's
duties until they find someone else. The bank also
announced Gary Crosby will be promoted to the
newly created position of Chief Operating Officer
and Elizabeth Bauman will be promoted to Chief
Administrative Officer. They will also form a new
Executive Committee.

ROY HART FITNESS CENTER

The Roy-Hart School Board voted Thuesday night
to close the High School Fitness Center to the public
effective March 12. The 11 members will get refunds.
The Board took the action because of falling revenues.
The Center will stay open during the day for students.

HEAD ON ACCIDENT SENDS THREE TO ECMC

Three residents of the Falls were taken to ECMC
following a head on collission about 4:15pm Thursday
on Witmer Road in the Town of Niagara. State Police say
a van driven by 65 year old Daniel Payne crossed the
center line and collided with a car driven by 52 year old
Miquel Martinez. Payne and a passenger, William Swanson
were ejected from the van. Payne is in serious but stable
condition while the other two are in stable condition.

WINTER STORM WARNING

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for allof
Western New York through 1pm Friday. We're
on the edge of a coastal storm that is expected
to explode this afternoon around New York City.
Forecasters say it will make a left turn and hook
west. There'll be some periods of light snow
today producing an inch or two, but the heaviest
snow is expected to set up around mid evening
tonight and continue overnight and wind down
Friday morning. A total of 8 to 10 inches are
expected to fall by midday tomorrow. The storms
remnants will stick around through Sunday. The
winds will also pick up tonight and tomorrow
morning into the 15-30 mph range with gusts to
35. There could be scattered power outages
because the water laden snow will stick to
power lines and trees that'll be blowing in the wind.

GOVERNORS AIDE SUSPENDED

The Governor suspended a member of his staff
without pay Wednesday after the New York Times
said the State Police may have tried to get the
man's former girlfriend to drop a criminal case
against him. Thirty-seven year old David Johnson
is a close aide. He started as a volunteer, became
Paterson's driver, and eventually a confidant. The
Governor told a New York City radio staton this
morning he spoke to Attorney General Andrew Cuomo
last night and he will be investigating the incident.
Paterson said he had learned about some possible
situations that accompanied it during the last 24
hours that would make the whole matter "very alarming".
He said he did not want it to be a distraction to the
State's budget problems.

LOCKPORT COUNCIL WORK SESSION

Lockport lawmakers were told last night the city's
development agency, the GLDC, is nowhere close
to a deal with a Depew high tech firm to buy the
three buildings on Canal Street. The news prompted
councilmembers Joe Kibler and Anthony Chapman
to once again question whether it was the proper
direction for the city to take. Chapman said a tourist
related business should be sought for the location.
He said his dream would be that an offshoot of
Rochester's Strong Museum would locate there.
He also said he'd like to see a retail business or
restaurant there. Chapman said he generally wants
the Council to have a greater voice in the GLDC because
they will eventually have to o-k any deal that's struck.
Noahs Ark owner Kathy O'Keefe also attended. She
complained her proposal for the block was
dropped after the Depew company, En-Lighten,
expressed interest. Mayor Mike Tucker said
O'Keefe did not bring enough to the table.

GRECO

One of the two teens charged with last year's
murder of Lockport youth counselor Renee
Greco received permission from the Court
yesterday to pursue a psychiatric defense.
The lawyer for 18 year old Anthony Allen,
Earl Key, got the o-k from Judge Sara Sheldon
Sperrezza. It will push back the start of the
trial to May 17. Allen, and 17 year old Robert
Thousand were both in court but Thousand's
attorney made no motions. Key said UB
forensic psychologist Charles Ewing would
evaluate Allen within the next two weeks.

GUNFIRE

Falls police are looking for a man who allegedly
fired six shots at a home at 1346 Ashland Avenue
around 7:30 last night. Witnesses said it was a
man in a black hoodie. Nobody was hit, the 36
year old female resident said a number of adults
and children were in the living room and they
quickly got down on the floor. The gunshots ripped
through the walls and filled the room with smoke.
An officer saw a man matching the description of
the shooter at 17th and Elmwood Avenue but he
lost track of him after chasing him through several
backyards. One of the people inside the home was
arrested after police discovered there was an active
warrant for him. Eighteen year old Taurian "Todo"
Nix of Jordan Gardens was also charged with
possession of marijuana. Officers allegedly found
a quantity of the drug packaged and ready for sale
in his possession.

DRUGS

Falls police seized a wide variety of drugs and cash
just after noon Wednesday after they forced their
way into a home at 2702 Welch Avenue. Twent-eight
year old Dustin McCarthy is facing several charges.
Investigators say they found 34 grams of crack and
powdered cocaine, a half pound of marijuana packaged
for sale, and a hundred hydrocdone pills. MCCarthy also
had about $5,000 in cash on him. Police said street
sources led them to the home. McCarthy is also facing
felong drug charges in federal court for a previous
seizure of 40 pounds of pot during an incident in
Massena.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Twenty-two year old Anthony Knox of 176 North
Transit was arrested around 4pm Wednesday at
the Probation Department at 111 Main Street in
connection with a domestic incident that happened
at his home last Saturday. Police were called after a
Probation Officer interviewed the victim who had
severe brusing and swelling to her left eye. Police
said she was frightened and shaking and crying
and did not want to sign a statement. Officers said
they had enough information for an evidence
based prosecution and Knox was charged with
menacing and assault. He was being held without
bail pending his arraignment.

AIR SHOW CANCELLED

The "Thunder Over Niagara " airshow
planned for May has been postponed. Officials
say the main aerial act, the Canadian Forces
Snowbirds Demonstration Team, was unable
to fulfill it's commitment due to a delay in the
start of their show season and other major
jet teams were unavailable. Show Director,
Air Force Reserve Captain Benjamin Canetti,
said after much delibertaion, they have decided
to focus their energy on planning for a show
in late Summer 2011, rather than a scaled down
version in 2010. He said they are seeking
continued support from the Western New York
and Ontario communities, and that without
it, a successful show will not be possible.

SHERIFF'S VEHICLE INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT

A Sheriff's deputy was treated and released at
Mount Saint Mary's last night for possible
neck and back injuries after her patrol car was
struck from behind on Lockport Road. Amanda
Irons is said to be ok. The Sheriff's Department
says she was sitting in the car issuing a summons
for a traffic stop when it happened. Her vehicle was
allegedly struck by 77 year old Glenn Tilyou of
Lockport Road. Tilyou was not hurt but he was
issued citations for unsafe lane change and failing
to keep right. The accident happened around 6:20
on Lockport Road in the small stretch between
Walmore and Walmore. The Sheriff's vehicle was
pushed into the westbound lane and blocked
traffic.

PICK-UP FALLS ON WILSON MAN

A 40 year old Wilson man is in fair condition at ECMC
after his pick-up fell on him last night. William
Graham of 3109 Brailey Road was taken to the
hospital by Mercy Flight . He was working on the
truck with his son around 6pm when the jack failed.
William Graham Junior immediately got another and
raised the vehicle off his dad.

MAYORS NIGHT IN

About two dozen residents signed in last night to talk
to Falls Mayr Paul Dyster during his first "Mayor's
Night In" event. Dyster said he was generally pleased
with the turn-out and he'll probably hold them every
two months.

WINTER STORM WATCH

The National Weather Service has issued a
Winter Storm Watch from late tonight thru
Friday afternoon. A low pressure system
that's expected to park itself near Long Island
Thursday will probably stay there till Saturday,
and it'll toss some "significant" snow in our
direction. Storm totals in excess of a foot
are possible. The snow is expected to pick
up across the region tomorrow morning with the
biggest impact Thursday afternoon through
Friday morning. Winds will also be a factor
with gusts of around 25 mph produing areas
of blowing snow.

SMART GROWTH

The State Court of Appeals Tuesday denied an
appeal by Lockport Smart Growth and it should
clear the way for the construction of the Wal Mart
SuperCenter on the site of the former Lockport
Mall. Town Supervisor Marc Smith told the Union
Sun & Journal the Town won on a pair of motions
submitted by Smart Growth. He said it was their
last possible appeal and that's as far as they can
go. Smart Growth had argued the Town Planning
Board broke State zoning laws by giving waivers to
the retailer instead of making them go through a
zoning variance process. It has taken six years for
the process to play itself out, Wal Mart first proposed
the store in 2004.

FALLS COUNCIL

Falls Controller Maria Brown was asked by the
City Council Monday for a report on the savings
realized by the City's switch to a self-insured
Health Plan last April. She started by saying
she didn't like the term, cost savings, and
preferred to call it cost avoidance because she
said there are no savings in health care. She said
the City's cost avoidance was about $600,000
last year because the change was made in April
and that it would be $848,000. She said the money
was immediately used to fill the gap in the budget
caused by the rapid drop in interest rates being
paid by banks. Brown said the City had been
earning as much as $2-million in 2007 and 2008,
but in 2009 it only came to $300,000. She said
the City was not alone and other cities are
experiencing the same problem. The council also
voted 5-0 Monday to spend as much as $1.6-million
for repairs and renovations to the Hyde Park Ice
Pavillion....and to participate in an energy saving
program for the building offered by the New York
Power Authority.

GREAT APPLIANCE SWAP OUT

The State's Great Appliance Swap Out wasn't so
great after all. The rebate program was supposed to
end Sunday....but it's been extended because only a
little more than half of the original $16-million in
funding has been spent. About 58,000 New Yorkers
have taken advantage of the rebates for refrigerators,
freezers, washing machines, and dishwashers. Dryers
are not eligible because none are Energy Star
certified.

INDIAN SMOKES

It may take awhile, but the State started a process
yesterday designed to halt the sale of tax free
cigarettes to non Indians at reservation stores.
The Governor officially rescinded the State Tax
Departments non-enforcement policy and issued a
set of proposed regulations that would limit the
amount of tax free smokes that can be legally
shipped to Indian nations or tribes. We're told there
will only be enought to satisfy the needs of the
members of each nation and they've come up
with a methodology to calculate the amount. The
regulations say manufacturers would sell the cigarettes
to a licensed stamping agent only when the agent
certifies the sale complys with State law. The release
of the regulations kicked off a 45-day comment period
and the goal is to pass them within six months. Any
agreement struck in the meantime with individual
tribes could supersede the new rules. All of this
comes as Paterson is also trying to hike the State's
official tax to $3.75 a pack, the highest in the Nation.

ORTT PROPOSES TO HOLD THE LINE ON SPENDING

North Tonawanda Mayor Robert Ortt said the
City should hold the line on spending during
his State of the City address yesterday. His 2011
budget would be based on 2009 spending levels.
He also proposed a three year moratorium on
property re-assessments. Ortt said they are
facing more challenges than at any one point
in the City's long and proud history. He delivered
the 19 minute address before about 30 people at
a Rotary Club meeting at Pane's Restaurant.

UNDERAGE DRINKING AT THE OFFICE

The bartender at The Office at 2310 Niagara Falls
Boulevard in Wheatfield was charged with serving
alcohol to minors just after midnight today. Nineteen
year old Justin Brandt of Ernest Road in Gasport was
taken to the Sheriff's Department and held on $500 bail.
They alledge he served as many as 7 underage patrons,
six from North Tonawanda and one from Sanborn. He
will be arraigned March 2 in Wheatfield Town Court.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

For the second straight year, the State Senate Health
Committee yesterday approved the Senate's medical
marijuana bill. The Assembly's bill passed their Health
Committee last month and now sits in their Codes
Committee. The Assembly passed similiar legislation
in 2007 & 2008 but the issue has never gotten a Senate
floor vote. For the first time last year, the Senate's
medical marijuana bill passed the Health Committee,
but progress stalled due to the leadership struggle.

APARTMENTS AND MORE

The Lockport Zoning Board Tuesday granted two
variances that will allow a Town of Lockport couple
to convert a former medical building at 160 East
Avenue into seven apartments and some businesses.
David and Linda Steward say it will include six
apartments on the second flooor. A handicapped
accessible unit would be on the main floor along with
a hair salon, a convenience store, an antique shop, and
a cafe. The apartments will be geared to people in
their 40's and older. The Stewards say work will start
after they close on the deal, which is expected in April.

COPPER STOLEN FROM FORMER BELL PLANT

About $3,500 worth of copper piping and machinery
were discovered missing Monday in the former
Bell Aerospace Plant. The Wheatfield Business Park
is now in the building and a maintenance man discovered
the theft while he was checking for frozen pipes. The
material was taken from an equipment room on the third
floor, torches and saws were apparently used. The
Sheriff's department said a ladder may have used to
get to the roof where there was an open door.

DEL MONTE CRYS FOUL

Assemblywoman Francine del Monte is denouncing a
proposal by the Governor to give local police the right
to chafrge you for a copy of your own accident report.
The State Police currently charge $15 for them, but
Paterson wants to give local police the right to do
so as well. DelMonte says the proposed fee is exactly
the type of nuisance tax that Paterson proposed last
year and which were ultimately rejected. She says she
will fight to make sure it's not in the final state budget.

NIAGARA FALLS CITY COUNCIL

The Niagara Falls City Council Monday told
Economic Development Director Peter Key
to look into what's happening with the Niagara
Hotel. Council President Sam Fruscione said he
was concerned the parent company had filed
for bankruptcy. Kay told the council USA
Niagara had spoken with the owners a couple
of weeks ago and they reported they were in
a "holding pattern" with the property because
of other problems in the company. Kay said
they told USA Niagara they would still like to
proceed at some point but the cost of
rennovating the hotel exceeded their estimates.
They said they would consider selling it but
not at a "fire sale" price. The 12-story 193 room
hotel was bought by the Amidee Hospitality
Group in 2007. Councilmember Kristen Grandinetti
expressed concerns the building may have been
stripped of copper and other materials. Kay said
he did not know because he has not been in the
building but said he would request permission to
take a look. The Council told Kay to do so and
also directed Fire Chief Bill MacKay to inspect the
structure to determine if any hazards exist. Lawmakers
also passed a law requiring the owners of rental
properties and unoccupied buildings to register
with the City's Director of Code Enforcement.
It takes effect May 1 and the registration will be free
for the first two months, after that it will be $25
per building. Council President Sam Fruscione
said they want to compile a list so they can find
the owners if there are violations. The Council also
accepted a $125,000 state grant to replace the roof
on the Royal Avenue Fire Hall and part of the roof
of the Tenth Street Fire Hall.

MAZIARZ STARTS PETITION

State Senator George Maziarz has started an on-line
petition telling the Governor to forget about delaying
your state income tax return. It can be found at
www. Senator Maziarz dot com.

K-F-C SUSPECT IN POLICE CUSTODY

A man wanted in connection with last September's
armed robbery of the Lockport KFC is in police
custody. Twenty-two year old Anthony Richardson
is charged with two counts of first degree robbery and
another of assault for injuring Lieutenant Brian
Wentland. Richardson was captured by US Marshalls
in Clayton, Alabama. He plead not guilty in County
Coirt and is being held on $200,000 bail. Richardson
was one of four men involved in the robbery. Police
say he was armed with a handgun and was the driver
of the car that allegedly struck Wentland as they were
trying to get away.

NIAGARA COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE

Two men are facing drug charges after the County
Drug Task Force executed a search warrant around
7:45 last night in apartment 4 at 92 Spalding in Lockport.
The resident, 28 year old Shawn Grate, and 48 year old
Tobin Little of 7782 Chestnut Ridge Road in Gasport,
were both charged with 7th degree possession of a
controlled substance.

SIENA POLL

A Siena college poll released Monday shows
Governor David Paterson now trails Attorney
General Andrew Cuomo by 42 points in a
potential Democratic primary and that Paterson
would lose a general election by 7 points to
former Republican Representative Rick Lazio.
By a three to two margin, respondents said
lawmakers were right to remove Democrat
Hiram Monserrate from the Senate. Senator
Kirsten Gillibrand maintains a better than two
to one lead over former Representative Harold
Ford in a potential Democratic primary. She
would still lose to former Governor George
Pataki in a general election but would beat former
Nassau County lawmaker Bruce Blakeman and
Daily News publisher Mort Zuckerman. The
survey also showed voters support selling wine
in grocery stores , but by a 59-38 per cent
margin they are opposed to any tax on sugary
soft drinks.

WHEATFIELD

Lawmakers in Wheatfield decided Monday the
Highway Department will concentrate on clearing
debris from ditches along three roads to prevent
flooding. The action followed a request from the
Drainage Committee received two weeks ago. The
department will tackle Lockport Road between
Nash and Ward Roads, areas along the Cayuga
Drive extension, and a section of Ward Road from
Lemke to Erik Roads. The State DEC will have to
approve the work plans which will cost about
$4,500. The Board voted to place a moratorium
on new requests from residents for drainage work
in their yards so the department will be free to
handle the problem, However, the Board at
future meetings, may direct the department to
investigate as many as three or four residential
complaints. They also o-k'd the sale of three
used vehicles. One of them had been sold to the
Town for $1,500 by former Supervisor Tim Demler.
It brought in $2,950. A fire truck sold for about
$2,400 and an ambulance for around $1,900.

SPALLINO TOWERS

Falls police say they found marijuana and three
guns Monday morning in the apartment of a 42
year old resident of Spallino Towers. Michael
Pawlikowski of apartment 511 was charged with
possession of marijuana plus felony charges of
second degree possession of a weapon and
criminal possession of stolen property. The pot was
behind several Healthy Choice dinners in a kitchen
freezer. An Ithaca shotgun, a sawed off Mossberg
shotgun, and a 45 calibre assault rifle that had been
reported stolen in 2006 were allegedly found in a
safe in a closet. Three-hundred-sixty rounds of
shotgun ammo and 174 45 calibre rounds were also
seized. The investigation started after the Housing
Authority told police they had gotten complaints
about possible drug dealing and that Pawlikowski
was having a lot of visitors.

SEX CHARGES

Lockport police Monday charged 32 year old
Shaka Hodge of Rochester with several sex
related crimes involving a 13 year old girl. The
incident allegedly happened in July, 2007, at
236 Chestnut Street. The girl told police her
uncle, Hodge, had forced her to watch
pornographic material and that he touched
her and forced her to touch him inappriopriately.
Hodge is charged with first degree sex abuse,
unlawful dealing with a child, and forcible
touching.

SIDEBOTTOM

A 30 year old Lockport man was arrested around
11pm Monday as police were executing a warrant
at 198 Olcott. Jeffrey Sidebottom, of that address,
was charged with criminal contempt and hindering
prosecution. He told police he had let Bethany
Flach stay there for a couple of days because she
had no place else to go. The action violated an
order of protection issued by Family Court. Sidebottom
was seen walking near the home as police were
trying to get Flach to answer the door. They
eventually forced their way in after seeing her
through a window crouching on the kitchen floor.
Sidebottom was arrested after he asked officers
what was going on.

SOMETHING NICE FOR HIS GIRLFRIEND

The Sheriff's Department charged a 21 year old
Barker man Monday with shoplifting about $75
worth of items from Peterson Drugs in Newfane.
Joshua Bachman of 1719 Pallister Drive was
detained by owner Katherine Peterson after he
set off a security alarm as he was leaving. He
allegedly had a $68 purse, a couple of keychains,
and some shoelaces hidden under his coat. He
told deputies he was having a hard time in life
and had no money and wanted to get something
nice for his girlfriend. He will be in Town Court
tonight.

PATERSON MAKES IT OFFICIAL

The Governor spent the weekend officially
announcing plans to run for another term.
A crowd of about 200 people listened Sunday
as he spoke at Christie's Restaurant in West
Seneca. He said he's ready for a full four years
and prepared to fight for the people. He said
when he sees the determination and struggle
of New Yorkers he realizes it's not really about
him, it's about the people of New York and he
will always put the people first. Paterson vowed
to continue to challenge the Legislature, fight
special interests, and make the tough, but
sometimes unpopular decisions needed to
recover from the recession. Paterson was also
in Syracuse Saturday to drop the puck at the
American Hockey League's first outdoor game.
He was booed loudly but shrugged it off by saying
the fans probably thought he was cheering for the
visitors. He took the time to get in a shot at his
potential primary opponet, Andrew Cuomo.
Paterson will be in Washington for the next couple
of days meeting with the President and other
governors from around the country.

WILSON TO TRY TO KEEP WILSON TUSCORORA STATE PARK OPEN

State and local leaders were not happy Friday when
the Governor announced plans to close 41 state
parks and 14 historic sites this year in an effort
to save $6.5-million. Wilson Tuscorora State Park
is on the list and State Senator George Maziarz says
Town Supervisor Joe Jasztremski contacted him
immediately to see if the Town could assume
responsibility for it. Maziarz says he thinks the
Town could handle it and says its more of a
community park with the beach, the boat ramp,
and the access to Sunset Island. Maziarz says he will
do all that he can to facilitate a dialogue between
the Town and the State Parks. He said it might
also be a protoype for other parks across the
State where Towns could assume responsibility.
The closure list also includes Joseph Davis State Park
and it calls for reductions in programs at 23 others,
including cuts in interpretative programs at
Niagara Falls State Park and the closure of
the Quaker Area Swim Beach at Alleghany
State Park. Maziarz noted that Paterson would
only close one in the New York City area and
called it unfair.
and

THE OLMSTEAD CENTER FOR SITE

Lockport's Dale Association is promoting the
new apartments being built on Davison Road
by the Olmstead Center for Sight and helping to
collect applications for residency. There are
24 units available, 20 one bedroom apartments
and four with two bedrooms. The L Nelson
Hopkins Apartments are specially equipped
for the disabled. They include a shared
laundry room, air conditioning, and a central
Community Room. Anyone in a low income
category can apply and the rents are very
affordable. The deadline for priority
placements is this Friday. Call 433-4441 for
more information.

MAYORS NIGHT IN

Falls Mayor Paul Dyster will deliver on a
promise he made during his State of the
City address, and hold his first "Mayor's
Night In" at City Hall this Wednesday. Dyster
and all of the department heads will be
available to talk to residenrs about their
concerns from 5 till 7pm. No reservations or
call-ahead is required, Just sign in at the
atrium in City Hall Wednesday and wait
your turn. Dyster says every effort will be
made to accomodate everyone that signs in.

FLU SHOTS

The County Health Department is holding another
free seasonal and H1N1 flu shot clinic today at
Niagara Catholic High School. It runs till 7pm.
The shots will be given to anyone over six
months of age. No appointments are needed
and you can report to register till 6:30. The
Health Department says flu-like illnesses are
beginning to rise again in the County.

A-E-S DEAL

The County and the Barker School District
are trying to work out a deal by March 1 on
contingency plans if the AES Corporation were
to default on it's payments under a tax break
agreed to last December. It calls for them to
pay $15.8-million a year for the next five years.
State law says the County would have to make
up the $9-million in payments Barker would receive
each year if AES cannot live up to the deal. The
IDA's attorney told the Legislature last week they
are only requiring the Company to post a
$3.1-million line of credit. County Attorney Claude
Joerg called it a reduction in protection. Any alterations
to the tax rolls for the 2011 school taxes and the
2011 town and county taxes in Somerset must be
finalized by March first.
first is the taxable status date in Somerset, meaning
that any altertaions

MEMORIAL DAY PLANNING MEETING

The first planning meeting for the City of Lockport's
Memorial Day celebration will be held Wednesday
night at the Navy-Marine Club. The activities will
take place on Sunday, May 30, the traditional
Memorial Day. The activities will include wreath
laying ceremonies at various memorials, a formal
ceremony at Cold Springs Cemetery, and the
traditional parade. Wednesday's meeting is open to
all interested groups and organizations. It starts at
6:30 at 37 Park Avenue.

PUBLIC HEARING TONIGHT

A public hearing is set for tonight on plans by the
DEC to strengthen the pollutant discharge permit
for Waste Management. It could lead to a number
of alterations in the processes currently used to
monitor and test storm and waste water coming
from the company. The permit is still in it's
draft form and not expected to be adopted till
later in the year. The hearing will start at 6 pm
tonight at Lew Port High School.

ROY HART STUDENT IN SPELLING BEE

A seventh grader at Roy Hart is one of 20 finalists
in the Buffalo News 2010 Spelling Bee. Tyler Kugler
had the top score in a written test given at the school
earlier this month. The 83rd annual event will take
place March 7 in the auditorium of the Buffalo and
Erie County Historical Society. The winner of the
oral competition and an escort will get an all expenses
paid trip to Washington to compete in the National
Spelling Bee in May. The local title also includes
a $100 cash prize, $50 in spending money for the
trip, and an engraved pen and pencil set. The next
top four finishers get the engraved peb and pencil
set plus smaller cash prizes.

MOUNT SAINT MARY'S

A 32 year old patient in the ER at Mount Saint
Mary's was charged with disorderly conduct
around 1:30 this morning after he allegedly
ripped out his I-V and started swearing at the
staff. Christopher Fahey of Saunders Settlement
Road had been sent to the hospital by ambulance
earlier in the night after Sheriff's deputies found
him walking in and out of traffic in an intoxicated
state on Saunders Settlement. He was discharged,
and then charged and ordered held on $100 bail.
He will be arraigned in Lewiston Town court tomorrow
night at 6.