A fire around 7:30 last night destroyed two large
vacant warehouses near Route 31 in Gasport. Five
fire companies fought the blaze at 8101 and 8105
State Street. They included Gasport, Terry's
Corners, Hartland, Wolcottsville and South Lockport.
They used their 101 foot aerial ladder to attack
the flames and smoke, which could be seen for miles.
The stone and brick structures were used in the
late 1800's and early 1900's to store pears, apples, and
other fruit grown by local farmers. The cause is
under investigation. The sheriff's department
interviewed four males that were playing basketball
across the street, they said they did not see anyone in
the area prior to the fire. A property at 8103 State
Street owned by Ryan Harris was damaged by a
truck from the Hartland Fire Company when it
got stuck as it was on it's way to the canal to
retrieve water.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
MONGEILLO
In a ruling issued yesterday, Town of Lockport
Justice Raymond Schilling refused to dismiss the
charges against auto shop repair owner Dave Mongeillo.
He's accused of violating zoning laws by operating a
sign that changes it's message every few seconds
on Robinson Road. The case will now go to trial
and Mongeillo told WLVL he can't afford any more
legal fees and will probably represent himself. He
said a request for a change of venue was denied. The
date for the trial has not yet been determined. Mongeillo
had asked that the charges against him be dropped in
a court appearance on June 9. Schilling said he would
issue a written decision, which he did yesterday.
Justice Raymond Schilling refused to dismiss the
charges against auto shop repair owner Dave Mongeillo.
He's accused of violating zoning laws by operating a
sign that changes it's message every few seconds
on Robinson Road. The case will now go to trial
and Mongeillo told WLVL he can't afford any more
legal fees and will probably represent himself. He
said a request for a change of venue was denied. The
date for the trial has not yet been determined. Mongeillo
had asked that the charges against him be dropped in
a court appearance on June 9. Schilling said he would
issue a written decision, which he did yesterday.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
ANOTHER SCORCHER
An air quality alert for high ozone levels has been issued
today for the entire state as the heat wave continues. The
National Weather Service says it was close yesterday, but
they never reached 90 degrees at the Buffalo-Niagara Airport.
A high of 89 was set at 3:22pm. They're forecasting a high of
91 today, but it will be warmer away from the lakes. The heat
index topped out in the mid 90's at the airport, but again
it was much more in sections of Niagara and Orleans counties.
The heat wave is expected to end Friday when a cold front
will bring rain and more manageable temperatures.
today for the entire state as the heat wave continues. The
National Weather Service says it was close yesterday, but
they never reached 90 degrees at the Buffalo-Niagara Airport.
A high of 89 was set at 3:22pm. They're forecasting a high of
91 today, but it will be warmer away from the lakes. The heat
index topped out in the mid 90's at the airport, but again
it was much more in sections of Niagara and Orleans counties.
The heat wave is expected to end Friday when a cold front
will bring rain and more manageable temperatures.
RECORD HIGH ENERGY USAGE
National Grid says it's upstate customers broke a four
year old record yesterday for electricity demand. Between
2 & 3pm, the demand soared to 6,804 megawatts, which is
just shy of 7-billion watts of energy that was delivered. The
all time high of 6,692 had been set on August 2, 2006.
Company spokesman Steve Brady advised homeowners
to set the thermostat on their air conditioners a few
degrees higher than they might like to save money. He said
to clean your filter, and if it's possible on your unit, to set
it so it recirculates the air that's already in your home rather
than bringing in more hot air from outside. The company also
reccomends drawing blinds or shades to block the sun during
the hottest part of the day. They say to turn off lights when
they're not needed and to avoid cooking, bathing, or washing
clothes during the hottest hours.
year old record yesterday for electricity demand. Between
2 & 3pm, the demand soared to 6,804 megawatts, which is
just shy of 7-billion watts of energy that was delivered. The
all time high of 6,692 had been set on August 2, 2006.
Company spokesman Steve Brady advised homeowners
to set the thermostat on their air conditioners a few
degrees higher than they might like to save money. He said
to clean your filter, and if it's possible on your unit, to set
it so it recirculates the air that's already in your home rather
than bringing in more hot air from outside. The company also
reccomends drawing blinds or shades to block the sun during
the hottest part of the day. They say to turn off lights when
they're not needed and to avoid cooking, bathing, or washing
clothes during the hottest hours.
GASPORT TEEN SENTENCED TO 60 DAYS IN JAIL
A Gasport teen was sentenced to 60 days in the
County Jail Tuesday for beating another teen with a
wrench last December. Judge Matt Murphy denied
youthful offender status for 16 year old Brandon Buryta
of Royalton Center Road. He also sentenced him to
five years probation and ordered him to pay more
than $6,700 in medical expenses that were not covered
by insurance. Murphy said the victim, 18 year old William
Brown, suffered a permanently scarred retina. He's had
several reconstructive surgeries at ECMC as they attempt
to repair the damage to his face and eye. The incident
happened when Brown stood up for a female victim who
was verbally and physically assaulted by Buryta at her
home in Hartland. Murphy could have sentenced Buryta
to four years in state prison. Buryta said he was sorry
it happened and it was an honest mistake.
County Jail Tuesday for beating another teen with a
wrench last December. Judge Matt Murphy denied
youthful offender status for 16 year old Brandon Buryta
of Royalton Center Road. He also sentenced him to
five years probation and ordered him to pay more
than $6,700 in medical expenses that were not covered
by insurance. Murphy said the victim, 18 year old William
Brown, suffered a permanently scarred retina. He's had
several reconstructive surgeries at ECMC as they attempt
to repair the damage to his face and eye. The incident
happened when Brown stood up for a female victim who
was verbally and physically assaulted by Buryta at her
home in Hartland. Murphy could have sentenced Buryta
to four years in state prison. Buryta said he was sorry
it happened and it was an honest mistake.
REINEKE GETS ANOTHER TERM
A 4-3 vote last night gave James Reineke another term
as president of the Newfane School Board. He was
supported by Cynthia Ames, Joe Flagler, and Kelly
Artieri, who was chosen as Vice President by a similiar
vote. The three new board members, Frank Westgate,
Michele Malone, and Flagler also took their oathes of
offices during the re-organizational meeting. The Board
decided to hold their future sessions on the first and
third Tuesdays of each month at the Early Childhood
Center. In the regular meeting that followed, they
talked about filling a districtwide technology position.
It's already in the budget and the slot will be filled by
a current employee. The Board accepted a $2,300
donation from the district's Parents & Students
Association. It'll be used to buy reading materials for
students in kindergarten through the second grade.
as president of the Newfane School Board. He was
supported by Cynthia Ames, Joe Flagler, and Kelly
Artieri, who was chosen as Vice President by a similiar
vote. The three new board members, Frank Westgate,
Michele Malone, and Flagler also took their oathes of
offices during the re-organizational meeting. The Board
decided to hold their future sessions on the first and
third Tuesdays of each month at the Early Childhood
Center. In the regular meeting that followed, they
talked about filling a districtwide technology position.
It's already in the budget and the slot will be filled by
a current employee. The Board accepted a $2,300
donation from the district's Parents & Students
Association. It'll be used to buy reading materials for
students in kindergarten through the second grade.
A CONTINUING CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE
A 31 year old rap singer and gang leader from the Falls
took a guilty plea Tuesday in federal court. Sean McIver
admitted to a felony charge of running a continuing
criminal enterprise...a drug gang that sold cocaine in the
city between 2005 & 2009. Judge William Skretney said
McIver could be sentenced to 12 1/2 years to life in
prison depending on whether he cooperates with an
ongoing federal drug investigation. McIver records
under the name Raw. Police called him one of the leaders
of the Niagara Falls Bloods when he was arrested in
March of last year, but he only admitted to being a
leader of an unnamed gang that had at least five members.
His arrest followed a lengthy investigation into drug
violence conducted by the police, the DEA, and the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
He'll be sentenced October 22.
took a guilty plea Tuesday in federal court. Sean McIver
admitted to a felony charge of running a continuing
criminal enterprise...a drug gang that sold cocaine in the
city between 2005 & 2009. Judge William Skretney said
McIver could be sentenced to 12 1/2 years to life in
prison depending on whether he cooperates with an
ongoing federal drug investigation. McIver records
under the name Raw. Police called him one of the leaders
of the Niagara Falls Bloods when he was arrested in
March of last year, but he only admitted to being a
leader of an unnamed gang that had at least five members.
His arrest followed a lengthy investigation into drug
violence conducted by the police, the DEA, and the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
He'll be sentenced October 22.
A SIX PER CENT DROP
The State DMV announced Tuesday there was a six
percent drop in overall traffic fatalities in the state
last year. Commissioner David Swarts said there
was a 17 percent decrease in motorcycle fatalities
and a more than 29 per cent drop in bicycle deaths.
Swarts also said alcohol was a contributing factor
in 30 percent of all fatal crashes. He said the use
of seatbelts also increased to 90 percent. The
national use rate is 84 percent.
percent drop in overall traffic fatalities in the state
last year. Commissioner David Swarts said there
was a 17 percent decrease in motorcycle fatalities
and a more than 29 per cent drop in bicycle deaths.
Swarts also said alcohol was a contributing factor
in 30 percent of all fatal crashes. He said the use
of seatbelts also increased to 90 percent. The
national use rate is 84 percent.
81 YEAR OLD BREAKS LOCKPORT TRASH LAW
An 81 year old Lockport woman turned herself into
police Tuesday for putting her trash out too early.
Eneida Rodriguez of 77 Rogers Avenue allegedly
committed the offense on June 2 of this year. Community
Police aide Robert Turner said she put her trash
out more than 24 hours before it's scheduled pickup.
police Tuesday for putting her trash out too early.
Eneida Rodriguez of 77 Rogers Avenue allegedly
committed the offense on June 2 of this year. Community
Police aide Robert Turner said she put her trash
out more than 24 hours before it's scheduled pickup.
A SAD CHOICE
An Eagle scout from Newfane was sentenced Tuesday
to four months in jail and ten years probation for having
sex with a 12 year old girl last year. Twenty year old Matt
McIntyre of Dale Road had plead guilty to second degree
rape. Judge Matt Murphy told McIntyre..."we have
laws in place to protect 12 year old girls," but he added,
"otherwise you're the kind of person anyone would want
as their son or grandson." McIntyre admitted he had made
a "sad choice."
to four months in jail and ten years probation for having
sex with a 12 year old girl last year. Twenty year old Matt
McIntyre of Dale Road had plead guilty to second degree
rape. Judge Matt Murphy told McIntyre..."we have
laws in place to protect 12 year old girls," but he added,
"otherwise you're the kind of person anyone would want
as their son or grandson." McIntyre admitted he had made
a "sad choice."
PROTESTORS WANT MORE
About a dozen protestors were outside Wheatfield Town
Court Tuesday. They wanted officials to levy more serious
charges against 40 year old Joelle Kott. She was arrested
January 29th when the SPCA seized 47 dogs from her
Norman Road home and from two other locations. She's
charged with six misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty
and two others of child endangerment. Officials said her
two children were living in deplorable conditions because
of the large amount of animal waste. Kott did not appear
in court, but her attorney, James Faso, said he was told
by the D-A's office that the case will stay in Town Court
and felony charges would not be filed.
Court Tuesday. They wanted officials to levy more serious
charges against 40 year old Joelle Kott. She was arrested
January 29th when the SPCA seized 47 dogs from her
Norman Road home and from two other locations. She's
charged with six misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty
and two others of child endangerment. Officials said her
two children were living in deplorable conditions because
of the large amount of animal waste. Kott did not appear
in court, but her attorney, James Faso, said he was told
by the D-A's office that the case will stay in Town Court
and felony charges would not be filed.
ADMISSION
A 24 year old Falls man who previously admitted to
robbing a convenience store in that city plead
guilty in county court Tuesday to stealing more than
$20,000 from a Lockport business when he worked
there last year. Solomon Dixon of Delaware Avenue
admitted to fourth degree grand larceny for the
thefts from the Game Crazy on South Transit. Dixon
had already admitted in city court that he robbed
the Sunoco A Plus Mini Mart April 21. He's
awaiting sentencing in that case. Police said he
fought with the clerk who said Dixon offered him
$50 to cooperate in the hold-up. He'll be sentenced
August 20 for the thefts at Game Crazy.
robbing a convenience store in that city plead
guilty in county court Tuesday to stealing more than
$20,000 from a Lockport business when he worked
there last year. Solomon Dixon of Delaware Avenue
admitted to fourth degree grand larceny for the
thefts from the Game Crazy on South Transit. Dixon
had already admitted in city court that he robbed
the Sunoco A Plus Mini Mart April 21. He's
awaiting sentencing in that case. Police said he
fought with the clerk who said Dixon offered him
$50 to cooperate in the hold-up. He'll be sentenced
August 20 for the thefts at Game Crazy.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
HOT HOT HOT
It may have been hot and sticky Monday but
we didn't break any records. National Weather
Service forecaster Bob Hamilton says we're not
likely to do so on any day this week. The record
high for today is 97, tomorrow's all time high was
94, and we'd have to get above 96 to bust a
record Thursday. It's the high humidity that makes
it even more uncomfortable. The heat index was
in the low to mid 90's Monday and it'll be the same
today. An air quality alert is also in effect. We'll
have elevated ozone levels into this evening.
Tomorrow's highs will be a couple of degrees
warmer than today, we should see some relief
on Friday. Hamilton says the last time they hit
90 at the Buffalo-Niagara Airport was in
September, 2007.
we didn't break any records. National Weather
Service forecaster Bob Hamilton says we're not
likely to do so on any day this week. The record
high for today is 97, tomorrow's all time high was
94, and we'd have to get above 96 to bust a
record Thursday. It's the high humidity that makes
it even more uncomfortable. The heat index was
in the low to mid 90's Monday and it'll be the same
today. An air quality alert is also in effect. We'll
have elevated ozone levels into this evening.
Tomorrow's highs will be a couple of degrees
warmer than today, we should see some relief
on Friday. Hamilton says the last time they hit
90 at the Buffalo-Niagara Airport was in
September, 2007.
LOCKPORT PAVING TO BEGIN
Lockport Mayor Mike Tucker says street repaving
work will start this week after he got the news the
City will get $463,00o from Albany to pay for it.
Highways & Parks Superintendent Mike Hoffman
said the first streets to get attention have not yet been
chosen, but he says there's a possibility they'll start
by laying top coats of asphalt on Beattie Avenue and
Willow and Locust. They got a fresh coat in May
with money left over from last year. Tucker says
they should be able to repave 25 streets this
year.
work will start this week after he got the news the
City will get $463,00o from Albany to pay for it.
Highways & Parks Superintendent Mike Hoffman
said the first streets to get attention have not yet been
chosen, but he says there's a possibility they'll start
by laying top coats of asphalt on Beattie Avenue and
Willow and Locust. They got a fresh coat in May
with money left over from last year. Tucker says
they should be able to repave 25 streets this
year.
SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
A County lawmaker thinks a special prosecutor needs
to look into accusations that former Falls school district
maintenance worker Jeffrey Pasquantonio did jobs at
the homes of district employees while he was clocked
in for the district. John Ceretto says he will ask the
County Legislature to pass a resolution calling on the
Governor to do so. The information was provided to the
district by a private investigator. District Attorney
Michael Violante looked into the matter, but once
Pasquantonio resigned, he announced no charges would
be filed.
to look into accusations that former Falls school district
maintenance worker Jeffrey Pasquantonio did jobs at
the homes of district employees while he was clocked
in for the district. John Ceretto says he will ask the
County Legislature to pass a resolution calling on the
Governor to do so. The information was provided to the
district by a private investigator. District Attorney
Michael Violante looked into the matter, but once
Pasquantonio resigned, he announced no charges would
be filed.
NOON TIME CONCERT SERIES
The noon-time concert series at the Gazebo on
Canal Street in Lockport has it's official opening
today. Main Street Incorporated Chief Heather
Peck says last week's shows were lind of like
practice, they wanted to get the kinks out and
make sure they had the equipment and materials
to do it properly. The Heenan Brothers will play
at 11:30 today. Rick Heenan works at the Discovery
Center and he and his son will play from 11:30 till
1:30. Peck says a hot dog vendor and Papa Leo's
will be selling food. The concerts will continue
Monday thru Friday through the end of August.
They'e being paid for with a grant from the Grigg
Lewis Foundation and each performer earns
$75. Ron Locurto will perform from noon till 2pm
Wednesday, Andy Mitchell from 1-3pm Thursday,
and The Usual Suspects from 1-3pm Friday. They
still have some openings for July, call 434-0212.
Canal Street in Lockport has it's official opening
today. Main Street Incorporated Chief Heather
Peck says last week's shows were lind of like
practice, they wanted to get the kinks out and
make sure they had the equipment and materials
to do it properly. The Heenan Brothers will play
at 11:30 today. Rick Heenan works at the Discovery
Center and he and his son will play from 11:30 till
1:30. Peck says a hot dog vendor and Papa Leo's
will be selling food. The concerts will continue
Monday thru Friday through the end of August.
They'e being paid for with a grant from the Grigg
Lewis Foundation and each performer earns
$75. Ron Locurto will perform from noon till 2pm
Wednesday, Andy Mitchell from 1-3pm Thursday,
and The Usual Suspects from 1-3pm Friday. They
still have some openings for July, call 434-0212.
PUTTING FOR PEGUINS
They're taking reservations now for the 5th annual
Putting For Peguins benefit for the Aquarium of
Niagara. It starts at 5pm on Friday, July 16, at the
Newfane Pro Am Par Three golf course. The fun
scramble format uses glo balls and sticks and is
open to anyone. A dinner buffet,. beer, wine, soft drinks,
and great prizes are included. The entry fee is $80 per
golfer and it's $30 if you just want to attend the party.
There will be an hour of night golf starting at 9:30. Call
285-3575, ext 206 and they'll tell you more.
Putting For Peguins benefit for the Aquarium of
Niagara. It starts at 5pm on Friday, July 16, at the
Newfane Pro Am Par Three golf course. The fun
scramble format uses glo balls and sticks and is
open to anyone. A dinner buffet,. beer, wine, soft drinks,
and great prizes are included. The entry fee is $80 per
golfer and it's $30 if you just want to attend the party.
There will be an hour of night golf starting at 9:30. Call
285-3575, ext 206 and they'll tell you more.
COUNTY FAIR SEASON
Oswego and Orange counties kicked off the state's
County Fair season over the weekend. State Agriculture
Commissioner Patrick Hooker says about 4-million people
attended 54 County and Youth Fairs last year. They were
orginally crreated to show off the latest developments in
agriculture and to provide a social gathering for the
community. Hooker says you can buy a pass for $100
that'll get you and a guest into every one of them, and the
Great New York State Fair as well. Go to NY Fairs dot org
slash passes dot htm. You can also call 518-753-4956.
There is a limited number available.
County Fair season over the weekend. State Agriculture
Commissioner Patrick Hooker says about 4-million people
attended 54 County and Youth Fairs last year. They were
orginally crreated to show off the latest developments in
agriculture and to provide a social gathering for the
community. Hooker says you can buy a pass for $100
that'll get you and a guest into every one of them, and the
Great New York State Fair as well. Go to NY Fairs dot org
slash passes dot htm. You can also call 518-753-4956.
There is a limited number available.
SERIOUS CONDITION
A Niagara Falls woman is still in serious condition at ECMC
after she was thrown from her all terrain vehicle and then
run over by it Sunday night in Newfane. Forty-0ne year old
Lisa Atamian of Willow Avenue suffered serious facial and
head injuries. The accident happened around 7:40 pm Sunday
in a field off McKee Road. Deputies said she was thrown about
15 feet and the vehicle continued moving and ran over her.
She was taken to the hopsital by Mercy Flight after being
treated at the scene by Miller Hose.
after she was thrown from her all terrain vehicle and then
run over by it Sunday night in Newfane. Forty-0ne year old
Lisa Atamian of Willow Avenue suffered serious facial and
head injuries. The accident happened around 7:40 pm Sunday
in a field off McKee Road. Deputies said she was thrown about
15 feet and the vehicle continued moving and ran over her.
She was taken to the hopsital by Mercy Flight after being
treated at the scene by Miller Hose.
PRINCESS CASTLE BOUNCE HOUSE
A $3,000 bounce house and a $500 trailer were stolen
from a home in Pendleton over the long holiday weekend.
A woman on Beach Ridge Roard said the Princess Castle
bounce house was on a trailer in her yard. They were both
taken between 9:30 pm Sunday and 10am Monday.
from a home in Pendleton over the long holiday weekend.
A woman on Beach Ridge Roard said the Princess Castle
bounce house was on a trailer in her yard. They were both
taken between 9:30 pm Sunday and 10am Monday.
BURGLARIES
A 60 inch flat screen TV was taken Sunday night from a
home on Gothic Lane in Lockport. The Sheriff's department
said a window screen was cut and forced open and items were
tossed about in the master bedroom, the living room, and in a
spare bedroom. The 30 year old female victim said the 6o inch
TV was worth $2,500. An $800 40 inch set was also taken along
with a digital camera and Wii game system for a total loss of
about $3,700. The department also reported that over $1,400
worth of items were taken in another burglary on the 4th of
July from a home on Lockport-Junction Road. A 40 year old
woman said her loss included a 19 inch LCD TV, a mountain
bike, and two game consoles with games. It's thought entry was
made through the garage.
home on Gothic Lane in Lockport. The Sheriff's department
said a window screen was cut and forced open and items were
tossed about in the master bedroom, the living room, and in a
spare bedroom. The 30 year old female victim said the 6o inch
TV was worth $2,500. An $800 40 inch set was also taken along
with a digital camera and Wii game system for a total loss of
about $3,700. The department also reported that over $1,400
worth of items were taken in another burglary on the 4th of
July from a home on Lockport-Junction Road. A 40 year old
woman said her loss included a 19 inch LCD TV, a mountain
bike, and two game consoles with games. It's thought entry was
made through the garage.
ZOOM TEAM FOLLOW-UP
The Niagara Falls Public Works Department will
start following up today on building code enforcement
notices starting in the 2800 block of McKoon Avenue and
Monteagle Street. The departments code enforcement
section has done a series of spot checks in various
neighborhoods identifying obvious violations. In most
cases, the owners were given time to make repairs before
notices were sent out. The dates vary depending on when
the original notices were issued. The inspection group is
called the Zoom team. Mayor Paul Dyster says it's been
effective and the city council recently transferred $10,000
from the contingency fund to pay for the overtime.
start following up today on building code enforcement
notices starting in the 2800 block of McKoon Avenue and
Monteagle Street. The departments code enforcement
section has done a series of spot checks in various
neighborhoods identifying obvious violations. In most
cases, the owners were given time to make repairs before
notices were sent out. The dates vary depending on when
the original notices were issued. The inspection group is
called the Zoom team. Mayor Paul Dyster says it's been
effective and the city council recently transferred $10,000
from the contingency fund to pay for the overtime.
NEWFANE SCHOOLS
The Newfane School Board has it's reorganizational
meeting at 7 tonight in the Early Childhood Center. It'll
be followed by their regular meeting.
meeting at 7 tonight in the Early Childhood Center. It'll
be followed by their regular meeting.
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