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.

"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.