CONSTRUCTION SUSPENDED

The Seneca Gaming Corporation suspending construction Wednesday
in Buffalo and Salamanca. Spokesman Phil Pantano said a number of
factors that went into the decision and it the result of a lot of careful and
close consultation with their board of directors and the Seneca Nation
Council but it's primarily driven by the state of the economy. He said the
Seneca Gaming Corporation continues to be one of the strongest financial
operating companies in the gaming industry and it was their responsibility and
duty to their owners and bond holders to make sure it continues to be the case.
He said it was the appropriate and responsible decision to make before they
get too far into the projects. When asked if Tuesday's decision by Judge
William Skretney had any bearing on the announcement, Pantano said this was
not a decision that was made overnight. He said they alluded to it in their
most recent financial filing with the SEC and it was primarily driven by the
economy and the increased costs of doing business. He said they had
every intention of completing the projects at the appropriate time. 105
construction workers are affected in Buffalo and 40 in Salamanca.

PAUL BONA TO RETIRE

Roy Hart School Superintendent Paul Bona announced today he intends
to retire at the end of next June. He's served as school chief for more than
a decade. In a statement, he said it's been a priveledge to work with some of
the finest professional and support personnel who continually strive to make
our vision a reality on a daily basis.

HIGHWAY SUPERVISOR SUICIDE

The body of former Marilla Highway Supervisor David Pearce
was found by relatives around 1am today in the bed of his
pick-up. Pearce died of a gunshot wound to the head, an
apparent suicide. The 55 year old had just been sentenced to 7 months
in prison yesterday for taking money under the table.

BODY IDENTIFIED

Officials say a body found in the Niagara River Saturday has been
positively identified as being that of a 12 year old Bronx girl
who was swept into the Rapids August 13. The identification
of Magdelena Lubowksa was done using dental records. Her body
was found between Lewiston and Youngstown about 10 am Saturday by
two kayakers.

POT IN SHOE

A Lockport woman who was accused of sending her 4 year old
son to a preschool program with bags of marijuana in his sneaker
pleading guilty yesterday in City Court. 27 year old Sherry Sanney
plead guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and violating the
terms of a previous drug conviction. She'll be sentenced November
10th. Her public defender insisted after the session that Sanney did
not put the drugs in the sneaker but would not comment further.
Charges remain pending against Sanney's boyfriend. 21 year old
Joshua Brown is due in court next week.

WORKERS COMP

The Governor saying today the cost of workers comp fell more
than 20 per cent this year and he expects another 5 per cent
drop next year. Paterson said benefits for workers recently
increased to $550 a week and they will continue to rise each year
until 2010 when they will be indexed at two thirds of the average
weekly wage. He said last year's reforms set the framework and New
York now has one of the least expensive programs in the nation.

BUFFALO CASINO

U-S District Juge William Skretny refusing today to order the
Seneca Indians to immediately shut down their casino in
downtown Buffalo. He said the National Indian Gaming Commission
should carry out it's obligations and decide whether the operation
should be closed. He said the federal agency should review his ruling
issued July 8 that gambling is illegal on the site and issue the necessary
violation notices. Skretny also denied a request by casino supporters
to let the federal commission decide whether casino gambling in Buffalo
is legal, saying that was up to him. Seneca President Maurice John said he
expected the government would launch an immediate appeal. He said the
judge ruled in July that Buffalo Creek is sovereign land and we must now
seek a higher court's determination to allow us to do what we choose on that
land. As for now, the downtown casino will stay open and the Seneca's
will continue building their $333-million casino and hotel.

WILSON

E-S-P-N'S "Outside The Lines" put the unwanted spotlight on
the Wilson hazing incident during a 12 minute piece Sunday
morning. Meantime the Defene Attorney for one of the teen
victims says a plea bargain is in the offing. All three defendants
are due in court Thursday night.

AMERICAN LEGION BAND OF THE TONAWANDAS

The American Legion Band of the Tonawandas won it's 15th
national championship Saturday at the American Legion National
Senior Band Contest in Phoenix. Their 40 minute performance
drew cheers and rousing applause. They finished with a score of
92.13. Second place honors went to the American Legion Band
of Joliet , Illinois. They scored an 88.36.

YMCA DONATION

The First Niagara Bank Foundation has given the Lockport Family
YMCA $250,000 toward it's "Building For 0ur Future" Capital Campaign.
"Y" Executive Director Mark Albiez says it brings them to 52% of their
$11 1/2-million goal. The Campaign involves constructing a new 68-thousand
square foot South Branch facility on Snyder Drive and restoring the downtown North Branch location. The Foundation will present the check during a ceremony
at 9:30 Tuesday morning at the Lockport branch at 55 East Avenue. The new
31-acre South Branch will include an aquatic center, three gyms, a teen center,
wellness center, and outdoor recreational facilities. Its expected to be completed
in 2010. The revitalization of the downtown operation will take place from
2010 to 2012.