Niagara Gazette - Local News

LEWISTON: Budget bonuses for several local groups
With $10,000 more in sales tax revenue than was originally projected, the town board went on a little spending spree of sorts while adjusting 2010 budget numbers Monday night during a board worksession.
LEWISTON: A change in supervisor salary?
Since it was such a major point of contention in the recent election, Supervisor Fred Newlin said Monday night that the supervisor’s salary could be lowered — if Supervisor-elect Steve Reiter wants to make the change.
NIAGARA FALLS: Babanoury makes it official
Betty Babanoury has officially tendered her resignation as head of the Niagara Falls Public Library.
Delores Marino, library board president, said she received notice from Babanoury on Monday. Marino said the short letter was dated Nov. 4 and indicated that Babanoury’s resignation was effective immediately.
NIAGARA FALLS: City offers $650K for Inn on the River project
One phase of a larger hotel development project that was at the center of a tax break controversy earlier this year will get a financial boost from the City of Niagara Falls.
Members of the board of directors for the UFC Development Corp. on Monday agreed to provide a $650,000 grant to LaSalle Hospitality, Inc., a company that is looking to purchase and renovate the former Inn on the River at 7001 Buffalo Ave.
VETERAN PROFILE: Charles Decker recalls life as a belly gunner in South Pacific
As another Veterans Day approaches, a World War II vet recalls the hardships and friendships that made his military service an unforgettable chapter in his life.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Nov. 10
Several people reported hearing shots fired on the 2200 block of LaSalle Avenue early Monday morning.
BRUNO TRIAL: Former Local 91 member Congi expected favors
A former union president imprisoned for racketeering testified Monday that his late boss expected “favors” in Albany from then New York Senate leader Joseph Bruno in return for investing union pension funds with the company that employed Bruno.
COURTS: City attorneys respond to suit filed by Matteo Anello
City lawyers say a federal lawsuit filed by the brother of former Mayor Vince Anello is “frivolous.”
They also say, in a filing in U.S. District Court in Buffalo, that Matteo Anello failed to file his suit within time limits required by law and any injuries he suffered while being arrested during an incident at a City Council meeting were his own fault.
WILSON: Service isn't limited to same ol’ thing
A coffee bar in the basement, a rock band wearing shades indoors in the sanctuary and a 30-something Scotsman who never planned to be a pastor.
It’s probably safe to say the Sunday night get-together at the First Baptist Church in Wilson is not your grandfather’s church service.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Nov. 9
An A Street man foiled a burglary attempt by catching a man trying to break into a home Sunday.
EVENT: Sheriff’s Department hands out a few awards
Friday night at the Como Restaurant was a rare time for the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department to celebrate the hard work put in by road patrol deputies and corrections officers.
POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Leftover election goodies
I managed to accumulate 30 or so samplings of the campaign literature that made its way into mailboxes in Niagara Falls, Lewiston and Wheatfield during this year's primary and general elections.
WHEATFIELD: All along the waterfront
Wheatfield town residents are invited to help plan the future of the town’s waterfront and discuss the Wheatfield Local Waterfront Revitalization Program during a meeting set for 7 p.m. Monday at the Wheatfield Community Center, next to Town Hall on Church Road.
RANSOMVILLE: Local girl brings in the ’doh with $10K prize
No one would pay $10,000 for a Friday fish fry. Expect maybe Hasbro.
Ransomville’s Teagan Clark and her “Friday Fish Fry” are the winner of the Hasbro “Ready, Go Play-Doh” national food Play Doh sculpture contest.
SANBORN: Fire causes extensive damage; pets die
A fire Sunday afternoon at 6112 Walmore Road caused extensive damage to the house and claimed the life of a cat and dog.
NORTH TONAWANDA: New business blows in
Hurricane Bar on Oliver Street in North Tonawanda has been open for a month, since owners Robert and Wieslawa Orefice returned to their native Western New York a year ago.
NORTH TONAWANDA: Tailgaters revel in Jacks' big win
The chili was hot, the sausages were on the grill and Kim Tuzzo was just fine thinking about everything except for the big game.
VETERANS: Local man proud to have served
As another Veterans Day approaches, a World War II vet recalls the hardships and friendships that made his military service an unforgettable chapter in his life.
STREET TALK: Third Street's future
Q: What needs to be done to transform 3rd Street into a permanent entertainment district.
NIAGARA FALLS: Future uncertain for North End institution
Leadership void still issue at shuttered facility
NIAGARA FALLS: Man shot to death
GLYNN: Prince Charles draws small crowd
WHEATFIELD: All along the waterfront
Monday meeting is about revitalization program.
ROTARY CLUB: Giving the gift of literacy
Late member’s project carried on by current members
NIAGARA FALLS: Airport plans are flying
Officials discuss ways to promote new terminal, region.
NIAGARA FALLS: Babanoury leaving library?
The board is expected to receive director’s resignation soon
FIRE CALLS: Nov. 7, 2009
WHEATFIELD: Crash sends four to hospital
Sun blamed for Niagara Falls Boulevard collision.
CITY OF TONAWANDA: Falls man charged after car break-in
NIAGARA FALLS: Cottrell complains to police of strong-arm tactics
The man leading a push to promote the area’s ties to the Underground Railroad told Niagara Falls police that he had a “very intimidating” encounter this week with an individual who identified himself as a relative of a Niagara County lawmaker.
NIAGARA FALLS: Dyster's new plan for inspections
While the status of three suspended employees remains in limbo, Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster is proposing renaming and reorganizing the Inspections Department to better address code enforcement issues in the city.
FALLS POLICE: “Quest” for love gets awfully expensive
A 30-year-old Lancaster man laid out a story of love and betrayal to Falls police on Thursday.
The man said he joined the phone chat line “Quest” and began talking with a woman who said she was a 24-year-old Falls resident. On Oct. 15, the two met up at an apartment on Niagara Street where they had sex.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Nov. 6
COUNTY GOP: Henry Wojtaszek heading back to Harris Beach law firm
Two days after helping his party score several key victories in local elections, the long-time chairman of the Niagara County Republican Party announced his decision to step down.
Henry Wojtaszek, who has led the local GOP for nearly a decade, said Thursday the “timing was right” for him to hand the party reins off to someone else.
FALLS SCHOOLS: School rallies around sixth-grader
According to her former teacher, 11-year-old Jessica Stone always has a smile on her face.
She also suffers from a rare type of bone cancer and needs some help from the community.
FALLS SCHOOLS: NFHS getting more security cameras
The Niagara Falls Board of Education was told Thursday that an additional 56 security cameras will be installed inside Niagara Falls High School, including in a stairwell where an alleged rape happened last month.
SANBORN: Vietnam vet will sign his book at Ambrosia Bookstore on Saturday
A Vietnam veteran who says he exorcised the demons of his war experiences by writing about them, will be hosting a book signing on Saturday at Ambrosia Books in Sanborn.
HEARING: Return to school rejected
Judge refuses to allow NFHS student charged in rape to resumes classes.
POLICE BLOTTER
COURTS: Carter case moves toward trial
Judge continues to weight whether police search warrant was valid.
BUDGET: Office shuffle coming
Mayor to propose department restructuring during council review.
COMMUNICATION: Event ‘toasting’ good speaking skills
Workshops highlight event in falls this weekend.
CAMPAIGN: Coats for Kids drives kicks off again
Capitol Cleaners accepting donations on Saturday.
CONFERENCE CENTER: Comedian survivor to entertain at day-long women’s health event on Saturday.
Ladies: Live, laugh
SAY YES TO THE DRESS: Lewiston native and her mom are featured in TLC show.
TV Bride-to-be
BLOTTER: Police reports published Nov. 4
Gabriella Manarino, 17, 517 81st St., was charged with petit larceny on Tuesday. A store employee said she observed Manarino take $13.99 worth of cosmetics at 3:15 p.m.
LEWISTON: Reiter ousts Newlin
At 9:27 p.m. Tuesday, Lewiston Town Supervisor Fred Newlin turned to one of his supporters and said simply, “I’m not going to win.”
LEGISLATURE: Dems add, lose seat on Election Day
While there will be a few new faces in the Niagara County Legislature next year, there will be no change in the balance of decision-making power.
CITY COUNCIL: Incumbents, Grandinetti claim three City Council seats
Niagara Falls Democrats posted a clean sweep over Republicans in the race for three City Council seats as incumbents Charles Walker and Samuel Fruscione were re-elected and newcomer Kristen Grandinetti defeated Republican challengers Kenneth Pawlukovich and Candra Thomason.
WHEATFIELD: Cliffe cruises as Demler pulls in 800 votes
For the first time in 14 years, Wheatfield residents will have a new town supervisor.
But the old supervisor says he may not be ready to hang up his hat.
ELECTIONS: County follows downsizing trend
Voters on Tuesday approved a proposition that called for the size of the Niagara County Legislature to be trimmed from 19 members to 15.
LEWISTON: Bax, Marra win town council seats
Alfonso Bax was the top vote-getter in Tuesday’s election and earned his second term on the Lewiston Town Council. He will be joined by two-time village trustee and council newcomer, Michael Marra.
STATE: Voters OK land swap, inmate work
Voters across New York have overwhelmingly approved a minor land swap in a remote northwestern corner of the Adirondacks in one of two statewide ballot propositions.
WHEATFIELD: Cliffe the winner in supervisor's race, Demler gets 809 write-ins
LEGISLATURE: Downsizing measure overwhelmingly approved
LEWISTON: Newlin out as supervisor
NIAGARA FALLS: Early returns have Fruscione, Grandinetti in lead
WHEATFIELD: Odd flier causes stir
Town of Wheatfield attorney Robert O’Toole on Monday encouraged voters to ignore a questionable piece of campaign literature that was delivered to several homes on the eve of Election Day.
CITY COUNCIL: NAACP takes issues to City Council
More than 100 people stood up in unison Monday night to help deliver a message encouraging Niagara Falls City Council members to join in on the fight against racial discrimination in the city.
FALLS SCHOOLS: School board approves $20,000 raise for Maria Massaro
Niagara Falls School District assistant attorney Maria Massaro has been granted a $20,000 raise for additional duties school officials say she will be taking on.
The Niagara Falls Board of Education approved a new contract with administrative counsel Massaro that will pay her a salary of $65,000 for the 2009-10 school year, up from $44,829.
FALLS SCHOOLS: Student arrested in rape that occurred at school
A Niagara Falls High School junior has been charged with raping a classmate at the school.
The attack reportedly took place in a stairwell of the high school while classes were in session on Oct. 7.
CITY OF TONAWANDA: First responders converge on area for week of disaster drills
Three piles of concrete, mangled cars and simulated wounded littered the landscape at the former Spaulding Fibre site Monday as the first day of Vigilant Guard rescue exercises got under way.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Nov. 3
Niagara County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a pharmacy on the 2500 block of Niagara Falls Boulevard for a reported burglary early Monday morning.
NIAGARA COUNTY: Lining up funds for air base support
Niagara County and the City of Niagara Falls are considering plans to provide financial support to a struggling local advocacy group.
A pair of Niagara County lawmakers have co-sponsored a resolution calling on the county to provide a total of $40,000 in funding from its 2009 budget to support the Niagara Military Affairs Council.
ELECTION: Voutour supports inmate work measure
Niagara County Sheriff James Voutour supports a ballot question up for statewide vote today that would permit inmates to work for nonprofit agencies.
NIAGARA FALLS: Memorial drains outstanding water bill
With one cash payment, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has nearly wiped the slate clean on all of its debt with the Niagara Falls Water Board.
Water Board Executive Director Gerald Grose confirmed Friday the hospital has paid off $465,000 of a $510,000 bill that’s been accumulating since 2007.
NIAGARA FALLS: ‘Ruckus’ leads to NU basketball player arrest
Niagara University officials are investigating the arrest of a 20-year-old member of the basketball team who was charged after creating a disturbance at a Main Street bar early Sunday morning.
Christopher M. Armstrong was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest by Falls police following the incident.
POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Quality crop of candidates
I’ve covered some crazy and not-so-kind campaigns over the years.
I’m happy to report that this year’s Legislature races weren’t like any of those.
NIAGARA FALLS: Free training for budding businesses
One of the first steps to help open a small business in Niagara Falls starts Tuesday.
The city’s Economic Development Department, in cooperation with state Sen. Antoine Thompson’s office and the Niagara University Family Business Center, is once again offering a free Entrepreneurial Training Program open to both prospective business owners and current business owners.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Nov. 2
Falls police were called to the Hyde Park Ice Rink about 5:45 p.m. Saturday after a retired member of the Niagara Falls Police Department reported being threatened after a youth hockey game.
LEGISLATURE; Silver alert sought for county
Niagara County lawmakers will consider a plan to establish a new alert system that would aid in the recovery of missing persons who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other cognitive disorders.
NORTH TONAWANDA: GOP probe sought over Walmart flap
North Tonawanda mayor Larry Soos has requested state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and the Niagara County District Attorney to investigate alleged action on the part of the Republican Party to delay construction of the Walmart superstore in the city.
ELECTION: Does your vote count?
If you’re wondering if every vote counts, just ask William Davignon and Michael Carney.
In 2001, the two candidates for Niagara County Legislature had their race determined by one ballot — with Davignon claiming the seat over Carney.
Two years later, history repeated itself. Davignon was re-elected over Carney by a final count of 1,675 to 1,674.
LEGISLATURE: Downsizing measure coming to a vote
Supporters say it’s a good idea that will lead to smaller government and less cost.
Critics suggest the plan is too sparce on details and will not only hurt the level of representation in Niagara County’s largest city, but won’t result in much of a savings when all is said and done.
GLYNN: USS New York honors victims of 9-11
The USS New York, the new amphibious war ship in the Navy’s fleet, will be arriving at her Hudson River berth in Manhattan on Monday.
It will be commissioned next weekend.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Nov. 1
Several city streets were closed to traffic Saturday morning after strong winds caused numerous power poles to be knocked down.
ALBANY: Senate leader Bruno, 80, faces corruption trial
For more than a decade, state Senate Republican leader Joseph Bruno was a top power broker in New York. The backslapping former boxer had more bounce in his step than aides half his age and was gruffly unapologetic over the millions in pork projects that he grabbed for his upstate district.
POLICE REPORTS
FUNDRAISER: Niagara Hospice looks to match funds
Patrick P. Lee Foundation has committed $150K.
ELECTION: Political fire still burns for Ross
Long-time legislator faces challenge from Democrat Collins
COURTS: Polley case headed to trial
Judge turns back multiple defense requests for subpoenas.
COPS NOTEBOOK: How to save a life
UNITED WAY: Tonawanda United Way opts out of merger
The United Way of the Tonawandas on Thursday voted alone, opposing a years in the making plan to consolidate their group with those in Lockport and Niagara Falls.
COUNCIL ELECTION: Walker runs on record
Charles Walker has seen plenty of good times and bad times in his 11 years on the City Council.
But he’s confident the city’s best days are ahead.
COUNCIL ELECTION: Thomason tries for encore
Two years ago Candra Thomason was on the losing end of the largest landslide vote for mayor in the city’s history.
Anyone who thought she wouldn’t rebound doesn’t know her very well.
“I’m just one of those diehards, I’m going to keep doing it until I get it done,” Thomason said. “You win some and you lose some, but you get back up and get back in the game.”
LEWISTON ELECTION: Three vying for two seats on Town Council
A political newcomer, a one term member and a two-time village trustee will find out Tuesday who will fill two available seats on the Lewiston Town Council.
VILLAGE OF LEWISTON: Talking a stroll with outgoing mayor Richard Soluri
Richard Soluri is soon going to be able to do something most people don’t get to do. He’s going to be able to walk about on his own legacy.
NIAGARA FALLS: City may appeal Curtis ruling
The city is contemplating an appeal to the State Supreme Court’s Appelate Division after its attempt to block suspended Public Works employee James Curtis from returning to work was denied this week.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Oct. 30
A 68-year-old man was flown to Erie County Medical Center Tuesday morning after he struck a horse while driving on Ridge Road, according to Lewiston police.
EVENT: Fine art and more to be auctioned off on Sunday for Community Missions
Donated paintings and antiques will be auctioned off at a Fine Arts Auction being held at 4 p.m. Sunday at the LaSalle Yacht Club.
LEGISLATURE FORUM: County hopefuls square off on jobs, taxes
Six candidates vying for three seats on the Niagara County Legislature let their views be known during a forum at the Niagara Falls Public Library on Wednesday.
COUNCIL FORUM:Candidates make final push
Without much debate, the five candidates seeking seats on the Niagara Falls City Council breezed through a half dozen questions Wednesday that focused on public safety, economic development and the residency policy.
LEGISLATURE ELECTION: Voters offered choice in 12th District
In the Niagara County Legislature’s 12th District voters will be offered a choice this year between an incumbent who believes he’s done quite a bit to improve the quality of life in Lewiston and a political newcomer who thinks he has what it takes to accomplish much more.
LEWISTON: Campaign vets square off for town supervisor
Neither candidate for Lewiston Town Supervisor is a political newcomer in their community.
Yet that is about all Fred Newlin and Steve Reiter have in common.
NIAGARA FALLS: Seven left homeless after fire
Falls firefighters out on a routine ride to check on hydrants were pressed into action Wednesday morning to battle a suspicious blaze in a home in the 1900 block of East Falls Street.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Oct. 29
Falls police reported that they were called to a home on the 1100 block of North Avenue about 6 p.m. Wednesday for a report of a man with a gun shooting at raccoons.
NIAGARA FALLS: Library board welcomes Granto, seeks meeting with mayor
The Falls library board has added its second new member in a week, with an eye toward what one member said was, “adding some power players.”
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY: Conference on postpartum depression set for Nov. 5
A consortium of health care interests in Niagara County are joining to hold a day-long conference focusing on Postpartum Depression titled, “Addressing Symptoms of Postpartum Depression Through Comprehensive Risk Assessment and Intervention.”
WILSON: Spending down, taxes up 2-cents
Town of Wilson taxes will go up 2-cents per thousand in the proposed 2010 budget, marking the first time taxes have risen in the four-years Joseph Jastrzemski has served as supervisor.
COURTS: Parole violation may send Ransomville woman to jail
A Ransomville woman admitted to violation of parole in Judge Matthew Murphy III’s Niagara County courtroom Wednesday afternoon.
Valerie Finach was accused of a class E felony for her substance abuse and Murphy said she could get up to four years in state prison.
WHEATFIELD ELECTION: A new supervisor in town
Sam Conti and Bob Cliffe come from two very different backgrounds.
One is a successful businessman, the other a long-time state employee and union president. Yet both found their way into politics by way of a newspaper ad.
NIAGARA FALLS: A ‘Dream’ event for the city?
The phrase “something for everyone” will be taken to new heights during an event being pitched for the end of January at Conference Center Niagara Falls.
Billed as a “Dream Toys Show,” the two-day event plans to offer adult and children activities — ranging from a Gentleman’s VIP room featuring bikini-clad pole dancers to a children’s play area with bounce houses — all under one roof.
COUNCIL ELECTION: Pawlukovich gets down to business
Kenneth Pawlukovich’s run for Niagara Falls City Council is a prime example of the saying “if you’re unhappy with local government, change it.”
LEGISLATURE ELECTION: Youth to be served in 5th District
One thing is for certain in the race for the Niagara County Legislature’s 5th District.
Youth will be served regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s vote.
Earlier this year, incumbent and long-time Legislator Democrat Sean O’Connor announced he would not be seeking re-election.
WHEATFIELD: Paladino rallies the Patriots
Outspoken developer Carl Paladino isn’t one to mince words.
And on Tuesday, during a public forum sponsored by a local group of concerned citizens, the owner of the former United Office Building in downtown Niagara Falls didn’t disappoint.
LOCKPORT: ‘America's Got Talent’ comes calling
Just as the water main broke outside the Vacanti family’s residence three weeks ago, Joshua Vacanti, 16, got a call from “America’s Got Talent.”
“I answered the phone and immediately said: ‘Call back later, I’m in the middle of a crisis,’ before I even knew who was on the phone,” said Vacanti’s mother, Diane.
Luckily, a few hours later, they did.
LEWISTON: St. Peter’s School welcomes new head
Maureen Ingham, a longtime teacher and administrator for Niagara Falls School District, has been hired as the new principal at St. Peter’s School in Lewiston.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Oct. 28
A woman staffer was hit during a robbery Tuesday at a Wheatfield employment agency, and the suspect is still at large, according to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office.
TOWN OF NIAGARA BLOTTER: Police reports published Oct. 28
A look at police reports in the Town of Niagara from Oct. 14 through Sunday. H. James Suitor is the chief of police.
ELECTION: Wednesday forum is time to meet the candidates
Members of the public will have their final chance to hear from all of the candidates running for local government during a Candidate’s Night forum from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Niagara Falls Public Library, 1425 Main St.
LEGISLATURE ELECTION: Virtuoso faces Onesi in 4th District
Voters in the Niagara County Legislature’s 4th District will have a choice between the representative they’ve known for years and a newcomer who believes a change in office is long overdue.
COUNCIL ELECTION: Grandinetti hoping to add to the positives
Kristen Grandinetti has come down with a terminal case of optimism for her hometown — and she’s hoping it’s contagious.
VILLAGE OF LEWISTON: Soluri's sendoff includes Silo vote
Richard Soluri’s final meeting as mayor of the Village of Lewiston featured a vote on a controversial caboose, a group of thankful pet owners and their dogs and well wishes from many of the people who worked with him throughout the years.
NIAGARA FALLS: Time to meet the candidates
Members of the public will have their final chance to hear from all of the candidates running for local government during a Candidate’s Night forum from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Niagara Falls Public Library, 1425 Main St.
LEWISTON: Thieves in the night steal most of a popular Halloween display
or Irene Daunce and her husband there’s no holiday quite like Halloween.
“We had a Halloween wedding,” Irene said. “We were in costume, everyone was in costume. We even had the minister dressed up as a monk.”
STATE: Kimble named to Underground Railroad panel
A leading Republican from Niagara County has turned to a long-time Democrat as his preferred member for a local Underground Railroad commission.
State Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, has submitted the name of Niagara County Legislator Renae Kimble, D-Niagara Falls, to serve on a 13-member Underground Railroad Heritage Commission, the first of its kind in New York state.
TOWN OF TONAWANDA: Costumed man drives into river
A man dressed in a cow suit was charged with DWI Sunday after driving his car into the Niagara River.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Oct. 27
Niagara Regional Police say they arrested an Ohio man after he robbed a Canadian woman of her coat and some cash.
ROYALTON: 80-year-old man injured by falling hay bales
An 80-year-old Lockport man was taken by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center on Monday morning after three, 800-pound bales of hay fell on top of him at Van Buren Farms, 8247 Akron Road, Town of Royalton.
ELECTION: Log on to candidates forum Tuesday
The five candidates for City Council are expected to participate in a roundtable discussion from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday online at niagarabroadcastnetwork.com.
LEGISLATURE ELECTION: Familiar foes square off in 1st District
This year’s race for the First District seat in the Niagara County Legislature features a pair of familiar foes.
Incumbent Legislator Jason Murgia is again attempting to fend off a challenge from Niagara Falls school teacher Ric Marasco.
COUNCIL ELECTION: Fruscione speaking up for Niagara Falls
Samuel Fruscione is used to hearing questions and complaints.
As an elementary school teacher and member of the Niagara Falls City Council, most of his days are filled with challenges and issues that have been plaguing his hometown for half a century.
POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: No-huddle county government
Niagara Falls resident and Niagara Gazette contributor Ken Hamilton encouraged Niagara County lawmakers last week to reconsider one of their longest-standing practices — private caucus meetings.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Oct. 26
A 23-year-old South Avenue woman told police Saturday that her ex-boyfriend and two women entered her home, assaulted her and took her laptop computer.
NIAGARA FALLS: Library safety spotlighted
Niagara Falls library officials are asking the city to shed some light on a growing concern at the Main Street branch.
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY: President’s Dinner set for Nov. 14
Frank and Barbara Layden, along with the Brannen and Montani families and Joyce Fink, will be honored at the annual Niagara University President’s Dinner Nov. 14 at the Seneca Niagara Casino Hotel Event Center, 310 Fourth St.
PROGRAM: Host families needed for students
Niagara-area families are being afforded an opportunity to participate in the International Exchange Program for the 2009-10 school year.
Sponsored by the International Institute of Buffalo, in partnership with the U.S. State Department, the program is seeking host families for students coming to Western New York from China and Korea.
ALBANY: Fiscal crisis strikes hard at higher ed
New York is poised for another round of midyear cuts in both public university systems and in financial aid under the Tuition Assistance Program, which affect hundreds of thousands of families.
HYDE PARK: Rink repairs are on thin ice
CANADA: Outdoor rink set to open across the border
“Rink by the Brink” will debut as part of Winter of Lights Festival.
HALLOWEEN: Scare up some fun at these events
LEWISTON: Taking a bite out of chocolate shop profits
Couple, county question two-year license fee
TOWN OF NIAGARA: Everyone loves a parade
Electric Lights Parade still seeking participants.
MOUNT ST. MARY'S: Workers OK new contract
Agreement made after six months of negotiations.
CITY HALL NOTEBOOK: Read it and weep
WILSON: Exercise program is featured in national magazine
Article discusses effects of exercise on kids with ADHD.
FIRE CALLS: Oct. 24, 2009
LEWISTON: Upper Mountain Fire Co. hosting open house
Firefighters, fire police and emergency medical services personnel will host a community open house from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the Upper Mountain Fire Co., 839 Moyer Road.
This year’s theme is “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned.”
FALLS SCHOOLS: School board fills several vacancies
Five of the seven vacant positions stemming from last month’s residency firings were filled Thursday, but it was one of the spots not filled that attracted the most attention.
An appointment to fill the high school English teaching position was removed from the agenda prior to the Board of Education’s regular business meeting.
COURTS: Carter defense gets some time
Lawyers for accused killer Darnell Carter asked for additional time on Thursday to determine their next move in his case.
COURTS: Career criminal gets a chance
career criminal looking to turn his life around got that chance in Niagara County Court on Thursday.
Judge Sara Sheldon Sperrazza told Kenneth Longmire she would personally supervise his rehabilitation efforts.
COURTS: Pair rescued from gorge are freed from jail
A woman from England and a U.S. man, formerly living in Canada, have been sentenced to time served for their guilty pleas to charges stemming from an attempt to enter the states that left them stranded on the Niagara Gorge ice bridge.
NIAGARA FALLS: Restaino rejoins library board
The newest member of the Niagara Falls Library Board of Trustees is a familiar face to both the board and the community.
Former City Court Judge Robert Restaino has been selected to serve on the five-member board to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Frank Roma.
ROBERT MOSES: Partnership questions role of parks employees in debate
A group that has long advocated for removal of a section of the Robert Moses Parkway has raised concerns about the role of some State Parks employees in the ongoing debate over the controversial stretch of road.
POLITICS: Lawsuit looming over latest Farnham flap?
A Niagara County lawmaker who has been the target of criticism from the head of the county’s Democratic Party says he may take legal action in response to a recent claim he entered into a questionable real estate deal with a local firm.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Oct. 23
A Niagara County Sheriff’s deputy on patrol on Youngstown-Lockport Road early Thursday morning came across a white Ford cube van in a ditch just west of Palmer Road.
NORTH TONAWANDA: GOP denies guiding Sommer’s Walmart vote
Somebody in Niagara County isn’t telling the truth.
Republican Chairman Henry Wojtaszek on Wednesday categorically denied claims by North Tonawanda Councilman Brett Sommer that he was told by party brass in 2008 to stall the development of Walmart for political leverage.
CITY COUNCIL: Fire hall repairs a hot topic
The Niagara Falls Fire Department has benefited from casino funds over the last few years to purchase new equipment and trucks.
Meanwhile, its facilities continue to deteriorate and are becoming uninhabitable.
BLOTTER: Police reports published Oct. 22
Falls police were called to C Street about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday for a fight involving a man and a woman.

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