Current Conditions
46 ° Light Rain

Police log for Clarence, week of Sunday May 26

May 16 Harassment Stacy Miller, 29, of Lockport was arrested for aggravated harassment on Main Street in the Town of Clarence. She was released on an appearance ticket and will return to town court at... more

Thursday May 23, 2013 | Metro Source Staff

Lancaster voters pass school budget

LANCASTER- On Tuesday, May 21, Lancaster voters approved the $94.72 million school budget that carries with it a tax levy increase of 3.96 percent. The 2013-14 school budget, which will increase spending... more

Thursday May 23, 2013 | Metro Source Staff

Buffalo Music Hall of Fame seeking submissions

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is currently seeking submissions for Volume 4 in their highly successful CD series featuring inducted members of the BMHOF. Hall of Fame members may submit their tracks to... more

Thursday May 23, 2013 | Metro Source Staff

Town, Village of Lancaster Police Blotter

May 11 Unlawful Possession of Marijuana Patrol responded at 7:59 p.m. to an Aurora Street address for a report of reckless operation of a vehicle, which had parked in the lot and the driver went into... more

Thursday May 23, 2013 | Jennifer Lysiak, Lancaster Editor

Father, son serve community, country

Marty Helowicz served his country in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1971 and now, as a Vietnam veteran, he serves his community as the president of the Clarence Citizens for Veterans. Helowicz worked... more

Thursday May 23, 2013 | Kaitlin Fritz, Metro Source

Niagara SPCA to host firefighter challenge

Thursday May 23, 2013 | Metro Source Staff

Erie County Legislators call for investigation into Social Services Department

The Erie County Legislature’s Minority Caucus held a press conference Tuesday, calling for a legislative hearing to fully examine how sensitive department of social service documents were disposed of improperly.... more

Wednesday May 22, 2013 | Metro Source Staff

School budget fails, reductions are inevitable

Members of the Clarence Central School District voted Tuesday, letting the board of education know they did not approve of the budget that was put before them. The budget that was voted on needed a 60... more

Wednesday May 22, 2013 | Kaitlin Fritz, Metro Source

Bikes in Bloom; a unique garden walk in Clarence Center

fh0|oh149|ow199|hs1.0E-5|ws1.00502512563|hsfx1.00502512563

The Meet in the Center Merchants Association invites all Clarence Center residents and businesses to participate in Bikes in Bloom 2013, the fourth annual season-long “garden walk” that will be... more

Wednesday May 22, 2013 | Metro Source Staff

Central School sale passes, budget passes in Tonawanda

TONAWANDA - Despite a last-ditch effort to stop it by community activists, the sale of the former Central School in Tonawanda was approved by voters Tuesday. The sale of the building to a private developer... more

Wednesday May 22, 2013 | Sean O'Neil, Tonawanda Source

Voters pass five school budgets, Wilson's budget is defeated

Residents passed five school budgets — Starpoint, Lockport, Royalton-Hartland, Newfane and Barker — Tuesday in eastern Niagara County. Voters were not in favor of Wilson’s budget, which would have raised the tax levy 4 percent. Wilson voted down the budget 698 to 414. The proposed budget was $24.3 million, which was a 3.49 percent spending increase. The 4 percent tax levy increase was under Wilson’s 5 percent tax cap. “The district was sent a message by voters last night,” said Wilson Superintendent Michael Wendt. “We will move forward with the results and bring it to the board.” Wilson’s...

Boys and Girls Club kicks off baseball season in style

TONAWANDA - The baseball gods smiled upon Tonawanda on Sunday, as luscious blue skies and a piercing sun greeted youngsters ready to hear the familiar summertime refrain: Play ball! The Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns opened its youth baseball season with much pomp and circumstance. The Tonawanda High School Jazz Ensemble, fresh off a victory in a recent competition in Virginia, played patriotic tunes, while the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 77 served as the honor guard for the national anthem. After a ceremonial first pitch, it was time to hit the field, as numerous teams faced off...

Starpoint’s bats key in 17-3 regular season

The Starpoint High School softball team has been hitting the ball hard all season long. Up and down the roster, the Spartans have had heroes all over the batting order — and that’s helped lead to a big season, which includes a share of the ECIC II regular season title. The Spartans are hitting .346 as a team with a .403 on-base percentage and .465 slugging percentage. Of the 14 players on the roster, 10 are hitting at least .290. “Everybody hits on our team,” junior Ashley Owens said with a smile. The Spartans scored 148 runs in their first 20 games. That’s a hefty average of 7.4 per game....

New face joins the Ken-Ton School Board, budget passes

KENMORE/TONAWANDA - Judging by his reaction when asked how he was doing, Todd Potter was having a very good night on Tuesday. And why not? The 22-year-old political novice had not only won a seat on the Ken-Ton Board of Education, but he was the leading vote getter as well. Potter, a former Ken-Ton district student, received the most votes out of the four candidates running for two seats; 1768 votes. Coming in second, winning re-election was board president Bob Dana, who garnered 1562 votes. Voters also gave a strong thumbs-up to the proposed budget, which comfortably passed 2,194 to 1,047. With...

Police Log for the Tonawandas for the week of Sunday, May 26

City of Tonawanda May 14 Warrant Surrender Diane L. Dooley, 55, Lardner Court, Tonawanda, surrendered on a warrant May 14, for AUO. All fines were paid. May 15 Menacing Daniel P. Schwartz, 32, Main Street, Tonawanda, was arrested May 15 for menacing in the third degree, harassment in the second degree, and criminal obstruction of breathing. Schwartz was involved in an incident with a female at a house on Main Street. May 16 Warrant surrender Brendan J. Anderson, 37, Goundry Street, North Tonawanda, surrendered on a bench warrant May 16. He was held for court. Warrant Surrender...

YMCA Splash helps teach kids water safety

LOCKPORT - YMCA Splash is a campaign to help teach kids how to be safer around water. It will help kids overcome fears they might have and will give them a sense of pride and accomplishment. Parents worry, that’s a fact, but the YMCA can help to educate children to be safer near water. YMCA Splash is a free program offered to the community, which offers these daily themes: • YMCA pool safety. • Backyard pool and sun safety. • Beach and boating safety. Each day children will be given activity sheets that relate to these themes, puzzles and coloring books. “Tips for Parents” booklets will...

SPCA to host firefighter challenge

On June 22 and 23, the Niagara County SPCA will be hosting the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge. The Challenge will be held at Summit Park Mall, 6929 Williams Road, Niagara Falls. The individual competition starts at 1 p.m Saturday, June 22 and the tandem and team relays begin at noon Sunday, June 23. Firefighters competing in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge will be competing in a five-evolution event, which includes a five-story tower climb with high-rise pack, hose hoist, forcible entry, hose advance, and victim rescue. Competitions shall include individual, team, tandem, and relay....

West Shore Railroad Mural is underway

CLARENCE - The Clarence Hollow Farmer’s Market’s West Shore Railroad Mural is underway. Jeff Perdziak, Clarence artist and muralist, began outlining the West Shore Railroad Mural on the Clarence Bowling Academy’s exterior wall at 10718 Main St., Clarence. Perdziak continued to work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day this past week, weather permitting. He welcomed spectators to visit, watch and asked questions as he continued to bring life to a piece of the Clarence Hollow’s historic railroad past. Fund-raising efforts are still ongoing. For details on how to donate, visit www.clarencefarmersmarket.com....

Niagara USA Chamber says school districts must stay within tax cap

The Niagara USA Chamber today called on voters across Niagara County to support their school budget if it stays within the property tax cap, but defeat those that look to exceed it when they cast their votes on Tuesday, May 21. “The chamber has consistently been a supporter of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2 percent property tax cap since he envisioned it in 2011,” said Kory Schuler, director of government affairs for the Niagara USA Chamber. “Although it remains a challenge to stay within the cap, we urge all districts to examine their budgets in earnest and ask voters to support those budgets that...

Proper training will help pitchers avoid arm injuries

As the sports scene become more competitive, today’s young athletes are pushed more and more aggressively to succeed. Many athletes — and their parents — hold the dream of signing million-dollar contracts and playing in the big leagues. With increased competition comes a higher risk of injury, especially seen with young baseball pitchers. Common ailments include tearing of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow or medial epicondyle apopysitis (Little League elbow) in the throwing arm. These injuries often result in surgery and require physical therapy prior to returning to play. Studies have...

New D’Youville program uses actors to teach coordination among health care disciplines

BUFFALO - A new and unique program at D’Youville College is using professional actors to portray patients needing medical care to help teach health care students collaboration among a variety of fields including pharmacy, physician assistant, physical and occupational therapy, nursing, dietetics and chiropractic. D’Youville is one of the very few colleges or universities in the nation teaching all seven disciplines under one roof, making it ideal for interprofession collaboration. A $62,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo helped in the creation of a simulation center,...

County receives grant from NYS Division of Homeland Security, Emergency Services

LANCASTER- The Erie County Department of Central Police Services, in conjunction with the Department of Emergency Services, has announced the receipt of an award of $967,981 from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for funding from the Public Safety Answering Point Consolidation, Improvements and Enhancements Grant. This grant will be used primarily to implement the Phase III portion of the E-911 Improvement project, improving communications interoperability between services and municipalities. “This grant will provide a huge boost to emergency communications...

Battleship helps to battle cancer

BUFFALO - On June 14, Joe Szafranski will leave Buffalo via bike and head to Rochester, where he will continue on to Syracuse on June 15, and then through Amsterdam and arrive in Albany, New York on June 17. Szafranski will then set aside his bike and walk up the stairs to the New York State Capital Building to discuss funding for Camp Good Days with New York State officials. The 290 mile cycling journey is Szafranski’s 3rd annual Bike for Cancer effort that he initiated to honor his nephew James “Jimmy” Szafranski, a South Buffalo Discovery School student who lost his life to cancer as a young...

Dunkin’ Donuts opens new location in the lobby of Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, recently celebrated the opening of its newest restaurant in the greater Buffalo area at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). The new, 300-square-foot, full-service Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant is prominently located inside the front lobby of the institute where it will serve guests, patients and staff of RPCI. “Dunkin’ Donuts is proud to serve the hardworking staff and families receiving treatment at Roswell Park Cancer Institute,” said Dunkin’ Donuts Western New York Franchisee Tim Cloe. “Our partnership with Roswell...

Lockport police reports for the week of May 13

Police reports from the Lockport Police Department. May 11 Possession Zachary E. Webb, 25, 3618 Lockport Olcott Road, Lockport was charged with driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marijuana May 11 Patrol observed a vehicle commit multiple traffic infractions. The drive pulled into Reid’s parking lot, stopped quickly and immediately opened his door. Patrol ordered the driver to close his door. Field sobriety tests were conducted, which he failed. He was placed under arrest and during a search of his person a glass multi-colored pipe, which is commonly used for smoking...

Get container gardens ready for Lewiston GardenFest

For those who may be hesitant to create a large garden or just don’t have the space, put your gardening skills to the test by participating in the Container Garden contest at this year’s Lewiston GardenFest, sponsored by the Lewiston Garden Club on June 22 and 23. Container gardening can be whimsical or traditional depending on the containers and plants chosen. Any container will do from terra cotta pots to a watering can or a favorite cookie jar that got chipped. Be creative as found objects can sometimes make the most interesting containers. Once the perfect container is found, make sure to...

Register for Jr. Redskins football and cheerleading

LANCASTER - The Lancaster Jr. Redskins football and cheerleading organization is pleased to bring back our varsity football and cheerleading program for the 2013-14 season. We are currently seeking football players ages 13 and 14 and cheerleaders ages 13 to 15 to participate. Registration is free, with a refundable equipment/uniform deposit check due at sign up. Cheerleaders may have some apparel costs as well. Football players will receive a free dry-fit T-shirt. Families are not required to participate in league fundraising or serve a concession stand shift. For more information or to register,...

Town, Village of Lancaster Police Blotter for the week of Sunday, May 19

May 3 Petit larceny At 9:35 a.m., Ravenwood Drive residents reported their vehicle was entered into over night and approximately $4 in change was taken. The vehicle was parked in their driveway and left unlocked. Also noticed missing was a wooden back to a trailer, valued at $100. There were no witnesses and the residents had no suspects. May 4 Animal Bite At 8:24 p.m., a Lancaster complainant reported he was bit by a West Seneca resident’s dog at Como Park on the islands. The complainant stated the dog was leashed and he went up to pet it and the dog bit him on his left hand/ring finger....

Lancaster begins effort to clean up graffiti

LANCASTER- The Lancaster Police Department, along with the Lancaster Park and Recreation Department and the village’s Department of Public Works (DPW) has joined forces to wipe out graffiti. “With the warmer months, graffiti is becoming more prevalent with the kids,” remarked Lancaster Lt. Jeff Smith. “So what we’re doing is a graffiti abatement program, which is hopefully going to reduce the amount of graffiti in the town and village.” Graffiti is a crime and devalues property, invites crime, and gives an impression that a community is an unsafe and undesirable place to live and do business....

Choose breakfast instead of booze after prom

NORTH TONAWANDA - Too often, an evening that is supposed to be remembered as one of the best nights of your high school career can turn into a night that you don’t really want to remember, but it’s just too hard to forget. Prom, which is a day students think about since the first day they enter into the high school can still be fun, even after the event is over. This year, rather than going to an after party where there might be alcohol or other substances that you don’t want to be exposed to, head to the North Tonawanda Department of Youth, Recreation and Parks. The North Tonawanda Youth...

Columns and Blogs

Honor the fallen this holiday, think smart on prom night

Memorial Day is almost upon us. This is a day to reflect on and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for not only their country, but for those who live in such a beautiful country as well.... more

Saturday May 18, 2013 | Kori Sciandra

Be educated on the issues before joining a board

After sitting through several candidate forums this week for the upcoming budget vote and board of education elections, I was left with mixed feelings on the candidates vying for seats on the boards. ... more

Thursday May 16, 2013 | Rikki Cason

Bravo Lancaster Source and Supervisor Fudoli

LANCASTER- Kudos to the Source for agreeing to allow Lancaster Supervisor Dino Fudoli an opportunity to write a monthly column to inform residents on what’s taking place in the town. Supervisor Fudoli... more

Saturday May 11, 2013 | Lee Chowaniec

Be sure to recognize older adults

Over every year, the month of May is very special, as it is National Older Americans Month. As part of this important month, our country recognizes the accomplishments and achievements of our community’s... more

Saturday May 11, 2013 | Ken Genewick, Director of Niag

Look left, look right; save a bike

Buckle your seat belt. Adjust your mirrors. Look left, then right. And begin to accelerate. We all did this when we took our road test, so why do we forget to do it now? The sun is shining, the... more

Thursday May 9, 2013 | Kori Sciandra

Join metrowny.com's mailing list.