Visit On-Line: The Restaurant or The Bed & Breakfast
Man shot dead on North Transit Street. Multiple police agencies were seeking a 5’10”, black man, about 150 pounds, Tuesday night, 7/29, after a criminal assassination on North Transit Street in Lockport. 40-year old Daniel Tomlinson of 283 North Transit (near Washington) was shot dead Tuesday night. According to reports to the Lockport Home Page, the gunman fled the scene on foot, onto Grand Street about 9:30PM. He reportedly was wearing a short-sleeve, blue plaid collar shirt and had his hair in some kind of “roll” or dreadlocks. Police indicate the victim had been shot several times while working on cars. Tomlinson reportedly was facing drug and gun charges in Niagara County Court. (7/30/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
More police trouble for Huston family. Steve Sr. is the one who has been championed by the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal. He claimed (racial) discrimination because he was turned down in efforts to start an eating and drinking establishment next to his home on Michigan Street, a residential neighborhood. Since then it he has been involved in regular charges against the city and the police department, most always with racial complaints. This week, the son, Steven C. Houston, 36 of 342 Michigan was arrested when police were called to South Street Monday, 7/21. There a woman was complaining of being attacked and "choked" and Huston was charged. In the process, police say, he hit a police officer. Also this week, Marcus J. Huston, 21, also of the Michigan Street family quarters, entered a plea of "guilty" after being charged with resisting arrest during an incident that goes back to June 17th. He'll be fined $120 dollars and spend four days on a work program. (7/26/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Board Of Ed rejects candidate for Johnson seat.
After several weeks of beating around the bush, the Lockport School District Board of Education unanimously voted to reject the proposed appointment of Michael D'Addeo to the Board, to fill the seat that became vacant when Jane Johnson died in early June. D'Addeo had garnered over a thousand votes in the June Board of Education ---an impressive tally considering he was running against Clip Smith who beat him by slightly over 600 votes. But the Board didn't want D'Addeo. He had said when running for election that he would seek to cut school taxes by 25%. That kind of talk is in direct conflict with educators' yearly goal to increase spending and let taxes follow. The Board will leave Johnson's seat vacant until next June. (7/24/03) To be filed under Lockport School NewsPaper slams Kibler again, long obit lauds indicted union chief.
The Lockport Union Sun & Journal published this week another of the series of contrasts that it has been so often criticized for. Managing Editor Denise Young bemoans the fact that the Democrat Party was unable to come up with a candidate to run against Lockport Alderman-at-Large Joe Kibler (R). Kibler was under attack by the newspaper several times within the last year and the paper's "editorial board" has declared that he "shouldn't hold public office." One of the devices the paper used against Kibler was a series of articles that smeared the retired banker on racial grounds. A similar tactic was used against the Lockport Police Department. Before the smear campaign against him, Kibler was seen as so popular locally that he would have defeated Mayor Tom Sullivan if he were to run against him in November '03. On a more positive note, the newspaper reports the death of indicted Niagara Falls Laborers Local (former) Business Manager, Michael Quarcini. "Butch" was under indictment on federal racketeering charges (along with 13 other members of his union). The paper ran a long laudatory obituary for Quarcini. On a front page news report it included quotes from a Niagara Falls School Board member, Mark Zito, saying, "I thought he was a very honest man who was only guilty of loving his workers." (7/15/03) To be filed under Media MonitorCrime down, arrests up in Lockport City. The City of Lockport Police Department presented an impressive report on its operations during 2002. The report states the number of crimes reported declined 3,259 in 2001 to 2,925 in 2000 --- about a ten percent reduction. Arrests, however, increased by 37 over the same period to 1,732. (7/15/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Lockport city losing population fast. The city was cited in the latest Census report as among the five cities that were losing population the fastest since 2001 in New York State. The reduction to just over 21,000 people was blamed by the Sullivan Administration on the city police department, high rental housing prices, and growth in the Town of Lockport. However, other observers noted skyrocketing city property tax, increased residential property assessments to values above market, lack of zoning enforcement, an influx of criminals, and a breakdown in infrastructure maintenance over the past three years as major reasons for people leaving in record numbers. (7/12/03) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Lockport native named to head religious order.
DeSales High School graduate (1961), David Whalen has been named Provincial Superior for the Oblates of St. Francis DeSales. He was ordained to the priesthood in June of 1971 at Lockport's St. Patrick's Church (where his father still attends Mass each morning). Father David holds an assortment of educational degrees including a doctorate in ministry and has been serving most recently in Toronto, Ontario at the University of St. Michael's College and the University of Toronto. He will move to the Oblate Provincial House in Toledo, Ohio at the end of 2003.Street battle in Crime District; assault during Main Street Cruise Night; teen OD's.
City Police were busy Monday evening, 7/7 when a street battle turned ugly in the City Crime District and, in an unrelated matter, a staff volunteer for Lockport's Monday Night Cruise was assaulted on the street. At about 7:15 multiple police cars sped to Washburn Street at Spalding Street in the heart of the city Crime District. A street brawl involved many and at least three of those involved were arrested and taken to the city police lock-up. A 42-year woman victim, smashed in the head, was taken by ambulance to Lockport Memorial Hospital. Reports from the scene say she was well tanked with alcohol. Down on Main Street details are sketchy but a staff volunteer for the Lockport Cruise Night was reported assaulted in the area of the parking ramp. Police were looking for a suspect. Over on Grant Street meanwhile, a 15 year old girl was complaining that she didn't have it all together. In addition to her "regular medication" she had apparently taken something of a more avant garde nature. She was taken by ambulance to the city hospital by Fire Department rescue crews where her condition reportedly was first dealt with by means of a stomach pump-out. (7/7/03) To be filed under Lockport LawCar-Cycle collision sends two to hospitals. A violent crash between a car and a motorcyle (with two riders) took place during the late 8 o'clock hour Monday night, 7/7. Ambulances took one male victim to ECMC/Buffalo and a 24-year old female was airlifted to ECMC/Buffalo via Mercy Flight. There was no immediate word from the scene, in front of 437 Walnut Street, as to the circumstances surrounding the crash. (7/7/03) To be filed under Lockport Emergency Response
Driver flees accident scene, caught on Church Street. The driver of one vehicle fled the scene of an auto crash Monday night, 7/7, in the late 9 o'clock hour at North Transit and Green Street. Quick police response resulted in his capture after a short chase along Church Street. Charges are pending. One person injured at the scene was treated by Lockport Fire Rescue crews at the scene and then taken to Lockport Memorial Hospital. (7/7/03)
Oh, My!
The City of Lockport Streets Department reportedly got a new palm reading time clock for all it's employees. They have to palm the time clock at the beginning of the day and out for the end of the day. It is a completely computerized time clock that reads only the palm of the employee. We're told some employees are up at arms about that but it should keep them honest on hours. (7/7/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose LipsTeen arrested on drug charges.
According to public papers, Lockport Police found 16-year old William C. Balkum Jr., of 288 Prospect Street in a parked car along the canal with marijuana. When Balkum was approached Thursday, 7/3, he and his passenger were said to have been trying to hid the weed under the front seat of the vehicle. There is no immediate word on why the passenger in the vehicle was not also arrested. (7/4/03)Man attacked, beaten, in Outwater Park.
A victim of a vicious beating was taken to Lockport Memorial Hospital Wednesday, 7/2, after being attacked in Outwater Park. The male victim required 21 stitches to close wounds according to police reports. Authorities have charged 38-year old David A. Fluellen of 32 Nichols Street, with third-degree assault. (7/3/03)Teen charged with multiple bike thefts. 16-year old Mark E. Bolden of 131 Gooding Street was reported arrested Wednesday, 7/2 and charged with stealing several bikes and then stripping them for parts. Authorities say they found five BMX bikes behind a house on Allen Street which they accuse Bolden of bringing there. (7/3/03)
No sewerage found in Oakhurst wastewater. The two pipes that appear to be draining from County property south of Oakhurst Street in Lockport have tested negative for sewerage in the latest lab analysis. The pipes empty into an open drainage ditch on Oakhurst that residents have complained about because of odor. (7/3/03)
Lombardi suggesting city office term realignment. Lockport City Republican Committee Chairman John Lombardi III is indicating that the city should consider another realignment of term length for elected officials. Lombardi is himself a candidate for Common Council this year. He suggests "Assess and review the Aldermen's length of office from the present 2 year positions to a newly created 3 year term, and review the possibility of staggering future elections for Council, thus removing the ability of dismissing all elected in one calendar year, and creating more needed continuity for the City of Lockport. One more possible option is to create all "at large" positions throughout the City of Lockport, thus allowing constituents the ability to work with and support the individual they desire, presenting a more citywide responsibility for actions thereof the Council." Mr. Lombardi also suggests a shorter term for Mayor rather than the present 4-year term. (7/2/03) To be filed under Lockport Political News
Schrader denies, Ottaviano confirms, Page report that South Block deal is dead. Lockport Common Council President Patrick Schrader Monday morning (7:15AM), 6/30, denied a report from the Lockport Page over the weekend that the Nuvo Group had backed out of a deal to pump millions into downtown Lockport's South Block redevelopment. But upon hard questioning on WLVL Radio, Schrader later admitted that Nuvo and the city had parted company. City Attorney, John Ottaviano, also contacted by the radio station, confirmed the Page report indicating he had opposed a 99-year lease based on the information he had. Alderwoman Phyllis Green told the Lockport Page Monday afternoon that she did not believe the cause for the deal's death was politics. (6/30/03) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Christian volunteers enter Lockport to help poor, clean up city. Almost 450 young Christian volunteers from all over the USA entered Lockport over the weekend of June 28-29. Their mission: Help Lockport poor and clean-up residential housing in the city. They've got a week of intense labor ahead of them. A combination of Lockport churches are contributing some of the cash necessary (thousands, and thousands of dollars) to provide the paint, wood, and other supplies the volunteers will use to improve local housing. The young "workcampers" will be staying in Lockport at no cost to them with accommodations at Lockport High School and church member homes. Their foods needs will be taken care of locally with donated treats and three meals a day. The project has been in the planning stage for almost two years. (6/29/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Insulted and stalled, developer backs away from City on South Block deal
. Nuvo Group is reported to have called it quits on attempting to develop Lockport's South Block after inaction by the city and finally an insulting lease agreement offer. The Lockport Page was told on Friday, 6/27, the Niagara Falls-based developer has suspended all plans to sink millions of dollars into Lockport Center City because of "small town politics" and delays blamed on the Sullivan Administration. The City Administration and Democratic Party leadership may be in conference on how to explain its inaction to city residents. The Lockport Page has been told that after an informal meeting that reached agreement on most main points, the City Attorney's office had to be pressed week after week to produce a lease agreement for the South Block property along Main Street. What had been discussed was a 99-year lease but, sources tell the Page, what was offered in writing was an insulting six-month lease agreement that looked like it was drawn up with little work. Without a lease agreement, Nuvo indicated they could not go ahead with financial arrangements. Top administration officials were "unavailable" Friday but when the Lockport Page was able to contact one elected official we were told "no comment" on our report but the official admitted that the news was not good. Initial plans had called for construction to begin late this summer or early fall. The Nuvo Group had reportedly been also interested in two other major pieces of downtown property besides the South Block but the "80 Main Street" property was key to the other potential developments. (6/28/03) To be filed under Lockport LetterGraduating "high class," LHS Class of '03 and families enjoy the weekend in Lewiston.
About 340 seniors at Lockport Senior High School went through graduation ceremonies at Art Park in Lewiston Saturday, 6/28, and indulged themselves in congratulations, hoopla, and...good-byes. In an attempt to add more prestige to the graduation event, the Lockport Board of Education authorized Big Money spending for graduation by having the ceremonies at Art Park instead of Lockport. Educators claim they "don't have room" for graduation in Lockport but the expensive move to Art Park, begun several years ago, is seen as an attempt by educators to add a "higher tone" to graduation. Some others see it as an affront to the city that paid for their education. (6/29/03) To be filed under Lockport School NewsRumor mill: Coles and Lowes for Lockport Town.
The two national chains are reported considering locations in the former Ames Store (Lockport Mall) and the former K-Mart (S. Transit near McDonald's). The retail development is being assisted by Lockport Town which also continues to encourage business in the city to move in and enjoy the benefits of lower taxes (but no local police protection, no full-time professional fire protection). Meanwhile no development news rumors out of the city where residents are still without a supermarket. After Jubilee (formerly Super Duper) closed in 2000, Mayor Thomas Sullivan declared he would announce a replacement by the end of 2001. The Duper store is still vacant in 2003 and, in addition, Eckerd's Drugs moved out of the adjoining store, now also vacant. (6/26/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose LipsSpencer caught with suspected coke. Lockport Police have arrested Bobby Spencer who they say was motoring along Chestnut Street with a suspended license. According to public papers he refused to immediately stop for the police vehicle while stuffing his mouth with a "substance." When finally apprehended police found a off-white rock substance in the driver's seat which field tested positive for cocaine. In addition to traffic charges, more serious charges could be pending against Mr. Spencer who calls 21 Adams Street his home. (6/23/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Former LHS hockey coach arrested on sex charges. News of the charges against 54-year old John C. Thurston of Rogers Avenue had been kept under wraps but finally broke out Thursday, 6/19 when the former high school hockey coach appeared in Niagara County Court. The community was shocked to hear Thurston accused of a variety of sex crimes with boys under 11 and 14 years of age that took place 12 to 18 months ago. After Thurston entered a plea of "guilty," Judge Sara Sperrazza set August 14th for sentencing and the case was over, as far as public view is concerned, even though the public is left asking for details the delay in prosecution and lack of public disclosure. (6/21/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
More charges of racism directed at Lockport Police. Steve Huston revived his nearly year-long record of attacks on Lockport government this week with charges of "police harassment" of minorities. He reportedly voiced a short dressing down of the city before the Lockport Common Council, and accused the police of "circling the black areas like overseers on a plantation." A possible sparkplug for the latest Huston accusations was the arrest of his 21-year old son, Marcus J. Huston, Tuesday evening, 6/10, on multiple charges including driving with a suspended registration and resisting arrest. Young Mr. Huston was arrested when police responded to a gathering near Genesee and Washburn Street in the heart of the city crime district where police say traffic was blocked. (6/21/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
3 Williamsville teens charged with Lockport vandalism. The three from the afluent Buffalo suburb were reported caught painting graffiti on a Lockport bridge this week and face multiple charges. The youth, all boys aged 16 and 17 did not immediately give any reason why they appear to have selected Lockport for vandalism rather than their own neighborhoods. (6/21/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Grand Street man charged with providing AK-47 used in police shootings. A federal grand jury has indicted a 22-year old Grand Street man, accusing him of buying an AK-47 and giving it to Jason Kanalley. Kanalley then used the weapon to go on a rampage back in February, including the shooting of two Lockport policemen. 22-year old Christopher C. Cheverie of 218 Grand Street was arrested this week. Authorities say Cheverie bought the gun for Kanalley who wasn't allowed to purchase or own a gun because of his past record. Cheverie has been jailed in lieu of $5000 bail. If convicted he could face up to ten years in prison. (6/19/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Employee charged with thousands in theft after video surveillance. A teenage employee of the Holy Cannoli cafe and bakery at Walnut and Pine Street was arrested Wednesday, 6/11, and charged with thousands of dollars of thefts from the establishment. Police claim a 17-year old girl, Vanessa A. Frank of 107 Works Place, had looted the establishment on a regular basis for several months removing cash as she desired from the register by ringing up "No Sale" and then just digging in for dollars. She is accused of grand larceny of about $14,000. She was reported caught by an examination of video surveillance tapes.. (6/12/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
City Judge censured, but not removed from bench. An effort begun by operatives of the Democratic Party over two years ago to have Lockport City Judge William Watson removed from his position after winning election (over Democrat Betsy Hurley) finally came up a bit short this week. The Democrats had accused Watson of declaring he would be tough on criminals when he ran for election in 1999. They claimed such honesty was inappropriate for a judicial candidate. They filed objections in state court to Watson's declarations and a lower court ordered him removed from the bench earlier this year after over two years of the matter moving through the legal system. But early this week a seven member Court of Appeals ruled that Watson could keep his seat giving him a mild censure for his forthright declarations of nearly three years ago. (6/11/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Woman charged with welfare fraud. According to public papers obtained by The Lockport Page, 37-year old Dawn M. McPhail of South Street in Lockport has been charged with welfare fraud. The matter comes in connection with the alleged misuse of food stamps and reported filing of a false declaration. (6/11/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Teens charged at booze party. Three Lockport teenagers were arrested over the weekend following what police describe as a disorderly party at 253 Transit Street. Neighbors had complained of vulgar comments being directed at them and police found over 40 cans of beer when they moved in. Among those charge is 18-year old William G. Voelker and 18-year old Aaron Weaver of the Transit Street address and 18-year old William C. Tice of 271 Locust Street. (6/11/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Man faces nine counts after crashing motorcycle. 21-year old Leslie A. Huntington of 11 Blackley Court faces charges including DWI, speeding, having no insurance or registration, and aggravated unlicensed operation after police caught up with him on Tuesday, 6/10. Huntington had reported crashed a motorcycle into a car along Evans Street in the wee morning hours. Following the crash he was released without bail pending a future court appearance. (6/11/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
NYSEG Lockport office still open to the public. It appears that a plan the gas and electric utility had to cut costs by eliminating major customer service centers, such as the one at Lockport, has been halted. The move apparently failed to get the immediate government approvals the company had anticipated. The company announced such plans early this year, released a few employees and transferred many others. Tuesday, 6/10, a company representative at Lockport told the Lockport Page that "everything is back to where it was." The public office on Lincoln Avenue had never actually closed, as the company had announced. The truck service center there had not been scheduled to close. (6/11/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
10-year old victim of Monday hit-and-run. A ten-year boy riding on a motorcycle as a passenger was rushed to Children's Hospital in Buffalo Monday night, 6/9, after the cycle he was on was hit at the corner of Robinson Road and Transit about 9PM. Authorities say the driver of the car fled the scene and there is an APB out for a suspect vehicle which could be a Ford Taurus, or a Mercury Marquis in some sort of gold color and with front-end damage. The boy was later identified as Timothy Payne Jr. of East Amherst. (6/10/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Sex attack at North Park School. A shocking story of a sex attack at North Park Middle School came out in public papers and in Lockport City Court this past week. The incident apparently took place on April 11th when a 16-year old boy attacked a 14-year old girl. According to public papers, 16-year old Daniel W. Martin of 320 Green Street entered a "guilty" plea in Lockport City Court to a reduced charge of "forcible touching." According to public papers, the 14-year old girl had her blouse pulled off to expose her bra-covered breasts and then had her buttocks slapped. At least a portion of the attack reportedly took place in the school cafeteria. (6/9/03) To be filed under Lockport School News
Five disqualified at school championship meet for misconduct.
The Lockport Home Page hasn't been able to track all the details, but five members of the the LHS track and field team were reportedly told they were "out," ---disqualified--- from the championship competition late last week at Union-Endicott High School on the southern tier. The five were sent home from the state meet for "breaking curfew" according to sketchy reports provided the Lockport Page. Lockport School Superintendent Bruce Friseur indicated he was "disappointed" in the five boys. Further details relating to the activities of the five were not made available. (6/8/03) To be filed under Lockport School NewsDEC investigating pollution on Oakhurst Street
. An odorous pollution along Oakhurst Street in Lockport is now reported under investigation by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. State authorities reportedly were called in after Lockport City Police responded to a neighborhood complaint this week. For almost two years complaints to Lockport City officials reportedly have failed to get results. Lockport Police reportedly called in the State DEC. A DEC environmental engineer is said to have taken samples at the site on Thursday, 6/5 but there were no immediate steps to cap two, approximate 12-inch diameter, pipes that exist there and are discharging a liquid and solid mix into an open Oakhurst Street drainage ditch. Those pipes appear to be coming from property operated by the Niagara County Highway Department on South Niagara Street. Statements by insiders to the Lockport Home Page indicate that among the liquids being discharged from the pipes is raw sewerage and a water/oil mix. The Page has been told that the liquid discharge was tested about a year ago and was found to contain human feces. At that time city officials, including Mayor Tom Sullivan, were said to have been informed and warned about the situation but either a cover-up was directed or the city just failed to act.Jane Johnson dies in Buffalo, replacement pondered for her seat on Board of Ed. Lockport Board of Education member, Jane Johnson, died Thursday, 6/5, in Buffalo General Hospital where she had reportedly been a patient for the past several weeks. Johnson, age 70, was a retired teacher in the Lockport Public School system who had usually voted with the majority, supporting spending programs in school budget battles. Her replacement on the Board would most likely be just- defeated candidate, Mike D'Addeo, who lost to well-known local media personality, Clip Smith. D'Addeo garnered more than a thousand votes but his campaign had little publicity. However, since D'Addeo had campaigned for programs to cut taxes by up to 25%, such a position would likely cast him as "unsuitable" by several members of the Board's majority. Johnson's replacement could be named as soon as the next Board meeting by a majority vote of the Board or, the Board could wait until Clip Smith joins it, or the Board could decline to act on the Johnson vacancy or, vote to install yet another person besides D'Addeo who they perceive to be more willing to favor a continuation of Board polices of yearly spending and tax increases. (6/6/03) To be filed under Lockport School News
Voters approve boost in taxes, spending, and debt. Lockport educators won a strong victory Tuesday, 6/3, with voters in the annual Lockport School District election. A school budget that provided for another tax boost was approved 1499-1250, a new multi-million dollar debt package was approved 1371-1218. Warren "Clip" Smith won a seat on the school district board of education with 1651 votes over 1019 for Michael D'Addeo, an opponent who failed to communicate with the public. (6/4/03)
Vandalism at Outwater soars as basketball begins.
The new basketball court is in and getting used at Outwater Park and the city appears clueless as to how and why thousands of dollars of damage is taking place to the restrooms just across Outwater Drive from the new court. Mayor Tom Sullivan is threatening to shut down the hours the restrooms are open after at least five separate serious damage days/nights at the Outwater Park restrooms. $100 porcelain sinks are a favorite target of those responsible who smash sinks into chunks of porcelain. Sullivan has rejected proposals for video surveillance of Outwater Park and especially the restrooms. City officials appear as if they don't know what to do and many appear to be in denial as to any link between the basketball court and the upsurge in vandalism. City of Lockport Public Works Commissioner Gary M. Andes responded to questions by the Buffalo News with a classic understatement, "We strongly suspect we have a problem." When the city was considering building the basketball court and tearing out play equipment and a wading pond for small children, there were several community suggestions that the basketball court could draw "the wrong element" into the Outwater family park. (6/1/03) To be filed under Lockport LawAlderwoman does end-run around mayor after another spat. Mayor Tom Sullivan is not known as a diplomat. Certainly we here at the Lockport Home Page know that all too well. But the story on the street this weekend is that Alderwoman Phyllis Green knows how to handle him. Mrs. Green, well known for her extended Florida vacations, had reportedly sought to go to the Utica area this summer for a "historical" conference. Mayor Sullivan reportedly said "No" to the money it would cost city taxpayers but Green was heard telling the ladies Sunday, 6/1, that she doesn't like to be ordered around like that. She reportedly called up aldermen and got approval for the trip money without the mayor's approval. (6/1/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
Knight seeks re-election. David H. Knight has announced his candidacy for a second term as Lockport Town Councilman. For the past three and a half years, he has worked tirelessly to address the quality of life issues for Town residents, which motivated serving his first term on the Board. "Promoting green space preservation, improving the appearance and safety of our Transit Road corridor, and supporting the successful creation of two recreational Town parks have been worthwhile efforts," he said. Mr. Knight has been involved in spearheading code enforcement for both zoning ordinances and property maintenance. Councilman Knight assumed a leadership role in reducing the Town's health insurance costs, by approximately $100,000. Again seeking voter support in this year's election, Mr. Knight stated, "My continued commitment is to improve quality of life in our Town. My efforts to help maintain our no tax policy have not wavered." A lifelong Republican, Dave Knight has claimed to have been a strong advocate of so-called "smart growth" and is an active member of the Town's Zoning Revision Committee. A known community advocate , Knight has most recently been selected to serve as 1st Vice Commander of the B. Leo Dolan Post #410 of the American Legion. A charter member of Washington, D.C.'s World War II Memorial Foundation, history enthusiast, and an avid sports fan, Mr. Knight holds both a bachelor's and master's degree from Buffalo State College. He served in the United States Army, as well as in the local unit of the New York Army National Guard. Married to Lockport School Board Trustee, Renee Knight, Mr. Knight is the father of five and grandparent of six. He has been endorsed by the Town Republican Committee. (5/31/03) Lockport Town Political News
City pays $50K for advice on canal revitalization. The Sullivan administration has reportedly let out a $50,000 award to the Wendel Duchscherer Architects & Engineers firm to tell it how to proceed in cleaning up areas around the State Erie Barge Canal to make the areas for attractive. That firm, in turn, will be asking the public how it should proceed. The public input will be received during a public meeting, June 5, 5-8PM, at the Lockport Public Library. (5/27/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
City turns off the funding for repairs to fountain on Main Street. The expensive water fountain at Urban Park along Main Street in Lockport will not be repaired anytime soon. The decorative touch was allowed to fall into decay and disrepair by several city administrations who refused to fund work to fix it. That stance continued even when $3000 was donated to the city for that purpose by the Grigg-Lewis Foundation. Vandalism and errors in design and construction all contributed to the fountains leaks. Now, the city has reallocated the $3000 gift money plus $2829 for other funds it had on hand for fountain repairs and given it to "Light Up Lockport" to pay for downtown holiday decorations. That group reportedly now has $11,500 for new decorations. (5/26/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Delphi-Harrison president predicts continued cuts in Lockport employment. Ron Pirtle spoke before an exclusive audience Friday, 5/23 at the Lockport Town and Country Club. The top-shelf luncheon meeting (with a hefty price tag) was apparently set up to screen out general community participation and media coverage but among those allowed in was a reporter for The Greater Niagara Newspapers group, a business with close ties to the sponsoring Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce. Pirtle reported that current employment at Harrison in Lockport is about 4500, down from about 6,000 in 1999. Pirtle forecast that employment would continue to decline. The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal quoted him as saying in respect to the Lockport future employment situation, "I would expect it to be smaller but to still be a very substantial base of employment." (5/24/03) To be filed under Delphi-Harrison News
Another sales head installed at US&J. The turnover continues at the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal with a new man being brought in to attempt to boost newspaper ad sales. He's Jack Foley who had previously worked for ad papers in the Buffalo area. With Foley's arrival it was revealed that another long time Lockport employee for the newspapers, Diane Healy has been let go. She reportedly supervised sales and marketing. There was no public announcement by the newspaper of her departure. (5/24/03) To be filed under Media Monitor
Husband and wife charged in connection with alleged rape of young teen. The girl was reportedly under the age of 17 when she was photographed having sexual relations with 43-year old Darwin Fifield Sr. of 198 South Street. Mr. Fifield has been charged with rape and pleaded innocent early this month in County Court. His reported wife, 20-year old Jessica Fifield, whose address, according to public papers, is given as 597 Walnut Street, has now been charged with "helping" her husband in the reputed sexual episode(s). She faces multiple charges but speculation is that she may be considering making a deal with authorities that would include testimony against Mr. Fifield. The sexual charges are reported based on incidents taking place in August through November of 2002 and rely heavily, perhaps too heavily, on the claims of the young girl who did not report the matter at the time. If authorities are able to get testimony from Jessica Fifield favorable to their case it would greatly help the prosecutors in court. (5/24/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Lockport schools want to borrow $1.4-million for more spending. School officials promised at a public hearing this week that they want to spend $4.8-million in capital money to make repairs and renovations to 11 district buildings. They claim local district property owners will only have to pay $1.4-million of that amount because of "state aid" and the school district can go out and borrow its share of the costs if voters approve a special proposition on the ballot for June 3rd. Voting on that date will also be for approval of a record $61.5-million school budget. Should voter approval be denied, officials claim they will force a "contingency budget" on the taxpayers that will include almost all the spending that the voters are being asked to OK. Taxes will go up for property owners an estimated 3.3% but other district residents will pay nothing. (5/22/03) To be filed under Lockport School News
City skate park idea criticized. The owner of Lockport's Kingpin Skatepark off Market Street in Lowertown says a proposal for tax money to fund a city-operated rink would drive him out of business. The proposal is being promoted by Lockport Alderman Scott Cercone who hasn't provided answers yet on how much his "outdoor" park would cost the city in terms of operating expense, construction, and insurance. (5/21/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
Kids torch apartment house.
Still unidentified children are the suspects in a $100,000 fire Saturday, 5/17, that displaced 15 residents at 6144 Rhulman Road in Lockport Town. The blaze, which broke out just down the road from the South Lockport Fire Department, is believed to have been set by juveniles in a bedroom of one of the apartments just before 2:30PM. No arrests have been made. (5/18/03) To be filed under Lockport LawEagles selling their home and hall for $350K.
Aerie 825 has had hard times and, with membership down and active membership way down, the fraternal group has reportedly nearly completed the negotiations for selling their 14,000 square foot hall with 2.1 acre lot off Lincoln Avenue. The pending buyer is identified as Rej Development of Lancaster-Depew. The group had been asking $450K for the property when first offered a year ago. The status of the Eagles in Lockport, after the sale, is still uncertain. (5/18/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose LipsCounselor charged with sex abuse. A 21-year old Lockport woman was arrested this week, charged with "sexually abusing" a 14-year old boy at Wyndham Lawn Home for Children. The woman, a Webb Street resident, entered an "innocent" plea in an arraignment in Lockport Town Court. Authorities did not reveal to the Lockport Home Page if they had any evidence other than the claims of the child. Meanwhile sex abuse accusations against a non-uniformed employee of the Niagara County Sheriff's Department remain under wraps. In that case an inmate at the Niagara County Jail is the reported victim but media are still awaiting disclosure information. (5/17/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Delivery person shot on Northview Drive. Niagara County Sheriff's Deputies were called to Northview Drive after a person delivering sub sandwiches was shot by a paintball terrorist Wednesday, 5/14. No arrests were made. (5/16/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Lockport ( Market Street) "Wall Of Fame." A combination of child volunteers from two community groups, donations from area business, and tax dollars have made it possible for a small group of area girls to paint a 200-foot cement wall along Market Street. Those involved include girls from the YMCA "Teen Leaders" and a anti-smoking group funded by state taxpayers called "Reality Check." Taxpayer money for "Reality Check" operations are funneled to the group through the State Health Department. (5/16/03)
Woman let go after admitting knife attack on man. 26-year old Amy L. Moorman of 364 Hawley Street was given a "conditional discharge" in Lockport City Court this week after she admitted to a knife attack on a Bewley Parkway man. The man was walking along Chestnut Street when he reportedly was attacked by a woman who attempted to stab him in the stomach but then was fought off. The victim was stabbed in the hand,however, requiring 30 stitches. City Judge Watson conditioned the discharge on the woman not getting into trouble with the law for the next year. (5/15/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Home Health Care worker charged with stealing from patient's home. Lockport Police Tuesday, 5/13, charged Susan M. Wilson of 126 West Ave, Lockport with Grand Larceny 3rd, a Class D Felony in connection with jewelry thefts from a city home where she was hired as a home health care aid. Mrs. Wilson is accused of stealing in excess of $17,000 of jewelry between April 17, 2003 and May 5, 2003 in a shocking alleged violation of trust. Detective Lieutenant Rick Podgers recovered several pieces of jewelry from the defendant and M & M Gold and Jewelry Buyers in Williamsville. The defendant was arraigned before the Honorable Judge William Watson Tuesday morning and is being held in the Niagara County Jail. Bail has been set at $1,000.00. Mrs. Wilson’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 14. Mrs. Wilson entered a plea of innocent at Tuesday's hearing and complained to the press that she needed money to "pay bills." (5/13/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Lockport hospital by-pass. Buffalo media are crowing about a Burt woman who gave birth Tuesday in the front seat of a minivan that her husband was driving along the Lockport Expressway into Buffalo. Seems the couple didn't want to have the baby at Lockport Memorial and headed to Kenmore Mercy, instead. They didn't quite make it in time. The new baby girl was delivered by Daddy in the minivan about 2:15AM. (5/14/02)
School Board hires police to keep Kern in his place. The Lockport School District Board of Education has authorized payment of tax dollars to hire off-duty police to guard Board members at public meetings. The Board has come under increasing fire in recent years as taxes in the district have skyrocketed for a declining enrollment yet only one member of the community regularly complains at school Board meetings. But that man, elderly and disabled, comes to meetings armed with facts and a memory that is increasingly uncomfortable for those he confronts. Twice, the Lockport Page has been told, the Board had police called to deal with Jacob Kern. The Board denies that its most recent action is directed at Mr. Kern alone saying it is to guarantee a "safe" environment for Board members. Kern, who navigates on crutches, has been described as "out of control" by one Board official who justified calling city police to have him ejected after a recent Kern verbal attack on the spending policies of the Board of Education. It will be costing taxpayers now $25/hour to have police guard the School Board members at meetings and be available to eject and/or arrest those who may object too loudly to Board actions. (5/14/03) To be filed under Lockport School News
Billiards "star" sentenced for Lockport armed robbery. A 32-year old Cheektowaga man, who apparently enjoyed a reputation as being a star pool player, blew into Lockport last Spring for some "action." Authorities say Dennis G. Hatch wound up being involved in an armed robbery at Sir Billiards at 20 Lock Street with two other men, also from out of town. Monday, 5/12, Hatch was sentenced to a year in federal prison where he is already serving time for violation of probation in connection with a previous cocaine conviction. (5/13/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
About $25K raised in canal cancer walk. The 7th annual event, along the Erie Barge Canal at Lockport, had about 400 people participate. The money came from hundreds of others who donated money to fund activities associated with helping victims of women's breast cancer in the Lockport area. (5/11/03) To be filed under Congratulatory Cheers
Student with pot arrested at high school. Police report that 16-year old Christopher L. LaBoy of East Avenue was arrested Thursday, 5/8 at Lockport High School for possession of marijuana. Authorities say that LaBoy had a small amount of the weed on him at the time of his arrest. In an unrelated arrest at the high school, also Thursday, 17-year old Robert E. Spencer was charged with "harassment" after an alleged attack on another student. (5/9/03) To be filed under Lockport School News
Heard on the street. A 74-year old Lockport woman tells a tale of taxation terror in a letter of application for a part time job at a local hot dog stand. The woman pleads for the job saying that local politicians have gradually raised taxes to the point she can no long get by and keep her home. She says she needs a job at least two days a week to make the minimum necessary to buy food and pay her taxes for 2003. (5/9/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
Council cuts both DARE and Crossing Guard program but mayor vetoes. The Lockport Common Council voted 4-2 to cut both the drug education program for 5th graders run by city police in the schools and the crossing guard positions around the city, widely viewed as a low-pay but popular patronage job hand-out to those supportive of the city's political leadership. Mayor Tom Sullivan, believed to have been reacting to both political advice and pressure in addition to public sobbing declared he was exercising his veto power over the crossing guard cuts. And, with Democrat council member David Blackley ready to change his vote to favoring the $100K+ program, it makes it unlikely that the council will be able to override Sullivan's veto. Alderwoman Phyllis Green that if the council doesn't cut some programs, city residents will be faced with a 13% property tax hike. Latest word is that the city faces a $1.3-million deficit this year. (5/8/03) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Protests begin after proposal to cut DARE and Crossing Guard programs. Alderwoman Phyllis Green is proposing that the long-time programs be eliminated effective in September. That's because the two programs have grown to cost Lockport City taxpayers about $200,000 and none of the money to operate the two programs for children come from the schools, the towns outside of Lockport, or the children's parents. The go-it-alone approach for Lockport city taxpayers has gotten to be too much without help from the users or beneficiaries of the programs but those beneficiaries have organized protests and pressures being placed on Lockport councilmen. Their solution: just raise the taxes again to preserve these child services. (5/5/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Walker convicted after jury trial. Deborah Walker was convicted Friday, 5/2 by a jury after about a day and a half trial in Lockport City Court. A "guilty" verdict came down about 4PM after more than four hours of jury deliberations convicting her of of Resisting Arrest and Filing A False Report in connection with an incident at her house on May 21, 2002. A charge of obstructing governmental administration was dismissed. Police at the time were in hot pursuit of Leon Johnson, then 18, reported to be Ms. Walker's son. Johnson had been sought on charges relating to beating his "girlfriend" and mother of his child. Police say Ms. Walker was uncooperative in not allowing them to immediately capture Johnson while she claimed she never knew that Johnson was hiding out in her house. Police finally put the collar on Johnson as he jumped out of a window of the house and attempted to flee. The case has been a bit of a cause celebre for the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal over the past year which gave Walker extensive publicity. According to material the paper printed and promoted, Walker made racial accusations against Lockport Police and those claims were used when the newspaper went on the attack against local police and city government claiming various sorts of racial discrimination. However, over a period of almost a year now, none of those claims by the newspaper or various racial activists groups and individuals have been substantiated. The main author for most of the newspaper stories that railed with various claims against the police and Lockport is no longer employed by the newspaper. Friday's conviction of Walker is the latest chapter with Walker's sentencing set for June 11th. (5/2/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Our Editorial Of Last July, Reviews & Comments On The Walker Case & And Others
D'Addeo and Smith seek Board of Education. According to petitions turned in this week at the Lockport School District Board of Education, Michael D'Addeo and Warren "Clip" Smith will be candidates for one open seat on the school board. The exact date of the election is still tentative. It could be in late May or early June depending on budget developments out of the State capital in Albany. (4/29/03) To be filed under Lockport School News
US&J describes local reaction to SARS case as "panic." The Page 1 main headline in the Saturday, 4/26, Lockport Union-Sun & Journal screams, "Officials Trying To Stem SARS Panic." The paper then reprints details from a Niagara Gazette reporter which pretty much repeats what was reported here and elsewhere on Friday regarding the local SARS case. There is still no revelation by Niagara County officials as to which Niagara County hospital the 33-year old truck driver has been confined to and where his SARS infection has been treated since Tuesday. The Lockport Home Page hasn't been able to find any sign of panic on the streets of Lockport or even Niagara County. However, we are not privy to reactions inside the administrative offices of the Niagara County Health Department or the hospital where the SARS victim is. North in Toronto, officials are putting enormous pressure on World Health Organization (WHO) officials who warned world travelers this week not to travel to the Canadian metropolis because it is the "epicenter" of the North American SARS outbreak. Tourist business has gone into depression in Canada for the past couple of weeks. The death rate for SARS could be significantly higher than previously thought, according to a British expert's study into the pneumonia-like virus. The research by Professor Roy Anderson, due to be published in a medical journal next week, is expected to say the virus could kill between 8% and 15% - or one in seven - of those infected. (4/26/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Almost $1-Million proposed for Hamilton House renovations. Officials revealed Friday, 4/25 that they have a pledge from the Lockport Grigg-Lewis Foundation for $420,000 to help convert the 1842 city landmark at 24 Church Street into a state-of-the-art Canal Museum and Tourist Center. Congressman Tom Reynolds (R-Clarence) says he is seeking $500,000 in federal funds for the Hamilton House Erie Canal Interpretive Museum. Planners say the building, which is owned by First Presbyterian Church, would be leased to the city and then re-leased to the Niagara County Historical Society which would operate the museum. According to Niagara County Historian Dave Dickinson, renovations could get underway as early as this summer with lead work organized by the Presbyterian Church while the additional federal money is awaited. Dickinson indicated that the city's treasured 20 by 13-foot mural showing the opening of the Erie Canal would be relocated from Lockport High School and restored, then placed in a proper stage at the Hamilton House. The mural masterpiece is by famous Lockport artist, Raphael Beck. The proposed museum design is under the charge of Boston Productions and will include multimedia, state-of-the-art displays and interactive computers. Dickinson is quoted as saying, "This is not going to be your typical old museum with glass cases. This will knock people's socks off!" (4/26/03) To be filed under Lockport Tourism News
Despite State aid cuts, Lockport schools boost spending, taxes, in new budget. The Lockport School District Board of Education adopted, by a 5-3 vote Thursday, 4/24, a record $61.5-million spending plan that will cause a yet unspecified increase in school property taxes. Depending on the exact amount of State aid that is cut, that local tax increase could be huge. Board member Renee Knight declared, "We have a community in crisis. If we drive any more people out of Lockport, we won't have anybody to pay taxes." Taxes and weather have been named as the top two reasons for people leaving Lockport. Knight was joined in her opposition to the budget by board members Beverly McDonough and John Linderman. At the meeting it was revealed that the district is again spending more money for fewer students. School population has declined to the point that consideration of closing yet another school is underway. Although the Board approved the budget it must go before district voters for approval in May. Rejection of the budget, however, could mean the imposition of a so-called "contingency budget" which is little changed from the one voted on. (7/25/03) To be filed under Lockport School News
More unsettled conditions at Lockport newspaper.
The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, now owned and controlled
out of Alabama (via Niagara Falls) is witnessing another terrible turnover of personnel
from the publisher right down to the reporters. As previously reported, Publisher Steve
Braver, brought in from Nevada about four years ago, was Niagara Frontier
newspaper history on Tuesday 4/22. William Scott Leffler, one of
the few employees who actually live in Lockport has transferred to the North Tonawanda
paper of the Greater Niagara chain as of this week. He continues hosting
his unusual (left-leaning) public opinion show on WLVL and writing a column that will
still be carried in the US&J. Leffler has been under
community fire for reportedly calling the President of the United States an
"idiot" and other outrageous labels. That became a bit much for
conservative and patriotic Lockport to take while the country was at war in Iraq. Joseph
Kissel, another Syracuse University journalism graduate who was funneled into
Lockport, complained of being on a "treadmill" at the US&J and has
now moved on to work in music (writing and performing). He has had a few
interesting gigs at the downtown Fog City coffee shop. Among the
replacements brought in from out-of-town are Jennifer Nowicki
and Angelica Morrison. Nowicki is off to a strong start and seems
to have excellent interview skills. Morrison is the paper's first African-American
employee. Another former US&J reporter who seemed to play into the
plans of some higher-ups to smear Joe Kibler, Lockport Police, and Lockport people is now
doing "free lance" work and occassionally his byline is seen on a web
publication with results Scott Leffler calls, "Left of Leffler."
(4/23/03) To
be filed under Media Monitor
It's just not newspapers. Among the things noticed during an intense week of monitoring WLVL prior to publishing an updated media review, we heard the following recorded promotional announcement: "Join J. R. Reid weekdays 6-9 for early morning news." Reid has been gone now for about four months. The morning news man at the station is (and has been) John Raymond (Long). Reid is now living in Florida. Reid was replaced by WLVL radio veteran Paul Oates. (4/23/03)
Credit Union announces name change. Unit #1 Federal Credit Union announced Tuesday, 4/22 that it is changing its name to Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union. The name change has been approved by the National Credit Union Administration. The credit union, which began in Lockport but is taking advantage of incentives to move its headquarters out of the city, says it will now accept as customers anyone living, working, or functioning in any part of Niagara County. The credit union's new headquarters building is nearly completion off South Transit Road, in the town. Its other offices are on Stevens Street in the city of Lockport and on State Street in Middleport. (4/23/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Lockport Delphi-Harrison back in profit mode. There was significant improvement in the financial results at Lockport's Delphi-Harrison in the first quarter of 2003. Although the local unit does not break out results from the parent Delphi Corporation, a local publicity spokesperson said that Lockport operations turned profitable for the first time since the second quarter of 2002. "Increased revenue and continued cost reductions" were cited as the reasons but the company said performance at Lockport is still short of goals. Parent Delphi reported first-quarter revenues of about $7.2-billion, up 7.4% from a year ago and resulting in profits of 23-cents per share. Meanwhile, local manager, Ron Pirtle, who does not live in Lockport, is venturing out into a rare community appearance. Pirtle will speak at a $30/head luncheon that only members of the Niagara Falls based Niagara USA Chamber will be allowed to attend. The restricted appearance is scheduled for May 23rd protected by the confines of the Lockport Town and Country Club. (4/22/03) To be filed under Delphi-Harrison News
No cases, but some concern, over SARS spreading to Lockport. The outbreak of the China-based Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) respiratory disease in the Toronto area (132 probable cases as of 4/22) is not discouraging many Lockportians from going north to travel "on the cheap" out of Toronto airport. There, air fares are generally much less to even US destinations than out of Buffalo. Toronto has been called one of the world "hot zones" for SARS by World Health Organization. One Lockportian, on his way to a golf vacation in the southern US this week said he "will not" wear a mask while awaiting departure from the Toronto airport. No cases of SARS have yet been confirmed on the Niagara Frontier but cross border traffic with Canada is expected to make such spread highly likely in the near future. (4/21/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Roofers worried over increased insurance rates. Lockport's legit roofers, especially one and two-man operations fear that new insurance policies may put them out of business. They tell the Lockport Page that several companies are not renewing liability policies in this area and in New York State because of huge payoffs being made on questionable claims. One small contractor noted his insurance premium had hit $20,000 for renewal and he wouldn't be able to make it. The alternative is to go to work uninsured, like many do here, leaving liability to claims for injuries or shoddy work to the homeowners peril. For the larger companies the new insurance rates appear to almost certainly cause increase charges to customers and less competition which could trigger yet another round of increases. (4/20/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
Towpath Trolley to drastically cut 2003 operations. The Lockport tourism bus won't begin until July 1st this year according to Lockport Business Association executive, Jerry DeFlippo. The bus will only make two runs daily, at 12:30PM and 3PM. With the Dale Association backing out of tourism support this year, the trolley will headquarter at the business of Lockport Locks & Canal Tours at 210 Market Street. An out-of-town bus operator will reportedly be engaged to run the bus. The vehicle will be the same as in past years. (4/14/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
Lerch & Daly --- "It's a shame." The President of the Lockport Business Association publicly bemoaned the status of long-time Lockport clothing store, Lerch & Daly Monday. The clothing store on Main Street has now reportedly laid off all its employees and owner Charlie Grey is operating the store by himself. Jerry DeFlippo described the situation as "a shame." There is no word if the store will move, stay put, or go out of business. (4/14/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
One opening for Lockport School Board election. Those willing to serve on the Lockport School District Board of Education have until April 30th to get petitions in to the Board offices with at least 100 valid resident/voter signatures. An election will be held in May for a single 4-year term seat. Petition forms are available at the Board offices at 130 Beattie Avenue. Incumbent Mark Shaw is not seeking re-election. (4/13/03) To be filed under Lockport School News
Lockport High graduation rate at 90%. A state report indicates that 9 out of 10 students who enter Lockport High School in the ninth grade will graduate (in four years or less) from the 12th grade in Lockport. The 90% graduation rate is the highest reported for any public school in Niagara County which has a graduation rate of 80% on average with Niagara Falls' new "state-of- the-art" high school only showing a 58% graduation rate and the county's lowest. The public school with the highest graduation rate in the Erie-Niagara County area is Williamsville North (98%) and the school with the lowest performance is Buffalo Alternative School with 0%. Next lowest is Kensington High with 44% graduating. Kensington is being threatened with closure or state take-over because of poor performance. (4/13/03) To be filed under Lockport School News
Niagara Chamber Executive says they're still in Lockport. The remains of the former "Lockport," former "Eastern-Niagara," Chamber of Commerce are still functioning in Lockport according to a public letter from Paul Kolkmeyer. Kolkmeyer is VP for First Niagara Bank, the former Lockport Savings Bank which changed its name to reference Niagara Falls instead of Lockport when it moved its headquarters (and jobs) out of Lockport. Kolkmeyer says the "Niagara USA Chamber" now headquartered in Niagara Falls, still has a branch office in Lockport. He says the Niagara Chamber has a "new focus." It is "advocating for business and breaking down obstacles to economic development." Kolkmeyer says the Niagara Falls based organization is a "new, improved model" over the one that was headquartered in Lockport for over a half century. (4/12/03)
DA won't prosecute Granchelli. Despite a recommendation by State Supreme Court Justice Richard Kloch, Niagara County District Attorney Matthew J. Murphy III says he will not file criminal charges against Lockport developer, Elmer Granchelli. Justice Kloch had suggested such charges be pursued after finding against Granchelli in a civil action with the City of Lockport last month. Murphy, however, said the allegations dealt with matters that were from too long ago and said he's putting the matter to rest. (4/11/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Former STOP-DWI coordinator acquitted. The prosecution failed to produce consistent reliable evidence to back up charges that Paul E. Griffin attacked an Appleton man at the Delphi-Harrison plant on July 31, 2001. Lockport City Judge William Watson cited different versions on the same incident as his reason for dismissing charges against Griffin who had worked for a short period at Niagara County STOP-DWI Coordinator, a political appointment by the County Democratic Party leadership. (4/7/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Woman has hubby arrested for cashing her tax refund check. Tracey L. Foster has reportedly had her husband arrested and charged with first-degree forgery. 34-year old Judd S. Foster of Chapel Street was reported arrested by Lockport Police on request of his wife who claims that her hubby cashed her income tax refund check by forging her name on it . He is charged with taking the money from the credit union and not giving any of it to wife Tracey. Foster now faces serious felony charges that could put him in state prison. (4/5/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Denny's Restaurant hold up man still at large. Niagara County Sheriff's Deputies have so far been unable to apprehend the man who walked into the 24-hour eatery off South Transit Road and shoved a knife at a terrified waitress demanding the money from the cash register. Sources say he got over $300 before leaving a little after 3AM Friday, 4/4, and driving away.
Naked man "growls" at police before going into the attack mode. Lockport Police say they were attacked by a naked man who growled at them, grinding his teeth, before he allegedly attacked police in a Locust Street apartment. One officer was reported bitten on the arm. According to public papers, police had been called Friday, 3/28, to 309 Locust Street on a noise complaint but upon entering one of the apartments at the address, found a man naked who had reportedly been feeding on hallucinogenic mushrooms. Police have declined to identify, in public papers, the man who they soon after took to Lockport Memorial Hospital for treatment. However, authorities reportedly obtained a search warrant and, according to information in public papers, returned to 309 Locust Street and found significant quantities of marijuana plants in addition to hallucinogenic mushrooms. A gun was also seized. Two residents of an apartment there, 24-year old William E. Bucci Jr. and 22-year old Rachel F. Simpson were charged with second degree criminal possession of marijuana and growing marijuana without a permit. (3/29/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Badly beaten man found on ground in Crime District. Authorities discovered a 33-year old man lying on the ground off Washburn Street early Saturday, 3/29. The victim had reported been beaten by two men with baseball bats. He was taken to Lockport Memorial Hospital by city ambulance. Police are working clues in the case attempting to locate those responsible. (3/29/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Lockport paper plant suddenly closed, 60 lose jobs. Buffalo
Paperboard's Ohio Street plant closed Wednesday, 3/26, sending 60 employees home
without jobs. The company manufactured gypsum facing paper using, in part,
facilities of the former Upson Company. Buffalo Paperboard is a part of Caraustar
Industries which owns many other paper-making facilities. Acquired in 1992, the
Lockport mill produced a full line of medium to heavy weight gypsum facing paper products
with an annual capacity of 72 thousand tons. Operations at this mill have been reduced due
to a growing demand by
the gypsum wallboard industry for lighter weight facing paper. Customers will be served by
other Caraustar facilities that will take up the orders filled by the Lockport
plant. Information analyzed at the Lockport Home Page indicates that the
heavy grade of paper manufactured in Lockport, local wage and tax costs, and the problems
associated with getting water from the canal for some plant operations, all contributed to
the decision to close the Lockport plant and transfer production to other, out-of-state
facilities. (3/28/03) To be filed under Lockport Industrial
Index
Vandals inflict $5K in damage on Lockport KFC. A multitude of eggs were thrown at the Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet off West Avenue early Thursday, 3/27 and the drive up speaker-phone and menu sign were damaged. Police say the substantial overnight destruction was discovered only when the eatery opened up on Thursday morning. (3/28/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Judge suggests Granchelli may have tried to swindle City of Lockport. That allegation against Elmer Granchelli, Lockport developer, came out in a decision handed down this week in State Supreme Court. The ruling in a case involving the city, was against Granchelli, who has owned and/or controlled Lockport's vacant "South Block" for nearly thirty years before losing control last year in a court decision. Granchelli never built on the prime Main Street commercial land and the City of Lockport tried for years to recover it from him. This week's court ruling indicated Granchelli's $300,000 mortgage placed on the property in 1979 violated his development agreement with the city. The property now has the interest of Niagara Falls developer, Nuvo Group which says it wants to start construction by fall of this year. However, various interests in the city are attempting to stop that development and claim another (unnamed) developer, more to their satisfaction, is awaiting in the wings. The charge the Supreme Court Judge leveled against Mr. Granchelli could develop into a felony and the matter reportedly has been referred to Niagara County District Attorney, Matthew Murphy. (3/27/03) To be filed under Lockport Letter
VP for VanDeMark parent says SNPE not making illegal sales to Iraq. Bernard Roussell, Vice President of Communications for SNPE (the French government owned chemical company) said last week that his company is not selling missile fuels to Iraq. He was responding to charges that SNPE in France was shipping UDMH (a missile fuel) and Ammonium Perchlorate (an oxidizer) to Iraq. Reports that SNPE was selling to Iraq were triggered by an article March 13th in the New York Times. Previous reports from SNPE headquarters had indicated the company does not export the poison gas phosgene, manufactured at its Lockport VanDeMark plant, to Europe or the world market. (3/25/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Progress reported on removing pigeon poop from F&M Building. The building (pictured) is vacant now at Main and Locust Street and has been for most of the period since the former Lockport Savings Bank (once known as the Farmer's & Mechanics Bank) moved out decades ago. But in that period pigeons have roosted in the copper ornamental trim around the top of the building generating a stockpile of pigeon poop. So much, in fact, that it has now been falling down on those walking below. Authorities expressed concern about a health hazard and this was confirmed to the Lockport Home Page on Monday, 3/24 as crews worked to clean up the "huge" amounts pigeon poop produced over the years. The Page was told that metal trim will be added to the copper ornamental framework at the top to keep the pigeons out. (3/24/03)
Brennan-Taylor lands political plum. Mary Brennan-Taylor who has reportedly been shopping for a political plum job since Congress John LaFalce left Congress has landed one at the cost of Niagara County taxpayers. She has been named "Executive Director" of the "Niagara County Commission of the Status of Women." The exact function of the "Commission" is unknown but the operation is run for the County through the YMCA of Niagara. Her salary information was not released. (3/20/03) To be filed under Lockport Political News
Elliott won't run for re-election. Niagara County Deputy Sheriff, Scott Elliott (D-First Ward) say he won't run for re-election to his seat on the LockportCommon Council. A replacement candidate for Elliott was not immediately announced by the local Democratic Committee. (3/20/02) To be filed under Lockport Political News
One city police cadet quits training. The Lockport Home Page was told Friday, 3/14, that 23-year old Michael R. Vogt (son of Lockport Police Captain Ronald Vogt) has withdrawn from the Police Academy training program at NCCC. There was no immediate word if he would be replaced in the training program, if the city would look elsewhere for another officer, or if the number of recruits, at least for now, would be lowered by one. (3/15/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
$1-Million in red ink forecast for city. The City of Lockport began its trip into red ink shortly after the administration of Mayor Tom Sullivan began three years ago and since then hasn't been able to recover. Information out this past week indicates that the projected deficit for 2003 is about $1-million in the city's $15.9-million general fund budget for 2003. Part of the inability to recover from the red ink is the lawmakers could never stick to their promised "hiring freeze." In fact an additional political free rider was added to the the payroll. Alderman Scott Cercone was quoted by the Greater Niagara Newspapers as evaluating the deficit problems by making the incredible declaration, "It's really nobody's fault...It's just a situation that's fickle at times." (3/14/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Effort to stop approval of new South Block mall rumored. The rumors began to circulate just two days after the announcement by Nuvo Group out of Niagara Falls of their proposed $5-6 million dollar project. Those moving the rumors say a local developer (who they do not name) wants the South Block to build something better and bigger (no plans, however revealed). Nuvo Group had sought prompt city approval so that they could start construction in the fall of 2003. Those who support, non-support for Nuvo group, don't say why the "local developer" did not submit his plans by the city's publicly announced deadline. It is said he won't reveal his plans for at least a month. And why the secrecy? The rumor mill doesn't reveal that. Reaction by the Common Council to the rumors has not yet been evaluated. (3/14/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
Another robbery at Sunoco gas station. The hold-up on Thursday, 3/13, was the second one in about two weeks for the gas station at High and South Transit. This job was carried off by a man different than the one who did the previously reported job at the close of February. About $50 in cash was taken. The robber escaped. Police are asking for public help and information on possible suspects for both robberies. (3/14/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
NCCC to lose OSHA training center designation. The facility in downtown Lockport at Pine and Main Streets is the only such OSHA training facility not renewed by the federal government. That action, effective September 1st, will mean a loss of about $1-million in income for Niagara County Community College according to college sources. The government is adding a training facility at Rochester Institute of Technology to replace Lockport. The Lockport center will continue in operation with its own training programs. (3/9/03) To be filed under NCCC News
$5-6 Million Development Proposed For South Block Downtown Lockport
Accused girl cocaine dealer, other admitted dealers, appear in County Court. Now 18 years old, Nicole McKerrow with public papers showing address of Blackley Court and of Glendale Drive, in Lockport, appeared in Niagara County Court this week to claim innocence in charges of selling cocaine to city police a year ago. Ms. McKerrow faced multiple drug counts at her first arraignment in the matter. In other cases, 44-year old Raymond E. Renouf Jr. of Chapel Street was sentenced to 15 months to four years in prison for cocaine dealing and 36-year old Shane Lamke of Dysinger Road was sent away for 6 months to be followed by five years probation, also for cocaine dealing. (3/7/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Neglect by town official could be costly for Eastpointe residents. When Lockport Town Supervisor John Austin and his staff looked over the Federal Emergency Management flood plain maps, up for their usual every ten-year review and update, they say they didn't notice that properties off Tonawanda Creek at the Eastpointe housing subdivision were revised in category to "flood plain." That could mean substantially increased insurance costs for residents there. Austin and the Town last year signed off on the new designations. The homeowners are now protesting and Ryan Homes, the builder, is quoted in media as considering legal action. Mr. Austin admits the map changes were not noticed and now is telling the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal the federal flood maps are "preposterous." He indicates he's going to try to get the designation reversed. However, the properties under consideration are only about a thousand feet from Tonawanda Creek which seriously floods about every ten years in the Spring. Markings on the official Niagara County highway map published in 1992 also designate the area as a water problem area. Residents impacted may have to pay from one to four- thousand dollars more in flood insurance on their homes valued at between $150K-$250K. Property values may also decline. (3/7/03) To be filed under Talk of the Town
Man sentenced to 20 years for rape of child under ten. The attorney for 26-year old Raymond C. Flores of 397 Union Street, told the court Thursday, 3/6, the convicted man reportedly suffers from "Attention Deficit Disorder" and deserves leniency. Judge Sara Sperrazza did give him a break in sentencing, handing down 20 years when he could have gotten 50. Flores in court continued to proclaim his innocence of the sex assault on the child that reportedly took place in a Jackson Street home "right under the nose" of the child's mother during August 2001. (3/7/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Woman admits stealing nearly $50K from business. 58-year old Carolyn B. Hamilton of 8153 State Street in Gasport has admitted, according to public papers, stealing $49.607.02 from the Johnson Country Store on Robinson Road in Lockport Town. Hamilton had denied such charges back in October when she was first arrested. She's been free without bail since then and will continue free while authorities plan a "restitution hearing" for April 10th. Investigators claim she altered business records at the store where she was employed over a approximate 18 month period to pull off the theft. (3/6/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Teacher, "Y" Counselor sentenced for sex offense with boy. A 37-year old Lockport man was sentenced to six months in jail for sexually abusing a young boy at the YMCA Camp Kenan in July 2002. The matter became public knowledge in a court hearing Tuesday, 3/4, before Niagara County Judge Peter Broderick. According to public papers, the accused, Dean E. Goff, also worked as a teacher in the Lockport Public School system in addition to being a "counselor" at the "Y" summer camp. Mr. Goff apologized to the boy's parents in court where a description of the behavior he was charged with was related. Additionally, public papers indicate, in a related matter at the camp, Mr. Goff "exposed himself" to a group of boys, aged 7 to 9, while pretending to be sleeping. He has reportedly been sentenced to six months in the Niagara County Jail, ten years probation, and various restrictions on his life including registration as a sex offender. Sources say Mr. Goff entered into a plea deal with the District Attorney's Office which reduced potential jail time to no more than one year. One report says the mother of a boy victim broke down emotionally while trying to read a statement in court at Tuesday's sentencing. (3/5/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Lockportian Wins Xavier U Basketball Competition. Lockportian Stephanie Ben, a freshman at Xavier University majoring in sports management, is the first to admit she’s a lousy basketball player. "It’s true," says Ben. "Even my mom will tell you I wasn’t very good. But all that’s changed, thanks to Ben’s determination and the help of three very skilled friends.
Ben, and her partner, Jack Deardorff, also a freshman at Xavier, have won the Xavier portion of the Atlantic 10 ShootOut Co-Ed division. The pair will now travel to the Atlantic 10 ShootOut Tournament at the University of Dayton arena March 14-16. There they will compete against winning teams from other Atlantic 10 schools. The winners could take home $10,000.
The ShootOut competition is open to all individuals who have a valid student ID, and are not student-athletes affiliated with their university's men's or women's varsity basketball teams. But that doesn’t mean they can’t get help. Ben got some coaching from three fellow students, Angelo Smith, Dedrick Finn and Keenan Christiansen. Okay, so they all happen to be members of Xavier’s nationally ranked men’s basketball team.
"The three really took her under their wing," says Stephanie’s mother, J. Suzan Ben. "They worked on her skills. She’s just thrilled and it just showed me what dedication these Xavier players have." Ben’s parents will travel from their home in Lockport, New York to cheer their daughter on in Dayton. "It’s been a great experience for Stephanie," Mrs. Ben says. (3/4/03) To be filed under Congratulatory Cheers
Rick Podgers announces his candidacy for Niagara County Legislator. He'll be running in the15th District (Lockport) as a Republican. Podgers has resided in the City of Lockport all his life. His opponent will be Democratic incumbent, Harry Apolitio.
Podgers gained political experience from his hard fought campaign for Niagara County Sheriff in 2001. "I was privileged to meet thousands of county residents while campaigning. I spoke to taxpayers in every town, village and city in Niagara County. The most resounding response I heard was taxes were too high. High taxes drive business, friends and families from our area. I promised then, as I do now, to end Niagara County politics as usual. The slogan in my last campaign was,"People before Politics". That theme will continue to be my stated goal as I campaign for Legislator in the 15th District."
Podgers continued, "The current leadership of the Niagara County Legislature is the same body that has imposed repeated tax burdens on the residents of this county. Some of our current legislators campaigned against a 1% increase in sales tax only to raise property tax last year by 20%, and now they raised our sales tax by 1 %. The recurring response out of our Legislature is, ‘State and Federal mandates made us do it!’ The truth is the State and Federal mandates tell the counties what it is they must provide. They do not tell them how much to spend to administer those mandated services".
"The current majority in our Legislature has now embarked on what could be the most important event in Niagara County history, the relicensing of the Power Authority. This is the same group that has an infamous record of making bad decisions. The reckless spending of our tobacco settlement drew national attention. We’ve experienced comical attempts to appoint a County manager; the debacle over appointing a DWI Coordinator, and suffered monumental property, and sales tax increases. This is the time to change the way our County does business. I will be your voice for this necessary change. I will help to bring integrity back to the Niagara County Legislature. We must end the mismanagement of the past, working tirelessly to make our County a great place to live and do business", said Podgers.
Podgers plans to seek the Republican, Independence, Conservative and Working Family Parties endorsements. Podgers and his wife, the former Candace Sposito, have one daughter. He holds an A.A.S. Degree from Niagara County Community College, and is a Detective Lieutenant with the City of Lockport Police Department. He is the former owner of B & P Security Systems. His wife Candace works as an Optician at Davison Road Optical. (3/4/03) To be filed under Lockport Political News
FBI nabs Lockport man on Internet child porn charges. Agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) say that 38-year old Timothy J. Tice will spend 12 years in federal prison. Mr. Tice allegedly used a computer at his residence on Price Street in Lockport to send child pornography to an FBI agent, posing as a child, over the Internet. He was arrested in Louisville, KY in a hotel room that he had reportedly rented in hopes of a meeting with a girl he thought was 14 years old. Instead, FBI agents arrived to arrest him. (3/4/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Over 1-Million in Harrison bonus money. Workers at the Lockport Delphi-Harrison plants will be receiving more than one million dollars on "profit sharing" bonus money in early March. The payments were suspended a year ago because of bad economic performance by the local parts maker. Hourly employees will be getting about $240 in bonus money. The amount that will go to salaried workers has not been made public. (3/3/03) To be filed under Delphi-Harrison News
Lockport suggested for site of state-funded "Canal Interpretive Center." A State commission has recommended spending $5.6-million in state tax dollars to establish six "interpretive centers" along the Erie Barge Canal. One would be in Lockport. Others have been suggested for Buffalo, the Tonawandas, Medina, Rochester, and Lyons. Because of the state financial distress, actual construction of the centers may be many years off. Exact locations have not been specified within the cities noted. (3/3/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
One arrested at big underage booze party. Police say up to 40 teenagers were packed into a home on Harvey Avenue, Saturday, 3/1 for a giant booze party. One 18-year old was arrested for failure to cooperate with police and underage possession of alcohol. All the others were let go with warnings. (3/2/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Armed Robbery. At 2:40AM Saturday,3/1, Lockport Police responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Sunoco gas station located at High and S. Transit Streets Lockport. The attendant reported that a white male, 6 feet tall, thin build wearing a black jacket and a red knit cap had entered the store and demanded money. His hand was kept covered and he threatened to shoot the attendant. The suspect fled the store with an undetermined amount of cash. He was last seen fleeing south towards High Street. Niagara County Sheriffs’ Deputy James Hildreth and his dog Ciro assisted in the investigation. Detective Lt. Richard Podgers states that the investigation is continuing. If anyone has information concerning this incident they are asked to contact the Lockport Police Detective Division at 439-6723 or Police communications at 433-7700. All information will be confidential. (3/2/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Lawyer to run against Erck. The Republicans in Lockport Town are being asked to nominate Rick Updegrove as the party's opposition to Bradley Erck (D-Lockport) for this fall's elections for Niagara County Legislature. Updegrove is a 36-year old lawyer. Erck is a two-term incumbent, now retired from Delphi-Harrison. (3/1/03) To be filed under Lockport Political News
City hires three more police. All three will be paid to attend a 19-week police training school at NCCC and then will undergo local training in Lockport for ten more weeks. Hired are: 23-year old Michael R. Vogt (son of Lockport Police Captain Ronald Vogt), 24-year old Henry P. Nevins IV (son of radio personality Hank Nevins), and 32-year old Kendra L. DiTullio (Delphi-Harrison employee). An additional police officer is expected to be hired from a nearby police department. One rumor indicates that a 51- year old black, Buffalo Policeman is being considered. (2/28/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
City borrowing $1.5-million. Lockport City hasn't had a financial plan that allows it to pay-as-you-go so the $1.5-million borrowing it anticipates is not all that unusual except for size. Money will go for all sort of things like $17.5K for new bullet-proof vests for the police to hundreds of thousands of dollars for sewer and water repair projects. Most of the items appear to be operational/maintenance items which the city hasn't the money to fund in a normal fashion but has to repeatedly borrow for. The spending will probably take place over the 18 months. (2/25/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
LHS Grad publishes book on travel in Italy.
Lockport High School Graduate (1949), D. Jean (Kolb) Lang has
published a travel essay book about her month stay in Italy entitled, "A Month in
Riva Trigoso". She was there during September 11, 2001 and relates her
experiences during that time along with travels to Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice. Lang
retired from a position as Middle School Guidance Counselor after 25 years of working with
students. Over the years she traveled extensively to Spain, Ireland and most recently
Italy. Her sister, Mary Ann (Kolb) Newton owns and operates the Pleasant Valley
Tavern on Van Buren Street in Lockport. The book is available through "on
demand" publishing from Trafford Publishing, #8, 301 South Front St., New Bern, NC,
28560. The author can be contracted directly via e-mail at: jeanlang@juno.com
(2/23/03) To be filed under Lockport
Literary
2003 Tourism Center to be in City Hall. For the past few years the Lockport Tourism & Visitors Center was in one of the lobby rooms at the Dale Senior Citizen Center. But, when city officials cut the yearly giveaway of taxpayer funds to that organization, its leadership hit back at the city by evicting the visitor's center. For a time it appeared the center would be re-located to the Lockport Locks and Canal Tours facility on Market but another local tourism business objected to that. The resolution is that the tourism center will be back on the main floor at the Lockport Municipal Building ---where it had been previously before the move to the Dale Center. In 2004 there are tentative plans to relocate it again, this time to the old Hamilton House on Church Street which would be turned into a "state of the art" tourism center if the Niagara County Historical Society gets a $500,000 grant to do the work. (2/22/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Wetlands Park proposed for Niagara County Fairgrounds. Cooperative Education officials at the Niagara County Fairgrounds say that a $30,000 grant has been obtained to build a large aquatic education project. The money for the project comes from a fund created of extra fine surcharges placed on Hooker Chemical Company. The wetland project will be on the border of the fairgrounds and contain a pond about ten feet deep. The wetlands will extend roughly a bit short of about 600 x 400 feet and also include a bog garden, observation deck, butterfly garden, walkways, visitor center, and room for parking. The pond will be stocked with bass and bluegill. Construction will begin in the Spring of 2003. (2/22/03) To be filed under Environmental News
Black applicant gets second chance at Lockport Police physical. He failed the physical agility test the first time out (along with several other applicants) but Cleandrew Patterson will get another chance to pass the test Thursday, 2/20. The repeat test was authorized by a Police Board attempting to get a black policeman on the force to quiet criticism from the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal and certain minority groups. The Board also has to allow all other applicants who failed the test to take it again. Then, on Saturday, 2/22, the Police Board will take action to to recommend a couple of the applicants to the Common Council for hiring. The procedure works to the disadvantage of those applicants who passed the agility test the first time (and that reportedly includes one woman). Appointment is competitive among all applicants who have passed all tests but Mr. Patterson is regarded as the favorite, regardless of test scores,---if---he can pass the tests. Those chosen will go to Police Academy for (paid) training and won't be on the street for several months. Police Chief Neil Merritt is also seeking approval to hire at least one applicant through "lateral transfer" --- that is, from another area police agency (where pay is lower). Such action would help fill the staffing hole at the Police Department in weeks, rather than months. (2/20/03) Update 2/21: The Union-Sun & Journal reports all four who failed, and retook the physical test on 2/20...failed again. Mr. Patterson, the newspaper reports, feels the city should still pay to send him to the Police Academy giving him another six months to train and try to pass the physical on a third re-test. The city is now said to have five (qualified) candidates for four open positions. To be filed under Lockport Law
Lockport Council approves demolition action. The Lockport Common Council moved Wednesday night, 2/19 to have the burned out multiple-tenant house at the corner of Elmwood and Washburn Streets demolished. Councilwoman Phyllis Green said the owner lives in Niagara Falls and police have not been able to serve him. The building had a fire a few years ago. Tenants vacated leaving most of their junk on the front lawns, an accumulation that continued until a pictorial ran in the Lockport Home Page noting the mess and hazard. The building, in the heart of the Lockport Crime District, is neighbored by a few other houses also the victims of fires that are boarded up. The city's downtown area has a multitude of unsolved arsons.
Roof job at schools > Half Million $. The Lockport Board of Education was told Wednesday night, 2/19, that the roof at the high school on Lincoln Avenue needed "emergency" repairs. Use of the term "emergency" may allow school administrators to have the work done without standard competitive bidding procedures. The cost is estimated, according to Superintendent Fraiser, at about $600,000 but may include work on other school roofs. (2/20/03) To be filed under Lockport School News
Loss of heart. The Heart-to-Heart Gift Shop in Lockview Plaza, Pine and Main Streets, in downtown Lockport is going out of business. Owner Beverly Farnham blamed Lockportians for her business' failure telling the Niagara Gazette, "Lockport doesn't support Lockport." Others had a different view. An often heard observation has been that the Lockview Plaza is so loaded with governmental, public agency, and non-retail business that few shoppers bother to go there. Said one downtowner to the Lockport Page, "The tenant mix at Lockview Plaza is bad for retail business." (2/20/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Aronow to run again for Legislature. Glenn Aronow who was defeated in his run for the 16th District Niagara County Legislature by John Cole (D-Lockport) two years ago, told the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal on Monday, 2/17 that he was again a candidate for that position in the November elections. On Tuesday, after the newspaper announced his candidacy, Mr. Aronow sent the following press release to the Lockport Home Page:
Glenn Aronow
announced his candidacy for the 16th District of the Niagara County Legislature today.
Aronow, 37, of Hi-Point Dr, City of Lockport, ran unsuccessfully two years ago, gaining
45% of the vote in a hotly contested race against long-time incumbent John Cole III. Cole
announced his retirement from the County Legislature earlier this month which becomes
effective at the end of this year. Aronow stated, " I plan on waging another vigorous
campaign this year and look forward to representing the residents of the16th District. I
cherish this opportunity and will leave no stone unturned in fighting for Lockport's fair
share and forging a new path of economic recovery for our area." Married to the
former Diane Misch, Aronow and his wife have three daughters. He received his B.S. in
Business Management from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 1988.
Truax named Lockport City Historian. Former Niagara County Legislator and longtime local history buff, Margaret Truax has been named the new Lockport City Historian according to a report to the Lockport Home Page. Mrs. Truax takes over the part-time position which has been vacant for some time since the previous appointee moved out of the city. (2/15/03) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
Caswell done at US&J; Circulation said down slightly. The longtime business manager of the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, and in recent years, the Greater Niagara Newspaper group, Dan Caswell, has been "retired." Sources tell the Lockport Home Page the Lockport man is not being replaced on a man-to-man, job-to-job basis. The move was seen as another money-saving action by the Alabama owners of the newspaper. The Lockport Page was told that the US&J's recent series of attacks on the city police department may have been the reason for about 200 subscriptions being dropped in the past six months. We have been unable to confirm that speculation. (2/15/03) To be filed under Media Monitor
Details On The Shooting Of Two Lockport Policemen,
The Brazen Bullet Blast At The Niagara Hotel, & A Night Of Gun Terror
Are On Our
Top Story Page
Man charged with Crime District gunpoint robbery. A 27-year old Youngstown man was arrested Friday, 2/7 in Lockport and charged in connection with the gunpoint robbery of a teenager on Tuesday in the City Crime District. Police charge Jerome Warren of Lutts Road with first-degree robbery. He's accused of driving his vehicle up along side one driven by a Lockport teen on Genesee Street, pointing a gun at the victim and demanding money. He reportedly got $40 and fled the scene. (2/8/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Five charged in connection with forgery, check scam. Police say a 32-year old Minnick Road man was responsible for draining the bank account of a Vermont Avenue resident. John C. Shaw has been charged with two counts of forgery and three counts each of criminal possession of stolen property and criminal possession of a forged instrument. He's accused of using about 15 blank check taken from the victim's home and using them to get between $100 and $400 each from places where they were cashed after being forged. Later, police charged four more in connection with the alleged scam. Those reported facing assorted charges include: 25-year old Douglas P. Johnson of Ashley Place, 41-year old Austin R. Wagner of Grand Street, 20-year old Brianna L. Jones of Main Street in Newfane, and 35-year old Peter S. Durie of Franklin Street. (2/8/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Cole endorses Boron for Stop DWI Job. Niagara County Legislator, John Cole (D-Lockport) has endorsed Mary Boron of Lockport for the position of Stop DWI Coordinator ($45k/year) which he had sought but has now given up seeking. Boron had the job for several years but was fired when the Democrats took control of the Legislature because her party affiliation was Republican. (2/7/03) To be filed under Niagara County Political News
Democratic chief gets Lockport Civil Service plum. Lockport Mayor Tom Sullivan announced that he had appointed Mary Elena-Keleher as the city's Civil Service Secretary. Keleher says she is resigning her post as Chairperson of the Lockport City Democratic Committee to take the post but does not want to give up her Niagara County pension. To keep her County money coming in, Keleher must keep her city work hours from exceeding about 28 hours a week. (2/4/03) To be filed under Lockport Political News
Two charged with having pot, not having licenses. 42-year old Wayne E. Hunt, a reported driver for Custom Taxi in Lockport, was arrested Saturday morning, 2/1. Hunt, authorities say, was in a vehicle behind the the former K-Mart store off South Transit with a pipe and marijuana. Oh---and authorities report---Mr. Hunt doesn't have a valid driver's license even though it's his employment to drive cab. He was charged with drug possession and third-degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. In a similar event on Saturday, 22-year old Anthony A. Schultz of 226 East Avenue was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of marijuana. Schultz was charged following a traffic stop. He was also charged with driving an uninsured, unregistered vehicle. (2/2/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
$4,741,135 State Aid cut proposed for Lockport Schools. The budget of New York State Governor George Pataki shows a 14.6% cut in State Aid for Lockport Public Schools and school officials immediately began to threaten the cuts would mean another huge hike in school property taxes. The percent cuts for Lockport are among the highest in the state, possibly because the Lockport schools had begun so many costly programs after promises by former Superintendent of Schools Christine Neal that the programs would cost Lockport taxpayers little or nothing because of State Aid. Neal has since moved to Florida leaving huge tax increases for Lockport property taxpayers to bear. The budget cutbacks proposed by Gov. Pataki's new budget negatively impact almost every public school district in the state. Some officials say they will manage by cutting local spending but most hope they can force huge local tax increases through so that cutbacks are not needed. The Pataki budget is just proposed at this point, it faces a probably long battle in the State Legislature. (2/1/03) To be filed under Lockport School News
Bad brakes, train crew negligence, blamed for September derailment. The costs of the CSX coal train going off track at the bridge over Jackson Street on September 29th have now been estimated at about $825,000 in damage to the train trestle and coal cars. Additional costs, sustained by Lockport City taxpayers for cleanup have not been included (or paid for yet) by CSX officials. This week a report from the Federal Railroad Administration placed the blame for the disaster on bad brakes on the train which its crew had failed to check. The train was reported going 40 mph too fast when it went over the the bridge and derailed, dumping tons of coal on Jackson Street and nearby areas. (2/1/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
South Street man accused of rape by teen.
A local teen girl has accused a 43 year old South Street man of rape and police have arrested and jailed him. Darwin Fifield Sr., of 198 South Street is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail after a young girl accused him of having sexual relations with her. There are also reports that Mr. Fifield may have had some of his alleged encounters with the young girl photographed. (2/1/03) To be filed under Lockport LawAfrican-American police applicant fails police physical. The Lockport City Police Department, under fire for not having a black on its roster was disappointed this week that the only African-American job applicant failed the physical exam and was disqualified for appointment. Sources say 30-year old Cleandrew Patterson failed to do the minimum number of sit-ups which was the first part of a physical fitness exam which also included push-ups, flexibility, and a 1-1/2 mile run. After failing the sit-up part of the test, Patterson did not go on to take any other elements. Six of eleven applicants failed the physical part of the test according to one public report. Five applicants passed the physical, along with a previous written test, and are under consideration for appointment to a yet-unconfirmed number of positions. At least two appointments will be made. Two Lockportians, working for police in Orleans County, have already been reported hired on a transfer basis. (2/1/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Over 50 at Main Street public input meeting. Over fifty local residents attended a public meeting this past week at the Lockport Public Library called to hear what the public wants done with $3.3-million in state aid given the city for Main Street improvement. Ideas ranged from concurrence with earlier announced plans to restrict traffic lanes to two (one east and one west separated by a landscaped median) to reducing the width of sidewalks to allow for diagonal parking along the street. Most of the funding had been obtained during the previous Swan Administration but since Tom Sullivan has been Mayor this week's meeting has been the first public show of any recent action on the project. One person is said to have remarked at the meeting that with inaction by the city the $3.3-million should be given back to the state and the project scrapped. But Mayor Tom Sullivan promised that something would be done and that work would begin in the Spring of 2004. (1/31/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Tips leads to man's arrest on child porn charges. Police acted on a tip to move in on the Walnut Street residence of Kevin H. Carroll and seize his computer and pictures they describe as child pornography. The 29-year old man faces five counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child and one count of promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child. Police have also reportedly charged him with splicing into electric lines to steal electricity for his residence. (1/26/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Police say downtown drunk cursed them, threatened motorists. Lockport Policeman Michael Wasik suffered eye injuries Saturday, 1/25 in arresting 36-year old Ryan C. Bream who had been reported carrying on in front of the Urban Park Towers in downtown Main Street. Police say he stood in the street forcing motorists to swerve around him, was cursing, and resisted police efforts to get him off the street and into confinement. He reportedly hit Patrolman Wasik in the eye. The location of the incident is also directly in front of the "South Block" where efforts are reported moving again to persuade developers to invest millions in a downtown business development. (1/26/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Teen charged with theft of $1053 from McDonald's. The Transit Road fast-food eatery says the money disappeared over a period between October and January and that an investigation pointed to an employee, 17-year old Patrick A. Young of 159 Vine Street. Under questioning by Niagara County Sheriff's Deputies, young Mr. Young reportedly admitted he had taken the money. He has been charged with 4th-degree grand larceny. (1/26/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Soup Kitchen donations short. The holiday season drive to collect money for the 2002 Sister Mary Loretto Memorial Soup Kitchen collected $43,878 according to a final report released by the Salvation Army. The goal for 2002 had been pegged at $60,000. Meanwhile the Salvation Army reported that its own "Red Kettle Drive" on city streets and at retail establishments brought in a gross of $74,000 well above its $60,000 goal. The Red Kettle Drive net proceeds (amount not made public) provides funding for the Salvation Army operations in the Lockport area while the Soup Kitchen drive pays for operation of the feeding of about 150 poor people week days at the Salvation Army facility at Genesee Street and Cottage. (1/26/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Tucker to try again.
Former member of the Lockport Common Council, Michael Tucker, has announced that he is a candidate for Mayor of Lockport. Republican Tucker loss in a 3-way race back in 1999 when he challenged incumbent Republican Ken Swan. Swan and Tucker wound up splitting the Republican-Conservative votes and allowed Democrat Thomas Sullivan to win with only 2,640 votes to 2,492 for Tucker and 1,267 for Swan. There has been no comment yet from Swan whether he will challenge Tucker in a GOP primary. Commenting on his upcoming campaign, Tucker was quoted in a press release to the The Lockport Page as saying, "Lockport is in a state of chaos...The current mayor won't take a stand, won't take charge, and won't even list his name in the phone book." He said he plans to make City Hall "user friendly" again. (1/26/03) To be filed under Lockport Political NewsCanadian company said interested in Lockport "South Block." John Lombardi III, local businessman and Chairman of the Lockport City Republican Committee says the Nuvo Group of Mississaugua, Ontario is interested in building a $5-million mall on the downtown Lockport "South Block." The area of Main Street has been vacant for decades after failed Urban Renewal Project. The group has reportedly been meeting with Lombardi, Mayor Sullivan, and a few others from the Lockport area about building a 20-28-store retail block with offices on the second story. Many local politicians have been left out of the local talks and one of them, Alderman Scott Elliott (D-1st Ward) was quoted by the press as insinuating that Lombardi's announcement was "political" and demanded to know why he and certain other politicians had been invited to the discussions with the potential developer. (1/25/02) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
City Judge Watson targeted for removal. It has taken a couple of years but efforts by Democratic Party officials have apparently yielded success, albeit two years after the party's complaint about Lockport City Judge William Watson. The party filed a complaint against Watson during the 1999 campaign for the office calling some of Watson's statements at the time as showing a bias against criminal defendants. When Watson defeated the Democratic Party candidate the complaint, to the New York State Commission of Judicial Conduct, continued to be pending. Last week the Commission announced a shocking recommendation for Watson's removal from Lockport City Court. Watson has not yet indicated if he will appeal the decision and continues on in Lockport City Court pending a final action on the matter. (1/20/02) To be filed under Lockport Political News
Delphi posts $120-million profit but losses continue at Harrison.
Delphi Corporation reported a sharp improvement in operation results for the fourth quarter but unspecified financial losses reportedly continued at the company's Lockport-based Delphi Harrison-Thermal. Delphi does not publicly break out its financial results for Delphi-Thermal but the Lockport based operation carries the label of "troubled" although it has not yet been moved into the "for sale" category. A Delphi official in Michigan said the troubled Lockport operation was still "on the road to being fixed." However, the Year 2004 showdown date, predicted by a financial analyst still continues to loom. (1/20/02) To be filed under Delphi-Harrison NewsSmith joins Brennan-Taylor in angling for political plums. Democratic Party leaders are getting several pleas for employment help. We had previously reported that soon-to-be-out-of-work Mary Brennan Taylor is seeking another slot on the taxpayer's payroll after Congressman John LaFalce's office closes down. She is reported interviewing for the political plum of Clerk of the Niagara County Legislature as an interim roost. But wait! Voter-rejected Lockport former councilman, Sean Smith, is reported also seeking that job. Young Mr. Smith, who we're told, circulated a resume recently in the Yahoo Personals section seeking affiliation with a female, would reportedly also settle for being appointed to John W. Cole's County Legislature seat when Cole moves on to become County DWI Coordinator ($39K+/year). The 68-year old Cole is already receiving a comfortable County pension after retiring from the Niagara County Sheriff's Department. (12/31/02) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
Dale Association retaliates over city cutting their allocation. Dale Association leadership had been claiming for years that they would "phase out" their cash drain on city taxpayers but it just never happened. So when city councilmen cut $60,000 from their 2003 budget allocation Dale Association executives were miffed. They fired back at the city that gave them their start by ordering the city tourism information desk out of the Senior Centre on Ontario Street. City officials say they will relocate the center to the Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises at 210 Market Street. There was no immediate word on how much that would cost but most agree a tourism information center with difficult tourist access in the Senior Centre has always been a bad idea. The Dale Association, which has used its income base in the city of Lockport to expand into other areas of Niagara and Erie County, building a little senior service empire, will still be getting big bucks from Lockport taxpayers. The allocation for 2003 is reported to be $50,000. (12/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Police reports gang beats man Sunday on Genesee Street. Lockport Police say the incident was sparked by a dispute over one of "the Boyer Boys" using a parking place off Genesee Street that had reportedly been assigned to another resident. When the other man asked that 51-year old James E. Boyer of 182 Genesee Street move his vehicle he quickly learned to regret it. Police say he was attacked first by Mr. Boyer and then by a gang of five arriving in a car led by 16-year old Ashley I. Boyer, also of 182 Genesee. The victim was reportedly beaten by the gang Sunday, 12/29, about 4:40 PM. Although the gang then fled the scene police say they have apprehended both of the Boyer Boys and have charged them with "harassment." (12/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Somebody's Christmas gift? The Deb Shop women's clothing outlet in the Lockport Mall is missing $2,276.22 in cash and the owners would like it back, or at least want to know how it disappeared. A store employee claims to have deposited the night deposit bag with the cash at the Key Bank across Transit Road from the Mall on the night of December 21st. But the bank says it never received the deposit. It didn't just evaporate. Niagara County Sheriff's Department investigators are trying to find out what happened. (12/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Hit-and-run driver to spend 2003 in jail. He sobbed at his sentencing in Niagara County Court but Robert J. Marchiano Jr. of Pine Street Lockport was still sentenced to spend 2003 (and 2004) in State Prison. Mr. Marchiano was the hit-and-run driver who drove through a STOP sign at Bartz and Rapids Road in Lockport Town on November 1, 2002, killing two people in another vehicle. He then fled the scene. In testimony he admitted to having taken nine alcoholic drinks in a five-hour span just before the crash. He has been sentenced to 2-4 years in prison. Mr. Marchiano's attorney had blamed the accident on a "poorly lit intersection." (12/29/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Police now subject to "Light Duty" assignments when injured. The new agreement reported between the City of Lockport and the Police Union could save city taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. But the matter only came up when the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal reported in its bowling scores column that Officer Brian LeBere had bowled a "679 series" just four days after claiming a shoulder injury on the job. LeBere had immediately gone on a workman's compensation plan that put him off duty but still being funded by city taxpayers while his replacement, often at overtime rates, was also funded by the city taxpayers. The surprise and outrage this brought around city hall brought pressure from the public and the new agreement, some three months later, is a result. Now, LeBere and others claiming injuries that would prevent them from full police duties can be assigned "light duty" including desk jobs, dispatching, and riding around in the department's new DARE PT-Cruiser for PR purposes. (12/29/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Professional Parkway complex sold for nearly $7.9-million. David Ulrich, Lockport developer, has closed his deal to sell his 22-unit Professional Parkway office complex on the eastern limits of the city to home builder and developer, Barden & Robeson Corporation. The pending sale had first been reported several months ago at the Lockport Home Page. Financing in the amount of $7,875,000 was reported arranged for Barden to take ownership. (12/29/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Mother has her own daughter arrested. A police report reveals that 16-year old Cassandra R. Castro had been warned by her mother that if she ever took Mom's '90 Buick without permission she'd be arrested. Thursday night, 12/26 Maxine Townsend followed through with that threat as she called Lockport Police to report her vehicle stolen. Ms. Castro was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle that night when she returned to her North Transit Street home. The case will be to Lockport City Court. (12/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Schrader recovering from cancer surgery. Lockport Common Council President, Patrick Schrader is still in Buffalo General Hospital at Buffalo (Thursday, 12/26) recovering from a December 19th surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his rectum. He's expected back home in Lockport soon according to friends of the family. Lockport Alderman-At-Large, Joe Kibler, who has visited with Schrader in the Buffalo hospital said Thursday that Mr. Schrader is expected to come through the procedure "OK." (12/27/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Dog-Napping for $1K. Lockport Police indicate they have apprehended a man accused of dog-napping a woman's canine companion. The way the Lockport Page gets it, a boyfriend of the city woman was apparently not satisfied with the Christmas presents and other considerations he received on Wednesday, 12/25 and took to taking off with a woman acquaintance's dog. She wasn't going to stand for that and called city police Christmas evening from Wilson Farms on Park Avenue with an official complaint of dog-napping. She said the man demanded $1000 in ransom for the return of her canine. Police found the suspect and the bow-wow. The dog is back with his mistress, there is no report on the status of action against the dog-napper. (12/26/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Police respond to Library break-in alarm. Who would think the Lockport Public Library would be closed on Monday, December 23rd! But the Library was indeed closed and a break-in alarm was sounding. Police were dispatched to the scene and awaited someone form the library to arrive. The problem: an overheated light ballast. By the way, the Library staff shut down their place of employment Monday thru Thursday of this week. It was their holiday present to...themselves. (12/23/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Up-tick in business at Harrison. About 700 employees at Delphi-Harrison in Lockport will not be enjoying a plant shut-down this holiday season because GM orders are so strong the plant will continue in operation over the holidays. The employees will be paid their regular pay, overtime pay, and holiday pay. Delphi-Harrison attributes the increased business to strong demand for GM trucks and SUVs. In part that strong demand has been generated by a "holiday event" promotion of zero-percent financing for up to 60 months. The Lockport plant now employs about 4500. (12/22/02) To be filed under Delphi-Harrison News
Three charged in Lowertown church burglary.
Three boys have been apprehended by Lockport Police and charged with stealing over $3000 in equipment from the Church of Jesus Christ at Vine near Market. One of those arrested, 16-year old Terry Smith of Garden Street, has also been charged with the break-in of a nearby Fayette Street home where $3800 in loot was taken. The burglaries were first reported on December 5th and 8th. In addition to young Mr. Smith, 21-year old Adam Haseley of Garden Street and 16-year old Brandon Smith of Market Street face charges for the church break-in. (12/20/02) To be filed under Lockport LawAnother teen arrested, suspect in up to 40 city car break-ins. 17-year old Joseph P. Kress of Waterman Street is the latest Lockportian arrested in what police believe is a string of up to 40 car break-ins during October and November. Previously charged is 23-year old Phillip A. DeSantis of Buffalo. Items stolen include everything from cash and credit cards to a "special" deputy sheriff's badge. (12/19/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Democrats busy trying to find position for LaFalce loyalist. Lockport's Mary Brennan-Taylor, who has worked in the local office of Congressman John LaFalce, and has been active in Democratic politics will be out of a job soon as LaFalce leaves office. Lockport Democrats are reported actively working to line her up a new position with either city or County government---the payrolls from both public tax troughs they control. Despite a "hiring freeze" in the City of Lockport and a financial crisis in the County local political operatives say there will be "a room at the inn" for Brennan-Taylor. (12/18/02) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
New head for Lockport Business Association. Marc R. Smith has headed the Lockport organization during the years that the Eastern Niagara County Chamber of Commerce was merging into a Niagara Falls group. The LBA increased membership from 26 to 70 under Mr. Smith's direction but Smith will be stepping down at the end of the year. Smith says he intends to run for the Lockport Town Board. He'll be replaced by Jerry DeFlippo, owner of DeFlippo's Restaurant. (12/15/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Police raid home; guns and drugs seized. 40-year old Daniel G. Tomlinson of 283 North Transit Street could face 7 years in prison if convicted of charges resulting from a raid on his home Wednesday, 12/11. Lockport Police say they took out guns, more than 5-pounds of marijuana, and various drug paraphernalia. Also charged was 34-year old Trevor A. Hibbert of 7079 Academy Lane in Lockport Town. (12/14/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Senior says $12K stolen from her home. A town of Lockport woman says $12,000 was taken from her home along Fernwood Drive on Monday, 12/9 while she was in the hospital. The 90-year old woman says she discovered the stash stolen after returning home. She had previously reported a robbery attempt of the same fashion in 2000. (12/13/02) To be filed under Talk of the Town
Legislature said ready to rent from Ulrich Delphi Training Center. The word on the street is that Niagara County will close down and sell its large welfare complex off Davison Road and enter into a 15-year lease with David Ulrich for the Delphi Training Center property on East Avenue in downtown Lockport. Ulrich would get $10.90 per square foot plus increases after time. His charges include maintenance and janitorial services. The matter goes to the floor of the Legislature on December 17th. (12/11/02) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
Friends say: Jean Schmitt offered prayers for her hubby the night she died. James K. Schmitt, who Niagara County Sheriff's investigators have accused of killing his wife Jean, in their Bowmiller Road home the in the pre-dawn hours of November 21st, is seeking to retain a new attorney. Mr. Schmitt is still being held in Niagara County Jail without bail. The Union-Sun & Journal is reporting he seeks to have lawyer Frank Buffomante represent him. Friends of the late Mrs. Schmitt tell the Lockport Home Page they were shocked to learn of her death. They say Mrs. Schmitt had offered prayers for her husband, who they say had been unemployed for some time, at a group prayer meeting held the night of her death. Mr. Schmitt was said to have been despondent about not being able to get a new job. At age 53, he was a possible victim of age discrimination, some say. Mrs. Schmitt had been employed as a school guidance counselor and had many long-time friends in the local area educational community. They tell the Lockport Page the two had met through a local unit of a well known dating service and that Mrs. Schmitt had not previously reported to them any marital difficulties with her husband. However, one friend indicated to a Lockport Pager, she had noticed, in the past, some injuries that Mrs. Schmitt had attributed to falling. Sheriff's investigators appear to be suggesting that a baseball bat may have been used to strike her the night of her death. (12/8/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Pine Street man gets 2 to 4 years for traffic deaths. 31-year old Robert J. Marchiano put on quite a display Friday, 12/6, in Niagara County Court but it didn't prevent Judge Sara Sperrazza from sending him off to State Prison for two to four years. Marchiano sobbed in court when told the price he'd have to pay for running a STOP sign, then crashing into a vehicle and killing Alvin Murray and Ian Artis back on November 2, 2001. Authorities say Mr. Marchiano ran away from the crash scene leaving the victims to die but was picked up the next day by State Police at his parent's home. A contributing factor in the crash, the prosecution details, was the number of drinks of liquor and beer Mr. Marchiano had consumed prior to the just-after-Midnight crash at the intersection of Bartz and Rapids Roads in the Town of Lockport. However, Mr. Marchiano's lawyer blamed the crash on poor roadway lighting ---so poor he indicated--- that Marchiano didn't see the STOP sign. (12/6/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Town of Lockport lowers taxes. The Town of Lockport has so much sales tax revenue they hardly know what to do with it all. But on closer inspection one finds the town is slow to spend. The latest example is an "extra" $135,000 in sales tax revenue. The Town Board voted this week to have that money applied against assessments property owners are charged to support the volunteer fire companies. Again this year, the town charges no real estate tax for general town purposes. (12/5/02) To be filed under Talk of the Town
"All units" respond to brawl at bar. "All units" of the Lockport Police were urgently dispatched to Pat's Place on Walnut Street Wednesday night, 12/4, when a major brawl reportedly broke out inside the drinking establishment. Five units were on the scene within minutes...and...almost instantly everyone turned into "Men of Peace and Goodwill." No arrests were recorded to the knowledge of the Lockport Home Page. (12/5/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Lockport couple win $103,702 in "Take 5" Lottery. Leslie and Vivian Beers of Gooding Street say they only got a check for $68,598.50 after taxes but they are sill happy after collecting their winning of last Saturday's NYS "Take 5" lottery. The couple say they have been spending $35-70 a week on lottery gambles and this is the first time they have had a substantial win. Mr. Beers, age 76, is retired from Harrison's but Mrs. Beers still works (as a laundry aide) at an area hotel. The couple tell the media they intend to pay down their credit cards with some of the winnings. (12/5/02) To be filed under Lockport Congratulatory Cheers
City boosts water rates 12%, also hikes tax rate (again). The Lockport City Common Council "improved" on a proposal by Council President Patrick Schrader and boosted water rates by 12% over a three year period. Schrader had proposed a boost of 4% for the year ahead. The city council also noted that the city's assessed valuation had declined $252,000 and voted to raise taxes on remaining properties to make up the difference. The latest small tax increase will be on top to the big one previously approved by the council. (12/5/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Leisure Acres sold to Chicago landlord. The near 1,200-lot trailer park off South Transit Road in Lockport Town has been reported sold to "Hometown America." a Chicago, IL corporation that owns about 40 such facilities. The property has been given a new name by the new owners of "The Woodlands." A new manager for the facility, Tim Blake, has been installed. The amount of money Benderson Development got on the sale was not immediately disclosed. (12/3/02) To be filed under Talk of the Town
Barn fire damage estimated at $100K. The blaze broke out during the night at 5819 Campbell Blvd early Sunday morning, 12/1. Owner James Switzer was awoken by noise and then saw the glow of fire eating up his barn, about 75 feet away. Inside a number of vehicles were destroyed. No cause was immediately established for the fire. (12/2/02) To be filed under Lockport Emergency Response
Thanksgiving celebrations in Crime District. Two women reported in a knife fight Thursday night, 11/28 brought Lockport City Police to one address on Elmwood Avenue where a stabbing victim was taken to the hospital. A suspect was taken into custody shortly thereafter at another apartment nearby on Washburn Street. She was charged with Assault Second-Degree and remanded to jail. (11/29/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Thanksgiving pre-dawn fight: one hospitalized, one jailed. City Police were called to 17 Oliver Street just after Midnight on Thanksgiving morning to deal with a vicious fight that had broken out in one of the apartments there. Neighbors hint the altercation may have been brewing for hours before it exploded with four police cars dispatched. One woman was arrested another rushed to Lockport Memorial Hospital. Officer Eric Herrington was pushed backwards down a flight of stairs during efforts to control the in-house brawl and was treated and released at LMH. Further details were not immediately available. (11/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Girl taken to hospital; dazed in suspected drug overdose. Lockport fire rescue units rushed to Lowertown's Dayton Street about 1:15PM Wednesday, 11/27, after family concluded a 15-year old girl had overdone it a bit the night before. She had reportedly been out late smoking marijuana and, perhaps, into "something else", too. Details will not be released. (11/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Police seeking Thanksgiving eve hooligans. They moved into the Lake Avenue are of Lockport late Wednesday night on snowmobiles threatening residents and damages lawns and property as they rode rough-shod over Lowertown. One Lake Avenue resident says he was almost run over on his own property by one of the snowmobile gang. (11/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Free food feed for the poor on Thanksgiving. The Salvation Army on Genesee Street and a church on lower Vine are planning to serve up to about 800 turkey dinners with all the trimmings to the poor people of Lockport starting at about 10AM and extending through 3PM. Additionally, several other churches in the city have provided hundreds of turkey for poor families to cook at home. The total of 800 prepared dinners that were given away compared with a total of only about 400 at the Salvation Army, on Main Street in Buffalo. (11/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Woman admits to theft of almost $8000 from Kenyon's. A 21-year old Lockport woman has admitted in a plea bargain agreement that she stole $7,980 from Kenyon's Variety Store on South Transit Street by recording false records of "returned" merchadise and soda pop bottles. The plea deal reportedly lets Tanya S. Ellis of 192 Chestnut Street escape felony charges and perhaps jail. She got to plea to a petit larceny charge and is to repay the money she took from the store. The woman is due to be sentenced on January 29th. (11/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Tattooist arrested after Mom complains about daughter's boob job. The mother of a 15-year girl has complained to Lockport Police that her daughter had her breasts pierced at a tattoo parlor in downtown Lockport. The mother claims a 38-year old tattooist had her daughter undo her clothing so as to pierce at the nipples of her breasts. It is a practice used to prepare a woman's breasts for the attachment of decorations or chains. The local man has been charged with prohibited body piercing of a minor without parental consent and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. (11/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Man charged with attempt to lure boys in city parking ramp. A
56-year old Ontario Street man was arrested Tuesday, 11/26 for allegedly making public
postings in the city downtown parking ramp urging young boys to contact him for a
"relationship." Police say they caught Carl J. Jowdy when police were
tipped to the postings and a police detective responded to one of them posing as a 13 year
old boy. Mr. Jowdy has been charged with loitering and endangering the welfare
of a child. (11/27/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Wednesday morning crime district robbery. Lockport Police are looking for a suspect in an attempted cash robbery in the area of Washburn and Genesee, in the heart of the City Crime District. A woman victim tells authorities that the man who tried to steal her cash fled west of Genesee. He's described as a thin black male with a red and black down coat that has the word "Boss" on the back. The incident took place about 5:40AM, Wednesday, 11/27. (11/27/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Two arrested, one at gunpoint, after chase. City Police stopped a vehicle in the area of Mill, Center, and Sycamore Streets late Sunday afternoon, 11/24, and first reports indicate drug charges are pending. One man attempted to flee and was chased and captured by a Lockport officer at gunpoint. Further details on the incident at about 5:35PM were not immediately available. (11/25/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
City fire union wins over city labor negotiators. A return to 10-man shifts and $500/man bonus payoffs were some of the winnings achieved by union negoitators in a contract extension won in a lingering dispute with the City of Lockport. The $500 bonus wipes out net savings the city made earlier this year during hiring freezes. Lockport Alderman-at-Large Joe Kibler (R) was not happy when told of the $500 payoffs. Kibler remarked to media, "That's like highway robbery!" The union promised to not have more than three of its members put in for the same day off and the city promised there would be no more layoffs. The agreement does not require the city actually hire more personnel but failure to do so could result in substantial overtime costs. The actual cost to taxpayers for the new contract which only runs through the end of the year was not revealed. (11/24/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Trailer park arson. The (former) resident of 66 Pheasant Run Drive in the Town of Lockport Village Trailer Park was arrested Friday night, 11/22, and charged with torching his trailer home earlier in day. The fire that was reported around 10AM, quickly totaled the trailer of 38-year old Lance C. Boyer and damaged three surrounding house trailers. Boyer had reportedly fled to a nearby trailer park but was apprehended Friday night and charged with 3rd-degree arson. He was being held in the Niagara County Jail after being treated for a possible drug overdose. Boyer had reportedly been arrested in the wee hours of Friday in Lockport City on multiple charges associated with DWI but got out on $500 bail. After that he told a friend he was "despondent" and was threatening to set a fire. The Village Trailer Park is an extremely dense settlement of trailer homes in the Town of Lockport off Transit Road. (11/23/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Husband charged with morning murder of his wife of three years. Niagara County Sheriff's Deputies investigated when 53-year old James K. Schmitt called 911 about 3AM Thursday, 11/21 claiming that his wife of three years had "fallen down a flight of stairs." Just hours later Schmitt had been arrested and charged with second-degree murder of 53-year old Jean Schmitt. The incident happened at the couple's home off Bowmiller Road in South Lockport. Mrs. Schmitt's body, pronounced dead at 4:30AM by Niagara County Coroner Steven A. Gerhardt, was rushed to authorities in Erie County where the Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide. Authorities say death was caused by "blunt force trauma to the head" and that there was some evidence of strangulation. The grieving Mr. Schmitt was promptly arrested and taken to the Niagara County Jail where he is being held without bail. (11/22/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Arson suspected: Predawn garage fire costs $67K.
Neighbors called authorities shortly before 4AM Thursday, 11/21 that there was fire in a garage on John Street, just north of Pine. When police arrived they found one stand-alone garage fully engulfed. Firefighters were not able to save anything. A van inside the garage was a total loss and a Chevy Blazer outside was substantially damaged. The garage was one of several on John associated with adjoining properties on Pine Street to the east. An initial estimate of $67,000 in losses has been given and arson investigators were immediately called in. The blaze appears to have started in the east side of the garage and to have expanded fast and violently. (11/21/01) To be filed under Lockport LawEagles asking $350K for Lincoln Avenue clubhouse. The property at 6614 Lincoln Avenue on 2.12 acres has been privately for sale since Spring for $450,000 but now, with no buyers in sight, the offering is being made public and the price lowered. The Eagles club, faced with reduced membership, hopes to remain in operation but with a small meeting facility. The building was put up in 1981. Regardless of the sale the big clubhouse will close down at the end of the month. (11/21/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Kinyon resigns from Niagara USA Chamber. David Kinyon, the long-time Executive Director of the Eastern Niagara Chamber of Commerce resigned this week as Vice-President of the successor organization, Niagara USA Chamber. Kinyon indicates he has accepted a position as Executive Director of the regional dental society based in Kenmore. The departure of Kinyon is the latest indication of problems the new (Niagara Falls-based) Niagara USA Chamber is facing. The new chamber, resulting from a merger of the Lockport-based Eastern Niagara Chamber into the Niagara Falls Chamber, is headed by Robert Newman, who was hired out of Erie County. (11/21/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Hiring freeze halted (again). Yet more exceptions have been made to the City's "hiring freeze" that was first instituted about a year ago when it was discovered that the Sullivan Administration may have overspent by hundreds of thousands of dollars sinking the city into red ink. The latest exceptions: five high-paid positions in the Water and Public Works Department will be allowed to go our for advertisement. Just a few weeks ago the Council worked around the hiring freeze to favor a reported relative of former Lockport Mayor Tom Rotondo. He was hired on a "consultant" basis to "oversee" downtown Lockport development. (11/21/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
It's not over, till it's over. And it may not be over. There is a fair amount of public dismay over the handling of the tree cutting caper off Outwater Drive that Cyd Bennett was accused of. Charges against her were dismissed a few weeks ago (in Niagara Falls City Court) for "insufficient evidence." Now, the Lockport Home Page has been told, that a Niagara County Grand Jury may be asked to pursue the matter. (11/20/02) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
Lockport town gets $150,000. Lockport City gets nothing. The money goes to the Town of Lockport and is part of $18-million of "green space" cash spread around the state by State of New York government on Monday, 11/18. The money will go toward work on the Day Road Park in the town. Niagara Falls raked in $250,000 from the same fund for work on its City Hall. Niagara County got $53,780 for work at Krull Park in Olcott.(11/19/02) To be filed under Lockport Talk of The Town.
Incompetent parents call on police to help. The trend is increasing. And so are costs to city property taxpayers. Some parents, unwilling to handle even some of the most simple problems of bringing up "junior" call in Lockport City Police, via 911, to do the dirty work. Monday night, 11/18, when an Elm Court woman couldn't get her 7-year old to stop "acting up" she called police. Tuesday morning, 11/19, a woman on John Street called 911 to complain that her little tike put on some "adult handcuffs" and couldn't get them off and the key couldn't be found. Also Tuesday morning, police responded to a house in the 100 block of East Avenue when a caller complained that two people were breaking into his house by removing the side door. Police took two girls into custody, both of whom should have been in school. (11/19/02) To be filed under Lockport Light
Democrats press to name replacement for Cole on Legislature. Leadership of the Niagara County Democratic Party are fighting to make sure it will be them, and not the voters in the of Cole's Lockport legislative district or the County Legislature as a whole who will determine who replaces Cole on the Legislature. Cole is reported in line for the political job of County DWI Coordinator which is a traditional financial hand-out a top favorite of the party that controls of the Legislature. Cole reportedly wants the appointment but the party doesn't want to lose control of his seat on the Legislature. They made sure the matter didn't go to the voters in November and are now trying to get a change in a 1998 Local Law that would have the Democratic Party appoint Cole's replacement rather than the full Legislature, or, even less desirable, a vote of the people in a Special Election. As the dispute heats up, Cole is not resigning his Legislative position. He's a retired Niagara County Deputy Sheriff. (11/18/02) To be filed under Lockport Political News
Two arrested for drugs on Main Street. Lockport Police, responding to complaints of men riding in a Jeep with a gun around downtown arrested two local men in the wee hours of Saturday morning, 11/16. Police say 34-year old Jeremiah K. Clark of 85 Beattie Avenue was charged with criminal possession of a weapon (a .357 Magnum, reported stolen from the Niagara County Sheriff's Department in 1997) and criminal possession of a controlled substance (police field-tested positive white power as cocaine). Also charged was 29-year old Charles G. Richardson of 245 Trowbridge Street after police say the "green-leafy" substance in his pocket tested positive for marijuana. (11/17/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Winner in Junior Miss Pageant. Lockport High senior, Elizabeth Woods won the 2002 Niagara County Junior Miss title in competition completed Saturday night, 11/16, at Lockport High. She will receive a $2750 grant for college. (11/17/02) To be filed under Congratulatory Cheers
Bennett gets off - tree cutting charges dismissed. As expected, former Niagara County Deputy Tourism Director, Cyd Bennett, had charges against her dismissed in connection with the cutting of trees on her former neighbors' properties off Outwater Drive. Bennett had hired one of the top lawyers in Western New York, Terrence Connors of Buffalo. Connors got the trial of Bennett moved out of Lockport into Niagara Falls City Court where he was able to persuade City Judge Robert Restaino to dismiss the charges for "insufficient evidence." (11/16/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Morningstar replacement to get $98K/year plus benefits. Gerald J. Stuitje is walking away from his contract with the Barker School system to take on the job Ray Morningstar Jr. is leaving as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Lockport. Morningstar also is walking away from a contract with Lockport schools to pick up a higher pay position at Orchard Park. Stuitje says he's "excited" to the Lockport position with $98,804 a year (to start) plus unspecified but substantial fringe benefits. William Leardini, who the Lockport district had to hire on an interim basis for business matters when Morningstar left, will stay on to teach Stuitje his new job. Stuitje will phase into running the financial situation at Lockport beginning in December. He has been business manager at the smaller Barker School District for the past two years. (11/16/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Two charged in baseball bat attack. Lockport Police have apprehended two Lock Street men accused of attacking a third man's car when he was stopped for a STOP light along South Transit on November 6th. The accused and the victim had all reportedly been involved in vigorous conversations earlier at the Summit Street Saloon. Police reports indicate about $1000 damage was done to the victim's car when the accused, 25-year old Jason M. Livecchi of 189 Lock and 22-year old Nathaniel D. Smith of 198 Lock, pounded the vehicle with baseball bats. (11/14/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Reid leaving, Oates returning to WLVL Radio. J.R. Reid, the retired Niagara County Sheriff's Deputy who has been working as the morning air voice on WLVL Radio the past few years says he's moving to Florida. Veteran broadcaster (and Lockportian) Paul Oates (pictured) who had departed the station in January 2002 to take the political job of Clerk of the Niagara County Legislature, was offered the job of replacing Reid on the 5AM-9AM segment and has accepted. His position in the County building is open to be filled by another choice of the Niagara County Democratic leadership. Reid's last day at WLVL is said to be Friday, December 13th. A temporary replacement with sit in his chair until Paul Oates returns January 13th.. Scott Leffler, a 28-year old reporter for the Union-Sun & Journal, will take over the call-in talk show 9-10AM while retaining his job at the newspaper. Leffler was the author of two very positive front-page newspaper articles about the radio station on October 19th. (11/13/02) To be filed under Media Monitor
Some workers to be called back at Lockport steel plant. Allvac,
the subsidiary of Allegheny Technologies that operates at the former Simond Saw &
Steel plant in Lockport, has indicated it will call back many of its employees starting
December 4th because of an upturn in business. The plant was largely idled a few
months ago and most of somewhat over fifty remaining workers sent home. There were
reports that the company was trying to negotiate a settlement with NYSEG over outstanding
electric bills. The company claims Lockport is its "high cost melt shop"
with high taxes and electric rates compared with other available production facilities.
(11/12/02) To be filed under Lockport Industrial
News
Monday morning madness. More than mad, in fact. Police indicate that participants in an early Monday morning street brawl were violently angry. But we don't know why. Police units were sent to the area of Washburn Street and Elmwood Avenue, in the core of the City Crime District about 4AM, Monday, 9/11. Initial reports indicate some of the participants had been involved in troubles outside the city earlier in the morning. Further details not immediately available. (11/11/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Family upset after finding their property has pollution. When the Stiles family purchased property a couple years ago along Lockport's once heavily-polluted 18 Mile Creek they apparently expected a better domicile that they actually have. The property has the lovely creek flowing along the border of the backyard. The problem is that the creek has a long history of pollution. Former industry along the creek, in the portion of Lowertown where the Stiles family located, are well known for their pollution of the creek and nearby environment. The toxic waste of the Flintkote Company is on the other side of the creek still not adequately addressed. The Stiles family, however, leaves the impression after a couple feature stories run by newspapers, that they were unaware of the property's long history and that they had failed to consult our Special Report here on the Lockport Home Page. Nobody apparently told them what most longtime Lockportians know: the area was once a source of heavy industrial pollution and much of that mess remains today. The Stiles complain that when 18-Mile Creek floods (as it does every year) the water brings pollution onto their property. They've had the Niagara County Health Department in to test the soil. The result? "Above average" lead and PCB levels (as reported on the Lockport Home Page several years ago). The Stiles want immediate action by the city. (11/10/02)
Missing money. Lockport downtown jewelry retailer Bill Scirto is not happy. It's reported he lost his wallet sometime Friday, 11/8 or Saturday, 11/9. A downtown employee found some of his wallet contents, including credit cards, scattered along Main Street and returned the material to him but Scrito wanted to know "where's the money?" It's a substantial amount, sources tell The Lockport Home Page and, unlike the credit card and ID documentation, the cash didn't have Bill's name written on it. (11/19/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Police charge early morning stalker. Lockport Police arrested 31-year old Jorge Milan of 6035 South Transit Road Saturday, 11/9, after a complaint by an early-morning downtown worker that she was being followed by a man in van who kept offering her "a ride." The incident occurred in the City Crime District along Locust to Walnut Streets shortly after 5AM. When the woman called police on her cell-phone to complain, units arrived within moments and apprehended Jorge in the van, charging him with driving without a license and unspecified DWI. The early-morning worker declined to press other charges. (11/9/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
City Council moving to hike bed tax. The Lockport Common Council has scheduled a public hearing for November 20th at 7:05 PM for the public to comment on its latest proposed tax increase. The Council wants to boost the "bed tax" paid by visitors to the city that stay in motels. The tax would increase from 3 to 4% under the Council's proposal. (11/8/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines Update 11/21: Common Council voted approval of the tax hike at its 11/20 meeting.
Man charged with sex contact with 12-year old. Lockport Police report they arrested 37-year old Samuel L. Nixon of Beverly Avenue on Thursday, charging him with sodomizing a 12-year old Lockport girl. Police say the incidents took place more than a month ago, in early October. (11/8/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Pertussis outbreak feared in Lockport public schools. It's common name is "Whooping Cough" and Niagara County Health officials say they have confirmed four cases of the highly contagious disease believed spread through Lockport public schools. Two cases, sources say, are at the High School and two in an elementary school that school officials won't name. The cough can hang on for months, County officials say, and can be deadly for babies. (11/7/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Policeman off on "shoulder disability" reported out bowling. The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, most recently known for its feud with the Lockport Police Department scored big with a bowling story Wednesday, 11/6. The paper claimed in the lead front page headline---above even the election results---that veteran policeman Brian LeBere bowled a "679 three-game set" on October 23rd at Allie Brant lanes while collecting disability pay and off active duty in the Lockport Police Department. LeBere had claimed a "shoulder injury" after chasing and capturing a suspect fleeing from Gonzo's Bar on Main Street just four days prior to his bowling appearance. LaBere is understood to be off on paid disability leave. (11/6/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Too big for the squad car. When Lockport Police were called to the 80 block of Genesee Street on Wednesday, 11/6 for a report of two women fighting they encountered an unusual problem. One of those involved, who was to be arrested, was reported so huge that the subject wouldn't fit in the police car to be brought in for booking. Police waited over a half hour outside while authorities tried to round up an bigger vehicle to bring the overweight prisoner into police headquarters. (11/6/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
City officials evict residents of apartments on Genesee. Lockport
City officials and police moved to evict residents remaining at 173 Genesee Street this
week claiming the property was filled with debris, dangerous, and a possible fire hazard.
The multi-family dwelling in the City Crime District is one of several listed as
owned by James and David Mrowka and up for tax sale. An official Niagara County
listing published October 26th, lists five residential properties, all in the area of the
City Crime District and owned by the Mrowka's as up for tax sale on November 20th.
(10/26/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Nearly 300 properties set for tax sale in Lockport. Niagara County tax officials have listed 297 properties in the City of Lockport they intend to sell to pay back taxes on November 20th at the Niagara County Court House. The owners can bid on the properties themselves or rush to pay up before the deadline to keep their properties. Properties available, according to the official list published Saturday, October 26th, range from over a hundred private homes, organization properties (IOOB clubrooms for $1465.29), commercial properties (including Kugler properties on West Genesee and Chasers Night Club on Main) and many properties in the City Crime District once used by cash cows by absentee landlords. (10/26/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Federal judge orders ex-city employee jailed for five years. Convicted Lockport illegal drug distributor Raymond J. Peracciny was finally ordered to jail by US Federal Judge William Skretny this week. Peracciny, according to court papers, built a regional drug operation during the years 1994 through 1996 while being paid by Lockport City taxpayers as a City Water Department functionary. He reportedly operated out of his home at 88 Willow Street when not in residence in city facilities, directing the importation of huge quantities of marijuana from the western USA to Lockport where he distributed to lesser dealers, and "stash houses" in Buffalo. The 48-year old City employee continued to collect from the City payroll even after his arrest sources say, a good part of the compensation being given to him while on "sick time." He was allowed to remain free after his guilty plea in 1998 to "await a kidney transplant." Five months after he entered a guilty plea the City Common Council membership voted him a laudatory resolution honoring him for his "service" to the city. (10/24/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
DeSales student wins $1K for her school in bank art contest. 8-year old Meredith McCaffrey's drawing has won the premier award in the HSBC Bank holiday art contest. The award includes $1000 the bank is giving to DeSales Catholic School in Lockport for use in the school art program. Meredith's artwork of silver and green evergreen trees on a snow-covered hill will be featured on holiday greeting cards the bank will be sending to some of its "private banking" customers nationwide. The work will also be displayed on a billboard in New York City's Times Square. (10/24/02) To be filed under Congratulatory Cheers
Watson orders woman jailed two years for theft. Lockport
City Judge William Watson this week ordered 29-year old Angela Berardi of Bacon Street to
jail for two years. The usually stiff sentence came in City Court despite a plea by her
attorney for leniency. She had entered a guilty plea to two counts of attempted
fourth-degree grand larceny in connection with the reported theft of an automobile and
forced entry into a home of an acquaintance, stealing property and a bowl of cash.
The incidents took place this past summer. Ms. Berardi and her
attorney, David Blackley, were disappointed in the severity of the sentence. Said
Ms. Berardi, "I want to get home to my kids." (10/24/02) To be filed
under Lockport Law
City to pay $50/hour for former UR man to "oversee" downtown. A personality from the the past is returning to the downtown Lockport scene, at a pay rate of $50/hour, to tell the city what to do to fix downtown. The Lockport Common Council approved the hiring of James B. Sullivan to oversee a new series of improvements along Main Street. Sullivan has a history with downtown Lockport, having worked for the city's Urban Renewal Agency from 1972 to 1976 when most of the current mess was created. Then he worked for the Lockport Community Development Department from which he departed for employment to improve Niagara Falls' downtown. Even today, Sullivan is quoted as declaring Lockport's Urban Renewal, "a successful project." Sources say Mr. Sullivan is close relative of former Lockport Mayor, Tom Rotondo. (10/24/02) To be filed under Lockport Light
210 Walnut Harrison complex reported sold. The 473,210 square-foot facility housing about 15 small businesses and owned by Lockport Partners is reported ready to be sold to U.S. Commercial Lessors Ltd. for $3.3-million. The current owners are reported in default on their payments in lieu of taxes agreement and authorities have conditioned the sale on the payment all outstanding monies due local taxing authorities. US Commercial says it plans to pump $2.2-million in additional investment into the industrial complex and make 323,000 square feet of the property suitable for other business operations. (10/23/02) To be filed under Delphi-Harrison News
Bennett lawyer to move for dismissal. Cyd Bennett's top Buffalo criminal lawyer, Terrence M. Conners, is said pressing for dismissal of charges against the former Niagara County tourism official. Her trial for resolving illegal tree-cutting on neighbor's property alleged to have been ordered to improve the selling price of her former property off Outwater Drive, is scheduled to resume Monday, 10/28 in Niagara Falls City Court. (10/23/02) To be filed under Crime & Courts
US&J boycott called for by Alderwoman Phyllis Green. The continuing actions by the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal that attack the police and fire departments, city councilmen, and other Lockport traditions has incurred the ire of Alderwoman Phyllis Green. Green, who suffered another personal attack by the newspaper early this month, made a public call for the boycott of the newspaper by local residents. The paper is now owned by operatives in Alabama and controlled through a holding company (Greater Niagara Newspapers) run out of Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda. The newspaper has continued to attribute non-flattering remarks to various local officials, most recently Chief of Police Neil Merritt. The paper obtained a tape recording and quoted from it of Merritt and a junior officer in which Merritt made a negative reference to an area criminal charged with killing another local subject of frequent police attention. The matter goes back over a year and a half to the March 20th slaying of 16-year old Emmanuel J. Boyer. The newspaper report appeared to insinuate "racial bias" on Merritt's part. The Police Department and now the Fire Department appear to have withdrawn favored treatment to the newspaper in which the paper would get news report print-outs of complaint sheets so that their now limited reporting staff could save time on the beat. The loss of the favors seems to have brought even stronger attacks by the newspaper. (10/9/02) To be filed under Media Monitor
County said ready to close Welfare Office on Davison. Niagara County politicians have reportedly made a deal with Lockport developer David Ulrich to move much of the County Welfare office operation to East Avenue in downtown Lockport in the Delphi Training Center building owned by Ulrich. Delphi/Harrison is looking to move out. The County could close down the campus on Davison Road by the end of the year sending occupants to rented quarters, such as the Ulrich property all over the County. The Lockport East Avenue operation is only a block away from the City Crime District where many of the Lockport "clients" make their homes. Bureaucrats are claiming it would cost $800,000 to update the main Switzer Building. The amount of money Ulrich would get from the County for the new rental was not immediately revealed to the public. The matter is expected to come up for approval at the next meeting of the Niagara County Legislature. (10/8/02) To be filed under Frontier Follies
Authorities not going public yet with answers to train derailment. Five rail cars and about 600 tons of coal went down over the West Jackson Street rail trestle near Midnight Saturday, 9/28 but a week later authorities still have not announced a cause. The 129-car coal train, from Buffalo, was moving through the area at about 25 mph en route to the AES coal-fired electric generating station at Somerset (which burns about 5500 tons a day). When five of the cars derailed the CSX trainmen didn't even know about it until the train had proceeded several miles north. Total damages estimates have been quoted near $500,000 and there appears train operator CSX, rail line owner Somerset Railroad (owned by the AES power company), and city of Lockport taxpayers may be pointing at each other as to who shoulders the cost. There were no reported injuries. The 19-year old trestle has been given interim repairs and train traffic resumed about a week later at a reduced speed of 10 mph. Gooding Street, east of Jackson, remains closed to vehicle traffic. (10/8/02) To be filed under Industrial News
City officials threaten over 11% tax hike for property owners. The Sullivan Administration is proposing a near million dollar hike in city spending for an all-time record $18.1-million city budget for 2003. The record spending would be funded in part by a near million dollar hike in city property taxes---up to $8.7-million if the Sullivan Administration gets its way. Leading the way in city spending hikes is a request for over a million dollars more by the City Fire Department which wants to hire 12 more firemen. The department had been asked to but its budget by $158K. The spending plans put forth by the administration now go to the City Council for review and at least token cuts. The city has a deadline for adoption of the 2003 budget of October 2nd. (9/15/02) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Historian connects with valuable Holly documents. Lockport City Historian Bruce Frederickson and his wife Maggie, say they have connected with "priceless" original Birdsill Holly machinery blueprints---the only kind of their type known to be in existence. The documents were discovered this summer in a farmhouse basement in northeastern Ohio and then advertised on the Lockport Home Page by Tom and Jody Hiller of Ashland, OH. The Fredericksons say they spotted the note in our Special Announcements sections and contacted the writers. Frederickson says he doesn't yet know what machinery the blueprints are for but he and his wife taken possession of them. (9/15/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
8 arrested in major Lockport drug sweep. Lockport Police and Sheriff's deputies moved in on eight suspects Thursday, 9/12 and charged them with an assortment of drug charges. One source said the arrests were an attempt by local authorities to cut into the area's booming trade in crack cocaine. The list of those charged provided to the Lockport Home Page include: 50-year old Lonnie Covington of 83 South Street, 20-year old Benika Mae Casselman of 159 Prospect Street, 22-year old Jermaine M. Tennyson of 7 Elmwood Avenue, 20-year old Marcus A. Townsend of 253 Pine Street, Shane Lampke of Gabriel Drive, plus from outside the city: 18-year old Cortez D. Hill of 1819 South Avenue, Niagara Falls, 23-year old Donald Patterson of 143 Glenhaven Drive, Amherst, and Ray Renouf who was currently already in the Niagara County Jail. (9/14/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
No Proposals (None) Received For South Block. The Sullivan Administration is "disappointed" that not a single proposal (none) was received for development of Lockport's prime downtown piece of property, the Main Street South Block. The city had fought over twenty years to win the property back from local developer Elmer Granchelli who had been given right to build there as a part of the city's ill-fated Urban Renewal. City officials admit that not a single developer came in and even discussed the matter. They deny that Mr. Granchelli's liens on the property that total $518,176 were a factor. City officials had no immediate plan on how they would now proceed. (9/8/02) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Lockport victory. The high school football news was good for Lockport Saturday, 9/7, as the Lions beat Niagara-Wheatfield 28-0 on home turf. The game was highlighted at the initial kickoff when Lions Jhamal Fluellen returned the kickoff 95 years for a touchdown. (9/8/02)
Drug arrests around the city. City and regional police moved through Lockport Thursday and Friday, 9/5 and 9/6 in an effort to remove from circulation a few more minor players in the city's drug abuse problems. 29-year old Jessie L. Tabor of 211 West Avenue was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after the car she was in was stopped at Cottage and Main Streets. 54-year old Benjamin Darrell was charged with 7th-degree possession of a controlled substance after police moved in on a Pine Street dwelling and found cocaine. 25-year old Jimmy J. Banks of Medina was reported stopped in a vehicle after a minor traffic violation and found to have marijuana and cocaine. 46-year old Jane E. Killian of 198 Pine Street was charged with 7th-degree possession of a controlled substance after police moved in on her apartment and found cocaine. (9/7/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Cops invade wrong apartment.
The Lockport Home Page was told that city police made a raid late Friday morning, 9/6, at 13 Harvey Avenue but broke into the wrong apartment. There are reportedly three apartments at 13 Harvey and police broke down the door to the wrong one. Oops! City taxpayers will have to foot the bill for repairs. Police did recover about 8 pounds of marijuana from the address which had reportedly been recently delivered by a national courier service. Moreover they did take into custody a woman resident of another apartment, 21-year old Nina R. Beiter charging her with second-degree possession of marijuana a class F felony. However, she was reported back out on the street later in the afternoon. (9/7/02) To be filed under Lockport LawTurnout and revenue low for city tax auction
. Properties up for tax auction in Lockport Thursday, 9/6 went for fractions of their assessed valuations but still brought an anticipated $120,000 into city coffers. A shocking disappointment was the mere $7000 obtained for the former Board of Education offices on Chestnut Street which had been allowed to decay by a former used furniture store operation. City Treasurer James Ashcraft expressed public disappointment on the money from that sale offered by Dough Hammond of Northview Drive. Prime (medical) offices at 160 East Avenue brought $73,500, less than half its assessed valuation of $166,000 and was offered by Mike Wachowicz of Clarence. The City indicated it had only one offer on the former city fire station on Hawley Street and did not disclose who the interested party is. That property was being offered on a "best use" basis which means the city could award transfer to someone who has, what city officials believe to be the best use, even though the bid may not be the highest. Other, less valued property, around the city brought in modest amounts of money---all under property assessment valuations. (9/6/02) To be filed under Lockport LinesCouple busted for drugs in Thursday night Pine Street raid.
City of Lockport Police moved in on 198 Pine Street Thursday night, 9/6, and arrested two adults there and seized a quantity of suspected drugs. A 46-year old woman and a 54-year old man were taken into police custody. (9/6/02) To be filed under Lockport LawPacked Council meeting hears Kibler. Over 100 residents attended the Wednesday, 9/4, meeting of the Lockport Common Council to hear Alderman-at-Large Joe Kibler respond to Lockport Union-Sun & Journal charges that he used racists slurs against a couple of local black residents. Kibler has denied the accusations and the newspaper has not been able to substantiate the quotes it has attributed to Kibler outside of the testimony of its reporter, Charles Richardson. The quotes attributed to Kibler extend over several months but were published by the newspaper on August 23rd. Mr. Richardson has had a key role in several controversial newspaper stories over the past month --- a time when the Alabama-owned newspaper has stirred debate in the community with its negative stories about the local police, local zoning, and Catholics. No new information surfaced during the meeting regarding the things Kibler is accused by the newspaper as saying. Kibler again apologized for his use of the term "monkey bars" when referring some recreational equipment at Altro Park but flatly denied the other two accusations against him. Almost ten members of the local black population spoke to the Council about the newspaper's recent allegations of racism in the community. Support for Kibler appeared about 50-50 at the Council meeting but on the outside, the native Lockportian appears to be receiving largely strong support, throughout the area. (9/5/02) To be filed under Lockport Letter
City-CSEA said to have reached labor agreement. Lockport Common Council President Patrick Schrader said Wednesday, 9/4 that the city and Local 1000 of the Civil Service Employees Association appear to have reached agreement on a one-year labor deal. About 75 members of the city "white-collar" workforce are expected to vote on the agreement in the near future. Approval of it was given by the Common Council at Wednesday night's session. The agreement will provide a 2-1/2 percent wage hike for city CSEA workers and will be retroactive to January 1, 2002. (9/5/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Kibler denies charges and quotes by US&J.
Lockport Alderman-at-Large Joe Kibler Tuesday, 9/3, denied quotes attributed to him by the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal which cast him in the light of a bigoted racist. Kibler said one of the quotes, which had him referring to "monkey bars" at Altro Park when referring to decades-old recreational equipment was "a very poor choice of words on my part." But other quotes he denied, including one that a US&J reporter said he made at Outwater Park, "If you were white, you'd be too smart to speed through the park." Kibler also denied ever saying, referring to blacks, "Those people don't want to climb the ladder like everyone else." The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal has appeared to have entered a racial editorial policy in the last two months and has been somewhat successful in stirring up controversy. However, in its edition on Wednesday, 9/4, the paper did not come forth with confirming evidence to back up the quotes it had attributed to Kibler. Three of Kibler's fellow council members called for him to resign after the newspaper demanded that he step down. Then, State Senator George Maziarz (R-Tonawanda) joined those outside city government wanting Kibler's head, declaring, "Joe Kibler should do the right thing and resign from office." Kibler, a 68-year old former HSBC Bank Vice-President, said again Tuesday, he was not resigning. (9/4/02) To be filed under Media MonitorProfessional Parkway Sale? The sale
of 22 commercial office buildings off Davison Road is reported pending.
Lockport Developer David Ulrich said Tuesday, 9/3, the deal to sell the properties, with
an assessed valuation of over $6-million has not been finalized. The potential buyer
has been identified as Barden & Robeson, the manufactured home builder which has a
sales center in the Town of Lockport at Beattie and Robinson Road. (9/4/02) To be filed
under Lockport Loose Lips
Lockport School taxes soar. Tax bills for Lockport School District operations were delivered throughout the district Saturday, 8/31 and are reported as the highest ever. The actual charges shown on the tax bills are in sharp contrast to claims made by out-going school business manager, Ray Morningstar Jr., that he has presided over a minimal property tax increase during his years at Lockport. At the Lockport Home Page, an examination of the tax bill for 2002 compared with the bill for 2001 shows a shocking 41.2% increase in school taxes, year-to-year. (9/2/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Woman charged with cutting attack on husband. 19-year old Nicole A. Greenard of 170 Green Street has been arrested and charged with attacking her husband, John J. Greenard with a box cutter. Mr. Greenard, with cuts on his neck and abdomen was treated Saturday, 8/31, at Lockport Memorial Hospital and Mrs. Greenard was sent to the Niagara County Jail when she was not immediately able to post $500 bail. She is charged with assault. (9/1/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Newspaper targets Kibler, wants his resignation.
The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal upped the ante on its new community activism campaign this week by demanding that Lockport Alderman-At-Large Joe Kibler (R) resign. Kibler had denied two of the quotations the newspaper attributed to him concerning racial commentary. Joining the Lockport newspaper in calls for Kibler to resign were aldermen Scott A. Cercone (R), Scott R. Elliott (D) and David E. Blackley (D). Two of the city's more public members of the black community, Common Council meeting gadfly Lenny Thomas and Pastor Marcus Sanders of the Refuge Temple, are mentioned by the newspaper in a Saturday, 8/31 front page story that headlined, "Black Leaders Show Outrage." Both Thomas and Sanders were represented as wanting a "recall" of Kibler when he refused calls for his resignation. All charges are based on comments Kibler is reported to have said according to a staff member of the paper. Kibler has reportedly received a substantial show of support from members of the community since the newspaper printed de facto charges of racism against him. The newspaper started a print campaign in July that has featured accusations of racial discrimination in Lockport City hiring, zoning, and law enforcement, plus an editorial flow that has been viewed as anti-police and anti-Catholic. (8/31/02) To be filed under Media Monitor
Boys 14 and 15 charged with $4.6K burglary. Lockport Police have indicated the burglary of the home of Doreen Murray on McCue Avenue has been solved and some of the loot allegedly stolen has been recovered. Three boys, two aged 14, another age 15 were arrested Friday, 8/30. $2200 in stolen jewelry was recovered from one of the youth but about $1000 in cash and additional jewelry still awaits recovery. The matter has been referred to Niagara County Family Court. (8/31/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Kenyon's clerk charged with $8K theft from registers. 21-year old Tanya S. Ellis of 192 Chestnut Street in Lockport was arrested Thursday, 8/29, charged with stealing $8000 from her employer, Kenyon's Variety. Police indicate the charges result from an investigation of her work at the Kenyon stores at 412 South Transit and 5985 South Transit Road. According to public papers, Ellis is believed to have entered false merchandise returns into the cash register and taking the cash for same for her personal use. (8/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
State denies claim of Lockport Police racial discrimination. The New York State Division of Human Rights has denied a claim by Tommy L. Hamilton of Allen Street in Lockport that he was turned down for employment in the Lockport Police Department because he is black. Hamilton reportedly did not score high enough on a qualification test (#28th among city residents) he took in 1995 and his attempt to re-test in 1999 was turned down because he had passed the maximum age requirement (35) for new police officers. Mr. Hamilton had instituted claims against the city in 2000. The State report concluded that there was no evidence presented of any discrimination against Mr. Hamilton based on race. (8/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Day care center closing. The "Care-A-Lot" day care center at 6441 Dysinger Road with about 60 students has announced its sudden closing. The owner says that the landlord gave them 10-days notice to vacate after a new lease could not be agreed to. Landlord, Barden & Robeson of Middleport says a new lease was not offered due to financial considerations. (8/29/02) To be filed under Talk of the Town
State says: Lockport Locks refurbishing is done. The State of New York has declared the refurbishing of the Lockport Locks complete, including surrounding tourism areas. The project has dragged on for over two years at a cost of about $7-million. Nearly 75,000 tourists visit the Lockport Locks yearly. (8/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Thousands in vandalism damages Monday night at trailer park
. More than thirty residents of the Leisure Acres trailer park in the town of Lockport were subjected to property vandalism early Monday, 8/26. According to reports from the area, most of the damage was caused by spray painting on buildings and other properties. The matter is being investigated by the Niagara County Sheriff's Department. (8/27/02) To be filed under Talk of the TownLockport boy get 15 years for killing woman. Matt J. Maxson, once of High Street in Lockport, is now in long-term residence at the Wende Correctional Facility in Erie County. Authorities say he'll be locked up until at least May of 2015, perhaps longer. Maxson admitted killing 54-year old Diana Cooper in her Fulton, NY home when he was only 18 and peddling magazine subscriptions door to door. His employer at the time, Palmetto Marketing of Florida has now paid a $1-million settlement to the dead woman's daughters. Authorities say Maxson entered the woman's home while on his door-to-door sales route and then killed her by stabbing. (8/23/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Morningstar quits as Lockport School Business Manager. Ray Morningstar Jr. has held the school district's top financial spot for eight years but did not move into the area. Each day he commuted from a home in Erie County. Tuesday, 8/20, members of the Lockport Board of Education found out why. Morningstar said he was leaving Lockport, no later than mid-October to assume the same position, Assistant Superintendent for Business, at the Orchard Park School system. He had apparently been waiting for that job to "open up." Morningstar has two years remaining on his contract with Lockport and school officials acknowledge it will be unlikely he can be to replaced on such short notice. Morningstar was being paid about $98K per year in salary plus another $17K per year in "fringe benefits." (8/21/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Lockport to get help on canal development. Development of the canal at Lockport, bogged down by politics and city management problems, was promised help by the State this week. Lockport will be included in a group of five canal towns in Western New York to get expert help from a state-sponsored group, The Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor Planning Commission. A five-member expert study group including bankers, architects and planners will evaluate existing development plans, meet with local leaders and examine facilities. "This group of private-sector people is going to help us develop case studies by looking at five communities and really determine what it would take for these communities to attract investment," said Bill Condo, coordinator of the Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor Planning Commission. (8/20/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Another city employee arrested. 52-year old Elaine M. Stahler of 38 Heath Street has been charged with petit larceny, an examination of public papers has revealed. Ms. Stahler, a city employee, has reportedly been charged with the theft of clothing valued at $221.99 from The Bon Ton Department Store. She has been employed as a record clerk, cashier, and typist for the City of Lockport since January 1990 and is currently assigned to the police department offices. (8/20/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Three charged with stealing lawn ornaments from Lockport area homes.
The thefts of the sometimes quite-expensive lawn gnomes had been going on for some time but thanks to sharp work by the New York State Police at Lockport, those believed responsible have been arrested. Most of the stolen property, valued in the thousands of dollars, has been recovered and is being returned to owners. Charged Sunday, 8/18 with criminal possession of stolen property are: 21-year old Jason M. Ritchie of 172 Erie Street, 18-year old Aaron Biggie of 225 West Avenue, and 18-year old Anthony D. Kathke of 288 South Street. State Troopers say they spotted the trio on Locust Street and also saw some of the gnomes, which they believed to be stolen, (from all over the Greater Lockport Area) in the vehicle the youths were using. (8/19/02) To be filed under Lockport LawNew venue for trial of Cyd Bennett. The former Niagara County Deputy Director of Tourism is now scheduled to go on trial in Niagara Falls City Court because of reported conflicts of interest among Lockport City jurists. The date of the trial has not yet been announced. Bennett, now 37, is accused of hiring a private contractor, Douglas Laport of Newfane, to cut down trees of her neighbors' properties to improve the view out over the escarpment from her Outwater Drive home. Bennett was selling the home at the time (it is now sold and Bennett is reported back to living on Park Avenue) and it is claimed the improved view made the house for saleable and at a higher price. (8/17/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Cross-dresser reportedly robbed woman at gunpoint. In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, in the heart of the Lockport Crime District, what appeared to be a woman drove up to a residence on Genesee Street and ordered a woman into a car at gunpoint. The driver, police say, turned out to be a man who ordered the woman to go to various Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) around the area until she was able to withdraw $300. The woman was then released. Police say they responded to the woman's complaint, information, and description of the robber finding he/she allegedly was 20-year old Marcus T. Jones of 425 Ohio Street. Mr. Jones was rounded up on Thursday, 8/15 and now faces multiple charges. (8/16/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Noise complaint leads to drug bust. Lockport Police say they were called to 247 Washburn Street in the City Crime District Wednesday, 8/14, for what appeared to be a routine noise complaint. Upon investigation, however, they found three men, all reportedly living in Apartment #3, allegedly involved in a marijuana smoke-out. Charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, according to public papers, were 47-year old Harvey M. Sandy, 44-year old John B. Lang Jr., and 46-year old William C. Sink. (8/16/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Drive-by shooter sentenced to live with his mother. 20-year old Francis Gritzmacher has admitted his part in a series of drive-by shootings that terrorized Lockportians early this year and late in 2001. Thursday, 8/15, was his day in court to be sentenced. Victims were surprised to learn that Judge Sara S. Sperrazza let him off with no jail term; only probation which carried with it a stipulation that young Gritzmacher live with his mother, pay part of the property damages he inflicted around Lockport, get "counseling" and "get a job." But when Gritzmacher reportedly claimed his mother's eight (8) cats' hair and dander affect his health, the judge told his mother to "get rid of" the cats. Sperrazza told the lad's mother, who was in court for the sentencing, "Your son is more important (than the cats)." Young Mr. Gritzmacher has been reported to be most recently living in Gasport. (8/16/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Woman charged with stealing newspapers. On complaint of the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal a 55-year old city woman was arrested this week by Lockport Police and charged with taking papers she did not pay for from a newspaper coin-operated vending machine. Circulation management for the newspaper reportedly staked out various vending machines because, the paper said, newspapers distributed from the machines did not match up with monies collected. The woman is specifically charged with stealing five newspapers which retail for a total of $2.50. The case was "the buzz" of the Bewley Building Thursday, 8/15, as customers at Cousin's Cafe remarked how many times the various newspaper vending machines had swallowed their coins without releasing a paper. "What goes around, comes around," remarked one man who suggested a lawyer might be interested in handling a class action suit against the newspaper for money lost by would-be-readers in its vending machines. (8/16/02) To be filed under Lockport Light
City gets $815K from State for Main Street improvements. The State grant, the result of efforts by State Senator George Maziarz and (former) Assemblyman Dave Seaman, is to be used for decorative street lighting, benches, and greenery improvements along Main Street. Exactly what will be done has not been decided and may depend in part on public input. The city had previously been granted $1,680,000 for Main Street improvements and another grant of $600,000 for new traffic signals is reported "pending." Work on the improvements, from Transit to Washburn Street, is expected to begin late next year. (8/15/02) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Lockport Ames Department Store closing. Ames in the Lockport Mall is expected to be shut down within ten weeks along with all other 327 stores in the nationwide retail chain. Ames has been operating in bankruptcy for more than a year. Their troubles seemed to begin when they took over the former Hills Department Store chain amid intense competition from Wal-Mart. In Lockport Ames closed two stores along Transit Road and converted the former Hills in Lockport Mall to an Ames. The closing of Ames at Lockport follows by about a month the shut-down of K-Mart across the street --- both firms the victim of the retailing steamroller of Wal-Mart. The Lockport Mall immediately placed signs up advertising the Ames space for rent. (8/15/02) To be filed under Talk of the Town
Veteran city employee accused of stealing from another.
A near 30-year employee of the City of Lockport has been arrested and suspended from his employment after being accused by a fellow employee of burglarizing his home. Both are employees of the city wastewater treatment plant. 34-year old Michael J. McFail who has been on leave at home recovering from surgery, accused 54-year old Paul L. Sharkey of entering his home and stealing his "pain pills" while being left alone in the kitchen while Mr. McFail left momentarily to check on his children. (8/14/02) To be filed under Lockport LawMan found innocent of sex charges lodged by woman. A 34-year old Michigan Street man Monday, 8/12, was found innocent of charges he sodomized a woman in a taxicab last December 2nd. The charges against him, first degree sodomy and first-degree sexual abuse had been lodged by authorities based on claims of the woman cabby and resulted in the man's arrest and a five day trial in Niagara County court. It took a jury about three hours of deliberation to find the accused innocent of all charges. (8/13/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
City council seeking crack down on garbage disposal abusers. The council discussed and then voted to approve new laws that would impose steep fines on those who leave large amount of refuse in the city right-of-ways. A prime mover in the new legislation, subject of a public hearing on August 20th, alderman Pat Schrader, said he's not out to get "the little guy" but is concerned about apartment landlords who clean out trash and refuse left by former tenants. Councilman David Blackley, a lawyer, noted he had reservations about the proposed law because it could be used to "favor" certain individuals over others --- a common practice in the city zoning enforcement at present. (8/12/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Lockportian killed on cycle when hit by truck.
A 21-year-old Town of Lockport man was killed Tuesday morning, 8/6, about 8AM while riding along Tonawanda Creek Road in Lockport Town. State Police say the motorcycle of David S. Kotas, east-bound on Tonawanda Creek Road, about a quarter mile east of Transit, was hit by a pickup truck pulling out onto the highway from a parking lot on the road's south side. The driver of the truck, a 31 year Town of Lockport man, Darren J. Harris and his passenger, were uninjured in the crash. State Police are continuing their investigation. (8/6/02) To be filed under Lockport Emergency Response.After State DEC citation, city agrees to stop pollution cited by Lockport Page in '00 and '01. It's taken New York State enforcement action, but the Sullivan administration is now calling it an "emergency" that a leaking sewer system polluting the Erie Barge Canal for several years now needs to be fixed. The matter had been brought to the city's attention in 2000 and again in 2001 by the Lockport Home Page but was ignored by the city administration. The Lockport Page had noted two areas where raw sewer water was found leaking from the north side of upper banks of the canal. Our inspection indicated the raw sewerage was coming from leaking city sanitary sewer lines. One location was north of the lock house on the retaining wall leading to Richmond Avenue (photographed and detailed in 2000) and a second spot further east along the same retaining wall (photographed and detailed in 2001). In both cases city officials stone-walled calls by the Lockport Page to stop the pollution. Now, an "emergency" is being declared so that in response to an order by the State DEC, the Sullivan administration can have the repair work done without competitive bidding. The resulting costs to city taxpayers are expected to be substantial. (8/6/02) To be filed under Lockport Confidential
Another great Monday Night Cruise in downtown. The success of the Monday night cruises in downtown Lockport continued 8/5, thanks in part to the excellent weather caused by a drop-off of the intense heat about mid-day. Order and decorum were excellent. A large contingent of auxiliary police on hand had little to do. They were seen mostly talking among themselves (frame below right) in small groups as thousands enjoyed the music provided by a street band (below left) and an oldies DJ show in front of the old Post Office with Hank Nevin. Classic cars, hot rods, and vending stands stretched from Washburn Street to Urban Park Towers along Main Street and East Avenue. (8/6/02)
Victim of dog attack hospitalized. The victim of a vicious dog attack Monday morning, 8/5, in the area of the County Offices and Niagara Street was rushed to Lockport Memorial Hospital with serious and substantial gashes and injuries. The victim was reportedly attacked by a dog that was on a long leash that allowed it to come off a porch and attack passer-bys walking on the sidewalk. Authorities are attempting to locate the dog owner as the Lockport Home Page went into publication on Monday. (8/5/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
One dead in early morning fire at Urban Park Towers. See separate story and pictures.
Apolito wants taxpayer-funded memorial. Niagara County Legislator, Harry J. Apolito (D-Lockport) wants the County Legislature to vote to tax residents so as to erect yet another veteran's memorial. Apolito proposes the monument, the cost of which he did not detail, should be erected in Sanborn. Apolito's proposal failed to generate any great enthusiasm at a meeting he called on the matter at the American Legion Post in Lockport. Moreover his plan got a chilly reception even in Sanborn where an official of the American Legion noted that it would detract from other existing memorials such as an existing, century-old memorial in Pekin. (8/5/02) To be filed under Lockport Political News
Police say woman had 12-year old daughter take nude photos of her. Lockport Police are accusing a 32-year old mother of having her 12-year old daughter take sexually explicit photos of her. The photos of the Adam Street resident, nude and using "sex toys," were allegedly taken at the mother's request for her to give to her "boyfriend." Police have charged the woman with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The daughter does not live with her mother but, according to public papers, visits her on weekends. Update 11/6/02: The mother was sentenced in Lockport City Court to three years of "probation" in a plea bargain deal. (8/3/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Four arrested on drug charges. Lockport Police say they have arrested four people on drug charges. The arrests came as a result of separate complaints and investigations over a four day period. 31-year old Obadele R. Barnes of Washburn Street attempted to flee police after being stopped first on traffic charges but now faces multiple charges including unlawful possession of marijuana and resisting arrest. 30-year old Richard A. Williams of Chapel Street and 26-year old Enchantra S. Henderson of Florida were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Police say they had suspected cocaine when police raided Williams' Chapel Street home. 21-year old Donell D. Lundy of Genesee Street was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance after being stopped on Washburn Street with suspected crack cocaine in his possession. (8/3/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Newspaper's paperwork demand on police department turned down. The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal continued with what appears to be a collaborative effort with the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) in demanding extensive paperwork from city officials in an attempt to prove serious charges of racial discrimination by city officials. The latest move is a demand for copies of all arrest reports for 2002. The demand has been turned down by Lockport Police Chief Neil Merritt who noted that all the information requested had been previously supplied the newspaper on a daily basis. There was no immediate estimate on the cost of gathering up all the information the newspaper is demanding and who would pay those costs. The matter is reported under appeal according to a statement in the newspaper. (8/2/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Sunday morning arson in City Crime District blamed on man in drunken rage. Police and fire units responded to the 200 block of South Street about 1:30 Sunday morning, 7/28, where a man returning home from a night of drinking is accused of trying to burn a house down. According to reports to the Lockport Home Page, the man, well-known to police, went into a rage when returning home. When neighbors called the police, reports say, he set fire to his apartment. Fast work by responding police stopped the fire and Lockport fire units quickly followed up. The suspect fled the scene but his apprehension is expected. (7/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Effort underway to have Lockport Center City declared "Empire Zone."
The New York State designation would provide certain tax incentives for business expansion and job creation in the Lockport central business district plus the city's west end. The exact boundaries on the areas that the designation are sought for have not yet been determined. An application with the State of New York is due by August 30th. There are 56 such "Empire Zones" in New York State and State officials have recently opened the designation up to six more zones which will be granted on a competitive basis. The Lockport application is only one of many the State will be considering including one for North Tonawanda. At the present time a segment of the City of Niagara Falls enjoys "Empire Zone" status. The special reduced tax "Empire Zone" areas are intended for parts of communities suffering from severe economic depression. (7/26/02) To be filed under Lockport LinesWoman who terrorized highways captured on Ohio Street. A 28 year year old "wild woman" was captured by Lockport Police early Wednesday evening, 7/24, after a pursuit along Ohio Street near Stevens Street. Police indicate the woman's vehicle was all over--- and off---the highway as it sped along Ohio Street. She at first refused to stop for police in pursuit. When she was finally apprehended, police were shocked to find three children, ages 8, 6, and 2, were in the vehicle. She faces multiple charges including DWI and child endangerment. Authorities had a difficult time locating relatives to take custody of the children as "mom" was confined to jail at least overnight. (7/25/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Old City Hall nightclub closes again. For the last 13 months it has gone by the name of Eclipse and occupied the upper level of the old Lockport City Hall at the Pine Street Bridge. This week its immediate closure was announced by management who apparently failed to make a go of it. When it first opened there was an attempt to run a small restaurant cafe in the basement but that operation closed within a short time. Observers say the night club effort was a victim of poor marketing. The old City Hall, owned by Brian and Charlene Bower, is now available for lease. (7/24/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Two injured in explosion at Milward Alloys. The blast, which blew part of a roof and burned two employees came about 9:30AM Monday, 7/22 as molten copper was being poured into water. A metal filter which was to control the rate of flow into the water while forming the hot liquid metal into BB-shot-size balls, reportedly slipped, allowing too much molten copper to suddenly enter the water cooling tank. The capacity of the tank was inadequate to cool that much molten metal quickly and a violent explosion of steam resulted. Plant damage was estimated at near $4000. Both injured employees were released home after treatment on site and at Lockport Memorial Hospital. (7/23/02) To be filed under Lockport Industrial Index
Heavy heat and humidity early Monday, brief power outage in city. Lockportians braced for high heat and humidity Monday, 7/22, with temps expected to top 90. Overnight, temperatures remained in the high 70's and shortly after daybreak Monday most of the city experienced a short power failure. Whether that was related to increasing loads as air conditioning started up was not immediately known. (7/22/02)
Driver charged Sunday with ramming five cars, leaving scene. Lockport Police apprehended a 58-year old Mill Street man Sunday, 7/21, shortly after he reportedly left the scene of damage and destruction in the area of Washington, Hill, and Allen Streets on the city's north side. Public reports say Luis Martinez was the pilot of a '91 Dodge which crashed into five vehicles Sunday afternoon. Police say he was taken to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for evaluation after telling authorities that he had apparently forgotten to take his "medication." (7/22/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Numbers of Lockport students failing minimum State standards
increasing between grades 4 and 8. Analysis of State of New York
standardized tests in English Language Arts shows more students in Lockport Public Schools
failing to meet minimum State standards as they "advance" in grade level.
Most recent State Education Department data shows 33.0% of Lockport 4th grade
students below State minimum standards and the failure rate increasing to an alarming
49.9% for 8th graders. The deteriorating achievement levels on State tests were
encountered despite massive increases in school budget spending and big tax increases.
(7/21/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Green: Closing steel company has $225K in back electric bills. Lockport Alderwoman Phyllis Green says that Allvac Steel, the company operating the remains of the old Simond Saw & Steel complex off Ohio Street, is the subject of collection efforts by NYSEG for about $225,000 in back electric bills. Allvac disputes the charges which date back several years but the electric utility company apparently has lost patience waiting for payment and had given "notice" to Allvac of possible shut off of power. The company has announced it was closing operations in Lockport in September but now with Mrs. Green's disclosure that announcement may be part of a negotiating stance where both NYSEG and Allvac are playing "hardball." (7/20/02) To be filed under Lockport Industrial News
Woman accuses (ex) boyfriend of attempted rape. A 20-year old Prospect Street woman has accused a 32-year old Waterman Street man of entering her apartment on July 9th while she was sleeping and attempting to rape her. The woman, who says she was a few weeks pregnant at the time of the attack, claims she was also beaten by the intruder when she attempted to call police. She identified an ex-boyfriend as the attacker and Lockport Police arrested him Thursday, 7/18, charging him with attempted first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree burglary and assault. (7/19/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Delphi-Harrison reports profit ---but not enough ---for quarter ending in June. The company did not specify how much of a profit the Lockport-headquartered Delphi unit made but a local plant spokesperson said the results were still "unsatisfactory." It is the first profit Delphi-Harrison has reported in a year. Delphi as a whole reported earning increased 29% in a year-to-year, quarter-to-quarter comparison. (7/18/02) To be filed under Delphi-Harrison News
For-profit senior citizens project seeks tax breaks from IDA. The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency is being asked by the owners of a proposed $3.7-million senior housing project in the Town of Lockport to grant huge tax exemptions. The owners of Briody Health Care Systems is reportedly behind the project that would see a phased in construction of senior housing, an assisted living center, and a nursing care facility. Although the project has nothing to do with industrial manufacturing but is a social welfare program, funded in part by the federal Housing and Urban Development Agency, its owners are seeking tax breaks from the "Industrial" Development Agency. If the IDA grants a tax relief status, tax monies that would be paid by the project will, instead, by obtained by taxing non-exempt properties in the county extra. If all the approvals come through, construction of the facility, between Bowmiller and Akron Roads could begin in Fall 2002. (7/14/02) To be filed under Talk of the Town
Lockportian enters Memphis police academy. Kristy Major, daughter of Angie Shaw of Dayton, OH and Gary Major of Sarasota, FL and granddaughter of Joseph Shaw of Lockport, has been accepted to the Memphis, TN Police Academy. Kristy attended Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH for Law Enforcement and made the Dean's List. The Academy starts July 15, 2002 and will take 21 weeks to complete. Kristy was a graduate of LSHS with the class of 1999. (7/15/02)
End of the line for Allvac /a.k.a.: Allegheny, Guterl, Simonds. What remains of the once giant specialty steel company off Ohio Street will close September 13th according to an announcement Friday, 7/12 out of the Pittsburgh headquarters of Allvac Steel. Allvac is division of Allegheny Technology which in turn was a part of Allegheny Ludlum which merged into Teledyne in 1996. The manufacturing operation, which now only employs about fifty workers, produces nickel-based steel for aerospace and power generation uses. It traces it lineage back to Simonds Saw & Steel Mill, into the first part of the 20th century. Simonds sold the operation (and a site contaminated with radioactivity and hazardous waste) to Guterl Steel and it's been downhill for the facility ever since. The company's other locations will take up the production that had been coming from Lockport. At other locations the company has lower labor costs, lower electric costs, and lower taxes. A company spokesman said the Lockport facility was only being "idled" but that terminology is seen by most as a device to get around the short-notice shut-down of the facility. (7/13/02) To be filed under Lockport Industrial News
Woman who called police detective "racist" arrested on multiple charges. 40-year old Deborah A. Walker was arrested by Lockport City Police Thursday, 7/11 charged in connection with a May 21st incident at her home where police attempted to apprehend her son, Leon Johnson. Walker has been charged with three felonies: third-degree falsely reporting an incident, resisting arrest, and second-degree obstruction of governmental administration. (7/12/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Fr. Joseph C. Gatto takes over as new pastor at St. John's. Bishop Henry J. Mansell, bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, has announced that Father Joseph C. Gatto has received his first pastorate at St. John the Baptist Parish in Lockport. He is replacing Msgr. Donald Wangler who is retiring. Father Gatto will also continue his current assignment as director of the Office of Worship. The Dunkirk native arrived in Lockport this past week and has assumed his new position at the city's largest church. He attended Wadhams Hall Seminary in Ogdensburg, the Gregorian University in Rome and the Pontifical North American College in Vatican City. He has been an administrator at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Forestville and parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great Parish in Amherst. Father Gatto has served as both the associate director and director at the John Paul II Residence. At Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, he was co-director and later director of formation, vice-rector and adjunct faculty member. Upon arrival in Lockport, Fr. Gatto told parishioners, "From the time I was a child, all through nineteen years of ministry as a diocesan priest, I have prayed that I would be allowed to be a pastor." (7/10/02)
NYCLU accuses Lockport City of racial discrimination in hiring.
The New York Civil Liberties Union is accusing the City of Lockport of racial discrimination in its hiring practices. The NYCLU launched a media attack against the City Monday, 7/8, claiming they have an "overwhelming" number of complaints from black residents of the city about alleged "racial profiling" and discrimination in hiring. However, the organization was unable to cite even one such complaint that had been first directed to city officials. They did cite, however, recent statistics that indicate Lockport has 5 black employees out of a total workforce of 239. The NYCLU says the city's population is 9.4-percent minority according to the 2000 census. The NYCLU action is the latest in what appears to be an organized effort to stir racial unrest in the city using the media. Discrimination in hiring practices in Lockport, as in many other cities, has long been known to exist along the lines of political parties but there has never been any real test of the city's hiring policies along racial, gender, or ethnic lines. A particular target of the current campaign appears to be the Lockport Police Department, the agency for enforcing laws and arresting lawbreakers in the city. The police have been the subject of a few public attacks by a few minority individuals in recent months usually in connection with some arrest that has been made. Monday, a spokeswoman for the NYCLU excited media types by proclaiming that "driving while black seems to be a very big crime in Lockport." There was no documentation submitted to support that charge which the NYCLU used in connection with a complaint that there are no blacks on the Lockport Police Force. (7/9/02) To be filed under Lockport LinesPregnant woman beaten in Prospect Street residence Tuesday morning. Lockport Police and Fire Rescue responded to a Prospect Street residence Tuesday morning, 7/9, about 9AM when alarmed neighbors heard screams for help and what appeared to be a violent domestic altercation. Police had a woman victim, believed 4-months pregnant, attended to by medical workers. There was no immediate word on any arrests at the residence in the 100 block of Prospect. (7/9/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Motorcycle lawbreakers caught pre-dawn Monday in backyard off Amelia St. A 19-year old motorcycle operator with a revoked license and a history of scofflaw violations was captured around 5AM Monday, 7/8, hiding in a backyard off Amelia Street. The cycle operator and his 16-year old passenger, both reported to be residents of Royalton, were the object of a street chase around the area of State Road, and West High Street in pre-dawn hours after a Lockport Police patrol spotted the cycle roaring along West High. The cycle operator reportedly plowed through lawns and back yards in an effort to escape police. A multitude of charges are expected in the case. Police had the motorcycle towed from the back yard of 36 Amelia Street about 6AM Monday. (7/8/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Arson suspected in Sunday morning railroad fire. The Niagara & Western New York Railroad Company had just put up its ticket booth near the old Union Station at the foot of Washburn Street a few days ago. About 2:45AM Sunday morning, 6/7, the ticket booth burned down, damaging a nearby car stored next to it. Total damage estimated at about $2000. The booth, not much more than a converted fruit stand, was being used by the railroad to sell tickets for its weekend rail trips between Lockport and Medina. Sunday afternoon ticket selling operations had resumed with a couple of young people working out of a card table under a sun umbrella near the arson scene. Lockport Police detectives arrived at the scene later in the day to begin an investigation. (7/7/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Violence suspected on Harvey Avenue, unconscious teen rushed to hospital. A 17-year old boy was rushed to Lockport Memorial Hospital late Saturday afternoon, 7/6, in an unconscious state. He had been found on a porch on the east side of Harvey Avenue where it is believed he had been beaten by other youth. Lockport Police are investigating. On Sunday evening they apprehended a suspect. (7/7/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Would-be suicide victim escapes from hospital. Lockport Fire Rescue were dispatched to an apartment house in the 100 block of North Transit Street Saturday evening, 7/6, where a woman had been found unconscious, an apparent suicide subject. After taken to the emergency room she revived but then escaped from the hospital without bothering with the decorum of being fully dressed. Police were called to hunt her down and return her to the hospital where she was being treated for a large overdose pills, possibly preceded by a substantial consumption of alcoholic beverages. There was no immediate word as to where she had been served the alcohol but sources described her as intoxicated before she took the pills. (7/7/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Dedication of new park gazebo set for July 27th. On
Saturday 27 July, The Lockport Devil Dog (Marine) detachment
will be dedicating the gazebo at Ida Fritz park, at 2PM. The
gazebo is going to be dedicated to the two known Lockport Marines killed during the Korean
war, David Colopy, and Frank Crego. Family members of both men, plus Marine Corps
League representatives and local dignitaries will be on hand. The gazebo has
been funded by and is a gift to the city from the local Lockport Devil Dog detachment.
(7/7/02)
Woman tips police to man smoking coke, has him arrested. A 33-year old Walnut Street man has a woman in his life to thank for putting him in jail over the weekend. Lockport Police say they were called in the wee hours of Saturday, 7/6 that a man was smoking cocaine in the Walnut Street dwelling they were sharing. When police arrived, the subject acknowledged that he had been smoking coke and was arrested on charges of 7th-degree possession of a controlled substance. (7/7/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Police chase stolen car, New Jersey man faces 18 charges. Sharp eyes of Lockport Policeman Steven D. Kuntzman led to the arrest of 21-year old Raquan Loyd of New Jersey early Saturday, 7/6 seen speeding along High Street. Kruntzman went after Loyd in a high-speed chase while it was found that the Dodge Durango Loyd was operating had been reported stolen out of Cheektowaga on June 25th. After Loyd crashed the Durango at Niagara and Transit Streets he reportedly fled on foot but was captured on Ontario Street where he had slipped and fallen. Police say they found him with a bag of suspected marijuana. (7/7/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Man charged with rape of 9-year old. Nearly a year later, a Union Street man, accused of raping, sodomizing and sexually abusing a 9-year old girl, has been arrested by Lockport Police. The crimes 26-year old Raymond C. Flores are accused of had apparently not previously been publicly reported although police say an investigation has been going on for some time. There was no immediate indication, in information in public papers, what caused the man's arrest to be delayed until Friday, 7/5, when he was taken into custody at his home for incidents that allegedly took place last August at a Jackson Street residence.. (7/6/03) To be filed under Lockport Law
Police busy but only a couple arrests during July 4th holiday. Most reports were very positive about the relocation this year of the City fireworks display to out in the Town behind the County Building off Davison Road. Numerous calls were received citywide Thursday night regarding noise and illegal fireworks. Additional auxiliary police helped handle traffic problems associated with the fireworks display at dusk. There were three arrests on drug charges. William C. Tice Jr of 80 Corinthia Street and William G. Voelker of 886 Niagara Street, both 17, were charged with marijuana possession. In a separate incident, 42-year old David G. Eakins of 28 Franklin Avenue was charged with DWI, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and marijuana possession. (7/5/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
6 Teens arrested, charged with May city crime wave. Lockport Police believe they have solved a May crime wave that victimized residents of Allen and Grand Streets plus Lake Avenue. A 17-year old girl, is believed to be the ring leader of a troupe of five 14-year olds who are accused of stealing everything from piggy banks (filled with $1000 in quarters) to compact discs, video games, cigarettes, beer, and booze. Police have identified her as Angela N. Richardson of Prospect Street but are keeping the identities of the five 14-years from the public because of their "juvenile" status. Stores, homes, and cars were broken into, police reports indicate. (7/4/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Fireworks on Stevens Street: indications man "goes postal." Lockport Police say 31-year old Shawn M. Peet of 114 Stevens Street faces multiple charges after setting off smoke bombs, fireworks, and going on a general domestic rampage Monday, 7/1. According to public papers he is accused of ripping the clothes off a woman companion before smashing lamps, a clock, and an entertainment center. (7/3/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Accused in city embezzlement case balking at plea, husband gives on-lookers "the finger." Accused City of Lockport embezzler, Melissa Kwoka balked at a plea bargain deal offered her by authorities which contained the condition she was to pay back to the city coffers over $1000 in missing money. Authorities say they had collected evidence of her stealing $212 although much more was missing. Kwoka, who faces charges elsewhere and has an extensive police record, would have escaped jail time under the plea deal which has now been postponed while lawyers continue to talk. The court date on the matter was scheduled for July 16th. US&J reporter Michael Zwelling says Kwoka's husband gave on-looking City employees "the finger" Tuesday following Mrs. Kwoka's latest court appearance. (7/3/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Education failing, kids now another burden for police. Something's wrong. Something's very wrong when parents are routinely unable to control pre-teen children and continually have to call police. A liberal political correctness now has many parents afraid of their neighbors putting them "on report" to authorities for enforcing parental discipline. The result is that many children are undisciplined because their parents were never taught how in parent, teach, or discipline in school or by their parents. Many also fear their own children might report them to "social authorities." Examples are showing up every day on the Lockport Police blotter where children are causing vandalism and minor violence in the city with too much vacation time and too little responsibilities, learning assignments, or supervision being provided by parents. Such apparently was the case Monday evening, 7/1, when Lockport Police were called to a home in the 400 block of Hawley Street. There, an undisciplined 12-year old was reported "out of control" and a parent just gave up and called police. And what were the police to do, give the ruffian a spanking? The police blotter does not make public that information. (7/2/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Proposes to combine city police and fire dispatch to boost men on fire-fighting crews. A Lockport man has proposed that the position of fire dispatcher be eliminated and the duties transferred to the Lockport Police dispatcher, just a hundred feet away in the same Municipal Building. Harry B. Gill says his plan would allow one more man per shift to be assigned to actually fighting or responding to fires at no additional costs to taxpayers. The Gill Plan would also cut department overtime. There is very limited dispatching done by the fire dispatcher, Gill points out, and those duties are normally duplicated by the police anyway because police cars are sent, when available, to all fire calls and many emergency ambulance calls. Gill also suggests that the city only attempt to operate one emergency ambulance rather than two, thus freeing up more firemen for fire-fighting activities. He points out that Mutual Aid could be called when the city's one unit is busy. Gill calls the the separate fire dispatcher and numbers assigned to ambulance duty as "extravagant" for the size of the combined Lockport Police and Fire Departments. (7/1/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Mailbox vandalism. Youth out on the prowl after curfew are blamed for damage to mailboxes in the area of Crosby Avenue and West Avenue, late Sunday night. Neighbors tipped police who responded to the area but the damage had already been done. (6/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Death under investigation. Lockport Police were called to 465 Washburn Street late Sunday night, 6/30, to investigate the death of a person there. No information on the death was immediately being released. The Niagara County coroner was called to the scene by Lockport Fire Rescue who stated the victim was dead on arrival. (6/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Sunshine and big turnout for downtown craft show weekend. Good and steady crowds were reported both Saturday and Sunday, 6/29-30 for the annual downtown arts and crafts show put on by the Sunrise Optimist Club. One source at the Optimists told the Lockport Home Page that the number of vendors was slightly up from a year ago --- all spaces filled along Main Street from The Big Bridge to Washburn Street. Attendance appeared to be down slightly, perhaps because of the oppressive heat on Sunday---temperatures about 90-degrees F. (6/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Lockport Towpath Trolley begins operations. The start-up of the Lockport tourist bus is late this year but operations will finally get underway Monday, July 1st. An independent group, Friends of the Towpath Trolley, has taken over the ownership and operation of the trolley. The bus narrators this year are two college students who are paid a modest wage for their services. Although neither is a resident of the city, they have been given a script to read prepared by those in the know. The all-day charge to ride is $5. Additional details on our Towpath Trolley Page. (6/30/02)
It could be a start to 18-Mile Creek Cleanup at Lockport. The United States Environmental Protection Agency is giving $70,000 in funding to Niagara County, most of which has been promised to try to cleanup the area along 18-Mile Creek near the former Flintkote property. Lead contamination, among other pollution, from the Flintkote plant remains is believed polluting 18-Mike Creek. Authorities indicate that much of the money will be used on "consultants" to advise City of Lockport officials on how to proceed as officials have been unable come up with a solution in over 30-years to the Flintkote "brownfields" site. However, not just the Flintkote property, but most of the land along the creek, parallel to Mill and Water Streets is believed a source of pollution to 18-Mile Creek. When reports of the pollution were revealed in a 1999 Lockport Home Page Special Report, City officials claimed variations of ignorance, claimed there was "nothing they could do" or went into denial about the situation. Lockport officials are now hoping to get between $40-50K of the federal money. The federal grant is given with the ultimate aim of redeveloping the polluted area into something park-like or scenic. (6/29/02) To be filed under Environmental News
Maybe it's time for "Junior" to move out. Lockport Police were called to a residence on Clinton Street Friday night, 6/28, when a 23-year old "boy" was going into a tantrum at his parent's home. Police say he was throwing household goods around and generally wrecking the residence. In other festivities Friday evening police responded to a complaints about illegal fireworks going off, a drunk found unconscious on property in the area of Bacon and Prospect Streets, and numerous "domestic disputes" one of the most violent reported in the area of 146 Pine Street. (6/29/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Elderly grandparents tell of hassle by Sheriff's patrols investigating "child abuse." An elderly town of Lockport couple are distraught over the way they were treated by the Niagara County Sheriff's Department after their great grandaughter decided to throw a tantrum at Tops Supermarket. The child, who was being cared for by the grandparents and taken along on a shopping expedition reportedly decided to do one of her favorite little tricks when she didn't get her way. She sat down in the isle at the supermarket and threw a temper tantrum with loud screaching sounds. The grandparents thought they knew how to handle that display, putting Little Miss Trouble into the the shopping cart and heading for the store exit. Someone at the store saw that action as "child abuse" and called the Sheriff's Department. A patrol was rushed to the scene and was reported waiting for the elderly couple when they returned to their mobile home in the nearby Village. There, an "investigation" was started the Lockport Home Page was told Thursday, that included nude pictures being taken of the little girl by the Sheriff's investigator. The grandparents reportedly were told to take the kid's clothes off so that nude photos could be taken of "her condition." No charges have been placed against the grandparents who claim the Sheriff's investigators would make the matter "a record" in the Department files for referral of any future "abuse" claims. In a more shocking claim, however, the Lockport Page was told that the Sheriff's investigator kept the nude photos of the little girl. (6/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Police send gunman to "Coconut Hotel." When neighbors complained of a "crazy man" wielding a gun on the front porch of a Hawley Street house earlier this week police dispatched multiple units to the scene. The "gunman" turned out to be a familiar face to local police who have frequently found him as the source of city residents' complaints. This time, however, the gun was found to be only a toy. Authorities in checking for outstanding arrest warrants against him, found one out of Niagara Falls for theft that reportedly went back several years. After a field evaluation, the man was sent to the mental health unit at Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital, commonly known by its street name as "The Coconut Hotel." (6/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Armed robber given probation by judge. A 23-year old Lockport man who admitted he staged two armed robberies earlier this year has been allowed to spend only six months in jail and an indefinite term on "probation." Niagara County Judge Sara Sheldon Sperrazza, admitting that such leniency is "unheard of" in cases of armed robbery, told James F. Mulvey of South Transit Street she was "going to take a chance on you." Mulvey was allowed to enter a guilty plea to reduced charges of two counts of attempted second-degree robbery. In January he had reportedly held up a gas station at East Avenue and Washburn Streets plus another at South Transit and High Streets using a handgun. (6/27/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
New basketball courts at Outwater Park generate controversy. A move to spend up to $22,000 to build new basketball courts where a children's wading pool had been for decades at Outwater Park has generated a significant controversy in the city. Opponents are concerned about the "clientele" the courts will bring to Outwater Park in an area adjacent to a children's playground. Worries of drug dealing and swearing were relayed to members of the Lockport Common Council this week by concerned parents and those now using Outwater Park. Still, the Council continued to move ahead on the plan citing the availability of money for the project from grants and by tapping the nearly dry Outwater Endowment Fund. (6/27/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Bennett enters "not guilty" plea to tree cutting charges. Cyd Bennett was ordered back in City Court July 16th for a pre-trial conference as to how her trial will proceed. City Judge William Watson, citing a "conflict," placed the matter on the court calendar of Judge David Wendt but indicated that Wendt, too, may have to remove himself from the case. The 36-year old Bennett is known to have extensive political connections throughout Niagara County. She had been employed for several years, on political appointment, as Deputy Director of Tourism for Niagara County. It's been about a year since neighbors complained that trees on their properties, adjacent to the then-home of Ms. Bennett, had been cut down without permission, allegedly to enhance the view over the escarpment from the home Bennett was trying to sell. Bennett has engaged two lawyers to defend herself. One is the famed criminal lawyer from Buffalo, Terrence M. Connors who has indicated that an "arrangement" has been made with authorities in the case and told the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal that "we'll let the process work its way out." Bennett appeared in court Monday, 6/24, with Niagara Falls lawyer Rocco J. Bruno Jr. who has defended and advised Bennett on other matters in the past. The political grapevine is indicating Bennett has offered to run Bruno's political campaign if he will challenge former Assemblyman Dave Seaman (R-Lockport) for Niagara County Family Court Judge. (6/26) To be filed under Lockport Law
Teens causing trouble as summer starts to heat up. Lockport Police were nearly on overload Saturday night, 6/22, as trouble reports came in from many areas of the city indicating teenagers causing trouble. Out at the Michigan Street subsidized housing apartments, a mother called police to complain that her abusive 17-year old son wouldn't leave her alone. She wanted him out of the apartment and called police to do the job. Just minutes earlier a mother on Grand Street urgently sought police help claiming that her son was beating her up. In the area of Pine and Genesee Streets neighbors complained that about ten young toughs were on the rampage. Out on Davison Road, a young man was suspected of attempting a break-in at a vacant apartment. On Hawley Street a young man was found unconscious in a front yard. The city's police dog was kept busy all night helping to track suspects and respond to calls. There were also a number of moving vehicle trouble calls involving young drivers---in some cases patrols called for back-up help in what would at first appear a routine traffic stop. But officers quickly suspected potential trouble in a couple cases and called in help right away. Even detectives were pressed into service helping patrol units cope with the outbreak of young trouble-makers. (6/23/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Bennett due in court to face tree-cutting charges. In a matter that has been the matter of a police investigation for almost a year, former Niagara County Deputy Tourism Director, Cyd Bennett is said due to surrender herself to Lockport City Court on Monday, 6/24 to answer charges of Reckless endangerment of Property (two counts). They are Class B misdemeanors. Sources tell the Lockport Page Bennett was not arrested prior to her court appearance. That procedure is highly unusual but so is the high profile case. Bennett, with high-powered political connections and legal representation, reportedly declined to cooperate with a police investigation of over fifty trees cut on neighbor's property along Outwater Drive. She is accused of having the trees cuts to enhance the view from her property over the escarpment at a time she was selling her home. (Updated: 6/22/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Andrews elected president of Local 686. According to unofficial results provided to the Lockport Home Page, Frank Andrews was elected president of Local 686 United Auto Workers union at Lockport. Dave Smith elected first vice president, Paul Entwistle elected second vice-president, and Penny Hartman third vice-president. Rebecca Garvey was elected recording secretary, Mark Parsons financial secretary-treasurer, Gary Ritz sargent-at-arms, and Tim LaPort Jr. as guide. Tina Isenhart, Steve Waschensky, and Cheryl Nunnari were elected trustees. (6/21/02) To be filed under Delphi-Harrison News
Teen admits rape, will get up to 6 months. 17-year old John A. Szwalla of 1 Bewley Parkway admitted in Niagara County Court he raped a girl back in February when she was sleeping. The Lockport Home Page was told the girl reportedly was in his apartment at the time. Szwalla, in a plea bargaining deal, will spend no more than 6 months in jail for his sexual misconduct. (6/20/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Big acid spill at Delphi-Harrison. Lax safety procedures are blamed for the spill of about 700 gallons of sulfuric acid at Delphi-Harrison Thermal Systems on Upper Mountain Road, Wednesday, 6/19. Lockport Police rushed to the scene and the Niagara County HazMat truck was called in to assist with cleaning up the poisonous, corrosive chemical and to curtail its further release into the environment. (6/20/02) To be filed under Delphi-Harrison News
NYSEG plan to boost gas rates in Lockport over 15% turned down by PSC. The plan, which had been previously approved by the staff of the New York Public Service Commission was turned down in last-minute action Wednesday, 6/19, by the full Commission. The rate hike for natural gas customers would have gone into effect that day if approved. The PSC invited NYSEG to resubmit a proposal for a hike but with the increased phased in over time. (6/20/02) To be filed under Lockport Business & Industrial News
Two arrested for underage drinking disorder at skatepark. Lockport Police were called to the Kingpin Skatepark at 247 Market Street Monday night, 6/17, where a couple hundred kids were gathered in and out of the skateboard facility. A complainant tipped police that beer ("Rolling Rock," in particular) was being provided to underage children. Police say they made two arrests and believe they have apprehended the person responsible for providing booze to the kids. (6/18/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
New, Bigger, Burger King Going Up In Lockport. The construction of a new Burger King fast-food restaurant started last week along South Transit Road, just south of the location of the present Burger King. The new building is expected to be open within 60 to 90 days according to a manager for the local feeding station. The present location needed "just too many repairs" the Lockport Home Page was told and it was decided that it was better to build new than try to repair, remodel, and renovate. (6/17/02)
Briody's plans new senior housing in Town. The Lockport nursing home company (Lincoln Avenue) has applied for a permit to the Town of Lockport to build a senior housing complex on 95 acres of land at 5726 Bowmiller Road. If approved, the project would be built in three stages with the first being a 24-unit building. (6/16/02) To be filed under Lockport Talk of the Town.
Towpath Trolley sold. The bus fashioned to look like an old fashioned trolley and used to ferry tourists around Lockport has been sold to a newly formed non-profit group. The new ownership organization, which calls itself "Friends of the Towpath Trolley, Inc. is headed by Clinton J. Starke. The group made the purchase from the owner of the past two years, Bill Timkey, who operated it as part of his transportation and limo services. (6/16/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Contractor enters guilty plea to multiple charges of fleecing public. 40-year old Mark J. Robillard of 5632 Bowmiller Road in Lockport Town admitted he Niagara County Court Friday, 6/14, that he had collected deposits on home construction work that he never performed. Court sources indicate about $26,000 had been taken from ten people at different locations around Niagara County. Sentencing on the Class E felony charges has been set for August 6th. (6/15/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Officials deny political favoritism in property assessments. While most in the city of Lockport saw their property assessments skyrocket last year to values well above the real market value, the Lockport City Attorney reportedly enjoyed an under-assessment on his expensive property along East Avenue near the Lockport Town & Country Club. The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal reported Friday, 6/14, that while City Attorney John Ottaviano purchased his property for $179,000 last year the assessment on it is only $122,500. Furthermore, the City Assessor's Office says it has no plans to re-assess Ottaviano's property anytime soon. City Assessor Gerald Cash denied political favoritism to Mr. Ottaviano. He told the newspaper, "There are no political implications in this." (6/14/02) To be filed under Lockport Light
Another meeting of Cold Springs Cemetery Association. The financially troubled local historic burial site will hold its first open meeting since State authorities ordered about a 30% cut in operating expenses in an effort to turn around the slowly shrinking reserve fund the cemetery group has been exhausting. The meeting will be June 20th at 7PM at Lockport Town Hall at which new officers will explain what actions they have taken to try to turn things around at the cemetery. (6/14/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Transit Road crash kills one, another "serious."
A 72-year old Youngstown woman was killed when the car she was traveling in Monday afternoon, 6/10, crashed into another vehicle in front of the First Niagara Bank headquarters on South Transit Road. When Agnus Ewings was pulled from the car that had flipped over into a ditch after the head-on grinding crash she was found dead. A passenger in the vehicle, 66-year old Thomas Ewings was rushed by Mercy Flight to a Buffalo hospital where he was reported in "serious condition" Tuesday morning. No charges have been filed. (6/11/02) To be filed under Greater Lockport Emergency ResponseMother of accused plays "the race card" after police capture suspect in her home.
Lockport Police captured an 18-year old son of a Washburn Street woman back in May charging him with third-degree menacing in connection with an alleged attack on a city woman. The mother of Leon Johnson objected to police following the trail of her son into her home and taking him into custody. This week 40-year old Deborah Walker went public with complaints against police action even going to the extent of calling Police Lt. Detective Rick Podgers, "a racist." Walker's complaint, being promoted by the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal in heavy headlines, claims she and her son were "treated poorly" because they are black. Lockport Police Chief Neil Merritt has said there is no basis for the complaint but representatives of the American Civil Liberties Union joined in the media posturing by telling the newspaper, they had heard "quite a bit about racial difficulties in Lockport." (6/8/02) To be filed under Lockport LawSeniors upset with defecating dogs, plan "action." A small group of Lockport City (unidentified) senior citizens are letting the word get out that they are so upset with dogs running at large in their neighborhoods and defecating on their properties, they are planning to poison the canines. One Senior, at an impromptu meeting Monday morning, 6/3, at Burger King restaurant, said bowls of liquid anti-freeze would be left out for the dogs running at large to drink. The shocking statement came after a couple seniors complained that requests to the dogs' owners have met with indifference and that the city dog control laws were not being enforced. They claimed they had no recourse except to take matters into their own hands. The group pointed to the latest episode of an attack dog, a Rottweiler, seen chasing a deer this weekend in the city. "That could have been a child being chased," one senior said later in the day. (6/4/02) To be filed under Loose Lips
Students say they're being taught that going on welfare makes most economic sense. The Lockport Home Page has been told by students and one irate parent that seniors at Lockport High School report being taught by a teacher who explaining "economics" that going on welfare in Lockport makes more economic sense than working. The revelations were made to the Lockport Page by honor students on the basis their identity not be disclosed. They pointed out graduation is still twenty days away and they really didn't want to cause a problem for their teacher. When one parent questioned what would happen if all Lockportians followed the teacher's advice the answer was silence and "well, our economic model might not work in that case." (6/4/02) To be filed under Lockport Light
Poet upset newspaper is using her poetry without permission.
When Marie Myers of Lockport lost her husband, Dale, at age 81, in April of 2001 part of her grieving process was to write a poem in memoriam. She says she had the poem published in the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal on the first anniversary of his death. The publication was in the newspaper's Memoriam tribute column where readers can have such material published on a paid basis. After publication, Mrs. Myers says, the newspaper "used" her poem, which she had specifically written for her husband, in other paid memoriam tributes. She says the latest re-use of her poetry for another deceased individual was published May 15th and was done without her permission or crediting her as the source of the composition. Mrs. Myers says that because the poem was so special to her, and just for her husband, she is chagrined that the newspaper would use it commercially to help sell other Memoriam publications. (6/3/02) To be filed under Lockport LiteraryDisappointed landowner levels more racial charges against city officials.
Steve Huston, a resident of Michigan Street in Lockport, has not been at all happy since city officials turned down his application to build a bar and restaurant in a city residential neighborhood---which would have been in violation of city zoning laws. He called the action "racial prejudice" at the time and now he's calling for the formation of a African-American action organization to go on the attack against the city. Huston tells the Buffalo News, which favored him with a major feature in its Sunday, 6/2 Niagara County edition, his "Minority Coalition for Racial Equality will be pressuring city officials to hire more blacks. Additionally, Huston claims the State Civil Service lists the city is required by law to work from for most hires favor "whites." Huston complained about the study guide given to all applicants for civil services jobs when they receive their application. In a racially charged accusation, Huston told The News, " We've got to get the same booklet that they give to the white people to help them pass. We always thought the tests were geared to the white people passing." (6/2/02) To be filed under Lockport LinesSaturday slaying on Genesee Street. Visitors to Lockport City often don't know about Genesee Street, the first conquered part of Lockport that became transformed into the Lockport Crime District. Such was probably the case of the visitor Saturday afternoon, 6/1 in the area of 267 Genesee. Caught in a side yard, Lockport Police were called and pumped two rounds into the terrified intruder. The suspect was identified as an errant deer who had been roaming the city's south side for several days without incident. There were reports it had been chased by a loose Rottweiler along Washburn Street. However, once the deer ventured north of High Streets calls multiplied for its dispatch and when police found it severly injured and ensnarled in fencing an officer ending its suffering. The body was removed by the Lockport City Streets Department. (6/1/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Man wanted on burglary charges caught in City Crime District. A complaint to Lockport Police that a man was relieving himself in public while walking along South Street Thursday evening, 5/30, resulted in his arrest on unrelated charges. Police say they arrested 27-year old Alcides A. King of 13 William Street on charges of second-degree burglary while interviewing him on the street after neighborhood complaints. Police say King was uncooperative in that interview and ran away, finally being apprehended and handcuffed. King's arrests brings to four those charged in connection with a May 20th alleged assault and burglary at a woman's West Avenue apartment. Others previously arrested on that complaint are 22-year old Nicole M. Vatty of South Street, 17-year old Tabita L. Longfield of Chapel Street, and 22-year old Jermaine M. Tennyson of Elmwood Avenue. (5/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Chemical "stink bombs" launched at Millar Place residents. Lockport Police responded to a call from Millar Place Wednesday evening, 5/29, which complained of a black male cruising the street throwing stink bombs out at homes and residents. In addition to a description of the suspect a car description was given to police and a combination matching those descriptions were shortly thereafter spotted on Genesee Street. When police stopped the vehicle to question the suspects a hostile crowd gathered at the scene and shouts of profanity were fired off at police. Extra police units were hurriedly called in. Police charged those stopped with a variety of minor charges including aggravated unlicensed operation, disorderly conduct, and not wearing a seat belt. However no charges relating to the chemical attack on Millar Place were immediately placed. (5/31/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
NYSEG wants to hike natural gas prices in Lockport 15.1%. A new rate plan by New York State Electric and Gas would boost the cost residential and small business customers in Lockport pay for natural gas by 15.1% if approved by the Public Service Commission. The plan is being rushed through the regulatory process and could be made effective as soon as July 1st according to information given to the Lockport Home Page. An up-till-now, little-advertised public hearing on the matter has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 5th, 7:30PM at the Lockport Public Library. An "informational meeting" on the same topic starts at 7PM. The plan, if approved, would not only immediately boost company profits by millions of dollars but also charge today's customers for "loss profits" the company claims it didn't make in 2000. In that year, the company failed to manage its purchase contracts adequately and paid a higher wholesale price for natural gas than it had anticipated. (5/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Business & Industrial News
Firefighter's union files grievance against City of Lockport. The Lockport Firefighters Union is playing hardball with the City of Lockport labor negotiation team and has filed a "grievance" against the city for reducing staffing levels on a fire shift from ten to nine. City leaders had found the reduction in staff necessary to try to offset, in part, soaring Fire Department labor costs said to be responsible for a substantial portion of the near-half-million dollars in overspending the city engaged in during 2001. The union is demanding prompt "arbitration" of its grievance and additionally wants the city to be forced to pay the remaining nine firemen on current shifts the equivalent of the pay of ten. The latest move by the fire union is more bad news for city taxpayers who seem to be losing every effort to cut soaring city operating costs. The Lockport Common Council is split on a proposal to make another exception to the city's "hiring freeze" and hire two more firefighters to boost staffing levels. Although the Council is split 3-3 on that proposal, they came to quick agreement on another series of exceptions to the hiring freeze---action to hire the children of party faithful and connected families to summer jobs in various city departments. (5/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Letter
High Street home burglarized; thousands in loot taken. Residents of 438 High Street returned home Tuesday, 5/28, to find a door had been forced open and thousands of dollars in home entertainment products had been taken. Also removed was jewelry and about $700 in cash. Lockport Police are investigating. (5/29/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Arson cases in city go unsolved with no arrests.
The annual report by the Lockport Police Department indicates no major change in crime trends in Lockport in 2001 compared with 2000. Reported arsons, assaults, and burglaries were down slightly while criminal mischief, forgeries, rape, and robbery were up slightly. In general the number of arrests were down except in the matter of rape where authorities are becoming more eager to make arrests on only a woman's say-so. However, a meaningful comparison of arrests vs. cases is not possible since many times a single suspect is believed responsible for multiple cases. The most disturbing trend seems to be a lack of arrests in arson cases over the past three years. According to the police report 18 arsons in the past three years have been investigated but not a single arrest has been made. Many of the arsons have been noted in the City Crime District where boarded up and burned out buildings are becoming a growing eye cancer. (5/29/02) To be filed under Lockport LawFleet Bank leaving Lockport, will shut down office June 21st. The closure of the major Fleet Bank office at Main and Locust Streets in Lockport is another body blow to efforts to revive the city's downtown economy. A simple window public announcement by the bank came at a time when the city's downtown had been getting good news---the moving in of several County offices and the successful Monday night promotions of a widely acclaimed "Cruise Night." The departure of Fleet leaves the city's downtown with three remaining commercial bank offices: a small M&T office, a HSBC drive-up office, and a HSBC medium size office. Back in 2000, the city's last remaining supermarket moved out of downtown. Its former space at Chestnut and Market is still vacant and a drug store, in an adjacent space, will be leaving as soon as a replacement facility can be built on South Transit at Summit. (5/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
8-year-old crashes go-cart. An 8-year old boy, allowed to test-drive a go-cart around Auto City at 6575 South Transit Road, crashed into a motor home Sunday afternoon, 5/26, and was taken to the hospital. The boy, a resident of Willow Street in Lockport, was airlifted to Children's Hospital in Buffalo about 2:30 PM with severe arm injuries. Reports from the scene indicate the vehicle was a 5-horsepower "Mango" go-cart. (5/27/02) To be filed under Emergency Response
Clerk charged with stealing from Wilson Farms.
An 18-year old clerk at the Wilson Farms convenience store on South Transit Street in Lockport has been charged with two counts of petit larceny in connection with the theft of scratch-off lottery tickets from the store. Police have identified her as Joanne Marshall of 6118 Ruhlmann Road who reportedly took $31 in tickets Friday night and another $23 in tickets Saturday. Following her arrest she was released without bail. (5/27/02) To be filed under Lockport LawCity forms committee to market "South Block."
Further delays in getting construction on the downtown Lockport "south block" seemed assured this week as the city tried to generate positive publicity by announcing it was forming (yet another) committee to try to find developers interested in building on the downtown prime retail land vacant for decades. Because of a major legal blunder in seizing the property from developer Elmer Granchelli, the city has failed to obtain clear legal title thus complicating any development effort. Additionally, Granchelli still retains control over a small but significant slice of the property making it difficult for any truly grand development scheme to even be planned because of size constraints. The committee formed had few new faces from those who have been associated with the failures to successfully market downtown Lockport for over twenty years. The city's "development arm," the Greater Lockport Development Corporation, reportedly has hired a Buffalo lawyer (at an undisclosed sum) to draw up the wording for a Request For Proposal (RFP) that will be sent to potential developers. It was not immediately explained in the press briefing why this work couldn't be done by the city's extensive in-house legal staff. When asked by the Lockport Home Page, one local legal counselor who did not want his name cited, replied, "You should know the answer to your own question by now." (5/24/02) To be filed under Lockport LightUpson school work to cost $575,000 more. The Lockport Board of Education struggled with the latest problems from Upson School expansion project of several years ago. The decision to expand the school on the city's southern limits has proven to be one of the most costly mistakes in the history of the Lockport School District. The school was ordered expanded at a time when area population was decreasing and forecasts indicated still further school population declines but school officials said at the time the additional cost to taxpayers would be "minimal." Now, unable to meet debt payments without another huge tax increase, the Lockport School Board Wednesday, 5/22, voted to "refinance" the Upson project stretching out payments from five years to over 12 years at an additional cost to district taxpayers of $575,000. (5/23/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Lockport school budget approved; Jack & Lupo elected to Board. The Lockport Teachers' union is savoring a major victory---the passing of a record Lockport School budget that will hike property taxes at least 11% while continuing basic teacher staffing levels and pay raises. The budget had been supported by intense "voter education" efforts by teacher union activists and won approval Tuesday, 5/21 by a 1456 to 1287 vote tally. In the Board of Education elections, Allan Jack won the four-year seat with 1902 votes, Margaret Lupo won the three-year seat, 1658 votes and Annette Wardowski-Licata came a losing third with 1384 votes. (5/22/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Man charged with sex abuse with beer bottle. Lockport Police say
they Tuesday, 5/21, charged 30-year old Willie R. Bogard of 329 Prospect Street with
sexual abuse, burglary, and assault. The incident apparently took place at a West
Avenue home were the victim, a man living on South Street, was found unconscious on stairs
and bleeding. Police say the victim had been sexually assaulted with a beer bottle.
The suspect had reportedly been out on parole. (5/22/02) To be filed under Lockport
Law
State to renovate Route 31 and South Transit in Lockport. The New York
State Department of Transportation announced this week they would be reconstructing South
Transit (Route 78) between The Triway Bridge(Route 31) and Dorchester Road just south of
the City Line. Left turn lanes will be added at South Transit and Summit Streets.
Sidewalks will also be installed. Also to be reconstructed is Route 31 along
West Avenue and Walnut Street to produce a center "turning lane."
The projects are now tentatively scheduled for 2004 with a budget of about
$4-million. (5/19/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Nearly a million more to Lockport Schools from State but no local tax cut
. Lockport School officials told the Lockport Home Page Friday, 5/17, that the budget of Gov. George Pataki, approved this week by the State Legislature, will provide "slightly more than $900,000" to Lockport Schools over the increases that had previously been announced. But that money has been earmarked, a school spokesperson said, for "all day kindergarten" and won't be received until June 2003. Other increases in State aid to the district were described as minimal. There was no indication that district officials would take any action to decrease the amount of the local property taxes proposed in the budget that will be voted on Tuesday, 5/21. That increase will average 11% ---one of the highest school tax increases in Western New York. (5/18/02) To be filed under Lockport School NewsOrszulak quits Board of Education race. Ann Orszulak, a mother and school bus aide has withdrawn from candidacy for the Lockport School District Board of Education. Orszulak declined to give a reason when she turned in a letter at the school district offices on Thursday, 5/16. That leaves three candidates for two seats in the election on Tuesday, May 21st, since former Belknap principal Ted Werner had quit also, less than a week ago. (5/17/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
City employee cops a plea in theft case. 32-year old Melissa S. Kwoka appears likely to get away with the now-admitted theft of still undisclosed amounts of cash from the Lockport City Building Inspection's office with little or no jail time and just token restitution. In City Court this week the former office secretary was allowed to enter a guilty plea to a misdemeanor instead of going to trial on felony charges. No firm agreement was announced about any restitution to the city coffers. It appears city officials have been unable to determine how much money is missing. City Attorney John Ottaviano indicated an "audit" is still on-going and it appears the amount Ms. Kwoka may have taken was around $1000. Ottaviano did not disclose the cost of the audit. Kwoka, who has an extensive police record and faces charges elsewhere, was hired by the Sullivan Administration without even a cursory background check. (5/16/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Elderly man jailed after being accused by 4-year old of sex abuse. A 75-year old Chestnut Street man has been jailed after being accused by a 4-year old girl of sodomy. A lawyer for the accused pleaded in City Court Wednesday, 5/15, for the release of his client on his own recognizance noting he was a stroke victim and in poor health. However, Judge William Watson declined to cut the $10,000 bail amount. Watson said he'd consider dropping the bail requirement if provided with medical documentation by the man's doctor and assurance that the accused would be kept in a "controlled setting." (5/16/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Teens accused by girl of sex abuse released without bail. Two Lockport teenagers accused by a 17-year old girl of sex abuse were released without bail this week after a preliminary appearance before Lockport Town Justice Raymond Schilling. A 15-year old suspect was ordered turned over for Family Court action because of his age and an 18-year old Elmwood Avenue boy will be ordered to return for trial. Both were arrested by State Police who acted on the accusations of a 17-year old girl. (5/16/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Police save man in street. Lockport Police responded to Elmwood and Washburn Street in the City Crime District Tuesday night, 5/14, to recover an unconscious man lying in the street. The 52-year old man, reported to have passed out drunk, had been bypassed by numerous motorists along the street---none apparently willing to get out of their cars at that intersection and become involved. The man was taken to Lockport Memorial Hospital for resuscitation and recovery. (5/15/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Off-duty firefighters called in to battle blaze on Ohio Street. A second crew of firefighters (on "overtime") were called in to fight a Wednesday morning, 5/15, fire at High Tread Recyling, a tire cycling facility at 490 Ohio Street. Early on in the blaze only white to gray smoke was seen leaving the second floor of the building and from the rear. Fire was reported in a dust collecting unit and in a tire grinding unit. NYSEG crews were called to the area to cut off power. (5/15/02) To be filed under Lockport Emergency Response
Lockport couple to be honored for helping drug recovery center. Kids Escaping Drugs will induct nine individual or organizations into their "Hall of Fame" on Thursday, May 23rd at a luncheon at Chef’s Restaurant in Buffalo. The Kids Escaping Drugs Campaign is saluting the individuals, organizations and businesses that help to provide adolescent drug treatment facilities for the youth in Western New York. Lockportians Ed and Mary Ellen Jerge are being honored at the 2002 Kids Escaping Drugs Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon for their support of the West Seneca (Erie County) "Renaissance Campus" and the kids living here, who are overcoming their addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. They have supported the Kids Escaping Drugs Campaign through a concert held at the Lockport High School. Total donations over three years have equaled about five thousand dollars. Others to be honored at the luncheon are: Depew Middle School, Michael DiVita, Ed Kilgore, Jim Kraws, Louie’s Texas Red Hots, Claire McGowan, Valu Home Centers and the West Seneca Auxiliary Police. (5/15/02) To be filed under Congratulatory Cheers
Werner quits Board of Education race after school budget hearing fireworks. Retired Emmett Belknap Middle School Principal Ted Werner says he's quitting his attempt to get a seat on the Lockport Board of Education. His announcement came after strong attacks on a record school budget at a Monday night, 5/13, public hearing. Werner had come under some critical comment in the community for attempting to gain a seat on the school board at a time his wife is employed by the school district as a teacher. That, to some observers, represented a serious conflict of interest on Werner's part. Werner said he's dropping out of the race following strong words of criticism for the school district management at the budget public hearing, primarily voiced by community activist, Jacob Kern Jr. (5/14/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
State to build canal trail between Amherst and Lockport. The $2-million project will be part of a 348-mile Erie Canalway Trail---the longest contiguous recreational trail in the United States when completed. The newest bike and pedestrian trail segment will extend from Lock #35 in Lockport to Tonawanda Creek Road in Amherst. The work, announced by Gov. George Pataki, is scheduled to be complete in 2003 and will include a 10-foot wide trail (gravel or asphalt) most likely along the southeast side of the canal from Lockport west. The Lockport to Amherst segment is part of some $35-million in State money that will be used to complete the canal revitalization project. In the future, more money may be allocated for harbor and port projects along the canal. (5/12/02) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Prospect street woman charged with check forgery. 20-year old Benika Mae Casselman of 159 Prospect Street has been arrested by Lockport Police to face multiple charges in connection with two reportedly forged checks. The two checks had reportedly been presented for deposit into Casselman's account at HSBC Bank. Police say an investigation found that the checks were among blanks stolen from an area man. (5/11/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Belated probe finds accused city employee had extensive police record. New information has surfaced that indicates that the secretary in the Lockport City Building Inspector's Office, accused of taking $212 in public funds has a string of felony arrests extending over three counties and several years. The Sullivan Administration admits it had never bothered to check the record of 32-year old Melissa Kwoka. Kowka was finally fired by the City amid public outrage when it was learned she was still being paid by the City following her April 23rd arrest in Lockport on public theft charges. The Sullivan administration had suspended her with pay. Now it is revealed in public papers out of Orleans County that Ms. Kowka faced numerous criminal counts in Medina and had received a "conditional discharge" from a lenient judge. The discharge was reportedly dependent on her not being arrested again for a one year period that was to expire May 7, 2002. According to Greater Niagara Newspapers, which operates a newspaper in Medina, Kowka had been fired from Sigma International in Medina, accused of writing five company checks payable to herself within about a month of being hired. Kwoka was to be in Town of Tonawanda Court on Wednesday, 5/8 to answer multiple charges there including counts of first-degree falsifying of business records and grand larceny. She reportedly appeared in Lockport City Court on Tuesday, 5/7 during which a future court date in May was agreed on to disclose to the defense details of the Lockport evidence against her. (5/8/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Jack details his position as Lockport School Board candidate. Allen W. Jack of 71 Erie Street in Lockport says he'll work for ways to cut soaring educational cost in Lockport schools in ways that DO NOT directly affect the childen. Mr. Jack, 55, is a lifelong resident of the City of Lockport and served on the Lockport School Board from 1982-1987. He has been employed as Operations Manager with James Morton Group in Batavia, NY for the past 14 years Monday, 5/6, Jack released the following position paper to the Lockport Home Page:
I am a candidate for the Lockport School Board because economic conditions demand
someone who is a fiscally conservative voice for all of the people in the District. Times
are tough and made even more so by State funding which seems to decrease daily. We cannot
accept the prevailing "business as usual" attitude demonstrated by our current
Board and we cannot afford double digit tax increases either.
There are several changes I would like to bring to the Board, one of which would be an
effort to bring employment numbers back in line with the District's declining student
population. I would also propose that we maintain the current hiring freeze, while looking
for ways to consolidate administrative staff. I believe in a "zero based"
budgeting process, starting from the existing budget rather than beginning with an
increase and working down from there. In other words, build from the bottom up and not the
top down. I would like to see an annual review of all non-mandated programs, to see if
they are still viable. If not, they should either be appropriately altered or dropped.
Equally important is the issue of accountability. Are we truly holding everyone on our
staff, including members of the Board, accountable for their actions? If we are not, then
I ask why not? What kind of an example are we setting for our students if we do not demand
excellence from all involved in the process?
Additionally, I would also propose that we compile a list of our top five District
vendors, such as transportation, food services, textbooks, etc. We should approach them
and seek ways to renegotiate existing contracts to obtain cost savings. Businesses
regularly take this approach, and more often than not are successful in reducing costs. We
need to create innovative ways to curb spending in areas that DO NOT directly affect our
kids.
Not having any children or any relatives working in the district allows me a more
independent approach to issues, without the cloud of possible conflicts of interest. I am
equally committed to every child's welfare and want every one of them to receive the best
education we can provide. We need to remember that the Board works for the citizens of
Lockport and those who really foot the bills - the taxpayers. The Superintendent, in turn,
works for the Board, not the other way around.
I want to work with our current Board and Superintendent, in a positive way, to improve
our schools. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I appreciate excellence and
quality. My goal is to keep the excellence in our educational system but at an affordable
cost to Lockport's taxpayers. (5/6/02)
Canal opens for the season. The New York State Canal System through Lockport opened for the season the weekend of May 4-5 and will remain open through November 3rd. The event is being kicked off with a Downtown Lockport "Cruise Night" along Lockport's Main Street Monday night, 5/6. (5/6/02)
Man faces felony charges after "domestic dispute" with live-in. Lockport Police say they were called to 175 Willow Street Friday afternoon, 5/3, where a 46-year old woman had complained of receiving a beating from her live-in boyfriend. Cindy Walker also told authorities that 39-year old Roy Hamilton Sr. had threatened to kill her with a large knife and would not let her leave the residence. Police say Hamilton was arrested on three felony charges. (5/4/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Woman, attempting to protect her son, attacked by pit bull dog on Livingston Place. Authorities say Janet Kane of Livingston Place in Lockport was badly bitten Wednesday, 5/1, by an vicious pit bull dog that had been roaming at large. The woman reportedly was attacked as she attempted to protect her 8-year old son in front of the family home as her child was about to go off to school. The pit bull was traced to an owner on Autumnvale Drive. (5/4/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
State names Lockport to "Quality Community" program, opening spouts for more State aid. The announcement that the State of New York was willing to help Lockport's struggling downtown development issues came Thursday, 5/2 as State Lt. Governor Mary Donohue made a tour of the city. Lockport was the first of an expected twelve communities across New York State to be named to the program which will allow Lockport to draw funding from a pool of State aid funds will be set aside exclusively for "Quality Community" program participants. Most of the State Aid (the total funding in the State pool has not yet been established) will go for enhancement of downtown Lockport and canalside projects aimed at boosting tourism. Authorities also say that money could be made available to help plan for the reuse of the environmental "brownfields" which were the subject of a Lockport Home Page Special Report several years ago. (5/3/02) To be filed under Lockport Letter
School bus fired on in Lockport. A school bus operated by the Ransomville Bus Service was reported the target of gunfire in Lockport Thursday morning, 5/2 as it traveled near High and Pine Streets. No occupants were injured but about $500 damage was reported to glass windows in the bus. According to the bus driver and Lockport Police who are investigating, the shooter may have used a pellet gun to fire into the bus as it passed by a suspected residential dwelling at the corner of High and Pine Streets. There have been no arrests in the matter as of early Friday. (5/3/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Five candidates for Lockport School Board race. As of Thursday morning, 5/2 a total of five candidates had delivered nominating petitions to the Lockport Board of Education to run in the May Board elections. In addition to previously announced candidates Allan Jack and Annette Wadowski-Licata, three more candidates delivered petitions Tuesday and Wednesday. They are: Ann Orszulak of 268 Church Street, a mother of two who works as a school bus aide for Ridge Road Express, Margaret Lupo, of Bob-O-Link Lane, a mother of two who works for the YWCA, and former Emmet Belknap principal Theodore J. Werner of Gaffney Road. Orszulak did not immediately disclose much information about why she was running except to tell the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal that "I think the students' needs need to be met." Werner has not communicated with the Lockport Home Page but told the Union-Sun & Journal his reason for running is "I guess it's because I want to keep involved...I love kids." However, The Lockport Page was told that Mr. Werner's wife, Sonia, is a teacher at Charles Upson School. Candidate Margaret Lupo contacted the Lockport Home Page with an extensive background sheet on herself and an indication of the direction she would like Lockport Schools to go in. Her press release follows below. Two seats on the Board will go to the candidates with the two highest vote totals recorded in the May 21 election. The top vote-getter gets the 4-year term, the runner-up the 3-year term. The deadline for getting on the ballot was at the close of business on May 1st. (5/2/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Margaret (Maggie) Lupo, life long
resident of Lockport, has announced her candidacy for the upcoming Lockport Board of
Education election.
Mrs. Lupo's commitment to provide quality education in Lockport is balanced by her belief
that "more spending is not the answer." She believes that "doing more with
less is a common sense approach to controlling tax increases." Mrs. Lupo, who remains
a strong advocate of neighborhood schools, was active in the 1998 "Concerned Parents
Organization" that successfully defeated Superintendent Neal's reconfiguration plan.
Mrs. Lupo, wife of Lockport firefighter Tom Lupo, is the mother of two children. Her daughter, Emmaline, is in the 6th grade at Emmet Belknap and her son, Spencer, is a 2nd grader at Washington Hunt. Interested and active in educational issues, she is serving her second year on Washington Hunt's School Improvement Committee and is also a member of the Lockport City School District's Character Education Committee.
Employed by the YMCA , as a child care aide for the past seven years, Mrs. Lupo's volunteerism has enabled her to work with and on behalf of children of all ages. In addition to being a chaperone at the YMCA Teen Club, she serves as Washington Hunt's PTA Treasurer, and she is a member of the Barge Canal Optimist Club. Mrs. Lupo, a past member of the YWCA Board, is currently Vice President of the Board of Directors of Camp Allen Cottage Corporation. Willing to give the time necessary to be a productive Board member, she believes that quality education can and should be made more affordable in Lockport. (5/2/02)
Woman charged with welfare fraud. 35-year old Tamera M. Hotalings of Sweetwood Drive, Lockport was arrested on charges of misuse of food stamps Wednesday, 5/1. Authorities say Ms. Hotalings offered a false instrument for filing in connection with the de facto theft of $434 in food stamps from the Niagara County Welfare Office. Such food stamps are taxpayer-funded money grants that are supposed to be restricted to the poor and destitute but have been a target of wide spread abuse. (5/2/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Sandusy's to receive Salvation Army's "Others" Award. Ed and Peg Sandusky have been named to receive the 2002 Lockport Salvation Army "The Others" Award in recognition of their work on community projects. The award recognizes service by Lockportians to others in the community. The Sandusky's are probably most appreciated for their involvement in the Children's Memorial Park at Transit and Lincoln Avenue but their service to the Lockport Community will be cited in a number of areas at the award ceremony set for May 13th at the Lockport Best Western Hotel. (5/1/02) To be filed under Congratulatory Cheers
City didn't do background check on employee accused of stealing. The employee of the City Building Inspector's Office, arrested last week on felony theft charges had never been the subject of a background check according to information made public Tuesday morning, 4/30. If city officials had checked they would have found, sources say, that Melissa Kwoka had been charged last year with 11 counts (including six felonies) in connection with the disappearance of up to $6000 from a Tonawanda business. Additionally, the Lockport Home Page has been told, Kwoka is still being paid by the City of Lockport even though she is under arrest and has been relieved of her duties at City Hall. The amount of money missing from the public till in the Building Inspector's Office is still not being made public or the amount has not yet been fully determined. (4/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Law Update 5/2: Bowing to public criticism, the Sullivan Administration says it dropped Kwoka from the public payroll on Wednesday, May 1st.
Police say driver tried to run them down. During a Driving While Intoxicated enforcement blitz, Saturday, 4/27, Lockport Police say one driver tried to run officers down at their checkpoint on Lake Avenue. 23-year old Michael Soulvie II of 387 Clinton Street was chased by police in cars and on foot after he allegedly sped through the enforcement checkpoint about 1:30AM. He was apprehended after fleeing his car and running on foot through back yards in the neighborhood of Chestnut and McCollum Streets. He was charged with attempted aggravated assault on a police officer and not yielding to an emergency vehicle. The Lockport Page has been told that Mr. Soulvie was out on parole at the time of his capture. Four more arrests were made as part of the DWI blitz but none of them for driving while intoxicated. Police say 18-year old Justin J. Jacoby of Beach Ridge Road, Pendleton, 19-year old Justin M. Adams of Pearson Road, Middleport, and James O. Uncercoffer III were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Yet another man was charged with unlicensed operation. (4/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
US Government Probing Operations At Former Lockport Industrial Site. The United States Government Environmental Protection Agency is reported probing operations at the site of the former Electruk Battery Enterprises, Inc. in the Town of Lockport Industrial Park. The now abandoned facility at 4922 IDA Drive was in operation from 1991 through 1996 and the USA EPA is attempting to get testimony from former employees as to what was going on there. They have set up a toll-free number for confidential information: 1-800-245-2738. The plant, shown in the frame below, is now vacant and appears in a state of disrepair and abandonment. The EPA lists it as a non-priority Superfund Site. To be filed under Environmental News
Four charged in drug dealing with counterfeit money. Lockport police say a Buffalo woman drove into Lockport to buy marijuana with about $1700 in counterfeit $20 and $50 bills. 23-year old Melinda E. Donovan has been charged with first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and fourth-degree conspiracy. She was sent to the Niagara County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail on Thursday, 4/25. Three young Lockport men are accused of setting up the drug deal and have been charged with fourth degree conspiracy. They were identified in public papers as 21-year old Sean M. Turner of Pine Street, 19-year old Todd M. Sanney of Niagara Street and 21-year old Marcus D. Hamilton of Robinson Road. (4/26/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
City Attorney wants help out of legal tangle. Lockport City Attorney John J. Ottaviano allowed the city to get into a serious legal can of worms when he OKed the seizure of part of the infamous undeveloped downtown South Block from Elmer Granchelli via a "Sheriff's Deed." As the Lockport Home Page detailed in an article April 29, 2001, that was a serious legal error. At the time Ottaviano told city officials the paper corporation Granchelli had set up to protect himself from the city's seizure action wouldn't hold up. But nearly a year later, as forecast by the Lockport Home Page at the time, that legal maneuver still hasn't been overturned by Ottaviano and presents, in effect, about a half-million potential liability on the city of Lockport's part for any potential development there. Ottaviano, who appeared to have ignored this issue when raised by the Lockport Home Page, now appears to have had a change of mind. He's urging the city hire an expert lawyer to deal with the matter. R. Anthony Rupp would be hired at taxpayer expense to try to undo the legal tanglement the city now finds itself in. (4/26/02) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Pastor at St. John's retiring.
According to an announcement in the church bulletin, Rev. Msgr. Donald R. Wangler, pastor of the city's biggest church, will retire in June. A celebration to note his retirement and the 45th anniversary of his ordination as a Catholic priest will be held Sunday, June 9th at the church on Chestnut Street. (4/25/02) To be filed under Lockport LinesCity employee charged with stealing. City officials aren't saying much but according to public papers, 32-year old Melissa Kwoka, an employee of the Lockport City Building Inspection Department, was arrested Monday afternoon and charged with felony and misdemeanor counts related to stealing. Ms. Kowka, whose address was listed as 266 Washington Street, has reportedly been placed on "administrative leave." The City of Lockport, in addition to criminal charges, is reported considering civil charges against Kwoka---indicating that the amounts stolen were public monies. Kwoka made a City Court appearance on Monday and, according to public records, was released on $500 bail. There was no immediate public word of how much money is missing, over what period of time the alleged thefts took place, and how the discovery was made. (4/24/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Teen charged with theft, forgery. 19-year old Kristina Wagner of 228 Park Avenue was arrested Friday, 4/19, charged with stealing about $1650 by making "unauthorized withdrawals" from a woman's bank account. Police indicate the scheme, which extended over several days involved forgery but the name of the banking institution that fell for the scam was not publicly revealed. (4/21/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
State Orders 1/3 Cut In Spending At Cold Springs Cemetery; Four Trustees Replaced
The New York State Bureau of Cemeteries has ordered the Cold Spring Cemetery Association to cut overall spending to a maximum of $2000 a week or $100,000 a year so that a reported $172,000 deficit in the cemetery trust funds will be paid back. Spending now was reported in about the $150,000/year range of which about $125,000 has been going for salaries and employee benefits. The assumption is that once expenses are cut to the $2000/week level, based of current revenues, the cemetery association will begin making a "profit" on week-to-week operations and that money will then be used to pay back the trust funds. State officials were at a public meeting of the Cemetery Association Thursday night, 4/18, at the Lockport Town Hall to tell about sixty stake holders the truth about what their cemetery Board of Trustees has been up to over the past ten years. It was not a pleasant revelation and Sam Scircia of the State Bureau of Cemeteries admitted that the solution they are imposing will probably cause hardships in providing current services. There were indications that the Cemetery Association would move quickly for an increase in burial fees and the cost of burial plots at the historic Ridge Road acreage. The board reportedly only had meetings once per year but following Thursday's meeting a "work session" meeting was already scheduled for next week. Update 4/27: The new Board took action Thursday, 4/25 to raise the sale cost of plots by about $100 but did not take immediate action to cut expenses to the level order by the State. Association President, Joe Kibler told the media, "We're going to have to work our way into it."
State officials reported that losses and management problems at the cemetery probably extend back as much as ten years. The board of trustees were accused of not sending financial reports to the State in a timely manner, running yearly deficits, not responding positively to State recommendations and warnings to stop the money losses, and "illegally invading" the once- near half-million dollar trust fund. Although the State officials said the Board of Trustee's actions were illegal, they said they were not criminal. All money is apparently accounted for.
Four members of the Board of Trustees did not seek re-election but the outlook for their replacement was not especially positive. With only four new candidates and two holdover candidates the meeting had just enough volunteers to fill the six non-salaried positions on the Board of Trustees. All six were declared elected. The new members are Debbie Gaskill (Lockport Town Board), Debbie Kerrison, Linda Covel, and Ken Leaderhouse (County Coroner). The relatively new member of the holdover group, Joe Kibler (holdover and Lockport Alderman-at-Large) was elected President of the Association. Ken Lederhouse Vice-President, Lewis Bell (another holdover) as Treasurer, and Debbie Kerrison as Secretary. (4/19/02) To be filed under Lockport Talk of the Town
Statement From Debbie Gaskill
Please be advised that in a recent report on the Cold Springs Cemetery Association meeting and election of trustees you stated that Debbie Gaskill "has two close relatives who are employees at the cemetery". This is NOT true. I do NOT have any relatives employed by Cold Springs Cemetery. Perhaps you have confused me with new Trustee Debbie Kerrison who's husband and brother-in-law are employed by the Cemetery. Also the article states that "three of the proposed trustees were not even at the meeting". This is also incorrect. Myself (Debbie Gaskill), Ken Lederhouse and Debbie Kerrison were present. The only new trustee who was not present was Linda Covell who had a prior committment. ---Debbie Gaskill 4/24
Birth announcement: Chris and Kristen (Kiene) Sattelberg, of Lockport, announce the birth of a second son. Stephen James Sattelberg was born April 13, 2002, at Lockport Memorial Hospital. He is the brother of Chris Sattelberg Jr, and grandson of Ed and Minnie Sattelberg, all of Lockport. (4/19) To be filed under Congratulatory Cheers
Board of Education adopts 11.3% tax hike for property owners. The Lockport Board of Education could not reach agreement to shed costly programs or substantially cut over-staffing and went ahead to adopt a record spending program that will boost property taxes by 11.3% The vote Wednesday night, 4/17, is seen as a victory of the informal coalition of old-line Board members who have shown in the past a consistent desire to boost spending and taxes. A proposal by Board member Beverly McDonough to cut about $3.3-million from the inflated spending program proposed by the administration was voted down by the full Board. Superintendent of Schools Bruce Fraser, in remarks Wednesday night, blamed the tax increase on New York State government and said that if the State increases the amount of school aid the tax hike could be reduced. (4/18/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Delphi job cuts won't add to cuts already planned at
Harrison-Lockport. Delphi Corporation Wednesday announced they would be
cutting 6100 jobs or about 3% of its workforce, worldwide. The cuts were announced
as the company reported a first quarter loss of $51 million, or 9 cents a share, compared
with $429 million, or 77 cents a share, in the same period last year. The proposed
cuts reportedly will not further impact already planned work force reductions at
Delphi-Harrison Lockport. Lockport's facility, has been declared a "troubled
plant" and has been under pressure for more than a year to cut losses, improve
quality, and improve efficiency. (4/18/02) To be filed under Delphi-Harrison News
Interest in Board of Education seats appears light. Only one person has so far announced candidacy for the Lockport School District Board of Education May election. Two seats will be filled that are now held by incumbents Robert Pohl and Charles Sobieraski. Both men claim they are not candidates. The lone announced candidate is Annette Wadowski-Licata who came in a losing last in the 2001 election race. Asked her platform this year, Mrs. Licata is quoted as saying, "I want to go out there for the kids." Both Pohl and Sobieraski have been two of the most supportive members of the Board of Education over the past ten years for spending and tax increases. (4/17/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
16.3% school tax hike proposed, Board declines to cut spending. Lockport Superintendent of Schools Bruce Fraser said Monday night, 4/15, that Lockport schools anticipate reduced revenue (money "lost" on "investments" along with reduced building construction aid) and increased spending (up 3.3%) for the next school year. That Fraser says, means a 16.3% base tax increase for Lockport property taxpayers. Board of Education members expressed reluctance to cut spending but many had no problem with increasing it. New Board member Beverly McDonough proposed cuts in certain non-mandated spending that would save the district an estimated $3.3-million but her proposal was only supported by Renee Knight and Marietta Schrader even when $700,000 in savings were eliminated from her proposed cuts. Also at the Monday night meeting, one of the district's several "assistant superintendents," Michelle Cavenaugh, announced she was leaving the district effective July 7th to accept a new job of Superintendent of the Plattsburg Schools. (4/16/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
He took his business out of town. A 43-year old Lockport man had regrets over the weekend after going to Buffalo for some 4/14, Sunday morning sex. The man tells Buffalo Police he arrived in that city's East Side crime district and had sexual intercourse with two women after pre-arrangements had been made by telephone. The women then reportedly demanded more money than the Lockport John was willing to give up. $60 was taken from him by force with the help of a male friend of the two prostitutes. They also took his wallet which contained an ATM card which they then took to a bank money dispensing station from where they took an additional $180. (4/14/02) To be filed under Crime & Courts
Police called to early morning rumble at Niagara Hotel, two arrested. Lockport Police were called out in force early Friday morning, 4/12, for fighting at the Niagara Hotel, just a block from Police Headquarters, downtown. An outside window of the establishment was reportedly broken by an irate patron with a beer bottle. Among those arrested were: 36-year old Paul D. White of 90 Waterman Street and 32-year old Ralph Gillion of 96 Locust Street. (4/13/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Alderman Kibler tips police to fraud scam targeting elderly. Alderman-at-Large Joe Kibler felt there was something wrong, something very wrong, with the story he was hearing from an 83-year old Lockport woman. The woman had reportedly been conned over several months into giving up as much as $65,000 to a man who was doing "some work" for her. Kibler is said to have tipped off Lockport Police who made an investigation into what they describe as a complex fraud scheme which included a number of plots. The result of the police investigation was revealed Thursday, 4/11, when 51-year old Terry W. Rutland of Barker was charged with second-degree grand larceny. Public details of the scheme reportedly used to extract money from the Lockport victim are sketchy and will probably await a court appearance before being revealed in more detail.. Mr. Rutland was ordered jailed in lieu of $75,000 bail as he attempts to obtain a (free) public defender to represent him. (4/12/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
VanDeMark plant in Lockport has modest business increase. The VanDeMark plant off North Transit in Lockport has seen a modest increase in business as a result of shutdown of production at the Toulouse, France plant of Group SNPE. VanDeMark is now owned by the French Group SNPE and, like the plant in France, produces phosgene and fine chemicals derived from, or produced with, the phosgene family of chemicals. SNPE is a world leader in phosgene chemistry. Gerald Schultz, Lockport VP for VanDeMark told the Lockport Page the increase in business for VanDeMark has been limited by the production capacity at Lockport. More of the worldwide demand for product has been taken up by another SNPE (new) plant in Texas. The parent company's plant at Toulouse, has been shut down since September because of damage caused from an explosion at a nearby fertilizer plant and general concerns there. A company spokesperson in France told the Lockport Page that the restart of the the Touloouse SNPE plant is "uncertain." Groupe SNPE as a whole reported a loss of 20.2-million Euros worldwide despite growth in revenues. The loss is blamed on the shutdown at Toulouse, a decline in worldwide economic growth in the wake of the September 11th attack on the USA, and delays in military orders. (4/11/02) To be filed under Lockport Industrial Index.
Lockport Eagles club may close. Rumors are circulating around Lockport that the Eagles Club (No. 825) at 6614 Lincoln Avenue may be closing its door. Besides a membership clubrooms, the facility is frequently rented out for receptions and other social gatherings. Club President, Lloyd Goff, has declined public comment until a membership meeting. One report given to the Lockport Home Page is that just the bar and liquor operation may be closed. (4/10/02) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
Pool hall parking lot scene of late night armed robbery.
Inside the Sir Billiards pool hall at 20 Lock Street the crowd was
enjoying themselves shooting pool, refreshing, and socializing. An event, billed as
a "benefit fund-raiser" was extending into the wee hours of Sunday morning, 4/7.
Outside there was a little different sort of fund-raising going on. It
was an armed robbery of a couple of the patrons of the pool hall in the adjacent parking
lot. Two men from out of town told police they were robbed of over $1800 after
being threatened by two other men with a handgun and a baseball bat. The robbers
escaped by car but an alert Niagara County Sheriff's Deputy spotted them at a South
Transit Road convenience store about 3AM. Deputy James Lucus radioed for help and
confronted the two men in a vehicle outside. Inside the car, Lucus reports was a
baseball bat and handgun believed to have been used in the robbery. In all, three
young men have been arrested, all from Cheektowaga. According to public papers they
are: 19-year old Ronald E. Williams Jr. and 20-year old Nicholas M. Zotara each
charged with first-degree armed robbery and an alleged cohort, 20-year old Dennis Hatch,
charged with conspiracy. Update 4/23/02: All three
suspects were ordered released without bail when prosecutors failed to provide for a
initial hearing in a timely matter. (4/8/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Volunteers to clean Lockport Main Street. Three Lockport organizations are merging their efforts to help out the city by staging a huge Main Street cleanup on two up-coming Saturdays. The City will close Main Street to accommodate their efforts on April 27th and May 18th starting at 9:30AM on both days. The event is being called "100 Volunteer Days" and will extend along Main Street from Washburn to North Transit. The organizations involved are: The Lockport Business Association, The Niagara Canal Development Task Force, and Parks and Flower Partners. (4/8/02) To be filed under Events Around Lockport
Union wants to "negotiate" recovering firemen doing
light work. The City of Lockport is in a financial jam with its Fire
Department trying to operate with three union firemen off the job because of injuries.
Two of the injuries were claimed to be work-related, one was incurred off-duty.
Still, Lockport pays all three while they stay away from work and hire expensive
overtime from existing help to keep things going. With a city hiring freeze, the
department is under restraint not to hire new firemen. Fire Chief Thomas Passuite is
trying to get some of the recovering firemen to work the communications desk (light duty)
to help out in time of need. But the fire union, now in contract talks for a new
contract, won't cooperate with the chief unless that matter is "negotiated" even
though such light duty assignments are provided for in the existing labor contract.
Meanwhile overtime charges continue to pile up on the city taxpayer's back.
(4/7/02) To
be filed under Lockport Lines
Counterfeit cash circulating in Lockport. Police agencies are getting multiple reports of bogus $20-bills being passed off at a variety of retails outlets around Lockport city and town. And, although one 18-year old boy has been charged in the case and put out of circulation, the number of bogus bills continue to be passed. The latest was Thursday afternoon, 4/5, at the McDonald's hamburger outlet on South Transit Road---this time a cashier wouldn't honor the bill but the person passing it escaped before Sheriff's deputies arrived. (4/5/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Woman paroled three times, finally gets jail sentence for latest larcenies. Judges and parole officers have been very tolerant of 52-year old Mary E. Stamp, most recently known to live in an apartment at 322 East Avenue. However, the latest charges against her, breaking into cars in the parking lot of Lockport Memorial Hospital, have won her free lodging in the Niagara County Jail for up to a year at the expense of taxpayers. Ms. Stamp reportedly asked for parole again during an appearance in City Court this week before Judge William Watson. She had copped a plea to petit larceny and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. However, Watson, noting she had violated probation three times in the past in regard to other cases, sent her to the slammer this time. (4/5/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Sullivan administration cautioned about implementing plan of UB students. The Sullivan administration has begun implementing a plan for reorganization and design of Lockport City Parks after an extensive model proposal made by architecture and planning students from the University of Buffalo. The plan calls for radical changes to many of the city's beloved neighborhood parks---plans that were done just as a classroom exercises have apparently been accepted by the Sullivan administration. The Mayor apparently wants to spend $100,000 in grant money (received from the Grigg-Lewis Foundation) changing Lockport parks according to the various idealizations of UB students. But that move came under fire at the Common Council meeting Wednesday night, 4/3, when Alderman Joe Kibler (R-At Large) expressed shock and dismay at proposals for Kibler Park (named after his father) and Dudley Park. At Kibler Park the students had proposed getting rid of the baseball diamonds and replacing them with soccer fields. At one park the students had proposed building small houses. Kibler, who will head a new Parks oversight and planning committee, declared of the student project which Sullivan administration officials had sought to adopt, "They have no idea what people want. They're not qualified to come into Lockport and decide what a neighborhood wants." The City reportedly spent $9000 in grant money to give to the students. Kibler said that money could have been much better used adding benches and doing repairs at Outwater Park. (4/4/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Lockport offered over $2.7-million in loans to improve wastewater processing. The low-interest loans from New York State were announced Tuesday, 4/2 at the office of Gov. George Pataki. $2,610,886 will be for rehabilitating sewer pump stations around the city and $138,321 will be for the cost of planning, designing, and constructing of sanitary sewers to reduce combined sewerage overflows into Eighteen Mile Creek while reducing storm water flow to the City wastewater treatment plant. (4/3/02) To be filed under Environmental News
Segment of City Crime District target of VOICE "Walk". "VOICE" has vague sounding goals such as "promoting the common good," "equipping people to act boldly," and "relationship building." It has ties to a similar, loosely defined (but powerful) Buffalo group and a Chicago-based "foundation" which reportedly trains members on how to"possess power." In Lockport the group is ready for their first public demonstration ---a "neighborhood walk" in a segment of the City Crime District on Saturday, April 27th from 9:15AM until Noon. The group says it will "survey" residents of the area bounded by Genesee, Pine, High, and Saxton Streets to "find out their vision for a better community." The starting place is the Grace Episcopal Church at 100 Genesee Street. The group is seeking to have at least 60 walkers out in the neighborhoods on Saturday morning. to take "action" so that "our problems don't get as advanced as those in Buffalo." In a two-page flyer handed out in many churches the group says its "vision" is "to build a community of hope and justice for all." In other areas of the country it functions as a social activist group which moves in and out of politics building on a church support base. (4/3/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Former Pastor at St. Mary's named in newspaper report on accused priests. The Buffalo News is reporting that the former pastor of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Lockport is one of six priests removed from functioning as a priest by the Diocese of Buffalo in the past ten years. The newspaper, in a major front-page double spread, recalls the allegations against Rev. Bernard M. Mach back in 1993 when the pastor at St. Mary's faced numerous accusations regarding his conduct with young boys. In a dramatic scene from the pulpit, Rev. Mach denied the charges before his congregation at that time but as they continued was "retired" from St. Mary's. The News says the Diocese made a "settlement" in a civil suit brought against it and Mach by a lawyer representing a boy who made accusations regarding Mach's association with him at age 12 in 1991. It is significant that although investigators for the Niagara County Sheriff's Department attempted to drum up criminal charges against Mach, they were unable to gather enough evidence to even get a grand jury indictment. Mach has never been the subject of any criminal charges in connection with events in Lockport. The Lockport Page is told Mach, now 64, lives in Venice, FL (on the Florida west coast between St. Petersburg and Ft. Myers). (4/2/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Two charged with scam costing credit union over $4400. A man and woman duo were arrested Monday, 4/1, charged with running a check cashing scam that cost Unit #1 Federal Credit Union over $4400. Authorities say at least 44 checks were cashed over a period of more than a month in which inadequate funds were on deposit at the Credit Union. The Credit Union apparently paid most of the checks. 35-year old Tammy L. Zahoransky of 6144 Ruhlmann Road, Apartment 8 and 38-year old William T. Johnson of 21 Adam Street have both been jailed in lieu of $15,000 bail. It was not immediately revealed how the pair were able to allegedly fool the credit union over such a long period of time. (4/2/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Lockport Library proposes another tax increase for property owners. Although the total budget for the Lockport Public Library is down about $19,000 from last year, the tax rate for local property owners will climb. The base rate increase is pegged at 2.8% but because of reassessment in Lockport City, many property owners will find their "Library Tax" (which is added on to and billed with the Lockport School Tax) will actually increase much more. Library officials are blaming the tax increase proposed on the need to hire additonal security details at the library to control ruffians and teens who like to use the library as a hang-out. They also note a 25% cut in funding from Niagara County, and increase in the cost of pension benefits paid library employees (the numbers of which have increased again). As in the past, to bias the turnout for a budget vote in favor of YES, the library has set the voting date and place separate from the date and places for the votes on the school Board of Education and School District budget. Votes will be accepted only at the Library itself on East Avenue April 10th from 10AM to 9PM (regular Library hours). The voting schedule makes it convenient for regular library users to vote and inconvenient for other members of the community. The tactic almost insures a positive vote. (3/31/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Reduced tourist "trolley" service set for summer.
Timkey Limousine Company has announced it will pay the insurance on its "Towpath Trolley" this summer and the tourist mover will operate on a reduced schedule around Lockport. Last year Timkey balked at paying a reported $11,000 for insurance and, at the last minute, the city agreed to pick up that liability by leasing the vehicle from Timkey and assuming liability. This year the city, acting on better legal advice, declined to assume the liability. It had been suggested in a Lockport Page editorial that tourist moving services could be provided by NFTA's new mini-bus service in Lockport. Shortly after the Page editorial suggestion, Timkey announced he would be paying the insurance and his "trolley" would operate Monday through Friday during business hours. He said, however, that he was dropping Sunday service and might also drop Saturday service---two days important to Lockport summer tourism. (3/29/02)Boy charged with rape of 14-year old girl.
A 19-year old Washburn Street boy was arrested Tuesday night, 3/26 and charged with taking sexual pleasures with a 14-year old girl. That's called 2nd-degree rape according to public papers and it doesn't much matter if the girl invited him over to her digs for the occasion. Public papers do not reveal where the girl's parents were on March 18th and 21st when the sexual connections are alleged to have taken place at the girl's home. (3/27/02) To be filed under Lockport LawAshley Lewis wins NYS Junior Miss pageant. Lockport High School student, Ashley Lewis, won the New York State Junior Miss title over the weekend at the pageant in Buffalo----following in the footsteps of her sister, Christen, who was the 1998 winner. Ashley now goes on to the June 28th national competition in Mobile, AL. Lewis won $5400 in scholarship money along with the New York State title. (3/25/02) To be filed under Congratulatory Cheers
School officials caught giving illegal school bus service to 26 pupils. It appears that ten years ago some parents in the Town of Lockport had enough "pull" with some school officials to have an "arrangement" made whereby 26 pupils attending George Southard Elementary School would get illegal taxpayer-funded bus rides to and from school. This despite the fact that the children did not live over a mile from the school nor were they "handicapped." According to the School District's "uniform" school busing policy, only children residing a mile or more from their school get free bus transportation. The only exception being handicapped and "special" students. A resident with children living .9 miles from George Southard (whose children had to walk to school) noticed the favored treatment to some of the 26 and called the matter to the attention of District Superintendent Bruce Fraser. When Fraser seemed to balk at any correction, Mr. Richard Farkas had his attorney send the school district a formal letter of complaint. The district delayed compliance but finally on March 18th, stopped the illegal pick-ups and effected parents were up in arms. Many, including, according to Mr. Farkas, the Superintendent, are trying to make it appear that he (Farkas) will be responsible for any subsequent accident with children walking along Robinson/Dysinger Road to George South Elementary. When it was suggested that parents give their children a ride to school that suggestion met with negative response. Much of the area, as is the case in most of the Town of Lockport, has no sidewalks. Mr. Farkas told the Union-Sun & Journal, which ran a "sympathy feature" for the impacted parents, "My main goal is that if the board has a policy it should live up to it. As taxpayers, we have a right to know how our tax money's being spent...I want to know how the board is going to reimburse the taxpayers' monies for the last ten years." (3/24/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Cold Spring Cemetery to remain independent for now. After a Friday afternoon, 3/22, meeting at the Lockport Town Hall it was announced that there would be no near-term transfer of the historic Cold Spring Cemetery to the Town of Lockport. Officials of the Cemetery Association promised that efforts would be made by the Association itself to cut the losses and solve a cash flow crisis. Several suggestions were made to the Association trustees including that of calling for an election and adding new faces to the Board managing the cemetery. Joe Kibler, Lockport City Alderman-at-Large and a rather recent addition to the Cemetery Board of Trustees announced "there is no money missing" but Association President William B. May did admit there was an accumulated deficit of about $173,000. Several suggestions were made to the Association on how to increase revenues and Kibler sounded optimistic at the meeting's end saying he felt quite a bit had been accomplished and that there is no immediate plan to dissolve the Cemetery Association. (3/23/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Six students arrested after police called for fight at Lockport High. Six boys, ages 16 to 18 were arrested Friday morning, 3/22 after school authorities called Lockport Police for help in stopping a "fight-in-progress" at the Lincoln Avenue campus. According to public papers all were charged with disorderly conduct. Sources tell the Lockport Page the altercation at school was a result of carryover of a quarrel that began Thursday night at the downtown YMCA. Lockport High School Principal, Frank Movalli appeared to downplay the incident after it was over. The Lockport US&J reported him saying that there was nothing "physical." (3/23/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
School chief adding $300-400K more for "special needs." Lockport Superintendent of School Bruce Fraser told the district Board of Education Wednesday night, 3/20, that his proposed budget---already a record-breaker that would force another tax increase---will have to be increased another $300,000 to $400,000 from figures given just weeks ago. Fraser said the latest spending surge is to cover additional expenses in three areas: 1) Additional children moving into the district whose parent's want "Pre-K" education for them (that is the program that school officials promised only a year ago "would cost the district absolutely nothing) 2) to pay "tuition" to send students with behavior problems district teachers and administrators can't handle to out-of-district schools and 3) to pay for yet another increase in numbers for "special education" children. The latest budget additions by Fraser would boost the increase in the school district (base) tax rate to 16%. It has been pegged at "only" about 10% increase just six days ago by school officials. (3/21/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Girls accuse boys of sex crimes. Three young men will be finding out how the term "jail bait" evolved as they hire lawyers to avoid time behind bars brought on by the accusations of teenage girls. A 17-year old Bewley Parkway boy was arrested by police Wednesday, 3/20 and charged with the rape and sodomy of a 15 year old girl. According to claims the girl made, the incident took place on January 31st in the boy's apartment. There was no public explanation of why it has taken so long for an arrest to take place. In another incident involving a 15-year old girl, a 21-year old Lock Street man has been arrested for an incident called "sexual misconduct" which goes back to September. Again, no explanation of why the girl waited to complain. And finally, more than a month after an alleged incident at Skateland, a 31-year old man was arrested on the say-so of a 15-year old girl who claims she was "fondled" even though she said "No." (3/21/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Despite city hiring freeze "training officer" hired by Lockport Fire Department. City Fire Chief Tom Passuite was asked Wednesday, 3/20 at a City Council meeting why he has hired a "Municipal Training and Safety Officer" at the Fire Department without Council authorization and while a "hiring freeze" is in effect. Passuite reportedly said the training function is "mandated" and it is work he can't do himself according to union contract. And, Passuite, went on to say, although the city's fire captains have been doing the training function in the past, now, it was necessary to have someone full-time to "coordinate" this training. The person hired for the position was already a member of the fire department. It was not immediately known what the the bottom line effect will be on the fire department budget except for knowledge that it will increase costs. (3/21/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Mini bus service to start in Lockport March 25. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) has included the City of Lockport in its new MetroLink service designed to give some local bus service to under-served or not-served areas. The local bus route, to be known as "The Lockport Shuttle" Route #201, will operate Monday through Friday starting at 5:50AM for three hours and again starting at 3PM for three hours. The fare will be $1.25 and the buses used will be small mini-buses. Those on welfare will get to ride free. The mini buses will link up with regular NFTA bus service to and from Buffalo. A subsidy for the service has been provided for one year by New York State. (3/20/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Tattoo shop operator arrested for marking girl on breast. An Amherst man has been charged for burning a tattoo on the breast of a 16-year old girl at the downtown Lockport "Ancient Art Tattoo Parlor"on Main Street. He also reportedly put a piercing device on the girl's belly button. Both operations require by State law, parental consent---reportedly not given in this case. (3/20/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Police catch man driving without a license (but with cocaine). Lockport Police stopped a 24-year old Rochester man Friday night, 3/15 along Market Street charging him with 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Police say when they did a search of the vehicle driving by Delmont R. Burch they found a bag of suspected cocaine. Additional charges against Burch are pending. (3/17/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
No loss $400K says Kibler. Alderman-at-Large Joe Kibler has told the Lockport Home Page that he has investigated and has found untrue rumors of a city employee union hiring an auditor to determine where $400,000 in "missing" Lockport City funds is. Additionally, Kibler, a former banker, said he can find no evidence of any money missing, overall, from the city treasury. (3/16/02) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
Delphi-Harrison Lockport site manager gone April 1st. Guy Jones, who was brought in by Delphi corporate to put out the fire at the Lockport operations site about 18 months ago has announced he's retiring effective April 1st. Jones, a top executive for Delphi, and before that for General Motors, has a total of 36 years of service with the two corporations. In an unrelated development, Delphi Automotive (parent of Delphi-Harrison) this week announced it was dropping the "automotive" part of its corporate name and will henceforth be known simply as Delphi. (3/16/02) To be filed under Delphi-Harrison News
Victory Christian Center changes plans, buys former Pendleton House. The combination store-front church that has operated for more than a decade in prime downtown Lockport retail space is still leaving the city. But its plans have changed. Instead of running a combined church and school at one new location along South Transit Road the group intends to move its church operations to the former Pendleton House Banquet Restaurant. Closed for over a year, that property has been purchased by the religious group for use as a church and will go off the tax rolls. Next to the Pendleton House, Jimmy B's Sports Complex is reported for sale. The church's Victory Christian Academy is now reported planning to stay in the downtown Lockport location to be operated as a separate entity from the church. (3/15/02) To be filed under Lockport
Early Morning Torch Job. Fire investigators suspect arson
in the fire that quickly started and spread in this vacant apartment building at South
Street and Washburn in the City Crime District. The blaze broke out about 3AM
Wednesday, 3/13. Authorities say the there was nobody living in the vacant structure
at the time. They were not immediately able to determine who owns the building, one
of several in this area of the City Crime District left vacant to decay by absentee
landlords. There have been several suspected arson fires in the area over the past
few years. The fire started on the South Street side as seen from the photo above.
(3/13/02) To
be filed under Lockport Law
Lockport school base tax rate to soar over 10%. Superintendent of Schools Bruce Fraser announced Tuesday, 3/12 that Lockport property taxpayers would be hit with another large tax increase to fund soaring school district spending. Although a school budget has not been presented to voters yet, it apparently is being fashioned so that it will cause over a 10% base tax hike regardless of what voters have to say. The school district Board faces an April 26th deadline for adopting the budget and presenting it to district residents. Fraser indicated that the hours the school district would have polls open on May 21st would be cut from last year. The effect of opening the polls later (at Noon) will cut voter turnout among those who work for a living. In addition to a budget vote, longtime Board of Education members Robert Pohl and Charles Sobieraski will have their seats up for election. Sobieraski, a former Board President, had previously indicated he may not stand for re-election. Fraser blamed less State aid for part of the school district's financial problems (although the schools are actually getting more per-pupil aid than in past years). He defended increased spending caused by the school's controversial pre-school program, the newly instituted all-day kindergarten, and the hiring of additional administrative and support staff. (3/12/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Cold Spring Cemetery reported in financial trouble, may be abandoned to the Town. The trustees of the Town of Lockport cemetery off Chestnut Ridge Road told Lockport Town Supervisor John Austin that it's costing $100,000 a year to maintain the historic burial grounds and that the cemetery organization is running out of money. They're reportedly asking the Town to help with the maintenance costs. If help doesn't come from the Town, the likely result could be that the cemetery would be "abandoned" by the organization. That would mean, according to State Law, that the Town would have to assume responsibility. In 2001 the Cold Spring Cemetery Association reportedly lost $30,000 on operations. Supervisor Austin sounded irate on the radio,Tuesday, 3/12, while telling WLVL Radio that he would suggest that the Town Board would probably fight the action. Austin raged on that the cemetery board was "trying to shove this cemetery down our throats" voicing no sympathy for the families or deceased buried there. He said he was opposed to the town giving any maintenance help to the present organization or to subsidize an active cemetery. Austin said if forced, the Town would only do only minimal maintenance to the the cemetery. The Town of Lockport has a track record with cemeteries in its borders which indicates little maintenance. Cemeteries the town is currently responsible for have been the scene of un-repaired vandalism and are in various states of serious decay. The Cold Spring Cemetery Board is to meet March 22nd at 4PM to approve paperwork that would turn the cemetery over to the town. The cemetery extends over about 72 acres with about 35,000 plots. Burials go back to the war of 1812. (3/12/02) To be filed under Lockport Talk of the Town See our Editorial Comment on this issue
Sullivan Administration reported ready to "deal" again with Delphi-Harrison. The last time Delphi-Harrison chiefs huddled with Lockport City Sullivan administration officials the result was a multi-million dollar cut in the company's property assessment --- the costs of which were immediately passed on to residential and small business property owners. Now the city and Delphi-Harrison are reported in the process of negotiation of water rates. Delphi wants another huge cut but Lockport City water and sewer funds have been running in red ink for the past several years. The cuts Delphi is asking for come at a time when other customers have been hit with continuing rate increases in both water and sewer. Delphi hasn't had an increase in years. The present "special deal" with Delphi-Harrison expired in 1999 but has been extended on a month-to-month basis by agreement of both parties. (3/11/03) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Assemblyman Dave Seaman nominated for Family Court. The Lockport attorney now serving in the State Assembly will have his nomination go to the State Senate for confirmation. As reported previously at the Lockport Page, Seaman will have to run for election in November. His Assembly district will be reconfigured and he would have had to run against a fellow Republican to keep his seat. (3/9/02) To be filed under Lockport Political News
It's official: K-Mart to close Lockport store. Just as reported earlier at the Lockport Page, K-Mart Corporation late Friday released its list of 284 under-performing stores it will close as a part of its bankruptcy reorganization effort. Among those to close is the so-called "Big" K-Mart on South Transit in Lockport. Also, in the Greater Lockport Area, K-Marts at 8150 Transit Road Williamsville, and 998 Broadway Buffalo will close. Kmart Corporation has asked the Bankruptcy Court to give final approval to the store-closing plan at a hearing in Chicago on March 20, 2002. (3/9/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Last remains of A. J. Laux Company closes in Lockport. When Relsco Printing of Grand Island bought out the longtime Lockport family printing and stationary company a few years ago they closed the plant on Park Avenue and set up a small retail operation on Main Street. The apparent plan was to try to hold onto as many loyal Laux customers (decades of them) and do their printing on Grand Island. That effort having run its course, the company closed their store-front location at 40 Main saying good-bye to Lockport with a crude hand-drawn sign in the window. Now, the grand Laux era in Lockport business has come to a final, albeit less than glorious, end. (3/8/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
"Personality conflict" results in alderman's resignation from committee. Lockport First Ward Alderman Scott R. Elliott (D) has resigned from the Lockport City Traffic Advisory Board. He is being replaced by Alderman-A-Large Joe Kibler (R) who is already a member of all the City Council's standing committees. Elliott, a Niagara County Deputy Sheriff, admitted that a "conflict of personalities" with others on the board resulted in his departure. (3/8/02) To be filed under Lockport Political News
Lockport Day in Florida has good turnout. The annual Lockport Day at North Fort Myers, FL (March 5th) had another good turnout this year according to Lockport radio personality, J. R. Reid who broadcast from the event back to Lockport over 1340/AM. Reid said attendance was about double last year and that another Lockport radio personality from yesteryear, Tom Jolls, was also on hand and on the air. (3/8/02)
Elderly man found dead near gun club. The body of 81-year old Carlton T. Winters was discovered Tuesday night, 3/5, off a dirt dead-end road (Neden Lane) leading up to the North Forest Rod and Gun Club in the north-central sector of the Town of Lockport. The location was reported to be several miles from his home in the city. Mr. Winters' family had reported him missing earlier in the day. Police are investigating but they are saying "foul play" is not suspected. (3/6/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Man attempts suicide with massive drug overdose. A 37-year old man was rushed to Lockport Memorial Hospital early Wednesday afternoon following an apparent suicide attempt. The Lockport Home Page was told that first responders on the scene near Dysinger and Akron Roads, volunteers from the South Lockport Fire Department, said the man had regained consciousness as they were bringing him in to the hospital by ambulance. (3/6/02) To be filed under Talk of the Town
"Let's go to Lockport to shop!" Three Niagara Falls residents were arrested in the parking lot of Tops Supermarket on South Transit Road late Monday night, 3/4 on charges connected with stolen property. Authorities say they found 40-year old Kenny Moore with over $125 of frozen shrimp stuffed into his coat. They say they also found a "pipe" stuffed in one of Moore's socks. The pipe has been sent for testing and may result in further charges. Two companions of Mr. Moore, also of Niagara Falls, 30-year old Kelly A. James and 34-year old Curtis Davis, were charged when police checked their car and reportedly found merchandise they believe was stolen. (3/6/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Audit to investigate rumor $400K in Lockport City funds unaccounted for. The Lockport Page was told Sunday, 3/3 that an auditor has been hired to probe City of Lockport books. The purpose, sources say, is to try to find what happened to up to $400,000 in public funds believed to be unaccounted for. According to limited details given to the Lockport Page, the auditor was hired by one of the city employee unions apparently having problems with contract negotiations with city officials. (3/3/02) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips See later story update
Lockport High wins girls' bowling title. The Lady Lions bowling team wrapped up a perfect 16-0 season over the weekend, winning NYS Public High School Athletic Championships in Niagara Falls. Lockport coach Harvey Mattes said, "It's the best season we've ever had." (3/3/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Ten teens arrested at weekend booze party. State Police moved in on 6156 Old Beattie Road In Lockport Town early Saturday morning, 3/2, after reports of teens carrying on an all-night booze party. At about 1AM ten teens were charged with underage possession of alcoholic beverages. The boys and girls ranged from age 16 through 19. Many listed home addresses in the affluent Erie County community of Williamsville, others from around Lockport. Troopers identified 19-year old Jessica Cole as the apparent hostess at the party being run out of her parent's home. (3/3/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Drug raid in city crime district results in woman's arrest. The Niagara County Drug Task Force moved in with a search warrant on 35 South Street late Friday night, 3/1, and seized what they suspected to be crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Arrested in Apartment #1 was 45-year old Linda K. Patterson. She was charged with "criminal nuisance" but more serious charges are pending, the Lockport Page was told, after results of tests on the items seized are known. (3/3/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Left over leftovers for Lockport. Niagara County has now dispensed all of its used highway trucks to the cities of North Tonawanda and Niagara Falls with two vehicles left over for Lockport, should the city ever move to pick them up. The used trucks have been replaced in Niagara County service by brand new trucks purchased with millions of dollars in "tobacco money." The new trucks will be used to service the various towns in the County while the cities will get the used trucks. Niagara Falls was first in to pick up trucks (four) and are delighted with what they received ---one as new as a 1999 model. North Tonawanda picked up three. Lockport officials haven't gotten around to picking up any yet. What is left are two trucks believed to be too big to use for normal snow plowing in Lockport. But it's all that left over. (3/2/02) To be filed under Lockport Light
Ambulance fee hike urged to cut city red ink. The ambulance service operated by the City of Lockport has been identified as a source of additional income for the city. An increase of ambulance fees of from 41 to 68% has been proposed so as to cut the financial costs to Lockport City property taxpayers which have been giving a heavy subsidy to the ambulance service. Even with the increase in fees, Fire Chief Tom Passuite noted, Lockport City would still have lower fees than nearby cities such as Batavia. Additionally, Passuite noted, most ambulance fees are paid for by health care insurance companies. The basic life support ambulance fee would increase from $210 to $354 under the Passuite proposal. (3/1/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
Administrators aim at 10% hike in school tax rate. Even with about $1.1-million in cuts proposed by Lockport Superintendent of Schools Bruce Fraser the Lockport school tax rate could go up about 10%. Because of reassessment that could mean over a 30% boost in taxes for many Lockport city property taxpayers. And, if Board of Education member Jane Johnson and Robert Pohl have their way, the tax rate hike will be even more since the two are opposed to most spending cuts. The biggest increase in costs, according to district business manager Ray Morningstar Jr., is raises for employees, more money for the employee retirement programs, and 20% hike in payments for employee health benefits. (2/28/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Woman charged after cars looted at hospital. A 52-year old Lockport woman was arrested Tuesday 2/26, after police received a tip that someone was going through cars parked at Lockport Memorial Hospital. Police say four cars were entered and Mary E. Stamp of Apartment 7, 322 East Avenue has been charged with multiple counts of larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. (2/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Lockportian lauded in Calgary, Canada. Michael Speck, DeSales '65, is the principal Commercial Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Calgary, one of six U.S. Commercial Service offices in Canada and 150 outside the United States. Mr. Speck is featured in the Sunday, 2/24 issue of Calgary's major newspaper, The Calgary Herald, and lauded for his friendly personal representation of the USA and his effective work in helping US business concerns export goods into the Canadian prairie province markets of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Northwest Territories. Speck, who has been in Calgary 18 months following assignments around the world for the United States government, is being urged by his many friends in the Calgary community to retire there. He and his wife Christine (Keleher), also DeSales '65 were married after a reunion at their school's 20th reunion in Lockport. They have extensive family connections here in Lockport and Speck says he next expects to be back in Lockport in late March. (2/26/02) To be filed under Congratulatory Cheers
400 teens to help repair homes of Lockport poor. A one-week Christian work camp has been scheduled for Lockport next summer, June 29-July 5, 2003 during which teenagers from all many parts of the country will come to Lockport to help repair housing of Lockport poor. The effort is being sponsored by the Lockport Area Clergy Association which is attempting to raise $19,000 to help buy the building materials that will be used to repair, paint, and fix up houses in the Lockport area, for those who cannot afford the cost or are unable to do it themselves. Organizers say sixty to eighty homes for the Lockport needy will be repaired at no cost to the property owners and better living conditions will be created. Matching contributions of those raised in Lockport will be the national "Group Workcamps Foundation" which will provide about $15,000. The faith-oriented teen volunteers and their adult sponsors will come form churches of many denominations across the country. Local organizers say the teen volunteers will not come to Lockport to evangelize but rather grow in their faith through meaningful service to others. Locally the effort will be called, "The Erie Canal Workcamp" and is co-chaired by Rev. David Brower, Pastor of Grace Episcopal Church and Jim Haid, Youth Minister at St. John's Catholic Church. While the teens stay in Lockport they will reside at Lockport High School. (4/26/02) To be filed under Events Around Lockport
Zoning issue turning into racial issue.
The efforts of a 36-year old Michigan Street man to have property he purchased at 376 Michigan Street (next to his home) re-zoned for business commercial use has set off charges of racial discrimination against Lockport City officials. Steve Huston bought the vacant lot knowing it was zoned Residential in a totally residential neighborhood but when the Zoning Board failed to give him a variance to build a restaurant-bar and meeting hall he raised cries of discrimination. Huston wasn't about to take "no" for an answer. He played "the race card" putting up a sign on the property accusing city officials of "prejudice, bias, racial discrimination, stereotype and bigot attitude." He contacted the Union-Sun & Journal to have a picture taken of the sign which the paper then published on its front page. Huston reportedly paid $5250 for the 189-foot (wide) by 300 foot (deep) property that was once known as "Hayes Park." Those opposed to the zoning change are now being subjected to racial prejudice charges but Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Dick Blackley says Huston brought the problem on himself. Blackley calls it a "self-created hardship" with Mr. Huston buying residential property on speculation hoping to convert it into more valuable commercial property. On the Common Council, Alderman Scott Cercone now is saying he wants to circumvent the Zoning Board of Appeals to allow the non-conforming use of the property. (2/25/02) To be filed under Lockport LinesRepeat child sex offender faces return to jail. A 52-year old resident of Urban Park Towers in downtown Lockport faces a return trip to jail for as much as 14 years as a result of admitted activities with a 7-year old girl. The Buffalo News is reporting that Robert E. Dimsey was on already on probation for a 1997 first degree sex abuse conviction when he was accused of the latest activities which allegedly took place during a year-and-a-half period ending in December 2000. Niagara County Judge Sara Sperrazza will sentence Dimsey to five to seven years in prison on the latest charges March 25th and may re-sentence him on the previous charges, for which he was on parole. The additional sentence could extend Dimsey's stay in The Big House to as long as 14 years. (2/23/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
4-year old hailed as heroine. Family and friends are calling little 4-year old Gillian Mangani a heroine after she called "911" Friday morning, 2/22, to ask authorities for help when her mother had near-passed out at home, apparently from low blood sugar. The girl called "911" which dispatched a Rapids Volunteer Fire Department rescue team to the family Town of Lockport home. The mother, Stacey Mangani, was treated and released from the hospital Friday afternoon. (2/23/02) To be filed under Greater Lockport Area Emergency Response
US&J reported considering morning publication. Lockport's daily newspaper, for generations an "evening paper," is reported considering switching to becoming a "morning paper." The switch could lead to further consolidation economies for Greater Niagara Newspapers, the southern newspaper ownership group that now also controls the Niagara Falls Gazette, which has been a morning paper for many years. The southern group (which also owns papers in Medina, North Tonawanda, and Grand Island) has taken to duplicating much of the Gazette on the pages of the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal in what appears to be an effort to fill editorial space and reduce costs. The Lockport paper is now printed at group's common printing plant in North Tonawanda (and trucked into Lockport in mid-morning) while management has been transferred to offices in Niagara Falls. The new southern ownership sold the newspaper plant in Lockport and now maintains a small staff working out of rented space on East Avenue. The Lockport paper's deadline is now at night, the day before publication. Previously, when operated independently, the paper's deadline was late morning on the day of publication. Now, the Lockport Page is told, the US&J is printed before midnight then sits on pallets near the loading dock for up to 12 hours while the Niagara Gazette is being distributed. Delivery of the paper to subscribers is still in the late afternoon/early evening timeframe, making the freshest news published almost 24 hours old. If the US&J were to become a "morning paper" it would be out on the streets well before 8AM so as to utilize school children for delivery purposes. It would also, observers speculate, allow the paper to be further integrated into becoming a supplement or regional edition of the Niagara Gazette, a feat that could be accomplished by merely changing the the front sheet that the Gazette is wrapped in. Such consolidation would further decrease costs of publication for the ownership. (2/22/02) To be filed under Media Monitor
Medina man charged with rape, burglary. A 31-year old Medina man who reportedly claimed he had "just gotten out of jail" has been charged with rape, aggravated harassment, and burglary on the complaint of two Lockport women. The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal is reporting that Marvin T. Powell of 409 East Center Street in Medina was arrested late Thursday, 2/15. A publicly unidentified Lockport woman is reported to have accused Powell of "visiting" her home several times this month including one unannounced social call about Midnight while she was sleeping a couch. A second woman is said to be claiming Powel "threatened" her and she is reported "concerned" because he has keys to her home. Mr. Powell, according to public papers, also maintains an address at 35 Poplar Street in Buffalo where he was picked up by Buffalo Police and handed over to authorities in Lockport. (2/26/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Sunday fire at Washington Street housing project.
The apartment complex (known as Washington Heights) which had been under city-mandated closure for some time was apparently re-occupied when fire broke out there pre-dawn Sunday, 4/17. Reports say 19 people fled the building at 51 Washington Street and were made homeless by the fire which is still under investigation. Firefighters say they saw flames shooting out of a second floor bedroom window when they arrived just before 5AM. Damage has been estimated at about $10,000. (2/18/02) Update 2/20: The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal is reporting that City Building Inspector, James McCann has declared the cause of the fire to be a candle used by one of the tenants. However, the Lockport Page has been told that the Fire Investigator Bruce Scheffler said a cause has yet to be determined. Scheffler and Lockport Deputy Fire Chief Mark Devine indicated that no evidence of a candle or wax was found at the scene. Fire debris samples have been sent to the County Lab for testing. To be filed under Lockport Emergency Response.$64,000 reported stolen from Lockport Hospital courier. An employee of Lockport Memorial Hospital, entrusted with over $64,000 to deposit in a city bank lost everything after stopping for a drink at a convenience store. Lockport Police say the Newfane man, stopped at the Jiffy Mart at Walnut and Washburn Streets Tuesday morning, in the City Crime District and didn't bother to lock the car. The car was quickly entered and a briefcase with the hospital's deposit money in it was swiped off the front seat while the courier claims to have been inside the store. Most of the deposit, police say, was in the form of checks but $1,952.32 was in cash. The matter is under investigation. (2/15/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Bennett hires top lawyer for tree-cutting case. Former Niagara County Deputy Director of Tourism, Cyd Bennett has hired top Buffalo criminal lawyer Terrance Connors to get her off in the long simmering investigation into who cut down the trees on property belonging to Bennett's former neighbors off Outwater Drive. Connors is expensive but is well connected and extremely skillful ---one of the top five lawyers in Western New York --- he's able to take the tough cases and win. The famed lawyer told the Niagara Gazette that he was expecting to meet soon with Niagara County District Attorney Matthew J. Murphy III in an attempt to have the matter pending against Bennett dropped. (2/13/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
School taxes could be hiked 5.3% just to cover payments on previous debt. During the Neal administrations Lockport taxpayers were repeatedly told the urgency to approve building projects in order to take advantage of "deals" the State was offering on aid. Now, school officials are claiming, State authorities are changing the rules for aid for those projects, reducing yearly payments to the Lockport School District on completed capital projects. Lockport is stuck with a mountain of debt on buildings it can't fill with a declining school population --- and now, less State aid to pay for it all. New Superintendent of Schools, Bruce Fraser gave the public the bad news this week that the district is short $1.4-million to pay off debt next year. He blames the shortfall on the State, even though other figures show State operating aid to the district is at record levels. The solution Fraser says is an increase in school property taxes of 5.3% or the layoff of some 30 employees. (2/12/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Police arrest boy after girl says he "made her pregnant. A juvenile girl and her mother went to Lockport Police Monday, 2/11, with a claim that a 16-year old Ontario Street boy "made her pregnant." Police immediately arrested the boy charging him with sexual misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child. No charges were placed against the girl or her mother. (2/12/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Woman attacked, robbed at Niagara Hotel. Lockport Police say a 36-year old West Avenue woman was hit over the head with a beer bottle in the wee morning hours of Friday, 2/8 at the Niagara Hotel after she had bought her alleged attacker a drink. Seems the man wanted more and, according to public papers, pulled $92 out of the jacket pocket of Karen Shomers and began to flee the landmark downtown watering hole. Ms. Shomers reportedly attempted to stop him when he is said to have smashed a beer bottle over her head before continuing to flee with the money. Police are investigating and looking for suspect. (2/9/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
School leaders unaware of arsenic leaching at Southard school playground. Amid reports that two similar playground in the Rochester suburb of Pittsford have been found leaching dangerous levels of arsenic into the ground and child-contact surfaces, officials at Lockport Schools say they have no knowledge that such poisons exist at the George M. Southard School playground. The cause for concern is when the wood in the playgrounds has been treated with arsenic-containing chemicals to preserve it over time and weather. Such wood is known in the industry as CCA-treated (Chromated Copper Arsenate) wood and is commonly used when unpainted wood needs to be protected over a long term in an out-door environment. The arsenic (a government-listed "acute poison") has been coming out of the wood at two playgrounds in Pittsford and school officials there have ordered the playgrounds torn down. The Southard playground was not purchased by the school district but rather by a PTA group and school officials say they have little knowledge of the wood used in the facility. It has been in operation for about a decade without complaint. Lockport School District Business Administrator, Ray Morningstar Jr., told the Lockport Page that he knows of no testing done on the grounds or playground surfaces at Southard School. A leader for the PTA group, Robert Muffler, said he did not have any knowledge of arsenic levels at the playground but said neither did he have details as to the type of treatment the lumber and wood used in the playground was subjected to. He told the Lockport Page that the wood was obtained from a source "in the Midwest." The risk of arsenic poisoning to children, suspected to be caused by CCA-treated wood in backyard decks, has moved into local concern this past week when a Niagara Falls doctor said he was treating eight children for high arsenic levels. All the children were reported "developmentally disabled." (2/9/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Town of Lockport says "No" to County IDA takeover. Town of Lockport officials want no part of an effort by John Simon, head of the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to take over town IDA groups should as those operated by Lockport Town. The Lockport Town Board Wednesday, 2/6, passed a resolution opposed to Simon's proposal to consolidate all industrial development agencies in Niagara County. (2/8/02) To be filed under Talk of the Town
City Council OK's $65K for reassessments. Thousands of Lockport property owners, who saw their property assessments skyrocket last year as part of a scheme to give tax breaks to Delphi-Harrison while effecting a large city property tax hike, may see some relief. Wednesday night, 2/6, the Lockport Common Council approved spending about $65,000 to include hiring an additional city assessor and get out of an outside assessor contract. Much of that money, council members were told, will be quickly reimbursed by special State aid. Alderman-at-Large Joe Kibler (R) indicated he views the move as a way to get 8000 pieces of city property ---many substantially over-assessed during the past two years --- reassessed at true market value at the least cost to the city. (2/7/02) To be filed under Lockport Lines
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Power restored most everywhere in Lockport. As of Monday morning, 2/4, 2002, the number of NYSEG customers in Lockport reported without power was given as 165. That's down from about 8000 on Friday. NYSEG crews from all over New York State were moved to the Niagara Frontier to restore power to the Lockport area. Verizon Telephone also has crews in from out-of-town helping to reconnect telephone service at individual residences. Even after all services are restored by Tuesday, there will be many days of clean-up operations by the utility companies. Schools were closed again on Monday in Lockport, including DeSales, although travel conditions around the city were near-normal. Royalton-Hartland schools were also closed on Monday. (2/4/02)
Lockport K-Mart reported on "closing list." The longtime K-Mart Department Store on South Transit Road at Lockport is the only Niagara County location reported on the company's tentative closing list. The national discounter, now in bankruptcy, has reportedly placed five of its stores in Western New York on a list to be closed according to Buffalo's Business First. The store at Lockport has suffered decreased sales since the opening of a Wal-Mart almost directly across the road a few years ago. Since then the store has struggled to compete with an large expansion of food items being stocked at the expense of reduction of inventory of traditional K-Mart merchandise. That switch in inventory has been seen as a major negative for the Lockport store which has been drawing customer complaints ever since. An announcement by K-Mart, now attempting to reorganize under bankruptcy protection, is expected in about a month according to the Business First report. (2/3/02) To be filed under Lockport Loose Lips
The first dose of freezing rain and about five inches of snow Lockport handled fairly well on Thursday, 1/31, but when the freezing rain continued overnight into and past daybreak on Friday, Lockport travel for the most part halted. Hundreds of trees were down all over the city and electrical and telephone service was interrupted in scores of neighborhoods. There were so many calls that crews from New York State Electric & Gas couldn't begin to deal with all the power lines down. Live electrical wires on city streets were reported down in over fifty neighborhoods and the City didn't have enough barricades to block off streets or emergency crews to warn motorists. Lockport Schools and many other institutions were closed on Friday. Ice damage was reported all over Niagara County but Lockport, with its many beautiful neighborhoods of old trees was especially hard hit.
Saturday morning after daybreak, NYSEG representatives told the media that about 3600 people in its Lockport service area were still without power. All electric power is not expected to be restored until Tuesday or Wednesday, February 5th or 6th. Late Friday, Niagara Mohawk, which services most of the Niagara Frontier and the area surrounding Lockport City, said that about 45,000 of their customers were without power, about 13,000 of whom are in Niagara County. New York State Electric & Gas said about 36,000 of their customers were without power on Friday, including 8,200 in Lockport. The Lockport total for NYSEG had been cut to about 3600 Saturday morning. The power companies had brought in crews from other locations all over upstate New York to help out on the Niagara Frontier. Additionally, many private tree trimming companies were engaged by the power companies and local governments to deal with hundreds of trees down in Lockport and thousands over the Niagara Frontier area. On Sunday morning in Lockport NYSEG said just under a thousand customers remained without power.
Lockport Mayor Tom Sullivan Friday afternoon declared a "driving ban" in the City of Lockport. The details of that ban were vague and poorly communicated, but as word-of-mouth spread the variations of the news around the city the ban was interpreted by many to mean absolutely no travel on streets and highways. Because of the poor communications, rumors flourished. With a driving ban believed to make it unlawful for anyone to drive to work to the Harrison complex which is within the city limits, Delphi-Harrison shut down its Lockport operations at the end the first shift. Veteran Harrison employees can't recall that ever happening before---even during blizzard of '77. Even among those who heard about it, the driving ban was widely ignored and it was un-enforced. The driving ban was lifted in the city Saturday morning at 10AM. The Lockport Children's Snow Festival---suspended Friday, was able to start up on a somewhat curtailed program by Noon.
Hundreds of customers lost telephone service and when out-of-town residents called relatives in Lockport and got no answer they feared for the health and welfare of their loved ones. The Lockport Police responded to many such calls, sending patrols to homes all over the city to check on the health and welfare of residents who could not be reached by telephone. The restoration of telephone service to all homes in the city is expected to take several days. Lockport exchange telephone service operated by Verizon and connections to various long distance services was not significantly effected. There were no noticeable signs of system overloads. Cell phone service appeared busy but was still in operation without significant delays. Many Cable TV lines were down over a wide spread area of the city, cutting off TV viewing for many just as the big Super Bowl weekend began. Other services operated over the cable lines were also cut including some high speed Internet connections. Aldelphia cable crews were out but the backlog of outages was substantial.
Many traffic signals were out and some industries closed (including Jamestown Container) because of loss of electric power. There were nearly a hundred reports of electric wires on fire in various sections of the city. At 9AM Friday temperatures moved up to 40-degrees F and the ice that had loaded trees started dropping off just a couple hours before winds picked up to speeds of 35-40 mph with gusts to 55mph. That late morning thaw that caused much of the ice to come off trees and wires before the high winds hit was the reason that conditions did not deteriorate Friday afternoon. High winds took over just after Noon and continued until near twilight. That couple hours of late morning warning probably saved what the National Weather Service called "the worst ice storm for Lockport in 25 years" from turning into a major disaster. Many government employees were given a paid day off, while others were required to work overtime trying to cope with public calls for help and information. Lockport City garbage collection for Friday was cancelled so that garbage crews could help DPW and other city crews with tree removal. (2/1/02 ---updated 2/2, and 2/3/02)
Because of the widespread loss of power residents began to experience other problems late in the day Friday. In a few areas, sewers began to back up into home basements when sewer line pumping stations shut down with the loss of power. Crews were dispatched with portable pumps on trucks to by-pass the below-ground pumps and restore sewer flow. As far as the Lockport Page could determine, none of the City's fresh-water pumping stations or operations were significantly impacted by power failures. With a fair amount of rain drenching the ground many homes reported water entering basements. When electric power was out at homes that depended on electric sump-pumps, basements began filling up. This was a frequent problem outside the city and many of the volunteer fire companies were busy with calls to pump out basements.
This report was last updated at 10:30AM, Sunday, February 3, 2002
Update: 2/9/02: Out-of-town crews working for Verizon and New York State Electric & Gas were still continuing repair work throughout the Lockport area a week after an ice storm took out power and telephone service for thousands of Lockportians. Although power has reportedly been restored in all areas, many poles need replacement and temporary system by-pass wiring needs to be made permanent. Many telephone lines are still on the ground although they may be functioning.
Alderwoman on job one month, will take two-month vacation. Alderwoman Phyllis Green, (R - 5th Ward) elected in November took office January 1st. On Friday, February 1st she was telling friends at Laport's Pine Restaurant that she would be taking off to Sarasota, FL for a two-month vacation next week. Alderman-at-Large Joe Kibler will be expected to handle all the calls from her ward constituents while still maintaining his busy schedule of work on all Common Council committees. Green said she had planned her vacation a year ago but admitted not announcing her vacation plans while running for office last year. Green indicated she would not be giving up any of her $6500 a year salary because of long vacation. (2/1/02) To be filed under Lockport Light
"Hiring freeze" lasts just 15 days. The Lockport Common Council, alarmed with the report that the Sullivan administration had overspent nearly a million dollars in 2001 and the city was in red ink, declared a "hiring freeze" on city employees about January 15th. At a January 30th meeting that freeze was rescinded. The Sullivan administration wanted to hire a novice appraiser for the Appraisal Office so that it could continue to increase property appraisal valuations on a regular basis. The position will pay $30,464 a year plus benefits. (1/31/02) To be filed under Lockport Light
Man caught Tuesday night, charged with two armed robberies. Lockport Police say they caught a 22-year old city man Tuesday night, 1/29, after a chase on the border of the city crime district. He's been charged with the attempted hold-up of the Van Dusen Sunoco gas station at Washburn and East Avenue just before 9PM Tuesday night. Police responded quickly to an alarm, spotted the man outside the building, and chased him on foot. He was captured a short distance away and a pistol, believed used in the hold-ups, recovered. The Lockport Home Page was told early Wednesday morning that James Mulvey of South Transit Street is being held on $50,000 bail after an overnight appearance before City Judge Watson. Mulvey is also a suspect in the January 22nd armed robbery of the Sunoco station at High and South Transit. (1/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
More parking ramp vandalism. Lockport Police say tires on three cars were slashed Tuesday night, 1/29, in the downtown parking ramp, off Main Street. The damage was discovered about 8:30PM. (1/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
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Cattle rustler sought. Niagara County Sheriff's Deputies are looking for a red Hereford steer with a white stripe on the head and large front shoulders believed stolen from a farm on Tonawanda Creek Road. Edward P. Winter says he noticed the steer, valued at about $1200, missing from his farm Monday, 1/29. It may have been taken, Winter suspects, anytime in the past couple of weeks. Winter says 12 other cows are still on the farm. (1/30/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Girls accuse man of sexual misconduct. Two Lockport girls, ages 15 and 17, who reportedly met and flirted with a 24-year old Town of Lockport man over the Internet accused him of sexual misconduct after meeting him Saturday, 1/19. According to public papers, the girls claim the man fondled and "spanked" them at an undisclosed location at the Lockport Mall. Responding to the girls' accusations, Niagara County Sheriff's Deputies took the man into custody. He was later released into the custody of his parents. He faces a Lockport Town Court appearance on February 12th to answer multiple charges. (1/29/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
Robbers cause $10K in damage while netting $200 in cash. Those responsible for a Saturday, 1/26 after-hours break-in at the Belliveau Family Restaurant on Day Road reportedly caused $10,000 in damage to an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) at the eatery. When they finally pried it open they were able to take $200 in cash. They have not been caught. (1/28/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
I graduated from LHS in 1938.
Was wondering if there are any still around the Lockport area who I graduated with.
I presently live near Prescott, AZ
Dan Pomeroy: DPDanmax@aol.com
To
be filed under Class Reunions
Environmental testing begins on Richmond Avenue. In 1997 the Lockport Home Page began reports that the area off Richmond Avenue would be found to have significant hazardous materials contamination. Not only in the buildings, on the property, but under the ground. But City officials are infamous for going into denial about anything negative about their domain appearing on the Lockport Home Page. So, the City of Lockport is paying an area environmental company $123,165 (for openers) to find out if indeed there is anything wrong here. They will start underground test drills on Monday, 1/28. $183,300 is being shelled out to another company (from Syracuse) to act as "consultants." The cost to actually clean up the area will be much more ---but the city planners really have little idea. One improvement has been noted in recent weeks as the city starts spending some of the $1-million in federal money for "restoration of Richmond Avenue": the above-ground junk, chemicals, old vehicles and debris have been cleaned up and in many cases removed. Lockport has been waiting decades for this. In the picture below the property shown (just a portion of the Richmond Avenue project) was controlled for decades by the Kohl Motorcycle businesses. (1/27/02) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Teen charged in middle-of-the-night armed robbery. Police say he returned to a Green Street residence after being a guest in there earlier in Tuesday evening. According to public papers, 19-year old Kenneth B. Rouse is accused of coming back wearing a mask and carrying a gun Wednesday, 1/23, about 4:15AM and demanded money 50-year old Thomas L. Maida. A fight followed and Maida was reported injured by being hit with the gun before the intruder fled without any loot. Rouse, of 6772 South Transit Road was arrested Friday, 1/25 by Lockport Police on charges of first-degree attempted robbery, second-degree menacing and third-degree assault. (1/26/02) To be filed under Lockport Law
County IDA approvals incentives for Credit Union to move out of City. The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency took action Thursday, 1/24, that it has taken repeatedly in the past---offering City of Lockport business and industry tax incentives to move out of the city and relocate in one of the County towns. Thursday those tax breaks were approved for the Unit No . Federal Credit Union to relocate its headquarters at Rapids and South Transit Roads. The longtime Lockport business will build its $7.8-million new headquarters building and add about 12 new jobs (but remove jobs from the City of Lockport) thanks to the IDA action. Although the tax breaks offered are substantial, still taxing agencies out in the town will gain tax base and revenues at the expense of Lockport City. Starpoint Central School was cited as one example. The school district will get about $600,000 in taxes over ten years after which the taxes will increase to almost double. The Credit Union will maintain a branch office in Lockport City. (1/25/02) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Mayor makes another move to stall code enforcement. The latest move by Lockport Mayor Tom Sullivan to avoid enforcement of city zoning laws regarding front yard parking (and to avoid efforts to enact a new law) comes with his latest promise. This week Sullivan declared he would present, within a few months, a plan for on-street parking. 24-hour on-street parking has long been prohibited in Lockport for many reasons, the most significant of which is snow plowing in winter and street cleaning year around. (1/25/02) To be filed under Lockport Light
Keleher named City Democratic Chairwoman. Newly elected Lockport Common Council member, David Blackley has resigned from his position of a City Democratic Chairman to give more attention to his city position. The City Democratic Committee this week elected Mary Elena Keleher as Chairwoman and Matthew Pynn as Vice-Chairman. (1/25/02) To be filed under Lockport Political News
Superintendent suggests cut-backs in some school spending programs but overall spending boost. It was an unusual scene at this week's meeting of the Lockport Board of Education. Superintendent of Schools Bruce Fraser, in an attempt to deal with a huge overburden of spending inherited from the previous leadership, suggested several moves to cut district operating costs. Included were the transfer of the alternative school program for troubled children (called "Lockport Opportunities") to Charlotte Cross School from the presently rented St. John's School on Chestnut. The pre-school baby-sitting program begun just last year at Charlotte Cross would be released to private sector providers. Several non-teaching positions would be eliminated. Travel budgets would be reduced. The adult education program, another money-loser, would be curtailed. However, the total budget Fraser proposed of $61.8-million would require yet another unspecified tax increase for Lockport property taxpayers. The Board is in the process of formulating its 2002-2003 school budget. (1/23/02) To be filed under Lockport School News
Developer wants subsidy for Elmwood housing. Samuel Sansone has applied to the City of Lockport to grant tax exempt status for five years, and substantial tax abatement for another five, on an 11-parcel subdivision of housing he wants to build and sell off Elmwood Avenue. The request for preferential tax treatment comes at a time when most city residents just received increased property tax bills, due in part, to a special tax-cut deal the Sullivan administration made with Delphi-Harrison. According to public papers, Sansone had applied to the State of New York for a $20,000 grant for each family that would move into the housing, but has been turned down. A public hearing on Sansone's request has been scheduled for February 7th at 7PM. (1/11/02) To be filed under Lockport Letter
City overspent almost $1-Million in '01, Schrader wants a new "garbage tax." It took only a few days after a new Lockport Common Council came into office. What was denied before elections broke out into the open with a new Common Council now probing city matters: The Sullivan Administration had overspent about $950,000 during 2001, had wiped out a City surplus built up over prior years, and had plowed the City into a serious deficit. Sullivan's right-hand man, Common Council member, Patrick W. Schrader (D-4th ward) saw the solution as a new "garbage tax" to be imposed on city residents. After City Treasurer, James W. Ashcraft Jr. revealed that in his 22 years as Treasurer the city had never before exceeded its budgeted spending, Mayor Thomas Sullivan told the Buffalo News, "We need to put a strategy in place." The garbage tax Schrader is proposing would be on top of the giant property tax increase passed late in the year that hit city homeowners in early January. Some tax bills are showing as much as a 40% increase to make up for a deal the Sullivan Administration gave Delphi-Harrison. (1/7/01) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Police charge three with multiple city pellet gun attacks.
Lockport Police feel they have solved some, if not most of the pellet gun shootings that have terrorized city residents and damaged property over the past two months. Friday, 1/4, three young people were charged with a series of felonies and misdemeanors associated with mostly drive-by shootings with pellet guns. Two persons were shot and scores of properties damaged by the attacks that were spread out over the city. Damages have been estimated to exceed $10,000. Those arrested were identified in public papers as: 21-year old Peter J. Weller of 351 Gooding Street, 20-year old Francis Gritzmacher of 92 Saxton Street, and 16-year old Patrick A. Doty of 6261 Corwin Street in Lockport Town. Because of the felony charges the matter will go to Niagara County Court. (1/5/02) To be filed under Lockport LawPaul Oates to be named Clerk of the Legislature.
Radio Station WLVL's, Paul K. Oates (frame left), is about depart local broadcasting for the political position of Clerk of the Niagara County Legislature. Job security: Two years or as long as Democrats maintain control of the Niagara County Legislature. But having survived the extremely insecure radio field for 14 years Oates should have no worries working in County government. He's been the M.C. of Tradio (11:05AM-Noon) for most of those 14 years at WLVL along with serving as the station's commercial production director. It is unlikely the station will replace him with equivalent experience or talent. Oates is a graduate of journalism at St. Bonaventure University and is a native Lockportian. He gained widespread fame as an author-historian in 2000 with the release of his book on the history of Lockport area dairies. That book is still being sold at local outlets such as the Niagara County Historical Society. With a starting base pay in County government pegged at $42,000, the financial aspect of Oates' decision to leave broadcasting was a "no-brainer." (1/1/02) To be filed under Greater Lockport Media MonitorCity tax bills arrive; some hit with tax hike of over 40%. The Tom Sullivan Administration sent out their "New Year's Greetings" to Lockport City property taxpayers as 2001 came to an end with tax bills showing huge increases for most. The tax bills make a lie of statements City residents had received earlier that taxes would be raised "only about 3.1%." But because of the Sullivan Administration's re-distribution of the tax burden to finance a tax benefit deal for Delphi-Harrison, smaller Lockport City residential and business taxes were being based on drastically increased property assessments. Property owners were complaining that their properties were now assessed well above market value so that the Delphi-Harrison tax break could be accommodated. When the Sullivan Administration agreed to lower taxes on the huge Harrison complex on the city's western border, it did not agree to reduce city spending. Instead it boosted city spending and the result is tax bills that were mailed out are as much as 40% higher than last year. There were many notable exceptions to the tax increase besides the Delphi-Harrison properties. Tenant multi-family rental housing generally tended to receive lower tax increases (and some reductions). Also many of those who had, or were able to court, the favor of those at City Hall, had their initial increased assessments reduced. (12/30/01) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Newspaper notes: we have "highest combined tax burden in the nation!" The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal in an editorial (12/22) strongly critical of the Niagara County Legislature, has declared that the overall Niagara Region now has "the highest combined tax burden in the nation." The newspaper doesn't cite its source for that statement but those in Niagara County are ready to believe it after the County Legislature spoiled the Christmas holiday season last week by passing a base 20.3% property tax increase. The actual cost to property owners in the city of Lockport will probably be much higher because the city redistributed the local property tax burden through a reassessment so as to give a multi-million dollar tax break to Delphi-Harrison. Some small business and residential property tax payers will consequently find themselves with County property tax bills of 30 to 40% higher come March 2002.
The newspaper determination apparently takes into consideration all taxes those in the city of Lockport must pay including: Federal and State Income Tax, Telephone taxes, Vehicle and Gas Taxes, County and State Sales Tax, Excise Taxes, Mortgage Taxes, School Property Tax, City Property Tax, County Property Tax, Social Security Taxes, Electric, Gas and Cable TV Taxes, Unemployment Insurance Taxes, Business and Unincorporated Business Taxes, Corporation Income and Corporation Franchise Taxes, License and Professional Fee Taxes, Water and Sewer Taxes, Bed Taxes, plus Garbage and Waste Taxes. Yes, these are all taxes paid by Lockportians! It's a staggering list and an even more staggering tax burden for Lockportians. (12/26/01) To be filed under Lockport Letter
Schrader to be named Common Council President. The 4th ward Democratic alderman has been chosen by Mayor Tom Sullivan to be Common Council President for 2002 and to chair two important committees. Schrader will head the Finance and Public Works committees. Schrader said he'll be retiring from Delphi-Harrison at the end of March and will have additional time for city business. Another Democrat, newly elected alderman David Blackley (a lawyer and former City Deputy Corporation Counsel) will head the Personnel Committee with an opportunity to help improve the efficiency of city government through his participation in city-employee contract negotiations. Newly elected Alderman-at-Large, Joe Kibler (R) will lead the Youth and Senior Committee and incumbent alderman Scott Elliott (D) who is a Deputy Sheriff will chair the Public Safety Committee that oversees the Police and Fire Departments. (12/23/01) To be filed under Lockport City Government
City refuses again to act on front yard parking violations. The practice by some city residents of parking cars and storing junk vehicles on front lawns will continue into 2002 as it has throughout 2001---unencumbered by city enforcement of zoning laws on the books since 1948. At a Common Council meeting this past week, city lawmakers decided to have the City Planning Board "study" the proposal for a revised parking code that would have allowed some front yard parking under a scheme operating in nearby Medina. The action means that the newly elected Common Council will have to face the politically sensitive matter. Mayor Tom Sullivan has made non-enforcement of the parking laws one of the identities of his administration, dismissing multiple calls for action of the past two years. Enforcement of laws prohibiting front yard parking have been sought by property owners in the City as increasing numbers of wrecks and other vehicles have been placed on front yards. Alarming signs of urban blight have spread to once well-maintained neighborhoods as multiple families with multiple cars have moved into properties not built to accommodate the load. (12/15/01) To be filed under Lockport Letter
IDA helping to move another business out of city. It's becoming so commonplace it's hardly news anymore. The Niagara County "Industrial" Development Agency is being credited with moving another business out of the city of Lockport to Lockport Town. Unit No. Federal Credit Union is crediting the Niagara County IDA with arranging for tax abatements that will help them build a $7.8-million headquarters in the town on Rapids Road at Transit. Ground breaking is now scheduled for Spring of 2002. The credit union will retain as branches two locations in the city along with another in Middleport. The credit union headquarters will be nearly across Transit Road from the former Lockport Saving Bank headquarters---another multi-million move out of the city financed by the IDA. Soon after the move, the former Lockport bank renamed itself after Niagara Falls. (12/14/01) To be filed under Talk of the Town
45% of South Lockport firefighters don't live in the district. That amazing revelation comes out of the Sunday, 12/9 issue of Sunday, the combination Sunday publication of Greater Niagara Newspapers. The newspaper reports that the non-resident make-up for the 47-member volunteer department would probably be more if there not a mandatory cap of 45% placed on non-resident membership. The fire company reports a backlog of applicants from places like Lockport City waiting to join. (12/9/01) To be filed under Talk of the Town
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New County offices to open in downtown Lockport at year's end. Renovations are reported underway in the downtown Lockport Golden Triangle Plaza to accommodate the move of certain Niagara County offices from their longtime Park Avenue addresses. The move to additional rented space is being made to provide more room for the ever-increasing Niagara County court operations and the increasing size of Niagara County government operations. Seven county department offices will take up about 27,000 square feet of space in properties leased from Ulrich Development Company. One of the departments, the county-operated Motor Vehicles Office, will use about 7,000-square feet and is expected to bring significantly larger volumes of consumer traffic into the Lockport downtown area. Among the features Niagara County clerk Wayne Jagow was bragging about this week in a media tour of the area was a proposed "children's play section" which county taxpayers will pay for and TV monitors that will display CNN cable news broadcasts to appease those who have to endure the traditional long lines. (10/3/01) To be filed under Niagara County News
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