Let's Go Back for Oct. 18, 2013

40 Years Ago, Oct. 10, 1973

It's Academic

Mrs. Warren Holmes, coach of Grand Island's "It's Academic" team, finds herself in the enviable position of boasting a "winning team." For the classroom teacher whose "product" is to soften up for discussion and whose labor is too often discredited - a winning team in the field of "knowledge" is a rewarding kind of "accountability" to set before the critics. ...

That takes nothing away from the team members' own abilities of which Mrs. Holmes says, "This is the first time Grand Island has had a winning team in five years, and part of that success lies in the matter that the team members complement each other, encourage each other and function effectively together."

GI won its first game in a three-way contest with West Seneca East and Villa Maria Academy. ...

Let's all be watching Channel 4 ... when GI meets Sweet Home and Holland for the crack at the semi-final game, which will be played out later in the season.

30 Years Ago, Oct. 7, 1983

Supervisor holds line on property tax rates

The Town Board Monday adopted the preliminary 1984 town budget and set Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. for a public hearing.

The tax rate recommended by Supervisor LaVerne C. Luther for the general fund is $4.75 (per $1,000 of assessed valuation), unchanged from last year, on assessed valuation of $43,029,136, $271,545 more than last year. Department requests had put the rate at $5.17. ...

Commenting on the unchanged rates, Supervisor Luther said an increase in salary for all town employees was included, made up by earnings on adjustments. ... Luther said the town was maintaining services and keeping its employees while managing to stabilize tax rates.

20 Years Ago, Oct. 8, 1993

Isle to install traffic lights

Much needed traffic lights are to be installed at two accident-prone intersections on Grand Island.

Flashing red lights will provide better protection for motorists at Stony Point and Staley roads, and at Baseline and Staley roads, the scene of fatal accidents in the past.

The Town Board Monday agreed by resolution to request the county to issue the necessary permit before work is begun.

The Town Board in other business ...

•Requested the Thruway Authority to allow residents to continue purchasing commuter bridge toll ticket books after the E-Z Pass system is put into effect. ...

10 Years Ago, Oct. 10, 2003

War of words between GI Independence Party, write-in candidates

The Town of Grand Island Independence Party has filed a complaint with the Erie County District Attorney's office and initiated an ethical inquiry with the Town of Grand Island Ethics Advisory Board against Town Council candidate Kevin Rustowicz and town clerk candidate Robin Swedish, alleging the mishandling of absentee ballots for the Sept. 9 primary election.