Let's Go Back for Nov. 8, 2013

40 Years Ago, Oct. 31, 1973

Butcher Shop opens

The opening of a new family business on Grand Island has caused something of a stir in the local business community. The new Butcher Shop and Deli, which is operated by the Cippulliti brothers on Grand Island Boulevard, also involves two other brothers and the boys' mother. In addition to the family, about 15 employees from Grand Island will be helping to afford service to local customers when the store opens Nov. 1 at 9 a.m.

... The new facility boasts very modern conveniences for storing and handling of meats, food preparation and the display of delicatessen items such as fish, cheese and baked goods.

The superb kitchen where foods are prepared daily includes a walk-in refrigerator and freezer. This is to ensure proper storage of meats as well as to guarantee that all ground meats will be prepared under refrigeration. ...

30 Years Ago, Oct. 28, 1983

Island registration changing

Town Democratic Chairman Joseph Crane this week confirmed what everyone has been suspecting - Grand Island is no longer a one-party town. Recently obtained figures from the Erie County Board of Elections indicate that for the first 10 months of 1983, more people registered as Democrats on Grand Island than Republicans. "It's a rather significant trend," Crane said. "It's the second or third year in a row that this has been the case."

"As a matter of fact," he continued, "over the last 10 years Republican enrollment has declined over 18 percent. During the same period Democratic enrollment has increased nearly 15 percent. While the Republicans have lost over 800, Democrats have gained about 400 voters. Republicans were 58 percent of the total enrollment in 1973. They are only 45 percent in 1983."

... "It's really good for the town and its people to have more than one point of view. Healthy debate leads to better laws," Crane concluded.

20 Years Ago, Oct. 29, 1993

Thruway turns down Isle bid for toll books

The EZ-Pass toll collection system that was put into operation Tuesday will soon be the only way to cross the bridge to Grand Island or pay 50 cents per trip for the "privilege."

Supervisor James H. Pax Wednesday was informed by the office of the Thruway Authority Chairman Peter Tufu that his request to have the sale of the commuter books continue to be available for Island residents cannot be met. ...

After receiving the letter of rejection, Pax said, "We are not going to give up. We will continue to fight," noting that petitions are still being circulated for presentation to the Authority. ...

10 Years Ago, Oct. 31, 2003

Chamber website visits hit all-time high ...

In the past year, the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has entertained nearly 13,000 visits to its website. That amounts to roughly two visitors per day in the slower months, December and January, and up to 50 visitors per day in the heaviest months, June and July. Chamber officials point out that the website has been "hit" a total of 358,904 times. The chamber's website aims to provide an extensive resource for Grand Island residents and businesses.