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Let's Go Back for Jan. 10, 2014

by jmaloni

*Taken from the Jan. 10 Island Dispatch

Thu, Jan 16th 2014 04:50 pm

40 Years Ago, Jan. 2, 1974

Inauguration ceremonies highlight new year

The Town of Grand Island held inauguration ceremonies in the Town Hall chambers at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 1974. State Supreme Court Justice Roger T. Cooke presided and issued the charge of office to Supervisor Raymond P. Griffin who was installed as the town's fiscal officer for an unprecedented sixth term. Councilmen James Pax and George Sullivan, each returned to public service for a four-year term, were also installed by Justice Cooke.

Town Justice Eric Reimann, serving his first term in the town's court, received the oath of his office from Justice Cooke, and Norman Mrkall, elected superintendent of highways in a close public vote, also was sworn in by the justice.

Families and friends of the officials, as well as their fellow councilmen and justice, were on hand for the formalities that sounded the beginning of a new year in the town's legislative and judicial processes. The annual affair adds a note of "official recognition" to the fact already accomplished by voters at the polls in the previous fall election. Serving the council in addition to the installed officers are Dr. Samuel Long and Laverne Luther, deputy supervisor. Justice Francis B. Pritchard will continue to share the court's duties along with newly seated Justice Reimann.

30 Years Ago, Dec. 30, 1983

Barge to keep river ice from power intakes

The New York Power Authority has received permission from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers "to annually sink a barge in the Niagara River at Buckhorn Island to block a gap between two spur dikes," according to a release received Wednesday from the Corps. Permission is necessary since the project involves U.S. waters.

"The barge will prevent ice from entering the east branch of the river from the west branch, thus providing protection for the power intakes at Niagara Falls," the release explains, adding, "The barge, which will be placed in December and removed in April, must be maintained in a containment-free condition to prevent pollution of the Niagara River."

20 Years Ago, Dec. 31, 1993

Isle ice rinks being prepared

The Town Recreation Department has been maintaining and will continue to maintain and groom the four natural ice rinks on the Island: Kaegebein, Bush and Baseline, Veterans Park and Town Center Park.

It must be kept in mind that these rinks are natural and at the mercy of weather conditions. What may look like solid ice from a distance may only be a thin layer on top. It is asked that those using these rinks respect the condition signs that are posted in each ice area. Please stay off the ice when the "not ready" sign is up. ...

10 Years Ago, Jan. 2, 2004

Swanick announces new legislative district lines

County Legislator Charles M. Swanick announced that the two-year reapportionment process is coming to conclusion with implementation of the Erie County Legislature's new district lines.

Swanick pointed out that the 10th District that he represents will now contain the towns of Tonawanda and Grand Island, the City of Tonawanda and the Village of Kenmore in its entirety, effective Jan. 1, 2004. The redistricting process reduced the size of the Erie County Legislature from 17 to 15 seats. ...

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