Silver: "I am pleased that the governor and the Legislature have reached agreement on the conceptual framework of a budget that maintains the Assembly Majority's longstanding commitments while making critical investments in the future of our state."

Skelos: "I am pleased that we have reached agreement on a responsible budget that includes the longtime Senate Republican priorities to create new jobs and cut taxes for hardworking, middle-class families."

Congressman Brian Higgins, NY-26, expressed shock and disappointment upon learning of plans by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to "postpone" the 2013 National Veterans Golden Age Games in Buffalo. Higgins is urging the VA Secretary to reconsider and proceed with the event, titled "Warriors on the Waterfront," scheduled for May 30 through June 4.

Local organizers have been planning for the event since 2007. Buffalo was officially awarded the Games in 2011. Earlier this month, Higgins' office worked closely with local organizers to facilitate finalization of the contracts with the VA.

The Selective Mutism Parent Support Group is slated to meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, in the study room of the Audubon Library, 350 John J. Audubon Parkway, Amherst.

The Niagara Hospice Alliance has announced two additional volunteer training sessions for individuals interested in making a difference in the lives of Niagara County residents faced with end-of-life illness.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is launching a new online registration system for its summer environmental education camps for the 2013 season, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced Tuesday.

The Independent Health Foundation has appointed three new members to its board of directors to serve three year terms.

The New York State Senate Transportation Committee HAS passed "Alix's Law" (S.1698Aa), sponsored by State Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan, R-C-I-Elma. The bill would close a legal loophole and hold intoxicated drivers accountable for leaving the scene of an accident.

State Sen. George Maziarz's bill to authorize Niagara County to pass a local law directing the Niagara County Office of Social Services to make shelter allowance payments directly to landlords has cleared the Senate committee on local government

State Sen. George Maziarz said Tuesday that, in light of the events last week in Herkimer County where an FBI dog was killed, the Senate is pleased to stand by its legislation that gives proper recognition to those who are often overlooked in the law: law enforcement animals.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is now accepting applications for the 2013 Environmental Excellence Awards program, Commissioner Joe Martens has announced.

Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau, released the following statement:

Niagara University is presenting high school students and incoming NU freshmen with an opportunity to begin working on their college degrees early.

State Sen. George Maziarz said Monday he was pleased to learn the New York State Public Service Commission recently adopted a three-year rate plan for National Grid electric and natural gas that will reduce rates for upstate operations, with customers expecting to see lower bills next month.

The Historical Association of Lewiston welcomes Niagara County Historian Catherine Emerson, who will speak on "Michael Huskey, the Unforgotten Sailor," at a free event Monday.

Assemblyman John Ceretto joined Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb, fellow members of the Assembly Minority Conference, and business leaders from across the state Monday at a press conference to oppose the proposed extension of the temporary 18-A tax on utilities.

The Most Rev. Richard J. Malone, bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, announced Monday Catholic Charities' annual Appeal has raised $7,283,164.45 to date, representing 68 percent of the $10.7 million goal. Funds raised for Appeal 2013 support Catholic Charities' 70 programs and services offered across 61 sites throughout the eight counties of Western New York.

Artpark's popular outdoor summer concert series offer an array of regional cuisine for thousands of hungry concertgoers each week. Opportunities exist for your business to become a food vendor at the "First Niagara presents Tuesday in the Park" concert series.

Buffalo Niagara Sales and Marketing Executives hosts 'How to Use Guerrilla Marketing Online' on Monday, March 25, at the Buffalo Niagara Marriott, 1340 Millersport Highway, Amherst.

New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has joined Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley in leading a nine-state coalition demanding new, permanent leadership at the Federal Housing and Finance Agency, the agency that oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Insyte Consulting, a non-profit management consulting organization, has announced it has helped its manufacturing clients reach $1 billion in economic impact in Western New York. The figure is the sum total of the benefits reported by Insyte Consulting clients since 2000 to independent third-party survey companies working for the U.S. Department of Commerce. Part of the $1 billion includes saving or creating more than 7,200 jobs.

Longer days mean spring sunshine and warm summer days not far behind, bringing thoughts of gardening and landscaping projects. The Lewiston GardenFest, presented by the Lewiston Garden Club, is now accepting vendor applications for its eighth annual event, to be held on Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23, along Center Street in Lewiston.

Feral Cat Focus' 10th annual "Fusion" fundraiser dinner event will be held on Saturday, April 13, at 6 p.m. at La Galleria Restaurant, 3923 Southwestern Blvd. (Route 20), in Orchard Park.

A team of employees from Niagara Falls State Park has received one of the agency's highest honors: the L.L. Huttleston Special Achievement Award for 2012. The Niagara Falls team was recognized for outstanding effort in implementing the Nik Wallenda walk across Niagara Falls in June.

After college, most people look for a job, try to move out of their parents' house, and worry about paying back student loans.

Niagara University student Nicole Mehlman, on the other hand, is going to go for a run.

Across the entire country.

March 24 marks the anniversary of the 1882 discovery of tuberculosis bacteria (TB), a disease that usually affects the lungs. This discovery led to the development of treatment for tuberculosis.

Town of Lewiston Supervisor Steve Reiter (right) and Councilman Michael Marra recently visited Susan Geissler's Youngstown studio to check on the progress of the Tuscarora Heroes Monument. The larger-than-life bronze sculptures will depict a tableau of two Tuscarora men saving a Lewiston woman and her baby during the War of 1812 British attack on Lewiston.

On April 27, the Friends of Niagara University Theatre will host the 28th annual Friends of Niagara University Theatre Gala, including a 4 p.m. production of "Into the Woods" at the Leary Theatre within the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, Clet Hall.

Shoppers at DiMino Tops Lewiston have begun to notice some changes to their supermarket. Owner Anthony DiMino said the best is yet to come.

Niagara Community Action Program Inc. has announced the availability of grant funds for home repair to qualified rural Niagara County residents who own their own homes and reside in one of the 12 towns in Niagara County.

The State University of New York is facing a critical crossroads, a choice between fulfilling its mission and failing to live up to its promise.

"Toast of the Town," an annual fundraiser for Niagara University's College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at Statler City (107 Delaware Ave., Buffalo).

The Buffalo Sabres "Green Team," in conjunction with First Niagara Bank and Shred-it, will be teaming up to host "Shredding Day" on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Niagara Bank in Snyder (4467 Main St.).

The Buffalo Junior Sabres are launching an online auction program, www.jrsabresraffles.org, to help raise money for the team while also giving fans a chance to win Sabres prizes.

State Sen. Mark Grisanti, a member of the New York State Multiple Sclerosis Legislative Alliance in the Senate, and supporters are advocating for continuation of The New York state multiple sclerosis registry and during MS Awareness Week.

The Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University will host an opening reception for "Chromatic Dynamism: Color and Motion" from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20. The exhibition is curated by Niagara University students.

Registration is now under way for Artpark's annual summer camps for children and teens, held throughout July and August. Returning sessions include three week-long sessions of "Art Camp," "Rock Camp" and "Advanced Rock Camp," as well as the "Advanced Art Camp" for high school students.

Congressman Brian Higgins, NY-26, spoke on the House Floor Friday to urge his colleagues in Congress to repeal the sequester by highlighting the importance of continued Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding for projects like the cleanup of the Buffalo River.

Grab your green and get ready for some corned beef, cabbage, fine Irish culture, music and dancing, and Irish beverages this weekend. St. Patrick's Day is upon us. There are a host of events going on throughout Niagara and Erie counties where you can celebrate the "luck of the Irish" this weekend.

Every year, we are reminded of the various dangers we can encounter on the road. And while drunk driving continues to cause damage, injury and death, one of the biggest causes of accidents is distracted driving. Everyone should have a great St. Patrick's Day this year - as long as they don't push their luck.