Beginning today, fans of Western New York music can cast their votes for Whiskey Reverb in the Hard Rock Rising contest. The Niagara Falls band is in the running for a spot on the 2012 Hard Rock Calling stage in London.

The Easy Street Big Band will appear in concert on Saturday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the newly opened Ellicott Creek Playhouse.

Niagara Hospice has announced the creation of the DiMino Lower Niagara 5K Series.

The Greinert family at 6962 Errick Road, Wheatfield, is continuing its 26-year Easter tradition of decorating its property for the holiday. Paul Greinert carries on the tradition started by his dad, Ed Greinert, former town supervisor, with a lighted cross, bunnies, floral wreaths, Easter baskets and more spread over two acres (as shown above).

Niagara Falls International Airport got a double dip of good news Thursday with an announcement of a new flight destination and the news that federal funding for runway construction is on its way.

Dunkin' Donuts will support efforts to cure muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by collecting donations in its Buffalo-area restaurants to benefit the MDA through the "Make a Muscle, Make a Difference" campaign.

The initiative will run from April 8 through April 18 at participating Dunkin' Donuts restaurants throughout the greater Buffalo area.

Project will enhance international tourism destination and create 240 construction-related jobs.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced a $29.7 million investment for New York Works projects to upgrade and repair six parks in Western New York.

The fourth annual "Run with the Rapids 5K Run/Walk" will be held on Saturday, May 19, in downtown Niagara Falls. This USA Track & Field-sanctioned race benefits the Downtown Niagara Falls Business Association.

Mount St. Mary's Hospital has announced that Dr. Sharmilee Thota has joined its staff of physicians and medical providers as it expands its maternity and gynecology services that it offers to the community.

The faculty and staff of Niagara Catholic Jr./Sr. High School, Catholic Academy of Niagara Falls and St. Dominic Savio Middle School recently attended a professional development day to discuss the transition of the seventh and eighth grade middle school students to the high school.

Anyone who has an interest in the diverse history of the Niagara Region is welcome to attend the Annual Congress of the Niagara County Federation of Historical Societies.

The 12th annual Golf Raffle, chaired by Joe Cecconi, is taking place on Sunday, April 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sanborn Fire Hall, 5811 Buffalo St.

Niagara County Legislature Chairman William Ross (left) and Vice Chairman Clyde Burmaster (right) present a check to the Historical Association of Lewiston for the forthcoming War of 1812 Bicentennial commemoration.

Grand Island Moose Lodge No. 180 will be the site of a benefit for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on Saturday, April 28.

The Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas is excited to announce that its Women's Expo & Boutique will return to the Tonawanda Castle, 69 Delaware St., City of Tonawanda, on Saturday, April 28. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce will honor nine businesses and individuals at the annual Chamber Awards Gala on Friday, June 8, at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston.

Former hairdresser Sally Benchik, 96, sparkles with humor as she pats the hairdo she had done for the party. F. Ray Collins, who will be 84 the day after Easter, still reports for work every day at Ray's Auto Electric.

Modern Corporation this week unveiled the latest addition to its growing fleet - split-body trucks. Geared to make local neighborhoods even more environmentally friendly, with split-body trucks Modern is capable of picking up both recycling and waste from residents at the same time, using only one truck.

More than $6,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs when The YWCA of the Tonawandas presents its first reverse raffle on Saturday. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus.

After an hour-long executive session, the Town and Village of Lewiston municipal boards agreed Monday to abolish the three Lewiston Police Department commissioner positions.

Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS presented a special award from the National Association of REALTORS to 6 members for 40 years of service.

At a meeting of the Niagara Catholic board of trustees, George Edwards was honored for his years of dedication and commitment.

Assemblyman John Ceretto introduced Nik Wallenda Thursday to the entire Assembly chamber.

Niagara Catholic Jr./Sr. High School was recently honored as a recipient of an automated external defibrillator.

Goal is to reduce crowd size while enhancing concert experience.

Artpark announced Kansas and Foreigner will kick off the 2012 "Tuesday in the Park" concert series.

YMCA Camp Kenan will host its annual Easter egg hunt, brunch and open house on Saturday, March 31.

Mary Ann Shank of Full Circle Quarter Horses on Cain Road in Town of Porter is shown with her newborn colt Tattle Tails and its mother Trio. Tattle Tails, who was bred and is being raised here to be a future hunter under saddle, was sired by world champion Coats 'n Tails. He is one of two spring babies expected at the Shank stables.

Starting April 1, Niagara University's recreation department will begin accepting registrations for its weekly Summer Youth Camp, which will be held on campus from June 25 to August 17.

The Niagara County History Center is offering a free program on Thursday, March 22. "The Crash of the Schoellkopf Power Station" details the tragic events that shook Niagara Falls on June 7, 1956.

Cleaners at Niagara-Wheatfield High School have been finding bits of primary-colored feathers and fluff strewn on the floor near the auditorium this week.

The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency board of directors today hosted its annual meeting to vote on its election of officers, reaffirmation of policies and guidelines, and selection of committee members. The agency also accepted applications for assistance for consideration from Modern Tec Manufacturing in the Town of Cambria, and SOPS LLC (Sun Orchard Fruit Company) in Burt.

Mike Skowronski, an employer relations coordinator in Niagara University's Office of Career Services, received NU's first Outstanding Employee Award.

This summer, rock legend Sting will perform many of his most celebrated hits at Artpark's Mainstage Theater in Lewiston.

The Lewiston Choraleers will present an Easter cantata, "The Rose of Calvary," by Joseph Martin, at six area churches on March 31, April 1, 6, 7 and 15.

The new suite is part of more than $8 million in upgrades under way at Memorial.

Assemblyman John Ceretto announced the formation of the Lehigh Valley Rail Yard Stakeholders Group to develop the long vacant Lehigh Valley Rail Yard in the City of Niagara Falls.

Starting April 3, there will be some exciting new changes at the OH! Gallery in Lewiston. The Lewiston Council on the Arts has announced that "Tuscarora and Friends" plans to expand its presence at the OH! Gallery.

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