Two leading United Way organizations in Niagara County - the United Way of the Tonawandas and United Way of Greater Niagara - announced completion this week of their merger and consolidation of services. Now operating under United Way of Greater Niagara, both chapters have come together to oversee and coordinate the services of 29 organizations throughout Niagara County, supporting a total of 46 different programs in the area.

The next meeting of the Historical Society of North German Settlements will feature a program on the 175th anniversary of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Walmore. 

The Sanborn Area Historical Society will hold its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Sanborn Firehall. The meeting will host Ruth and Rise Pirinelli who will present "The Holy Land - a trip you won't forget."

The Niagara-Wheatfield Kiwanis ended 2018 supporting the community in various ways.

Terry Collins, RN, LNHA, administrator at The McGuire Group's Northgate Health Care Facility in North Tonawanda, is a recipient of the 2019 Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award presented by the American College of Health Care Administrators.

Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

From 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 1, Errick Road Elementary School, 6839 Errick Road, will host its annual basket auction. Admission is free, and there is a wide assortment of baskets and gift cards.

Douglas J. Regan Intermediate School will host its annual Invent-A-Thon program for students in grades 3 through 5 on Thursday, Feb. 7. 

Edward Town Middle School's Production of "The Wizard of Oz," is playing at Niagara-Wheatfield Senior High School at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 and 26, and at 2 p.m. Jan. 27. The Edward Town Middle School cast of approximately 70 students is directed by Ken Fick and Andrea Letcher.

Resolve to learn something new in 2019. The Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District's Community Education program starts on Feb. 4, and continues through spring. The program's motto, "Never stop learning," remains the same, but new classes have been added and old favorites have evolved.

The Niagara County Community College nursing program routinely ranks above state and national averages for pass rates on the National Council License Examination for both registered nurses and practical nurses. 

The Niagara County Community College Alumni Association, the NCCC Career and Transitional Services Office, and Student Life are teaming up with JCPenney to help people find everything they need for their next job interview.

Nominating petitions are now available for any school district resident interested in running for a seat on the 2019-20 Starpoint Central School District Board of Education.  

Allegiant announced Tuesday that service from Niagara Falls International Airport to Savannah, Georgia via Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport will begin June 7. To celebrate, the company is offering fares on the new route as low as $49* each way.

This past holiday season, the Future Leaders Program at Niagara County Community College participated in a community service project to benefit Casey House. The youth shelter is a safe space in Niagara Falls for runaway, homeless or "at-risk" area youth.

The Town of Niagara Town Board held its first regular meeting of 2019 Tuesday night. The meeting was rather quick and light in content, but several town matters were accounted for.

When people talk to local leaders and elected officials, every person has the dreams and aspirations of making their community a better place. When talking to Jesse Gooch, one can hear just how compassionate and determined he is to do so.

The winter sports season is getting closer and closer to the postseason, and with that some Niagara-Wheatfield sports teams have begun a steady run to try and increase their value come playoff time.

Niagara-Wheatfield's Raejaun Smith would be the first to admit he's been struggling at the free throw line the past couple games. Despite the struggles, Smith came through when it mattered most for the Falcons. The Falcons defeated the Kenmore East Bulldogs 71-69 Friday night, in what was a thriller from start to finish.

Applications for the 2019 Native American handicraft sales permits are now available for the summer season at Niagara Falls State Park.

The Town of Niagara Lions Club presented the winners of the annual peace poster contest with their prizes and certificates. All three winners attend Holy Ghost Lutheran School.

The Shawnee Sno-Chiefs Snowmobile Club in cooperation with the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Company will be holding a free New York State Snowmobile Safety Course from 4:30 p.m. (5 p.m. on Tuesday) to 9 p.m. on Jan. 21 and 22 at the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Company, 3747 Lockport Road.

Joy Kuebler Landscape Architect PC recently announced the appointment of Eve Holberg, AICP, as a planner and project manager. In her new capacity, Holberg's duties will include project management and collaboration, public outreach and facilitation, and report assembly, writing and editing.

The McGuire Group, operator of five health care facilities in Western New York, will be hosting a New Year New Career job fair from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, at its corporate center, 455 Cayuga Road, Suite 200, Buffalo.

Congratulations were extended to the 18 students from the Orleans/Niagara BOCES' Licensed Practical Nursing program. The graduation ceremony was held on Dec. 20.  

Winter athletics are back in full swing at Niagara-Wheatfield High School after a short holiday break. Teams saw mixed results this past week, but the wrestling team, which has been the team of the winter, so far, continued its strong season.

Tuesday, Niagara-Wheatfield Falcons quarterback and senior Jordan Parks announced on Twitter that he committed to Mansfield University in Pennsylvania to continue his football and academic career.

County legislators Rich Andres and Randy Bradt initiated a resolution for the North Tonawanda History Museum to receive $4,000.

Zachary S. Niemiec, of North Tonawanda, announced his candidacy for 2nd Ward alderman of North Tonawanda via a video posted to social media.

Calling all stylists, paparazzi, and anyone who likes to volunteer; Lumber City Church, 383 Vandervoort St., North Tonawanda, is looking for volunteers to be a part of Night to Shine. The church is in need of dozens of volunteers and monetary donations to make this prom for people with special needs a reality. The North Tonawanda church is one of nearly 500 churches around the world to host Night to Shine Friday, Feb. 8. 

Elderwood has named Kristen Davis, of Cambria, director of managed care contracting. She will be responsible for negotiating new and existing provider contracts, nurturing relationships between Elderwood and health care plans, and supervising Elderwood's insurance and third-party payerverification/authorization staff.

The Town of Niagara Business and Professional Association is hosting its annual Awards Dinner at Four Points Sheraton, 7001 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, starting with cocktails and appetizers at 6 p.m. with a ceremony and dinner to follow at 7 p.m. on Jan. 30. The cost is $55 per person or $400 per table.

Last Wednesday, the Town of Niagara Town Board held its reorganizational meeting for 2019. The meeting appoints and reappoints people and firms to certain duties within the town.

Last Wednesday, the Town of Wheatfield Town Board held its annual reorganizational meeting to begin the new year.

The Niagara-Wheatfield Falcons wrestling team has had tremendous success in the 2018-19 season. Wednesday night, that success came full circle, as the team defeated the 4-0 Niagara Falls Wolverines, by a score of 49-24.