At the end of the 2016 tennis season, the Niagara-Wheatfield girls tennis team found themselves in second place, finishing 12-2 and one match behind Niagara Frontier League champion, Lockport. This season, the Falcons have used that finish as fuel to their fire. The Falcons have been nothing short of dominant in their first eight matches of the year, as they are 8-0 and 40-0 in sets.

Niagara-Wheatfield's defense has had a tough start to the season, giving up over 40 points per game. On Saturday, the script was flipped. The Falcons defeated the reigning Section VI Class A champion Bennett Tigers, 28-20, on a unusually hot September day at Terry Harvey Field.

Denise H. Rohan, the first woman elected to the post of national commander of The American Legion, will be honored by the Western New York 8th District of The American Legion at a banquet held at The American Legion Wheatfield Post 1451, 6525 Ward Road, Sanborn. The banquet will be held beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13.

Participants still have time to register for Niagara Electric Lights Parade. The deadline for entries is Oct. 27. Applications are online at TNBPA.com, and in person at the Town of Niagara town clerk's office.

On Saturday, kids and families stormed into the Town of Niagara's Veterans Memorial Park for the 20th annual Kidz 'n' Kites festival.

At a somewhat busy meeting Monday night at Wheatfield Town Hall, the Town of Wheatfield Town Board approved several motions and heard from several members of the public.

On Tuesday night at the Town of Niagara Town Hall, the Town Board had its monthly meeting and while many motions were passed at the well-attended session, several citizens voiced concerns on the proposed Bri Estates behind Colonial Drive and Miller Road homes.

Mayor Arthur G. Pappas joined Niagara County Legislator Rich Andres, North Tonawanda Director of Parks and Recreation Patty Brosius, as well as additional city and county officials for a groundbreaking ceremony in dedication of a new open-air bandshell in Raymond Klimek Veterans Park. The bandshell will replace the aging event stage purchased in 2003.

On Monday evening, as Supervisor Robert Cliffe opened the floor to the public to begin Wheatfield's Town Board meeting, a citizen showed her appreciation for the board's work.

When The Maize, 3901 Niagara Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda, opens in the fall, weather permitting each year, there is always a certain theme that the maze wants to promote. In certain years its promoted Buffalo, with the maze being designed in a Sabres logo or Bandits logo and more. In 2017, the maze has been designed to the theme "Hometown Heroes."

At the end of last season, eighth grader Erin Weir finished with two goals and two assists, equaling six points. In seven games as a freshman in the 2017 season, she's more than tripled her points output from her first varsity campaign.

Six members of the 914th Civil Engineer Squadron departed Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station bound for Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, where they will support recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irma. A 911th Airlift Wing C-130 out of Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station provided the transport.

The Niagara-Wheatfield girls soccer team came into Tuesday as the No. 4 large school in Western New York - and undefeated, at 6-0 overall and 4-0 in league. Staring it down was the also-undefeated Grand Island Vikings, sitting at No. 2.

Col. Mark S. Larson took command of the 914th Air Refueling Wing from Col. Brian S. Bowman on Sunday during a change of command ceremony at the Niagara Falls air reserve station.

In the preseason, Niagara-Wheatfield coach Russ Nixon said his team would fight until the final horn. Friday night against Orchard Park, they proved that, although in a losing effort.

"The Nutcracker," the Greater Niagara Ballet Company's annual family-friendly holiday show, returns the weekend of Dec. 8-9 to the Niagara Falls High School Performing Arts Center. The Beverley Feder-directed show features local dancers, guest artists and character performers.

On Saturday, Sept. 16, Veterans Memorial Park will host the 20th annual "Kidz 'n' Kites" celebration. Kids and families from all around are welcome to come out and enjoy a free event in the town.

Greetings, readers. My name is David Yarger and I was recently named the new editor for the Tribune.

Spine Surgery of Buffalo Niagara, a clinical practice led by Franco Vigna, M.D., M.P.H., which specializes in high-quality, personalized spine treatments for patients all over the Buffalo Niagara region, moved and expanded into a new, stand-alone facility in Niagara Falls. Reflecting the practice's commitment to restoring patient health, the comprehensive spinal care center, located at 6941 Williams Road, opened in the spring of 2017 under a new name: reVive Spine Center.

North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur G. Pappas and Niagara County Legislator Richard Andres announced Jesse Gooch, proprietor of Painters Plus, has chosen the Live Hose Volunteer Fire Co. as the recipient of the seventh annual Project H.O.P.E Award.

Licensed practical nursing students at Orleans/Niagara BOCES recently spent a day performing blood pressure screens for members of the community at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls.

Hyde Park ice rink will be housing a new team this season, as the Niagara Powerhawks of the NA3HL are set to start a clean slate.

The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum will hold its annual spook-free Halloween party, "Spooktacular," from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13. The Superhero Alliance of WNY will make a special appearance at the event, so guests can meet their favorite heroes and villains.

High school football was back in action at Niagara-Wheatfield on Saturday. The Falcons and Lions offenses put on a clinic in the 48-minute affair, with Niagara-Wheatfield defeating Lockport, 43-42.

Pro Training Basketball cut the ribbon to open its facility on Saturday. In front of Town of Wheatfield Supervisor Robert Cliffe, and numerous parents and kids, Tony Watson II and partner Rod Middleton opened up to show the public what was inside.

Pro Training Basketball Inc. is set to open its doors on Sept. 2 at 3790 Commerce Court, Suite 100.

Empower will soon offer a new adult day program that aims to benefit not only its senior participants, but also those who care for them.

The City of North Tonawanda's Youth Center will have a new home this fall.

Every year in high school football, teams must adjust to losing graduating seniors. For the 2017 season, Niagara-Wheatfield coach Russell Nixon said he believes his returning players have made the transition go smoothly.

The Historic Riviera Theatre and Performing Arts Center welcomes The Beach Boys at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19.

The Carnegie Art Center will host six weeks of jazz concerts beginning Sept. 14. "Jazz at the Carnegie" will include performances by The Bobby Militello Quartet, Sharon Bailey, Jon Lehning, Mark Filsinger, Carina & the Six String Preacher, and the Fredtown Stompers.

Sunshine set the scene Monday night for a ceremony honoring individuals who significantly contributed to the Town of Niagara.

Big design changes have been made to plans for the proposed sports facility at the Summit Mall.

North Tonawanda natives Amy and Jay Berent have brought their popular Pulp 716 Coffee and Comics store to town.