Opiates. It's a word that means grief to many.

Assemblyman Robin Schimminger recently announced the North Tonawanda Public Library, located at 505 Meadow Drive, will receive a $22,769 grant to update exterior lighting, as well as the security and telecommunications system.

Krueger Road residents came together at Monday night's Wheatfield Town Board meeting to urge councilmen to vote in favor of installing a sidewalk along their road.

Wheatfield residents and town officials met last week to discuss proposed changes to the zoning along Niagara Falls Boulevard, a project spearheaded by the town's Comprehensive Planning Task Force.

Members of Beautify the North Tonawanda Botanical Garden will sponsor a cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 17, at the botanical garden, 1825 Sweeney St.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the expansion of An-Cor Industrial Plastics in North Tonawanda. The company, which specializes in custom fiberglass reinforced plastic industrial equipment, will invest over $439,000 to upgrade its current facilities and expand to retain 45 current jobs, create 23 new jobs and grow the company's overall sales.

The Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas recently announced Pellicano's Marketplace as its "Member of the Month" for June.

Local businesses and associations are welcome to attend the first "Network Niagara" event, to be held from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, at the new Brickyard Brewing Company in Lewiston.

Assemblyman Angelo J. Morinello has announced his office, in coordination with the Niagara County Sheriff's Office department of traffic safety, the Town of Niagara Police Department and the Town of Lewiston Police Department, will host car seat safety checks this June.

North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur G. Pappas announced the inaugural "Thursday's on the Water" concert event at a press conference in North Tonawanda's Gratwick Riverside Park last Thursday.

Dozens of volunteers grabbed gloves, trash bags, bug repellent and poker sticks to tackle trash in the Town of Niagara on Saturday, June 3. Highway Superintendent Bob Herman thanked the group who gathered at the Community Center for the start of Neaten Up Niagara.

Lumberjack's Patio Grill is finding its niche along the Niagara River and drawing customers who love the food and the view.

Gary Strenkoski, Town of Wheatfield businessman and community leader, has officially announced his candidacy for Town of Wheatfield town justice.

New York State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-C-I-North Tonawanda, on Monday announced the approval of a $750,000 state grant for Big Thunder Brewing Co., which will be located in The Summit in Wheatfield.

Town of Niagara Supervisor Lee Wallace has released the full schedule for the 2017 "Music Mania Mondays" free concert events.

Colorful kites will soar along the Niagara River during the fifth annual "Come Fly a Kite for Homeless Veterans" event, which is set to take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at Gratwick Riverside Park.

The Greater Niagara Federal Credit Union recently held Youth Month, where young credit union members were taught about the importance of saving money for the future and giving back to the community.

North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur G. Pappas participated with the volunteers of Twin Cities Meals on Wheels last Friday.

Over the past few months, members of Project Pride of North Tonawanda have helped clean up the grounds of the Carnegie Arts Center, Oliver Street, Webster Street, Manhattan Street and a vacant parcel of land at Tremont and Oliver streets.

City of North Tonawanda Common Council President Eric Zadzilka will ask voters to allow him to continue several efforts in the city that have "made North Tonawanda an even better place to raise a family and make a life," Zadzilka recently announced.

You've got to admit it's a neat idea. The Town of Niagara is getting ready for its second annual "Neaten Up Niagara," a spring-cleaning event on a townwide scale.

Join in for the June NT Cash Mob at Not 2 Shabby, located at 287 Oliver St., North Tonawanda. The event runs from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, June 17.

Adell's School of Dance, owned by Adell Hoover-Manarino, will celebrate its 10th anniversary dance showcase at Niagara Falls High School at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 2-3. A "Future Star" red carpet showcase will take place at noon on Sunday, June 4.

People can securely shred sensitive paper documents during the "Shred-It" event, sponsored by the Niagara County Central Rotary, to be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 3, at the Sanborn Fire Co. parking lot, 5811 Buffalo St. (Route 429), Sanborn.

Second Ward Alderwoman Donna Braun stated earlier this week she will seek re-election to North Tonawanda's Common Council, pointing to ongoing economic development efforts as a major part of her planned third-term agenda.

A community forum was held Monday night at the Town of Niagara's Calvin K. Richards/Youth Activity Center to gather resident feedback for developing the town's new comprehensive plan.

This Memorial Day weekend, community members will come together across the U.S. to honor those who gave their lives for their country. Listed below are local events scheduled for the Town of Niagara, the Town of Wheatfield and the City of North Tonawanda.

Empower, the not-for-profit organization formerly known as Niagara Cerebral Palsy, has received three grants to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families in becoming more independent and more involved in their communities.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets of the State of New York Richard A. Ball has ordered the Town of Wheatfield to allow Milleville Brothers Farms to apply Quasar Energy Group's Equate (a form of biosolids) to its farmland.

Owners and staff of North Tonawanda's local businesses and galleries are coming together to host a new monthly tradition in their community known as "NT Second Thursday."

During Monday night's Wheatfield Town Board meeting, residents urged the town councilmen to support the installation of a walkway along Krueger Road.

After heavy rains saturated Western New York earlier this month, Town of Niagara Supervisor Lee Wallace spoke at Tuesday's Town Board meeting about current and planned projects the town is working on to alleviate flooding issues.

Despite concerns made by North Tonawanda Police Benevolent Association members regarding the county's emergency dispatch system, North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur G. Pappas stated in a release Friday the city will not seek to make changes.