New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and state Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an air quality health advisory for fine particulate matter for Sunday, July 19, due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota. The advisory is as follows:

•The Western New York and Central New York Regions are forecast to reach “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

•The pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter. The advisory will be in effect from midnight until 11:59 p.m.

The air quality health advisory regions consist of: Central New York, which includes Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben and Yates counties; and Western New York, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Smoke causing temporary spikes of unhealthy air may affect other regions, including New York City and Long Island, as the plume moves across the state on Sunday. DEC and DOH will be closely monitoring conditions to make any necessary changes to advisories.

DEC and DOH issue air quality health advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an air quality index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.

Fine particulate matter

Fine particulate matter (PM) consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g., vehicle exhaust, power plants, fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere. 

Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as heart disease and asthma. People with heart or breathing problems, older adults, children and teens, pregnant people, and those who exercise or work outdoors may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5. 

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high. 

Additional information on PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5). A DEC fact sheet about the air quality index is available on DEC’s website or by PDF download.

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive air quality alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's premier email service. A toll-free air quality hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.

Submitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton and state Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an updated air quality health advisory for fine particulate matter for Friday, July 17, due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. New Yorkers may see visible smoke and hazy skies across the state and spikes in smoke-related pollution.

The updated advisory is as follows:

The Western New York region is forecast to reach “very unhealthy.”

•The Central New York region is forecast to reach “unhealthy.”

•The Long Island, New York City Metro and Lower Hudson Valley, and Eastern Lake Ontario regions are forecast to reach “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

•The pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter. The advisory will be in effect: 10 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. 

The air quality health advisory regions consist of: Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties; New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland and Westchester counties; Lower Hudson Valley, which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Ulster and Sullivan counties; Eastern Lake Ontario, which includes northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego and Wayne counties; Central New York, which includes Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben and Yates counties; and Western New York, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Fine particulate matter

Fine particulate matter (PM) consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g., vehicle exhaust, power plants, fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere. 

Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as heart disease and asthma. People with heart or breathing problems, older adults, children and teens, pregnant people, and those who exercise or work outdoors may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5. 

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high. 

Additional information on PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5). A DEC fact sheet about the air quality index is available on DEC’s website or by PDF download.

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive air quality alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's premier email service. A toll-free air quality hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.

The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that Grand Island Boulevard (state Route 324), in the Town of Grand Island, will be closed between the Interstate 190 northbound Exit 20 off-ramp and Long Road beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, July 20, for approximately three weeks, to facilitate culvert replacements.

Drivers should follow the posted detour using Grand Island Boulevard, Bedell Road, Baseline Road and Long Road.

More about the Department of Transportation: It is NYSDOT’s mission to provide a safe, reliable, equitable and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York state.

Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

For more information, find NYSDOT on Facebook, follow on X or Instagram, or visit its website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

The Niagara Pioneer Renegades won the under 16 boys division of the Niagara Pioneer Soccer International Soccer Tournament held at Fort Niagara State Park on the weekend of July 11-12.

The Renegades opened the tournament with a 5-1 win over Spencerport. John Wright had 2 goals and 2 assists. Tyler Birmingham had 2 goals, while Ryan Mercer scored once.

The second match was against Amherst Fury and it ended in a 2-0 win. Wyatt Leardini and John Wright each scored. Cody Larson earned the shutout, with defenders Liam Suitor, Nate Pearson, Luca Debiaso and Evan Kutis limiting scoring opportunities for Amherst.

The final match of group stage play was a 7-1 win over Orchard Park Fusion. Wyatt Leardini had 3 goals and 1 assist. Tyler Birmingham had 1 goal and 1 assist. Jayce Conrad and Landon Weiss each scored once.

The championship match was a rematch from earlier in the season with the Chili Attack as the two teams met in the NYS Cup round of group play, which Chili won 4-1.

The Renegades came back in the championship from being down 1-0 after 10 minutes of play with a 4-goal second half, securing a 4-1 scoreline and the title.

The Renegades opened the scoring when Luca Debiaso drew a foul in the penalty box earning a penalty shot that was converted by Wyatt Leardini. Tyler Birmingham scored the second goal heading a cross served in by John Wright. Wyatt Leardini scored the third goal on a header assisted by another John Wright cross. John Wright closed out the scoring off an assist from Everitt Dix.

The Renegades have a record of 23-2-1 since last December.

Members of Project Future will participate in the second annual Grand Master Heisner Legacy Kick-A-Thon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Niagara Community Church Gym, 10500 Cayuga Drive, Niagara Falls.

Robert Heisner was the founder of Project Future where he taught Bushido Kai, as well as the Warriors of the Sword, which is hosting the kick-a-thon and acts as a ministry spreading Heisner’s ideals of honor, self-discipline, courage and respect.

Heisner died in March 2024.

Grand Master Martin Drake, an eight-degree black belt and head instructor at Project Future, said there are approximately 40 students in the program and many of them will be at the demonstration.

Sponsors are asked to donate a dollar amount per kick made by the student.

“It’s to keep his (Heisner’s) memory alive,” he said. “Kids sign up to do 500 kicks and they get pledges. I sponsor a bunch of kids myself.

“And then they’ll do demos. Some self-defense. One-step board breaking. And we have a skit. We have someone comes in with a hood and a mask and tries to grab one of the kids. It’s all scripted, it doesn’t look very nefarious. … The kids get a kick out of it, and that’s besides doing the 500 kicks.”

Robert Dallman, director of Warriors of the Sword, said all funds from the kick-a-thon will be split between Project Future and Good News Global, a program in the Niagara County Correctional Facility run by the Rev. William Whitmore.

Whitmore is also a black belt in Heisner’s Project Future.

“Good News Global is the largest provider of full-time chaplains in the world,” Whitmore said. “We have chaplains both international and U.S. Most of our chaplains are located in county jails in the United States.”

Whitmore not only ministers to prisoners, but also helps the staff at correctional institutions. He said he prays with officers, has Bible studies with inmates, and helps both groups develop a personal relationship with God.

While this is the first year Good News Global will be a beneficiary of the kick-a-thon, Whitmore is enthusiastic about Project Future and its program.

“Absolutely, 100% yes,” he said when asked if he believed in it. “It helps make our world a better place to live.”

Dallman said his life had been forever changed by meeting Heisner while in SUNY Niagara.

“I’ve trained with Bob Heisner for over 40 years,” Dallman said. “As a 22-year-old, young man at the college, my life could’ve been a huge mess, but I met him and that changed.”

Donations are asked to be made payable to ChristLife Inc. to continue programing for students, as well as the prison ministry.

While summer has just arrived in Western New York, local green industry and snow removal professionals are already looking ahead to freezing temperatures. PLANT WNY (The Western New York State Nursery & Landscape Association) has announced it will host its annual Snow & Ice Management Conference on Aug. 27. Presented by Upstate Equipment, this one-day event provides critical preparation, business growth strategies, and operational efficiency insights well before winter arrives.

Running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Banchetti by Rizzo’s in Amherst, the conference is designed for operations of all sizes – from large commercial fleets to small, family owned local property care businesses. Attendees will gain the strategic insights necessary to minimize liability and maximize profit margins before the first snowflake falls.

The event will feature a trade show with over 15 industry vendors showcasing cutting-edge snow removal equipment, new deicing technology, and modern business tools. Attendees will also hear a keynote address titled, "From Landscape & Snow Management to Workwear: A Journey of Growth, Exit, and Giving Back with New Purpose," presented by Zech Strauser, founder and CEO of Urture. Additionally, dedicated peer-to-peer sessions will address industry challenges, including risk management, contract structures, and profitable liquid deicing and brine alternatives.

"In Buffalo, winter operations can make or break a commercial contractor's year," said Phil Tripi, Show & Ice Management Conference chairman and owner of Tripi’s Landscaping. "Getting your fleet strategy, vendor accounts, and insurance contracts locked in during the offseason can lead to a successful winter. This event gives local professionals a dedicated space to talk shop, analyze trends, and see the newest machinery up close."

Admission is $50 for members or $55 for non-members, and includes lunch and happy hour networking. For more information, to view the full vendor list, or to purchase tickets, visit www.plantwny.com.

More about PLANT WNY: A trade association with member firms throughout Western New York, PLANT WNY serves the interests of nursery growers, garden center operators, landscapers, and those doing business with the green industry across New York. PLANT WNY is dedicated to promoting public awareness of the green industry. For more information, call 716-741-8047.

√ Thruway Authority received $39 million federal grant to support project scheduled to be completed in late 2028

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the start of a $54.4 million structural steel repair and seismic retrofit project on the south Grand Island bridges. More than 70% of the funding for the infrastructure project comes from a federal grant awarded to the Thruway Authority.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe means making smart investments in the infrastructure that connects our communities and drives our economy,” Hochul said. “The south Grand Island bridges are critical for residents, commuters and commercial traffic across Western New York, and these steel repairs and seismic improvements will help ensure they remain safe and dependable for years to come.”

New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “The south Grand Island bridges are a vital transportation link for Western New York, carrying thousands of motorists and commercial vehicles every day. This project reflects another important investment in preserving the safety, reliability and long-term resilience of these iconic bridges.”

The project includes seismic retrofits and steel repairs to both bridges to strengthen key structural elements and improve their ability to withstand seismic events. Additionally, the deck surfaces of the bridges will be treated to improve roadway surface friction for enhanced vehicular safety, particularly in wet conditions. The sidewalk on the southbound bridge will be replaced and reopened. Crews will also make repairs for catwalk access and fall protection improvements for maintenance personnel.

Traffic impacts throughout the duration of this project are expected to be minimal.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said, “The south Grand Island bridges are lifelines for Niagara Falls and the Tonawandas, connecting communities to the mainland and carrying thousands of cars every day. I was proud to deliver $39 million in federal funding from my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to strengthen these vital structures to withstand any seismic event. Age and deterioration have taken a toll on many sections of the bridge, and this federal funding will bolster infrastructure resilience while creating good-paying construction jobs. I’m grateful that Gov. Hochul is putting these federal dollars to good use and will always fight to pave the way for a safer future for Western New York.”

The project is scheduled to be completed in late 2028.

In 2024, the Thruway Authority received a $39 million federal grant to help fund these infrastructure investments. The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s promoting resilient operations for transformative, efficient and cost-saving transportation (PROTECT) program, which is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law.

The south Grand Island bridges are located between Grand Island and the Town of Tonawanda and are twin-truss arch-bridge spans, each carrying one direction of I-190 over the Niagara River. Construction on the southbound bridge was completed in 1935 and the northbound bridge in 1963. More than 68,000 vehicles cross the bridges daily.

The Thruway Authority’s approved 2026 budget invests a total of more than $600 million in capital contracts scheduled to be awarded in 2026, an increase of more than $133.5 million from the 2025 budget projected totals, and one of the largest single-year investments in thruway history. The 2026 budget includes a historic $2.8 billion capital plan for 2026-30. The five-year plan will fund the replacement or preservation of 150 of the thruway’s 819 bridges – about 18% – and the resurfacing of more than 1,500 of its 2,800 lane miles of highway, or roughly 60%.

More about the Thruway System: Built in the early 1950s, the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway is one of the oldest components of the National Interstate Highway System and one of the longest toll roads in the nation. It sets the standard for modern highway geometric design with safe roadway characteristics including smooth curves, wide medians and unobstructed driver sight distance.

Year after year, the thruway system is recognized as one of the safest highways in the nation. In 2025, the thruway-wide fatality rate was 0.36 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. The figure is significantly lower than the nationwide (estimated) traffic fatality rate for 2025 of 1.10 and the latest New York state (estimated) traffic fatality rate from 2025 of 0.83.

Congressman Nick Langworthy released the following statement Thursday on air quality crisis caused by “unchecked” Canadian wildfires.

"Americans should not be forced to breathe hazardous air year after year because Canada refuses to properly manage its forests. This is no longer a one-time emergency – it’s becoming an annual public health crisis. That is unacceptable.

"I am reaching out to members of Parliament and the Canadian ambassador to demand answers about the devastating impact Canada’s forest management failures are having on Western New York, the Southern Tier, and communities across the United States. Millions of Americans are paying the price for policies they had no role in creating.

"We can all accept that nature is unpredictable. But repeated failures to reduce wildfire risk and manage forests responsibly are a policy choice. The United States cannot continue accepting dangerous air quality every summer as the new normal.

"Canada must take meaningful action to prevent these catastrophic wildfires and protect both Canadians and Americans. If it refuses to do so, there should be consequences. Our citizens should not be forced to suffer because another nation’s government failed to do its job.”

The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that there will be ramp and lane closures along the Scajaquada Expressway (state Route 198) between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Monday night through Friday morning, beginning Monday, July 20, for approximately six weeks, to facilitate milling and paving. Drivers should expect delays and follow posted detours.

Construction activities are weather-dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

•NYSDOT also is advising motorists of the following closures for the Buffalo SkyRide in Buffalo, Erie County on Sunday, July 19:

√ state Route 5 (including the Buffalo Skyway) in both directions between Ridge Road (City of Lackawanna) and Church Street from 6 a.m. to noon.

√ Interstate 190 northbound between Exit 6 (Elm Street) and Exit 9 (Peace Bridge/Porter Avenue) from 5-11 a.m.

√ The Interstate 190 southbound exit ramp (Exit 7) to the Skyway from 6 a.m. to noon.

√ The Interstate 190 northbound on-ramps at Oak Street (Exit 6), Church Street (Exit 7) and Virginia Street (Exit 8) in Buffalo from 5-11 a.m.

Motorists should expect delays and follow posted detour routes.

More about the Department of Transportation: It is NYSDOT’s mission to provide a safe, reliable, equitable and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York state.

Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

For more information, find NYSDOT on Facebook, follow on X or Instagram, or visit its website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

Monday, July 6

•5200 block of Chew Road, death – Report via phone. Officers responded.

•4200 block of Dickersonville Road, domestic disturbance – 911 caller reported being punched and strangled by a male friend. Patrol responded and report taken.

•2200 block of Saunders Settlement Road, suspicious activity – 911 caller reported a possible drug transaction in the parking lot between two females. Patrol responded.

•4400 block of Lower River Road, unwanted person – Officer initiated. Caller reported unwanted parties on location. Patrol provided courtesy transport for two females to the Fatima Shrine on Swann Road.

•Military Road, Road/Fairway Drive, accident hit/run – 911 caller reported a SUV struck their vehicle and took off. Statement taken by patrol. LPD located suspected vehicle, parked and unoccupied with minor damage in a lot on the 100 block of S. Water Street. Patrol canvassed area and unable to locate driver. Report taken.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. No reported activity.

Tuesday, July 7

•Dickersonville/Lower Mountain roads, check welfare – Caller reported a female walking with a toddler and carrying a car seat. Officers responded and provided courtesy transport.

•5700 block of Buffalo Street, death – Report via phone. Officers responded.

•2900 block of Saunders Settlement Road, disturbance not domestic – 911 caller reported a disgruntled employee on location destroying property and throwing items. Subject terminated earlier. Patrol responded.

•2400 block of Upper Mountain Road, animal complaint – Caller said a very large snake hissed at her; caller suspected a nest. Negative results on patrol’s search. Caller advised to keep the grass short and recontact if snake returns.

•2000 block of Ridge Road, disturbance not domestic – Caller reported two parties fighting on property. Patrol said the individual was working on a nearby pond, the neighbor arrived home, advised the worker on parking, and words were exchanged. Patrol advised worker to stay off the neighbor’s property, per his request.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. Two drivers cited with UTTs issued for town court. Two warnings issued.

Wednesday, July 8

•4700 block of E. Eddy Drive, assist public – 911 caller reported a male in an electric wheelchair was stuck in a 3-foot water drainage hole. Patrol assisted male from entrapment.

•4400 block of Dickersonville Road, harassment – Female caller harassed along with a babysitter; ongoing custody-related issues. Officers advised the caller. Report taken. Patrol returned to the address later for custody problem. Report taken.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. Two drivers cited with UTTs issued for town court. Three warnings issued.

Thursday, July 9

•400 block of S. Fourth Street, Artpark, suspicious activity – Officer initiated. Officers stopped for a suspicious vehicle. Registered owner found sleeping in the passenger seat. Subject advised on park hours and sent on his way.

•West Street/Saunders Settlement Road, suspicious activity – Officer initiated. Caller reported a male on a hoverboard going door-to-door soliciting. No permit provided when requested. Male advised by patrol on town permit procedures. Subject also advised he will be cited if caught again without a permit.

•900 block of Center Street, check welfare – 911 caller reported a child in front of the business without parents. Patrol responded and report taken.

•5300 block of Military Road, hospital, assist public – Caller discharged from hospital and doesn’t know the way home. Caller a new resident in area. Patrol provided a courtesy ride.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. One driver cited, UTT issued for town court. Three warnings issued.

Friday, July 10

•100 block of S. Water Street, suspicious activity – Officer initiated. Suspicious vehicle in a lot. Patrol reported three males fishing and searching for bait. Subjects cooperative and no problems found.

•4800 block of Susies Lane, forgery – Caller reported an unknown party called, stating they found caller’s dog and requesting money. Patrol suspects the complaint was a social media scam. Dog was later recovered and returned to owner.

•Upper Mountain/Green roads, MVA-property damage – 911 caller reported a two-vehicle accident. Parties to settle accident on their own. One driver cited by patrol for aggravated unlicensed operation, second degree. UTT issued for town court. Report taken.

•5800 block of Ward Road, domestic disturbance – Caller reported his future ex was following him and causing a scene. Parties separated for night by patrol. Female returned home. Report taken.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. Five drivers cited with six UTTs issued for town court. Reports taken. Two warnings issued.

Saturday, July 11

•4300 block of Lower River Road, assault – 911 male caller on a bicycle punched by a motorist. Patrol said the caller was with a group of cyclists. The driver passed, beeped his horn at group and became aggressive. Driver stopped in roadway, began yelling, and punched male in the face before driving off. Several witnesses observed the incident, per LPD. Report taken.

•5900 block of Tuscarora Road, domestic disturbance – 911 caller reported a mother/daughter verbal argument. Caller said her mother sat on her. Patrol responded and report taken.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. One driver cited, UTT issued for town court. No warnings issued.

Sunday, July 12

•400 block of Harper Drive, motor vehicle theft – 911 caller reported a white pickup truck was taken overnight. Patrols said the truck recovered a few blocks away after dash cam was observed. LPD reported multiple vehicle break-ins/thefts in area, investigation continuing.

•Locations on the 4600 block of Vrooman Drive, the 700 block of Mohawk Street, thefts – LPD reported several complaints from residents of vehicles entered overnight and items taken. Investigations continuing.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. Five drivers cited with UTTs issued for town court. Report taken. Six warnings issued.

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Mike DeDario is the new mayor in the Village of Youngstown. A former social studies teacher on Grand Island, DeDario had never run for public office before putting his hat in the ring for the mayor’s office this year – though he did serve as commadore for the Youngstown Yacht Club during the COVID-19 pandemic and the flooding in 2019, which was a challenge as well.

“I’ve lived here for 10 years now, but I’ve been coming here my whole life. I’ve been sailing out of here. My grandparents lived here and I’ve always loved it and always wanted to live here,” DeDario said. “We bought a cottage in 2010 and then knocked it down to build a house so we could live here permanently.”

DeDario said being mayor is a challenge, but he has time to devote to this job. He noted Youngstown is a “special place” and he wants to “maintain what we already have.”

“It would be nice to bring in some more business,” DeDario said. “It’s tough with a small population, but it’d be nice to have some more nice places to eat, maybe a store for essentials. It could be a pharmacy or a convenience store … something so people can get essentials without having to go to Lewiston or Ransomville. Being a little more self-sufficient and being able to stay home a little more.

“Our location is amazing. It’s kind of a secret to most people in Western New York. They think it’s so far away from Buffalo. It’s really not. We have this wonderful waterfront, and I’d like to utilize that waterfront more. Maybe develop some resources … like a kayak launch or fish-cleaning station. The people use the waterfront for recreation, and I’d like to support that with some resources for them.”

The new mayor also envisions an expanded recreation department, a well-funded library, and systems and resources in place to answer citizen questions and solve problems “as they come up,” he noted.

DeDario said he’s always been a leader, though that may not be what people think it is.

“I don’t take sides,” he explained. “I’m a good listener and good decision maker.”

DeDario said his goal is to make the best decisions for the village – and he’s capable of doing so. But that’s not in a vacuum, he noted. DeDario said he intends to listen to everybody in the village before making those decisions.

“That’s really my goal. Make sure everybody has a voice and we are calculating a decision that makes the most sense for the village,” he said.

DeDario was born in Lewiston and went to high school on Grand Island – but he is passionate about the Village of Youngstown – a “small, tightknit community” where “people know each other.

“When you’re from a small town, you have a tendency to really care about it – maybe more than a big city, because you have those connections to people. You have connections to places in the village.”

“Everybody has to chip in a little bit to do this,” he said. “We have the Garden Club; and we have the Friends of Youngstown; and we have the Friends of the Library. A small village can’t support all those things all on its own, necessarily. And you can’t do those things unless you have the people to put in the time and the effort and run those organizations – which supports what we can do and take the burden off the village government by supporting us in that way. That’s part of what makes this a special place, as well.”