Water temperatures in the lower Niagara River remain in the low 40s. Despite that, look for a return of boating excitement on the lower river - this year with two separate jet boat operators - starting this weekend.

On May 6, at a meeting of the Niagara County Legislature in Lockport, the Youngstown Business and Professional Association was awarded a grant of $2,225 from the William G. Mayne Jr. Business/Community Enhancement Program.

At its May 14 meeting, members of the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston held their annual election of board officers and directors.

The line in the DiMino Tops Lewiston parking lot was so long Friday night, shoppers might've thought Justin Bieber was performing in concert. In fact, children and families lined up to take pictures with one of the iconic Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

Don't be late for this very important date! Lewiston Council on the Arts presents "Alice in Wonderland" Sunday, June 1, at Seneca (Bug) Park, next to the Lewiston Public Library, 305 S. Eighth St.

The New York Power Authority is undertaking a more than $13 million modernization of its three hydroelectric project visitors centers in Western New York, Northern New York and the Northern Catskills, to upgrade the exhibits, displays and facilities.

The Village of Lewiston has started efforts to spruce up Center Street.

At Monday's Village Board meeting, Marianne Gittermann, chairwoman of the Lewiston Beautification Commission, read a laundry list of chores her group has begun, in cooperation with the village's Department of Public Works.

A 12-hour standoff Sunday ended with a Village of Lewiston resident taken into custody. Leonard A. Zientara, 51, of 430 West Lane, surrendered himself to New York State Police after allegedly setting his house on fire.

For years, police officers in departments throughout Western New York have been struggling to build positive relationships with the public. By incorporating a ride-along program, many are hopeful, including Youngstown Mayor Raleigh Reynolds, that police can void the gap between what people think happens on a typical shift on patrol and what actually happens.

The walkway entrance to the offices of the Lewiston Council on the Arts on Ridge Street recently received a brand-new look. Beau Enterprises of Ransomville and the Village of Lewiston partnered to sponsor the renovation of the walkway with pavers that complement the heritage stones in the historic Lewiston Peace Garden.

The latest example of "shared services" between Lewiston and Youngstown came to be this week when the Dory Trading Post on Main Street moved on acquiring a number of bikes that formerly were a part of the Village of Lewiston.

The St. Francis Guild of Mount St. Mary's Hospital presented one of its annual scholarships to a hospital employee who is furthering her education in nursing. This year's recipient was Christa Bax, left, who is a student at Niagara County Community College.

The annual Lewiston Smelt Festival took place Friday along the village's waterfront. Check out our mega photo gallery for images from the event.

The Lewiston Event Center (formerly Frontier Lanes) is a perfect example of before and after construction work.

"I'm all for reasonability here; we're not going to nitpick every dime."

So commented John Camp, chair of the Artpark & Company board of directors, following conclusion of a prolonged discussion Monday among the Lewiston Town Board over Artpark funding. Included was a heated debate between Town of Lewiston Supervisor Dennis Brochey and Town Board member Ron Winkley. When it was all said and done, Artpark did get approved for an estimated $100,000 in town funding assistance. But the vote was not unanimous; Brochey, who is on record in opposition, voted a staunch "no."

My first introduction to "Mrs. Killdeer" was along a bumpy gravelly road, about 50 feet from a pond. As I approached it in my car I saw this bird skitter out right in front of me pretending to be hurt, like it had a broken wing or a crippled leg or something. It didn't just fly away.

The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission recently donated $2,000 to the Lewiston Garden Club. The money will be used to promote the annual Lewiston GardenFest, which is slated for June 21-22 along Center Street.

Fox News' Bill O'Reilly (right) and political humorist Dennis Miller entertained a packed house at Shea's Performing Arts Center in downtown Buffalo as part of their "Bolder and Fresher" national tour.

Village of Lewiston Mayor Terry Collesano will represent the Republican Party in the June 17 election. The incumbent took 56 of 77 votes in Tuesday's caucus, defeating challenger Jamie Symmonds.

"I accept your nomination; thank you," Collesano told a crowd of almost 100 inside the Red Brick Municipal Building gymnasium.

Catholic Health, Ascension Health and Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center have agreed in principle to formalize a comprehensive agreement to have Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center in Niagara County become a full member of the Catholic Health System.

Oh, you won't believe this.

Chef Victor Parra has something special planned for the moms who eat at Jaguar at the Bistro this Mother's Day.

The Lewiston Senior Center recently had its "Easter Bonnet Day." Seniors made there own bonnets and competed for bragging rights.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Bandana's Bar & Grill as the recipient of the Youngstown Business of the Year Award.

Artpark welcomes Philadelphia's Enchantment Theatre Company as it presents two Mainstage Theater performances of "Aladdin & Other Enchanting Tales" Thursday, May 1, at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

In a shocking turn of events Wednesday, the Lewiston Democratic Party candidates appointed to run in the June 17 Village of Lewiston election were ruled ineligible. Village Clerk Anne Welch disqualified mayoral candidate Jamie Symmonds and trustee candidate Jacqueline Lampman on the grounds their party failed to adhere to state election law.

Section 15-108(2)(c) states "Notice must be filed in the offices of the village clerk and the county board of elections at least 10 days before the scheduled caucus."

Welch said she did not receive notice from the Democrats of their caucus, which was held Tuesday, nor was a public announcement posted in her office.

Supervisor Dennis Brochey created a firestorm Monday as he revealed his intent to redirect an estimated $120,000 in Modern Disposal tipping fees from Artpark & Company back to town coffers. The money, which Lewiston receives annually, has gone to help fund Artpark & Company's family programing.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Sanborn Old General Store as the recipient of the Sanborn Business of the Year Award.

Bright sunshine and relatively warm temperatures greeted folks who came out to Old Fort Niagara for the annual Patriots' Weekend last Saturday and Sunday.

At its April 8 meeting, the Youngstown Business and Professional Association held an installation of its new board and officers for 2014.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Patti's Cut Above as the recipient of the Ransomville Business of the Year Award.

Town of Lewiston Supervisor Dennis Brochey was recognized as the Lewiston Democratic Committee's Democrat of the Year for 2014 at a brunch at the Niagara Falls Country Club.

The Town of Porter/Village of Youngstown Republican Committee has announced its endorsement of (left to right) Will Ziegler for Youngstown Village trustee, Norm Swann for Village of Youngstown mayor and Tim Adamson for Youngstown village trustee.

Village of Lewiston residents can expect a mild tax increase in the next fiscal year. Trustees voted Monday to increase the tax rate to $7.26 per $1,000 of assessed valuation - an increase of 14 cents. They also approved a special use permit for the new Fresh Start café.

The Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., was formally inaugurated as Niagara University's 26th president during a ceremony held Friday, April 4, in the Gallagher Center.

Salon Semir - located in the middle of the Village of Lewiston (421 Center St., second floor, to be exact) - recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting.

A historic marker honoring Betsy Doyle was unveiled in Falkner Park before a crowd of hearty onlookers in Youngstown.

James (Jim) R. Franey was chosen by Village of Lewiston Mayor Terry Collesano as the 2014 Village of Lewiston Citizen of the Year. Franey's service and commitment to the community has been part of his life for more than half a century, as he worked to protect the businesses and residents of Lewiston and educate the public about fire safety and prevention.

With warm weather right around the corner, it's time to think spring - cleaning, that is.

Carol Calato, board chairwoman of the Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival, has announced the organization will host its annual fundraiser Sunday, May 4, at Water Street Landing, 115 S. Water St., Lewiston. The "Jazz and Pasta" event will begin at 1 p.m. and continues through 7 p.m. All proceeds support the Jazz Festival.