Full edition: The Tribune and The Sentinel for July 3, 2020

Artpark & Company is looking for volunteers to check-in, participate and assist guests attending "The Art of Walking" treks at 4 and 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays. Volunteers will receive a free ticket for a family or friend to accompany them on the walk on the day they volunteer. Walks are one hour long.

The Morgan family reports two kayaks with paddles and lifejackets were stolen earlier this week from Niagara Outfitters along the docks on Water Street in Lewiston. Those with any information are asked to contact the Lewiston Police Department.

Full edition: The Tribune and The Sentinel for June 26, 2020

The Town of Porter Town Board announced Thursday it has decided to cancel this year's Summerfest, which had been scheduled for Saturday, July 18, at Porter on the Lake Town Park.

As municipalities and businesses continue social distancing adjustments in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Lewiston Town Board conducted its first regular meeting open to the public on Monday at Town Hall.

As first reported here last week, the Village of Lewiston does intend to hold its annual Fourth of July fireworks show at dusk on Saturday, July 4. This is assuming Western New York is in phase four of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's "New York Forward" reopening plan, which is expected to happen on Tuesday, June 30.

On Tuesday, Artpark & Company announced a "The Saints and Sinners Tour 2020" date is canceled. The show was to feature Big Wreck, Headstones, Moist and The Tea Party; it was originally scheduled for July 16. Ticketholders have been emailed instructions.

Brickyard team members are serving their signature barbecue and beer at the Lewiston Farmers Market.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Downriver Post 7487 presented a scholarship award to 18-year-old Lukas Larson last Friday. The Lewiston resident (by way of California) plans to attend Brigham Young University in the fall to begin studies in mechanical engineering and aerospace studies.

As planning continues toward restoration of Niagara County shoreline areas under the New York State Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI), Niagara County legislators are now putting out the call for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to consider waiving the 5% local funding share.

Per Lewiston-Porter Central Schools Secretary to the Superintendent/District Clerk Marisa I. Barile, the unofficial results for the 2020 annual meeting and budget vote are as follows:

New York Power Authority fishing facilities including the fishing pier at the base of the New York Power Authority's Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Plant will open for the season on Monday, June 22, weather and water levels permitting. The fish cleaning station and handicap access elevator at the dam site will also be available.

Village of Lewiston Mayor Anne Welch said she spoke with Ellicott Development, and construction is expected to resume shortly on the plaza at Center, South Eighth and Onondaga streets.

As social contact restrictions impacting businesses from the coronavirus pandemic continue to lessen, slowly but surely bars and restaurants throughout the River Region are getting back into operations. Currently in place is phase two, allowing for outdoor, on-premises service of food/alcoholic beverages. Phase three will enable the indoor service of food/alcoholic beverages. It is expected to begin locally on Tuesday, June 16.

The History Center of Niagara will begin to open its doors to the public starting with the Outwater Emporium Gift Shop, 215 Niagara St., Lockport. In-store sales will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 10. The second floor will be closed to the public at present.

With the Lewiston-Porter School District in lockdown mode for the balance of the school year, the Board of Education held its annual budget/board candidates session Tuesday evening via Zoom for community members.

Though graduating Lewiston-Porter High School seniors can't physically walk across a stage this month, they will take center stage in Academy Park this weekend.

This summer, visitors are invited to reinterpret the Artpark experience through "The Art of Walking." A new approach to a traditional walking tour, participants will explore the nature, poetry and story of Artpark in an engaging and surprising way while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Good news, avid readers: The Lewiston Public Library is preparing to reopen for curbside pickup. Materials will be available as of Wednesday, June 10.

Old Fort Niagara will continue to offer live, interactive, distance-learning programs during the month of June. Unique sessions will share important information about Fort Niagara's military history, from the early 1700s to World War I, at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The content is suitable for adults and children alike and all programs are free.

Full edition: The Tribune and The Sentinel for May 29, 2020 Click for a larger version (PDF)

"Words cannot begin to express the pain we feel for our neighbors at Brickyard Pub and BBQ and Brickyard Brewing Company. Ken, Eric, Steve and the entire Brickyard family, we love you guys and will be with you every step of the way. Take care and God bless. #brickbybrick #lewistonstrong."

The Silo Restaurant in Lewiston has implemented an impressive slate of safety measures.

With the budget vote and Board of Education election approaching on Tuesday, June 9, Lewiston-Porter has been working to give you as much detail as possible prior to mailing in your ballot.

Jamie Symmonds of Willow Consulting is bringing her Farmers Market back for a third summer, starting up again on Saturday, June 6.

Village of Lewiston officials applauded those who helped fight a late Tuesday night fire that damaged the Brickyard Brewing Company and part of the Brickyard Pub & BBQ.

The green bleachers were torn down on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lewiston Event Center co-owner Harold Hibbard donated manpower to have the seating area demolished.

A staple of Center Street in the Village of Lewiston endured a tough hit late Tuesday night. Brickyard Brewing Co., in addition to the Pub and BBQ, erupted in flames that resulted in a partial roof collapse.

Over 20 families participated in the VFW Post 313 Youngstown Memorial Day car drive-by remembrance Monday at Universal, Saint Bernard's, Oakland Rural and Old Fort Niagara cemeteries. At each site, veterans got out of their vehicles and offered a salute to their fallen comrades and a wreath was placed at the War of 1812 monument at Old Fort Niagara.

Attention Village of Wilson residents: The Department of Public Works will be flushing water lines for a few days, beginning Tuesday morning. This may cause low water pressure and possibly brownish water. The village government advises residents to avoid washing any whites and said, "Thank you for your patience during this regular maintenance."

A pandemic wasn't going to stop Veterans of Foreign Wars Downriver Post 7487 from paying tribute to those who gave their lives defending this country.

The Kiwanis Club of Lewiston donated more than a dozen food packs to the village's Department of Public Works on Friday. Each kit included a can of soup or ravioli, a reusable bowl, oatmeal, pudding, water and, of course, peaches - all courtesy of Kiwanian Dean Beltrano. In addition, Kiwanian Jan Mathews dropped off a tray of cookies.

Lewiston Council on the Arts regretfully announces the cancelation of this year's summer events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Bug Fest," the "Summer of '69," the "Blue Monday" concert series and the Lewiston Art Festival and KeyBank Chalk Walk Competition will return in 2021.

Full edition: The Tribune and The Sentinel for May 22, 2020

With guidance now in place from New York state, and the budget deadline met, we were finally able to announce the date and details of the Board of Education election and budget vote. Here is what you need to know to be "In the Loop":

The Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees on Monday voted unanimously to restrict traffic on Ridge Street. The roadway is now a one-way street, with motorists entering via the Fourth Street corner and exiting onto Fifth Street.

VFW Post 313 Quartermaster Lance Dickinson on Tuesday announced, "Since VFW Post 313 will not be able to have our traditional Memorial Day ceremony at Old Fort Niagara Cemetery this year, we would like those who are able to join us for a car drive-by remembrance at four local cemeteries.

The 175th annual Tuscarora Nation Picnic, which was scheduled for July 10-11, has been canceled for this year. The summer picnic highlights Native American culture and traditions and includes dance, music and native foods.

The full version of the Tribune and The Sentinel combo newspaper for May 15, 2020.