Featured News

You can say one thing about the folks at Niagara Jet Adventures: They always seem to come up with the unexpected.

Thursday evening, NJA co-owners Mike Fox, and Chris Bohnenkamp of Bohnenkamp's Whitewater Customs of Meridian, Idaho, introduced NJA's latest series of boats - called spinners - to a small gathering at the NJA docks in Youngstown.

The Village Vet of Lewiston, was recently awarded a $20,000 "clinic makeover," courtesy of Novartis and Onsior. Funds went toward reconfiguring her year-and-a-half-old office so that its feline patients - and their owners - could have a more positive experience.

Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has toured the world. He's been everywhere from India to Argentina, Thailand to Estonia and Russia to Switzerland.

We've all watched "The Voice" on television and rooted for its singers. But few of us have had the opportunity to experience the show live.

Realizing this, the powers that be behind America's favorite singing competition have arranged it so that "The Voice" could come to "the venue" in each fan's backyard.

Remember the old Starlite drive-in movie on Military Road? The Town of Niagara can't bring back the joys of sitting in or on the hood of your car to watch the latest movies in the summertime in what is now Wegmans Plaza. However, local residents can bring the family and spread a blanket or bring a lawn chair to Veterans Park on Lockport Road (across from Town Hall) this summer to watch outdoor movies on a giant screen.

As we begin the month of July and with summer now in full swing, the Rotary Club of Niagara County-Central is busy preparing for its 24th annual Olde Sanborn Days festival, featuring live entertainment, arts and crafts and food vendors.

Village of Lewiston Mayor Terry Collesano has appointed a new chairman for the municipality's Historic Preservation Commission/Planning Board, and taken steps to replace two departed members.

At Monday's reorganizational meeting, Collesano selected Norm Machelor to replace Ken Slaugenhoupt, who opted not to continue on the board.

Machelor was appointed to the Planning Board in 2013. Prior to that, he served 12 years on Grand Island's Planning Board.

"I like the way he is with people that come in looking to build, or for expanding or whatever," Collesano said. "He's got a level head."

A plaque honoring Nik Wallenda, "King of the High Wire," was installed Monday in Niagara Falls, New York. The monument sits near the spot where Wallenda mounted his tightrope to cross the falls into Canada June 15, 2012.

The U.S. Postal Service is looking for community input on the hours of the Youngstown Post Office.

For centuries, Niagara Falls has attracted visitors from around the world. In the past two decades, however, it's had genuine competition from the Niagara River.

Eight months after releasing their debut album, "Talking Dreams," the four Sierota siblings - Sydney, 17 (vocals/keyboard); Jamie, 21 (vocals/guitar); Noah, 18 (vocals/bass); and Graham, 15 (drums) - better known as Echosmith - are an MTV "Artist to Watch."

Christina Grimmie, a 20-year-old New Jersey native, has been on the road almost three weeks with "The Voice" Tour, performing in Texas and Florida, and winding her way toward Niagara Falls, where she'll take the stage July 11 at the Seneca Niagara Events Center.

When Will Champlin auditioned for NBC's "The Voice" in season five, it was his intent to step out from the shadow of his father, former Chicago instrumentalist Bill Champlin. Thanks to standout covers of songs such as "When I Was Your Man," "Secrets," "At Last" and "Love Me Again," he became a coaches' favorite (both Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera saved him - a show first), and a fan favorite.

Phillip Phillips has taken us behind the light, which is the name of his new sophomore album, to expose what was hidden in the shadows. What we find, if we turn off the spotlight - forget about "Idol" and the song featured across television - is a singer/songwriter who is crafting authentic, anthemic, emotionally charged alt-rock songs that are just plain good.

In a pre-election interview, Village of Lewiston Mayor Terry Collesano was quoted as saying he was disappointed in what he termed "lack of movement" at the historic Frontier House on Center Street.

Ken Slaugenhoupt and David Giusiana, two prominent Village of Lewiston Planning Board members, are stepping down.

"I notified the mayor a couple weeks ago that I didn't want to be re-considered when they re-organize the Planning Board in July," Chairman Slaugenhoupt said Thursday. "I did not resign, but I am not going to be continuing at the transition in July."

Past Chairman Giusiana resigned Wednesday, following Mayor Terry Collesano's re-election Tuesday.

GardenFest is this weekend in Lewiston. The annual event is a time for residents and visitors to get out and explore different gardens and to take notice of the Garden Club's work in beautifying the village. In keeping with that idea, why not venture out a little further this weekend when in search of breakfast? You might find a new morning favorite food.

A new ride at Martin's Fantasy Island provides a view of Canada, Buffalo and the mist from Niagara Falls, and an 80-foot spinning freefall.

At its Monday evening meeting, the Grand Island Board of Education recognized the service of two departing trustees: Emily Ciraolo and Tak Nobumoto.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Teresa Lawrence thanked Ciraolo and Nobumoto for their service. Ciraolo has been responsible for creating and helping maintain the district's Facebook page. Nobumoto has served as board president after a tenure as vice president. Nobumoto finished fourth out of four candidates up for election to three seats last month. Known for his insightful questions and orderly running of meetings, he will serve until a new president is elected in July at the board's annual reorganizational meeting.

Scott Stapp doesn't hold back on his solo album, "Proof of Life." He readily admits his past substance abuse could've prematurely taken his life.

Artpark & Company welcomes rock royalty June 24 when Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band headline "Tuesdays in the Park" in the outdoor amphitheater. The legendary Beatles drummer will be joined by Steve "Luke" Lukather, Richard Page, Gregg Rolie, Todd Rundgren and Gregg Bissonette.

Residents in the Village of Lewiston re-elected Mayor Terry Collesano Tuesday. He will begin his second term in July.

Collesano, a Republican, defeated independent candidates Jamie Symmonds and Jacqueline Lampman by a 255-232-55 vote.

It will be a pet lover's dream come true July 2 when Grandpaws Pet Emporium moves into its new location at 402 Center St., in the Village of Lewiston. Owner Andrew Bell is renting the entire Fourth and Center streets property in order to expand his popular business, add more food, treat and toy lines, open a pet-friendly café, and adopt out cats to loving homes.

You can say one thing about Town of Lewiston Supervisor Dennis Brochey since he has taken office: Once he sets his mind on something - good, bad or indifferent - he certainly acts on it.

Cheryl Martin, one of three co-chairs on the Lewiston/Niagara Relay For Life committee, has been an involved member of this American Cancer Society event for 14 years.

Cancer impacts the lives of some of the people closest to our hearts, and that is part of the reason for Martin's, as well as many other participants', involvement.

Local leaders were pleasantly surprised the first "Tuesdays in the Park" concert at Artpark didn't run into any thruway construction-related traffic problems this week. Just one month ago, they had expressed serious concern motorists would experience long delays heading into and out of the Village of Lewiston on event nights as a result of I-190 lane restrictions in front of the New York Power Authority.

By now, Artpark fans know the venue has an all-star lineup booked this year. All summer long, patrons can listen to the likes of Ringo Starr, Aretha Franklin, Heart, Sarah McLachlan and Lorde.

The most popular act might be the opening one. Recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Daryl Hall & John Oates headline tonight's "Tuesday in the Park" concert series.

Big Guys Pizzeria and More opened Monday at 105 Portage Road, in the Village of Lewiston.

The restaurant gets its name from its signature "Big Guy," a 28-inch, made-to-order pizza pie.

The first weekend of Artpark & Company's summer season boasts a country music superstar and a fourth annual family tradition.

All four Village of Lewiston trustees are supporting Mayor Terry Collesano's bid for re-election in the June 17 election.

The election runs from noon until 9 p.m. June 17 at the Red Brick Municipal Building, 145 N. Fourth St. In addition to the mayoral race, three of the trustees - Sutherland, Eydt and Gibson - are running unopposed.

Why do we all scream for ice cream? Because we want more of it, of course.

Fortunately, The Silo Restaurant has us covered. The waterfront eatery has introduced a new dessert that is heavy in history and even heavier in scoops.

Yvonne Strahovski knows a thing or two about playing a CIA agent, having starred for five seasons as Sarah Walker on NBC's "Chuck."

In just a few episodes of "24: Live Another Day," Strahovski's agent Kate Morgan has resonated with "24" fans so much that rumors are flying of a spinoff.

Stop the presses: The Villa Coffee House has added blueberries and chocolate chips to its signature thin and crisp pancakes! "We did sort of violate one of Tom's rules, which was putting things into the pancakes," owner and chef Mike Loraine said. "That's a new addition. ... I think the chocolate chips are great."

"Feel good food" can mean eating something that's healthy, or partaking of a meal that's made with fresh ingredients. It's not necessarily both - unless Mangia Café & Bakery chef Bec Poletti is making the food. Then you know you're going to eat a great meal that's guilt-free.

There's a saying around Lewiston: "Come hungry to Syros."

The family restaurant doesn't skimp on breakfast servings. ... Or tables, for that matter. Subsequently, guests can get in, fill up fast, and get out.

Artpark has hosted hundreds of big name concerts over the years but, on June 12, history will be made when dancing violinist Lindsey Stirling visits Western New York for the first time as part of her 40-city tour.

When you think of past "MasterChef" contestants - amazing blind chef Christina, budding restaurateur Luca, pastry whiz Whitney - it's hard to believe they were unknown in the culinary world before starring in the FOX cooking competition.

The Father's Day Classic Car Show & Lawn Mower Race benefiting the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life on Grand Island will be held this year on West River Parkway at Long Road, Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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.

"24" fans were ecstatic when FOX announced it was bringing the show back for a limited-run series. They were elated Jack Bauer would return, once more, to save the day. And, they were, well, curious about Chloe's new look.