Current News

NBC Sports will kick off its coverage of the 2013 NFL playoffs with a Wild Card doubleheader on Saturday featuring the Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) at 4:30 p.m., and the New Orleans Saints (11-5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) at 8 p.m.

Storied NHL franchises will clash in front of an expected world-record crowd New Year's Day at 1 p.m. when NBC presents the 2014 NHL Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs from historic Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Former Florida quarterback and Heisman winner Tim Tebow has been hired as a college football analyst for the SEC Network launching in August.

It's that time of the year when people look back on years past and identify goals they want to achieve in the year ahead. According to USA.gov, nearly half of the most popular New Year's resolutions each year are health-related.

"Despite good intentions, the majority of Americans give up on their New Year's resolutions within the first few weeks of the new year," said Gail Marchese, wellness coordinator at Tops. "For those making health-related resolutions, there are simple ways to make smarter food and lifestyle choices that can be easily incorporated into your daily lives."

Here are a few wellness, smart eating, and food shopping tips from Tops to ease the transition to a healthier lifestyle in 2014 and beyond.

AccuWeather.com reports two storms will merge quickly enough to produce a major snowstorm from the upper part of the mid-Atlantic to southern New England Thursday into Friday.

The George Eastman House has announced it will extend its "Wish You Were Here" lecture series into the new year with chemical engineer, NASA astronaut, and photographer Donald Pettit, Ph.D. Pettit will present his lecture, "An Astronaut's Guide to Photography in Space," on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 6 p.m., in the Dryden Theatre.

The Red Cross has announced the first blood drives of 2014. Every donor who comes in to donate will receive a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin Donuts coffee.

The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island would like to thank the hundreds of individuals and organizations who contributed to make our 2013 holiday distribution so successful. More than 65 of your neighbors were helped with food baskets and, where appropriate, gift cards or toys, for their children.

The foundation itself is a small, all-volunteer organization; we cannot do anything "ourselves." We depend on the community to recognize the need around us, and to respond so generously. Even in beautiful, pleasantly suburban Grand Island, there are needs, and you have helped. Thanks to all of you!

On Saturday, Dec. 14, more than 100 children and parents enjoyed making graham cracker houses with Explore and More, A Children's Museum.

The students at St. Stephen School performed their Christmas Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 18, in the parish church.

The Miracle League of Grand Island and WNY Inc. is closer to realizing the dream of a handicapped-accessible playground at the Miracle League baseball complex in Veterans Park of Grand Island.

The Miracle League of Grand Island and WNY announced Dec. 21 that it is the recipient of a $60,000 grant from an anonymous donor. Members of the board of directors accepted a $60,000 grant to be used toward the construction of the playground, a disability-friendly play area, purpose-built to accommodate all children.

In addition to the immediate grant, a matching challenge has also been made.

The Erie County Legislature has announced that Home Energy Assistance Program outreaches will be held throughout the county to assistance residents in need this year. Attendees do not have to live in the specific town/village/city hosting the outreach to attend.

On Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, Grand Island's inaugural ceremony for all newly elected town officials will take place. Officials to be inaugurated are: town councilmen Christopher K. Aronica and Raymond A. Billica, Town Justice Mark K. Frentzel and Highway Superintendent James B Tomkins.

U.S. Navy Reserve Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Eydt of Lewiston will deploy this weekend from the Buffalo Naval Reserve Station for a 12-month tour to Afghanistan.

Intense Milk continues its "Winter of Fun" program this season by offering deep discounts at New York state ski resorts from Western New York to the Capital Region.

Winter along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway offers birdwatchers unique opportunities to espy feathered fliers along the freshwater shoreline of New York and Pennsylvania.

Corpus Christi Church in Buffalo is pleased to announce 14-year-old child prodigy Emma Resmini is headlining its "In The Light" concert series at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. This concert is in celebration of the Pauline Order of priest's 10th anniversary at Corpus Christi.

The Erie County Sheriff's Office responded to 160 calls from Dec. 14 to 20. Below is a sampling of the noteworthy incidents on Grand Island.

Robert P. Corcoran, age 82, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., passed away on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, in Columbia after a brief illness.

Grand Island Fire Chief Kevin Koch reports Grand Island firefighters responded to 12 storm-related incidents during a seven-hour period on Sunday, Dec. 22. Most of these early-morning calls involved instances of flooding, power lines down, and transformer failure, but no major structural damage, he noted.

Mariah Carey and "The Voice" coach and Grammy Award nominee Blake Shelton are set to perform on NBC's annual special "New Year's Eve With Carson Daly." Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner Jane Lynch will co-host, with actress-comedian Natasha Leggero and actor Anthony Anderson appearing as guests.

Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Lewiston Event Center, 845 Cayuga St. "Family Fun Fest" runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and includes unlimited bowling, shoes, one pizza, one pitcher of pop and party favors. The cost is $60 per lane (up to five people).

Pictured are the Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center board of associates officers for 2014. Shown from left: President Steve Broderick, Secretary Alfred Frosolone, Past President Ron Villani, Treasurer Don Thurman and Vice President Robert Fagiani.

The clock is ticking for a mystery New York Powerball winner who now has just one week left to claim a $1,000,000 lottery prize. The winning ticket was from the Jan. 5, 2013, Powerball drawing and was sold at Star Wines and Liquors, 475 Route 17M, in Monroe, Orange County.

The Village of Lewiston will usher in 2014 with its third annual New Year's Eve ball drop.

Youngstown's Riverview Fitness hosts an open house this Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m., and again Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., at 445 Main St. (lower level). Prize drawings will take place each half-hour, and healthy snacks will be provided. Attendees can meet the center's staff.

Two residents of the Tuscarora Nation died early Monday after a one-car accident in the 5500 block of Walmore Road.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today issued a final reminder: Homeowners must register for the Basic STAR property tax exemption by tomorrow.

AccuWeather.com reports two storms will converge on the Northeast on Thursday with the potential for snow. How quickly they get together and strengthen will determine which areas are hit with heavy snow and which areas will have a near-miss.

Niagara Falls hosts 22 million visitors per year, and with arguably limited quality places to stay on the American side - that is, until Mark Hamister's hotel project is complete.

The 125th Tournament of Roses Parade will air live from Pasadena, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 1 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. "Good Morning America" news anchor Josh Elliot and ESPN's Hannah Storm will co-host the network's live coverage.

National Fuel Gas Co. has announced David F. Smith, executive chairman of the board, indicated his intention to retire, effective April 1, 2014. Smith will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors.

"National Fuel is today a better company for its employees, its investors, and the customers we serve because of Dave's leadership and dedication," said Ronald J. Tanski, president and CEO. "During his five years as CEO, Dave established the current course of the company, focusing attention and significant resources on development in the Marcellus Shale as Seneca Resources Corporation's total production nearly tripled and the company's pipeline business commenced an historic, transformational realignment. Under his direction, the company continued to prioritize and invest in pipeline safety, system reliability and all levels of customer service."

Join the Independent Health Foundation as it presents First Night Buffalo, the ultimate Western New York drug- and alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration. The event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.

NBC's "New Year's Eve with Carson Daly" will ring in the new year with some of the year's best musical performances, including songs from Blake Shelton and Mariah Carey. The two-hour special will air live Tuesday, Dec. 31, beginning in primetime from 10-11 p.m.

Monday night at 7:30 p.m., Buffalo Bills NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly will appear live on "The Fred Jackson Show" inside the WBBZ-TV studio at the Eastern Hills Mall. Hosts Jackson and Bob Koshinski will welcome Kelly for his first visit to the show.

Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Monday the schedule of sites, dates and times for the National Football League Wild Card Playoffs on Jan. 4-5, and Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 11-12 (all times Eastern):

The following activity occurred Monday, Dec. 16, to Sunday, Dec. 22, as reported by the Lewiston Police Department. LPD logged a total of 99 response calls during this period.

The It Happened to Alexa Foundation recently held a poster contest for students of Mr. Antonelli's eighth-grade class at Lewiston-Porter Middle School.

The 3F Conservation Society recently held its annual Christmas party at the Swann Road clubhouse. A very popular event, each year the 3F party sees Santa Claus visiting with gifts for every boy and girl who attends.