Current News

The Pittsford Central School District is the top-rated public school system in upstate New York, according to new rankings issued today by Business First, a Buffalo-based business publication.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and the Niagara Falls City School District will host a local site for the National Prescription Drug Drop-Off on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Cut short by a power outage at its Oct. 19 meeting, the Niagara-Wheatfield Board of Education passed a resolution naming Harris Beach PLLC, as its attorney in a lawsuit filed against them by Superintendent of Schools Carl Militello.

by Olivia Bitetti

Take a break from raiding the Halloween candy this Saturday and head to Military Road in Town of Niagara for the annual Niagara Electric Lights Parade.

Organized by the Town of Niagara Business and Professional Association, the event is designed not only to get the upcoming holiday season rolling, but also to ensure needy local residents have full bellies when Thanksgiving arrives.

Wheatfield residents might see an even bigger tax decrease in 2012.

The YellowJackets from the University of Rochester had a tough time with Hip-hop Week on NBC's "The Sing-Off" on Monday, landing in the bottom two in the a cappella competition, but surviving as one of the seven finalists for next week's show.

November is Native American Heritage Month and Old Fort Niagara is celebrating by hosting a series of special programs.

On Nov. 5, 6 and 12, the fort will offer workshops on traditional Native American skills, such as finger weaving, cornhusk twining, beadwork, quillwork and basketry. The cost of each workshop is $40, and all necessary materials are provided. A full list of workshops and scheduling information is available on the fort's website www.oldfortniagara.org, or by calling 745-7611.

The Niagara USA Chamber presents "Economic Vision: 2012 and Beyond: Creating a Vibrant Future." The event begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, at The Conference Center Niagara Falls, 101 Old Falls St. It is sponsored by National Grid.

The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce is committed to shaping the county's future. Its "Vision 2012" initiative imagines a county built on a vibrant and robust economy. Gary Keith, vice president and regional economist with M&T Bank, will serve as keynote speaker.

Congresswoman Kathy Hochul spoke Wednesday on the House floor about putting American veterans back to work by passing the American Jobs Act.

The Niagara County Auxiliary Police is assisting the Matthew Foster Foundation raise money for families of children with cancer -- families that are having a difficult time with huge financial burdens. The NCAP is selling raffle tickets for a 2012 Ford Mustang or $15,000 cash. The drawing will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 at Cobber's, 6831 Seneca St., Elma.

The Matthew Foster Foundation works very closely with Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Essential Care, Women's and Children's Hospital and other local organizations.

From the anthem hit "Don't Stop Believin' " to the iconic rendition of "Vogue" to the pop phenomenon "Teenage Dream," "Glee" has sold more than 36 million songs. Now it's reached another impressive milestone: 300 musical performances. The 300th performance, a momentous mash-up of "Rumor Has It - Someone Like You," will debut in the upcoming all-new episode of "Glee" airing Tuesday, Nov. 15 (8 p.m.), on FOX.

Grammy-nominated singer Christina Milian was named the new social media correspondent on NBC's "The Voice."

From one of the worst to one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods, the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors is conducting a press conference and walking tour of the Essex Street neighborhood on Buffalo's west side.

The Niagara Social Project is inviting anyone who wants to be part of a music video to meet in front of Planet Hollywood in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Thursday morning.

For the second straight year and the fourth time in five years, Niagara University's American Chemical Society student chapter has been recognized by The Society Committee on Education. Dr. Mary McCourt, chair of Niagara's biochemistry/chemistry department, received a letter in late September from the society notifying her that the student chapter had been selected for an Honorable Mention Award for activities it conducted during the 2010-11 academic year.

More than 330 reports were submitted to The Society Committee on Education for 2010-11, with only 107 of them receiving honorable mention awards.

The first night of the popular "Haunted Fortress" fundraiser at Old Fort Niagara was a great success. A perfect autumn evening greeted 1,200 people as they came to the fort Saturday for a good time and to help raise money for programming.

Tuesday, after the remaining 17 acts performed, the judges eliminated five acts, revealing "The X Factor" top 12 finalists.

It's the No. 1 cause of death for both men and women over the age of 50. Almost 85 million Americans have early symptoms, and there are more than a million heart attacks each year. Yet in many cases, heart disease can be prevented.

"Cutting Edge: Attacking Heart Disease, will air tonight at 8 p.m. on WGRZ. The prime-time health special is the third in the series being produced and aired by the Gannett Broadcast division for its stations across the country.

In light of another teen suicide as a result of bullying, the Niagara Region PTA wants to share the details of its "Stop Bullying Now!" initiative and implore adults and children alike to learn how emotionally damaging bullying behaviors can be.

A diverse task force of dedicated volunteers (including school administrators, Niagara Region PTA board members, PTA parents and students) has been working on this initiative since January of 2010. Each of the 31 individual PTA units and two councils within the Niagara Region has received (or will receive shortly) a "Stop Bullying Now!" toolkit to assist in finding unique ways to get the message out to students, parents and school districts that bullying cannot be tolerated.

While fans of "The X Factor" will see plenty of musicians on stage tonight -- the episode is a supersized 150 minutes -- one singer will be noticeably absent.

New York state has unveiled a new website and Facebook page to educate teens and young adults about dating abuse, and to empower them to make healthy relationship choices.

"Respect Love, Love Respect." That simple phrase eloquently captures the important message behind a new website and Facebook page designed to educate teens and young adults about dating abuse.

New online and social networking resources are designed to raise awareness of dating abuse, encourage healthy relationships, empower teens and young adults to take action on the issue, and link them -- and the adults in their lives -- to resources and assistance.

Do you know who will make health care decisions for you if you can't? Or why everyone should have a health care proxy? October is national Health Care Proxy Month, making it the perfect time to learn what you can do now to ensure your family and physician know your health care wishes.

Healthy and Halloween are not often used in the same sentence. Halloween is usually seen as a time to get dressed up, gather sugary treats, and enjoy the spookiness of the season. TOPS Club Inc. provides tips to stock the kids' bags with better treats, host a healthy party, and more.

It's inevitable that kids will receive candy, so parents should take steps to limit sugar consumption. Feeding children a nutritious meal before trick-or-treating will help curb their urge to snack on sweets. Once the candy is home, adults can let kids pick out their favorite pieces and decide how much to have each day.

The hosts of "The View" fall victim to ancient witchcraft, aka "VIEWdoo, live Monday, Oct. 31 (11 a.m.), as they celebrate their 15th Halloween show on ABC.

On Thursday, Nov. 3, the offices of alumni relations from Buffalo State College, University at Buffalo, Canisius College, The College at Brockport, Daemen College, Medaille College and Niagara University will host their annual "Alumni After Hours" gathering at SOHO Burger Bar in downtown Buffalo. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., and admission includes an open bar until 8:30 p.m. as well as appetizers.

For the second consecutive year, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland will host "CMA Country Christmas," which is scheduled to air Thursday, Dec. 1 (9-11 p.m.), on the ABC Television Network.

dick clark productions president and executive producer Orly Adelson announced that Christina Aguilera, Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson and Maroon 5 will perform at the 2011 American Music Awards. They join previously announced acts Katy Perry and Pitbull. Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera will team up to perform "Moves Like Jagger."

At a press conference Monday afternoon, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office and the Town of Niagara Police Department announced the arrest of two people in connection to a July 20 house explosion at 3225 Military Road. Crystal D. Knepp of the Town of Lockport and Eric S. Waterstram of Niagara Falls were arrested on charges of burglary in the second degree, criminal mischief in the second degree, and petit larceny.

Chord Overstreet returns to "Glee's" McKinley High as underdog Sam Evans for a multi-episode arc beginning this December on FOX.

Shannon Hardy, Class of 2011, was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Scholarship.

Gretchen L. Wylegala, assistant U.S. attorney, will talk about her experience prosecuting and preventing investment fraud during a one-hour session Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Niagara University. The free, public event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Room 351 of Bisgrove Hall.

The Niagara County Auxiliary Police hosts a pair of open houses.

He's logged 248,166 miles, visited 46 different destinations, traveled by airplane, zip line, camel and gondola, and said hello to America in 24 languages. Starting Monday, Nov. 7, on NBC's "Today," Americans can once again ponder one of television's greatest mysteries: "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?"

The Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo, welcomes The Temptations and The Four Tops on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre, located on the North Campus.

The Village of Youngstown Recreation Department hosts its annual Halloween party.

Planning is now under way to mark the 75th anniversary of 4-H in Niagara County.

Senior high school students in Western New York are invited to participate in next year's War of 1812 speech and art competition, as part of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Queenston Heights. Events are scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 12-14, 2012.

by Terry Duffy
Look for some changes in local U.S. Postal Service operations, starting next month.

As part of a national effort to address deficits and operation costs in the Postal Service, over past months USPS officials have been considering structural changes, including staff changes, consolidations and even closure of facilities throughout the country. Postal facilities large and small have been under review, including many in the Buffalo area.

The History Center of the Niagara County Historical Society celebrates and honors all veterans with a new exhibit called, "Veteran's Day 11/11/11 -- Never Before, Never Again."

by Terry Duffy
The Town of Lewiston continues in the preliminary stage for its 2012 budget, as department heads finalize and submit requests on a tentative $15.6 million spending plan, portions of which are expected to be discussed on Monday, Oct. 24.

That evening the Town Board also will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m., prior to its regular meeting, to consider an override by Lewiston of the state's 2 percent property tax cap.

"We have had town increases. We have to figure out how to adjust," Town Supervisor Steve Reiter told board members last month.