Current News

The past few years have been a defining moment in our nation's history. With the radical recession of the economy in the late 2000s, and the aftermath, there is no doubt that Americans everywhere have had to gird their loins and follow through with a number of real gut-checks. It has been a time of stress and hardship. We have seen a spike in unemployment, a weaker dollar, and the death of small business all over the nation.

Still, I knew that there had to have been some success somewhere in the country, and I didn't think that it would be too hard to find either. As it turns out, I was right.

The City of Lockport is announcing that extra-capacity tags/stickers (for refuse) will be sold at the city clerk's office starting today. These tags/stickers will be sold for $2 per tag and will cover properly sealed and marked bags that are no larger than 30 gallons and/or 30 pounds placed out for collection.

Let's face it: It's finals week - the worst time of the year. You've taken about five or six classes all semester and now have about the same amount of finals; you're pondering to yourself, "What was I thinking!?!"

First, try not to cram. I know at the time it might seem like a good idea, but in the long run it isn't. Finals are an extremely stressful time; no one is denying that. However, for finals, it would be more advisable to study in small increments. In the days before your final, study that subject about a half an hour each day. The material will stick with you better this way rather than studying it all at once at ungodly hours of the night.

Don't worry, you can do this. Just read, and use some of my tips and take a deep breathe, everything is going to be OK.

The Village of Lewiston accepted Gary Hall's gift of a new, $2 million recreation center at Monday's monthly board meeting. ... Now the question is where to put it.

Congresswoman Kathy Hochul today sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Commerce Secretary John Bryson requesting a timetable for the implementation of the U.S.-Canada "Beyond the Border Action Plan" and encouraging the inclusion of Western New York businesses in any pilot programs.

Plus some sort of onion-looking cop ...

Beginning Dec. 19, fans can relive all of the first season's episodes of "The Voice," "Up All Night," "Parenthood," "Whitney" and "Grimm"

Syndicated morning program "LIVE! with Kelly" will feature a special themed week of guest co-hosts Jan. 9-13, 2012, with some of the brightest stars from the world of sports making their co-hosting debuts with "LIVE!" host Kelly Ripa.

Marguerite D. "Marnie" Eydt, 54, of Lewiston, died suddenly on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston.

The NBC Sports Group, and its action sports arm Alli, and Red Bull Media House announced today a long-term partnership for the development of a new property, the "Red Bull Signature Series." The strategic endeavor will bring 35 hours of one-of-a-kind action sports programming to NBC and the NBC Sports Network starting in January 2012.

Time Warner Cable reiterated its pledge Sunday to not take MSG off the air through the NHL and NBA seasons. MSG is the TV home of the Buffalo Sabres.

Border Community SERVICE of Niagara University will host a free CERT training course beginning Jan. 17, 2012, at the St. Johnsburg Fire Co., located at 7165 Ward Road, in North Tonawanda (Wheatfield).

Mount St. Mary's Hospital is celebrating the nearing of completion of more than $10 million in diagnostic equipment and infrastructure improvements made at the facility over the past three years.

And starting this month, Mount St. Mary's is beginning an investment that will total more than $2.4 million for the implementation of an electronic medical record that will be needed to meet the requirements of the federal Healthcare Reform's Affordable Care Act, while enhancing patient care.

Hospital President and CEO Judith Maness said the investments would add to the overall life of the hospital building and enhance comfort for patients and employees.

"These investments in our hospital's infrastructure and building systems are critical to our sustainability and efficiency," she said.

The board of associates of Mount St. Mary's Hospital recently celebrated another successful year of activities with a donation to the hospital. The board conducts events such as the Hewitt Scholarship Awards, Pro-Am Golf Tournament, pancake breakfast, and the Father's Day "Gift of Life and Love" free prostate screening.

It's easy to see what customers like about Sandi's Family Restaurant.

Uniquely crafted woodworkings are now on display.

Jean Baruch, founder of the Tuscon, Ariz.-based Beads of Courage Inc., visited Stella Niagara Education Park to engage students in a prayer-partner activity.

Winners of the annual DiMino's Lewiston Tops-NFP/Sentinel Holiday Coloring Contest were announced recently at the Tops store on Center Street.

The Town of Lewiston's new ice rink at Academy Park continues to gain in popularity.

Lewiston restaurant Brio will re-open to the public on Wednesday, Dec. 21, owner Mike Wylke said Thursday. In the meantime, customers are encouraged to continue utilizing the pizzeria via takeout and delivery orders. To place an order, call 754-2707.

Organizers of the Lake Ontario Ordinance Works Community Action Council held a session focused on transparency and information sharing Wednesday at the Lewiston-Porter School District Community Resource Center boardroom.

Enjoying the annual "Christmas in the Village" holiday event.

The Holiday Inn Grand Island invited Islanders to a coming out party Tuesday to show off the hotel's new look.

At the Monday evening meeting of the Grand Island Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Robert Christmann announced that Jerry Parisi, assistant principal of Grand Island High School, would become the new principal of Veronica E. Connor Middle School effective Jan. 1, 2012.

Members of the Second Tuesday of the Month Book Club presented the Grand Island Memorial Library with a check on Thursday, Dec. 8.

At 12:33 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, Grand Island Fire Co. firefighters responded to a Stony Point Road structure fire reported by the owner, Kevin Hall, who discovered smoke coming from his basement.

Guests include Scarlett Johansson, the Radio City Rockettes, VOCA People and Santa Claus

Syndicated morning program "LIVE! with Kelly" is announcing the first group of guest co-hosts joining Kelly Ripa in the new year.

Tis the season to eat drink and be merry. Celebrate the holiday season as SOAPnet airs "'The Chew's' Countdown to Christmas" marathon on Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., bringing viewers more of all the food, drinks, gift ideas and helpful hints to tackle last minute holiday cooking, shopping and festivities.

The festivities are in full swing at "The Chew," television's holiday headquarters this season. Hosted by celebrity chefs Mario Batali, Michael Symon and Carla Hall, entertaining and style expert Clinton Kelly and health and wellness enthusiast Daphne Oz, "The Chew" invites viewers into its kitchen weekday afternoons to dish about everything from easy entertaining to making meals on a budget, while celebrating and exploring through food.

One of television's most popular holiday traditions will be back this year as TBS presents the 15th annual edition of "24 Hours of A Christmas Story," beginning Christmas Eve at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).

The following activity occurred Monday, Dec. 5, to Sunday, Dec. 11, as reported by the Lewiston Police Department. LPD reported a total of 80 responses during this period.

Conrad M. Tubin of Eagan, Minn., passed away on Nov. 16, 2011. He was the son of Conrad and Ann M. (Golanka) Tubin.

With the ink barely dry on the 2011 season, all focus has turned to the 12th annual Hangover 150 and the upcoming 2012 season at Ransomville Speedway. Tentative scheduling is beginning to take place with an announcement slated for early into the New Year. In addition to scheduling, Marketing Director Tana Robinson has been working with sponsors regarding the upcoming season.

Jay Robert Martin of Grand Island completed his earthly journey after a devastating fall while celebrating Thanksgiving with family. He passed away on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011.

Ceremony pays tribute to beloved member of the police force.

Allegiant announced on Dec. 8 new, nonstop jet service between Niagara Falls and Orlando, Fla., via Orlando Sanford International Airport, will begin Feb. 15, 2012.

"We're pleased to expand our brand of affordable and convenient travel options in Niagara Falls," Andrew C. Levy, president of the Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company president, said. "We are confident that the residents of Niagara Falls and southern Ontario will appreciate flying nonstop to Orlando and take advantage of the great deals we offer on hotels, car rentals and theme park tickets."

In September, Allegiant announced flights between Niagara Falls and Tampa Bay, Fla., via the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, to begin this month.

Members of the Dance Ensemble from the Lewiston/Grand Island Dance Centers performed at the Niagara Falls Fire Department's annual Firemen's Fund Telethon.

Today, Assemblyman John Ceretto and State Sen. George Maziarz voiced their support for increased funding for Niagara Falls State Park, which was announced yesterday at a meeting of New York State Park officials.

"The NFL on CBS," broadcasting its 52nd year of the NFL, continues its 2011 NFL season on Sunday, Dec. 18 (1 to 7 p.m.), with "The NFL Today" (Noon to 1 p.m.).