Current News

Earlier this week, Attorney General Letitia James presented the Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Amherst police departments with funds to support body-worn camera (BWC) programs. The BPD received $150,000 for 300 BWCs, the APD received $37,240 for 49 BWCs, and the NFPD will receive $51,759 for 93 BWCs and eight BWC docking stations.

William Mattar law offices kicked off its "Rescue a Shelter Animal" campaign Friday, highlighting the importance of rescuing an animal in need from a local shelter or animal rescue. The initiative takes place throughout November and features a pet photo contest. Mattar will also make surprise visits to local shelters and donate needed supplies.

Earlier this week, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced $16.4 million in annual funding for 64 nonprofit organizations and local government entities throughout the state to assist individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless or those experiencing homelessness. The "Solutions to End Homelessness" program provides funding to help New Yorkers avoid eviction, secure permanent housing, and receive services that can help them on the path to stability.

Dollar General's newest store, at 3622 Hyde Park Blvd., Niagara Falls, is open for business. In its new location, Dollar General will offer area residents a convenient new place to shop for everyday essentials at low prices.

The New York State Smokers' Quitline invites all health care professionals to attend free one-hour webinars in November.

Shown in a storefront window across the street from the post office in Ransomville is a tribute to former 1st District Niagara County Legislator Clyde Burmaster, who lost his lengthy battle to cancer earlier this fall. It was prepared by Ransomville resident Ruth Anne Buzzard, who wrote, "The Hamlet of Ransomville gives a Hometown Tribute to their friend, and Niagara County Legislator Clyde Burmaster.

Former Deputy Treasurer Edward Walker, now an employee with the U.S. Census Bureau, provided the Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees with an update on the 2020 decennial census at the start of the Oct. 21 monthly meeting.

Amid public outcry against the influx of new solar farms in the town, the Lewiston Town Board introduced a moratorium that would temporarily halt new proposals for industrial-scale solar facilities in the area for six months. The moratorium is set to be voted on following a newly scheduled public hearing at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14.

You've likely seen a dog on patrol around the River Region with the Lewiston Police Department. He's better known as "Shadow," a striking black German shepherd who is LPD's latest member of a nearly 10-year-old K-9 patrol unit.

Peter S. Fabiano of Grand Island entered into rest Oct. 28, 2019, from a heart attack at the age of 47.

Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard announced this week that Erie County Sheriff's Office K9 Viva has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc.

The Grand Island Recreation Department reports the town's annual Veterans Day ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Memorial Wall of Veterans Park, 1717 Bedell Road.

Members of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week for the new location of Grand Island Optical.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, elected and community leaders, as well as friends and family, celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bella Rose Vineyard and Winery on Wednesday.

The creative duo of Taylor Leonhardt and Jess Ray - going by the moniker Mission House - debuts their anticipated self-titled project today with Integrity Music.

Buffalo Sabres right wing Victor Olofsson, who led all rookies with 10 points (6 goals, 4 assists) and six power-play goals in 13 games, was named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for October.

dick clark productions and ABC announced multi-Platinum-selling superstar Selena Gomez will take the stage for the world television premiere of her new music at the 2019 American Music Awards, marking her first live TV performance in two years.

Paul Baloche, one of the modern church's most acclaimed worship artists and songwriters, released a powerful new single today, titled "Behold Him" (Integrity Music). A lyric video for the song also debuted, and can be viewed here.

Niagara University's Rose Bente Lee Ostapenko Center for Race, Equality, and Mission will host a pair of community meetings focused on the area's youth.

As the temperature goes down, so will the admission prices at the Buffalo Zoo. "Polar Bear Days" began Friday. Admission is $8.95 per person.

On Friday, the Buffalo City Mission kicked off its annual "Turkey Drive" to provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal for impoverished families, the elderly and shut-ins.

David Gray is touring behind his biggest hit songs next summer. He will bring "White Ladder: The 20th Anniversary Tour" to Artpark's Mainstage Theater at 8 p.m. July 13. Gray will perform "White Ladder" in its entirety, and also sing his greatest hits.

Niagara Hospice announced recently that 10 general-inpatient rooms and all 10 residential units at its Niagara Hospice House facility in Lockport now feature new Wieland sleeper sofas, providing flexibility and convenience during patient visits and overnight stays.

The 1965 Huey helicopter is a big thing to miss. It's been gone for about a year now, but no one should be alarmed. The Vietnam era helicopter and its compatriot, the massive tank in front of the Town of Wheatfield Highway Department building, will be back together again at Town Hall on Church Street. It's just a question of when.

It's an exciting time when someone first starts to read. There are so many choices: "Nancy Drew," "Goosebumps," and "Charlotte's Web." It's like a lightbulb goes on, and stays on throughout their lives. All through reading.

In war, many will leave the places they lived in and fight in lands far off. That was the destiny of 152 men and women who left Belden Center to serve in World War II, 13 of whom never returned to their loved ones at home.

Paul Swisher is many things. Husband, writer, musician, KanJam co-creator. But the biggest part of his life was originally almost just a temporary thing. In his book, "Let 'Em Go Pee," he talks about his 32 years in the teaching profession and the lessons he's learned.

On Feb. 19, the Niagara County Legislature officially recognized Niagara County as a Purple Heart County and joined municipalities across the country, including El Dorado County of California, Erie County of New York and Jackson County of Missouri, in honoring its Purple Heart constituents.

Culinary arts students at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center recently lent a helping hand to Niagara Hospice. Teacher Bob Ihle and his students made and donated cookies to the Hospice House in Lockport for its "Day of Remembrance Celebration."

The Old Chapel Antique & Artisan Market and the Old Greenhouse Antique & Décor are both large, yet charming buildings on Robinson Street in North Tonawanda. The owners of these co-op business models started out small with buying and selling old - yet valuable - items on and offline.

There are many kinds of people in Niagara County, but not all of them have it as easy as others. For some, even every day tasks are a difficulty.

The Town of Niagara Town Board convened at Town Hall to meet with justices Anthony Restaino and James Faso, as well as Highway Superintendent Bob Herman and Police Chief James Suitor in order to gain insight on the three department's budget needs as the deadline to change or approve Supervisor Lee Wallace's preliminary budget looms ever closer.

If you are seeking a retreat for male adults only, reflecting on what it means to be a just man, and knowing fully well that we are only (just) huMAN, Stella Niagara has just the perfect weekend retreat for you this November.

A new law goes into effect in New York on Nov. 1 that requires parents to keep infants and young toddlers in rear-facing child safety seats until they are at least 2 years old, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for the seat being used. The new law falls in line with updated recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Are you struggling with dark mornings on your way to work and as the kids head out to school? It's about to change.

"Brad Paisley Thinks He's Special" is set to air Tuesday, Dec. 3 (8 p.m. EST), on ABC. The variety special, hosted and executive produced by Sony country music superstar Brad Paisley, will showcase the energy of Music City from Nashville's iconic War Memorial Auditorium through a combination of Paisley's signature humor, unexpected surprises, heartfelt field pieces and rousing musical performances.

Journey - Neal Schon (founding member and lead guitarist), Ross Valory (co-founding member and bassist), longtime members Jonathan Cain (keyboardist) and Steve Smith (drummer), and Arnel Pineda (lead singer) - have set an extensive North American tour in 2020 with The Pretenders that will feature all-new production and hits from start to finish.

Pegula Sports & Entertainment welcomes Skyworks as the Official Construction Equipment Rental Company of the Buffalo Bills.

The affect that food has on blood glucose levels in people with Type 1 diabetes is well established. Less clear, however, is the role that stress, time of day, activity levels and other factors play in regulating blood glucose.

A collaborative effort spearheaded by Niagara University to revitalize the south end of Niagara Falls and reinvigorate Niagara Falls' main economic corridor was honored during the Niagara Beautification Commission's Annual Awards Luncheon on Wednesday at the Niagara Falls Train Station. The awards recognize and honor the volunteer efforts that help to make and keep the Niagara Falls community beautiful.