Current News

The African Heritage Food Co-Op is celebrating its first "Community Day" this Saturday, Oct. 6. The event will take place at 2616 Highland Ave, Niagara Falls, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Once again in October we commemorate National Domestic Violence Awareness Month [NDVAM], a time for law enforcement agencies, victim assistance organizations and community leaders to work jointly in generating greater public awareness about domestic violence, prevention strategies and effective responses for victims. It serves as a reminder that communities must speak out in a unified voice to combat domestic violence and to challenge all people in America to support programs that can end this nationwide epidemic.

Everyone can use some extra tips on driving skills in the winter - especially teens! AAA teen driver education reduces teen driving accidents and saves lives. AAA's exclusive driver training program provides 30 hours of classroom instruction and 10 45-minute behind-the-wheel lessons one-on-one with a certified driving instructor. Plus, many area high schools have chosen to partner with AAA to offer high-quality driver education.

The community is invited to participate in a free "Lunch and Learn" program this fall, titled "Untethering You Inner Self." The program will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 10-24, at St. John's Episcopal Church, Main and Chestnut streets in Youngstown.

At an Aug. 26 news conference, the Most Rev. Richard J. Malone announced the Diocese of Buffalo would establish a new office of professional responsibility. Its mission would be to review the diocesan code of conduct, strengthen it wherever necessary, and enforce it.

With football season here and the holidays fast approaching, local Girl Scouts have just the right treat. Girl Scouts across Western New York will increase their financial literacy and use digital platforms to engage customers to purchase candy and nut products along with magazines Oct. 1 through Nov. 10.

"See It Through Buffalo," the documentary short that has played to hundreds of thousands of visitors in Venice, Italy, since May, will premiere in Western New York this week as part of the Buffalo International Film Festival.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has announced lottery drawings for waterfowl hunting season at Beaver Island, West River Shoreline Trail and Strawberry and Motor islands have been scheduled.

Newly anointed EGOT winner and critically acclaimed, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter John Legend has announced his first Christmas album, "A Legendary Christmas." The album is executive produced by Raphael Saadiq and will be released by Columbia Records on Oct. 26.

Today's national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.88, up 3 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.56. The New York state average is $2.99 - the same as last week. A year ago, the state average was $2.75.

The National PACE Association proclaimed September as National PACE Month, an opportunity to celebrate the lives improved by Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). This year's theme of "Caring for Caregivers, Caring for You" highlighted the role of caregivers and the support provided to them by PACE programs.

The opportunity to "paint light" on a historic fortress drew hundreds of people to Old Fort Niagara on a crisp, fall Saturday night, helping make the Rochester Institute of Technology's nighttime Big Shot photograph a picturesque success.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Family & Children's Service of Niagara is coordinating the fifth annual Domestic Violence Ribbon Walk on Tuesday, Oct. 2, starting at 4:30 p.m. The walk will begin at the corner of Main and Third streets in Niagara Falls. Following brief remarks, the participants will take a collective stand against DV as they walk down Third Street tying purple ribbons on the trees between Main and Niagara streets.

The League of Women Voters of Buffalo/Niagara states that, from stemming population decline to starting unique new businesses, settlers from afar are making a positive impact on the local and state economy.

Batavia Downs announced the lineup for the upcoming "Legends and Stars Collector's Expo" to be held on Oct. 27-28. Former Dallas Cowboys running back, three-time Super Bowl champion, NFL Hall of Fame inductee and the all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, will appear on Sunday. Also appearing that day will be former Buffalo Bills Bruce Smith, Andre Reed, Marv Levy, Darryl Talley, Billy Shaw, Kurt Shultz, Antowain Smith, Mark Maddox and John Davis.

Summer has now become autumn in the River Region - with those scenic drives in the countryside, U-pick visits, fall plants and pre-Halloween pumpkin buying, farm hayrides and the like being the norm.

Fahim Mojawalla hosted visitors from Grand Island's Golden Age Center Wednesday in what he calls the Celebration of Inspiration.

Young creators gathered together on Sept. 16 to build their best juice stands as part of the "Grannie's Lemonade Stand Showdown" at Niagara's Honeymoon Sweets.

The Lewiston-Porter Central School District welcomed Heather Lyon as the new assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and technology.

Enter SafeShot Munitions LLC of Ransomville.

Look for some movement next year on a new town park in northern Lewiston along the Niagara River.

The Lewiston Town Board gave its OK on a new a solar facility under its new solar law on Monday. Specifically, it approved a special use permit to allow for construction of a proposed utility scale solar energy project on property owned by Town Building/Zoning Inspector Tim Masters at 1897 Swann Road.

Marianne S. Christensen, 87, of Clymer, New York, died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, at Heritage Green Rehab and Skilled Nursing, Greenhurst, New York.

Barbara Ann Anderson (née Leising), from Williamsville, spent much of her life between Grand Island and Ormond Beach, Florida. After brief respiratory and cardiac complications, Barbara passed unexpectedly on Sept. 20, 2018, to rejoin her late husband, Donald, after 19 years apart. Barb is survived by a family who loved her: five children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, as well as three brothers and sisters.

Families often rally around their loved ones, and two Grand Island residents are no exception. Grand Islanders Bethany and Carly (Joslyn) Bernatovicz will participate in a diabetes charitable bike ride next weekend for their nephew and cousin, respectively, Jay Kuehmeier.

On Sept. 20, a group of Grand Islanders showed up to recognize fellow Island resident Paul Leuchner, who was the guest of honor at the annual Western New York Land Conservancy Gala held in the Marquis Ballroom of the restored Lafayette Hotel.

Marie Volpe, left, Friends of GI Memorial Library 2018 Volunteer of the Year receiving congratulations and a plaque from Friends President Mary Cooke.

Opponents of Tonawanda Coke say they're back where they were four years ago in the fight to close the facility, but are making plans for more action.

Grand Island Fire Chief Chris Soluri reports that Fuccillo Chevrolet has formed a noteworthy partnership with the Grand Island Fire Co. through a generous donation of $8,500 towards the purchase of special fire prevention giveaway T-shirts. GIFC officers welcome such corporate support and appreciate it.

Friday night was something players on coach Russ Nixon's Falcons squad won't forget for a long time. In front of a packed crowd at Terry Harvey Field, including a loud and proud Black Hole student section, the Niagara-Wheatfield Falcons defeated Kenmore West for a homecoming victory, 28-21.

The "SiriusXM Presents: Goo Goo Dolls - Dizzy Up The Girl 20th Anniversary Tour" visits Shea's Performing Arts Center in Buffalo for 8 p.m. shows on Oct. 19-21. Per the band's marketing agent, BB Gun Press, each night will see the Goo Goo Dolls perform the full record, then stage an additional set "packed with surprises and more of their hits."

SPCA representatives, Estelle and Animal Cruelty Investigator Ryan Scott accepted a $2,500 donation from Niagara's Choice Federal Credit Union. The donation was from the proceeds of the Credit Union's annual golf tournament held this past August at the Frontier Golf Club.

A new program to empower and improve self-esteem among adolescent girls in Niagara Falls has been awarded a $4,000 grant by the WNY Women's Foundation.

The renovated Locks District Museum, which tells the story of the Erie Canal and the vital role Lockport has played in its rich heritage, will have its formal dedication on Saturday, Sept. 29.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos reminded hunters the deadline to apply for deer management permits (DMPs) is Oct. 1.

Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns announced the creation of "Honoring the Fallen," the newest initiative in the Erie County Clerk's S.A.L.U.T.E.S. (Showing Appreciation, Loyalty, and Unity Towards Erie County Servicemembers) program. This initiative is designed to give discounts from local businesses to the mothers, fathers and spouses of Erie County soldiers who have been killed in action.

Niagara County Director of Employment and Training Donald Jablonski announced the annual fall career fair will be held Wednesday, Oct. 3. It runs from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Four Points, 7001 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls.

ABC announced today a star-studded lineup of music, film and television stars will join the celebration of Mickey Mouse on "Mickey's 90th Spectacular," airing Sunday, Nov. 4 (8-10:01 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network.

Singer/songwriter Madeline McDonald released her debut single, "Well Behaved Women," today. Making a bold statement with her lyrics and spirited delivery, the newcomer celebrates the power of believing in yourself and encourages others to courageously do the same.