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Military family shows support this Memorial Day

So often we here about all the heroic deeds done by our brave men and women of the military. But, sometimes, we forget about what they leave behind. In some cases they leave behind a wife and children.... more

Friday May 24, 2013 | Matthew Ondesko, Metro Source Editor

Remember the military on Memorial Day

SOUTH BUFFALO - Set just steps outside of downtown and minutes away from anywhere in Buffalo lies the Buffalo Servicemen’s Park, dedicated to the military men and women, past and present, that have so... more

Friday May 24, 2013 | Catherine Miller

NT Council President to run for County Legislator

NORTH TONAWANDA - Calling it a chance to do more for North Tonawanda, North Tonawanda Common Council President and Second Ward Alderman Richard Andres announced he will seek election to the Niagara County... more

Friday May 24, 2013 | Metro Source Staff

Braun announces candidacy for Second Ward Alderman position

NORTH TONAWANDA - Donna Braun announced her candidacy for the position of Second Ward Alderman for the City of North Tonawanda. “I love the City of North Tonawanda and want to give back to the community... more

Friday May 24, 2013 | Metro Source Staff

Request for permit fails for Gabe’s Collision, other agenda items approve at town board meeting

The Clarence Town Board met Wednesday, voting on the approval of the Gabe’s Collision project. Gabe’s Collision needed a special exception use permit in order for the project to move forward. The permit... more

Friday May 24, 2013 | Kaitlin Fritz, Metro Source

Clark announces candidacy for Alderman at Large position

NORTH TONAWANDA - Robert Clark announced today that he will be a candidate for the position of Alderman at Large for the North Tonawanda City Council. Clark stated “I believe in North Tonawanda. I grew... more

Friday May 24, 2013 | Metro Source Staff

Mercy Hospital patient wins new car

SOUTH BUFFALO - Joseph Kozakiewicz, Sr. of Blasdell, New York, RRRolled Up the Rim to Win a new 2013 Toyota RAV4 in the Tim Hortons Café & Bake Shop annual contest. His son purchased his winning coffee... more

Friday May 24, 2013 | Metro Source Staff

Two new school board members elected

The residents of the Clarence Central School district have spoken. Not only did they let the board of education know they did not approve of the budget that was presented before them, but they also chose... more

Friday May 24, 2013 | Kaitlin Fritz, Metro Source

Police log for Clarence, week of Sunday May 26

May 16 Harassment Stacy Miller, 29, of Lockport was arrested for aggravated harassment on Main Street in the Town of Clarence. She was released on an appearance ticket and will return to town court at... more

Thursday May 23, 2013 | Metro Source Staff

Lancaster voters pass school budget

LANCASTER- On Tuesday, May 21, Lancaster voters approved the $94.72 million school budget that carries with it a tax levy increase of 3.96 percent. The 2013-14 school budget, which will increase spending... more

Thursday May 23, 2013 | Metro Source Staff

Buffalo Music Hall of Fame seeking submissions

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is currently seeking submissions for Volume 4 in their highly successful CD series featuring inducted members of the BMHOF. Hall of Fame members may submit their tracks to the BMHOF for consideration to Buffalo Music Hall of Fame - P.O. Box 256, Buffalo, NY 14205. Deadline for submission is July 31. At the close of the submission deadline various tracks will be selected from the submissions for inclusion on the disc. While not necessary we would prefer to have an unreleased or live recording. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Questions can be emailed to: Bob...

Town, Village of Lancaster Police Blotter

May 11 Unlawful Possession of Marijuana Patrol responded at 7:59 p.m. to an Aurora Street address for a report of reckless operation of a vehicle, which had parked in the lot and the driver went into the store. Patrol arrived and located the driver in the store. He was asked to return to his vehicle. The offender, Christopher M. Adkins, 27, of Lancaster, was asked about several items in his vehicle. Patrol had observed a plastic grocery bag with what appeared to be prescription medication. Adkins grabbed the bag and removed a box of suboxone, but then put the bag back into the car. Patrol...

Father, son serve community, country

Marty Helowicz served his country in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1971 and now, as a Vietnam veteran, he serves his community as the president of the Clarence Citizens for Veterans. Helowicz worked on an aircraft carrier in the communications department during his time in the military. “It was a good experience in some respect in that I, at the time was just out of high school, and I wasn’t 100 percent sure what I wanted to do,” he said. “I would say I matured quite a bit.” After serving his country, he decided to go on to college. He moved from Buffalo to Clarence in 1987 where he became...

Niagara SPCA to host firefighter challenge

On June 22 and 23, the Niagara County SPCA will be hosting the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge. The Challenge will be held at Summit Park Mall, 6929 Williams Road, Niagara Falls. The individual competition starts at 1 p.m Saturday, June 22 and the tandem and team relays begin at noon Sunday, June 23. Firefighters competing in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge will be competing in a five-evolution event, which includes a five-story tower climb with high-rise pack, hose hoist, forcible entry, hose advance, and victim rescue. Competitions shall include individual, team, tandem, and relay....

Erie County Legislators call for investigation into Social Services Department

The Erie County Legislature’s Minority Caucus held a press conference Tuesday, calling for a legislative hearing to fully examine how sensitive department of social service documents were disposed of improperly. The Minority Caucus, including Legislators Lynne Dixon, Kevin Hardwick, Joseph Lorigo and Edward Rath, announced it has submitted a resolution requesting that the legislature set a hearing to investigate the matter in order to obtain answers to several looming questions and respond to the concerns of residents. “Just this past weekend, I co-hosted a document shredding day with one of...

School budget fails, reductions are inevitable

Members of the Clarence Central School District voted Tuesday, letting the board of education know they did not approve of the budget that was put before them. The budget that was voted on needed a 60 percent approval. This was because it proposed a 9.8 percent tax levy increase, putting it much higher than the limit of 3.8 percent. A record high voter turnout of 8,232 residents hit the polls at Clarence High School with only 3,431 voting for the approval of the budget. The budget presented by the board had already shown several reductions to be made to the school system, had the budget passed....

Bikes in Bloom; a unique garden walk in Clarence Center

The Meet in the Center Merchants Association invites all Clarence Center residents and businesses to participate in Bikes in Bloom 2013, the fourth annual season-long “garden walk” that will be held from the beginning of June through August. All residents and businesses located in beautiful, historic Clarence Center are encouraged to decorate used bicycles and display them in their yards and at their business locations for viewing throughout the summer by residents and visitors to the area. No fee is required. Just decorate a bicycle and put it in on display at your house. Participants...

Central School sale passes, budget passes in Tonawanda

TONAWANDA - Despite a last-ditch effort to stop it by community activists, the sale of the former Central School in Tonawanda was approved by voters Tuesday. The sale of the building to a private developer for $220,000 was approved by a wide margin, 722 to 311. The building will now be sold and turned into apartments near the downtown corridor. An 11th hour plea to the voters by a citizens group looking to turn the building over to the city was too little, too late, according to Gayle Syposs, who led the faction. Still, she is proud of the effort to bring a community center to the city; an effort...

Voters pass five school budgets, Wilson's budget is defeated

Residents passed five school budgets — Starpoint, Lockport, Royalton-Hartland, Newfane and Barker — Tuesday in eastern Niagara County. Voters were not in favor of Wilson’s budget, which would have raised the tax levy 4 percent. Wilson voted down the budget 698 to 414. The proposed budget was $24.3 million, which was a 3.49 percent spending increase. The 4 percent tax levy increase was under Wilson’s 5 percent tax cap. “The district was sent a message by voters last night,” said Wilson Superintendent Michael Wendt. “We will move forward with the results and bring it to the board.” Wilson’s...

Boys and Girls Club kicks off baseball season in style

TONAWANDA - The baseball gods smiled upon Tonawanda on Sunday, as luscious blue skies and a piercing sun greeted youngsters ready to hear the familiar summertime refrain: Play ball! The Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns opened its youth baseball season with much pomp and circumstance. The Tonawanda High School Jazz Ensemble, fresh off a victory in a recent competition in Virginia, played patriotic tunes, while the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 77 served as the honor guard for the national anthem. After a ceremonial first pitch, it was time to hit the field, as numerous teams faced off...

Starpoint’s bats key in 17-3 regular season

The Starpoint High School softball team has been hitting the ball hard all season long. Up and down the roster, the Spartans have had heroes all over the batting order — and that’s helped lead to a big season, which includes a share of the ECIC II regular season title. The Spartans are hitting .346 as a team with a .403 on-base percentage and .465 slugging percentage. Of the 14 players on the roster, 10 are hitting at least .290. “Everybody hits on our team,” junior Ashley Owens said with a smile. The Spartans scored 148 runs in their first 20 games. That’s a hefty average of 7.4 per game....

New face joins the Ken-Ton School Board, budget passes

KENMORE/TONAWANDA - Judging by his reaction when asked how he was doing, Todd Potter was having a very good night on Tuesday. And why not? The 22-year-old political novice had not only won a seat on the Ken-Ton Board of Education, but he was the leading vote getter as well. Potter, a former Ken-Ton district student, received the most votes out of the four candidates running for two seats; 1768 votes. Coming in second, winning re-election was board president Bob Dana, who garnered 1562 votes. Voters also gave a strong thumbs-up to the proposed budget, which comfortably passed 2,194 to 1,047. With...

Police Log for the Tonawandas for the week of Sunday, May 26

City of Tonawanda May 14 Warrant Surrender Diane L. Dooley, 55, Lardner Court, Tonawanda, surrendered on a warrant May 14, for AUO. All fines were paid. May 15 Menacing Daniel P. Schwartz, 32, Main Street, Tonawanda, was arrested May 15 for menacing in the third degree, harassment in the second degree, and criminal obstruction of breathing. Schwartz was involved in an incident with a female at a house on Main Street. May 16 Warrant surrender Brendan J. Anderson, 37, Goundry Street, North Tonawanda, surrendered on a bench warrant May 16. He was held for court. Warrant Surrender...

YMCA Splash helps teach kids water safety

LOCKPORT - YMCA Splash is a campaign to help teach kids how to be safer around water. It will help kids overcome fears they might have and will give them a sense of pride and accomplishment. Parents worry, that’s a fact, but the YMCA can help to educate children to be safer near water. YMCA Splash is a free program offered to the community, which offers these daily themes: • YMCA pool safety. • Backyard pool and sun safety. • Beach and boating safety. Each day children will be given activity sheets that relate to these themes, puzzles and coloring books. “Tips for Parents” booklets will...

SPCA to host firefighter challenge

West Shore Railroad Mural is underway

CLARENCE - The Clarence Hollow Farmer’s Market’s West Shore Railroad Mural is underway. Jeff Perdziak, Clarence artist and muralist, began outlining the West Shore Railroad Mural on the Clarence Bowling Academy’s exterior wall at 10718 Main St., Clarence. Perdziak continued to work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day this past week, weather permitting. He welcomed spectators to visit, watch and asked questions as he continued to bring life to a piece of the Clarence Hollow’s historic railroad past. Fund-raising efforts are still ongoing. For details on how to donate, visit www.clarencefarmersmarket.com....

Niagara USA Chamber says school districts must stay within tax cap

The Niagara USA Chamber today called on voters across Niagara County to support their school budget if it stays within the property tax cap, but defeat those that look to exceed it when they cast their votes on Tuesday, May 21. “The chamber has consistently been a supporter of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2 percent property tax cap since he envisioned it in 2011,” said Kory Schuler, director of government affairs for the Niagara USA Chamber. “Although it remains a challenge to stay within the cap, we urge all districts to examine their budgets in earnest and ask voters to support those budgets that...

Proper training will help pitchers avoid arm injuries

As the sports scene become more competitive, today’s young athletes are pushed more and more aggressively to succeed. Many athletes — and their parents — hold the dream of signing million-dollar contracts and playing in the big leagues. With increased competition comes a higher risk of injury, especially seen with young baseball pitchers. Common ailments include tearing of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow or medial epicondyle apopysitis (Little League elbow) in the throwing arm. These injuries often result in surgery and require physical therapy prior to returning to play. Studies have...

New D’Youville program uses actors to teach coordination among health care disciplines

BUFFALO - A new and unique program at D’Youville College is using professional actors to portray patients needing medical care to help teach health care students collaboration among a variety of fields including pharmacy, physician assistant, physical and occupational therapy, nursing, dietetics and chiropractic. D’Youville is one of the very few colleges or universities in the nation teaching all seven disciplines under one roof, making it ideal for interprofession collaboration. A $62,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo helped in the creation of a simulation center,...

County receives grant from NYS Division of Homeland Security, Emergency Services

LANCASTER- The Erie County Department of Central Police Services, in conjunction with the Department of Emergency Services, has announced the receipt of an award of $967,981 from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for funding from the Public Safety Answering Point Consolidation, Improvements and Enhancements Grant. This grant will be used primarily to implement the Phase III portion of the E-911 Improvement project, improving communications interoperability between services and municipalities. “This grant will provide a huge boost to emergency communications...

Columns and Blogs

Honor the fallen this holiday, think smart on prom night

Memorial Day is almost upon us. This is a day to reflect on and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for not only their country, but for those who live in such a beautiful country as well.... more

Saturday May 18, 2013 | Kori Sciandra

Be educated on the issues before joining a board

After sitting through several candidate forums this week for the upcoming budget vote and board of education elections, I was left with mixed feelings on the candidates vying for seats on the boards. ... more

Thursday May 16, 2013 | Rikki Cason

Bravo Lancaster Source and Supervisor Fudoli

LANCASTER- Kudos to the Source for agreeing to allow Lancaster Supervisor Dino Fudoli an opportunity to write a monthly column to inform residents on what’s taking place in the town. Supervisor Fudoli... more

Saturday May 11, 2013 | Lee Chowaniec

Be sure to recognize older adults

Over every year, the month of May is very special, as it is National Older Americans Month. As part of this important month, our country recognizes the accomplishments and achievements of our community’s... more

Saturday May 11, 2013 | Ken Genewick, Director of Niag

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