Around the Town of Niagara: Learn more about court system, cemetery, senior programs and roadwork

Town of Niagara court is ‘a court rooted in community’

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Nestled within the municipal complex at 7105 Lockport Road, the Town of Niagara’s court system plays a quiet but essential role in maintaining order, fairness, and accessibility to justice for local residents.

Serving as a town court within Niagara County, the court handles a wide range of cases that directly affect everyday life. These include small claims disputes, traffic violations, misdemeanor cases, and preliminary hearings – matters that often represent a resident’s first interaction with the legal system.

Operating at the local level allows the court to provide more immediate and accessible judicial services compared to larger, centralized courts. Residents can resolve issues close to home, reinforcing the Town of Niagara’s commitment to community-based governance.

A court rooted in community

The Town of Niagara itself is a suburban community adjacent to the City of Niagara Falls, governed by an elected supervisor and town council. With a population that includes families, workers, and a notable number of veterans, the town reflects a diverse cross-section of Western New York life.

Within this setting, the town court serves not only as a legal institution but also as a civic touchpoint – where local laws are upheld and disputes are resolved in a manner that reflects the community’s values.

Court sessions are typically held in the evenings, making it easier for working residents to attend proceedings. Judges preside over cases ranging from minor infractions to more serious local offenses, ensuring that due process is upheld at every level.

Accessibility and public service

Conveniently located within Town Hall, the court is part of a broader network of municipal services available to residents, including administrative offices and public safety departments. This centralization helps streamline services such as paying fines, accessing records, and attending hearings.

The Town of Niagara Court is one of several courts in the region, working alongside nearby institutions such as city and county courts to form a comprehensive judicial system.

Upholding local justice

While larger courts often dominate headlines, town courts like Niagara’s are where much of the day-to-day justice system operates. By addressing local matters efficiently and fairly, the Town of Niagara Court helps maintain public trust and supports the overall well-being of the community.

As the town continues to grow and evolve, its court remains a cornerstone of civic life, ensuring that justice is not only served, but served close to home.

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Tours available at Witmer Cemetery

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Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Witmer Cemetery will offer self-guided tours as part of the “250 Tombstone Trail” in Niagara and Erie counties. Pick up a flyer by the gate at the stone pillars and take a stroll through the historic burial grounds on Witmer Road. It is located between Hyde Park Boulevard and the traffic light at the rear entrance to Niagara University.

Learn about the 12 veterans who now call Witmer Cemetery their forever home. Each of the soldier’s graves will be marked and numbered to correspond with the flyer.

The cemetery was established on the farm of Abraham Witmer, who settled here just prior to the War of 1812. It began as a family graveyard and was enlarged over the years and opened to the public. Restoration is ongoing with the addition of a perennial garden and benches along with the columbarium. It is beautifully maintained by the town’s Parks Department.

Columbarium availability

The Town of Niagara offers a columbarium for cremains burials at Witmer Cemetery. Each niche can contain up to two cremations. For further information, contact the Town of Niagara clerk’s office at 716-297-2150, Ext. 131. Feel free to reach out to the Town of Niagara historian, Pete Ames, at 716-297-4429 with questions and/or comments.

Please pay a visit to this beautiful and serene place and learn more about those who came before us. Consider making it your final resting place here in the Town of Niagara.

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Easter celebrations

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The Town of Niagara’s annual Easter egg hunt was held March 28. More than 80 kids in three different age groups attended the event. The kids enjoyed the hunt, collected prizes and spent some time with the Easter Bunny.

Four kids won the coloring contest: Emma Penque, Aubree Guiliani, Juliet Roberts and Dominic Nelson.

The Town of Niagara Senior brunch was held Thursday, April 2, inside the community center. Participating seniors enjoyed music, raffles, food catered by Marketside Restaurant and, of course, the Easter Bunny.

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Highway Department still combatting winter

Submitted by the Highway Department

We have started to pick up brush from the neighborhoods and will continue until November. Leaf pickup ended when the snow started this past December, and we will not pick up leaves until fall. Any leaves that were left out from 2025 must be bagged and disposed of by the owner. Please do not mix leaves and brush in the same piles as we will not be able to pick them up. 

With the severity of this winter, we are seeing more damage to the roads throughout Western New York than normal. Weather-permitting, we are starting to make repairs to the roads. Please be patient. You must drive cautiously and slowly anytime you see a crew working on the roads. The safety of our employees is paramount. We are currently compiling a list of roads that need to be blacktopped. We will have to prioritize based on the condition of the road and traffic volume.

We are also working in the park to expand the parking lot by creating 50-75 additional parking spaces on the south side of Joe Rotella Way. 

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PAL soccer/Thunderwolves

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The Thunderwolves play Tuesdays from April until mid-June for T-ball (ages 4-6). They host travel tournaments, with multiple teams involved, from June until late-July.

Niagara Pal plays for the month of July, and practices throughout the week in June.