Current News

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.).

Chris Rene, Melanie Amaro and Josh Krajcik to compete for "The X Factor" title Wednesday on FOX.

The first-ever Share the Holiday Magic event at Grand Island High School packed the Viking Mall in the spirit of Christmas and collaboration.

Kevin Koch returns for a second term as chief of the Grand Island Fire Co. after running unopposed in 2012 elections, which were held at fire headquarters on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Koch will be joined by Deputy Chief Matt Osinski, First Assistant Chief Chris Soluri, Second Assistant Chief Mark Sadkowski, fire captains Ed Krecisz, Shawn Kephart, Omar Sortino, Day Capt. Pete McMahon, Fire Police Capt. Don Portik, EMS Capt. Jon Cinelli, and a second appointed EMS captain, Jeremy Pullano.

Tammy Gorman was successful in attaining her third term as president and will be assisted by Vice President Don Turner, Line Secretary Nicole Gerber and Recording Secretary Laurie Berry. Reed Wright was returned to the Board of Review and Robert "Butch" Meyer will continue to serve as a Benevolent Association trustee. Dave Khreis was also returned to the position of the sergeant at arms.

"Warriors on the Waterfront," has been selected as the theme for the 2013 National Veterans Golden Age Games, to be hosted by VA Western New York Healthcare System in 2013.

The Rotary Club of Niagara County Central held its first "Niagara Frontier Trivia Championship" on Nov. 12 at the Frontier Volunteer Fire Co.

Various community organizations will receive "A Visit With St. Nick" this Saturday, Dec. 17, at 1 p.m., as the Conference & Events Center of Niagara Falls and Old Falls Street distributes complimentary tickets to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's performance of the same name, within the Events Center at 101 Old Falls St. The tickets were purchased by the Conference Center's parent company, Philadelphia-based Global Spectrum, a subsidiary of Comcast Spectacor. The tickets were purchased with the specific purpose of distribution throughout the community as a way of giving back and spreading holiday cheer throughout Niagara Falls.

In only its second season in existence, Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course has received another impressive honor.

Stop by Voz Cycle City from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, for its annual Toys for Tots collection and Christmas party.

Online auditions for the second season of "The X Factor" are now open. Through Dec. 31, at 11:59 p.m. PT, solo artists and vocal groups (12 years old and over) have the opportunity to submit their two-minute a cappella audition videos to www.TheXFactorUSA.com.

The following is a sampling of calls received by the Town of Niagara Police between Nov. 26 and Dec. 6.

Kathy Otto of Wheatfield has won the Tri State Weimaraner Rescue 2011 Photo Contest with a shot of her Weimaraner Sophie Sue.

Town of Niagara youngsters were enchanted at the Recreation Department's annual Christmas party last weekend.

The Niagara-Wheatfield Board of Education ended its regular meeting last week on a high note, offering praise to teachers and students involved in an anti-bullying project at Edward Town Middle School.

Teachers and students at Edward Town Middle School are getting together to put an end to bullying.

The Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation has 2012 Daily Drawing calendars available for $30.

A four-star hotel and extra airport parking have been added to the possibilities for future use.

Opening of bids for Wheatfield's new large recycling totes added holiday cheer to Monday's Town Board meeting as bids came in lower than expected.

"The Biggest Loser" returns with a bang for season 13 when the contestants get one of the biggest surprises ever in the series' history.

The Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp. is pleased to announce the winners of its recent holiday art contest.

Assemblyman co-sponsors legislation to stop cyberbullying.

Two Niagara Falls USA landmarks will partner this New Year's Eve for an outdoor celebration, as Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel will be a "Diamond Sponsor" for the Hard Rock's New Year's Eve Guitar Drop, hosted by nearby Hard Rock Café, Niagara Falls, USA. The event closes out 2011 in a fashion befitting one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, and takes place along Old Falls Street - adjacent to Seneca Niagara.

As the holidays inch closer, it's time to celebrate the great dishes and wishes of cooking and baking this celebration season at the Niagara Holiday Market's "Taste of the Season" weekend, sponsored by Wegmans, Friday, Dec. 16, to Sunday, Dec. 18, in the heart of Niagara Falls.

The three-day event will feature cooking demonstrations, tastings/pairings, celebrity chef appearances and delicious events, as a part of the Holiday Market's successful run in the Cataract City. The events are all free and will be held at Conference Center Niagara Falls on Old Falls Street, just west of the Seneca Niagara Casino. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, with beverages and food samplings.

"We're thrilled to offer three jolly and yummy days in the Falls to celebrate the best of this special time of year," said Mark Rivers, the CEO of Brix and Company, the Holiday Market's organizer. "With the magic of Wegmans, our wonderful regional purveyors and special stars, I know this will be a terrific time for something for everyone. Food and wine are a highly popular element of the market itself and, we know that folks will enjoy these special events. Please come and join us!"

Other well-known participants include: First Light Farm and Creamery, Zillycakes, Woodbury Vineyards, Flying Bison Brewery, Nectars of the Vine, All That Chocolate, Brothers of Mercy, Rosina, Sahlens, Upstate Milk and Yancey's Fancy.

Appearances by "Top Chef" winner Kevin Sbraga and Cooking Channel star Roger Mooking will headline the event.

Allegiant Travel Company will host a register-to-win event at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Participants can enter to win a vacation package to either Orlando or Tampa Bay. Each winner will receive round-trip air travel, as well as accommodations at one of Allegiant's premier hotel partners, for four.