Current News

While fans of "The X Factor" will see plenty of musicians on stage tonight -- the episode is a supersized 150 minutes -- one singer will be noticeably absent.

New York state has unveiled a new website and Facebook page to educate teens and young adults about dating abuse, and to empower them to make healthy relationship choices.

"Respect Love, Love Respect." That simple phrase eloquently captures the important message behind a new website and Facebook page designed to educate teens and young adults about dating abuse.

New online and social networking resources are designed to raise awareness of dating abuse, encourage healthy relationships, empower teens and young adults to take action on the issue, and link them -- and the adults in their lives -- to resources and assistance.

Do you know who will make health care decisions for you if you can't? Or why everyone should have a health care proxy? October is national Health Care Proxy Month, making it the perfect time to learn what you can do now to ensure your family and physician know your health care wishes.

Healthy and Halloween are not often used in the same sentence. Halloween is usually seen as a time to get dressed up, gather sugary treats, and enjoy the spookiness of the season. TOPS Club Inc. provides tips to stock the kids' bags with better treats, host a healthy party, and more.

It's inevitable that kids will receive candy, so parents should take steps to limit sugar consumption. Feeding children a nutritious meal before trick-or-treating will help curb their urge to snack on sweets. Once the candy is home, adults can let kids pick out their favorite pieces and decide how much to have each day.

The hosts of "The View" fall victim to ancient witchcraft, aka "VIEWdoo, live Monday, Oct. 31 (11 a.m.), as they celebrate their 15th Halloween show on ABC.

On Thursday, Nov. 3, the offices of alumni relations from Buffalo State College, University at Buffalo, Canisius College, The College at Brockport, Daemen College, Medaille College and Niagara University will host their annual "Alumni After Hours" gathering at SOHO Burger Bar in downtown Buffalo. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., and admission includes an open bar until 8:30 p.m. as well as appetizers.

For the second consecutive year, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland will host "CMA Country Christmas," which is scheduled to air Thursday, Dec. 1 (9-11 p.m.), on the ABC Television Network.

dick clark productions president and executive producer Orly Adelson announced that Christina Aguilera, Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson and Maroon 5 will perform at the 2011 American Music Awards. They join previously announced acts Katy Perry and Pitbull. Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera will team up to perform "Moves Like Jagger."

At a press conference Monday afternoon, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office and the Town of Niagara Police Department announced the arrest of two people in connection to a July 20 house explosion at 3225 Military Road. Crystal D. Knepp of the Town of Lockport and Eric S. Waterstram of Niagara Falls were arrested on charges of burglary in the second degree, criminal mischief in the second degree, and petit larceny.

Chord Overstreet returns to "Glee's" McKinley High as underdog Sam Evans for a multi-episode arc beginning this December on FOX.

Shannon Hardy, Class of 2011, was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Scholarship.

Gretchen L. Wylegala, assistant U.S. attorney, will talk about her experience prosecuting and preventing investment fraud during a one-hour session Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Niagara University. The free, public event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Room 351 of Bisgrove Hall.

The Niagara County Auxiliary Police hosts a pair of open houses.

He's logged 248,166 miles, visited 46 different destinations, traveled by airplane, zip line, camel and gondola, and said hello to America in 24 languages. Starting Monday, Nov. 7, on NBC's "Today," Americans can once again ponder one of television's greatest mysteries: "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?"

The Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo, welcomes The Temptations and The Four Tops on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre, located on the North Campus.

The Village of Youngstown Recreation Department hosts its annual Halloween party.

Planning is now under way to mark the 75th anniversary of 4-H in Niagara County.

Senior high school students in Western New York are invited to participate in next year's War of 1812 speech and art competition, as part of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Queenston Heights. Events are scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 12-14, 2012.

by Terry Duffy
Look for some changes in local U.S. Postal Service operations, starting next month.

As part of a national effort to address deficits and operation costs in the Postal Service, over past months USPS officials have been considering structural changes, including staff changes, consolidations and even closure of facilities throughout the country. Postal facilities large and small have been under review, including many in the Buffalo area.

The History Center of the Niagara County Historical Society celebrates and honors all veterans with a new exhibit called, "Veteran's Day 11/11/11 -- Never Before, Never Again."

by Terry Duffy
The Town of Lewiston continues in the preliminary stage for its 2012 budget, as department heads finalize and submit requests on a tentative $15.6 million spending plan, portions of which are expected to be discussed on Monday, Oct. 24.

That evening the Town Board also will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m., prior to its regular meeting, to consider an override by Lewiston of the state's 2 percent property tax cap.

"We have had town increases. We have to figure out how to adjust," Town Supervisor Steve Reiter told board members last month.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Brennan's Irish Pub, 418 Main St., Youngstown.

Members of Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope invite area residents to attend a public meeting Sunday, Oct. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls, 311 First St.

According to NOAH organizers, the meeting will focus on three issues of interest to the Niagara County community: the extension of the millionaire's tax; local hiring on area projects; and a discussion on the issue of hazardous waste in the towns of Lewiston and Porter, presented by the Porter environmental group Residents for Responsible Government.

The Lewiston Public Library, 305 S. Eighth St., in the Village of Lewiston, announces the following programs, events and activities for the month of November.

On the minds of most school administrators, teachers and parents are incidents both locally and nationally involving bullying.

Lewiston-Porter School District residents were told at Tuesday evening's Board of Education session that Lew-Port officials take reported incidents of bullying and harassment seriously, and that those incidents are fully investigated and appropriate actions are taken.

40 Years Ago, Oct. 20, 1971 Island honors dead Members of Grand Island Post 9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars, will render honors in memory of all veterans on Veterans Day, Oct. 25. Ceremonies will be conducted starting at 11 a.m. in DeGlopper Memorial Park.

St. Timothy's Fall Fest raised more than $3,000 for the church's day care.

Every year at this time the Neighbors Foundation relies on donations from the community to fund the Holiday Assistance Fund.

Tim Richard Jordan entered into rest on Tuesday, Oct. 18. He was 62.

The following incidents occurred from Oct. 10 to 16, as reported by the Grand Island Fire Co. A total of 36 calls were answered by the department during this period. The GIFC has now responded to 1,201 calls so far this year.

Grand Island's own David Nolf will perform Friday, Oct. 21, at 9:30 p.m., at Club 101 in the Seneca Niagara Casino.

The following activity occurred Monday, Oct. 10, to Sunday, Oct. 16, as reported by the Lewiston Police Department. A total of 82 calls were logged by LPD during this period.

Lewiston's Hops-N-Vines is hosting its first-ever pumpkin-carving contest.

Frank Brusino of Grand Island received special recognition for his services.

As formidable, but certainly not as scary as lions, tigers or bears, the second annual Wine, Chocolate & Cheese event will feature its namesake goods -- and much more. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Hosted at the Cambria Volunteer Fire Department, located at 4631 Cambria Wilson Road, organizers of the fundraiser hope to have another successful year. The head count from last year's benefit was more than 400 satisfied guests; so don't be left out of this year's event.

NBC will debut its bigger and more outrageous version of the fan-favorite "Fear Factor" when the alternative series returns on Monday, Dec. 12 (8-10 p.m. ET).

Nik Wallenda, "King of the Highwire," today joined state officials at the Seneca Niagara Hotel & Casino in Niagara Falls to further discuss plans to walk a tightrope across the Niagara Gorge.

Scarecrow Expo winners announced.

The Wheatfield Farmers Market is sponsoring a Customer-Family Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Oct. 26, which is the last day of operations for the market's second season.

The market provides a source for local fresh produce, specialty food items and crafts. For its closing day, it also will provide free hot dogs to all customers, courtesy of the Hot Dog King. The YMCA will provide a bounce house, face painting and a fall-themed crafts table for children.

Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. in the Town Hall parking lot.