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Wednesday, December 31, 2014
This map, provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, shows the epicenter of this afternoon's earthquake, about 16 miles north of Olcott.

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The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting a magnitude 1.7 earthquake around 3:38 p.m. in the middle of Lake Ontario ― about 16 miles north of Olcott.

An earthquake of that magnitude would barely be felt if it were actually in Olcott, much less 16 miles away in the middle of the lake, according to scientists from U.S.G.S.

A similar size earthquake was reported Nov. 29 in South Lockport, and another was reported about 25 miles north of Barker on Feb. 13, although that one was nearly double the intensity at 2.9 on the Richter Scale.



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TOWN OF LOCKPORT — A 45-year-old Lockport woman and her daughter were charged Monday night with shoplifting after Walmart employees say they loaded up a cart and walked out without paying.

Alicia K. Teeter, 45, 6270 Shimer Dr., was charged with petit larceny, as was her daughter, listed in the police report only as "Shufeld," with no age or address given.

According to the report, Walmart's head of security, "observed two adult females pass all points of sale with merchandise that was concealed in a Walmart shopping bag. (She) stated that she observed the two females select a shopping cart that already had a shopping bag in it. (She) stated that one female began to conceal tank tops in the shopping bag while in the infants department. (She) stated that both females put items into the shopping bag. (She) stated that both females then exited the store through the automotive department entrance passing all points of sale."

The total value of the stolen merchandise was $47.30.

The two women are due in the Town of Lockport Court on Jan. 15.



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BUFFALO — Fans were decked out in tuxedos and gowns hoping to end 2014 with a Sabres victory to celebrate. Instead, they walked out of First Niagara Center with a 5-1 loss to the Tampa Lightning.

Tampa started the party pooping at 7:48 of the first period when Matthew Carle scored on a slapshot from Ondrej Palat. Tyler Ennis got the fans back in the festive mood with a power play goal at 12:33, assisted by Nikita Zadorov and Matt Moulson.

That was all the celebrating Sabres fans would do, as Tampa scored the next four goals, starting with a power play goal by Palat at 19:02 of the second period. Tyler Johnson and Nikita Kucherov assisted on the goal.

In the third, Brett Connolly scored on a backhand shot at 5:20, assisted by Anton Stralman and Palat. Kucherov made it 4-1 at 8:40, assisted by Johnson and Stralman. Finally, at 18:05, Kucherov tallied another on a snap shot. Palat and Johnson got the assists.

The Sabres got just 11 shots on goal during the game. They next play the Florida Panthers on Friday.



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The Lockport Express has challenged area first responders and LHS alumni to a hockey game to be played at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Cornerstone CFCU Arena.

The game will pit the the Express' Junior team up against a group of players including members of the Lockport Police and Fire departments, EMTs, corrections officers and former LHS players.

Admission is $5 for adults, while kids 12 and under are free. All money will be donated to charity.

There will be a public holiday skate immediately following the game which will include members of the Lockport Express team.



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Gage W. Amidon passed away suddenly on December 27, 2014.  

Born in Buffalo on May 13, 1995 he is the son of Jennifer Amidon. Gage enjoyed music, outdoor sports and playing with his younger brothers. Besides his mother he is also survived by his daughter Kilie Rose; brother of Gavin Gill, Grant Amidon, Garet Amidon; half-brother of Sean Gill and step-brother of Alex Schweigert and Makayla Schweigert; “son” of Doug Gill; grandson of Rebecca Garvey and Kathy Paul; girlfriend and mother of his daughter Shelby Adamczak.

Relatives and friends may call Saturday, January 3rd from 1-4 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport.  

Visit www.pruddenandkandt.com.


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NORTH TONAWANDA — Senator-elect Robert Ortt will publicly take his oath of office Saturday at an 11 a.m. ceremony at the Riviera Theatre.

Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, will represent New York's 62nd Senate District, taking over from outgoing Sen. George Maziarz, who announced his retirement earlier this year. The 62nd District includes all of Niagara and Orleans counties, as well as the Monroe County towns of Ogden and Sweden.

Newly-elected New York State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek, who also hails from North Tonawanda, will administer Ortt's oath.



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All Post Offices will be open today, but most will close at noon except for a handful, open until 5 p.m.

The Lockport Post Office, 138 East Ave., is one of 10 in the Buffalo/Niagara area that will remain open regular hours today, as are:

  • Buffalo Main Post Office, 1200 William St.
  • Cayuga Branch Post Office, 285 Cayuga Road, Cheektowaga
  • Northside Station Post Office, 725 Hertel Ave., Buffalo
  • West Seneca Branch Post Office, 4300 Seneca St., West Seneca
  • Williamsville Branch Post Office, 5325 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville
  •  Batavia Post Office, 2 West Main St.
  • Niagara Falls LaSalle Post Office, 9860 Niagara Falls Blvd.
  • Orchard Park Post Office, 60 School St.
  • Tonawanda Post Office, 96 Seymour St.

Regular mail delivery and blue collection boxes having final collection times before noon will not be affected. However, collection boxes with final collection times scheduled after noon will be collected by noon.

Post Offices will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1 and only Priority Express Mail will be delivered.

Regular mail delivery and Post Office hours will resume Friday, Jan. 2.

Customers can access many postal services and products at local retailers (stamps), at a Self-Service Kiosk or at usps.com.



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NEWFANE — A 19-year-old Newfane man was charged Monday with stealing tools from the home of a Newfane woman.

According to a report issued by the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, Steven A. Wells, 2762 West Ave., had taken an orange Pass Load impulse nail gun, and a Craftsman 19.2 volt drill from the home of a Lockport-Olcott Road woman.

Orignally, Wells denied having taken the items but later admitted to the thefts. He said he had already sold the nail gun but still had the drill in his possession, which he turned over to patrol.

He was charged with two counts of petit larceny and one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property in the 5th degree. He was taken to Niagara County Jail and held on $250 bail. He is due in Town of Newfane Court.



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The National Weather Service calls for a cold and snowy end to 2014. Today offers a 50 percent chance of snow with a high near 23 and an overnight low in the teens.

New Year's Day forecasts scattered flurries and snow showers with a high near 28 and a low around 25. Friday brings a chance of snow showers with a high near 31 and a low around 24. Saturday: A chance of snow with a high near 35. Overnight, snow, freezing rain, and sleet is likely with a low around 27.

Sunday offers a chance of snow showers, freezing rain, and sleet with a high near 34 and a low around 17. Monday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 22 and a low around 17. Tuesday brings a chance of snow showers with a high near 24.



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TOWN OF LOCKPORT — A 38-year-old Drum Road man was charged Sunday with shoplifting from Walmart — twice in three days.

According to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office report, James J. Gould Jr., 2912 Drum Road, Hartland, was seen on store video around 9 p.m. on Dec. 26 concealing seven miscellaneous bottles of perfume inside of his jacket, then walking to the front of the store and out through the small cart access door to avoid the security sensors.

Walmart's loss prevention manager told NCSO that another male was seen to be selling said perfumes on Facebook. She knew the perfumes to be the same because she had made identifying marks on them.

As patrol was investigating the incident, they were told that Gould was back in the store and concealing more perfume. Patrol waiting outside for Gould to leave the store, which he did through the small cart access door again. Patrol stopped Gould and interviewed him. He admitted that he had just taken perfume from the store.

Patrol detained him and brought him back into Walmart and into the security office, where deputies located seven miscellaneous bottles of perfume inside his jacket and pants pockets. Patrol asked if he was in the store two days prior and took perfume, to which he replied "yes." He was asked what he does with the perfume, to which he said that he gives them to a friend that sells them, although he would not say who that friend was.

He was taken into custody and transported to the Niagara County Jail where he was held on $500 bail and ordered to appear in Town of Lockport Court on Jan. 6.

The case was forwarded to the Criminal Investigations Bureau for possible charges to be brought against the other male.



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As the year draws to a close, I think about how much more divided this country is than it has ever been in my lifetime. I was not around for the civil rights protests of the 1960’s, but I remember the riots of the 1970’s and they scared me. When everything seemed to calm down, even as a kid, I was relieved.

Today, thanks to the persistent efforts of the 24-hour news media and attention hogs like Al Sharpton, the country is never given a chance to rest in order to heal. Each violent act against the police brings us closer and closer to the very martial law that we have abhorred throughout our history. The land of the free and the home of the brave is about to become the land of the locked-down and the home of the cowards who throw rocks from behind their naïve, racist shields.

I didn’t like 2014 from the moment it started. I sensed from the beginning that something was wrong and that feeling never went away. At first, the senseless deaths were of celebrities who were struggling in silence and never felt like they could reach out for help. Then the struggles took to the streets and morphed into a grayscale hue that has never looked right to me.

People. We are all People. We, the People. Why do some insist on using race as a reason to be destructive or as an excuse to be ignorant? I have always been, and always will be, a firm believer that the content of our character matters and the color of our skin does not. I stole that from a great man, as we should all steal the teachings of that great man.

To divert our attention, every once in a while, a little gnome in North Korea pipes up and keeps us all entertained. As we find out more about the Sony hack, we are starting to think that it could have been an inside job and Kim Jong Un had nothing to do with it. But don’t change protocol now. It has been great sport to watch the little guy pipe up, make his threats and then fade away.

Kim Jong Un is like a blast of unpleasant gas passed in church. The tension builds and builds until it erupts with an inappropriate and foul blast of energy. Then, it slowly dissipates while the people all around continue to stare with disapproving scowls. After a while, the tension and the energy are gone and the whole thing is forgotten. But unlike gas passed in church, watching Kim Jong Un in action is a lot of fun.

Can we do better in 2015? I’m not sure. For our little corner of the world, 2015 represents the single most important election year in the recent history of Lockport. If we do not educate ourselves and vote for the right people, then there very well may not be a Lockport to leave our children. Bankruptcy means a rise in crime, a decrease in basic maintenance and the decay of our city unlike anything we have ever seen.

If we get complacent and vote in the same Harrisons cronies that we vote in with each election, then our city is done for. But if we take the time to learn about the people who want to run for office, then we have a fighting chance at getting better. We have a long road ahead of us Lockport, and we can determine whether or not there is light at the end of the tunnel by our decisions next November.

What about the country? A country that gets more sharply divided each year will find itself mired in a full-out presidential war as the 2016 campaigns again. Politicians who are supposed to be uniting the country will tear the country down to its very foundation just to further their own causes. Politicians do not unite – they divide. Until we learn that, we will never make any progress.

We will be subjected to two years of inappropriate comments ruining political careers and 40 year old war records shaming politicians into getting off the campaign trail. Is it really any wonder why men like Colin Powell refuse to run for president? Being president of this country is not about making America great; it is about burying your opponent so deep in mud that the voting public can no longer see that opponent. That is the basis for a political system that, at some point very soon, will fail.

On the one hand, we have our city’s destiny in our own hands. We will decide whether Lockport makes a slow comeback, or whether a lazy reliance on old habits drives us into the ground. On the other hand, we have to sit back and watch the rest of the country implode knowing full well there is nothing we can do about it.

Happy New Year.

Nick Oliver is a Niagara County resident who is running out of hope for the future. His column appears each week and offers hope to no one.



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Tuesday, December 30, 2014
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NEWFANE — The manager at Hamlet Square Apartments reported Monday that sometime between 4 p.m. Friday and noon Sunday, someone stole a metal rod from a fence.

The woman told patrol that she had no suspects in mind for the theft of the $15 rod.

The investigation is continuing pending more information.



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GASPORT — A 15-year-old male who shot himself in the foot while hunting Saturday was taken to Medina Memorial Hospital for treatment.

According to a Niagara County Sheriff's Office report, the teen had set his 12-gauge Remington 1100 shotgun against a tree with the barrel facing the ground. When he attempted to pick his shotgun back up, it slipped and fell to the ground. He reached for the shotgun on the ground, but as he was picking it up, the shotgun slipped out of his hand again. As the shotgun fell to the ground, the teen accidentally grabbed it near the trigger causing a shell to discharge. The birdshot pellets struck him on his right foot.

The teen's brother and two friends assisted in carrying him to their vehicle. They first drove to the boy's house to get his insurance card. After getting the insurance card, they transported him to Medina Memorial Hospital.

The firearm which was documented onto a property management form was transferred to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The case was forwarded to the NCSO Criminal Investigation Bureau.



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TOWN OF LOCKPORT — A 63-year-old Prospect Street man had a counterfeit $20 bill confiscated from him Sunday morning at Tops.

According to a report by the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, the man had tried to use to $20 bill when store representatives told him it was fake and took it from him, calling NCSO.

Patrol interviewed the store manager, who turned the bill over. The Sheriff's Office then turned the bill over to U.S. Secret Service.

The report does not state where the man got the fake money from. No charges were filed in the incident.



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The Cornerstone CFCU Arena tower recently added the namesake sign on its north side. Improvements at the arena continue to be made daily. Open skating sessions are available seven days a week, including one New Year's Eve night. (PHOTO BY SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

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With the City of Lockport scrapping the annual New Year's Eve ball drop, many people in Lockport are looking for something to do to ring in 2015. Cornerstone Arena hopes to have a solution.

The arena has been offering open skating daily during the Christmas recess — with notable success. The arena announced Sunday that it had 926 skaters during its first week of public skating at the arena. There were a total of 522 pairs of skates rented.

Now the arena is offering a double dose of skating fun New Year's Eve with one session from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a second session from 8-10 p.m. And on New Year's Day, the arena will be open for skaters from 1-3 p.m.

Skate rentals for all sessions are $3. Admission is $3 Wednesday afternoon and $5 ($3 for kids 4 and under) for the Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon sessions.

For more open skating options from the arena, check the Cornerstone CFCU Arena website.



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TOWN OF LOCKPORT — A 16-year-old male resident of Wyndham Lawn was charged Sunday night with disorderly conduct.

The teen was returned to the home by Niagara County Sheriff's deputies after having been reported missing. Patrol was standing in the hallway of McCorney Cottage listening to the staff ask the teen repeatedly to close his bedroom door per policy.

Patrol walked into the room and told him to stop giving the staff a hard time but he continued to yell profanities at staff and patrol. Patrol then began closing his room door. The teen jumped up from his bed that he was sitting on and slammed the door shut. In doing so the door struck patrol's shoulder, although patrol did not get injured.

Patrol opened the door and placed the teen in custody for disorderly conduct. He was transported to Niagara County Jail and held on $100 police bail. He is to appear in Town of Lockport Court on Jan. 6.



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The Dale Association and Lockport Meals on Wheels announces a partnership today between the two agencies.

The partnertship, effective Thursday — the first day of 2015 — makes sense due to the two organizations' similar missions and similar people served in the community. Both organizations proudly serve people in Niagara County, providing support designed to enhance health, wellness and socialization. Additionally, the partnership will allow a cost savings to the Meals on Wheels organization.

Meals on Wheels of Lockport provides daily nutrition to elderly, home bound, frail, disabled or at-risk residents within the City of Lockport. Daily operations of meal preparation and delivery will remain unchanged. Kathy Fahs will continue to coordinate and manage the program out of Lockport Presbyterian Home, and meals will continue to be delivered by dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteers.

“At The Dale Association we provide comprehensive services and coordinate connections for adults in Niagara County which enhance their health and wellness as well as their sense of empowerment," said Dale Association President/CEO Maureen Wendt. "We anticipate benefits to the people we collectively serve - all designed to promote good health and independence."

According to Patricia M. McGrath, Board Chair, Meals on Wheels of Lockport, “Our board is excited to partner with The Dale Association, given the shared commitment to improving the Lockport community in the most efficient way possible. Meals on Wheels volunteers have always gone the extra mile to support our customers and now we can work with The Dale to identify other Lockport residents who may benefit from the services we provide.”



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WRIGHTS CORNERS — A 41-year-old Niagara Falls man is facing petit larceny charges from two Lockport-Olcott Road stores Sunday afternoon.

Gerald H. Stroud, 1819 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls, stands accused of stealing Glade air fresheners from Tops at approximately 4:30 p.m. He then reportedly stole Glade oil refills from Family Dollar at 4:34 p.m.

According to NCSO, Stroud entered Family Dollar and asked where the Glade Oil Refills were located for air fresheners. Several minutes later, he quickly exited the store and the sensor alarm was activated. The employees yelled to him to stop, but he continued walking out of the store and got into the back seat of a car which then left.

A short time later, patrol was informed that the Town of Niagara Police Department stopped the vehicle involved in the larceny and the male in the back seat matches the description of the suspect provided. The items were also found in the car.

NCSO states that Stroud confessed to stealing the items from Family Dollar and Tops. The merchandise was returned to its appropriate stores. Stroud was held in the Niagara County Jail, in lieu of $500 bail. He is to appear in the Town of Newfane Court to be arraigned on the charge of Petit Larceny.

Stroud is also on New York State Parole for Robbery in the Second Degree. Patrol will notify his parole officer.



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Ann B. Godzisz, 91, of Lockport, NY wife of the late Sylvester Frank Godzisz passed away Monday, December 29, 2014 at Briodys Health Care Facility under the loving care of family and staff. 

She was the daughter of Louis and Sophia Klos Grendisa. Ann and her husband were the owners of N. Transit Grocery in Lockport for many years and Frank’s Restaurant & Bar in Wrights Corners. Ann enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking favorite Polish dishes and bird watching. Her greatest joy was being together with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of St. Brendan’s R. C. Church Newfane, NY. 

Ann was the loving mother of Sheila McAtee of Lockport, Kathy (John) Phillips of Cambria and Patricia (Robert) Smith of Dunkirk. Grandmother of Steven (Kathy) Waas of Palm Beach, FL, Greg (Amanda) Phillips of Wilson, NY, Mandie (Lenny Paul) Bechard of Rouses Pt., NY, Jeffrey (Shannon) Phillips of Fairport, NY. Great Grandmother of Alex, Emily, Gracie Phillips and Hanna Bechard. Sister of Cecelia Sasiadek of Tonawanda, Helen Fura of Lockport, Stella Newman of Barker and the late Leon Grendisa, Catherine Karlak, Mary Kyzmir, Thomas Grendisa and Amelia Godzisz. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call at the RUTLAND-CORWIN FUNERAL HOME, INC. 2670 Main St. Newfane, NY THURSDAY January 1, 2015 from 2-6 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated FRIDAY at 10:00 AM at St. Brendan of the Lake R.C. Church (St. Bridget’s) Ewing’s Road Newfane, NY. Burial will be in St. Charles Cemetery, Newfane, NY. In lieu of flowers; memorials to Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter 1914 Colvin Boulevard Tonawanda, NY 14150 would be appreciated by the family.  

Please visit www.rutland-corwin.com to send a condolence to the family.


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The American Red Cross asks eligible blood donors to make a resolution to give blood regularly in 2015, beginning with National Blood Donor Month in January.

National Blood Donor Month recognizes the importance of giving blood and platelets while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. It has been observed during January since 1970, and that’s no coincidence. Winter is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet patient needs. Unpredictable winter weather can result in blood drive cancelations, and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, may cause some donors to be unable to make or keep blood donation appointments.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. With a shelf life of 42 days, red blood cells must be constantly replenished to maintain an adequate supply for patients. Individuals who come out to give blood Jan. 1 through Jan. 4 will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming East Niagara blood donation opportunities:

  • Jan. 4: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Family Video, 76 East Ave.
  • Jan. 6: 1 - 6 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church, 1449 Quaker Road, Barker.
  • Jan. 13: 1 - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.



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HARTLAND — A Johnson Creek woman told Niagara County Sheriff's deputies on Sunday that an unknown person charged $1,368.68 to her credit card.

The woman said that the transactions were made between Nov. 7 and Nov. 24. She said she had made a purchase at the Home Depot on Nov. 1 and her bank believes that may be when her card number was compromised.

It is unknown who made the purchases or where they were purchased from. All the purchases appear to have been made online consisting of purchases from iTunes, Craigslist, Google , Checkmark Inc. and Intuit.

The woman told patrol that Key Bank requested a police report as they are looking into the transactions and are not holding her liable. Key Bank supplied the woman with paperwork to complete as the fraud unit is looking into the incident.

The report will be forwarded to the Criminal Investigations Bureau.



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Many Lockportians have asked recently whether there will be a ball drop or fireworks this New Year's Eve as there have been in the past.

The short answer is "no."

According to Mayor Anne McCaffrey's office, the city opted to skip the annual New Year's celebrations which have been held in the past in either the municipal building parking lot or the City Center. The reason the festivities will not be held is so the city can focus its resources on the 2015 sesquicentennial celebration.

While there are several private functions being held at area bars, restaurants and other establishments, the public event typically held by the city will at least be taking the year off.



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The National Weather Service calls for scattered snow showers before 2 p.m., then a chance for flurries with a high near 28. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible and an overnight low will be around 18 degrees.

New Year's Eve, there's a slight chance of snow showers, otherwise partly sunny with a high near 23 and a low around 17. The day will be windy with gusts as high as 30 mph. New Year's Day calls for a chance of snow showers with a high near 25 and a low around 22. Friday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 32 and a low around 26.

Saturday, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 36 and a low around 26. Sunday, there's also a chance of snow showers with a high near 32 and a low around 20. Monday looks to be partly sunny with a high near 23.



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When I first started writing reviews for East Niagara Post, I told myself I would not repeat authors, at least right away. It only took three months to break that promise to myself. In my defense, the author I am reviewing today is well worthy of a second review, especially if you like character-driven novels that echo real life rather than glamourous life. In my opinion, Jonathan Tropper is that worthy author. Previously, I had reviewed The Book of Joe. Today, I turn my attention to another of his works, Everything Changes.

In Everything Changes, 32-year old Zachary King is ready to tie the knot with his rich girlfriend. He has it all, a beautiful woman, a rent-free apartment in Manhattan with his independently wealthy roommate, and a steady job. Which, in Tropper’s universe, means that all hell is about to break loose in King’s life. Just like in real life, nothing is ever as simple as it appears.

The crux of King’s issues is that he has fallen in love with his best friend’s widow and sees himself as a surrogate father for their child. In the two years since his best friend’s death, he has taken the time to make sure that he visits Tamara to let her know she is not alone and still has him as a friend. Part of him may feel guilty because Zack survived the same crash that killed Rael.

In the midst of all these mixed feelings as he head towards his nuptials, his estranged father arrives to intrude on his seemingly idyllic life. He brings mayhem into Zack’s life and makes the younger King question all his own decisions. Just when it seems like there can be nothing else to go wrong, a health issue brings his own mortality to the forefront. In the following scenes of Zach attempting to come to terms with where his life has landed, hilarity ensues.

With his father around, no one knows exactly how things will turn out. This is the man, who while cheating on his wife, was photographed in the act by his wife. She then used the photo on the family’s Christmas cards. As traumatic as that may seem, imagine how that impacted a teenage Zack. Twenty years later, people still remember that photo of Norm King on their Christmas card and remind Zack of that fact.

Norm’s reappearance into Zack’s life causes no end to consternation faced by the younger King. When Zack faces a medical issue that leaves him sleepless at night wondering whether the diagnosis means cancer or sterility, or something completely benign, his father drags him along an adventure to find his doctor somewhere on the golf course. It is pure comedy as Norm, Zack and his roommate attempt to avoid country club security while racing after an elusive, golfing doctor. Lucky for Zack, the news is good. Unlucky for Zack, his father invites himself to Zack’s rehearsal dinner.

Zack is initially concerned that Norm will embarrass him with his fiance's well-off parents and siblings. Somehow, despite all his shortcomings, Norm is able to schmooze his way to the good side of the family. However, it is Zack who causes his own issues when he is caught kissing Tamara by his future father-in-law.

In true Tropper fashion, nothing is quite as simple after he leaves his fiance’s family home. He’s lost his girlfriend while the woman for whom he has buried feelings suddenly states that she needs some time to think about what has transpired. At least he still has Norm to keep him on his toes. Norm reiterates that the happiest man is the man who doesn’t do something simply because it is the comfortable thing to do, but does something that makes him feel good. Perhaps he was in the wrong relationship all along, Norm quips. Now it is up to Zack to determine which path to blaze.

Will Zack make the correct decision? Will he find his way back to his girlfriend? Will he find a way to gain Tamara’s trust once again and become a father to her young daughter? Will he keep Norm in his life? These questions and more will be answered by the time you turn the final page of Everything Changes.

Once again, Jonathan Tropper delivers a hilarious, heartfelt narrative on the pitfalls of being human, especially a socially flawed human. He reminds us that the choices we make affect more than just ourselves. We must be honest with ourselves in order. It’s the only way to form and nurture the relationships around us.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the Tropper books that I’ve read so far. His fast, easy pace keeps the reader engaged and eager to discover the fortunes of all the characters. LIke in his other books, his protagonist is his own worst enemy. I’m sure we’ve all made those choices where when we look back on it, we wonder what the heck were we thinking? And we’ve all had friends who we’ve questioned about their own ill-fated decisions. Jonathan Tropper throws it right in our faces. And he makes us laugh about it, while we think (mostly to ourselves, because we really don’t like to admit it) that it could easily be us making the same mistakes.

As I stated at the beginning of this review, I really tried to avoid writing reviews of the same author, especially so close together in time. Of course, as I was finishing this review, I actually finished another Tropper book, How to Talk to a Widower. That book is even better than this one, however, I will not be reviewing it.

In a side note, I just purchased the movie, “This is Where I Leave You.” This movie is based on Jonathan Tropper’s book of the same name. It was that book that started me on this author’s works. I hope to watch the movie over Christmas break. Maybe I could invite another East Niagara Post columnist over to watch it, and then he could write one of his fabulous reviews. I cannot adequately explain how much I enjoy this author’s works. I eagerly await his next new novel, hopefully sometime in the next year or so.

Craig Bacon likes to read. Sometimes he likes reading more than talking to people — especially after reading Facebook.



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OTTAWA — Ottawa's Bobby Ryan scored a hat trick Monday night — enough goals on his own to beat the Buffalo Sabres without any help from his teammates. His teammates added two more goals anyway.

Ryan started the scoring off with 1:34 to go in the first period, scoring with the help of Kyle Turris and Erik Karlsson.

In the second period, the Sabres took a 2-1 lead with goals by Mark Pysyk at 1:53 (assisted by Chris Stewart) and Zemgus Girgensons at 8:37. Matt Moulson and Nikita Zadarov were awarded the assists on that goal. At 18:41, Ryan scored his second of the night, assisted by Mike Hoffman and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, tying the game at 2.

In the third, Ryan completed the hat trick at 3:02, assisted by Karlsson. Former Sabre Clarke MacArthur made it 4-2 at 11:54 of the third period, assisted by Chris Phillips and Mark Stone. Finally, Colin Greening closed things at 19:58. Mika Zibanejad and Erik Condra were awarded assists on the empty-net goal.

With the loss, the Sabres are 14-20-3. They next play New Year's Eve at 6 p.m. against the Tampa Lightning. The 6 p.m. start will likely see a lot of Tuxedos in First Niagara Center as the old "Tux and Pucks" New Year's Eve tradition is carried on.



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