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Saturday, January 31, 2015
Lockport Express players congratulate their teammate Dillon Hayes for scoring the game winning goal in a shootout tonight. (SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

BY SCOTT LEFFLER
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com


Players, officials and the crowd stand at attention as Pete Robinson sings
the Canadian and American anthems to start the game. East Niagara Post
presented the anthem ceremony. (HEATHER N. GRIMMER / ENP 
PHOTOGRAPHER)
Not to discount the rest of the team, but Dillon Hayes won tonight's Lockport Express game.

Yes, there were 66 shots on goal by the Express — the vast majority of them not by Dillon Hayes. The Express goaltender made 36 saves on 38 shots, too. But to the hundreds of fans watching tonight at Cornerstone Arena, there was only one person playing hockey — Dillon Hayes.

The 20-year-old's father, Tim Hayes, died suddenly this morning.

Dillon said that his father had told him last night that he was looking forward to watching him play tonight. He said that his dad might not have been in the stands, but he knew he was watching. And he wanted to make him proud. So when Express Coach Frank Vecchio offered to let Hayes sit the game out and grieve, Hayes politely declined.

Lockport Express players crash the net in the first period tonight.
(HEATHER N. GRIMMER / ENP PHOTOGRAPHER)
Hayes told Vecchio that he wanted to play. The coach not only let him, he let him pick the starting lineup. Hayes chose Alex Bottenfield, Justin Durkee, Anthony Merante and Ryan Logar to play beside him. He said they were his best friends on the team, calling them his "brothers."

The NA3EHL defensive player of the week, Tyler Shotwell, started in goal.

Hayes scored the first goal of the game 5:14 into the first period, assisted by his friend Logar. He scored the last goal in regulation with just 47 seconds to go, tying the game and sending it in to overtime. And after a scoreless overtime period, he scored the only goal in the shootout.

He singlehandedly scored more goals than the Royals, who got a pair from Wesley Austin at 17:58 of the first period and John Papas at 1:26 of the second.

Roc City and Lockport have developed a fairly physical rivalry this season. But the Royals showed their own support, many of the players talking with Hayes during the game, expressing their sorrow for his loss — and all of them congratulating him afterwards.

The Express play again Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. when the Syracuse Stampede come to town.

Daniel Golba goes after the puck in the first period with Aiden Conolly of the Roc City Royals following behind. (HEATHER N. GRIMMER / ENP PHOTOGRAPHER)

There's more photos from tonight's Lockport Express game here (link).



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East Niagara can expect more snow covered roads Sunday and Monday as the National Weather Service is calling for as much as seven inches of snowfall. This was the scene on Glenwood Avenue in Lockport Friday morning. (HEATHER N. GRIMMER / ENP PHOTOGRAPHER)

ENP STAFF REPORTS
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The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for a most of Western New York including all of East Niagara.

The weather service says that the greater-Lockport area is expected to get as much as seven inches of snow including blowing snow between 1 p.m. Sunday and 1 p.m. Monday.

The snowfall and accumulation will lead to snow covered roads and poor visibility, creating hazardous driving conditions.



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SANBORN — A Gasport girl was threatened by a student at Niagara Academy via Facebook earlier this week.

According to a Niagara County Sheriff's Office report, the girl received a message on her Facebook threatening to kill her on Monday.

NCSO spoke with the girl whose account the message came from but she denied sending it, saying she left her cell phone unlocked and her Facebook page opened while at school and than an unknown person used her phone to send that message to the girl, adding that she doesn't even know the girl the message was sent to.

Police told the girl whose account the message came from to have no further contact with the complainant.



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POTSDAM —  Clarkson University has named a pair of Lockport students to its list of Presidential Scholars for the fall 2014 semester, and five from East Niagara were added to the university's Dean's List.

Presidential Scholars include:

  • Johnathon Hoste of Lockport, a senior majoring in computer engineering.
  • Colin Stutz of Lockport, a senior majoring in aeronautical engineering and mechanical engineering.

Dean's List honorees include:

  • Michael Feeney of Lockport, a junior majoring in civil engineering.
  • Abigail Fleming of Lockport, a freshman majoring in environmental engineering.
  • Gabrielle Pawlowski of Middleport, a senior majoring in chemical engineering.
  • Michael Primerano of Lockport, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering.
  • Daniel Tierney of Newfane, a freshman majoring in engineering studies.

Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world’s pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and the health professions, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.



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NEWFANE — A bullet hole was found by a county employee in the side of the building where the county Board of Elections stores its voting machines.

The county employee reported the finding to Niagara County Sheriff's deputies on Wednesday, saying it must have happened sometime between Nov. 8 and Wednesday afternoon.

Patrol noted that the hole was approximately 4.5 feet off the ground and looked in the direction that the bullet appeared to be heading. Patrol noticed another hole on the interior wall of the building, believed to also be from the bullet after it came through the exterior wall and continued to the interior wall. Patrol checked the other side of the interior wall, and no hole was present. It is believed that the bullet is still in the interior wall.

The county employee told patrol that no damage was done to anything other than the exterior and interior walls. She estimated the total damage to be approximately $250.

Patrol advised all parties on location to notify NCSO if any other holes are found.

The case is considered closed pending new information.



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Stingrays find ways to have fun between events. (PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY BILL WATSON)

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Ava Conklin, left, and Elizabeth Kershaw discuss their best times of the 
season after a strong outing.
The Lockport YMCA Stingrays recently co-hosted the Goodwill Invitational Swim Meet for 18 Y swim teams from across New York state.

The meet was the last competition for Lockport prior to Districts to be held today and next Saturday.

Aiden Moran shined for the Stingrays touching first in the 25 Fly, and putting up State qualifying times in the 25 & 100 Free. Madison Fragale continues to dominate posting personal best times in four events (200 Free, 50 Fly, 100 Free, & 50 Breast) giving her 5 State events in total. Ava Conklin, Mark Crocker, and Ethan Menges also had personal best times across 4 events. Conklin in the 25 Free (1st place), 50 Free, 25 Back and 25 Breast, Crocker in the 200 Free, 50 Free, 50 Fly, and 100 Free, and Menges in the 50 Breast (1st), 200 IM (1st), 100 Free and 100 Breast.

James Sacco was in late season form with personal best times in all three events he swam (100 Free, 50 Free, & 200 Free). Elizabeth Kershaw continues to shred time off her top events with her best season times in the 100 IM and 50 Back.

Coach Tim Menges is thrilled with his swimmers progress as the season heads towards the Championships. "I couldn't be more impressed with the hard work and effort that these young swimmers have been putting forth. I am so proud of the times and finishes that we have achieved against some of the toughest competition in the state!"

Zack Santarsiero touched first in the 100 Free, 100 IM, and 25 Fly. William Swartz posted two personal bests in the 25 Fly (1st) and 25 Back. Ava Thompson did the same in the 100 Free (1st) and 100 IM. Luke Menges had an impressive 5 first place touches. Jenna Bull dropped time in the 200 Free, 50 Free, and 100 Free, while Cianna Conklin did the same in the 200 and 100 Free.

The Stingrays gear up for Districts over the next two weeks in Rochester.



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TOWN OF LOCKPORT — A Locust Street Extension resident told Niagara County Sheriff's deputies that someone stole a hockey stick and pair of hockey gloves from her car.

The woman told patrol that she was awakened around 4 a.m. Thursday by her dog barking. When she looked outside, she saw an unknown person close the driver's door of her car, which was unlocked in her driveway. After closing the door the person who was dressed in all black, and being approximately five-foot, seven-inches with a normal build, fled on foot west on Dorchester Road toward South Transit Road.

The victim said that the Reebok hockey gloves and Reebok hockey stick were, at this time, the only items taken from the car.

The woman told patrol that her attached garage, garage door was closed prior to this incident and it is believed that the suspect opened the door via the in-car garage door opener which is stored near/on the center console, however she is unsure if the suspect actually entered the attached garage.

An extensive canvas of the area yielded negative results.



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The National Weather Service calls for scattered flurries this morning then mostly sunny this afternoon with a high near 22. Overnight, there's a chance of snow showers with a low around 19.

Sunday, there's a chance of snow with a temperature falling to around 11 by 5 p.m.  and wind chill values as low as -5. Overnight, the low will be around 6 with wind chill values as low as -15. Monday: Snow with a high near 12 an a low around 0. Tuesday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 19 and a low around 16.

Wednesday calls for a chance of snow showers with a high near 33 and a low around 14. Thursday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 21 and a low around 1. Friday: A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 16.



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VANCOUVER — Chris Stewart scored a pair of goals against former Sabres netminder Ryan Miller but it wasn't enough to halt the Sabres losing streak as the Blue & Gold dropped the final game of their west coast road trip 5-2.

Stewart struck first, scoring a power play goal 4:00 into the first period, assisted by Tyler Ennis and Zemgus Girgensons. Vancouver tied it with less than a minute to go in the first. The Bo Horvat goal at 19:36 was assisted by Zack Kassian and Shawn Matthias

In the second, a pair of Vancouver power play goals put the Canucks up 3-1. First it was Yannick Weber at 1:43, assisted by Chris Higgins and Linden Vey. Then at 4:19, Nick Bonino scored assisted by Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. Stewart scored again for the Sabres at 14:16, assisted by Brian Flynn and Nikita Zadorov, making it 3-2 Vancouver.

In the third, Vancouver added another pair. Higgins scored at 5:31, assisted by Christopher Tanev and Dan Hamhuis to make it 4-2. An empty netter by Radim Vrbata at 19:25, made it 5-2. Taven and Henrik Sedin assisted.

The Sabres lost all 12 games they played in January. Their last regulation win was on Dec. 11 when they beat the Calgary Flames 4-3 in Buffalo.

The Sabres play again Tuesday in Montreal before returning to Buffalo for a five-game home stand.



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Friday, January 30, 2015
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State Sen. Rob Ortt
ALBANY — State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North  Tonawanda, has introduced legislation to amend the current canal law that’s meant to preserve and rehabilitate canal infrastructure.

By law, New York State is required to maintain canal lift bridges, however certain loopholes in the law often result in the deterioration and closure of the bridges. As the law currently stands, the state can choose whether or not to repair a canal lift bridge as long as there is an alternate transportation route. Many times, rundown lift bridges are restricted to vehicles, including tractor trailers, school buses, and other large trucks exceeding a certain weight limit.  

Amending the canal law would not only ensure the safety of the public, but require the state to maintain canal lift bridges in a way that would not hinder commerce, transportation of students, or agriculture, according to Ortt.

 “When farmers and other small businesses can’t cross a restricted canal bridge, that hurts local commerce,” Ortt said. “Many farmers, school buses and tractor trailers end up going 25, 30, 40 miles out of the way to get where they need to go. That, along with letting those bridges fall into disrepair and ultimately close, is just unacceptable.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, is introducing the bill in the Assembly.

“My district alone contains 56 percent of the lift bridges in the entire state,” Hawley said. “This legislation would mandate that infrastructure improvements be made to deteriorated lift bridges, which will ultimately make more commuter routes available. It is unfair to residents, businesses and agriculture in my district who must find longer and more costly travel routes because New York State has failed to make necessary infrastructure improvements.”

The act to amend the canal law would also call for at least one public hearing before a bridge is closed.



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OSWEGO — A pair of Lockport residents have been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2014 semester at SUNY Oswego. To be included on the Dean's List, students must have a semester grade average of 3.30 to 3.79. The President's and Dean's lists represent the top 31 percent of the Oswego student body.

The list includes:

  • Kelly G. Kearns of Day Road, a senior in global and international studies
  • Andrew P. Owen of Chestnut Ridge Road, a senior in business administration

About SUNY Oswego

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News Media Group counts SUNY Oswego among the top public regional universities in the North for 2015, and the Princeton Review includes Oswego in its 2015 college guidebook "The Best Northeastern Colleges," as well as its latest list of "best value" colleges and universities nationally. Kiplinger's also named SUNY Oswego a 2015 Best Value College.

A 154-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls about 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.

Visit oswego.edu for more information



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Tyler Shotwell
Lockport Express goaltender Tyler Shotwell has, once again, been named NA3EHL defensive player of the week.

According to the league website, Shotwell "has shined all season for the Lockport Express. This past weekend, he and his teammates handed Jersey Shore their first loss of the season. Tyler and the Express went 1-2 against the Wildcats on the weekend but proved that Jersey Shore can be beaten. Tyler averaged 63 saves per game in three starts against Jersey Shore; including a 62 save effort in a 5-2 win on Saturday. Tyler is 3rd in the league in wins, minutes played and saves."

Shotwell and his Express teammates take on Roc City at 7 p.m. Saturday at Cornerstone CFCU Arena. Roc City's Wesley Austin was named the offensive player of the week, allowing for a best-on-best matchup at the arena.

Sunday, the Express play the Syracuse Stampede at 1 p.m., also at Cornerstone.



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Joe Jastrzemski
WILSON — Niagara County Clerk candidate Joseph Jastrzemski has gained the support of the county’s Independence Party committee, Chairwoman Susan Eberwein announced Thursday night.

The announcement comes just two weeks after Jastrzemski announced his candidacy to succeed retiring incumbent Wayne F. Jagow, who enjoyed the support of the Niagara County Independence Party during his tenure.

Jastrzemski, who has served as supervisor of the Town of Wilson for 10 years, has consistently received the backing of the Independence Party organization, Eberwein said. She noted that he has faithfully represented the party’s values as an elected official.

“The Independence Party’s values are the values of our county’s taxpayers, of our hardworking families, our senior citizens living on fixed incomes, and of all our citizens who value limited, effective, open government,” Eberwein said.

The Independence Party chairwoman noted that members of her executive committee had been particularly impressed by a shared-services agreement negotiated between Jastrzemski and City of Niagara Falls officials that saves Wilson taxpayers $71,000 every year.

“In his decade-long service as Wilson supervisor, town residents have enjoyed an effective government that provides needed services, but have seen their tax rates decline by 10 percent. Joe Jastrzemski has cut the cost of government by sharing services with other municipalities, and has shown he can work with elected leaders from both parties,” Eberwein said. “Joe Jastrzemski stands for the common-sense values the Independence Party seeks in our elected leaders.”

 Eberwein also praised Jastrzemski, who works in the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, for his commitment to law and order and his support for local programs that benefit area youth. In addition to running the Sheriff’s inmate work-detail program, Jastrzemski referees Section 6 varsity football games.

“Independent voters want to elect leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to their communities. Joe Jastrzemski lives that commitment every day,” Eberwein said. “Joe Jastrzemski has earned the Independence Party’s support because he has earned our respect.”



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Sterling L. Ruffin
TOWN OF LOCKPORT — A month-long joint investigation involving the New York State Police, Genesee, Orleans and Monroe County Sheriff Departments and Rochester PD resulted in the arrest of 19-year-old Sterling L. Ruffin of Rochester on charges of third-degree grand larcey.

The investigation started Christmas Eve when New York State Police were called to Walmart on South Transit Road for a shoplifting report. Store security said that two black males had placed several items into a shopping cart and then left the store without paying for the items. A store employee attempted to stop the males who then ran into the parking lot and fled in a vehicle, leaving the shopping cart and items — including miscellaneous electronic video games consoles and clothing valued over $3,000 — behind. The incident was recorded by surveillance video.

During the investigation it was discovered that several other agencies had similar investigations underway. The surveillance video was reviewed by other agencies and Ruffin was able to be identified.

Ruffin, who was incarcerated in the Monroe County Jail on unrelated charges was transported to SP Lockport and charged with one count of third-degree grand larceny 3rd. He was processed and arraigned in the Town of Lockport Court, then remanded to Niagara County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond.



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Jane Corwin
ALBANY — Assemblywoman Jane Corwin and Assemblyman Ray Walter put out a joint press release this afternoon saying that simply replacing Sheldon Silver as Speaker of the Assembly will not fix the problem in the state legislature.

"New Rules of the Assembly must be implemented in order to ensure many of the abuses of autonomous power Speaker Silver utilized to control his members will not be available to future speakers," says the GOP press release, which is posted below in its entirety.

Silver is reported to be stepping down on Monday after demands that he do so this week from his own party. The original demands came from Republican Assemblymen, including Corwin.

Silver was arrested last week on federal corruption charges. He is alleged to have accepted as much as $4 million in kickbacks from special interest groups.
With so much discussion the past few weeks regarding the arrest and imminent departure of Speaker Sheldon Silver, many New Yorkers believe the political process in the New York State Assembly will be dramatically improved.

While it is true that ending Silver’s 21-year reign of power will certainly liberate Majority Members who have, for years, been under his regime’s control, electing a new speaker alone is not enough to ensure a transparent, fully-functioning legislative process to take over.

New Rules of the Assembly must be implemented in order to ensure many of the abuses of autonomous power Speaker Silver utilized to control his members will not be available to future speakers.

The Republican Minority Conference has compiled these reforms into the Public Officers Accountability Act, which would above all place term limits on legislative leaders and committee chairs preventing unilateral control by one individual over the house for decades.  It would also allow more members to bring legislation to the floor, open up the committee process, require greater disclosure of outside income and provide stiffer penalties for ethics violations.

Furthermore, the act would establish a new, five-member Commission on Official Conduct that assumes the duties of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE), the State Inspector General, and the former Temporary State Commission of Investigation as well as creates the new crime of failure to report corruption.

While New Yorkers across the state await the anticipated historic events on Monday, we have a rapidly-closing window of opportunity to pass the reforms and bring a real democratic process back to New York State.  Along with our colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference – and the citizens of this state we represent – we will be ready to receive their message of reform, if one should come, and vote on any reform measures the Majority is willing to put forth. If they need somewhere to start, the Public Officers Accountability Act would be a great place.

— Jane Corwin and Ray Walter
— New York State Assembly 



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Thomas T. Butterball
Thomas T. Butterball, the unofficial turkey mascot of the Lakeview Animal Sanctuary died Wednesday, the sanctuary announced late Thursday night.

"Tom" was rescued by the shelter in 2001, in the sancuary's infancy. As the sanctuary became more involved in community events, the turkey became more and more recognizable, often wandering around crowds to the delight of children and adults alike.

He was taken care of by Ricky Ostrum, who accompanied him to area events.

"Tom and Ricky often would arrive at a social event, Ricky opening the car door for him, and short of a red carpet, Tom was center stage," the sanctuary said via its Facebook page last night.

The sanctuary's full post follows:
RIP♥ Tom T. Butterball

We can all relate to the heartache and sorrow of losing a beloved pet. Yesterday, we said farewell to our special LAS pet and friend, Thomas T. Butterball. Our Lakeview animals are never selected by members, but how God has placed them to be cared for in a reason. Tom the turkey was rescued after Sandi received a nuisance call in 2001. She immediately saw his unique personality waiting to bloom, and his status in the community and Sanctuary began to rise. With hundreds of appearances at events, Tom had developed a fan base of many, young and old who would specifically come to pet or visit Tom. His strut and confidence was bold but friendly and he would enjoy being the center of attention often. Always accompanying him and holding a mirror for Tom to follow around and look at himself was longtime caregiver Ricky Ostrum,..who diligently looked after our beloved turkey sharing his story and facts with fans and friends. Tom and Ricky often would arrive at a social event, Ricky opening the car door for him, and short of a red carpet, Tom was center stage.

Tom was fortunate of having a turkey companion to enjoy his years with, and the two relaxed together at the home and caretaker of Jackie Perry, occasionally having duel appearances and events together. It was a good life. Overcoming health obstacles with generous care taking, Tom endured an unusually extra long life of fourteen years, almost double that of a fellow turkey. Anyone who has ever met Thomas T. Butterball will have a special memory to share and keep in their hearts as that would be the proper tribute to remember him by. Thomas T. Butterball you were loved greatly, and will be sorely missed by many. You gave many the idea and option that turkeys are really for vegetarians. 



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BY SCOTT LEFFLER
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com


If Cornerstone CFCU Arena officials have their way, they'll be getting $150,000 and hosting an NHL preseason game thanks to a contest sponsored by Kraft.

The "Hockeyville" contest will pay for $150,000 in arena upgrades to the hockey arena selected as having the most passionate fans, who will, in turn be granted a preseason game by two unannounced NHL teams.

The contest asks local fans to write nominations for the arena of their choice, asking them to explain why their city is deserving of the title "Hockeyville." It was first mentioned locally by ENP Columnist George Root, whose Wednesday column asked local residents to cast their nominations. Sixty-five people have done so already, including Lockport Community Development Director Chuck Bell.

Bell's nomination says, "Cornerstone Arena is the best thing to happen to our City in decades. We have been without ice for 30 years and in the last 4 months we have seen hockey, figure skating and public skating return to our downtown. In tough economic times for our rustbelt community, our arena is essential for keeping our chins up and our chests out."

Chuck Bell, who serves as vice president of the Lockport Ice Arena board, says he's all-in for the plan to go after the Kraft prize. While the city itself has no official involvement in the planned campaign, Bell is certain the the arena will support the endeavor.

This logo was created by Brian Smith to use for Cornerstone
CFCU Arena's push to host an NHL preseason game and get
$150,000 in upgrades. (CONTRIBUTED ART)
The Greater Lockport Development Corp., the city's development arm, hasn't had a chance to discuss the endeavor, but Brian Smith, vice president of business development, is also in on the campaign. In fact, he created a logo for the planned public push this morning.

Contest rules allow for nominations through March 18. Following the nomination phase, the entries will be judged by Kraft on three primary criteria: Passion for hockey (34%); creativity/originality (33%); and community spirit (33%). Kraft will pick 10 finalists ― five in the east and five in the west. Those finalists will then move on to the voting phase. Votes can be cast online, by phone and by text. The two finalists in each geographic location will move on to a second round of voting. And the one with the most votes in that second round will then move on to a third and final voting round — east vs. west. The entrant with the most votes in that final round will be named "Hockeyville" and will receive the top prize. The second place winner will receive $75,000 in arena upgrades.

Bell said Thursday that the arena could certainly find use for the money. There were certain features in the original arena plans that had to be scrapped as cost-saving measures. Some of those could be revived with the extra cash.

Arena officials plan a full-court press ― to borrow a phrase from another sport — using social media and word of mouth to increase Lockport's chances of being "Hockeyville, USA."

Arena officials aren't the only prominent residents wanting Lockport to win the big prize. Lockport Express Coach Frank Vecchio also posted a nomination of his team's arena, as did City Clerk Richelle Pasceri.

Pasceri's post is entitled, "Lockport needs hockey like macaroni needs cheese."

The post says "Cornerstone Ice Arena is the showpiece our city needed at a time we needed it the most! Lockport has had its fair amount of challenges recently and the ice arena has been an incredible source of pride and revitalization for our community. To have national recognition from Kraft, the NHL and all affiliated organizations is exactly what Lockport needs. Please consider our great city to be the next Hockeyville USA."

Vecchio's nomination says, "Lockport, NY has not had an ice arena in 28 years and now it does. It has been monumental towards reviving this city and my Junior A team plays there. We are a key part of the rebuild of the city and we can use even more help to bring this economy back to life. Thank you."

To nominate Cornerstone CFCU Arena, click the link at the bottom of the page or scan the QR code with your phone or tablet.

RELATED:
Scan this with your phone or tablet to
be taken directly to the Cornerstone
CFCU Arena nomination page.



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Eryka Taylor
The Niagara County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's help in finding a 16-year-old girl who fled from Wyndham Lawn on Wednesday.

Eryka Taylor is a 5-foot, 1-inch black girl with black hair and brown eyes, weighing 109 pounds. She was last around 12:15 a.m. Wednesday wearing black jeans, a black Northface jacket and a black hat.

Police say she may be heading to the City of Buffalo.

Anyone with information regarding Eryka Taylor’s wherabouts is asked to contact the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Communications at 438-3393, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 438-3327 or Inv. John Wick at 438-3342.



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The National Weather Service warns that rapidly dropping temperatures this morning might lead to dangerous conditions.

Falling temps "will cause slush or water to freeze on untreated roadways," the weather service stated. "Motorists should allow extra time for the morning commute ... and be alert for icy spots, especially on bridges and secondary roadways."

The weather service says that snow showers are likely today between 8 a.m and 3 p.m. It will be cloudy with a high near 13 and wind chills as low as -10. Overnight, temperatures will drop to around 3.

Saturday calls for scattered snow showers and flurries with a high near 22 and a low around 11. Sunday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 14 and a low around 4. Monday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 9 and a low around 0.

Tuesday offers a chance of snow showers with a high near 22 and a low around 16. Wednesday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 31 and a low around 8. Breezy. Thursday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 15.



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This week's edition of ENP's exclusive YouTube series on the Lockport Express talks about last weekend's series against the Jersey Shore Wildcats and the upcoming home stand with Roc City and Syracuse.

Show creators Craig Bacon and George Root talk with more players and coach Frank Vecchio as well as Jared Byer, the director of Cornerstone Arena's performance center, as well as Skate Ahead WNY.

The video is available below or on the ENP YouTube channel.




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Thursday, January 29, 2015
BY SCOTT LEFFLER
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com


Actor Joe Mantegna prepares for an episode of Criminal Minds. Mantegna's
character, David Rossi, made reference to Lockport on Wednesday's edition
of the show. (PHOTO COURTESY OF CBS / USED WITH PERMISSION)
It would seem all of Facebook has been devoted to people talking about Wednesday night's episode of Criminal Minds.

The private Facebook group "Lockportians" has no less than three posts dedicated to the topic. It's also been posted by several local residents to their own Facebook pages.

In the episode, which ran on CBS, Joe Mantegna's character, David Rossi tells a story about a time when former character Jason Gideon went down Rattlesnake Hill on a sled, jumping off at the last second before it smacked into a headstone in what is likely to be St. Patrick's Cemetery, although the name was never stated.

Today, "Rattlesnake Hill," is considered to be Gooding Street, but that hasn't always been the case. Historically speaking, it was "the hill going up to VanDeMark."

The episode was co-written by series star Kirsten Vangsness and Erica Messer, who also wrote a previous episode which took place in Lockport. The season five "Retaliation," followed a bank robber who escapes in Lockport during prison transport.

Messer has no visible connection to Lockport, according to the show's Wiki Page or IMdB. She was born in Washington, DC and grew up in Maryland before moving to Los Angeles.

Wednesday's episode gave Lockport a potential new — albeit false — slogan thanks to Mantegna: "Lockport: the only time it doesn't snow is on the Fourth of July."

A call this morning to Criminal Minds executives for comment on their interest in Lockport has not yet been returned.



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Ashley N. Szalanski, 21, 6035 South Transit Road, Lot 338, was charged around 3:45 a.m. with DWI, leaving the scene of an accident, unsafe lane change, and having an open container in the car. According to LPD, Szalanski struck a utility pole with her vehicle and then left the scene of the accident. Patrol tracked her down and found her to be intoxicated. she is due in City Court on Monday.

Joshua A. Gates, 30, 1266 Ridgewood Dr., was charged around 3:03 a.m. Wednesday with seventh-degree possession of a controlled substance and tampering with evidence. According to the LPD report, Gates was arrested on a bench warrant and found to be concealing several tablets in a plastic bag hidden inside a body cavity. He was due in City Court on Wednesday.

Thomas L. McDowell Jr., 38, 10235 State Road, Shelby, was charged around 2:25 a.m. Wednesday with petit larceny and second-degree harassment. According to the LPD report, McDowell took a Play Station 3 gaming system, three controllers and 12 games from a Lockport woman, then sold them in May of 2014. When she confronted him later, he threw a piggy bank at her, striking her on the right side. He was found Wednesday at his home in Shelby and is due in City Court on Monday.

Joshua M. Re, 31, 173 Pine St., Apt. 4, was charged around 12:52 a.m. Wednesday with second-degree harassment. According to the LPD arrest report, Re got into a physical altercation with a woman. He is due in City Court on Monday.

Shaun H. Green, 29, 133 Hawley St., was charged around 8:22 p.m. Tuesday with third-degree criminal mischief. According to the LPD report, Green broke the windshield of a woman’s car with a garbage tote on Dec. 9. He turned himself in on Tuesday. He is slated for City Court on Monday.

Sanford L. Soles, 56, 54 Genesee St., Apt. 5, was charged around 7:20 p.m. Tuesday with second-degree criminal contempt. According to the LPD report, Soles violated an active order of protection. He is due in City Court on Monday.



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Super Bowl XLIX featuring the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots is likely to be the nation’s biggest sporting event of the year. Millions of people will gather to watch the game at house parties, restaurants, or bars, where alcohol could drive some partygoers into the Red Zone.

AAA East Central advises the public to find a sober ride home from Super Bowl celebrations due to an increased risk of DUI crashes on Sunday.

"We are urging drivers to be aware of the risks from drinking and driving associated with Super Bowl festivities,” said Terri Rae Anthony, AAA Safety Advisor. “We want motorists to think twice about the consequences of getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking," Anthony added.

To help keep drivers and passengers safe on the roads, the AAA recommends the following:

  • Designate a Sober Driver. Never get in the car with someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Education and law enforcement have proven to be effective tools in reducing drinking and driving crashes, but prevention is the best tool of all
  • Call 911. Alert authorities if you suspect a driver is under the influence. Warning signs can include drifting in and out of the travel lane, inability to maintain a consistent speed, or failure to obey traffic sign
  • Buckle Up. Since you can’t control the actions of other drivers on the road, the best protection is to fasten your seatbelt every time you get into a car
  • Be Responsible. If you’re hosting a party, take keys away from guests as they arrive and don’t let them drink and drive.
  • Provide Non-Alcoholic Beverages. As a host, serve food and non-alcoholic drinks and water to anyone driving, or anyone under the age of 21

AAA explains that driving is a privilege that many Americans enjoy. Consuming alcoholic beverages is also something that many adults take part in. However, these two activities do not go together and should never be combined. If you are driving, don’t drink. And if you’re drinking, don’t drive.



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Jeanine Burton
A 24-year-old Lockport woman gave state police a fake name after being stopped for speeding on Interstate 290 in the Town of Amherst, according to the New York State Police.

Eventually Jeanine L. Burton gave Troopers her real name, however, which led her to the fact that she was driving with a suspended/revoked license.

She was transported to SP Clarence for processing, then given citations and after paying bail, ordered to appear in Town of Amherst Court on Feb. 11.



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MORRISVILLE — Kaitlin Mays of Newfane was named to the Morrisville State College's President's List for the Fall 2014 semester.

To be named to the President's List, a student must achieve a perfect 4.0 average for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

In addition to being named to the 2014 President's Higher Community Education Service Honor Roll, the college was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as an institution in the top tier of the Best Regional Colleges list and ranked second among regional colleges nationwide for outperforming its anticipated graduation rate.

For more information visit www.morrisville.edu.



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This book was put together by the Niagara County
Historian's Office. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
A new book published by the Niagara County Historian’s office takes readers back almost 140 years to compare late 19th-Century locales to their present-day counterparts.

The 246-page pictorial publication begins in an era when Victorian architecture, steam powered machinery and large, prosperous farms were common sights in Niagara County, as told by a reprinting of a 1879 book by "History of Niagara County, N.Y. with Illustrations Descriptive of Its Scenery, Private Residences, Public Buildings, Fine Blocks, and Important Manufactories, and Portrait of Old Pioneers and Prominent Residents;" a volume that offered 19th century readers an impressive array of detailed drawings that showed prominent area homes, farms, industrial works and landmarks.

The 2015 edition is not just a reprint of the original work. Over the past two years, historian’s office staff members have researched the locations of the original scenes that stretch from Somerset to North Tonawanda and Royalton to Porter. Once the location of an original drawing was identified, historian’s office staff photographed the scene as it appears today so readers can compare how the Niagara County landscape has changed over the years in a “then and now” format.

Several of the illustrations depict scenes that have changed little in 136 years such as the James M. Morse Residence in the Town of Wilson. Others like the Edwin Whitcomb Farm in the Town of Hartland reveal how the forces of industrialization, suburbanization and social and economic change has greatly altered the local landscape.

Sanford’s Niagara: A Then And Now Collection 1878 - 2014 is priced at $24.95 and will be available for purchase at The Niagara County Historians Office, Ticklebridge Co-op, The Dory, Old Fort Niagara Gift Shop, and at other area locations.

For more information please call the Historian’s office at 439-7324 or email Historian@NiagaraCounty.com.



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Michael S. Hess passed away suddenly in Newton, Kansas.  Born in October 4, 1950 in Buffalo he was the son of James C. and Beula (Rouse) Hess.  Michael served in the US Navy from 1972 to 1975 and worked for the VA Hospital of Buffalo where he was in food service.  He enjoyed going to church, Lazy Lakes to camp, watching ships and sitting down at the Buffalo Waterfront and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Michael is survived by his wife of five years Tracey (Cathcart) Hess of Amherst; father of Katie (Matthew) Burch ; step-father of Kameron and Brandon Boyett; grandfather of Bryonna, Samuel and Gavin; brother of the late James and Paul Hess; also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call Friday, January 30th from 4-8 PM and Saturday, January 31st from 11 AM – 12 Noon in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport where services will follow at 12 Noon.

Visit www.pruddenandkandt.com to leave an online condolence to the family.

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The National Weather Service says snow is likely later, mainly after 3 p.m. Otherwise, it's expected to be cloudy with a high near 34 and an overnight low around 13.

Friday, snow showers are likely with a temperature falling to around 8 by 5 p.m. and wind chill values as low as -10. Overnight, it will drop to around 3 with wind chill values as low as -15. Saturday will bring scattered flurries with a high near 18 and a low around 9. Sunday: Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 9 and a low around 6.

Monday offers a chance of snow with a high near 14 and low around 3.
Tuesday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 18 and a low around 8. Wednesday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 23.



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Wednesday, January 28, 2015
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Cornerstone CFCU Arena is literally stopping traffic — on Charles Street.

Due to the opening of the arena, the city has changed the traffic pattern at the intersection of Chestnut and Charles streets, giving motorists on Chestnut Street the right-of-way and instituting a stop for north- and southbound travelers on Charles Street at the intersection.

The newly erected stop signs are labeled "cross traffic does not stop."



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Jeremy L. Dore, 24, 81 South St., Upper Apt., was charged Friday with having an unlicensed dog. He was due in City Court on Tuesday.

Dwight P. Dammers, 48, 271 Bear Glutch Road, Summit, was charged around 11:20 a.m. Saturday with failure to signal, improperly using a phone, and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. According to the LPD arrest report, he was seen talking on his cell phone while driving on Lake Avenue. He was also seen turning without using a turn signal. When he was pulled over, it was found that he had a suspended driver's license. He was due in City Court Monday.

Elizabeth K. Meadows, 34, 69 LaGrange Ave., was charged around 10:35 p.m. Saturday with speeding, failure to signal, and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. According to LPD, Meadows was pulled over for a traffic stop and found to be driving with a suspended license. She was due in City Court on Monday.

Randell L. Fryer, 24, 140 Ward St., Rochester, was charged around 11:15 p.m. Sunday with a headlamp violation, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and seventh-degree possession of a controlled substance. According to his arrest report, Fryer was stopped by police for driving without his headlights lit. When he was being interviewed, he told patrol that he didn't have a valid license. When the car was inventoried, police found an off-white substance that tested positive for cocaine. Fryer was also found to be carrying $496.28, which was seized by police. He was to be in court on Monday.

Maryann Kane, 51, 320 Gooding St., was charged around 4:15 a.m. Sunday with DWI, unsafe lane change and seventh-degree possession of a controlled substance. According to LPD, Kane was stopped for a traffic infraction and found to be intoxicated. While she was being booked, she was found to have an off-white rocky substance that tested positive for cocaine. She was slated for City Court Monday.

Mark A. Case, 64, 5819 Meahl Road, was charged around 9:47 a.m. Monday with second-degree harassment and first-degree criminal contempt. According to the LPD arrest report, Case grabbed a woman by her right middle finger Saturday, twisting it and causing it pain. In doing so, he violated an order of protection. Case was due in City Court Monday.

Carl A. Mazyck, 19 Tudor Lane, Apt. 1, was charged around 2:27 p.m. Monday with second-degree unlawful imprisonment, second-degree harassment, endangering the welfare of a child, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree menacing. According to the arrest report, Mazyck got into an altercation with a woman Friday and would not allow her to leave her bedroom. He is also alleged to have thrown two chairs and broke a fan. A small child was present during the incident. Mazyck was due in City Court Monday.

Austin R. Wagner, 54, 185 Washburn St., Apt. 2, was charged around 12:10 p.m. with second-degree menacing. According to the LPD report, Wagner threatened a man with a baseball bat on Sunday. He was due in City Court today.



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David P. Smith
The 40-year-old man accused of robbing the Sunoco station on South Transit Street Jan. 11, has been charged with other crimes relating to a scuffle he had with police when he was arrested Jan. 18, according to Lockport Police Department records.

David P. Smith, who gave police a Niagara Falls address but whom police say has no permanent address, was charged Monday with second-degree assault, second-degree obstruction, and resisting arrest. Police say that when they were picking him up on Lake Road on Jan. 18, he refused to comply with officers demands and tussled with police.

Smith had been ordered to the ground at gunpoint, the arrest report says, but refused to do so, instead walking backwards with his hand in his back waistband. Following an unsuccessful attempt to use a TASER on Smith, police finally detained him.

The charges were levied on Monday despite the incident happening over a week ago because Smith had been at the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, according to the arrest report.



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The case against one of the Lockport men accused of vandalizing a memorial bench Aug. 9 will continue as Lockport City Court today scheduled a pre-trial hearing today for Feb. 25 for Garrett Sheehan. The pre-trial hearing was to have begun today.

The pre-trial hearing for Spencer Lupo is set to begin Wednesday in City Court.

The pair stand charged with second-degree criminal mischief — a class D felony — for allegedly damaging the Albert Jex Memorial Bench located at Locust and Walnut streets, as well as second-degree criminal mischief for a separate incident that occurred in the early morning hours of Aug. 9.

The bench had to be re-created at a cost of about $2,100. It was also relocated to Children's Memorial Park on South Transit Street.



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A Niagara Falls man was charged Monday with third-degree insurance fraud, third-degree grand larceny, and first-degree falsifying business records for allegedly over-inflating an insurance claim.

New York State Police and the New York State Department of Financial Services arrested Kevin A. Ashby, 40, 1101 South Ave., Niagara Falls, after a Lockport insurance company contacted them regarding what they believed to be a fraudulent burglary claim made to Niagara Falls police.

The investigation revealed that Ashby provided false documents to the insurance company and inflated his loss to over $32,000, according to police records.

He was arraigned before the Town of Lockport Court and was remanded to the Niagara County Jail on $5,000 cash bail. He was scheduled to appear before the City of Lockport Court on this morning.



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BUFFALO — Thirty-six students from East Niagara were named to the Dean's List at Buffalo State, the college reported.

Dean's List honorees must complete at least 12 credit hours and earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Local students who did so include:

  • Meghan Batt of Lockport: majoring in psychology
  • Thomas Bland of Burt: majoring in hospitality administration
  • Tatiana Brewer of Middleport: majoring in music
  • Nolyn Brunner of Lockport: majoring in music education
  • Lynsie Budde of Newfane: majoring in applied mathematics
  • Jessica Cassick of Lockport: majoring in public communication
  • Anna Copeland of Lockport: majoring in dietetics
  • Sarah Costello of Gasport: majoring in communication design
  • Sara Dannebrock of Lockport: majoring in individualized studies
  • Jennifer Donner of Lockport: majoring in history
  • Esther Ekong of Lockport: majoring in business administration
  • Anthony Fabrizio of Lockport: majoring in history
  • Deanna Flanigan of Middleport: majoring in early childhood and childhood education
  • D'Anne Frosell of Lockport: majoring in exceptional and elementary education
  • Nicole Huntington of Gasport: majoring in childhood education and social
  • Benjamin Johnson of Barker: majoring in media production
  • Alison Kalata of Lockport: majoring in business administration
  • Amanda Landsittel of Lockport: majoring in childhood education
  • Dana Mastropoll of Lockport: majoring in early childhood education
  • Bart Mazzara of Lockport: majoring in criminal justice
  • Aaron Mullins of Lockport: majoring in childhood education
  • Jena Nunnari of Lockport: majoring in English 7-12
  • Robert Ohlenschlager of Lockport: majoring in psychology
  • Marissa Parker of Lockport: majoring in music education
  • Taylor Peterkin of Newfane: majoring in business administration
  • Melissa Rosenburg of Lockport: majoring in dietetics
  • Elizabeth Ruth of Lockport: majoring in music education
  • Timothy Schuler of Lockport: majoring in physics
  • Sarah Scott of Gasport: majoring in business administration
  • Jessica Smith of Newfane: majoring in childhood education
  • Ryan Stockton of Lockport: majoring in art
  • Adam Stockton of Lockport: majoring in computer information systems
  • Adam Thomas of Lockport: majoring in childhood education
  • Joshua Vacanti of Lockport: majoring in music
  • Ashley Wetzel of Lockport: majoring in psychology
  • Charity Wimmer of Lockport: majoring in public communication

Buffalo State offers more than 160 undergraduate programs including applied mathematics, business administration, television and film arts, and music education. Each year, more than 9,000 undergraduate students choose Buffalo State because our faculty, programs, diversity, location, undergraduate research opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences enable them to succeed in the challenging world of the 21st century.



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