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February, 2016:

Friday, February 20

ART247 Black and White Exhibition


March, 2016:



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Thursday, May 12, 2016
ENP STAFF REPORTS
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The National Weather Service calls for cloudy skies today with a high near 77.
(HEATHER GRIMMER / ENP)
The National Weather Service calls for increasing clouds today, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 8 mph.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: Showers likely, mainly before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. West wind 11 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Friday Night: A chance of showers, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday: Showers likely, mainly between 8am and 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 62.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%.



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Wednesday, May 11, 2016
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GASPORT -- Terry's Corners Vol. Fire Co. will hold its annual Spring Meat Raffle beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

The raffle includes steaks, prime rib, fruit basket, cash and more. Tickets are $1, $2, $3, and $5 depending on the raffle item.

For more information, contact the fire hall at 434-4800.



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Friday, May 13
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- 57 Lakeview Parkway, Lockport. Furniture, Lockport collectibles, woodworking tools and equipment, household items and much more. Many items from long ago.

Saturday, May 14
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- 57 Lakeview Parkway, Lockport. Furniture, Lockport collectibles, woodworking tools and equipment, household items and much more. Many items from long ago.



To post a free listing, simply send the details via email to news@eastniagarapost.com. Details must include dates and times of the garage or yard sale, address of the sale, a sample of items for sale, and an email address for us to confirm the listing (email address will not be published).

Garage and yard sale listings will be posted at a static (unchanging) web address (this one). The post listings will change daily on a two-week rotating basis, meaning garage sale listings will be posted as far out as — and remain active for —14 days. Once a listing is confirmed, it will be added within 24 hours.

Garage and yard sale locations must be within East Niagara (Appleton, Barker, Burt, Gasport, Hartland, Lockport (city and town), Middleport, Newfane, Olcott, Rapids, Royalton, Somerset, Wolcottsville, and Wrights Corners).

Garage and yard sales must be open to the public. Single items for sale will not be listed for free.

Classified listings are also available at a rate of $25 per week. See the Advertising page for more details.


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The Newfane varsity softball team will hold a car wash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Wrights Corners Fire Hall.

All proceeds will benefit a team trip to train and compete in the spring at the Disney Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla.



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James F. Bazinet of Lockport passed suddenly on May 10, 2016.

Born July 17, 1947 to the late Lenoard & Rita Bazinet. He is also predeceased by his brother Thomas Bazinet and sister-in-law Linda. James was a member of the United States Marine Core, E. Marine Supt Bn, Misawa, Misawa-shi, Amori, Japan. He was an avid player of racquetball, pickleball and was active in many more sports. He belonged to the YMCA and he truly lived life to elevate the life of others.

Surviving him is his beloved wife, Jean; daughter, Renee Currie; Granddaughters Paige and Megan Currie; brothers, Kenneth(Karen), Charles(Laurie Ann), David(Carrie), Gary and Ronald(Anne) Bazinet along with 14 nieces and nephews. James also touched numerous other lives.

A visitation will be held Thursday May 12 from 2-4 & 7-9pm at Ross Funeral Home Gaul Chapel in Lockport. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday May 14 at 10AM at Good Shepard Church in Pendleton with a brunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lockport YMCA.

www.RossFuneralDirectors.com



This letter is in response to the editorial view in the Union-Sun & Journal on Monday, May 9, 2016. Sadly, this newspaper lacks journalistic integrity by choosing to report misleading information to the community rather than reporting the facts.

Here are the facts this newspaper failed to mention:

  • The “poor city democrats…out of power for so long” were not the party responsible for putting the City of Lockport into 10 years of deficit financing with New York State.
  • The city’s refuse program was implemented in 2011 to save the taxpayers money; however, any savings cannot be determined without a complete audit, which Alderman O’Shaughnessy requested in his resolution. At no time did we state that we were unhappy with Modern. Our goal has always been to ensure that City of Lockport taxpayers are receiving the best possible price for refuse collection. The bidding process exists for that reason.
  • We were not at the special meeting to explore the Modern issue because it was held, over our objections, during the day when we both work and cannot attend. The mayor refused our request and held the meeting without us.
  • The request to move forward with the RFP process quickly was made due to the window of opportunity for RFP’s closing. A copy of the Modern contract was requested from the City Clerk and Corporation Council months prior to the special meeting. To date, we have still not received a complete copy of the signed contract.
  • The common council consists of 3 elected Democrats and 3 elected Republicans, with votes to date being cast in a bi-partisan manner. How does this constitute an “opposition bloc”?
  • We listen to all suggestions and regard city employees as valuable assets. The streets superintendent and several city employees asked what it would cost for the city to reinstitute pickup.

Here are the questions this newspaper should be asking:

  • Why wasn’t the Modern contract given to council members in a timely manner when it was requested? Who leaked the Modern renewal prices, which should have been confidential, to the Buffalo News? Residents are being charged $75 to replace refuse and recycling carts -what is the actual cost of replacing these carts?
  • Why doesn’t the city receive the recycling refund?
  • Why is employee morale at city hall still at an all-time low?
  • Why is the city paying so much for outside legal services?
  • Why is the city exposing itself to legal repercussions from city employees who may have been denied rightful promotions?
  • Why was the police union contract settled in an election year, while the other 3 contracts remain unresolved?

Politics isn’t what is getting in the way of city business. The mayor who believes this city should be run as a dictatorship is holding this city back. Sadder still will be the day that we return to a rubber stamp council. We have signed our names to this letter, unlike the editors of this newspaper who hide behind their pens.

-- Anita Mullane, Alderwoman, 2nd Ward
-- Joe O’Shaughnessy, Alderman-at-Large



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TOWN OF LOCKPORT -- A 43-year-old Lockport man was charged Tuesday with driving while intoxicated following a traffic stop on South Transit Road.

According to New York State Police, Jeff Lewinski was pulled over for having an inadequate muffler and found to be intoxicated. He was transported to SP Lockport where he was found to have a .15 percent blood alcohol content.  

Lewinski was then processed and issued tickets returnable to the Town of Lockport Court.



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A power outage in Lockport has closed Lockport High School for the day, according to school district officials. Emmet Belknap and Roy B. Kelly are also closed for the day.

The NYSEG outage affects 2,864 customers, according to the power company, including the three schools.

The rest of the Lockport School District schools are open on a normal schedule.

Lockport streets affected by the outage include:

Academy Lane, Akron Street, Alabama Place, Alanview Drive, Ambleside Drive, Badger Drive, Bartz Road, Beattie Avenue, Berkley Drive, Buell Drive, Cambridge Drive, Canal Road, Carolina Avenue, Cherry Street, Chestnut Ridge Road, Cold Springs Road, Davison Road, Day Road, DeSales Circle, Dorchester Road, East High Street, East Avenue, Eisenhower Drive, Euclid Avenue, Fairway Drive, Fieldcrest Drive, Genesee Street, Georgia Avenue, Grant Street, Grasmere Road, Greenview Drive, Grove Street, Haines Street, Harding Avenue, Harrington Road, High Street, Hoover Parkway, Jennifer Drive, Keswick Road, Kingston Circle, Kinne Road, Lave Avenue, Lakeview Parkway, Lexington Court, Lilac Drive, Lincoln Avenue, Lindhurst Street, Locust Street, Locust Street Extension, Longcroft Drive, Magnolia Drive, Middleton Drive, Morrow Avenue, Mulberry Lane, North Canal Road, North Circle Drive, Northledge Drive, Northview Drive. Oak Street, O'Brien Drive, Old Niagara Road, Park Lane Circle, Pennsylvania Avenue, Penrith Road, Priscilla Lane, Ridgewood Drive, Roosevelt Drive, Rydalmout Road, Sargent Drive, Slayton Settlement Road, Southview Drive, Standish Road, Sturbridge Lane, The Commons, Tudor Lane, Vermont Avenue, Walnut Lane, Washburn Street, Waterford Place, Wendy Circle, Wicks Road, Windermere Road and Woodlawn Avenue.

The outage also affects a handful of customers in Gasport on Dale and Slayton Settlement roads.

Power is expected to be restored by 9:30 a.m.



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Today's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and a high near 71. (HEATHER GRIMMER / ENP)


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The National Weather Service says today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 71. East wind 7 to 15 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. East wind 6 to 8 mph.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers after noon. Increasing clouds, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 1am, then showers likely after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind 7 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: Showers likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Friday Night: A chance of showers before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 58.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.



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Lombardi’s Trattoria
436 West Ave., Lockport
438- 2430

The earliest I remember this restaurant was as the Hunter’s Horn. We went there once and were disappointed. Then it became Lorenzo’s. Lorenzo’s was a nice place on route 104 on Wright’s corners. It had good food and we even had a rehearsal dinner for one of our daughter’s weddings there. We were disappointed with Lorenzo’s when they moved to West Avenue.

We went to Lombardi’s the day they opened and it was a disaster. We said then “never again” but some friends of ours went there recently and raved about it. I decided maybe opening day was not the best time to rate a restaurant. We went back on a recent Friday and were pleasantly surprised. I called for reservation under an assumed name because I have known the owner for years and didn’t want a dog and pony show. I asked for a quiet table for six o’clock on a Friday night, it wasn’t necessary. We were given a corner table in the back of the main dining room and it was quite suitable. There were two more tables seated in this area when we went in.

The server, Kathleen, took our drink orders and went to get them as we decided on dinner. When she came back, my wife ordered the stuffed manicotti and a salad with ranch dressing for 10.00. I ordered the veal Parmigiana with spaghetti, green beans and a salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing for 17.00. I asked Kathleen if the beans were canned and she assured me they weren’t. My wife had water with lemon and I had a Pepsi for 2.50.

The server brought over rolls, butter and a pesto-like spread that was delicious. My wife remarked to me they could just keep the rolls, spread and sauce coming and she would make it her meal. We devoured the rolls and got a second order of them. They also came with a sweet cream butter that was like eating desert. The salads arrived quickly and our only complaint was there was not enough dressing. We personally like a wet salad.

The dinners arrived shortly after we finished the salad course and there was plenty of food. My veal parmigiana was a real cutlet not some ground and shaped thing. This was refreshing. I hate it when you expect a cutlet and get a glorified hamburg. The veal was properly prepared, the spaghetti was al dente, and the green beans had a smoky flavor that was delicious. My wife got three studded manicotti and she said they were so light they were like eating cotton candy. On the down side, the server failed to refill my wife’s water glass when it was empty so she had to use mine. Our only other complaint with the dinners, and this is a personal one, is we like a sweeter sauce.

Parking was in a small private lot and was adequate but had only one handicapped space. Total bill was 31.86 tax included. I hope they start signing up with Groupon or other online coupon like Get My Perks so we can go back again. I give them a 7.5 out of 10.

Norb has dined in Naples and Genoa Italy in his travels so he knows Italian foods



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NORTH TONAWANDA – Howard S. Neilson, 90, died May 6, 2016 at The Villages of Orleans.

Howard was born Feb. 18, 1926 in Mogadore, Ohio, a son of the late Peter and Lena (Gearhart) Neilson, and lived in this area for the past 70 years. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Clarence, where he was a deacon and a member of the Parish Council. Howard retired from GM in Tonawanda after 27 years of service and was a member of the U.A.W. GM Retirees Auto Club.

He was predeceased by his wife, Suzanne (Green) Neilson in 2013; sister, Lavina Neilson; brother, Arthur (Helen M.) Neilson; and sisters-in-law, B. Joy, Pat and Laurinda Neilson.

Howard is survived by his daughter, Ellen (Rick) Wuesthoff of Waterport; grandchildren, Marcy (Daniel) Nelson of Virginia and Craig Hartl of Buffalo; great-grandchildren, Noah, Joshua, Lillie, Laura and Zachary Nelson; siblings, Peter (Eleanor) Neilson of North Carolina, Eva Powers of Dubois, Pa., George Neilson of Dubois, Frank Neilson of Williamsville, Wylie Neilson of Texas, and James (Donna) Neilson of Alexandria, Pa.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services and interment will be private. Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Albion, N.Y.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
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ALBANY -- State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo each made public declarations today in response to an NYCLU lawsuit against the state regarding labor practices on New York farms.

The complaint, filed against the state and Cuomo, alleges that a dairy worker was fired from a Lewis County farm after he and other workers contacted the Workers’ Center of Central New York seeking assistance in organizing the dairy farm’s employees. The suit alleges that he and a fellow employee were intimidated by the farm manager and were forced out of the rooms they rented from the farm within four days of their termination.

Cuomo, who was named in the suit, said he sides with the farm workers and indicated that he will not defend the case in court.

Ortt, meanwhile, said that farming is a specialized industry and should not be subject to the same labor regulations as those that oversee other larger corporations.

Ortt's and Cuomo's statements follow below in their entirety:
From nail salons to restaurants to the home health care industry, this administration has fought tirelessly to end abusive employment practices and protect the rights of employees. We have moved aggressively against employers who abuse their workers, and held bad actors accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We raised the minimum wage to restore the basic promise of economic justice, and have fought to strengthen worker protections statewide.

“Yet because of a flaw in the state labor relations act, farm workers are not afforded the right to organize without fear of retaliation – which is unacceptable, and appears to violate the New York State Constitution. I agree with the NYCLU that the exclusion of farm workers from the labor relations act is inconsistent with our constitutional principles, and my administration will not be defending the act in court. We will not tolerate the abuse or exploitation of workers in any industry. This clear and undeniable injustice must be corrected.”

-- Gov. Andrew Cuomo

This lawsuit is nothing more than politically-driven theater from New York City radicals. Anyone who knows anything about farming, or about New York State north of the Bronx or East of Queens, knows how vital agriculture is to our economy and to our communities. And, they know a measure such as this would be the final nail in the coffin for many of our small family farms and result in dramatic price increases for nearly all of our foods. Efforts to apply certain labor practices from other industries to the agriculture industry ignores the realities facing our farms. We have a very short growing season in New York with many specific crops that demand intensive labor or specific skill sets. Our farms aren’t giant corporations, they’re universally small family operations that require flexibility. They already face one of the nation’s worst tax and regulatory climates and yet they persist because farming is in their blood and it’s in their hearts. It’d be a shame if our Governor and our state turned our backs on them to appease the swelling influence of liberal New York City interest groups.”

-- State Sen. Rob Ortt




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Anne McCaffrey
Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey announced the appointment of a new assessor via a press release this afternoon.

The new assessor will be Tracy Farrell, formerly of  the Niagara County Office of Real Property Tax Services.

Farrell will make $60,000 annually.

McCaffrey's full release follows:
“I’m pleased to announce that I have selected a new City Assessor. After reviewing applications, I was impressed with Ms. Farrell’s application and equally impressed with her interview. She has two decades of experience performing appraisals and working in the Niagara County Office of Real Property Tax Services. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Russell Sage College. Her knowledge of appraisals and assessments from the county perspective will be an asset to the City’s Department. Ms. Farrell is a city resident and taxpayer.”

“While I continue to maintain that the city would have been well-served by entering into a shared services agreement with Niagara Falls, the Common Council made it clear, by overriding my veto, that they wanted a full-time assessor.”

“Ms. Farrell will provide the leadership and direction to move the Assessment Department forward. She has assured me that her goal is consistent with mine – which is to perform fair and equitable assessment services to city taxpayers.”

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has confirmed in writing that Ms. Farrell meets the qualification standards for sole appointed assessor as prescribed in Real Property Tax Law and 20 NYCRR 8188.

Ms. Farrell will be paid $60,000 annually, which is less than the $68,000 that the Common Council allocated to the position.


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Constance "GiGi" Wright entered into rest May 8, 2016.

Beloved mother of Robin Tagg, Christina (Frank) Virgilio, and Tracy (Don) Stephens. Cherished daughter of Stella and the late Victor Moore. Dear Sister of Lorene (James) Harper, Rhonda (Sam) Fisher, Cathy Pratz, Lisa Bailey, David (Paula) Moore, and the late Victor (Rosie) Moore and the late Tina Kane. Also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 on Thursday at the TAYLOR & REYNOLDS FUNERAL HOME, 70 Niagara Street, where Services will be at 7:00 pm.

Please visit Taylorandreynolds.com.


Polly King's "Power Authority, Series II," will be one of the pieces on display at the Kenan Center's new exhibit, "METACORPORATE: ART FROM INDUSTRY," opening Sunday. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)




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"Spark" by John V. House will also be displayed.
The Kenan Center Gallery will present METACORPORATE: ART FROM INDUSTRY, an exhibit of 2- and 3-dimensional works from corporate, private, and non-profit collections, Sunday through June 26.

The exhibit will open with a public reception from 2 - 5 p.m. Sunday. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, noon - 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2 - 5 p.m. The Gallery will be closed May 22, Memorial Day weekend, May 28-30, as well as Saturdays, June 11 through June 25. The Gallery will be open for special hours during 100 American Craftsmen, June 4, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and June 5, noon - 4 p.m.

The exhibit will feature more than 60 pieces including 14 originally owned by the Carborundum Corporation and now in the collection of the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara Falls; 11 pieces by noted Niagara Falls artist, Polly King; and additional works from the Niagara County Historical Society, New York Power Authority,  YWCA of Niagara, and Eastern Niagara Hospital. In addition to King, some of the artists represented include former Lockportians, Joseph Whalen, William Storrs, and Olivia McConnell; and contemporary watercolor artist Katheen Giles and photographer Paul Pasquarello. The works from the Carborundum collection include numerous international artists such as Max Bill (Swiss); Louise Nevelson (American born in Russia); and Barbara Hepworth (British); as well as sculptors Constantino Nivola (Italian); James Rosati (American), Seymour Lipton (American), and Suzanne Pascal (American).

The exhibit was inspired by “Art from Industry IV,” an exhibit held at the Kenan Center in 1969 which featured 36 works from such notable Buffalo corporations as American Standard, the Kittinger Company, Hooker Chemical, and Marine Midland Bank.

For more information, call 433-2617 or visit www.kenancenter.org.



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Two environmental themed gardening classes will be offered to the public on Saturday at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County, 4487 Lake Ave.

Master Gardener Maxine Grimmer will present “The Plight of The Monarch Butterfly” at 9 a.m. The presentation will address why monarch butterfly populations are declining and what individuals can do to provide food sources and attract monarchs to their garden.

Master Gardener Karen Cavanaugh will present “Ecological Gardening” at 10 a.m., which will cover environmentally safe gardening practices that will encourage beneficial insects and native pollinators to visit gardens as well as methods to grow healthy plants that are more resistant to pests.

There is a cost of $10 for each class and preregistration is required by calling 433-8839 ext. 226 or email jaf21@cornell.edu. Participants of the classes are welcome to bring a soil sample from their garden to be tested for free. A selection of plants from the Cornell Cooperative Extension greenhouse will also be on sale.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County is a 501(c) (3), tax exempt organization. Net proceeds support CCE-Niagara County programming that benefit children, families, farmers, seniors and communities across Niagara County. CCE is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.



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Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, left, guides intern Danielle
Englebrecht in the ways of the Minority Leader Pro Tempore.
Englebrecht assumed the role for the 2016 "intern mock
session" on May 3. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
ALBANY -- An intern in the office of Assemblywoman Jane Corwin had the privelidge of leading the 2016 "intern mock session" last week.

Corwin, R-Clarence, sat next to the intern, Danielle Englebrecht, during the session to help guide her in the assemblywoman’s leadership role, as Assembly Minority Leader Pro Tempore, to help manage the debate during the tradition.

“Danielle has been one of our best interns. It was such a pleasure working with her in the office,” said Corwin.

A Syracuse native, Englebrecht is graduating from the State University of New York at Albany with a concentration in Communications. The Assembly Internship Program has offered one-on-one internships for undergraduate and graduate students working in members’ Albany offices during legislative session for the past 40 years. To learn more about the program or apply, please visit: http://assembly.state.ny.us/internship/.



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Lockport area gas prices are up a nickel to $2.341 a gallon, according to AAA East Central’s weekly Fuel Gauge report. The average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline last week, based on reports from 22 stations in the Lockport area, is $2.293. This time last year, gasoline was $2.734 in Lockport. The national average is $2.209.

The national average price of gas declined slightly on the week, and it is possible that prices have begun to stabilize as refineries increase production to meet record-high demand. Despite this recent trend higher, retail averages are down by one cent per gallon on the week, and drivers continue to benefit from year-over-year discounts, saving 45 cents per gallon on the year. Historically gasoline demand increases leading into the summer driving season, and this year so far is no different. However, lower gas prices are contributing to drivers taking to the roads at record levels and the 2016 summer driving season is expected to rival 2007 when gasoline demand hit an all-time high.

Gasoline demand reached its fourth-highest weekly estimate for 2016 and remains well above year-over-year levels. Although the market is well supplied with product, the notable growth in gasoline demand could cause pump prices to become volatile leading into the summer driving season. Refineries nationwide are ramping up production, which should help increase supplies in regional markets. This is good news for the average driver, because if supply can keep pace with demand, averages should remain relatively low and drivers should continue to benefit from comparative savings at the pump.

The possibility of disrupted supply from the Canadian Oil Sands influenced the global price of crude oil over the past week; however, expectations of reduced supply were largely overshadowed by news of increased production out of Iran and other OPEC and non-OPEC nations. At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, West Texas Intermediate was up 34 cents and settled at $44.66 per barrel.



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Today's forecast calls for sunny skies with a high near 64 and an overnight low around 41. (HEATHER GRIMMER / ENP)

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The National Weather Service calls for sunny skies today with a high near 64. Light and variable wind becoming northeast 8 to 13 mph in the morning.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 41. East wind 5 to 7 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 71. East wind 6 to 11 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Southeast wind around 7 mph.
Thursday Night: Showers likely, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday: A chance of showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Saturday: Scattered showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 59.



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Monday, May 9, 2016
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Andrew Cuomo
Western New York farmers have saved $1,236,972 over the past to years as a result of the state's Agricultural Land Assessment Cap.

The savings is part of the $23 million saved statewide over the two-year period. Signed into law in 2013, the cap prevents agricultural assessments from being increased by more than two percent per year. The previous cap was set at 10 percent.

“Agriculture remains a key driver in New York’s economy, and this administration is committed to helping ensure its strength and vitality,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “By providing much-need property tax relief to our farmers, we are lowering the cost of doing business and driving growth in this vital industry for years to come.”

For more information on the agricultural assessment program, including applications and instructions, visit the NYS Tax Department’s website.



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ELMIRA -- Five students from East Niagara were recently recognized by Elmira College when the school released its Dean's List for Academic Achievement for Term II, Winter 2016. The Dean's List recognizes students that have a grade point average of 3.6 or higher.

Among those honored were:

  • Thomas Bragg of Gasport
  • Courtney VanBuren of Middleport
  • Caroline Connolly of Newfane
  • Allison Gagliardi of Lockport
  • Emma Miklinski of Lockport

Elmira College is a private, coeducational, liberal arts college founded in 1855, located in Elmira, New York. The College has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,200 full-time students, of which thirteen percent are valedictorians or salutatorians of their high schools or preparatory schools. Students come from 35 states and more than 20 countries.

Elmira College's mission is to offer its students both liberal and professional education of sufficient breadth and depth to enable them to pursue successful, rewarding careers. The College blends academic rigor, distinctive programs, and theory and practice beyond the classroom to prepare students to be tomorrow's leaders. Academic programs are steeped in the arts, humanities, social and natural sciences, with special attention given to the refinement of communication skills and the exploration of world cultures.



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A 17-year-old resident of Wyndham Lawn was charged Wednesday with attempted assault and harassment following an incident at the facility.

According to New York State Police, the teen had chased down another student and punched the student in the back of the head, causing a minor injury.

The teen, who was not identified by police, was issued a ticket to return to the Town of Lockport Court in May.



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Adam Kibler
TOWN OF LOCKPORT -- East Niagara Hospital-Lockport robbery suspect Adam Kibler is being held in the Niagara County Jail on $500,000 bond, according to public records.

Kibler stands accused of robbing the hospital's emergency room of prescription narcotics shortly before 5 a.m. Saturday.

Kibler had reportedly claimed to have a bomb, in addition to a pair of long guns, all of which he discarded while fleeing the hospital as Lockport Police arrived. The alleged bomb turned out to be an inert device, according to LPD.

Kibler was arrested at his home Saturday afternoon, interrogated and eventually charged with first-degree robbery.



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TOWN OF LOCKPORT -- Niagara County Farm Bureau will host its annual Farm Safety Night at Niagara Frontier Tractor from 7 - 9 p.m. Thursday.

Although it is called Farm Safety Night, the topics are relevant for any family that has property.

This year’s sessions will feature Martin Krause from New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health and Dr. Duane Snyder from Davison Road Optical.

Guests will have the opportunity to choose one of two sessions -- one on Lawn Mower and tractor safety, the other on Eye Safety. Both are designed for home owners and farmers, especially
young people. Families are encouraged to attend.

After a break, guests will attend the alternate session. During the break and after the session, Martin Krause, Dr. Snyder and local farmers will be available to answer questions. After the sessions are concluded, refreshments will be served.

Questions can be directed to Kevin Bittner at 778-7330.



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The National Weather Service calls for a high near 60 today in Lowertown --
and throughout East Niagara. (HEATHER GRIMMER / ENP)
The National Weather Service calls for with a high near 60. West wind 7 to 13 mph.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 38. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming northeast around 6 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 72.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Thursday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 30%.



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Sunday, May 8, 2016
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LATHAM -- Luke Udell of Lockport, serving with the Company A (Engineer), 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion is promoted to the rank of Captain in the New York Army National Guard.

The promotion, announced by Major General Anthony P. German, The Adjutant General for the State of New York, in recognition of Udell's capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.1800goguard.com.



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In the wake of Saturday morning's armed robbery of Eastern Niagara Hospital-Lockport's emergency room and subsequent call for a "shelter in place" by city residents, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office is reminding residents of a tool to help ensure their safety.

LPD had asked the Sheriff's Office to put out a "reverse 911 call," to inform those in the vicinity of what was happening and ask them to lock their doors and windows while the manhunt was ongoing.

"The Sheriff's Office would like to make residents aware that this notification only works with landline phones. It is estimated that close to two-thirds of homes no longer have a landline phone," according to a press release from NCSO.

Another option exists, though. The Sheriff's Office -- and other police agencies -- use a system call "NY-Alert." Residents who utilize only wireless phones are strongly encouraged to go to www.nyalert.gov and sign up to receive alerts.

"On the website, the user can enroll and choose the area for which they would like to receive important alerts. They can also choose to receive alerts via voice or text on their wireless phone," the press release states.

The Sheriff's Office also forwards all NY-Alert messages to its Facebook page and Twitter.



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A record number of volunteers took part in Saturday's annual "I Love My Park Day," attending community clean-up, beautification and stewardship events at more than 110 state parks and historic sites across New York.

Nearly 7,500 volunteers participated in dozens of parks projects including planting trees and gardens, clearing debris, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, cleaning shorelines and beachfronts and more.

"From Letchworth Park to Grafton Lakes, this state is home to some of the most beautiful parks in the world, and it is our duty to protect them for the next generation of New Yorkers,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. Several members of his administration took part in the project. "'I Love My Park Day' celebrates these open spaces and continues this state’s rich tradition of preserving our natural resources and expanding access to outdoor recreation. I thank all New Yorkers who volunteered to help make this year’s ‘I Love My Park Day’ another great success."

Local volunteers participated in projects ranging from raking leaves to planting trees to creating new flower boxes and sprucing up butterfly gardens. Additional projects included clearing miles of trails and walking paths, constructing bird blinds, building picnic tables, painting, cleaning grills and fire pits and removing invasive species. Last year more than 6,500 volunteers participated in 200 improvement projects and contributed 16,000 hours of community service on ‘I Love My Park Day’.



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There's a chance of showers today, but still between the rain, there should be
plenty of time to do something outside with mom. (HEATHER GRIMMER/
ENP)
The National Weather Service calls for a chance of showers today, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. West wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight: A chance of showers, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 40. West wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 60. West wind 7 to 14 mph.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 38. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming northeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 40%.



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Saturday, May 7, 2016


By +Scott Leffler 

scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com


The Lockport Police Department has charged a 24-year-old male with first-degree robbery following the early morning robbery at Eastern Niagara Hospital's emergency room.

Police say Adam Kibler robbed the hospital of prescription drugs just prior to 5 a.m. He reportedly was carrying a pair of long guns and claimed to have a bomb in a backpack.

Following a city-wide manhunt, Kibler was arrested at his home 120 Levan Ave.

He will be arraigned Monday in City of Lockport Court before the Hon. Judge
William Watson.

NOTE: An earlier version of this story omitted the suspect's first name.



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Lockport Police Department -- via its Facebook page -- say that the shooting suspect who robbed the Eastern Niagara Hospital-Lockport also claimed to have a bomb with him when he was at the hospital.

This LPD post from earlier this morning states that the gunman had claimed
to have a bomb. (SCREENSHOT/FACEBOOK)
The hospital was locked down as a result, and the east end of the city was similarly put in lockdown mode while police searched for the 6-foot tall white male.

Police confirmed earlier that one person is being questioned in relation to the incident, but did not indicate that he was a suspect. A press release from the hospital, however, referred to him as such.

LPD said a press release will be issued in regards to the matter, but that no further details are available at this time.



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East Niagara Hospital-Lockport has resumed normal operations, according to a statement released by the hospital.

The statement says:
(11:35 AM) Eastern Niagara Hospital (ENH) states that its Emergency Department is no longer on diversion and operations are back to normal at the facility following the apprehension of the potential suspect from this morning’s incident.
Lockport Police confirmed earlier that one person is being questioned in relation to the incident. Police did not state that the man was a suspect.

Early this morning, an armed man robbed the ENH-Lockport emergency room at gunpoint, making off with a "limited number" of prescription drugs. He then reportedly fired two shots from a long gun, although hospital officials say the shots were not fired at the hospital.

Lockport police, with the help of the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, locked down the city's east end while they searched for the gunman.



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By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com


Lockport Police have confirmed that one person is being questioned in relation to this morning's armed robbery at the ENH-Lockport emergency room.

Police have lifted the "shelter in place" order for the city's east side and have said that Lockport residents can return to their normal operations.

Whether the person being questioned is a suspect or simply a person with potential knowledge of the incident was not relayed by LPD.

The hospital earlier confirmed that a limited amount of drugs were taken from the hospital's ER following the 5 a.m. armed robbery by a 6-foot-tall white male with two long guns. The hospital added that the guns were not discharged in the hospital. Police had said that two shots were fired. At this time, it's unclear where those shots occurred.

We will bring you additional details as we have them.



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Eastern Niagara Hospital has released a statement to the media regarding the armed robbery of its emergency room this morning, thanking local law enforcement and stating that the shots fired did not occur in the hospital.

The hospital's statement follows in its entirety:
Eastern Niagara Hospital (ENH) appreciates the very professional and appropriate responses by the staff in its Emergency Department this morning at the time of the incident. Their actions were commendable.

ENH confirms the ED staff provided the man, who was armed, with a limited amount of drugs. There were no shots fired in the Hospital facility.

The Hospital wishes to convey to the public that all patients and staff at the facility are safe. Ambulances are on diversion at this time. The police are continuing to look for the man in the City of Lockport.

The Hospital appreciates the timely and thorough response that has been demonstrated by the City of Lockport Police, Niagara County Sheriff’s Department and all other first responders with this matter.


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These geese might like today's weather. There's a chance
of afternoon showers. (HEATHER GRIMMER / ENP)
The National Weather Service calls for a chance of showers after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight: Showers, mainly before 11pm. Low around 43. Light north wind becoming northwest 10 to 15 mph in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Sunday: A chance of showers, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 57. West wind 9 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Sunday Night: A chance of showers, mainly before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. West wind 6 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 9 to 13 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Wednesday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.

Thursday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Chance of precipitation is 30%.



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We learned about the successes and generosity of Washington Hunt last time, but what I truly believe to be his biggest impact on Lockport was the confidence he had in a young machinist from Seneca Falls, NY.

Former Governor Hunt, along with his partner, the honorable T.T. Flagler, found a way to lure Birdsill Holly to Lockport, and offered a deal he couldn’t refuse. They put Holly in charge of their Sewing Machine Shop on Market Street, and from there, everything else is history. Holly’s inventions, and the attention that they drew, led to the development of dozens of other factories and mills here in Lockport, and ultimately lead the Industrial Age of America.

As the Erie Canal Enlargement was completed, mile-by- mile, the volume of water arriving into Lockport from Lake Erie was even greater than before. Holly’s mind was always tinkering on something new, and in 1860, he immediately began to experiment with the Mill Race waters as they flowed around, and past, the newly completed Benjamin Moore Mill (currently Old City Hall).



Holly proposed, and built, what local resident called the “Round House”, and placed one of his own patented water turbines within it. The force of the waters generated enough mechanical power on his turbine to motorize pumps; pumps he had also been working diligently on. Holly realized that the Mill Race had enough power to actually pressurize water so that he could distribute it virtually anywhere in the village. He would lay pipes to take the water from the Mill Race and send it into homes across town, and modern indoor plumbing was the result.

But he wasn’t done there, not by a long shot. He had another 150 some patents in his head and ready to go.

He then conceived of the idea of placing a hub, or access point to the water, so that in the event of fire, the Fire Department could get the water where they needed it… and quickly. In 1864, Birdsill Holly patented his water, or hydro plant, and the very first use of his hydrant would be tested on August 26 th , 1863.

At roughly 6 pm, the water turbine within the round house began powering the pumps that drew the water up and out of the Mill Race, through pipes stretching through Old City Hall, and into the first fire hydrant installed at the corner of Main and Pine Streets.

Residents knew that something very exciting was about to happen, so they lined the street corners, keeping an eye out for a quick getaway if the experiment went bad.

As water reached the hydrant for the first time, the custom made hose held for as long as it could, but then burst under the incredible pressure that the pumps produced.

Holly was expecting this possibility, so he had the craftsman make 2 prototypes of the hose. It took only a short time to exchange the hoses, while Holly returned to Old City Hall to make manual adjustments to the pumps. On his return, the water turbine and pumps were fired up again, and that is when and where, every modern Fire Hose Company in the United States, and the world, got their start.

The Lockport Daily Journal commented the next day, August 27, 1863:
Cold Water Ahead!!
The Holly Water-Works a Complete Success!
The remarkable power of water as an agent was well and thoroughly tested last night between 6 and 7 O’clock. Our village has been very fortunate in this enterprise. Fortunate in having a great abundance of water so near at hand—fortunate in contracting with such a machinist as Mr. Birdsill Holly, and fortunate in employing Wm. G. McMaster as agent in the prosecution of the work. The work has gone on rapidly, and every part of it thus far, has met the most sanguine expectations of its friends. The water thrown last evening perfectly eclipsed anything we ever saw in “lofty tumbling” of the kind. The first stream thrown, which burst the new hose, was one inch and three-fourths in diameter, and went up full 160 feet high. Hose was attached to three hydrants and a grand competition ensued. The machinery and all the pipe and hydrants of this magnificent work, were manufactured at the Holly Manufacturing Works, under the direction of Mr. Birdsill Holly, patentee of the pump and wheel employed.
The wheel is “ Holly’s Patent Turbine” of 120 horse power. The pump is “Holly’s Patent Elliptical Rotary Pump”. Every four revolutions of the pump throws a barrel of water, and 200 revolutions per minute can be obtained. The water is thrown from the pump through a 10 –inch pipe up to Main-st, about 500 feet. The pipe through Main-st, from Cottage-st, to Locust-st, is 8-inch, and each way from those points 6-inch. The lateral pipe in Cottage and Pine south of Main, and Locust-st, are 6-inch.
Test
This was from the double hydrant at the corner of Main and Pine-sts. This hydrant is distant over 500 feet, horizontally, and at an elevation of 53 feet from the pump. The hose attached to the hydrant was 100 feet in length, and water was thrown from that at least 150 feet perpendicular. Two streams were thrown from the same hydrant at least 150 feet perpendicular.
Pressure
The pressure, as shown by the indicator and pressure gauge at the wheel-house, was 372 feet-- -(equal to a reservoir 372 feet high). While the water was being thrown through a 3 inch nozzle—at which time the new hose burst—one-third of the issues of the wheel (being just one-third of the power) were closed entirely, and then the water-gate was raised so as to produce just about one-half of the power of the wheel and pump. Six streams could then have been thrown with all the force that could be then used to advantage at a fire If the pipes were carried to High-st, then Cottage, Pine and Locust-sts, but little difference would be seen in the pressure at Main and High-sts.
This is not intended as a trial of the capacity of the works.
The regulating apparatus connected with the wheel and pump is reserved for description, say after the finish left on the completion of the work, when Mr. Birdsill Holly will furnish all needful Mr. Holly’s contract with the village only required water to be thrown 100 feet high.
The hose which burst was made by Wm. Taylor of Buffalo, one of the best manufacturers in the country. At the time it burst, the pressure of the water in the hose, was full 150 lbs. to the square inch. It will be difficult to get hose to stand the immense force which the power is capable of producing—but it can always be controlled according to the location of the fire.
The apparatus for indicating and regulating the pressure of the water is most ingenious. The wheel, pump and all the machinery, as well as the entire plan, are the inventions of Mr. Holly, and its complete success must be particularly satisfactory to himself and his friends.
We expect this truly great work will be more and more appreciated, as it is further tried and applied in different directions. Lockport moves.
The Holly Manufacturing Company could easily see that they had a winner, and began building an amazing factory at the corners of Lock and Green Streets, just across to the north of the Pine Street Bridge. Holly’s men blasted a new tunnel through the solid Lockport Dolomite to supply their turbines with water.



Holly’s system for water pressurization and fire protection for Cities and Villages drew global attention, and became the benchmark for all populated areas across the developing United States. Buildings named after Holly were sprouting up in cities from Denver to Davenport, and Kansas City to Kalamazoo. Holly’s genius was creating a revolution in the existing system of water works, thereby providing protection for not only large scale business, but also for sprawling residential areas, as urban areas grew across the United States.

Before this point, all fire departments were limited by the ability to get men, animals, machinery and water to the fire. Pulling a steam boiler to the location of the fire was no longer the most modern option, and a hose could simply be put into action just about anywhere in the city. The World’s First Hose Company No. 1 was incorporated in 1865, the same year as the City of Lockport.

Holly continued to work on bigger and better pumps to circulate water throughout cities, never once stopping to enjoy the successes he had already made. In 1878, the Scientific American Vol. XXXIX – No. 7, highlighted Holly’s genius for him, drawing even more attention to the streets of Lockport.



Holly also decided that a new system for heating homes in our harsh and uncomfortable winter environment was needed. He developed a steam heating system by first experimenting at his own house on Chestnut, now part of the parking area used by both the Lockport Public Library and the YMCA. He laid pipes underground that eventually spread to many businesses on Market Streets and Main. This highly efficient system gained the attention of another inventor, Thomas Edison, who would actually befriend, and then purchase rights to Holly’s genius, and go on to develop a well known consolidated energy company – ConEdison, or ConEd.

There are many more people from Lockport that have made huge contributions to the overall well being of the United States – more than you probably know. Back then, factories needed to be close, if not directly adjacent to flowing waters, and Lockport had plenty of it. All of the attention that Holly created also led to even more free-flowing ideas, producing even more revolutionary products, and Lockport essentially became a proving grounds for Industrial America. Once Edison’s light bulb and Tesla’s Alternating Current went mainstream, the waters of Lockport were no longer critical, and industry could virtually set up shop anywhere. Interest in Lockport dwindled.

Lockport Heritage Tours wants to bring that interest back. Old City Hall has witnessed Lockport’s changes and the brilliance of Holly, and much of that story is still being told there. Portions of the machinery that once provided all of Lockport with their water supply, still remains within the solid rock walls of this 1800’s mill. In 1893, the City of Lockport took over the mill and was then able to control the cities waters from their own building. The next year, Mr. Holly passed, and the future of Holly Manufacturing Company was in doubt, having lost their spark.

Lockport Heritage Tours will be scheduling tours throughout the coming months. If you would like to find out what some of those tours involve, go to www.LockportHeritageTours.com

Call (716) 863-6980 to set up your reservations. We look forward to seeing you!

+Dr. Scott Geise, a local businessman, has an active interest in Erie Canal and Niagara County history. Please continue to share any “Historically Relevant” information you may have on our facebook page, at Lockport Heritage Tours.



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