2010
Previous News Pages
Lanes Closed - March 2010
Lanes Closed on Ramps Between Youngmann Highway and Niagara ThruwayTwo construction projects at major highway interchanges in Erie and Niagara counties will cause delays and headaches for motorists and require many drivers to use local streets for detours — until the construction season ends in November. See Details
Prayer Service For Missing Mother, Son - March 2010
According to ABC Good Morning America reports, the family of the missing Washington mother, Shantina Smiley, fears that she may have asked for help from the wrong people, endangering herself and her young son, who have now been missing for nearly four days. A prayer service for the missing mother and son, with ties to Grand Island, is being held in the Grand Island Plaza parking lot at 4:30 p.m. today. See ABC News for 3/17/10 story.Blockbuster Closing In April - March 2010
After many years at the Grand Island Plaza, Blockbuster video will be closing April 19, 2010. At this time the store is selling all of its inventory. Rentals are no longer available. Blockbuster stores on Young Street in Tonawanda and Niagara Falls Blvd. in the Falls are now the closest for Islanders.
Auction of Surplus Town Equipment - March 2010
An auction of surplus Town equipment will be held on Saturday, April 10 starting at 9:30 AM at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Review of items will start at 9:00 AM. Items may include office equipment, exercise equipment and miscellaneous equipment. All items are used. Items are sold "as-is", no personal checks: cash or money orders only. Items are to be taken no later than 12 noon that same day.NYS PARKS ANNOUNCES Boat Slips available - March 2010
-Slips available at Big Six Mile Creek Marina-The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has announced that seasonal slips at Big Six Mile Creek Marina located at 3219 Whitehaven Road in Grand Island, NY are still available. The price of the slip is based on the registered boat length and includes electric and water hook ups. The marina also has a boat launch ramp, sewage pump out, and gas, oil and ice for sale. There are currently nineteen (20) – 19 foot and thirty five (36) – 30 foot slips available. For more information, please contact the Beaver Island State Park office at (716) 773-3271.
Mail Truck Involved In 3-Car MVA - March 2010
Click photo for larger view
The Grand Island Fire Company responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles and a US Mail Truck in front of 783 West River Road at 1:41 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010. The GIFC, under the command of Fire Chief Greg Butcher, requested the status of Mercy Flight, however, it was deemed not necessary. Two patients were evaluated with one sign off and one transported to the Erie County Medical Center by Twin City Ambulance. The GIFC remained on location until 2:55 p.m., standing by while vehicles were removed from against a house. More information will be added as it becomes available.Assemblymember Sam Hoyt Holds Town Hall Meeting - March 2010
Assemblymember Sam Hoyt will hold a town hall meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 18 in the Grand Island Memorial Library, 1715 Bedell Road. See http://assembly.state.ny.us for complete information.Proposed Cell Tower Information Meeting - March 2010
A public information meeting, hosted by the Town Board and Verizon, concerning the proposed cell tower in Veterans Park, will be held in the Town Hall courtroom on Tuesday, March 16th at 7:30 p.m. Verizon representatives will be present to answer any questions regarding the proposed location including the site selection process.Thompson To Host Community Leaders/Stakeholders Breakfast - 2010
Antoine M. Thompson, NYS Senator, 60th District, will host his quarterly community leader’s breakfast at the Knights of Columbus, 1841 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY on Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.Daylight Saving Time Begins March 14 - 2010
On Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 2 a.m., Daylight Saving Time begins in the United States. See Daylight Saving TimeSouth Bridge Construction Meeting Held - March 2010
Left: NYSTA Division Director Tom Pericak and Traffic Supervisor George White
Jodi Robinson photo - Click photo for larger view.
The NYS Thruway Authority held an informational meeting on Friday, March 5th at Grand Island Town Hall to discuss the upcoming South Bridge (North)
deck replacement. Division Director Tom Pericak and Traffic Supervisor George White outlined the construction and answered questions from the audience.
The project start-up date depends on the air temperature, as a grout being used will not set-up in lower temperatures with mid April being mentioned.
Information is available from the most recent flyer.
The intent is to notify commuters two weeks before the construction begins through the stationary sign boards on I-190 and I-290 and movable
sign boards in the region. When construction is in full swing, the bridge will be closed Sunday - Thursday nights from 8:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.
The
construction company will be fined $1,000 per minute if the bridge is not open at 6:00 a.m. each day. The town of Grand Island
is hoping that if a problem occurs and the bridges are not open at the appointed time, movable information boards can be utilized to inform commuters
before they attempt to enter at the Grand Island Blvd. and Beaver Island Parkway entrances. You may register to receive email alerts
from the TRANSalert system at the Thruway Authority website.Thunder On The Niagara - 2010
Thunder on the Niagara boat races will take place August 21-22 (tentative dates) off Gratwick Park, North Tonawanda. For more information contact Luanne Monette, 716-693-7117 or Liz Barker, 716-773-1191. See www.nfbra.comSee also "Thunder On Niagara Flyer"
Primary Challenge TEA Party Meeting at SereniTea Cottage - March 2010
A TEA party meeting at SereniTea Cottage and Gift Shoppe, 2014 Grand Island Blvd. takes place at 7 p.m. Monday March 8th. Speakers from TEAnewyork.com, Primary Challenge and Rus Thompson will be covering state issues and how the citizens can get involved in taking back State government for the people. This meeting is open to the public and all are welcome. "If you are tired of taxes, fees and state government in general, please come early," said Rus Thompson. This is the first meeting to be held on Grand Island and if there is enough interest, thre will be more.Morning MVA On I190 - March 2010
The Grand Island Fire Company responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a bus and a van on the I190 south, near the South Grand Island Bridge at 7:47 a.m. Thursday, March 4, 2010. Three patients were transported to Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital by ambulance. The GIFC returned in service at 8:34 a.m. More information will be added as it becomes available.South Bridge Construction - March 2010
For information regarding the road construction project that will effect traffic during the evening on the South Grand Island bridge (both directions), see http://www.gigov.com/bridge-project-2010.htm.Resident Charged - March 2010
See "3/1/10 Buffalo News".Embezzling & Restitution - March 2010
See "Buffalo News" story by Matt GrytaNYS Lifeguard Tests - February 2010
See State Parks To Hold Lifeguard Tests.Volunteers Needed For "Meals On Wheels" - February 2010
The Golden Age Center is in desperate need of volunteers to deliver Meals On Wheels" to homebound elderly. Those interested are asked to call the Center at 773-9682.Canadian Goose Season Extended - February 2010
Beaver Island State Park, West River Parkway, Motor and Strawberry Islands:The blind assignment for the Extended Canada Goose Season (3/1-3/10/10) will be done by call-in ONLY. Calls will be taken at 773-2010 between the hours of 9:00am-12:00pm on the following dates: Thursday 2/25/10 for Monday and Tuesday, 3/1 & 3/2; Tuesday 3/2/10 for Wednesday-Friday 3/3–3/5 and Thursday 3/4/10 for Saturday-Wednesday 3/6-3/10. All call-in permits must be picked up at the Park Office by 4pm prior to the day of the hunt.
A boat is required to be on site, “at the ready”, for use in retrieving or rescue, as necessary.
To participate in the lottery drawings or call-ins, hunters must present a valid NYS Small Game Hunting license with a signed duck stamp, proof of registration in the Harvest Information Program (HIP), and proof of completion of a Waterfowl ID course. You may contact the Beaver Island State Park Office at (716)773-3271 on weekdays between 8:00am and 4:15pm for more information.
Paddles Up Kick-Off - Summer 2010
Paddles Up Niagara Celebrates Its Fifth Year
February 25, 2010 . . .Island residents Paul Leuchner and Rob Belue, representing the Niagara River Greenway Commission, kick off Paddles Up Niagara 2010 at the Marine Trades Association Boat Show held this past weekend at the Ralph Wilson Stadium Fieldhouse.
Click photo for larger view.
Though there is ice in the Niagara River and snow on the ground, the public gave Paddles Up Niagara 2010 a warm reception at the Marine Trades Association Boat Show this past weekend (Feb. 19-21). Additional activities are planned as part of the fifth anniversary of Paddles Up Niagara that will take place at Beaver Island State Park on July 24, 2010. There will be an early morning Kayak Poker Run and a Paddlesports Sprint Competition in addition to the traditional early afternoon paddle on the Niagara River. Throughout the morning the public will have an opportunity to try out canoes and kayaks and visit the various exhibits and displays. As in the past, the Grand Island Historic Society will be offering participants the opportunity to enjoy lunch at historic River Lea (advance reservations and payment are required). Since Paddles Up Niagara began in 2005, more than 750 people have paddled the waters of the Niagara River in their kayaks and canoes and thousands of others have circulated through the event demonstration and exhibit areas. For more information about Paddles Up Niagara 2010 check out the Niagara River Greenway Commission website at www.niagaragreenway.org.NYS Boat Slip Lottery - February 2010
Beaver Island State Park and Big Six Mile Creek Marina slips available - The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has announced that applications for the lottery to establish a waiting list for 2010 seasonal slips at Big Six Mile Creek Marina and Beaver Island Marina are now available.Applications are available at the Beaver Island State Park Office, 2136 West Oakfield Road, Grand Island, NY 14072, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. or by calling (716) 773-3271.
Completed applications, a copy of the current boat registration and a $5.00 non-refundable fee are required to be eligible for the lottery drawing. Applications will be accepted by mail or in person at the Beaver Island State Park Office until Monday, March 1, 2010. Applications delivered or postmarked after March 1 will not be accepted.
The public is invited to attend the lottery drawing which will be held at the Beaver Island State Park Office on Thursday, March 3rd at 10:00 a.m.
For more information, contact the park office at (716) 773-3271.
Resident Draws Jail Term - February 2010
See "2/20/10 Buffalo News Story".World Day of Prayer - March 2010
Grand Island's World Day of Prayer will take place at 10 a.m., March 5, at Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Road. All are welcome to this worldwide event, with an emphasis on music and celebration in praise to God. This year's service was prepared by the women of Cameroon, on the west coast of Africa with the hope of shining a light on Africa and on the rest of the world.Island Motorist Dies of Heart Attack - February 2010
See "2/11/10 Buffalo News Story".Resident Released From Jail - February 2010
See "Buffalo News" story.School Bus Accident - February 2010
The Grand Island Fire Company responded to a report of a car/school bus accident on East River at Ransom Road at 7:15 a.m. Monday, February 8, 2010. The GIFC was notified by the school district bus garage that there were no injuries, however, they were advised to respond and confirm the report. The two drivers signed off and the 16 children were to be examined by a school nurse. The Grand Island Fire Company returned in service at 7:41 a.m.Purse Thief - February 2010
See "Buffalo News" story.State Troopers Removed From School - February 2010
See "Buffalo News" story.Roll-Over Baseline/Bedell - February 2010
The Grand Island Fire Company responded to a motor vehicle accident at the corner of Baseline and Bedell roads where a car had rolled over at 2:46 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 2010. The GIFC evaluated one patient who was transported to the Erie County Medical Center by ambulance. All GIFC personnel returned in service at 3:15 p.m.Father's Day Lawnmower Race Planned - February 2010
Left to Right Seated: Gary Roesch, Peter McMahon, Mary Dunbar-Daluisio, Mark Leffler, Bob DeGlopper, Phil Buchanan and Floyd Doring.
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click for larger view.
The lawnmower race committee met on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 to begin the planning of the once annual event, now resurrected as the 2nd annual.
The race is planned for Father's Day, Sunday, June 20th, located at the north end of West River Road. Relay For Life teams are being encouraged to sell
food and novelty items at the race. This year's chairman is Floyd Doring, assisted by co-chairs, Gary Roesch and Mary Dunbar-Daluisio. The next
meeting is planned for Tuesday, March 16th at the Town Cafe.
Erie County Legislator Hardwick To Visit Town Hall - February 2010
Erie County Legislator Kevin Hardwick will be available for questions or concerns at Grand Island Town Hall on Tuesday, February 23rd between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Mr. Hardwick is scheduling the 4th Tuesday of each month for island residents' concerns, locations will vary.Property Tax Exemption Deadline Approaching - February 2010
March 1, 2010 is the deadline for all Basic STAR, Enhanced/Senior STAR and Veterans property tax exemptions to be added to the assessment roll for School tax year 2010/2011 and Town/County tax year 2011. If you have not already done so, please bring your paperwork to the Assessors office at Town Hall on or before Monday, March 1, 2010.Monday's Flooding - January 2010
Flooding due to overnight rain that continued into the morning of Mon., Jan. 25 caused major flooding in areas throughout the Island. The photo was taken from Klingel Town Commons looking across Whitehaven Road.
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click for larger view.
Flu (H1N1) Clinic - January 2010
A Flu (H1N1) Clinic will be held Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 9am – 3pm at the Grand Island High School (rear Gym). The clinic is being sponsored by the Erie County Health Dept in cooperation with the Grand Island School District and the Town of Grand Island. It is free to the public.Golden Age Center Members Assist Town - January 2010
Left to Right Seated: Chris Bihler, Martha Muller, Hank Carroll, Nonnie Carroll
Left to Right Standing: Dorothy Lew, Gloria Diringer,Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel, Betty Marinell and Bernie Callahan
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click for larger view.
Eight members of the Grand Island Golden Age Center helped out Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel on Monday, January 11th by taking over the
job of sending out the Erie County tax bills. These super seniors enjoy a nice lunch and visiting with friends in early January and
again in the fall when the school taxes are sent out.
Head-on Accident Takes Two Lives - January 2010
Stephanie M. Ali, 22, of Grand Island, NY, and her daughter, Grace Ingalsbee, 5 months were fatally injured
in a two-car, head-on accident in front of 2695 Grand Island Blvd. at 6:23 p.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2010.
The Grand Island Fire Company medics under the direction of Incident Command, 1st Assistant Fire Chief
Matthew Osinski, extricated and treated the mother and her baby. Mercy Flight was not available. Grand
Island Blvd. remained closed to traffic between Baseline and Bedell roads and the GIFC remained on the scene
assisting the accident investigation until 10:24 p.m. The City of Tonawanda responded to the GIFC
Headquarters as backup for Grand Island. Further details to follow as they become available.
