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2026
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Grand Island urges federal government to keep new Seneca Nation land on tax roll - February 2026
Buffalo News Story by Stephen T. Watson - Grand Island officials want a 200-acre parcel of land that was donated to the Seneca Nation of Indians to stay on the tax rolls. The town recently sent a letter to Interior Secretary Douglas Burgum asking the federal government to reject the Nation's request to place the property in restricted fee status. The office of Gov. Kathy Hochul sent a similar message to the Interior Department. See article HERE.Zellner Wins Special Election - February 2026
From Buffalo News story by Robert Gavin, February 7, 2026.Voters elected Erie County Democratic leader Jeremy Zellner to the State Senate on Tuesday night to fill the vacancy created by the election of former Sen. Sean Ryan as mayor of Buffalo. With 98% of the vote counted in the special election, Zellner, 47, of Tonawanda, was leading Republican challenger Dan Gagliardo, 62, of Amherst, by nearly 60% to 40%, according to the Erie County Board of Elections. Zellner, running on the Democratic line, had 18,752 votes. Gagliardo, running on the Republican and Conservative lines, had 12,591. Zellner, the chair of the Erie County Democratic Committee and until recently a county elections commissioner, will represent the 61st Senate District, which is entirely located within Erie County. It includes parts of Buffalo, as well as the city and town of Tonawanda, Amherst, Grand Island and the villages of Kenmore and Williamsville.
Erie County Snowmobile Registration Renewal - January 2026
Erie County, NY — Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns is reminding snowmobilers to renew their snowmobile registrations locally through the Erie County Auto Bureau. Registering within the county ensures that vital revenues stay right here in Erie County to support local services and infrastructure. With the great stretch of snowfall mounting locally and across New York State, more and more snowmobilers are finding their way back to the trails this season. Snowmobilers can renew by mail or in person at any Auto Bureau location. Due to higher-than-normal seasonal volume, reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made online at erie.gov/clerk/autobureau or by calling the Clerk’s Outreach Hotline at 716-858-8864. See Full Press Release.Passport Hours Expanded in February - January 2026
Erie County, NY — To better serve Erie County travelers and working families, Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns has announced expanded evening hours at the Clerk’s Outreach Center for U.S. passport applicants. During the month of February, the Clerk’s Outreach Center will be open until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, in addition to its regularly scheduled extended hours on Thursdays until 7:00 p.m. The Clerk’s Outreach Center is conveniently located right next door to the Erie County Auto Bureau at Southgate Plaza, 1086-B Union Road, West Seneca, NY 14224.Wednesday extended hours will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the following dates: February 4; February 11; February 18 & February 25. Designed to assist first-time passport applicants, as well as those looking to renew a passport book or passport card, particularly for residents and families who are unable to visit during normal business hours. If demand remains high, extended Wednesday hours may continue alongside Thursdays. No appointment is required, applications and additional forms are available, and passport photos can be taken onsite for a $10 fee, making the Outreach Center a convenient, one-stop location for passport services.
"With cruise and international travel demand remaining high, we want to make it as easy as possible for Erie County residents to obtain their passports," said Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns. "Expanding our evening hours in February provides added flexibility for working families and travelers preparing for the upcoming spring travel season." Residents are encouraged to apply early and allow sufficient processing time prior to any scheduled travel. Currently, passport process can take 4-6 weeks, but expedited service (2-3 weeks) is available for urgent travel, with an additional fee of $60. For more information on passport requirements, processing times, and Outreach Center services, visit erie.gov/clerk or contact the Erie County Clerk’s Outreach Center at 716-858-8864.
Erie County’s Rabies Vaccine Clinic Rescheduled - January 2026
ERIE COUNTY, NY - Due to expected bitterly cold temperatures, and with the safety of our staff, volunteers, pet owners and pets in mind, the Erie County Department of Health has cancelled the rabies vaccine clinic on January 24. The new date is Saturday, February 21, at the same time (9 a.m.- 1 p.m.) and same location, North Buffalo Community Center. People will need to re-register their pet(s) online at erie.gov/rabiesvaccine or by calling our environmental health division at 716-961-6800. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you – but safety for the public and for their pets is our top priority. Please call our environmental health office at 716-961-6800 with any questions or concerns.Erie County DMV to Pause Operations - January 2026
Erie County, New York - Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns announced the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is preparing to launch the first phase of a new, modernized technology system designed to improve customer service and streamline operations for both residents and DMV staff in February.To complete this major upgrade, all DMV offices—including those serving Erie County—will temporarily suspend operations over the Presidents’ Day weekend. Beginning Friday, February 13 at 12:00 p.m., all in-person DMV offices will close, and online and phone services will be unavailable statewide. This brief shutdown is necessary to safely install and test the new system before it goes live. DMV services, both in person and online, are expected to fully resume on Wednesday, February 18. To ensure a smooth transition, appointments will be required for all in-person visits from February 18 through February 20 at all Erie County Auto Bureau Branch Offices. Mobile DMV services in Grand Island and Concord will remain suspended during this period and are expected to resume the following week.
The upgraded system replaces decades-old technology with a single, secure platform that allows DMV employees to process transactions more efficiently, reducing delays and helping customers complete most transactions in one visit. The new platform will also expand online services, allowing residents to complete more DMV transactions from home, on their own schedule.
NYS DMV officials note that while staff have undergone extensive training, customers may experience minor delays in the days immediately following the launch and are asked for patience as everyone adjusts to the new system. Erie County residents who need to renew a driver license or non-driver ID, or complete another DMV transaction before February 13, are strongly encouraged to do so ahead of time. As always, appointments are encouraged, as customers with reservations take precedence. Appointments can be made 24/7 online at erie.gov/clerk or by calling the Clerk’s Outreach Center (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm and on Thursdays until 7pm) at 716-858-8864.
Residents can also stay informed by following the Erie County Clerk on social media (X, Facebook, and Instagram) for real-time updates before and after services resume, as well as the Clerk's website at erie.gov/clerk. This February upgrade builds on recent improvements such as expanded online services, appointment-based office visits, and reduced wait times. A second major system upgrade is planned for 2028 as part of the DMV’s long-term effort to modernize operations and improve customer experience. Erie and Niagara County Clerks will team up for a February press conference to share key details ahead of the implementation, keeping the public informed.
Holiday Wreaths at Town Properties - January 2026
Shown in one of the greenhouses at the ECCF with the beautiful wreaths are L-R: Erie County Sheriff Deputy Nick Hendel, Linenfelser and Deputy Jason Puleo.
You may have noticed the beautiful wreaths decorating various Town of Grand Island buildings during the Christmas holidays. They were made by inmates at the Erie County Correctional Facility (ECCF) in Alden. This year Grand Island received wreaths that were used at Town Hall, Library, Golden Age Center, Recreation Office, Highway Garage, Parks Office, Water Plant and Wastewater Plant. Retired Town Supervisor Mary Cooke and Town Hall Caretaker Jim Linenfelser traveled to Alden in early December to get the wreaths. The horticulture program allows inmates to learn valuable skills while providing wreaths in December and plants in May to the communities that were harmed by their illegal actions. The wreaths and plants cannot be sold; they must be used to beautify municipal properties.Golden Age Center Seniors Tax Assist - January 2026
First Row L to R: Betty Lou Camardella, Jackie Kew, Jean Schlegal, Suzanne Muller.
Back Row L to R: Linda Clark, Kathy Lechner, Liz Wilber, Town Clerk-Pattie Frentzel, Lorraine Wilcox.
For over 22 years, seniors from the Golden Age Center volunteered their time to assist in the preparation of the tax bills for the Town of Grand Island.
Pattie Anderson Frentzel reported that the bills are in the mail and collection has started.GI School Board Finalizing Community Survey Following Capital Project Vote - January 2026
The Grand Island School Board of Education met January 5th to put the final touches on a community feedback survey following the outcome of the 2025 Proposed Capital Improvement Project vote. On December 10th, residents cast 1,498 “no” votes and 492 “yes” votes, resulting in the $69.2 million proposal not being approved. “We definitely want to thank the community for coming out and voting,” said Grand Island Central School Superintendent Dr. Brian Graham. "It's really important for us to hear and listen to that. We need to take a critical look at why the community voted it down," he added. In response, the Board is taking the next step in its commitment to transparency and community engagement by developing a survey designed to gather feedback from residents, parents, staff, and other stakeholders.The purpose of the survey is to better understand the community’s perspectives on the proposed project, including areas of concern, priorities for future planning, and what information residents would find most helpful moving forward. Board members emphasized that this feedback will be instrumental in guiding any future capital planning discussions. "The survey is an opportunity for us to look at our process and make it better," Board President Susan Marston noted during the board meeting on January 5th. "Understanding why voters felt the way they did will help inform next steps and ensure future proposals better reflect community needs and expectations."
A digital and hard copy survey will soon be shared with the community. The Board encourages broad participation to ensure the results accurately represent the diverse viewpoints within the Grand Island school community.
NYS Parks West River Shoreline Docks Information - January 2026
The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has announced that they will be issuing seasonal dock permits along West River Shreline Trail- on a first come first serve basis. See Details.Beaver Island Satae Park - Press Release
TSA to Enforce $45 REAL ID Verification Fee Beginning February 1, 2026 - January 2026
Kearns Encourages Travelers to Upgrade Before Next Domestic FlightErie County, New York - Starting February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin enforcing a $45 identity-verification fee for passengers who attempt to fly without compliant identification. All travelers who do not present an acceptable for of a REAL ID, U.S. passport, or other accepted ID will be directed to TSA’s optional ConfirmID identity-verification process at check-in, before entering the security screening line.
TSA’s new identity-verification process is valid for a 10-day travel window. Meaning, if you pay the fee for your departure and return home within 10 days, the single $45 fee covers both flights. However, if your return flight is more than 10 days after your initial departure, you will be required to pay the $45 fee again for the return flight. This change follows the full implementation of the REAL ID Act, which became mandatory on May 7, 2025. Since that date, passengers, 18 years and older, must present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID — or another acceptable form of identification — to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
In New York State, it’s easy to tell what type of ID you have by looking at the front of your license or non-driver ID. A REAL ID has a small black star in the upper or lower corner of the card. The Enhanced Driver License (EDL) version displays a U.S. flag icon. An EDL is also REAL ID compliant. A Standard (Not REAL ID Compliant) does not have a star or U.S. flag and clearly states “Not for Federal Purposes” at the top of the license or non-driver ID.
For Erie County residents, avoiding the TSA fee and potential airport delays is simple. You can upgrade to a REAL ID by visiting any Erie County Auto Bureau in person. To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must provide the following original documents: Proof of identity and date of birth, Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or valid U.S. passport), lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the U.S., Social Security card, Two proofs of New York State residence such as utility bill, bank or mortgage statement (P.O. Box not acceptable) as this address will be displayed on your document.
In addition, if the name on certified copy of birth certificate is different from current proof of identity, you must present a certified copy of marriage certificate(s), divorce decree(s) or name change document(s). There is no additional cost to obtain a REAL ID beyond the standard license or ID fee. If you are renewing your license or applying for the first time, you receive a REAL ID at the same price as a standard credential. There is an additional $30 fee to upgrade to the Enhanced version.
Do not wait until you arrive at the airport to check your travel document. As TSA officials warn that travelers who wait until the last-minute risk long lines at security checkpoints, additional screening and delays, in addition to the new $45 verification fee. TSA’s list of acceptable forms of ID can be found at TSA.gov/travel/security-screening/identification. I strongly encourage all residents, even those who fly only occasionally, to plan ahead before their next trip and schedule their REAL ID upgrade appointment now. Taking care of it ahead of time ensures smoother travel, saves money, eliminates delays and potentially miss flights. Traveling can already be stressful; there is no need to add unnecessary anxiety at the airport. For appointments, locations, and more information, Erie County residents should visit the Erie County Clerk’s website at erie.gov/clerk or call the Clerk’s Outreach Center at 716-858-8864.
