Poverty rates at WNY schools

This report has the childhood poverty rates for all the school districts in WNY. East Aurora has the lowest, at 4.1%. Buffalo, the highest at 38.1%. Roy-Hart is at 9.3%

https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2020/12/29/poverty-wny-schools.html

Zoning Board of Appeals: December 28

 

The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Royalton will be holding a virtual public hearing tonight, December 28, 2020, at 7:30 PM, by Zoom.

Items include:

An application by Gregory Zakrzewski for two area of variances to authorize the construction and use of an addition at the rear of the existing building on property located at 8415 State Street, Gasport.

An application by William and Brian Frey for a temporary conditional use permit to authorize a "hare scramble" (cross-country) race, AMA Sanctioned, on a date to be determined by the applicants, in June or July, 2021, on approximately 7.75 acres at 8206 Tonawanda Rd.

An application by Lee Roy and Antonia Marimon for (1) a special use permit to operate a Bed and Breakfast in the existing two unit structure and (2) a temporary conditional use permit to use the existing barn for events such as weddings, birthdays, and other social events, on premises located at 8441 Chestnut Ridge Rd.

Persons wishing to appear at the hearing may do so BUT ONLY BY participation in the Zoom Teleconference. For log-in details, contact the town of Royalton. https://www.townofroyalton.org/

Senior High Choir signs holiday favorites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR2D0dmRaB-6PrSTzvNVZdfPs9DKPdAySMzAgDSuPytZ6--T2pvJ7s7Hd8E&v=YKzsvCpW1LU&feature=youtu.be

US&J celebrates former Roy-Hart coach and monitor Joe Poole

I have nothing but fond memories of Joe Poole from his days working at Roy-Hart back when I was a student. So, it doesn't surprise me that he's been a life-changer for so many kids at Lockport. A great example, a great leader for the students

https://www.lockportjournal.com/sports/high_school/lockport-coaches-poole-and-patterson-help-kids-beyond-the-game/article_9a2f69fa-2278-5237-9480-ea93f99ca9cd.html

Roy-Hart planning survey

Roy-Hart stakeholders, the following questionnaire is designed to assist the Roy-Hart Planning Committee in developing a strategic plan. Please answer it when you get a chance. It's a brief one.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBSizr9IaTn0Q4BtntsVQMKAKFUQJVqIf1sxE0nW1eQlIv7w/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0wFJVU1_jHzIs3v1AReqR06e3HqWZF9wbr8PexR1_zUEbczmUKwRb77hE

Drone demonstration at Roy-Hart

 

GHD employee Micah Santos (far right), contracted by FMC Middleport, offers instruction on a drone flight demonstration to Michelle Parker (far left), Royalton-Hartland High School technology teacher, and students (from center left to right) Tyrek Wright and Christopher McCullum, as part of FMC’s effort to better acquaint interested Roy-Hart teachers and students with this evolving technology.  Micah is a technologist and lead remote pilot for the GHD Aerial and Ground Intelligence Team. Drones are being used increasingly for commercial and consumer purposes, especially aerial photography. Michelle currently teaches a technology class at the high school and will be teaching a class section on drones in the upcoming school year.

Outdoor classrom gets grants

Roy-Hart received $1,000 in grants from Exxon and Crosby's that will go towards the outdoor classroom at the Elementary School 

https://orleanshub.com/roy-hart-elementary-receives-grant-that-will-go-towards-outdoor-classroom/

Whispering River Animal Rescue

Here's an excellent article about Whispering River Animal Rescue, a relatively recent addition to the Gasport community.

http://niagaranewssource.com/2020/12/18/north-tonawanda-residents-rescuing-animals-to-heart-of-niagara-county/?fbclid=IwAR34bJF7pyQSbV21ki1i2lPeGS8joP3vcDwcqqSVJc3JRQ6sM-qc-Hmhfuw

December food pantry distribution

 

 

Hartland town hall notice

HARTLAND TOWN HALL NOTICE

On Tuesday, December 22nd the Town Hall will be once again be locking our doors for public access. Due to the recent increase in Covid 19 cases and for the health and safety of our residents and employees we feel it necessary to continue business on an appointment only basis. We encourage everyone to please use the drop box located in our parking lot. If you find you need in person assistance please call the Clerk's office @ 735 7179 to schedule an appointment.

Please continue to practice social distancing, wear a mask and be safe.

Thank you for understanding and stay well.

Supervisor W. Ross Annable

Santa Claus is making his way through Gasport and Middleport

He’s making a list, checkin’ it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty and nice, Santa Claus is coming’ to town!

On Saturday, December 19th Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on their sleigh coming through Gasport and Middleport on the roads listed, and maybe a few extras.

Starting in Gasport at 1:00 PM they will be coming down the following streets in this order.

Telegraph road
West Avenue
Main Street
Central avenue
East Avenue
Mack Avenue
Maple Wood Drive
Central Avenue
East Avenue
Bolton Road

Starting in Middleport at 2:00 PM they will be coming down the following streets in this order.

South Vernon Street
State Street
Hammond Parkway
State Street
Alfred Street
Park Avenue
South Vernon Street
State Street
Main Street
Church Street
Kelly Avenue
Francis Street
Main Street
Rochester Road
Kelly Avenue
Manor Lane
Kelly Avenue

Some of Gasport is in yellow zone

Some of Gasport (if your definition is "14067" or "772" and not necessarily just Royalton and Hartland) is in the newly-expanded Covid yellow zone. The westernmost parts of Gasport fall into that category.

 

Susie Spicer talks about quilting

Check out this cool interview produced by the Castellani Art Museum. Gasport quilter Susie Spicer talks about how she got into quilting and she shares some of the magic behind her artistry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTKPWcd86iM

Local restaurants facing tough times

Here's a report about Niagara County restaurants facing tough times in the Covid era...among them, Greek Cuisine in Gasport.

"After paying their employees and the bills, the owners say they have been forced to live without paychecks of their own — sometimes for as long as two weeks."

https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/local-restaurant-owners-facing-tough-times/article_51e87145-a0f5-5e72-a334-ffea4dcf387a.html

Erie Canal draining begins

The Erie Canal, which remained full (yet not navigable) for an extra month, will be drained starting today.

https://orleanshub.com/canal-which-has-stayed-full-an-extra-month-will-be-drained-starting-monday/

Kids in accident released from hospital

The organizer of the GoFundMe for the Dujenksi family affected by the Thanksgiving Eve accident in Royalton says that the kids have been released from the hospital! They still have a long ways to go. You can donate to the cause here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-dujenski-family

 

Thanksgiving Eve accident tickets issued

The heartbreaking accident that killed 2 and hospitalized 5 in Royalton on Thanksgiving Eve has been ruled just that...an accident. There was no impairment. https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/crime/driver-ticketed-in-double-fatal-royalton-crash/article_857605d0-3683-11eb-a231-fb90d8e2a5c2.html

Mrs. Munson has passed

Longtime Roy-Hart residents will fondly remember from their childhood the very kind Mrs. Munson from the Elementary School.

She passed away Wednesday. RIP.

Betty J. Munson, 90, of the Town of Royalton, passed away on Wed., Dec. 2, 2020 at the Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Williamsville.

Born Sept. 28, 1930 in the Town of Royalton, Betty was a daughter of the late William and Irene (Raduns) Lindke. She graduated from Royalton-Hartland High School in the class of 1948. Betty was a lifelong member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Wolcottsville, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. She worked as a secretary for the Royalton-Hartland Elementary School. Betty enjoyed knitting, quilting and was an avid reader.

Predeceased by her husband, Charles R. Munson on July 20, 1954; and brother, William Lindke.

Survivors include her two daughters: Donna (Sidney) Lovell of Medina and Marcia (Paul) Kempton of Lebanon, Tenn.; seven grandchildren: Beth Goodman, Sean (Shelia) Lovell, Scott Lovell, Paul (Jennifer) Kempton III, Burton Kempton, Amy (Alex) McElroy and David (Katie) Kempton; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Audrey Nachreiner; sister in-law, Carol Lindke; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date. Private interment will be in Royalton Mountain Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 6377 Wolcottsville Rd., Akron, NY 14001. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.

Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Solar farm proposal appears in New York Review of Books

In a long-form piece for the New York Review of Books, local newspaper columnist Jim Shultz looks at the solar and wind controversies and conflicts in Niagara County:

https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2020/12/03/the-renewable-energy-rebels/

TC Meat Raffle

 

Since we can't gather due to Covid, Terry's Corners Vol. Fire Co., Inc.'s annual Meat Raffle/ Turkey Party will be held online. Join them via Facebook Live as they spin the wheel. A $10 ticket gets you 20 chances to win a gift card to their usual vendors...Tops, Aldi, Scapelliti's, Hartland Abbatoir, Schwab's Farm Market, and The Butcher Shop. Get your TICKETS from any TC member before they are sold out. Help them support our local businesses while raising money for fire equipment!

July 4 fundraiser

The Fourth of July celebration in Hartland is not funded by tax dollars. It's charity that makes it work...businesses and individuals alike. The Independence Day Committee needs your help and they've sweetened the deal with a drawing for a wide variety of prizes. Click on the link below to buy your raffle tickets:

https://hartlandidc.org/events?fbclid=IwAR1tcC6mL5GTlZXhxtsCiMSG5qdL9qFz9n-jnSPnGrbj67JIjVQRxG6W0g4

Dujenski GoFundMe

A GoFundMe has been set up for the family involved in the Thanksgiving Eve accident in Royalton which claimed the lives of a mother and child and hospitalized 5 others of that family

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-dujenski-family

Drivers of last night's accident identified

The deceased operator of the vehicle that was traveling on Lewiston Road has been identified as Danielle Dujenski, 31 years of age, from the Town of Machias, NY. The front seat adult passenger was identified as Garrett Dujenski, 30 years of age, also from the Town of Machias, NY. The Dujenski's had five children in the vehicle that ranged in age from one year old to eleven years of age. The deceased child was two and a half years old. The driver of the vehicle traveling on Griswold Street was identified as Daniel Verratti, 65 years of age, from the Town of Royalton. The status of the injuries of parties involved has not changed.

Update on the Thanksgiving Eve accident in Royalton

Here's the NCSO update on the family whose vehicle was struck in Royalton last night...another family member has passed...what a tragedy...

An update to the fatal motor vehicle accident from last night. The driver of the eastbound vehicle was pronounced dead at ECMC, the front passenger is listed in stable condition in the trauma ICU at ECMC. Four of the children in the rear of the vehicle were transported to Oishei Children's Hospital. Two of the children are listed in critical condition in the PICU. One child is in guarded and critical condition in the PICU, and the fourth child is in guarded condition, but stable in the Intermediate Care Unit.

 

Major accident in Royalton

This is a very sad way to start your Thanksgiving, learning the news of an accident that happened in Royalton yesterday.

My heart goes out to the family who were all hospitalized...who also lost a dear child. Heartbreaking always, even more so on a day that is supposed to be a holiday of family, of thanks.

I also have all the first responders in my thoughts. The EMS, fire, and police (our friends and family) see and do things that are unimaginable to most of us. Tragic events like this are seared into the memories.

I will be thinking of everyone deeply impacted by this event.

Niagara County Sheriff's Office Press Release:

Royalton, NY - On 11/25/2020 at 1933 hours, The Niagara County Sheriff's Office Communications Center received multiple 911 phone calls reporting a two car collision at the intersection of Lewiston Road and Griswold Street.

Responding patrol units, fire personnel, EMS units arrived on scene of the accident and provided immediate first aid.

Initial investigation at the scene revealed that one vehicle was southbound on Griswold Street and the other vehicle was eastbound on Lewiston Road. The vehicle on Griswold Street failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection, causing the collision.

The eastbound vehicle, traveling on Lewiston Road, had a total of seven occupants in the vehicle. The two adult occupants in that vehicle were transported via ambulance to Erie County Medical Center. The remaining occupants of the vehicle consisted of five children. Four of those children were transported by ambulance and Mercy Flight to Oishei Children’s Hospital. A fifth child from that vehicle was transported by ambulance to Eastern Niagara Hospital in Lockport. That child was ultimately pronounced deceased at the hospital. The sole occupant of the southbound vehicle on Griswold Street was transported by ambulance to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

Names of the parties involved are not being released at this time, pending notifications of family members. Current conditions of the parties involved in the accident are not available at this time as they are being evaluated.

The accident is currently being investigated by the Niagara County Sheriff's Office Accident Investigation Unit.

 

PB&J Drive at town hall

The Town of Royalton – Town Hall is now collecting for the Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive benefiting the food pantries in our area. Please donate a jar of peanut butter, jelly or fluff through December 10.

 

 

Mitten trees are up

The Mitten Trees are up! Students from the elementary and middle schools decorated them this week.

When you’re out and about shopping for Christmas, please extend your giving beyond your family. Please buy a gift for a needy child in Royalton and Hartland.

This is the fourteenth year for this awesome program that is run by the Gasport Lions Club.

Here’s how it works…

A tree is located out front of the Gasport post office, another outside the Middleport post office and one in the lobby of the elementary school.

Take a mitten from it and give a gift that is appropriate to the age/gender of the child noted on the mitten.

Attach the mitten to the unwrapped gift and drop it off at Drum Oil, the Elementary School, the Middle School, Middleport Village Hall or Royalton Town hall. Due to Covid protocols, Absolut health care in Gasport will not be a drop-off site this year.

The Lions Club will distribute the gifts in time for the holidays. They typically serve around 125 children.

Please participate and make Christmas a little better for a child – maybe even your neighbor – who is in need. That’s what the holiday is all about.

Renewable energy group discusses battery safety

 https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/renewable-group-discusses-solar-battery-safety/article_965712fb-744e-58fe-9940-d5001c3edae4.html

Food Pantry: November pick-up

 

Free Thanksgiving dinner

TC chowder sale

 

Gasport ballot items

There were some special items on the ballots in Gasport. How did they fare?

In Hartland, there was a ballot item asking if the office of the Tax Collector should be abolished and those duties transferred to the Town Clerk. Of the 1,520 votes cast, 943 said yes, 577 said no.

In Royalton, there were two items: Both asked to increase the term of office to 4 years, one for supervisor, one for highway superintendent. Both failed by really close margins. Prop #1 was 53% no, Prop #2 was 52% no.

Gasport Lions: Pampered Chef

The Gasport Lions Club has started a new fundraiser....Pampered Chef. Their party starts next Monday. However if you're not interested in all of the extras the order link is posted below. For more details checkout out the Gasport Lions Club Facebook page

https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/gasportlionsclub1120?fbclid=IwAR040VkmVP5-w1Ri3cKFyls9eFQMAL0YlCiBtjYb6yvQOwCDxp4AZoJ4Bz8

Covenant UCC Bazaar and Dinner

 

Veterans tour of Graestone

 If any VETERANS are interested in touring Gasport's haunted house: 

 

 

FMC does safety training

 

As part of its annual safety training exercises and commitment to the safety of employees and the surrounding community, FMC’s Agricultural Sciences Plant in Middleport recently conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid training for the plant’s Emergency Response Team. Ken Drozdowsky (middle) of OSEA in Orchard Park supervises Glenn Wygant (left), FMC environmental and safety specialist, and Alex Sonker (right), FMC analyst, in applying proper CPR techniques. Training followed a course from the National Safety Council that also included instruction in the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Car accident claims life in Gasport

The deceased driver involved in the motor vehicle accident which occurred on Mill Road on October 29, 2020 at 13:51 Hours, has been identified as 55 year-old Christopher L. Mahar of Gasport, New York. Investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff's Office Accident Investigation Unit into the matter is continuing.

Initial investigation by Deputies at the scene revealed that a 2011 Honda was traveling northeast on Mill Road when it crossed the center line and entered the southwest bound lane. The vehicle continued across the southwest bound lane and exited the roadway's edge. The vehicle then struck an earthen embankment at which point it overturned. The vehicle continued a short distance across the grass where it ultimately came to rest against a stand of trees. The driver of the vehicle succumbed to injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Halloween hours

In the town of Royalton, the Trick or Treat hours on Saturday, October 31, 2020 are from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Mrs. Thompson passed away

 

 

Long-time Gasport residents may have had Mrs. Thompson as a first grade teacher. She passed away yesterday...

Shirley Arlene Thompson (Genet), age 92, entered into rest on Wednesday, October 28, 2020. She was born June 20, 1928 in Gasport, NY to the late Alvin J. Genet and Nora (Maass) Genet.

Shirley graduated from Lockport High School in 1945 and from Brockport State College in 1949. She taught in area Lutheran Schools and also taught at Lockport Dist. #3 on Chestnut Ridge. For 20 years, Shirley taught first grade in the Royalton Hartland School System at Gasport Elementary School before retiring in 1982.

On June 20, 1952 she married Everett Thompson in Trinity Lutheran Church. He predeceased her in 2008. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Rebeca J. Thompson, sisters, Betty J. Alen, Catherine Genet, brother, Charles W. Genet and great-grandson, Jacob Neroni.

Shirley is survived by her dear devoted son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Kathleen Thompson, cherished grandchildren, Kyle (Heather) Thompson, Sean (Heather) Thompson, Vanessa (Tony) Neroni, Paul (Lauren) Hatley, Charles (Chrissi) Hatley and Joseph (Katie) Setheroh, precious great-grandchildren, Gianna, Tessa, Marco, Samantha, Taylor, Elizabeth, Alana, Violet, Scarlett, Daniel and Adalyn, thoughtful sister-in-law, Doreen Genet, devoted cousin, Karen Gardner, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Shirley’s family will receive friends at the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main St. Gasport, NY 14067 on Friday, October 30th from 4:00-8:00pm where her funeral service will be held Saturday at 10:00am. Interment will follow in Cold Springs Cemetery.

Please note the Funeral Home will be operating at 33% capacity per state guidelines. New York State requires those in attendance to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and face coverings are mandatory.

To share a special memory of Shirley please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

More doe tags

Attention deer hunters!

The second round of Deer Permits comes out Sunday, November 1st. The Town of Royalton will be open Sunday, November 1st from 9 to 12.

Mrs. VanSlyke keeps alive Fire Prevention Week

Covid protocols didn't stop Elementary School Principal Mrs. VanSlyke from talking to the kids about Fire Prevention Week. The 20 year member of the Bergen VFD gave 10 small assemblies about fire safety. Awesome!

https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/roy-hart-principal-returns-to-teaching-during-fire-prevention-week/article_98fda424-0f86-5cde-80eb-8b739992fc8e.html

Quaker Road UMC trunk or treat

 

Maggie's Kitchen craft show

 

Public hearing on car wash

Gasport could soon have a car wash:

The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Royalton, New York, will hold a public hearing on October 26, 2020, at 7:30 PM, at Royalton Town Hall, 5316 Royalton Center Road, Middleport, NY 14105, as follows: On an application by Michael Marotta, for a special use permit to authorize the operation of car wash at the northeast corner of Route 31 and Main Street, Gasport, NY.

The application is open to inspection at the Town of Town Hall. Persons wishing to appear at the hearing may do so on the above date and time.

Gasport food pantry October distribution

 

Royalton tax rate

Supervisor Daniel Bragg's proposed 2021 budget calls for no increase in the tax rate for homeowners.

https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/proposed-royalton-budget-holds-line-on-tax-rate/article_72bb1255-ad37-5a39-be3b-2e1d7c67a3df.html

Hartland ballot item

From the town of Hartland...

With the recent resignation of the elected Tax Collector, the Hartland Town Board is providing voters the opportunity to decide the future of tax collections. The Town of Hartland will hold a special election for a mandatory public referendum on the ballot, Tuesday Nov. 3, 2020. Hartland voters will have the
opportunity to decide on the abolishment of the office of Tax Collector and transfer the duties to the Office of the Town Clerk. The current Tax Collector’s office is part-time. The benefit of transferring the duties to the Town Clerk will provide residents full time access to the office and create a more efficient operation for collection and record keeping.

The referendum will be on the reverse side of the ballot listed as proposal number one. Please remember to vote for this proposal on Election Day November 3rd. 2020. If you have any questions, please call the Town Clerks office at 735-7179.

Hartland Town Board

Town of Hartland tire drop-off and recycling

Gun raffle this weekend: Tickets are still available

 

Hometwon Heroes orders

The Town of Hartland Historian Norm LaJoie is currently taking orders for Hometown Hero's Banners. If you are interested in purchasing a banner to honor your service member please contact Norm @ 735-7220 for more information. " Only 75 banners" will be sold at the cost of $185.00 each and orders must be received no later than Nov 16th. Call now so as not to miss out on this one time offer.

Mr. Jamieson has passed away

 

William F. “Jamo” Jamieson age 78 died October 5, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 19, 1942 in N. Tonawanda, a son of the late Earl and Helen (Flynn) Jamieson and had lived in this area all of his life.

Bill was a member of the Middleport United Methodist Church. He was a teacher at Royalton Hartland School District for 32 years and had coached numerous sports; football being his favorite. He retired in 1997. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother Tom; daughter-in-law Kathy Jamieson; sons-in-law Jeffrey Roloff and Robert Everett. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barb; his children Vicki Everett, Richard (Laura Fritz) Jamieson, Julie Roloff, James Jamieson; grandchildren Leslie (Elliott), Zackery, Kellie, Judd, Ben (Emily), Luke, John; his sister Gail (Michael) Walker; brother-in-law Phil (Ann) Thompson; sister-in-law Kathy Jamieson as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.

There are no prior calling hours. His Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the Middleport United Methodist Church, 9 Park Ave., Middleport NY 14105.