Friday, September 25, 2009

OKTOBERFEST AT BECKER FARMS

This Sunday, September 27th from 11:00 to 6:00 is Becker Brewing's 1st annual Oktoberfest celebration. This one day event includes live music by The Schnicklefritzers as well as delicious German cuisine and Becker Brewing Company's very own Franks Oktoberfest. 4 other brews will be available. For more information visit: www.beckerfarms.com

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

MARIJUANA HARVESTERS BUSTED

Some kids must have been scared by the drug-sniffing helicopters last night and thought their stash would be gone today. So, overnight, they decided to grab it.

Here's the story as reported by WLVL's newsguy John Raymond...


Two Middleport men will likely be facing drug charges after Sheriff's deputies caught them after they apparently harvested a crop of marijuana around 1am today in a field behind the Yellow Goose Market onRochester Road.

Twenty-one year old Andrew Scottof 5066 Graham Road....and 27 year old Nicholas Dellario of 4 State Street aroused the suspicions of deputies when they saw a car parked on the Southside of the store. A pair of scissors were allegedly found in Dellario's back jeans pocket and the pot in a large bag stuffed in the front of his hoodie. He was arrested for trespassing and aggravated unlicensed operation. Andrew was charged with trespassing.

Deputies also say they found a pen stem containing a white powdery substance in the car.

The two were taken to the Sheriff's department for questioning and then to the Jail where bail was set at $250 for Dellario and $100 for Andrew. Additional charges are expected to be filed after the suspected drugs aretested at the County Lab. The two are due in Royalton Town Court at 4:30 today.

TERRY'S CORNERS GUN RAFFLE

Terry's Corners Fire Department will be having its annual gun raffle on November 8th. Tickets are $20 each and are on sale now. To buy one, see any Terry's Corners member.

Monday, September 21, 2009

POT FOUND IN GASPORT

On Monday evening Gasport residents on the north side of the canal got to see a Border Patrol helicopter repeatedly patrolling the area farms in search of marijuana.

They found some.

The helicopter zeroed in on a crop of weed on Slayton Settlement Road. Border Patrol ground forces were dispatched to the scene and they dug up and removed the plants.

MORE ABOUT THE PLANE LANDING

TV Channel 2's report on the incident...


The Niagara County Sheriff's Department says the incident occurred around 3:30 Sunday afternoon when an "ultra light" aircraft known as an "air bike" made an emergency landing after taking off from Royalton Airport.

Shortly after takeoff the pilot, Steven Beleveau, 54, says he had difficulty gaining altitude and witnesses report that the engine apparently cut out.

Beleveau made a landing in a cornfield on the east side of Gasport Rd south of Mountain Rd.

He also quickly made contact with Niagara County authorities to let responders know that he was uninjured and that he was the only occupant of the plane.

Source:

http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=70411&provider=gnews

Sunday, September 20, 2009

PLANE CRASH IN GASPORT

A small plane flying out of the Royalton Airport made an emergency landing in Gasport today, shortly after take-off during the 3:00 hour. After the motor conked out, the pilot landed the craft in an cornfield between Mountain and Dale Roads. Initial reports indicate he was uninjured.

More to follow.

BILL ANNABLE

The Buffalo News has in its Sunday edition a great, lengthy story profiling the long supervisory career of Hartland's Bill Annable. It's a good read. Check it out online at:

http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/801399.html

CAR BREAK-INS

Today's Buffalo News reports on yesterday's crime...

Niagara County sheriff’s deputies investigated two car break-ins early Saturday.

A global positioning system and iPod charger valued at $300 were stolen from car parked in front of a Central Avenue home.

A laptop computer, printer, global positioning system and credit cards were stolen from the unlocked car of a Church Street resident. The loss was placed at $3,400.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

THE CHANGE IN CRIME IN GASPORT

The style of larceny is changing in the community. The home/garage break-ins in Gasport are finally petering out (after many months of misery), but that doesn't mean crime is down. The new way that criminals have been upsetting the peace of our community is via burglary from cars. Their have been numerous car "break-ins" over the past few months (most in the hamlet itself) and there was another one that I heard reported this morning on the police scanner. So, even though Gasport is mostly a peaceful area, please do yourself a favor and lock your car doors at night or when you leave home.

Friday, September 18, 2009

COUNTY & TOWN SALARIES AVAILABLE

The names and salaries of more than 179,000 people who worked for New York's county, city, town and village governments in 2008-09 were posted today in a searchable database at SeeThroughNY, the transparency website sponsored by the Manhattan Institute's Empire Center for New York State Policy: http://www.seethroughny.net/

Thursday, September 17, 2009

HELP ME CATCH A THIEF

I need your help in catching a thief.

If you know of someone who recently - and questionably - got their hands on a Moultrie wildlife/game camera that looks like this one, please let me know.

My camera was set up in the woods on our farm on Slayton Settlement Road, hoping to catch a photo of a bobcat, coyote, or bear. I just discovered tonight that someone had stolen it sometime in the past couple of weeks.

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES AT BECKER FARMS

Becker Farms' annual pumpkin fiesta begins this weekend and runs through October. For detailed information about what they have to offer, visit:

http://www.beckerfarms.com/Events%20Menu/pumpkin%20fiesta.html

This weekend is also the Concord Stomp. Check that out at:

http://www.beckerfarms.com/Events%20Menu/concord%20stomp.html

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

SADDLE UP FOR ROSWELL IS THIS WEEKEND

The fourth annual Saddle Up for Roswell event will again bring equestrian riders of all experience levels to Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center in Gasport, NY, on Saturday, September 19, 2009. This year’s event also will feature special guest Carol Kozlowski, a champion rider and trainer with 25 years of experience in advanced competition. As a nationally-ranked rider, candidate for the 1984 Olympic and 1985 Pan American games and accomplished coach, Kozlowski will lend her expertise and guidance to riders during the day’s competition.

Riders of all ages will compete in dressage, stadium jumping and cross country trials at the event as they raise funds in support of cancer research and patient care at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Participants have collected pledges from the community in support of the event, and many riders will carry the names of those they ride in honor or in memory of on their saddle pads.

The family- and spectator-friendly event will also feature a basket raffle, t-shirt sales and a refreshment stand.

“Saddle Up for Roswell has become a beloved tradition in the riding community and a great opportunity for people to get out and watch some exciting competitions for a good cause,” says event chairwoman Megan Gamin. “We encourage everyone—riders and spectators alike—to join us for this fun day in support of Roswell Park.”

Saddle Up for Roswell will take place at the Equestrian Center at 7913 Chestnut Ridge Road. For more information contact Sue Williams at (716) 772-2957. Additional details can be found at www.chestnutridgeequestriancenter.com

To donate to Roswell Park Cancer Institute on behalf of this event, make checks payable to Roswell Park Cancer Institute and send to: Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center, Saddle Up for Roswell, 7913 Chestnut Ridge Road, P.O. Box 372, Gasport, NY, 14067.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center. The Institute was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

PROBLEMS WITH NEW VOTING PROCESS

A caller to WLVL's Dialog today mentioned something of concern regarding last night's launch of the new voting machines in Royalton. She said she filled out the ballot and took it to the scanner which requires you to put the ballot in face-up. While feeding the form, there was an elections worker there to observe the process. So, the worker was able to see her form and who she voted for. The caller mentioned that this infringed on her right to privacy in the electoral process. She has a great point.

Did anyone else experience this or similar problems?

If so, please send me an e-mail: bobconfer@juno.com

PRIMARY RESULTS

Last night the primary election was held on two lines in the highway supervisors race in Royalton.

Incumbent supervisor Terry Nieman ran unopposed on the Independence line. Even so, 10 diehards still made it out to the polls to vote for him.

Nieman also ran on the Conservative line which he lost to Carson Kelley by a vote count of 24 to 15.

In the November race Nieman will hold the Republican and Independence lines while Kelley holds the Democrat and Conservative lines.

Monday, September 14, 2009

TOWN BOARD MEETS TONIGHT

The Royalton board meets at 7:30 tonight at the town hall. The agenda is as follows:

Date: Mon, Sep 14, 2009

Times:
TOWN OF ROYALTON
REGULAR BOARD MEETING

September 14, 2009
1. Open Meeting
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Additions or corrections of the minutes as presented
4. Public Comment - Agenda Items Only
5. Communications / Petitions
6. New Business

􀂾 Resolution to reappoint Michael Drum to the Board of Assessment Review for the Town of Royalton. The term of office will run from October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2014.

􀂾 Resolution to authorize Supervisor Richard J. Lang to make a line item transfer from account SL5182.4-Lighting District, Contractual to account B5182.4-Street Lighting, Contractual in the amount of $2,873.45. This transfer is required to correct an overpayment made by the "B Fund" Street Lighting account for services rendered for the Lighting District.

􀂾 Resolution to accept the amendment to the Bingo License for Terry's Corners Volunteer Fire Company to include the new members that were accepted in to membership at the August board meeting.

􀂾 Resolution to authorize Supervisor Richard J. Lang to issue a check in the amount of $30.00 to Mr. Scott Garbutt for his Small Claims Assessment Review decision, due to an excessive assessment suit.

􀂾 Resolution to authorize TVGA Engineers to prepare a Plan of Action for the Scour Critical bridge on East Avenue in Gasport.

􀂾 Resolution to reject the one (1) lone bid received from Milherst Construction for the Grinder Pump Station Project in the amount of $64,500.00. This project will be reviewed by TVGA to investigate other alternatives prior to re-bidding it.

􀂾 Resolution to authorize Highway Superintendent Terry Nieman, to post Fisk Road from Route 93 to Ditch Road as a 10-ton load limit maximum.

􀂾 Resolution to authorize Supervisor Richard J. Lang to issue a check in the amount of $25.00 for a quarter (1/4) page ad from the Royalton Town Board for the 75th Anniversary Installation of Officers Program for the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company. This amount will be paid out from the Central Printing line item (A1670.4).

􀂾 Resolution stating that the 2009 second quarter court records for the two (2) Town of Royalton Justice Courts have been examined by the Town of Royalton Town Board Members. The board members verification form will be submitted to the NYS Office of Court Administration for this audit.

􀂾 Resolution to accept Mr. Daniel Yotter in to membership of the Terry's Corners Volunteer Fire Company.

􀂾 Resolution for Permission to pay the bills.

7. Unfinished Business

8. Public Comment - Good and Welfare of the Community

9. Adjournment - Motion to adjourn

TUESDAY'S PRIMARY

Gasport residents have it easy with the primary this week. Most of the population -- the Republicans and Democrats -- won't have a primary to participate in. Tuesday’s only primary election in Royalton will be for the Conservative line in the highway superintendent race between incumbent Terry Nieman and Carson Kelly.

ANOTHER BREAK-IN

The Buffalo News reported on a vehicular break-in that occurred earlier this month....

A resident of the 8400 block of Roosevelt Drive, Gasport, told sheriff’s deputies that his vehicle was parked in the driveway and sometime overnight someone took a global positioning system, a box cutter, Blackberry accessories and his wallet, which contained his bank cards and credit cards.

Friday, September 11, 2009

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE

Roy-Hart will be having its open house over the next two weeks. The schedule is as follows:

Sept. 16th-Elementary grades Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st: 6:30pm
Sept. 17th-Elementary grades 2nd, 3rd and 4th: 6:30pm
Sept. 21st-High School grades 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th: 6:00pm
Sept. 23rd-Middle School grades 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th: 6:00pm

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

FALL FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

The Hartland Historical Society's Fall Festival will take place Saturday, September 12th from 10:00 to 5:00 at the one-room schoolhouse at Seaman & Carmen Roads.

There will be plenty of historical demonstartions (weavers, doll makers, candle makers) as well as food (chowder, beef on weck, burgers & dogs) and live music (courtesy of Jerry Moore).

FALL CRAFT SHOW: VENDORS WELCOME

The Gasport Ladies Auxiliary will be having their Fall Craft Show at the Firehall October 25th and they are looking for vendors. Anyone interested in vending their crafts may contact Pam Schmitt at 772.5084

SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL

Absolut Care of Gasport is sponsoring the eighth annual 9/11 Memorial on the Canal at 4 p.m. Friday at the Gasport Marina, 8647 Telegraph Road.

This yearly event honors those who were lost in the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, 2001, the members of local law enforcement agencies and first responders. Absolut Care will also honor the memory of facility residents who died this year.

The program will include music, speakers, a blessing for first responders and the traditional floral tribute on the canal. Participants will include students from Royalton-Hartland schools, community and civic leaders and area clergy. All are invited to attend.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

AUGUST POLL RESULTS

The August reader's survey asked people to rate their kids' education in the Royalton-Hartland school district.

66 people particpated in the survey and here's how they responded...

Great: 13 (19%)
Above Average: 7 (10%)
Average: 21 (31%)
Below Average: 21 (31%)
Poor: 4 (6%)

SEE THE SPACE SHUTTLE THIS WEEK

Later today the Space Shuttle is undocking from the International Space Station, but you'll be able to see both flying side-by-side this week...with the naked eye!

Gasport residents can look skyward at 9:16 PM on Tuesday the 8th. The shuttle and ISS will start at WSW and travel across the sky at a 55 degree angle.

On Thursday the 10th, look skyward at 8:30 PM...at WSW and a 53 degree angle.

On both nights the spectacle will be a -3.5 magnitude which is VERY bright.

Monday, September 7, 2009

BUFFALO RISING STORY ABOUT BECKER FARMS

Buffalo Rising columnist Bill Metzgar recently visited Becker Farms and wrote this great article about it:

http://www.buffalorising.com/2009/09/becker-farms-and-vizcarra-vineyards-a-taste-of-local-tradition.html

A LOOK AT ROY-HART'S NEW SCHOOL YEAR

The Buffalo News offered a synopsis of what's new at all the Niagara County school districts this past Sunday. To see the entire report, go here.

Here's what they wrote about Roy-Hart....

Royalton-Hartland

Students: A projected 1,547 students will attend the district’s three schools: elementary, middle and high school.

Budget: $23.4 million.

Teachers:
123.

Administrators: Eight.

Other staff:
83.

Key position changes:
Kevin MacDonald will enter his first year as superintendent of schools, replacing Paul J. Bona, who retired last year. MacDonald comes from the Orleans Niagara Board of Cooperative Educational Services, where he had served as assistant superintendent. Michael Murphy will begin as high school principal to replace Kevin Shanley, who left to become superintendent of Cuba-Rushford.

Physical changes: None.

Curriculum changes: At the high school, all students will be participating in a pilot program called “Invisionit,” a self-assessment program designed to give students further insight into what career areas or college majors may be most appropriate for them. The district will continue to expand “Rachel’s Challenge” for grades five through 12, a program to teach kindness and compassion in the school, which is based on the life of Columbine shooting victim Rachel Scott.

TEST OUT THE NEW VOTING MACHINES THIS WEEK

The county's new voting machines will be on display at the Royalton town hall this week, allowing you the chance to give them a test run prior to the upcoming elections. Election board staff will be on hand to walk you through the process.

There's been some confusion about the dates as both the Buffalo News and WLVL have reported them incorrectly.

The actual days and times are this Tuesday, September 8th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and this Thursday, September 10th from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

For information about the Sequoia Imagecast machines, visit the Tompkins County Board of Elections' summary online.

MEMBER OF REP. LEE'S STAFF TO MEET WITH CONSTITUENTS

A member of Congressman Chris Lee's staff will be available at the Royalton town hall on Tuesday to meet with constituents. He will be there from 12:30 to 2:00. Appointments are not necessary for these one-on-one sessions.

BOARD MEETINGS THIS WEEK

The Royalton-Hartland School board meets at 7:00 PM this Thursday at the high school.

The town of Hartland town board meets at 7:30 PM this Thursday at Hartland town hall.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

LABOR DAY FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

On September 6th and 7th Becker Farms will be hosting their annual Labor Day Harvest Festival.

There will be live entertainment from 1-4pm and a chicken BBQ starting at noon. Have fun on their hayrides & pony rides or at the Kids' Corral. Pick your own McIntosh Apples. Take a wagon ride to the orchard. Food and refreshments available at the Cantina. $8.00 for everything or $5 for kids corral, $3.00 pony rides and hayrides.

For more info visit www.beckerfarms.com

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

BECKER BREWING HOURS

Becker Brewing has set their fall hours. They are Sunday -Thursday 12pm to 6pm. Friday and Saturday 12pm to 9pm.

ROY-HART FOOTBALL 2010

The Buffalo News offers this assessment of the Roy-Hart football team....

Roy-Hart

Nickname: Rams (2-7)

Coach: Chris Smith, first season

Outlook: Three-year captain WR/S Jeff Swick had 400 yards receiving last year at TE. Smith said he has an impressive work ethic. Besides exceptional vision and cutting ability, freshman RB Brandon Buryta "is not afraid to run someone over," Smith said. QB Connor Baker, up from JV, has a nice touch on the ball. The offensive line has only one returning starter: junior Drew Albrecht, who moves from RG to LT. Senior TE/LB Matt Hayes is back.

Schedule
Sept. 4 Gowanda at
Silver Creek, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Cleveland Hill, 7:30
Sept. 18 at Akron, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 25 JFK, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 Allegany-Limestone, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 9 Wilson, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 at Eden, 2 p.m.


To read about the rest of the teams in WNY, go here.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETS THURSDAY

The Royalton Historical Society meets this Thursday at 7:30 PM at the town hall. The guest speaker will be the director of Wyndham Lawn Home For Children. The public is welcome to attend.