Roy-Hart Pre-k application

Current status of Ridge View Solar

The developer of the proposed solar farm in Hartland has slowed its pursuit of a state siting permit for the project

https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/10-or-94-ridge-view-solar-developer-undecided/article_fbbe4e44-77b3-5814-b1cf-1476ad35f3fd.html

New Ram-Mart logo

 

Animal rescue shelter update

 WKBW has an update on goings-on at Whispering River Rescue in Gasport. They've picked up a few more animals: https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/farm-animal-rescue-takes-in-11-donkeys-14-more-on-the-way

Sheriff's report: Greek Cuisine

On January 15th, 2021 at 06:51 Hours, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a fire at the Greek Cuisine Restaurant located at 7790 Ridge Road in the Town of Hartland. Niagara County Sheriff's Deputies responded and confirmed an active fire in the kitchen area and that the building's fire suppression system was engaged. The fire was subsequently extinguished by members of the Gasport, Hartland and Wright's Corners Volunteer Fire Companies who also responded to the scene. The building additionally sustained heavy smoke damage throughout due to the fire. The restaurant was unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and an estimated value of loss is not available at this time. Investigation by the Niagara County Origin and Cause Team is continuing.

Greek Cuisine update

 

Standish Jones cute baby contest

 

Fire at Greek Cuisine

There's a fire call taking place at Greek Cuisine right now. Gasport, Hartland and Wright's Corners have been dispatched for a working kitchen fire. This is sad. It hasn't been easy for those ladies...opening a new business in the Covid crisis was tough enough, now this

Abby Joe's bakery

 

Hartland Highway has Covid response plan

New this year in the town of Hartland is a COVID-19 emergency plan which will be implemented should the highway department be “overrun” with the virus. https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/highway-crews-prep-for-covid-19/article_91506eed-53b6-57c9-b890-12f91c05e2b6.html

Bruning receives honors from Buff State

Congrats to Roy-Hart alumnus Bill Bruning on being named to Buffalo State's 1990's All-Decade Team in football.

https://orleanshub.com/local-duo-earns-buffalo-st-football-honors/?fbclid=IwAR0Bs9BAS1_u-Ry6i6hy-tSOPIwYw70unwvgZxy_Dh6jCKke_gC8Nh-dYDI

 

Jack McQueen has passed away

 

 

Jack McQueen lived a life of exemplary service and good citizenship. RIP.

Jack M. McQueen, age 98, entered peacefully into rest on January 4, 2021 in Lockport, NY. He was born September 3, 1922 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to Melvin and Eva (Maddick) McQueen and had lived in this area for most of his life. Jack was a proud US Army Veteran of WWII, 28th Infantry Division, having received the following commendations for his service: European African Middle Eastern Co. 42 Battle Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, WWII Victory Medal, Sharpshooter Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the NY Conspicuous Service Crest and the France Medal of Honor. Jack was a member and former Commander of the Gasport American Legion Post 1253, Boys State Coordinator, and proudly placed flags on cemetery graves for Memorial Day.

Jack was a US rural letter carrier for 35 years. He was also a lifelong active member of the Hartland United Methodist Church. Jack was a member of the Hartland Historical Society and Johnson Creek Senior Citizens and enjoyed square dancing with his wife. Helping others was a way of life for Jack. Through his years of service, he received the Niagara County Senior Volunteer Award, Niagara County Office of the Aging Volunteer of the Year Award, the Niagara County Unsung Hero Award, and volunteered for the Niagara County Office of the Aging Home Delivered Meals program for 33 years until the age of 95 ½. Jack was also an avid hunter, an excellent carpenter, handyman and baker.

Mr. McQueen was predeceased by his wife Lillian (1992), whom he married on 12/9/1943; a son Peter; brothers: Harry and Donald McQueen, sister: Leone Dolphin and granddaughter Michelle. He is survived by his children: Connie McQueen-Dove, Raymond McQueen, Robert (Judy) McQueen, Larry McQueen, and daughter-in-law: Rosemary McQueen. Grandpa will be sadly missed by Anissa, Sarah, Scott, Lindy, Jill, Jeff, Abigail, Jackie, Heather, David, Ryan, Rachele, Lauren and 13 great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. Jack will always be remembered for his smile, kind, caring and helpful ways.

A celebration of Jack’s life will take place at a later date. Interment will be in Hartland Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Gasport American Legion Post 1253 or the Niagara County Office of the Aging Home Delivered Meals Program. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sherrie Bream Funeral Home Gasport.

 

Agriculture Foundation launches

The new Royalton-Hartland Agriculture Foundation kicks off 2021 with a board of directors committed to providing investment and resources for innovative approaches to agriculture education, meeting needs of the Royalton-Hartland School District and the regional agricultural community.

Working cooperatively with the district, the RHAF plans to strengthen relationships with community leaders and businesses, increase leadership and character development opportunities for students, create a speakers bureau, arrange field trips for students and teachers, explore apprenticeship and job shadowing programs, and convene important conversations between the district and the community, said Mike Landers, president of the new foundation.

“The RHAF is separate from the district’s Board of Education,” Landers explained. “We believe we can bring countless opportunities to help the district, educators, administrators, students, parents and community. Our foundation is not responsible for any portion of the district’s budget.”

Joining Landers (Howell Motors) on the board include: Bob Confer (Confer Plastics), Dan Conley (USI Insurance Services), Mike Drum (Drum Oil & Propane), Steve Giroux (Middleport Family Health), Bob Masse (Frontier Airlines), Carisa Masse (JFK Middle School), Jeremy Silsby (Silsby Settlement Farms), Debi Sweeney (Maple View Dairy Farm) and John Sweeney (Maple View Dairy Farm). Non-voting members include Dr. Hank Stopinski, district superintendent, and Matthew Sweeney, Roy-Hart High School agriculture teacher.

A primary goal of the Foundation is to invest in creative educational programs and projects that have a significant positive impact on the lives of the students and families served. Beyond fund development, the RHAF seeks to provide networking opportunities, build relationships with stakeholder groups and the private sector, and offer culturally relevant information and training.

“In this unprecedented time for education, due to the pandemic and a reduction in state contracts, it is heartening that these high-profile community leaders are rallying others to learn about the exciting agriculture initiatives and programs in our schools,” Stopinski said. “Their leadership is gratifying to our school board, teachers and staff. The district looks forward to working with the Foundation to build a strong Agriculture Center of Excellence in the coming years.”

Gym coming to Gasport

Coming to Gasport March 1st is Dinger Nation: batting cage and mound rentals, a membership gym, youth athletic training, gym classes and access to a personal trainer. Here's their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/dingernationsportsperformance/