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2007
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Report of Pedestrian Struck By Vehicle Unfounded - 2007
Mercy Flight, Sheriff's Dept. Assist Fire Company
Grand Island Fire Company EMS Units responded at 10:50 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2007 to a report of a pedestrian being struck by a car on the South State Parkway in the area where it splits to go underneath or up on to the southbound, south Grand Island Bridge. Firefighters searched the area to no avail. The Fire Company dispatcher reported that the caller witnessed a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle, that "they" were standing around the body, and that the caller stated that the victim was laying on the road in front of a tan vehicle. Fire Company "teams" continued searching for the patient on the north and southbound parkway from the bridge entrance to the area of Love Road. The Fire Company was assisted by Mercy Flight's major spotlight and the Erie County Sheriff's helicopter, Air One, with its thermal imagining capability. Grand Island Fire Company volunteers continued the search for approximately two hours, finding no victim. The call was ruled unfounded. Updates to this story may be added as they become available.
Lion Sighted On Grand Island - July 2007
Several residents at the south end of Grand Island have reported sightings of what appears to be a mountain lion prowling in yards and wooded areas in the Baseline/Bush road area. The following story was posted at WGRZ Channel 2 and written by Reporter Mike Igoe
Mountain Lion Mystery on Grand Island
Is there a mountain lion on the loose in Grand Island?
In the past month there have been three sightings in a wooded area on Baseline and Bush roads of what could be a mountain lion.
Chris Simon is sure she saw a mountain lion there.
Chris Simon, Grand Island resident: "Pretty good size, definitely bigger than a coyote. Not a coyote? Not a coyote or any other animal. It was
definitely lion of some sort."
Grand Island Animal Control Officer Greg Butcher took the original sighting calls. Since then, he's handled about 50 calls with questions.
Greg Butcher, Grand Island Animal Control: "People are concerned. They don't want to walk into this large cat lying in their back yard."
The State DEC tells 2 On Your Side, they investigated the calls about two weeks ago but, their search has stopped because they couldn't find any proof there was a mountain lion. They looked for any type of evidence including: paw marks, scratch marks or even dead prey.
The DEC's Regional Wildlife Manager Mark Kandel gives us this statement: "We have never identified a mountain lion in New York State. They haven't existed in the wild for 100 years in New York."
Loose mountain lion or not, it's creating a buzz all over town including places like Curves for Women.
Susan DelMonte, Grand Island Resident: "I've lived here 22 years. This is a first."
Sandy Preston, Grand Island Resident: "It's kind of hard to believe. Where would it come from?"
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At this point, the DEC says it needs pictures. If you snap one of what may be a mountain lion, they'd like to see it.
You can call the DEC in Buffalo at 851-7010.
North Bridge Home To Falcon Family - July 2007
Falcons have been nesting beneath the north bound North Grand Island Bridge. See "Falcons" for the July 1, 2007 Buffalo News story.
Beaver Island Park Accident Sends One To ECMC Via Mercy Flight - July 2007
Grand Island Fire Company rescue personnel responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident in Beaver Island State Park when a car struck a tree shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday, July 1, 2007. The accident accurred just inside the park entrance. Joshua Greene of Grand Island was extricated by means of the Jaws of Life at 8:20 p.m., and transported by ambulance to the Mercy Flight landing zone in the area of the sledding hill, and flown to the Erie County Medical Center. Grand Island Fire Chief Greg Butcher assumed Incident Command and Assistant Chief Kevin Koch took charge of extricating the victim. Grand Island Fire Company returned in service at 9 p.m. with the incident turned over to the Erie County Sheriff's Department and State Park Police.
Car Strikes East River Road Home - July 2007
A gas meter was sheered off causing a natural gas leak when a car struck a house at 641 East River Road Sunday morning, July 1, 2007. The Grand Island Fire Company responded to the call at 1:04 a.m. National Fuel responded and immediately shut off the gas. According to first GIFC responders, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene. One passenger was evaluated by Fire Company paramedics and transported by Twin City Ambulance to the Erie County Medical Center. The Erie County Sheriff's Department responded. East River Road was shut down and GIFC Fire Police directed traffic away from the scene. Fire Chief Greg Butcher was in charge of the call. All Grand Island units were back in service at 1:44 a.m.
Whitehaven Road Resident Pleads To 2nd Degree Rape - June 2007
A Whitehaven Road resident, jailed since May 2007, gave a guilty plea on Friday, June 29th to second degree rape involving a teenage girl. See "Guilty Plea" for the June 30, 2007 Buffalo News story.
Community Leaders, Stakeholders Breakfast - Senator Thompson - June 2007
A Community Leaders & Stakeholders Breakfast with
Antoine M. Thompson, New York State Senator 60th District is being held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 30, 2007 in McKinley High School, 1500 Elmwood Avenue. This event is FREE and open to the public. Hot breakfast will be prepared. The senator will give uppdates on current and future Projects.
Speakers:
NEW YORKERS AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE
NYS THRUWAY AUTHORITY
ERIE CANAL HARBOR DEVELOPMENT
BINATIONAL TOURISM ALLIANCE
Response To Relocation of Island E-Z Pass Service Center - July 2007
Assemblymember Sam Hoyt (D-Buffalo, Grand Island) announced today (June 27) that the New York State Thruway Authority will be relocating the Grand Island E-Z Pass Service Center on Monday, July 16, 2007. The Service Center, which is currently located at the Burger King site on Grand Island Boulevard, will be closed permanently Friday, July 13th. The new address will be 2293 Grand Island Boulevard located in the Town Hall Plaza just across from the Grand Island Town Hall.
“This is great news for EZ-Pass customers. For several years now, I have been in continuous contact with the Thruway Authority regarding the relocation of the Service Center, so I’m pleased to finally hear that they have made this decision and are implementing the changes as early as July 16th,” said Hoyt.
With the new location also comes extended hours. The current hours are Monday-Friday from 3pm-6pm. However, once the new site is opened, business hours will be from 9:00am-5pm. “This certainly provides customers more access to services as the hours fall within normal operating business hours. They no longer have only three hours out of the day to receive assistance. I think this will enable the Service Center to act with greater efficiency and meet the needs of EZ-Pass customers with ease,” said Hoyt.
The Thruway Authority will put up signs announcing the relocation around July 2nd and will work with Burger King to maintain a sign at the old office for a few months. In addition, EZ-Pass customers will receive a statement notifying them of the change.
"The Masters" 2nd Annual Memorial Golf Tournament - July 2007
"The Masters" 2nd Annual Memorial Golf Tournament - The Legend Lives. . . will be held Monday, July 30, 2007 with a 1 pm. start at River Oaks Golf club, Grand Island, New York.
See "The Masters" for complete information.
Baseline/Fix Two-Car Crash - June 2007
The Grand Island Fire Company responded to two-car crash at 5:11 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at the corner of Fix and Baseline roads. Two cars ended up in a ditch with one upside down. Fire Company EMS personnel evaluated two patients who were transported to ECMC by Twin City Ambulance. All GIFC units returned in service at 5:30 p.m. More information may be added to this story as it becomes available.
Carl Road Resident Arrested On Drug Charges - June 2007
Paul W. Silsby, 26, a resident of Carl Road, Grand Island was arrested Tuesday, June 19, 2007 on charges of felony possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor possession of a weapon, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful imprisonment. The charges stemmed from a call to the Erie County Sheriff's Department for a report of a domestic dispute at the Carl Road residence. Items confiscated included bags of marijuana and a 22-caliber rifle. According to Sheriff's Dept. Detective Dennis Fitzgibbon, the Sheriff's Department continues to address the Island's drug problem.
Motorcyle Accident Sends Two To ECMC - June 2007
The Grand Island Fire Company responded to a motorcycle accident at 11:23 a.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2007 when a car and motorcycle collided at Love and West River roads. Evaluated were the driver of the motorcycle, Bernie Scozzaro, and his passenger, Molly McMahon, both of Grand Island. Ms. McMahon suffered a broken leg and both were transported to the Erie County Medical Center by Twin City Ambulance. The cycle was traveling on West River service road when the car coming from Love Road cut across the service road, causing the accident. The Erie County Sheriff's Department sited the driver of the car for failure to yield. All GIFC units returned in service at 11:59 a.m. with the incident turned over to the Erie County Sheriff's Department. More information may be added to this story as it becomes available.
Car Crashes Into Fuccillo Toyota - June 2007
The Grand Island Fire Company responded to a one-car motor vehicle accident at 11:01 a.m. Monday, June 25, 2007 when a car was driven into the front of the Fuccillo Toyota building on Alvin Road. Fire Company personnel included Deputy Chief Kevin Koch and 2nd Assistant Chief Chris Soluri. Two patients were evaluated with one sign-off and one transported to Millard Suburban Hospital by Twin City Ambulance. Grand Island Fire Company returned in service at 11:18 a.m.
Early Morning MVA On Parkway Sends Two Patients To ECMC - June 2007
The Grand Island Fire Company responded to a motor vehicle accident at 12:52 a.m. Sunday, June 24, 2007 when a car veered off the Beaver Island Parkway between Fix Road and Broadway. Island resident Michael T. Judson, 24, the driver, and Chad Cowell, 23, of the City of Tonawanda were listed in serious condition Sunday. Judson was charged with DWI. The men were wearing seat belts.
Fire Chief Greg Butcher assumed incident command and requested an ambulance and Mercy Flight to respond to the scene. Two patients were extricated with one transported by Twin City Ambulance and another transported by Mercy Flight. Both patients were taken to the Erie County Medical Center. The Parkway was reopened and the scene was turned over to the Erie County Sheriff's Department. The GIFC volunteers returned in service at 1:39 a.m. at which time Mercy Flight reported as being on the roof of ECMC. Grand Island Rescue #1 remained on location to assist the Sheriff's Department with an investigation of the crash.
Center of Presidential Links To Be Local Attraction - June 2007
A Center of Presidential Links is in the making and includes dramatic ties to Grand Island, New York. See "Buffalo News Story 6/20/07" by Chrissie Thompson.
Island Resident Accepts Major Insurance Settlement - June 2007
A Grand Island resident, injured in a car crash in 2004 when the car in which he was riding went into the Niagara River, has accepted a major insurance settlement. See "Buffalo News Story 6/20/07". See also
"Fire Company Story Nov. 2004.". See also
Paddles Up Niagara 2007
2006 photo by Lyn Laman - Click for larger view
The Niagara River Greenway Commission (NRGC) announces the Second Annual "Paddles Up Niagara" along the south eastern shores of Grand Island on Saturday, July 28, 2007. Beaver Island State Park along with New York Power Authority, Centerstone Development and Ambassador Niagara Signature Bridge Group will host the day's activities with the centerpiece being the non-competitive paddle from Little Beaver Launch site around to East River Marsh Site returning back to Little Beaver all within the Beaver Island State Park, a 4.8-mile journey.
The day begins with the Paddle Fair at 8:30 a.m. During this portion of the event paddlesports retailers and company representatives will be on hand to give the public an opportunity to try out canoes and kayaks. Beginners and enthusiasts alike will also have the opportunity to learn more about paddlesports safety and the natural, recreational and cultural attributes of the Niagara River corridor. New York State Park's Interpretive Staff will be on hand for "Learn to Paddle," an introductory canoe program for children. Paddles Up will begin after a traditional Native American Departure Ceremony at 12 p.m.
The phrase "paddles up" is derived from a longstanding Native American custom. When approaching camp canoe paddles were pointed skyward signifying that the traveler comes in peace and is seeking permission to land for food and rest. In some cultures the upward pointed paddle also symbolizes the start of a long journey.
The first 100 paddle powered boaters to register will receive a free "Paddles Up Niagara 2007" t-shirt. All on water participants will be required to register and complete the necessary waiver forms. Boat crews must wear a US Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device and the condition of each participating canoe and kayak will be checked to insure that it can safely transit the Paddles Up Niagara water trail.
All of the day's activities are free including registration for Paddles Up Niagara, the exception is a Lunch Fund Raiser & Tour of the Historic River Lea Site, a prepaid donation of $10 is required, normal State Park entrance fees will apply. Upon entering Beaver Island State Park, participants should take the first right toward the Sledding Hill or Little Beaver for parking and launching.
To receive or download registration forms for Paddles Up Niagara or for more information regarding the Niagara River Greenway Commission, visit the website www.niagaragreenway.org or call the NRGC office at 716-773-5361.
Digital Photographing of Properties to Begin - June 2007
In the ongoing effort to improve the quality of the property records, the Town of Grand Island along with the contractor, GAR Associates, will begin the task of taking digital photographs of properties located within the Town. This project is part of an Information Technology grant program sponsored by the New York State Office of Real Property Services.
Assessor David Unmack announces that beginning in June authorized staff will be working from the public right of way. If properties cannot be photographed from the public right of way, GAR Staff will be accessing the property via the driveway. All GAR Staff will carry photo ID badges issued from the Assessor’s Office and will also have a GAR Associates sign on the side of the vehicle or on the dash board. The Town Assessment Office and the Police Department have a vehicle list of all project staff members.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Assessor’s office @773-9600 ext. 648.
Beetles Battle Purple Loosestrife at Veterans Park - June 2007
Shown from left are Chris Pennuto, Paul Leuchner, Mary Cooke, Sarah Kroten, Percival Williams, Maddy Mankowski, Kallan McMillan, Sarah Ramsperger, Dorothy Westhafer. The adults are Town of Grand Island Conservation Commission members. Mrs. Cooke serves as the Commission's Town Board Liaison. Kallan McMillan, daughter of Chris Pennuto and her friends volunteered to help release the beetles.
Jodi Robinson Photos - Click for larger view
Some members of the Grand Island Conservation Commission
helped disperse thousands of beetles on the morning of Saturday, June 9th to destroy the purple loosestrife that is located at Veteran's Park. Purple loosestrife is a tall, perennial forb that can grow up to 10 feet in height. It is easily distinguished by the abundant, showy spikes of purple flowers that occur at the tops of the plants. The opposite or whorled leaves are dark green and lance-shaped. Purple loosestrife is a serious invader of many types of wetlands, including wet meadows, prairie potholes, river and stream banks, lake shores, tidal and non-tidal marshes, and ditches. It can quickly form dense stands that displace native vegetation. Purple loosestrife can spread very rapidly due to its prolific seed production; one plant can produce as many as 2-3 million seeds per year. Purple loosestrife is native to Europe and Asia. It was first introduced into America in the early 1800s for ornamental and medicinal purposes. It has also been used as a nectar plant for bee-keeping.
Adult loosestrife beetles are very good fliers and they can easily find new patches of purple loosestrife on which to feed and reproduce. Loosestrife beetle adults are known to disperse 2-4 miles a year. The hope for the commission is to eradicate the loosestrife and allow native plants to re-establish themselves in the wetlands.
Buffalo Dream Factory Comes To Grand Island - June 2007
The Buffalo Dream Factory is coming to Tops on Grand Island for a fundraising event. They will be here on Friday, June 15 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. People can purchase tickets to the Family Fun Fair to be held Saturday, June 23 at the Broadway Driving Range & Miniature Golf located in Depew. You can purchase tickets to win a bicycle, tricycle, Blue Jays tickets, and a family portrait sitting. Also, there will be 25 or more baskets for a Chinese auction that can be won. Many of these baskets were donated by Grand Island businesses. Please stop by Tops on June 15-16 to see what you can win and help out our fundraising cause.
Dream factory was started by one man, Charles Henault, in 1980 in the State of Kentucky. Today there are more than 30 chapters in 14 states in the US. The Buffalo Dream Factory started in March 2006 and has completed two dreams come true to date. This all volunteer organization does get things done. Its purpose is to make dreams come true for local critically and chronically ill children between the ages of 3 to 18. The next child to have a dream come true is the granddaughter of Grand Island residents. She and her family who live in Lewiston will be going in early July to Disney World as her dream choice. If you can't attend the Tops fundraiser and would like to purchase event tickets for your kids or for further Buffalo Dream Factory information please call 773-9781.
See BuffaloDreamFactory.com
See dreamfactoryinc.com
“BluesRoot Concert for Dollars for Scholars” - June 2007
BluesRoot, international recording act with Grand Island roots, has teamed up with the Grand Island Chapter of Dollars for Scholars to raise money for scholarships for deserving local students.
BluesRoot will perform in a special “BluesRoot Concert for Dollars for Scholars” on Friday, June 29, 2007 at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center. The event will be held in the Settlement Room and run from 7:30 p.m.to 10:30 p.m.. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded during the performance for the best ‘50’s style outfit, and other categories as well. Tickets are
$20 for admission. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.
Tickets, and ticket reservations, for the “BluesRoot Concert for Dollars for Scholars” are available from: Grand Island Chamber of Commerce (773-3651); Grand Island Dollars for Scholars Chapter President, James Sharpe (553-1100); and BluesRoot Entertainment, a division of JDM Promotions, LLC (631-2043).
Dollars for Scholars, a program of Scholarship America, is a national grassroots network of more than 1,200 community-based, volunteer driven scholarship foundations in cities, towns and neighborhoods throughout the United States. In 2005, Dollars for Scholars chapters awarded almost $29 million in scholarships to over 35,000 students. Scholarship America is the nation’s largest, nonprofit, private sector scholarship and educational support organization, and has distributed more than $1 billion to over one million students since 1958.
The Grand Island Chapter of Dollars for Scholars is made up of 15 directors and officers.
James Sharpe, Grand Island Dollars Chapter President said, “The Grand Island Dollars for Scholars chapter hopes to award at least $2,000 in scholarships to local students in the first year. The number of scholarships will increase as additional funds are raised.”
Scholarships are awarded based on the following guidelines: personal data/academic performance, extra curricular activities, work experience, community service, extenuating circumstances/need, and teacher reference.
Sharpe said, “We’re enthused to have BluesRoot as a fundraising partner, and look forward to a fun evening of family friendly music entertainment.”
BluesRoot consists of two veteran musicians and Grand Island residents, John D. Moore and Arthur Borgeson. The retired businessmen grew up, and played music, in the 1950’s and ‘60’s. Today, they perform the foundation blues, rockabilly and rock and roll songs from that era, and pay historical tribute to that Golden Era of American music as well.
Moore explained, “We give audiences a little bit of Carl Perkins, Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, and a whole lot more. Our shows include historical insight into the songs and the performers. Even our own songs borrow from that deep well of early American rock and roll.”
BluesRoot has a CD comprised of original Americana sounding songs in international distribution. Several songs off their “Live. Real. In the moment” CD are receiving airplay on over 370 traditional “brick and mortar” and streaming, internet radio stations across North America and Europe. The group has also been featured on Mark Kerr’s Blues Nation and Delta Blues, in Music Industry Magazine and on Jazz Today. One of the songs on the BluesRoot CD, “Hold tight mama” recently finished 24th out of 502 entries on an American Idol online Sony sponsored competition. They have been asked to enter a second competition.
Moore is the singer/songwriter of the duo. He plays acoustic electric rhythm guitar and harmonica as well. Borgeson provides backing vocals and lead guitar. The duo expands to a trio from time to time adding various veteran 1960’s era bass players to the mix.
Moore said, “We are enthused about the opportunity to help provide educational assistance for the youth of our home community. Dollars for Scholars is a great organization supporting a great cause. We pledge to deliver a great show as well!”
For more information call John at 631-2043 or Jim at 553-1100.
Blood Drive - June 2007
An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 1-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 12 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1841 Road.
Hoyt Announces Re-opening Of GI Bridge Sidewalk - June 2007
Assemblymember Sam Hoyt (D-Buffalo, Grand Island) announced the re-opening last Friday of the sidewalk on the north Grand Island bridge, which had been closed due to a rehabilitation project.
Hoyt said, “As soon as this issue was brought to my attention by members of Quality Quest I immediately reached out to the Thruway Authority who responded in a matter of hours that the sidewalk would be reopened Friday morning.”
Hoyt met the previous evening with members of Quality Quest to discuss various issues of concern to members, including the closed sidewalk. The bridge had been closed due to construction, forcing pedestrians and cyclists to cross several ramps through quick-moving traffic to reach the sidewalk on the other bridge.
Hoyt continued, “I will continue to work with Quality Quest and others to address the issues that are important to Island residents to improve the quality of life on the island.”
Sam Hoyt represents the 144th Assembly District.
Thousands Of Bettles To Battle Loosestrife - June 2007
The Grand Island Conservation Commission will enlist the help of thousands of beetles to battle an invasive plant species on town property. This is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, June 9 in Veterans Park.
The Commission will obtain 2000 loosestrife beetles for release in a large stand of purple loosestrife located within Veterans Park. The beetles (Galerucella sp.) are native to Europe and have been introduced into at least 16 states in the United States. The adults and larvae eat the invasive plant, purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicara). This plant is found in many locations on Grand Island, generally occurring in wetlands, drainage ditches, along the river’s edge, or in other moist soil areas. The plant out competes many native wet-soil plants and forms dense monoculture stands. Although it looks pretty when in bloom, it provides little wildlife benefit. For example, it is not a useful plant for bird nesting nor does it provide seeds that birds or other wildlife consume. Thus, there is a desire to control the spread of this plant on the Island to allow native wetland plants an opportunity to recolonize areas currently infested with loosestrife. The Commission opted not to use herbicides to control the loosestrife since chemicals can be environmentally harmful, are potentially expensive, and are a short-term solution. Loosestrife-eating beetles provide a safe, long-term, and plant-specific biological control of the pest plant.
Prior to the introduction of loosestrife-eating beetles in the U.S., the beetles were tested on over 50 potential host plants and were found to prefer purple loosestrife over any other plant. At least one close relative of purple loosestrife, winged loosestrife (L. alatum) was a possible host when purple loosestrife was unavailable. The beetles are considered host-specific, which is a good trait for an introduced organism. The entire life cycle of the loosestrife beetles is connected to purple loosestrife. Adults mate in the early spring, after feeding for several days on loosestrife foliage. Females lay their eggs on the plant’s leaves and stems, generally between May and July. The larvae hatch 7-10 days later and feed on developing shoots and leaves of the plant. After feeding for several weeks, the larvae crawl down the plant into the soil where they overwinter. The following spring, new adults emerge to begin the cycle again. Sometimes, two hatches can occur if conditions are right. It can take a couple to several years for the beetle population to reach a high enough density to control a large stand of purple loosestrife. As the beetles begin to reduce the host plants, adults migrate to new patches. If the beetles eliminate all the loosestrife plants (the desired outcome), they will die since they have no other plants which they can consume. Once the loosestrife begins to die back, native plants then have the opportunity to re-establish.
For more information on the beetle release contact Chris Pennuto, member of the GI Conservation Commission. Information on purple loosestrife and loosestrife-eating beetles and weevils can be found on the web at
www.ncera125.ent.msu.edu/GuideGalerucella.htm and
www.invasive.org/weeds/loosestrife/ch2galcal.html.
Update Below
Mainland Fire Companies Assist Island
Firefighters With River Oaks Drive House Fire - June 2007
Dan McMahon Photos - Click for larger view
The Grand Island Fire Company, with assistance from several mainland fire companies, responded to a working fire at 216 River Oaks Drive at 2:52 a.m. Friday, June 1, 2007. Homeowners Alan and Stacey Murzynowski were awoken by the barking of their dog and the smoke detectors.
First responders reported heavy smoke inside the two-and-one-half story, unoccupied structure. Rear deck fire with extension into the home was confirmed. Grand Island Fire Chief Greg Butcher estab
