NIAGARA FALLS —
Good afternoon and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Get Your Green On!
In Niagara Falls, March 17 means one thing — the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration hosted by the local chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
The fun begins at 4:45 p.m. today with the “World’s Shortest Parade,” which will move 57 steps — yes 57 — from Old Falls Street and Rainbow Boulevard north to the entrance of Conference Center Niagara Falls, 101 Old Falls St.
The party inside will go from 5 to 10 p.m. and include live Irish music, food and, yes, green beer and plenty of other alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets are $6 at the door and non-perishable food items will be collected and donated to the Heart & Soul Food Pantry.
Today’s TOP 3
- HOT NIGHT IN LEW-PORT: The most controversial district in the area is now being targeted by the office of the State Comptroller. An audit is being conducted and will include a review of a highly scrutinized teachers union-controlled benefit trust. Meanwhile, close to 100 people packed Tuesday night’s Lew-Port School Board meeting, including numerous members of the teachers union dressed in black with LPUT on the front. Union President Kevin Jaruszewski was among the speakers.
• Click above sidebar to hear audio.
- TRASH TALK: The Niagara Falls Housing Authority will spend $94,000 on a garbage collection system upgrade at Packard Court and Jordan Gardens. Read about who got the contract and what it entails
- HEALTH VS. SUGAR: State Health Commissioner Dr. Richard F. Daines met with the Niagara Gazette’s editorial board and said he believes a proposed tax on sugary drinks may still make it into Gov. Paterson’s proposed budget. Read what else Daines had to say.
Thursday’s Headlines
- RAISES FOR FALLS DPW? The head of the city’s Public Works Department has asked lawmakers to approve a re-organization plan that would result in pay increases for him, his deputy and several other staffers. Public Works Director Dave Kinney’s proposal includes a request for a $4,000 bump in his annual salary, from $63,056 to $67,056. It also calls for Deputy Director John Caso to receive a $2,800 raise, from his current salary of $55,000 to $57,800. The city council will vote on the request at its meeting Monday.
- HELP FOR DEL RIO: Former Falls pastor Peter DelRio has a new, publicly paid lawyer and his alleged violation of probation will be handled by a veteran Erie County prosecutor. Public Defender Michael Bennett appeared in Niagara County Court Wednesday morning to confirm that he will be representing DelRio. At the same time, Assistant Erie County District Attorney Michelle Cianciosa will take over the case as a special prosecutor.
Cianciosa’s appointment, approved by County Court Judge Sara Sheldon Sperrazza, was necessary because Niagara County District Attorney Michael Violante represented DelRio in the early stages of his criminal case in mid-2007. County Court Judge Matthew J. Murphy III was the DA at the time.
DelRio, 49, who was the pastor of the now-closed St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on Seventh Street, is charged with violating a term of probation for failing to make restitution to his former Cataract City congregation.
- THE CABOOSE IS LOOSE: A historic 1890s-era wooden caboose has taken a ride down Center Street and arrived at its new home in front of the Silo Restaurant. The iconic Ted Mars Delicatessen boxcar, purchased last year by Silo Restaurant owner Alan Hastings, will be the newest addition in a slew of renovations taking place at the river side location.
Village of Lewiston Mayor William Geiben said: The caboose will be a great asset to the Lewiston community,” he said. “It is a piece of history and allows for residents to go back in time.”
Geiben added the caboose is handicapped accessible and that the exterior will undergo a renovations in the upcoming week and be fully open by May.
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