Niagara Gazette — EDITOR’S NOTE: Don's been off a few days so here's a look at his predictions for 2012 published on Jan. 2 — he called his margin of error 98.7 percent but he did call the presidential election!
• JAN. 1: In his inaugural address, Mayor Paul Dyster calls for a renewed spirit of cooperation for the city to move forward in 2012. Council tables matter for further discussion.
• JAN. 10: City parks department swamped with calls from senior citizens demanding to know when Hyde Park Golf Course will reopen.
• JAN. 14: State Sen. George D. Maziarz, R-Newfane, honored for his service at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Premiere. One dinner guest said: “Imagine what he’d do if he represented this area?”
• FEB. 5: Tightrope walker Nik Wallenda pleads his case to the Supreme Court of Canada.
• FEB. 12: Local banks start charging $5 for making deposits or withdrawals. Spokesman says it should reduce customer wait times.
• MARCH 6: Phillipe Petit, the highwire artist who once strolled between the twin 110-story towers of the World Trade Center, seeks permission to walk across the Niagara Gorge.
• MARCH 21: Jay Cochrane, a tightrope walker who conquered death-defying challenges around the globe, proposes to carry Council Chairman Sam Fruscione across the Niagara Gorge on his back.
• APRIL 6: Lewiston Supervisor Steven L. Reiter unveils plans for 15-story, five-star hotel in Joseph Davis State Park, which the state is leasing to the town.
• APRIL 14: State parks officials upset that Reiter would proceed with hotel project without consulting Albany.
• APRIL 26: In an effort to cut costs, the U.S. Postal Services announces major changes : All mail in Lewiston, Porter, Wilson and Town of Niagara will now be processed in Watertown.
• MAY 2: Due to sharp increase in daily volume, the Stella Niagara Post Office will extend its hours of service and expand staff to 10.
• MAY 23: County legislator Clyde L. Burmaster says plans for cross-river ferry service still alive. Niagara River Greenway money eyed as major funding source.
• JUNE 10: Seneca Niagara Casino reports record revenues for 2011, up 50 percent from year ago.
• JUNE 11: U.S. District Court, Buffalo, reports 50 percent increase in personal bankruptcy filings during 2011.
• JUNE 30: Supervisor Reiter defends $250,000 expenditure to refurbish boarded-up toll booths at Joseph Davis State Park.
• JULY 1: The Walmart store on Military Road initiates lottery system to limit the number of people entering the store per hour.
• JULY 15: New “Move Over” law in state now includes teenage pedestrians walking five-abreast on sidewalks or streets.
• AUG. 16: West Coast-based developer proposes an outdoor food market for Lewiston Road, between Ontario and College avenues.
• SEPT. 1: Restaurateur Eddie Gadawski heads local excursion to Dublin, Ireland, for Notre Dame vs. Navy football game. No meals aboard seven-hour flight but pierogies served every 15 minutes.
• SEPT. 3: Volunteer firemen from Thorold, Ont., heading to Youngstown field day, detained at bridge when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers contend that equipment on their 1917 pumper could be used as weapons.
• OCT. 13: Re-enactment of the Battle of Queenston Heights draws 25,000 people to village on the Canadian side of the river. Meanwhile, in Lewiston, most businesses close and flags flying at half staff. “There’s nothing to celebrate,” says a disgruntled bar owner, “They whipped us that day (Oct. 13, 1812).”
• OCT. 20: On campaign stop in Niagara Falls, Newt Gingrich stays at rundown Niagara Falls Boulevard motel. He explains he would have stayed in “better digs” but he’s still trying pay off a $300,000 fine for ethics violation.
• NOV. 6: Despite headline (“Romney Romps”) in early edition of the Chicago Tribune, Obama re-elected. • NOV. 20: Interim Police Chief John Chella weighs possibility of re-submitting retirement papers to Albany.
• DEC. 25: Buffalo Bills hike ticket prices and parking lot fees. No beer to be sold after the first quarter. Owner Ralph Wilson says, “We want to keep our loyal fans happy.”
• DEC. 31: Second annual ball drop at Johnston’s Restaurant, Ransomville, attracts nearly 15 people. Chairman Lou Black: “It’s getting bigger every year.”
Happy New Year!
Contact reporter Don Glynn at 282-2311, ext. 2246.
![NIA Smith, Doug and Polly [Duplicate]](http://d6673sr63mbv7.cloudfront.net/archive/x1169353368/g030000000000000000cff9117901dfa5bfe8c774fdd7453042a741f1ae.jpg "NIA Smith, Doug and Polly [Duplicate]"){kind=small}
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