Community Spotlight, the area's longest running local public affairs radio program, airs on all six Media One Radio Group stations each weekend and is also available to hear in our Podcast Section.  Each week we sit down with a community leader or another special guest to talk about issues within our community.  


Weather Forecasts are available across our radio stations each day and also as your fingertips! 

Connect with The National Weather Service's Buffalo Office or with WGRZ-TV for accurate weather information!

 

 

 


 

News Update for Tues., Apr. 9, 2013

Sue Drago becomes first woman Deputy Mayor ever in Lakewood...

History was made in Lakewood Monday night during the village board's annual re-organizational meeting.  Trustee Sue Drago was sworn-in for her first, full-term on the panel... and, she was also named by Mayor David Wordelmann to be the village's first woman deputy mayor.  It's the first time a female has held one of the top two positions in Lakewood.  Wordelmann says while it's historic... it's more a reflection on what kind of trustee she's been.  He says she's well-read on village matters... and, takes the position seriously.  Wordelmann adds she's "very consciencous..." and, shows up for most every event.  He adds she's been a "very good" trustee, and "we need people like that."  Wordelmann says their positions are all part-time... and, it's important that people get into local politics to serve the village... "not their own ego."  He adds this is a well-deserved honor for Drago... who had some background in politics before she was appointed to fill Wordelmann's spot on the board.  Her family has been heavily-involved in politics in Cattaraugus County.  Drago had been appointed to fill out Wordelmann's board term after he was elected Mayor following the death of late, long-time mayor, Tony Caprino two years ago.
----
Democrat David DiSalvo... who won the other trustee's seat... was unable to attend last night's board meeting.  He had taken the written oath of office.  But, will go through the "ceremonial" swearing in at the board's next meeting.


No one speaks at Lakewood public hearing on 2013-14 budget; lawmakers learn village to receive more CHIPS funding...

The villlage of Lakewood's 2013-2014 budget has gotten a $23,000 boost from the state.  However... it won't change the tax levy or rate in the new spending plan.  That from Mayor David Wordelmann... who says the increase comes in the form of Consolidated Highway Improvement Program-- or CHIPS funding.  Wordelmann says it's good news... but, will basically be a "pass through" in the $3.24-million budget so it can be used for more project work.  He says the money is used for paving, and other road work.  Wordelmann says they've been receiving $85,000 over the past few years, but, this year will get $109,000.  He says no one from the public spoke at Monday night's hearing... but, adds Trustee John Jablonski pushed for hiring someone to head up planning for the village due to recent issues that have arose.  However... Wordelmann says there was no other support for such a move.  The budget increases taxes by about 1.3-percent... while spending is up by about $124,000.  However... Wordelmann says revenues now up about $103,000.  He adds that the final budget plan is "very tight."  The tax levy -- or the total amount to be raised by taxes -- increases by about $22,000 under the plan... which will likely be voted on April 23.


Celoron board approves new mayor to serve out the late "Jack" Keeney's term...

There's a new mayor in the village of Celoron.  The village board Monday night nominated... and, appointed Scot Schrecengost to replace the late Jack Keeney.  Keeney passed away from cancer last month.  Schrecengost had been interim mayor until Monday night by virture of being Deputy Mayor.  Village Clerk Shirley Sanfilippo says he was sworn-in after being approved as new Mayor.  In addition... resident Steve Grundstrom was appointed by Schrecengost to replace him on the village board.  Grundstrom is a member of the village Planning Board.  Finally... Sanfilippo says Schreckengost named board member Norm Matteson as the new Deputy Mayor.  Both Schrecengost  and Grundstrom will serve until December before both seats are up for election next November.


Gerry man arrested for DWI following single-car accident in Cherry Creek...

A Gerry man wasn't hurt... but, does face a drunk driving charge following a one-car crash in the town of Cherry Creek Monday night.  Sheriff's officers were called to the scene on Route 83 shortly before 8:30 p.m.  Deputies say their investigation showed 27 year-old Charles Houser II was northbound when his vehicle went off the eastside of the roadway.  Officers say Houser's car struck a fence... and, came to rest in a ditch.  He was not hurt... but, deputies say further investigation found Houser was drunk.  He's been charged with driving while intoxicated... aggravated DWI... failure to stay in Lane... and, other traffic violations.  Houser was issued appearance tickets for Cherry Creek Town Court.


About 300,000 pounds of frozen food served in schools may be among the 3-million Rich Foods has recalled amid E. coli scare...

Hundreds of thousands of pounds of frozen food recalled amid an E. coli scare may have been served in schools.  That's the word from the Buffalo-based company that manufactured the items.  Rich Products recalled 10 million pounds of frozen food items over the past two weeks after 27 E. coli illnesses in 15 states were linked to their foods.  Of that... Rich Products estimates that about 3-million pounds may still be in the marketplace and approximately 300,000 pounds may have ended up in school lunchrooms.  Rich Products spokesman Dwight Gram says the main items shipped to schools were labeled as pizza dippers and pepperoni pizzatas.  E. coli infection can cause mild diarrhea or more severe complications, including kidney damage.