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WBFO News Index
October 2004
(Browse other months)
Giambra Calls on County Legislators to Approve Sales Tax Hike (2004-10-29)
Erie County Executive Joel Giambra says if he can convince local lawmakers to support a sales tax increase, State Senator Dale Volker would be willing to push it in Albany. (WBFO)
Bishop Edward Kmiec Installed As Leader of Catholic Diocese (2004-10-29)
A "pumped up" Bishop Edward Kmiec took his place as head of the Buffalo Catholic Diocese Thursday with a call to bring back members who have been disillusioned. (WBFO)
Niagara County Leader Hails Theme Park Proposal (2004-10-28)
Niagara County Legislature chairman William Ross says he was "elated" to learn that a Kentucky based company wants to build a "Wizard of Oz" theme park in Niagara County. As WBFO reported Wednesday, the Niagara Falls region is the final site choice for a proposed park beating out Houston. (WBFO)
US Attorney Will Monitor Vote for Fraud and Abuse (2004-10-28)
An assistant US attorney in Buffalo will oversee next week's election, making sure there are no voting rights violations or elections fraud. (WBFO)
Quinn Promising Smooth Transition (2004-10-28)
U.S. Congressman Jack Quinn Wednesday vowed to make it a smooth transition for the next representative of the 27th District. And he says that applies even if the seat is won by the person he isn't rooting for -- Democrat Brian Higgins. (WBFO)
Seneca Nation Creates Foundation to Fight Diabetes (2004-10-28)
The Seneca Nation of Indian is combating its devastating diabetes problem with a new initiative. (WBFO)
Commentary: Talk about Taxes (2004-10-28)
There's been a lot of talk about taxes in the presidential campaign. President George W. Bush is promising to maintain the tax cuts of his first term. Democratic challenger John Kerry says he'll raise taxes on the wealthiest of Americans. Commentator Anthony Ogorek says what he finds most revealing is what the candidates aren't saying when it comes to taxes. (WBFO)
SUNY Increases Salary Ranges for Campus Presidents (2004-10-27)
Campus presidents in the SUNY system will now have a chance to earn more money. They're not receiving immediate raises. But the State University board of trustees did approve an increase in their salary ranges Tuesday. (WBFO)
Reynolds Faces Spirited Challenge from Akron Businessman (2004-10-27)
Much of the local media attention in this campaign season is on the open seat in the 27th congressional district between Democrat Brian Higgins and Republican Nancy Naples. But in the adjacent 26th district, there is a spirited campaign going on. Republican incumbent Tom Reynolds is being challenged by businessman Jack Davis, who is on a crusade to save American jobs. (WBFO)
Business Leaders Say Nation's Security Key to Economic Growth (2004-10-27)
The war in Iraq seems to be overshadowing all other issues in the current elections campaign, including the economy. But surprisingly, local business leaders say they're all right with that. (WBFO)
Niagara Falls Selected for Wizard of Oz Theme Park (2004-10-27)
WBFO News has learned that the leader of a Kentucky based company will announce Wednesday that Niagara Falls, New York is the final site choice for a "Wizard of Oz" theme park. After two-years of discussions, Oz Central says Niagara Falls beat Houston. (WBFO)
Commentary: United Way Is Always There (2004-10-27)
The United Way's annual Community Care campaign is in full swing. Rather than setting a monetary goal this year, organizers are trying to raise as much money as possible to fund the area's needs. Listener-Commentator Kris Ann Piazza (pee-AH-zuh) says United Way, and its member agencies, have always been an important part of her life, even when she didn't realize it. (WBFO)
St. Joe's Students Hear Party Leaders Debate Presidential Politics (2004-10-26)
Students at Saint Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Kenmore hammered away at national policy during a debate on the Presidential election Tuesday morning. But answering the questions were Erie County Republican Party Chairman Bob Davis and County Democratic Party Chairman Len Lenihan. (WBFO)
Social Security, Medicare and Prescription Drugs Are Key Issues for Area Seniors (2004-10-26)
Some Cheektowaga senior citizens gathered at the Cayuga Village Senior Center Monday for a meet and greet with Governor Pataki as he campaigned for Republican congressional candidate Nancy Naples. Many of those seniors talked about issues that concern them the most this election season. (WBFO)
Higgins, Naples Respond to Negative Campaign Ads (2004-10-26)
The final debate was held Monday night in the bitter campaign for 27th Congressional district. Democrat Brian Higgins and Republican Nancy Naples squared off during a televised debate on WNED-TV. (WBFO)
Buffalo's New Catholic Bishop Arrives (2004-10-26)
The Buffalo Catholic Diocese welcomed home its new leader Monday. (WBFO)
Commentary: Liberals and Conservatives Support Activist Government (2004-10-26)
With the election now one week away, Listener-Commentator Bill Evitts says the political model that has been used for decades is no longer relevant in 21st century America. (WBFO)
Nader Campaigns in Buffalo, Critical of Corporate Influence (2004-10-25)
Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader visited Buffalo Sunday night. (WBFO)
Advocates Launch Red Ribbon Week to Fight Drug Abuse (2004-10-25)
A key agency in the area that combats drug and alcohol abuse among young people begins a week-long observance Monday. It's designed to create awareness of the importance of drug prevention efforts. (WBFO)
Foreign Policy Analysts to Explore Security of Nation (2004-10-25)
Two foreign policy analysts will debate Monday night whether America is more or less secure under policies enacted since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The forum takes place at 6:45pm in Allen Hall on UB's South Campus. (WBFO)
Slight Drop in Crime in New York State (2004-10-24)
The number of major crimes in New York state dropped 3.1 percent in 2003, according to results from an FBI survey of U.S. police departments. (WBFO)
State Provides $7.5 Million for 911 Upgrade in Erie County (2004-10-23)
Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels Friday presented a check of more than $7.53 million to Erie County to upgrade its enhanced 911 (E911) system to be capable of tracking the location of incoming wireless 911 calls. (WBFO)
SUNY to Increase Top Pay Range (2004-10-23)
State University of New York Chancellor Robert King's salary could increase to as much as $420,000 a year under proposed guidelines to raise administrators' and college presidents' salaries, SUNY announced Friday. (WBFO)
Library Supporters Critical of County Funding Cut (2004-10-22)
About 100 people spoke out Thursday against any proposed library closings in Erie County. (WBFO)
Preservation Board Votes Against Demolition of Atwater House (2004-10-22)
The Preservation Board of Buffalo voted against demolition of the Atwater House on Elmwood Avenue. (WBFO)
NYPIRG Says Uninsured Pay Most for Prescription Drugs (2004-10-22)
The New York Public Interest Research Group released the results of a statewide survey of pharmacies Thursday that found uninsured New Yorkers pay the most for their prescription drugs. (WBFO)
Environmentalists Seek Greater Wetlands Protection (2004-10-22)
Local environmentalists are fighting a new housing development in Lancaster because of potential harm to a wetlands area. (WBFO)
Assembly Leader Seeks Senate Support in Preserving Hydropower (2004-10-21)
State Assembly Majority Leader Paul Tokasz is calling on the State Senate to pass an important energy bill that would protect low-cost hydro-electricity. (WBFO)
Critical Art Ensemble Holds Fundraiser for Kurtz's Legal Fees (2004-10-21)
The Critical Art Ensemble continues working to raise money to help pay for the legal fees of U-B art professor Steven Kurtz. (WBFO)
Control Board Assails High Labor Costs (2004-10-20)
The Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority says, one year later, labor costs remain the biggest stumbling block to fixing the city's fiscal problems. (WBFO)
Police Commissioner Defends Himself Following Calls for His Resignation (2004-10-20)
Police Commissioner Rocco Diina is defending his department's handling of homicide investigations in the city. The commissioner came under fire this week when citizens called for his ouster at a rally downtown to stop violence on the East Side. (WBFO)
Geico Breaks Ground for Regional Service Center in Amherst (2004-10-20)
A ground-breaking ceremony was held Wednesday morning for the new Geico regional service center in Amherst. (WBFO)
Buffalo Physician Dies in Missouri Plane Crash (2004-10-20)
A Buffalo pediatrician killed in a plane crash in Missouri is being remembered by family, friends and colleagues for his sense of humor and his love of teaching. (WBFO)
Anti-Violence Advocates Rally, Push for City Homicide Squad (2004-10-19)
Dozens of determined residents turned out Tuesday at Niagara Square for a rally to end violence in Buffalo. The event was sponsored by the recently formed Stop the Violence Coalition in response to the rising number of homicides in the city. (WBFO)
Consumer Protection Board Warns of Telemarketing Scam (2004-10-19)
The State Consumer Protection Board is warning Western New York consumers about a telemarketing scam involving government grants. (WBFO)
City Mission Launches $1.2 Million Fundraising Campaign (2004-10-19)
The City Mission kicked off a $1.2 million fundraising campaign Tuesday morning. (WBFO)
Sabres to Lay Off 25 Employees if Lock Out Continues (2004-10-19)
The NHL's labor dispute with its players could cost more than two dozen Buffalo Sabres employees their jobs. (WBFO)
Giambra Targets Library System for $18 Million Cut (2004-10-18)
Another budget bombshell from the Giambra administration. The budget office sent a letter to the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system Monday that its funding will be reduced by $18 million in the upcoming budget. (WBFO)
Jimmy Mac's Closes after Battling Smoking Ban (2004-10-18)
The owner of Jimmy Mac's has closed the popular Elmwood Avenue nightspot. (WBFO)
Wendt Foundation Provides $300,000 for Inner-City Hospice Center (2004-10-18)
The first Buffalo inner-city Hospice Center is a step closer to reality. The Center for Hospice and the St. John Baptist Church received $300,000 from the Wendt Foundation Monday. It represents a quarter of the project's total cost. (WBFO)
Pataki Sympathetic to Giambra's Anti-Medicaid Crusade (2004-10-18)
Erie County Executive Joel Giambra is finding a willing ally in Governor Pataki in his ongoing campaign for relief from soaring Medicaid costs. (WBFO)
Western New York Seniors Desperate for Flu Shots (2004-10-18)
A nationwide flu vaccine shortage has left some Western New York senior citizens in a desperate search for a flu shot. (WBFO)
Meals on Wheels Celebrates 35th Anniversary (2004-10-18)
Each year, Meals on Wheels of Buffalo and Erie serves up hundreds of meals. The organization is celebrating its 35th anniversary and has created a special fundraising event to commemorate its work. (WBFO)
John Simpson Installed as UB's 14th President (2004-10-16)
John Simpson officially received the title of University at Buffalo president Friday at his investiture ceremony on the North Campus. (WBFO)
Strike by Niagara Mohawk Employees Looms (2004-10-16)
With the contract covering 4,000 Niagara Mohawk workers set to expire after midnight, negotiators are expected to try once more Saturday to reach an accord and avoid a strike. (WBFO)
Customs Workers' Job Action Causing Peace Bridge Delays (2004-10-15)
Delays for trucks trying to enter the Peace Bridge spilled over onto city streets Thursday. (WBFO)
Pelosi Campaigns for Higgins (2004-10-15)
The hotly contested 27th congressional race continues to attract national attention. Thursday House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi was in Buffalo on the stump for Democratic candidate Brian Higgins. (WBFO)
Martin House Restoration Begins Reconstruction of Lost Buildings (2004-10-15)
The Martin House Restoration Corporation Thursday announced the start of the long awaited reconstruction of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece. (WBFO)
Roosevelt Expert to Discuss TR's Environmental Legacy (2004-10-15)
The conservation movement in this country began with Theodore Roosevelt 100 years ago. This Sunday, one of the nation's leading experts on conservation and forest management will be in Buffalo to discuss Roosevelt's legacy and the state of the conservation movement today. (WBFO)
County Legislator Seeks State Audit of County Finances (2004-10-14)
A local lawmaker is turning to Albany to help solve Erie County's financial troubles. County Legislator Mark Schroeder is calling for a New York State review of county finances by State Comptroller Alan Hevesi. (WBFO)
School Board Accepts Wilmers' Help in Superintendent Search (2004-10-14)
The Buffalo Board of Education has approved an offer by M & T Bank President Robert Wilmers to pay for a national search for a new superintendent for the city's struggling public school district. (WBFO)
Snow Plowing Payments to Erie County Towns May End (2004-10-14)
First it was the road patrols. Now road plowing in some Erie County cities, towns and villages faces the ax because of a county budget deficit. (WBFO)
Catholic School Students Do Well in State Tests (2004-10-14)
Students attending schools in the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo scored well on standardized English and Math tests administered by New York State. (WBFO)
Area Schools Try to Break Record for Reading Aloud (2004-10-14)
More than 100,000 students from 300 Western New York Schools all read the same poem, at the same time Wednesday. (WBFO)
Control Board Cites Progress Made in Its First Year (2004-10-13)
Members of the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority say they've made significant progress in their first year of overseeing the city in the wake of its fiscal crisis. (WBFO)
Higgins, Naples Debate Jobs, Taxes and War in Iraq (2004-10-13)
The two candidates for the 27th congressional district seat went head to head Tuesday night during a one hour debate at Medaille College. (WBFO)
Legislation Expands Federal Renewal Communities in Buffalo (2004-10-13)
Nationwide, there are 40 renewal communities. Four are right here in Western New York. And now new legislation to expand those communities could bring in more tax breaks to attract businesses and create jobs. (WBFO)
Sheriff Chides County Executive's Plan for Deputy Layoffs (2004-10-13)
Erie County Executive Joel Giambra and Sheriff Patrick Gallivan are at odds over a Giambra proposal to begin charging 16 towns and villages for the police services they receive from the Sheriff's Department. (WBFO)
Commentary: The Case Against Kerry (2004-10-13)
In recent weeks, WBFO News has aired several commentaries critical of President Bush. This morning, Dan Lenard -- in his monthly commentary, "Looking Outside the Box" -- explains why he thinks Democrat John Kerry is the wrong choice in the upcoming presidential election. (WBFO)
Local Candidate Featured on CNN Broadcast (2004-10-12)
A local congressional candidate was featured on C-N-N last night. Businessman Jack Davis appeared in a profile on the Lou Dobbs show. (WBFO)
Naples Promised Seat on House Transportation Committee (2004-10-11)
House Speaker Dennis Hastert is promising Republican congressional candidate Nancy Naples that he will appoint her to the House Transportation Committee if she is elected in next month's election. (WBFO)
Hoyt Provides $7,000 to Pride Center of Western New York (2004-10-11)
New York State provided a $7,000 grant Monday to the Pride Center of Western New York. The money will be used by the center for its ongoing programs that assist gays and lesbians in Western New York. (WBFO)
Commentary: The "FOG" Chronicles (2004-10-12)
Throughout the summer, we've heard from listener-commentator Richard Hubbard about his quest to run in the 26 mile Casino Niagara Marathon later this month. In what he's calling the "FOG Chronicles," Richard says preparing for a marathon is a group effort. (WBFO)
Women-Only Wells College Decides to Admit Men (2004-10-11)
It's been educating women only for 136 years. But now, a small women's college in Central New York has decided to admit men. (WBFO)
Recruiting New Young Voters (2004-10-11)
A new local non-partisan coalition says it is a myth that young people don't vote. (WBFO)
Regionlism Study for School Districts (2004-10-11)
It took some convincing. But all of Erie County's 29 public school districts agreed to participate in a regionalism study. (WBFO)
Buffalo's Auxiliary Bishop Meets with Pope (2004-10-11)
Buffalo's Auxiliary Bishop Edward Grosz is back from a week-long trip to the Vatican. (WBFO)
Erie County Feeling Pinch of Flu Vaccine Shortage (2004-10-08)
Erie County Health officials are trying to deal with a a nation-wide shortage of the flu vaccine. The county health department's supplier is Chiron Corporation. The company's license was suspended at its manufacturing plant in England due to contamination. (WBFO)
Buffalo Police Bust up Large Drug Ring (2004-10-08)
The FBI said it has dismantled a violent criminal drug ring operating in Buffalo. (WBFO)
Erie County Culturals to Take Hit from Budget Woes (2004-10-08)
Erie County's projected 130 million dollar budget deficit will likely mean sharp funding cuts for the region's cultural institutions. (WBFO)
Erie County Legislator Sues County Administration Over Budget (2004-10-08)
Erie County Legislator Al DeBenedetti said Thursday he has filed a lawsuit against Erie County Executive Joel Giambra, his budget director and the county comptroller for their failure to provide timely budget documents. (WBFO)
Erie County Feeling Pinch of Flu Vaccine Shortage (2004-10-08)
Erie County Health officials are trying to deal with a a nation-wide shortage of the flu vaccine. The county health department's supplier is Chiron Corporation. The company's license was suspended at its manufacturing plant in England due to contamination. (WBFO)
Spyo Gyra Comes Home to Buffalo (2004-10-08)
One of Buffalo's oldest and most successful music stories comes home tomorrow night. Contemporary jazz legend Spyro Gyra will celebrate its thirty year roots in Buffalo Saturday night at UB's Center for the Arts. WBFO's Joyce Kryszak caught up with founding member Jay Beckenstein fresh off the band's European tour and talked with him about the band's future and its past. (WBFO)
Drug Ring that Marketed to High School Students Is Busted (2004-10-07)
A marijuana ring passed out business cards and flyers at schools and painted its distribution houses bright blue to signal customers, according to authorities who spent Thursday rounding up suspected members, including the alleged ringleader and a city police detective. (WBFO)
Giambra Warns of Dire County Budget without Medicaid Relief (2004-10-07)
As the County Executive warns of a possible double digit property tax hike and asks unions to forego pay raises, he remains under attack for the use of county vehicles by his administration. (WBFO)
Math Tests Scores Up for Fourth and Eighth Grade Buffalo Schools Students (2004-10-07)
Buffalo school students in the fourth and eighth grades are doing better in math. (WBFO)
Univera Survey Finds Majority of Local Residents Overweight or Obese (2004-10-07)
More than half of upstate New Yorkers say they're physically active. But a new survey finds that well over a third are overweight. (WBFO)
Commentary: The Bush-Kerry Debate (2004-10-07)
Many viewers of last week's first presidential debate say Democratic challenger John Kerry was the clear winner. But commentator Walter Simpson said you wouldn't have known that by watching some of the post-debate coverage. (WBFO)
Local Reaction Mixed to Tuesday's Vice Presidential Debate (2004-10-06)
People around the country have a mixed reaction to Tuesday night's debate between Vice President Cheney and Senator John Edwards. Reaction is also mixed among Western New Yorkers. (WBFO)
Partnership Meeting Explores State Government Reforms (2004-10-06)
A bipartisan group of state legislators said Tuesday that both the State Senate and Assembly will enact significant reforms in the coming year. (WBFO)
Police Department Reviews Operations with Eye on Solving Murders (2004-10-05)
Buffalo Police Commissioner Rocco Diina says the department is going to re-examine the way it is solving murders. (WBFO)
Commentary: Gray Hair and Paint (2004-10-05)
For most of us, painting is a chore -- a necessary task if you own a home. But for our commentator Christina Abt, painting is a form of personal expression. (WBFO)
Pharmacists' Group Warns of Dangers of Foreign Drugs (2004-10-05)
A group representing pharmacists in New York launched a campaign Tuesday to increase public awareness about the dangers of buying prescription drugs on the Internet. (WBFO)
Grassroots Campaign Seeks 100,000 Signatures to Attract New Business (2004-10-05)
A grassroots effort is underway in the Buffalo Niagara region to collect 100,000 signatures -- all with the intent of convincing out-of-town companies to locate here. (WBFO)
Giambra Presses Ahead for Sales Tax Increase (2004-10-05)
Erie County Executive Joel Giambra says he doesn't believe his request for a sales tax increase is "dead in the water" just yet. (WBFO)
High Marks for City-County Parks Merger (2004-10-05)
The parks merger between Erie County and City of Buffalo is being called a success. The county says consolidating parks services three months ago is working. (WBFO)
UB Suspends Three Soccer Players for Alleged Hazing (2004-10-05)
The University at Buffalo has suspended three soccer players following a hazing episode that put a freshman player in the hospital. (WBFO)
Commentary: "Incurious George and the Wonderful New Suit" (2004-10-05)
This year's presidential campaign is generating strong opinions on both sides. This morning, listener-commentator Gary Earl Ross, who's known for his works of fiction, spins us a tale to let us know where he stands. (WBFO)
Edwards Visits Chautauqua Farm, Says Debate Prep Going Well (2004-10-04)
Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards took time out from "debate camp" at the Chautauqua Institution Sunday. (WBFO)
Golisano Steps Down as Paychex President (2004-10-04)
Thomas Golisano, who turned his Rochester-area business into the nation's largest payroll services provider, is stepping down as CEO and president of the company he founded. (WBFO)
Women Making Progress in Board Service (2004-10-04)
Women are making gradual inroads onto some of Erie County's most influential not-for profit boards. The county's Commission on the Status of Women has released its report on the gender distribution among boards of directors in the public and private sector. (WBFO)
Buffalo Receives Homeland Security Funding for Training (2004-10-04)
Two members of the New York's congressional delegation are addressing homeland security issues. (WBFO)
October 2004 Almanac (2004-10-04)
The October Almanac continues the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. October is known as "Computer Learning Month," "Diversity Awareness Month," "National Pasta Month" and "National Car Care Month." (WBFO)
FBI Announces $20,000 Reward in Case of Missing Woman (2004-10-01)
The FBI Friday created a $20,000 reward in connection with the disappearance of Yolanda Bindics of Jamestown. She's been missing since leaving her job at a Family Dollar Store on the evening of August 10th. (WBFO)
Four Million Dollar Improvement Plan for Peace Bridge Plaza and Surrounding Neighborhood (2004-10-01)
Mayor Masiello and members of the Peace Bridge Authority announced plans Friday to improve the Peace Bridge plaza and surrounding West Side neighborhoods. (WBFO)
Zoo Hopes for Busy Fall after Rainy Summer (2004-10-01)
After a dismal summer of rainy weather, the Buffalo Zoo is looking forward to an attendance spike this Fall. It has a great deal of exciting news and events on the horizon. (WBFO)
Environmentalists Say Dangerous Toxins Are Found in Dust in the Home (2004-10-01)
An environmental advocacy group is taking its latest clean-up effort inside. The Citizens Environmental Coalition Thursday collected common household dust from a Williamsville home to test it for the presence of toxins. (WBFO)
Are the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox Cursed? (2004-10-01)
This is the last weekend of baseball's regular season. And the two teams that continue to break their fans hearts are hoping this will be the year they win it all. (WBFO)
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