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New Rules Simplify Military Base Access for Eligible Veterans and Caregivers

21Nov

By Grace ThompsonNo Comments

News

New Rules Simplify Military Base Access for Eligible Veterans and Caregivers

More than 4 million qualified veterans and their caregivers can now access military bases more easily thanks to new processes put in place by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs as of November 1, 2024. These people can now sign up for recurring access, which makes future visits easier. Previously, they had trouble accessing installations to use services like commissaries, exchanges, and some Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities. Who Is Involved? Purple Heart recipients, former POWs, eligible caregivers, and veterans with VA-documented service-connected disability ratings between 0% and 90% are the main beneficiaries of the policy. Although base access was already available to veterans with 100% service-connected disability, this extension, which was started in 2020,...

21Nov

By Grace ThompsonNo Comments

Arts & Music

Rising Stars of Classical Music Shine at Free Recital in Fredonia Opera House

(WNY News Now) On Thursday, November 21, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House will host a free presentation featuring the upcoming class of classical performers from SUNY Fredonia's School of Music.On Thursday, Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m., the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center will host a unique free performance that will showcase some of the most gifted student musicians from the State University of New York at Fredonia's School of Music.The performance is a part of a concert initiative that the Ekstasis Duo devised and is presented in collaboration with Eliran Avni and Natasha Farny. The concerts, which take place in the Opera House's cozy and intimate setting, showcase the future generation of classical performers performing both solo and in chamber ensemble.The program aims to improve...

York County Council Tackles Zoning Reforms, Approves Infrastructure Plans, and Highlights Community Initiatives at November 18th Meeting

21Nov

By Grace ThompsonNo Comments

Government

York County Council Tackles Zoning Reforms, Approves Infrastructure Plans, and Highlights Community Initiatives at November 18th Meeting

On November 18, 2024, the York County Council met regularly and discussed a variety of community-affecting topics, including zoning changes, infrastructure upgrades, youth recognition, and animal welfare issues. The meeting's highlights included endorsing a resolution regarding the recently passed 1% sales tax vote, honoring 4-H youth for their contributions, and having lively discussions over property rights and rural zoning laws. During the public discussion, the Council also heard from locals on issues ranging from support for local parks and animal shelter improvements to industrial zoning concerns. Invocation and Formalities: The meeting began with an invocation by Councilmember Debbie Cloninger, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Cloninger reflected on the upcoming Thanksgiving h...

Buffalo Man Faces Federal Indictment for Selling Fentanyl Linked to Two Fatal Overdoses

21Nov

By Grace ThompsonNo Comments

Arraignment

Buffalo Man Faces Federal Indictment for Selling Fentanyl Linked to Two Fatal Overdoses

(WNY News Now)Buffalo, New York.Rashaun Crule, 30, of Buffalo, New York, has been charged by a federal grand jury with conspiracy to distribute narcotics and distribution of fentanyl that results in death. There is a mandatory minimum punishment of 20 years and a potential sentence of life in prison if found guilty of the allegations, which are related to the deaths of two people in February 2023.According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, Crule allegedly gave a substance to victims M.M. and B.Y. in Amherst, New York, posing as cocaine. The material was identified by investigators as pure fentanyl. After consuming it, both victims overdosed right away, and it took several days for their bodies to be found.After the incident, Crule erased messages with one of the victims, accord...

21Nov

By Grace ThompsonNo Comments

Audubon

Join Audubon’s Thanksgiving with the Birds: A Tradition of Gratitude and Nature

(WNY Now News) In the midst of the splendor of nature, Audubon Community Nature Center will commemorate its longstanding Thanksgiving tradition this Saturday, November 23, with a feast and family-friendly program.Thanksgiving with the Birds is a longstanding Audubon tradition that dates back to the Audubon Community Nature Center's foundation, and it includes turkey, gravy, and drinks. This year's communal Thanksgiving dinner, which is held on Saturday, November 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., is a team effort.In the early days of the gathering, Audubon's resilient founders brought lawn chairs, prepared soup in an outside pot, and enjoyed their Thanksgiving meal outside in the crisp, often snowy air surrounded by birds and trees. In addition to the optional soup (broth-based, preferably;...

Durhamville Fire Department Treasurer Charged with $92,000 Theft

21Nov

By Grace ThompsonNo Comments

Arrests

Durhamville Fire Department Treasurer Charged with $92,000 Theft

(WNY News Now) The former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department was arrested after a seven-year conspiracy of alleged financial malfeasance shocked the department.New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and the New York State Police said Tuesday that Kimberly Simchik, a former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department, had been arrested for allegedly stealing more than $92,000 from the Department over a seven-year period.According to DiNapoli, Ms. Simchik betrayed the confidence of her community by allegedly using Fire Department monies for her personal amusement. Fighting fraud and safeguarding public funds are top priorities for my office. I am grateful to my office and the New York State Police for working together to hold her responsible."Ms. Simchik's arrest sends a...

21Nov

By Grace ThompsonNo Comments

Charity

United Way of Chautauqua County Hits Midway Point in Historic 2024 Fundraising Drive

The United Way of Chautauqua County is nearing the halfway point of its 2024 fundraising drive, and community assistance is still essential to achieving the $1.8 million target that will support essential local programs (WNY News Now).The United Ways of Chautauqua County (UWCC) is currently halfway through its 2024 Fundraising Campaign and is mobilizing community support to meet this year's lofty $1.8 million goal, all of which will stay local and be used to support meaningful initiatives in the county. As the first countywide campaign of the recently combined United Ways of Chautauqua County, the 2024 Fundraising Campaign is historic with an emphasis on growing community impact in the years to come.UWCC employees have been working diligently since the campaign began in September to showca...

21Nov

By Grace ThompsonNo Comments

Chamber of Commerce

Poll Reveals Chambers of Commerce as Cornerstones of Local Economies and Business Success

(WNY News Now) According to a recent national poll, chambers of commerce play a critical role in addressing neighborhood issues, promoting corporate expansion, and strengthening local economies.Chambers of commerce are essential to the prosperity of their communities, according to the findings of a national public opinion survey. 81% of American people concur that their local chamber of commerce is a reliable source and business partner, according to a Harris Poll poll done on behalf of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). Approximately 90% of people believe that their local chamber has an effect on boosting the local economy and resolving issues in their community (88%).According to Sheree Anne Kelly, president and CEO of ACCE, the poll's results demonstrate the vit...

City of Lockport 2025 Budget Review: Balancing Finances and Future Needs

21Nov

By Grace ThompsonNo Comments

Comptroller

City of Lockport 2025 Budget Review: Balancing Finances and Future Needs

(WNY News Now) The projected budget for Lockport for 2025 is being examined, and the main conclusions point to areas for adjustment and economic discipline.Lockport, New York The accuracy and viability of the City of Lockport's planned 2025 budget have been examined. Significant revenue and expenditure predictions seem feasible, according to the independent assessment of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, indicating that the city is on a stable financial path heading into the upcoming fiscal year.The study states that suggested overtime allocations for 2025 are deemed appropriate and that the city's fire department is expected to adhere to its 2024 overtime budget. In October 2024, the Common Council made a significant change by amending the 2024 budget to include $156,073 ...

21Nov

By Grace ThompsonNo Comments

Buffalo

Gillibrand Launches Cyber Service Academy at UB to Combat National Security Threats

(WNY News Now) Through her new Cyber Service Academy scholarship program, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is giving University at Buffalo students the opportunity to pursue in-demand cybersecurity employment.AMHERST, N.Y.—In support of the DoD Cyber Service Academy scholarship program, which offers full college tuition in exchange for public service in the Department of Defense (DoD) or the Intelligence Community (IC), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined educators and elected officials to encourage University at Buffalo students to apply. For each year of their scholarship, successful applicants will work as civilian employees for one year in the DoD or the IC.As one of 24 New York universities designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, the University at Buf...