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(WNY News Now) In order to become tobacco-free, Bruce G., 68, of Lewiston, called the New York State Quitline. His message is one of encouragement and hope for anyone wishing to stop smoking in 2025. January 2, 2025Anyone who wants to stop smoking should, in my opinion, understand why they are quitting. The birth of my granddaughter served as the impetus for me to quit smoking.These are the wise words of Bruce G. (pictured), 68, of Lewiston, Western New York, who has been tobacco-free for six months with the help of the New York State Quitline (NY Quitline). In 2025 and beyond, Bruce hopes his experience will encourage others to live a tobacco-free lifestyle.Bruce recalls how society was very different in his early years. He remembers that cigarettes were accessible everywhere and that ...

Testing of the outdoor warning sirens near the Catawba and McGuire nuclear plants is scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For five to thirty seconds, the 89 sirens within ten miles of the Catawba Nuclear Station in York, South Carolina, and the 67 sirens within ten miles of the McGuire Nuclear Station in Huntersville, North Carolina, will sound. Some sirens may need to be tested more than once to be sure they are operating correctly. After 1 p.m., siren maintenance may necessitate follow-up testing. The testing is conducted in collaboration with emergency management personnel who are in charge of sounding the sirens in York County, South Carolina, and Catawba, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg counties in North Carolina. Local broadcasting stations will ...

Everybody has dreams. You may have grown up dreaming of becoming a police officer, firefighter, or construction worker. Those uniforms and large trucks have a certain appeal, don't they? This is typical. We believe that we will probably follow certain things in one way or another because we are drawn to them. Some of us wind up where we imagined we would be when we were ten years old. The majority of us don't. Our journey takes unexpected turns when life takes control. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; it's just not what we were expecting. He's exactly where Emmanuel McCord expected to be. Emmanuel (or Manny), who was born in Rock Hill and grew up in Indian Land, had a natural affinity for the arts. Manny started modeling soon after working at Hollister in the Carolina Place mall during ...

(WNY News Now) With an emphasis on mental health, substance use, suicide prevention, and grieving, the 10th annual Hope and Healing Conference in Fredonia, New York, promises to be a day of inspiration and information exchange. New York's FREDONIA. Make sure to mark Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 8 AM to 5 PM on your calendars for the Hope and Healing Conference 2025. The State University of New York, Fredonia campus will host the event once again. As we examine important subjects in mental health, substance use, suicide, and grieving, this full-day event, which is commemorating its tenth year, promises to be a historic meeting of professionals, community members, and change makers. The planning committee is excited to provide an Early Registration Discount in recognition of this uniqu...

(WNY News Now) In an effort to provide survivors of sexual assault and harassment with financial support as they pursue justice, new bipartisan legislation aims to eliminate their tax burden. Washington, D.C.The Tax Fairness for Survivors Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill introduced by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Marsha Blackburn, would eliminate the federal tax penalty on settlements, awards, and judgments made to survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment. Payments for damages resulting from emotional and physical harm in physical injury cases are currently free from taxes. However, unless the survivor can demonstrate that they suffered physical harm during the encounter, such as bruises or broken bones, payouts from sexual harassment and sexual assault lawsuits are taxed...

(WNY News Now) By installing AEDs on its buses, the Allegany-Limestone School District in New York State creates a new benchmark for student safety. New York's AlleganyTo observe the automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in the district's school buses up close, New York State Senator George Borrello stopped by the Allegany-Limestone Central School District bus garage. In New York State, this is the first project of its sort. In order to handle potential medical crises, particularly during lengthy rural bus routes or sporting trips, Allegany-Limestone Central School District Transportation Supervisor Curtis Peters had the idea two years ago to outfit all district buses and vans with AEDs. Peters acknowledged the urgent need, pointing out that ambulance response times in the rural parts o...

(WNY News Now) A faculty member and former vice president is honored for more than 40 years of service. JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – SUNY Jamestown Community campus recently dedicated a bench to former faculty member and administrator Marilyn Zagora in honor of her more than 40 years of service to the campus. In the Hamilton Collegiate Center foyer, the name-engraved wooden bench was unveiled during a school celebration honoring Zagora, who resigned this past summer after serving as vice president of Academic Affairs since 2007. Zagora has held numerous leadership positions at the college over the last few decades, including division chair for Human Development and Educational Services, dean of Student Affairs, dean of Student Development and Marketing, and ad hoc associate dean of Instruction. Befor...

(WNY News Now) Although the drought status has been upgraded and limitations in NYC and 10 counties have been loosened, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) continues to advise citizens to practice water conservation. An update on drought conditions around the state was released today by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Due to recent rains and increased ground and surface water levels, the State's Drought Management Task Force changed the drought status for New York City and ten other counties from Drought Warning to Drought Watch. The 62 counties that make up New York are currently under Drought Watch. New Yorkers are encouraged to keep cutting back on wasteful water use, repairing leaks, and selecting energy-efficient fixtu...

(WNY News Now) The grants are intended to increase urban tree coverage throughout the state, strengthen climate resilience, and boost public health.Today, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that $15 million is now available for the creation, restoration, and expansion of urban forested natural areas under the new Community Reforestation (CoRe) Grant Program. The funds support Governor Hochul's 2024 State of the State 25 Million Trees Initiative, which aims to acknowledge the value of trees and forests for community health and climate resilience. A $15 million provision for competitive grants promoting resilient reforestation was part of the State of the State promise.By lowering temperatures, minimizing exposure to air pollution, enhancing public he...

Children in the neighborhood have the wonderful chance to send Santa Claus their wish lists as the Christmas season draws near. Your children can share their holiday fantasies with the man in the red suit at the following local drop-off locations: Tega Cay Location: Tega Cay City Hall Address: 7725 Tega Cay Drive Dates: Now through December 13th Mail Option: Families can also mail letters to the following address: Santa Letters C/O Tega Cay City Hall 7725 Tega Cay Drive, Tega Cay, SC 29708 or email [email protected] Fort Mill Location: Fort Mill Town Hall Lobby Address: 200 Tom Hall Street Dates and Times: Now through December 20th, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Encourage your youngster to compose their letter to Santa to make this holiday season one to remember. Remember to con...