Niagara County

Update 2: DMV offices closed for the day as state system will not be back up and running today.

Update: The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) system is down. As such, no transactions can be processed and our local DMV offices at this time.

Link to county directory: https://www.niagaracounty.com/government/county_information/about_niagara_county___directory_of_officials.php

The Niagara County tax foreclosure real estate auction, run by Auctions International, is now open. This online-only auction runs through July 31. Click here to view properties and register to bid:
https://www.auctionsinternational.com/auction/niagara-county-tax-foreclosed-real-estate-auction-38192-38192

From Niagara County Legislature Chairman Becky Wydysh: “A few years ago, in my State of the County Address, I mentioned the importance of the different trail systems in Niagara County and the efforts to find connection points between them. Now the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council (GBNRTC) is conducting a study examining the feasibility of filling in gaps in the trail network between the City of North Tonawanda and the City of Lockport, and connecting through the towns of Pendleton, Wheatfield, and Lockport. As part of that study, they are conducting a community survey. Below is a link to more information about the plan and to the survey. For those interested, please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share this information.”

https://gobikebuffalo.org/project/niagara-communities-joint-trail-feasibility-study/

Attention Niagara County businesses:

The Niagara County Center for Economic Development is excited to launch the 2024 Niagara County Business Survey. In less than five minutes, you have the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on your business needs. This information will help shape our programming and business outreach efforts throughout the community. Whether you are a part of a large manufacturing facility that has been operating for decades, a retail or agribusiness operation, or a newly opened small business, we want to hear from you.

Your responses will remain confidential, and will only be used for economic development purposes in aggregate form.

Click here to get started: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/UG93Iyw?source_id=73942591-020c-4b89-bee1-bef857d74cd6&source_type=em&c=-XnekVDjkzqcnqtWRpOygyBLQkrOUrVfJNnVfTVXW-rR6jN2s-1luQ==

Free, Family-focused Fun at Niagara County’s Fresh Air Fridays

The Niagara County Department of Health, in partnership with P3 Center for Teens, Moms and Kids and the Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Coalition, are excited to share our Fresh Air Friday program. From July 5 until August 30, we will be at various parks around Niagara County every Friday from 1 PM – 3 PM. Each week will feature a different theme with free, family friendly activities, snacks and prizes. Community partners will be onsite with resources and information for families including childhood development, childhood immunizations, lead prevention, child safety and much more.

Janice Jenosheck, Director of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs states, “There are so many benefits to playing and being outside, in a world where we all spend a lot of time in front of screens. Knowing that we also have the opportunity to share important developmental and health information with our residents makes these events even more unique and exciting.”

“Play is an essential tool for learning. Fresh Air Fridays will provide opportunities for play by bringing families together in public outdoor spaces throughout the summer,” comments Eileen Kineke, Director of Perinatal and Infant Community Health at P3 Center.

Come join us this summer for fresh air and sunshine, as well as health information, vaccinations, and more!

Schedule of events and themes:
• July 5- “How We Grow”
o Schoellkopf Park- 650 Portage Road, Niagara Falls NY 14301

• July 12- “Magic of Your Imagination”
o Krull Park- 6108 E. Lake Road, Olcott NY 14216

• July 19- “Chalk and Art Festival”
o Canal Street Gazebo- 69 Canal Street, Lockport NY 14094

• July 26- “Move Through Your Senses”
o North Tonawanda Library- 505 Meadow Drive, North Tonawanda NY 14120

• August 2- “WIC Event”
o 3200 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls 14304

• August 9- “Discovering Waterways”
o Oppenheim Park- 2713 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Niagara Falls
NY 14304

• August 16- “Move and Connect”
o Pendleton Park- 6570 Campbell Boulevard, Lockport NY 14094

• August 23- “Being a Team Player”
o Kenan Center- 433 Locust Street, Lockport NY 14094

• August 30- “Magic of Your Imagination”
o Artpark- 450 S. 4th Street, Lewiston NY 14092

Niagara's WorkSourceOne Releases July Calendar of Events

Niagara's WorkSourceOne provides employment, re-employment and recruitment assistance for Niagara County residents. Below is their calendar of events for July and key information on who to contact about their programs. Learn more at https://www.worksource1.com/

Niagara County Legislator Andres Announces Details for Kids Parade

Niagara County Legislator Rich Andres today announced the details for the Fourth of July “Kids Parade” that will take place this Thursday in North Tonawanda. The annual event will step off at 10:30 from Pine Woods Park (Niagara and Thompson Streets) and head west on Thompson St. The route will end at the Herschel Carousel Museum, 180 Thompson St., North Tonawanda. The entire event runs from 10:30-Noon. All are welcome to participate.

At the museum, kids will enjoy rides in Kiddieland and ice cream will be served. Kids are encouraged to decorate their bikes, wagons, strollers and so on, and wear their most patriotic outfits to celebrate America’s Birthday.

“The Kids Parade represents a great slice of Americana and is a tremendous way for families to kick-off their 4th of July festivities,” said Andres, who organizes the parade. “I always love to see the creativity of the kids in decorating their bikes in red, white and blue, and how excited they are to show them off.

North Tonawanda Council President Frank DiBernardo added, “This wholesome, family friendly event is what North Tonawanda is all about. I’m looking forward to another great turnout from our residents.”

The “Grand Marshall” of this year’s parade will be 100 year old WWII Veteran William “Bill” Gosch, a lifelong resident of North Tonawanda.

“This community is really a special place, and it’s so nice to see the kids having fun,” Gosch said. “To be young again…I’d love to be riding a bike right along with them celebrating Independence Day.”

Reminder, that the Connect Niagara bus service is free this week for all riders. Learn more at www.niagaracounty.com/bus. The service is not available on July 4th.

Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti announced that the Corrections Division of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office has achieved re-accreditation from the New York State Sheriff’s Association.

Connect Niagara Bus Service to Waive Bus Fares for Week of July 1st
Service Does Not Operate on the 4th of July

Connect Niagara – the bus service operated by the Niagara County Department of Public Works (DPW) – will allow all riders to ride for free the week of July 1st. The bus service does not operate on the 4th of July holiday.

“We want our residents to see how convenient this service is to get anywhere in our region, especially with our free transfers to other Connect Niagara routes, NFTA buses and tourism shuttles,” said Garret Meal, Commissioner of DPW. “So we are waving bus fares next week to encourage people to give it a try.”

Connect Niagara – formerly known as Rural Transportation – operates five different routes across Niagara County. Residents can catch the bus at one of the stops, call ahead for a pickup, or flag a bus down to hop on. Connect Niagara will deviate up to three quarters of mile for those who schedule ahead. The regular fare is $2.00 on route and $4.00 off route. To learn more about Connect Niagara and to view the bus schedule go to www.niagaracounty.com/bus. To schedule a pickup, call (716) 282-8544.

“If you are regular user of the service, I encourage you to review the schedule as we have made a few tweaks as we continue to try to adjust to our ridership,” said Meal. “If you are new to the service, I think you will be surprised at how extensive the service is. This is truly a hidden gem in our transportation system.”

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The Niagara County Youth Bureau is sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) again in 2024 and is pleased to announce the open program site locations.
Free meals will be served Monday thru Friday at the following sites in Niagara County, with the exception of Thursday, July 4th holiday.
Lockport
Altro Park, Outwater Park
(7-1 – 8/16- Breakfast 9:30-10:15am / Lunch 12:30-1:15pm)
Lockport Salvation Army
(7/8 - 8/23 – Breakfast 9:00-10:00am / Lunch 11:30am-12:30pm)

Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Public Library
(7/1 – 8/16 - Lunch 12:00-1:00pm)
Packard Court Community Center
(7/8 - 8/9 – Breakfast 9:00-9:30AM / Lunch 12:00-12:30PM)
Niagara Falls Salvation Army
(7/1 – 8/8 - Lunch 12:00 -12:30PM – Closed Fridays)

North Tonawanda
Payne Park
(7/1 - 8/16 – Lunch 12:00-1:00PM)

Gasport
Veterans Park
(7/8 – 8/8 – Lunch 12:00 -12:30pm

Free meals will also be served at the following locations in Erie County:
Kenmore/Tonawanda
Sheridan Parkside Community Center, Lincoln Park
(7/1 – 8/23 - Lunch 11:00 - 1:00pm)

This program ensures that children who are economically disadvantaged continue to receive nutritious meals during summer vacation. Meals are comparable to the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs throughout the school year. The Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded program that provides free meals to all children at approved SFSP sites. Sites are located within areas that have significant concentrations of low-income children. Meals are provided to children age 18 and under. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service.

Want to find the site closest to you? Text “Food” to 304-304 to find out.
Contact Benjamin Bunker or Rodney Alaimo for further information, including specific dates and times of site operation. at 278-6873.

“In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, s*x, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any
program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: [email protected].

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Niagara County Employment and Training's quarterly newsletter has just been released. In this edition, you can read about upcoming career fairs, the joint effort of our Youth Department and local community organizations to provide free bicycles to the young people taking part in our programs, and the free services available to assist local businesses with finding suitable applicants to fill job openings.

If you would prefer to read this as a PDF, click here:https://cms5.revize.com/revize/niagaracounty/Document_center/News/NCETNewsJune2024.pdf

From the Governor's Office: Free Admission to All State Park Locations on Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday, June 20 To Help New Yorkers Beat the Heat at Beaches and Pools

Read full story here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-free-admission-state-park-sites-during-weeks-heat-wave

Latest on cooling centers from Niagara County Emergency Services

For more information on extreme heat and available resources, click here: https://cms5.revize.com/revize/niagaracounty/departments/m-r/public_health_preparedness/new_page.php

If you or someone you know is looking for a place to escape the heat, please visit the link for a map of Niagara County Cooling Centers. Please note the days and hours of operation at each location. This map will be updated as our office is informed of additional openings.

https://gis.niagaracounty.com/portal/apps/View/index.html?appid=f29495ac7f5d4d3f80ab997c96070153

This is the National Weather Service heat map for Wednesday in our area. The heat risk is considered extreme. Please take all necessary precautions.

To view the map yourself and to check out other days this week, click here: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/

Happy Flag Day.

From Legislator Shawn Foti: "I sent a letter to the NYS Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) several weeks ago demanding they follow state law, and reject the section of the proposed solar project in Somerset that will gobble up prime farmland. I have not received any response to that letter and Tuesday's public hearing does not give me any confidence that they are listening. It felt like ORES is going through the motions and is going to rubberstamp this project in violation of state law. It's time Governor Hochul steps in and demands that the requirement to protect farmland be honored."

Proposed Somerset solar farm draws criticism during public hearing Those who live near the proposed 125MW solar farm are questioning why prime farmland is being used instead of the property of the former coal-fired power plant.

Lockport DMV Office Will Be Open During Roadwork, Street Parking Not Available

Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski said that, beginning tomorrow, the City of Lockport will be milling and paving Market and Elm streets near the Lockport Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office located at 111 Main Street. Street parking will be not be available during this time. Parking will be available in the city lot behind the post office.

Niagara County Department of Health and Partners to Host FREE Nutrition Literacy and Community Resource Workshop

The Niagara County Department of Health (NCDOH) in collaboration with Daphany's Fabulous Objective Weekly Workshops (DFOWW Incorporated) and the Niagara Falls School District will host a Nutrition Literacy and Community Resource Workshop on Thursday July 25, 2024 from 10am – 3pm at the Niagara Falls High School (4455 Porter Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14305). This event is FREE, open to the public and includes a healthy, catered lunch from Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Other co-sponsors include: Bob Evans Restaurant, DiCamillo Bakery, Home Depot, Nike, Papa John’s Pizza, Tim Hortons, and Tops Friendly Markets.

“Nutrition literacy, or food literacy, is important because it helps people make informed decisions about their food choices and eating habits that can improve their health and well-being,” said Daniel J. Stapleton, Public Health Director for Niagara County. Almost 10% of individuals aged 18 years and older in Niagara County have diabetes; 74% of these individuals have Type 2 Diabetes. “Following a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do to help control diabetes,” added Stapleton.

It is also very important to connect individuals and families with children to available food and nutrition community resources which can be essential in helping people access assistance and expand their range of outlets of support to meet their needs. In Niagara County, approximately 10% of residents experience food insecurity, which means they don’t have enough to eat or don’t know where their next meal will come from. Food insecurity is even higher in some demographic groups including Black individuals (21%), Latino/Hispanic (20%) and individuals less than 18 years of age (13%). Approximately 15.0 % of households receive SNAP (food stamps) benefits. Additionally, 49 % of students enrolled in public schools during 2021-2022 were eligible to receive free or reduced price lunches. “The presence of food insecurity is very high among students and families within our district,” commented Mark Laurrie, Superintendent for Niagara Falls City School District. “We are excited to partner with the NCDOH and DFOWW to present this much needed information.”

The workshop will feature presentations on food literacy, healthy meal preparation, meal budgeting, label reading, diabetes information and much more. There will be a variety of vendors attending and presenting from nonprofit organizations, local entrepreneurs, and community leaders, providing information along with free resources for those in need. Additionally, the event will feature blood pressure screening, fun activities for children, and free giveaways.

Registration is required for participation and may be completed by visiting: https://dfoww.org/nutrition-literacy-and-community-resource-workshop-registration-form/, scanning the QR code on the flyer, or contacting DFOWW at (678) 977-9703.

"Big game hunting by rifle" legislation passes Senate and Assembly, sent to Governor Hochul for signature.

Welcome to Niagara County, Dr. Holmes.

We’re pleased to introduce Dr. Lloyd A. Holmes as the eighth president of SUNY Niagara, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Holmes brings a wealth of experience and leadership in higher education to SUNY Niagara, and we’re excited for the bright future ahead under his guidance.

“I am honored to have been selected as the next president of SUNY Niagara,” said Dr. Holmes. “I look forward to partnering with the SUNY Niagara faculty, staff, and students as well as the community to build on the successes this great institution has experienced over the years. Our future continues to be bright, and the best of our story is yet to be told.”

Welcome, Dr. Holmes!

Niagara County Legislator Rich Andres, pictured below delivering the annual Economic Development Address, wrote a guest view that appeared in today's Niagara Gazette on economic development and the need to keep decision-making local. Below is that guest view.

As the Chairman of the Niagara County Legislature’s Economic Development Committee, I have the pleasure each year to deliver the Economic Development Address. The purpose of this address is cover the gamut of the programs we offer, look at how they performed and adjust our strategy as needed moving forward. In other words, it’s a great opportunity to ask “how are we doing?”

My answer to that question is that these are exciting times in Niagara County. There are major projects going on and a host of smaller investments that are often the bedrock of any community. I commend the great work being done by our team at the Center for Economic Development – comprised of the county Department of Economic Development and our Industrial Development Agency.

The Amazon project is certainly the biggest project going on and yet, I still think the public does not know the significance of this investment. This is a $550 million investment to build a 3.1 million square foot warehouse and will create 1000 jobs. Just for comparison purposes, the Tesla Plant in Buffalo, which was a very significant investment for the region, is 1.2 million square feet, less than half the size of Amazon. One of the biggest draws for Amazon to our community was the fact that the site they wanted was already certified as “shovel-ready.” Our economic development team had the foresight a decade ago, to get the site ready to go so that any interested developer knew that would be able to quickly get shovel in the ground – well, as quickly as you can given the size and scope of the project.

As work on Amazon moves along, another great project was just announced – Niagara Falls-based Niacet Corp. will be investing $50 million in their plant to enhance their semiconductor manufacturing supply chain. The great news here is that Niacet used to be locally-owned and operated,, but is now owned by international firm the Kerry Group out of Ireland. Kerry has facilities across the globe and could have made this investment almost anywhere. But what we could offer – a highly-trained workforce, low-cost hydropower and other incentives from the IDA and New York State – carried the day.

It is clear Niagara County can compete for the big projects, but so much of what we do is supporting our local businesses and helping them grow. After the success of our first Façade Program of matching grants, which helped nearly 200 businesses and unleashed more than $10 million in capital investment, we just conducted a second round of grants, helping 150 businesses and creating $8 million investment. This year, we also launched the Niagara County Production Program that will provide matching grants up to $50,000 to manufacturers for the purchase of equipment and machinery. In manufacturing you need to be constantly investing in your production lines to stay competitive, so this is our approach to help our manufactures retain and create jobs.

This just scratches the surface of what we are working on in economic development, but the progress is undeniable. Yet, there are some state policymakers who want to centralize economic development by eliminating local IDAs in favor of regional entities. This is a terrible idea. Local communities should be the lead in determining the type of projects they want in their community.

First, we are best positioned to decide the future of our development, what projects are worth incentivizing and how we want to grow. That voice should never be taken away. Second, smaller counties like Niagara would undoubtedly be placed on the backburner, with larger counties attempting to direct major investments within in their borders. Is it hard to imagine a regional IDA dominated by Erie County acting solely in their own self-interest? And last, simply put, does anyone in Niagara County want Erie County politicians making decisions for us?

With our natural resources, geographic location and a business-friendly approach to development, Niagara County is poised for continued growth. We believe in partnering with other agencies at the state and federal level, as collaboration is often key to getting projects across the finish line. But we will never support or take part in any effort that dilutes the voice, input and decision-making authority of our community.

Niagara County Clerk Joe Jastrzemski has a few reminders about vehicle registrations. "We receive many inquiries from people who realized their vehicle registration was expired, but never received a reminder in the mail from the New York State DMV. The state DMV stopped mailing out those reminders several years ago. Instead, you can sign up to get email and/or text reminders."

To sign up, visit https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/get-email-andor-text-reminders.

Also, in the news story below, Jastrzemski also discusses how your local DMV office can help you if you're renewed your registration online, yet for whatever reason, it does not arrive in the mail by the time your temporary expires.

County clerks eager to help with any delay in vehicle registrations The State DMV is looking to help those who are experiencing delays in vehicle registrations.

Niagara County Added to Iroquois Job Corps Center Recruiting Zone

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney today announced that Niagara County has been added to the Iroquois Job Corps Center’s recruiting zone. Tenney has been a champion of the Job Corps program and the Iroquois Job Corps Center and relentlessly fought to restore full funding to the program as part of the FY24 appropriations cycle.

In June, Congresswoman Tenney spoke with officials from the Department of Labor, urging them to move Niagara County into the Iroquois Job Corps Center’s recruiting zone, and just last month, Tenney was recognized as a Job Corps Champion by the National Job Corps Association.

“I am thrilled that after tirelessly advocating for its inclusion, Niagara County was added to the Iroquois Job Corps Center’s recruiting zone,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This will allow the Iroquois Job Corps Center to help Niagara County students learn critical trades, such as bricklaying, carpentry, and electrical work. I will continue fighting for the Job Corps program and oppose efforts to eliminate their funding. The Job Corps program has helped countless individuals in NY-24 and the nation live fruitful and productive lives through skills and trades. I am grateful to have a Job Corps Center in our district and thank all the wonderful staff at the Iroquois Job Corps Center for their tremendous work.”

“The Iroquois Job Corps Center fully supports this updated and additional Niagara area in western New York for the Center to directly recruit and enroll students from, and to forge expanded partnerships with secondary and post-secondary providers as well as employer partnerships,” said Dennis Essom, Center Director, Iroquois Job Corps Center. “The Iroquois Center appreciates both the National and Boston Regional Offices of Job Corps for revising the National Enrollee Assignment Plan to include this expanded recruitment zone for the Iroquois Center.”

“The National Job Corps Association is thrilled to learn that Niagara County will now be part of the updated recruitment zone for the Iroquois Job Corps campus in Medina, thanks to Congresswoman Tenney’s advocacy on behalf of the campus and her community,” said Donna Hay, President and CEO, National Job Corps Association. “This change will ensure Iroquois can continue to serve hundreds of deserving young New Yorkers and local businesses in Niagara County. We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Tenney for her longstanding support of Iroquois Job Corps and its students and staff.”

“Niagara County is excited to re-establish working ties with Iroquois Job Corps. Logistically, this territory shift makes sense as their location is much closer for Niagara County residents to take advantage of the many different programs that they provide,” said Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey. “I would like to thank Congresswoman Tenney for her hard work to make this happen. The Iroquois Job Corps offers excellent opportunities for our local youth to gain life-changing skills which are so needed in today’s work environment. Qualified individuals can earn a high school diploma or equivalent at the same time they are learning the skills to be successful in a variety of careers at no cost to them.”

Click here to learn more about the Iroquois Job Corps: https://iroquois.jobcorps.gov/

The Niagara County Legislature is in Session this Evening, Meeting Materials Available to the Public

The Niagara County Legislature is in session this evening at 6 p.m. at the Niagara County Courthouse in Lockport. The meeting is open to anyone who would like to attend.

For those who prefer to view from home, the meeting can be viewed on cable on Lockport Community Television (LCTV) Ch. 1303 or can streamed on-line here: https://lctv.net/?page_id=1103

Meeting materials can be found here: https://cms5.revize.com/revize/niagaracounty/Document_center/Department/G-L/Legislature/Agenda%20&%20Minutes/1-23-24%20Resolutions%20and%20Agendas.pdf

For those who want to view the meeting at a later date, it can be found here in the LCTV on-demand library: https://trms.lctv.net/CablecastPublicSite/gallery/34?channel=3

Niagara USA 250 Committee Seeks Local Input

The Niagara County committee charged with organizing local events around America’s 250th birthday – known as a semiquincentennial – that will take place in 2026, is asking municipal officials, heritage organizations and county residents to begin thinking about what their local community may do to recognize the occasion. The Niagara USA 250 Committee is also asking communities to keep the committee informed as their plans evolve so there can be countywide coordination and cross-promotion.

The Niagara County Legislature created the Niagara USA 250 Committee in June 2023. The twenty-five member group is made up of representatives from historical and cultural organizations, community leaders, tourism officials, educators, elected officials and community volunteers.

“Although the semiquincentennial is two years away, planning needs to begin now, especially as grant money for such celebratory events becomes available,” said Bob Emerson, Executive Director of Old Fort Niagara and chairman of the Niagara USA 250 Committee. “By collaborating across the county, I believe we can put together some tremendous events and create an atmosphere similar to the excitement around the bicentennial in 1976 for those of us old enough to remember.”

Community members are asked to submit their suggestions for activities, celebrations and potential events to [email protected].

“We are working on establishing a website and other communication vehicles to keep the community informed as our planning efforts move forward,” said Emerson. “We also want to serve as a central point so each local municipality is aware of what others are doing.”