New York Power Authority continues funding for Discover Niagara shuttle

[From BuffaloNews.com]

The New York Power Authority announced Thursday that it has agreed to allocate $500,000 over the next two years to the Discover Niagara Shuttle, the free bus service that runs between downtown Niagara Falls and Youngstown during the tourist season.

The shuttle carried about 70,000 riders during a two-year pilot period that ended this fall…

READ THE FULL STORY HERE: http://buffalonews.com/2017/12/22/new-york-power-authority-continues-funding-for-discover-niagara-shuttle/

Cataract City Classics 2017 this weekend at Niagara Falls High School

Mark your calendars! The Cataract City Basketball Classic starts this weekend!

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Niagara Falls may exceed the tax cap in 2018 budget

[From BuffaloNews.com]

The City of Niagara Falls may exceed the state-mandated property tax cap in its 2018 budget.

“Right now they’re $900,000 or $1 million over the cap,” City Controller Daniel R. Morello said last week. For Niagara Falls, the 2018 cap is 1.84 percent…

READ THE FULL STORY HERE: http://buffalonews.com/2017/11/25/niagara-falls-may-exceed-the-tax-cap-in-2018-budget/

Niagara Falls raises some downtown parking rates

[From BuffaloNews.com]

Parking fees at downtown lots and ramps will rise by $5 next year in Niagara Falls, and the off-season rate at downtown parking meters also will increase.

One-day prices in the three downtown lots and the city ramp will rise to $25 during the tourist season and $15 in the off-season…

READ THE FULL STORY HERE: http://buffalonews.com/2017/11/15/niagara-falls-raises-some-downtown-parking-rates/

On either side of Niagara Falls, when it rains, it pours sewage and stormwater

[From BuffaloNews.com]

An estimated 800 million gallons of untreated sewage and stormwater have flowed into the Niagara River from the American and Canadian sides so far this year, eight times more than last year.

It’s enough to pour over the Horseshoe Falls for 20 minutes…

READ THE FULL STORY HERE: http://buffalonews.com/2017/11/11/on-either-side-of-niagara-falls-when-it-rains-it-pours-sewage-and-stormwater/

Niagara County election results

[From BuffaloNews.com]

Nov. 7 Niagara County general election results: CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS

Senator Ortt to Speak About Meeting the Best Connections for Your Business

New York State Senator Robert Ortt, the Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Niagara USA Chamber and the U. S. Small Business Administration will present a free event on Thursday November 9 from 7PM to 9PM: “Meet the best connections for your business”.  The event will be held at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, 28 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY.  Validated free parking is available in attached parking ramp.

The event brings together over 20 local business partners and numerous funding sources. The relaxed program format allows attendees to make strong local connections, find tools that will lead to success, and to network with other future entrepreneurs and existing business owners. Whether you want to rejuvenate your current business or get a new business started on the right path, you’ll find the professionals to add to your team at this networking event. Attendance is free but the assistance you will receive is priceless.

Check-in begins at 6:45pm and the program begins at 7PM.   To register please contact NCCC Small Business Development Center at 716-210-2515 or sbdc@niagaracc.suny.edu.  For more information visit the SBDC website: http://www.niagarasbdc.org/

Time to Dance Studios present Trunk or Treat – a Community Halloween Event

Community Halloween Event

Saturday October 28th

Hosted by: Time To Dance Studios

2419 Hyde Park Blvd. NF, NY

Time To Dance Studios will be hosting a fun filled day for the community. We will begin at 2:30pm, with our annual Trunk or Treat Event.  Space is limited, and anyone bringing children, must, also hand out candy.  We suggest pre-registering your vehicle on our Facebook Event Page.  Trunks are optional!  There is also plenty of space for those who would rather hand out candy from a lawn chair.

The Community Event will begin at 4:30pm with FREE hayrides, activities, costume contest, and much more. We will finish off the evening with a FREE MOVIE at dusk!  Bring your chairs, blankets, and dress for the elements.  The dance moms will also be selling chowder, hotdogs, popcorn, and drinks for a nominal fee.

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Store’s smashed door is welcome mat for thieves

[From BuffaloNews.com]

After a glass entry door was broken early Friday, at least six different people took turns burglarizing the Mobil Mart at 1038 Pine Ave., police said, with over $4,300 worth of merchandise ultimately being stolen.

The store’s alarm system apparently failed during the initial break-in, allowing thieves to enter three times over a five-and-a-half hour period to cash in…

READ THE FULL STORY HERE: http://buffalonews.com/2017/10/21/stores-smashed-door-welcome-mat-thieves/

Jingle Falls USA Announced for Downtown Niagara Falls, NY

New Collaborative Holiday Celebration Taking Place on Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 2017

Oct. 12, 2017 (Niagara Falls, NY) – Representatives from the City of Niagara Falls, NY, and its leading tourism and entertainment venues came together Tuesday morning at the Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center to announce Jingle Falls USA, a new collaborative holiday celebration taking place on three Saturdays – Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 2017.

After months of community-wide preparation, Jingle Falls USA is a mix of new and existing daylong holiday activities that appeal to people of all ages. Although some programming is the same each week, the group has also planned different programming to help attract guests back each of the three Saturdays, with morning, afternoon and evening activities planned each day. Some activities already planned are:

  • Evening outdoor illuminations along Old Falls Street, USA, Third Street, Niagara Falls State Park and at NFFD Fire Houses
  • “Gingerbread Wonderland,” the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute’s life-sized gingerbread house, visits with Santa Claus, cookie decorating, demonstrations and other children’s activities (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – Nov. 25 through Dec. 23)
  • A Holiday Vendor Marketplace within The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls – Dec. 2, 9 and 16
  • Free Horse & Carriage Rides along Old Falls Street, USA – Dec. 2, 9 and 16
  • Free Parking on Downtown City Streets and City Parking Lots, provided by the City of Niagara Falls – Dec. 2, 9 and 16
  • Food Vendors and Fire Pits along Old Falls Street and at Seneca Square – Dec. 2, 9 and 16
  • Breakfast with Santa at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute – Dec. 2
  • Ice Carving Demonstrations outside the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute – Dec. 2
  • A first-ever Community Candlelight Stroll from Niagara Falls City Hall to Seneca Square to light the Christmas Tree, with music led by Michael Cavanaugh – Dec. 2
  • Niagara Police Athletic League’s 5K Run and Basket Auction – Dec. 9
  • Santa’s Arrival on Old Falls Street by Rainbow Air Helicopter and photo opportunities with Live Reindeer on Old Falls Street – Dec. 9
  • #LiveNF Makers Market on Third Street – Dec. 9
  • Old Falls Street will host a special “Frozen” Outdoor Movie Night – Dec. 9
  • A Toy Train Show at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute – Dec. 16
  • Outdoor Street Hockey Tournament – Dec. 16
  • Live Music by Mr. Max (sponsored by the Sheraton At The Falls) and a Fireworks Display (sponsored by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission) – Dec. 16
  • Student carolers from the Niagara Falls City School District
  • Much More!“We hope that we are able to grow Jingle Falls USA into annual tradition for years to come,” said Spectra’s Jason Murgia, general manger of Old Falls Street USA and The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. “We are encouraged by the commitment of our community partners and area stakeholders who have come together in order to bring festive holiday programming to our downtown area this season. We hope that once others hear our plans, they will decide to join us in additional holiday planning this year.”

Julie Gilbert, Destination Niagara USA’s vice president of marketing & brand management said, “We are proud to be a part of this community effort and excited to take the lead on marketing and promoting Jingle Falls USA. This is an excellent opportunity to draw not only residents of Western New York to downtown Niagara Falls, but also visitors in a typically slower time of year for tourists.”

“We are very excited to be part of this collaboration and hope that it will further enhance Niagara Falls’ reputation as a destination for winter fun,” said Barbara DeSimone, acting public relations director of Niagara County Community College. “We are thrilled to be able to showcase our Culinary Institute’s Gingerbread Wonderland signature event alongside the programming offered on Old Falls Street.”

“We are excited to be alongside our community partners and participate in this new holiday event for Niagara Falls.” said Patrick Bassney, General Manager, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.

There are also contests to enter including the Social Media Contest, inviting guests to share their photos taken during Jingle Falls USA using #JingleFalls. One winner will receive an overnight package to Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. In addition, the Downtown Niagara Falls Business Association is encouraging guests to eat and drink in area restaurants to enter to win a trip for two on Rainbow Air Helicopters next summer season.

Organizations who have come together to create this initiative are the City of Niagara Falls, NY, Niagara Falls Community Development, Old Falls Street USA, The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls State Park, Destination Niagara USA, #LiveNF, Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Downtown Niagara Falls Business Association, Discover Niagara Shuttle, Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours, Niagara Falls Board of Education, Niagara Falls Fire Department, Niagara Police Athletic League, Sheraton At The Falls, and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.

“The City of Niagara Falls is proud to partner with this dedicated group of community leaders who have worked tirelessly to help get Niagara Falls into the holiday spirit this season,” said Mayor Paul A. Dyster. “With many exciting, family-friendly activities planned and more still to announce, it is my hope that this inaugural Jingle Falls season is just the beginning of a growing and successful community-wide celebration for years to come.”

For more information or to view the current Jingle Falls USA schedule, visit www.JingleFallsUSA.com. Guests are encouraged to visit the site often, as more activities will be finalized prior to the Dec. 2 opening date.