Bike Trip 2011

I was introduced to this story by my friend Carla Panikowski-Thomas. Carla was there 25 years ago during the first trip.

As a way thanking the Seneca Babcock Community Center for it's role in shaping their lives, three men from the neighborhood set out to ride their bikes across the perimeter of the United States in 1986.

Two of the men had become doctors, yet never forgot their humble roots. With 2,000 miles left in their trip, they were involved in a terrible collision with a tractor trailer. They had to abandon their efforts. 25 years later, the guys from Babcock have decided to finish the journey.

They talk about Bob Kurtz, the man who ran the Community Center. I remember playing baseball down at the Boys and Girls Club in the mid 80s and I vaguely remember Mr.Kurtz. The people down there were very down to earth and accommodating to us. Even though we weren't from the neighborhood, they made us feel welcome. It was a great place to be. I wish these guys the best of luck with their trip. They've become successful in life through their hard work, yet have not forgotten the people that assisted them along the way. What a great example they are setting to their own kids by helping the kids from the old neighborhood. I think it's great that 25 years later, they are finishing what they started...

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The big storm

We've been waiting all winter to play this clip. The classics never get old...


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Change Albany?

Attorney Kevin Gaughan is starting a new campaign to downsize the New York Senate to 50 members. Where can I sign up?

After successful efforts to downsize several local town boards, Gaughan is turning his attention to the State Legislature and, more immediately, the 62-member Senate.

Under his proposal, which still lacks a sponsor, the Senate would be reduced to 50 members.

"Before we start eliminating full-time state workers, we should eliminate part-time state politicians," he told The Buffalo News.

Where is Tim "change Albany" Kennedy to sponsor Gaughan's downsizing proposal? As we predicted, Kennedy's done nothing to even hint at change since he arrived in Albany with his box of Tim Horton's donuts. Obviously, it was just a campaign slogan meant to fool a lot of stupid people. Mission accomplished.

Kennedy has said he will continue to take his usual leadership stance on the issue (waiting until Brian Higgins tells him what to do)...

Gaughan kicking off Assembly and Senate downsizing campaign - Politics - The Buffalo News

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Letter to the Blogger-Nevilly Court Youth Sports Complex

I got this comment underneath one of the posts on the Nevilly Court Sports Complex and I thought it raised some very good points. The people opposed to the project, not the ones living near it, are hired political pawns. They are doing the mayor's bidding for him and are clearly looking for something in return for their families (probably jobs.) Their motives are obvious to everyone. One of the paid spokespeople is articulate. The other is from planet Mars and is clearly as mad as a hatter...

It makes me question the mayor's competence yet again. What kind of a leader wants to have himself represented by someone like this? There are so many normal people he could bribe to do his bidding for him on this issue and he picks her? The mayor won't show up at the upcoming meeting because he doesn't even know how to find South Buffalo on a map...



Mike,

She is definitely in the minority, speaking for the mayor. My question is did other parts of the city have these arguments when the mayor helped them get new fields(Riverside,Johnny B Wiley)Millions of dollars of public and private funds have gone to make new fields for other sections of the city. Does Marge know that? Her argument is embarrassing and easy to shoot down. Yes, we have other needs, new police station, firehouse, some upgrades at pool, Tosh etc.. but it doesn't diminish the need for a safe playing field, one that the city doesn't have to maintain.

It is 100% clearly political and our kids shouldn't have to suffer. Maybe we can get a fund together to move Marge to live closer to the Mayor. Our area, South District has the most population of any district in the city from the latest census. Still plenty of kids in sports, actually baseball is losing kids(especially girls to W. Seneca because of their fields). She is wrong on so many levels.- A Concerned Parent

I'd just like to remind everyone that a public meeting on this issue will be held on Saturday, February 19th at 10AM at Bishop Timon High School. Please do not let a few people, who work for the mayor, dictate what happens here. Remember, they are being paid to oppose the project.

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International update: Exercism in Brazil

"Pay attention. The devil inside wants to kill you!" I hear this guy is a big hit at parties...

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Nevilly Court: sex, lies, and videotape

OK, I lied. There's no sex. But there are plenty of lies. And we did capture some of them on videotape. Here, one of the neighbors at the meeting (who is a city of Buffalo employee) falsely tells the crowd Councilman Kearns wants to build the educational/athletic center as a shrine to himself. Since I'm not sure he would have said this if the Councilman was in the room, I thought we'd post it here...


In this clip, our Citizen of the Year goes on a bizarre rant about the Olmsted Parks' Conservancy. She says their long term goal is to tear down the Cazenovia Casino, Cazenovia Pool, ice rink, and the Tosh Collins Community Center. Where does she come up with this stuff? There is no way anyone would ever let any of this happen. Finally, she says, "If Mr. Kearns wants to take it (the money) for Nevilly Field, he's not going to get it!" WTF is she smoking before these meetings? I wasn't aware she had anything to do with the funding process.


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Recckio's bowling alley sold

First, it was Nick's Texas Hots and now Recckio's bowling alley. The popular family owned hangout was sold this week to a longtime bowling enthusiast...

Former owner Rick Recckio, who ran the business with wife Tamara, said that when the business first opened, his father, original owner Gerald Recckio, used to pick up homeless people, pay them $1 a day to stack the pins and let them sleep above the bowling center.

New owner David Sears, who has more than 30 years experience running bowling alleys, calls Recckio's an institution. "I know (the community) loves it."

In fact, Recckio's has produced much talent to the sport of the great unwashed throughout the years. In addition to several local standouts, Ernie McCracken (seen in this clip) got his start there...

Recckio's Bowling Center to remain open despite sale - Local Business - The Buffalo News

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What did she just say?

One of our roving reporters attended a public block club meeting on Councilman Kearns' proposed Nevilly Court Education and Athletic Complex. The meeting was run by Linda Friedenberg and her coalition of block clubs. Linda is a very nice woman, who's worked very hard over the years to improve the area without seeking much fanfare. Her group does an excellent job.

Some of the neighbors are opposed to Kearns' project. Living next door to the proposed facility, it is within their rights to do so. I don't know too much about the project. I know it is a public/private venture. (The NFL reportedly has committed funding to it. I know Kearns' vision is to have an artificial turf multi-purpose playing field and a new state of the art community center/educational center. I'm not a huge proponent of artificial turf for soccer, but I know other sports (lacrosse, softball, and football) often use it. In the Fall, it would be great for some of the high school teams to use for soccer, as rainy weather often makes the current fields unplayable.

The mayor however, has blocked the $450,000 allocated to Kearns' district for the project. (Perhaps some more barber shops on Jefferson Avenue are in need of funding again. Who knows?) Fortunately, the common council has overridden his veto.

Desperate to block the project, the mayor has now recruited a retired city worker with a lot of time on her hands to do his bidding for him. She is saying the project is too expensive. Ironically, she's not as fiscally conservative with our tax dollars when it comes to her group. They receive tens of thousands of dollars from the city, state, and federal government to plant flowers on the McKinley Circles! If we're looking to save money by cutting services, I think we need to start there. Personally, I'm behind what Kearns is trying to do for our youth. The debate over the location, on the other hand, is between he and his constituents.

I just thought this was a hysterical clip taken from the meeting. The McKinley Circle Lady is now apparently acting as a spokesperson for all youth related groups in South Buffalo. She says the neighborhood doesn't need to upgrade any youth related facilities because "Enrollment in all sports is down. People aren't having large families anymore. Their numbers are dwindling. There just aren't as many children in South Buffalo playing organized sports anymore."

This must be news to Tom Finn and the 1,400 parents whose kids played soccer last summer here. It must also be news to Brian Leonard and Carole Pulvino from the South Buffalo Football organization. Carole's been a volunteer for over 26 years and mayor Brown has never once asked her to be in one of his campaign commercials. I wonder what Mike Schieber, Mark and Jim Blake, and the folks involved with Cazenovia Hockey think about the McKinley Circle Lady's claims. They are constantly attending meetings and figuring out ways to do more with less, and do a terrific job at the ice rink with what resources they have. A few NHL players have even gotten their start because of their organization. Scott Heywood and the parents involved in South Buffalo Baseball probably didn't hear about the sudden decrease of kids and sports in South Buffalo, either. They've used scarce resources to do great work over at Okell Field. You often hear baseball isn't as popular as it once was. While this might be true nationally, don't tell that to the hundreds of kids playing baseball and softball off of South Park Avenue in the summer months.

All I'm saying is the mayor should listen to these people and not a retired city worker with a clear political agenda, whose kids are all grown and living in the suburbs. The Councilman will be holding another public meeting on Saturday, February 19th at 10AM at Bishop Timon High School. I encourage all parents with children involved in sports (actually living in South Buffalo) to attend and speak up. Do not let this woman, who is obviously a pawn for the mayor, speak for the people of our community...


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crime stats 1/21-1/27

Thank you to chief Patrick Pascall for providing these. Please remember, all defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

Food Sellers: Beware- A few w/m's are driving around the District in a white pickup truck (with a freezer in the back) trying to sell stolen food. Firstly, the food is stolen. Secondly, the food may be bad. Please report to 911 if you see this in your neighborhood.

1/21/2011 409 Marilla Burglary Known susp did enter home of compl. When asked to leave, he struck compl with golf club. Susp also broke compl glasses and window.

1/21/2011 163 Southside Burglary Unk person did enter compl apt through open window, and did take 6 basketball tickets, $100 and 1 bottle of pills

1/21/2011 5 Spann Burglary Unk person did force their way into compl bedroom, and did remove jewelry (and ransacked bedroom)

1/21/2011 727 Bailey Larceny Known susp (worker) did deliver goods to bar, and never returned with money

1/21/2011 210 Reading Larceny Vehicle Unk susp did pry open veh door, and did remove CD's cellphone and money (2100-0900hrs).

1/21/2011 115 Stevenson Larceny Compl was moving from current address, and hired a painter. Next day compl noticed items gone.

1/21/2011 781 North Division Larceny Known susp was given money for repairs on compl home. Susp never did work.

1/21/2011 45 Troupe Larceny Eric Smith Def did remove metal scrap and tools from address

1/21/2011 165 Lockwood Harassment Known suspect keeps texting compl, and making threats on Facebook

1/21/2011 52 Remoleno Assault Ericka Pieece Def did beat the compl about the face causing bruising

1/21/2011 79 Prenatt Assault Known susp did slap compl in face causing pain.

1/22/2011 339 Mystic Robbery Unk susp(s) did enter compl (multiple) apt, and did strike one with handgun (demanding everyone put their cell phones and wallets on table). They left with some items.

1/22/2011 Clinton and Barnard Assault Possible known 7 w/m's did attack compl, hitting him about the head and face.

1/22/2011 241 Alabama Harassment Unk person (but number is available) keeps calling compl.

1/22/2011 Tamarack and Abbott V&T and DWI Stephanie Beyer Def was seen going the wrong way down a street, and was found to be intoxicated

1/22/2011 116 Trowbridge VOOP James Seiler Def was in VOOP and he slapped compl.

1/23/2011 170 Abbott Burglary Unk person did damage drive through window, and did remove $15 from safe.

1/23/2011 1028 McKinley Larceny Known person did remove Buffalo News honor box and left in known vehicle.

1/23/2011 69 Whitfield Larceny Known susp did receive merchandise, but then cancelled payment

1/23/2011 88 Stevenson Larceny Unk h/m came to compl home to use cell phone, susp did then run off

1/23/2011 79 Ladner Harassment Daniel Honrahan Def did harass compl by throwing items in common hallway, yelling and hitting common ceiling

1/23/2011 39 Edson Assault Kriston Wilmott Def did make threats to compl and did knee compl

1/23/2011 886 South Park Assault Joseph Cihc Def did slap compl, and did push to ground.

1/23/2011 8 Keppel Harassment and VOOP Known susp keeps texting compl in VOOP

1/23/2011 95 Hammerschmidt Assault Kassondra Craig Def (GF) did strike him in the eye causing swelling

1/23/2011 2046 South Park Assault Known susp did strike compl.

1/24/2011 350 South Park Assault Compl woke up to someone knocking at the door. She then noticed blood on her shirt, and ADI was at the door. She does not remember how she sustained injuries.

1/24/2011 727 Bailey Stalking Jeffrey Bowers Def did follow compl to various locations.

1/24/2011 Cazenovia Park Burglary Unk person entered 2nd floor of casino, did damage projector, nothing taken.

1/24/2011 1 Fulton Forgery Known susp did pass forged $100 bill

1/24/2011 424 Swan Criminal Mischief Known person did cut break line to bus

1/24/2011 37 Myrtle Criminal Mischief Unk person used white paint to write "RUN 2077" on brick wall.

1/24/2011 1408 South Park Harassment Known susp keeps texting compl.

1/24/2011 25 Ashton Burglary Compl states that landlord did remove the door to her apt, however states that he did not remove a carpet cleaner from her apt

1/24/2011 418 South Park Harassment James Russell Def arrested for previous reported crime

1/24/2011 452 Swan Harassment Known susp keeps calling him on the phone making threats

1/24/2011 South Park and Louisiana Harassment Known person did punch compl in face

1/24/2011 143 Pries Larceny While compl was away, unk person did remove various jewelry from room. Roommate did have several unk people in house during that time.

1/24/2011 2076 South Park Issuing bad check Joshua Altemus Def arrested for previous reported incident

1/25/2011 660 Smith Larceny Known susp did cash checks for work, and never completed work

1/25/2011 719 Hopkins Larceny vehicle and criminal mischief UNK person did slip lock on veh, and did remove stereo. Also damaged steering column

1/25/2011 2 Knoerl Burglary Possible known males did enter compl apt through unlocked door and did remove various items.

1/25/2011 29 McCamley Harassment Known susp did grab compl by hair and did make threats

1/25/2011 76 Weaver Endangering the welfare and CO for loud music John McNamara Def was playing loud music disturbing neighbors. Upon inves, it was found that juiv has access to beer and other endangering items.

1/25/2011 1028 McKinley Criminal Trespass and Harassment Bivens Cordaro Def was yelling at rest. When asked to leave he refused, and kept yelling.

1/26/2011 85 Sirret Larceny Vehicle UNK person did enter compl veh and did remove GPS, iPOD, Jacket

1/26/2011 1996 Seneca Larceny Unk person did steal and use Kwik-fill gas card for a total of $800

1/26/2011 41 South Ryan Assault Known susp did swing a knife at compl and cut finger. However, compl does not want to press charges.

1/26/2011 376 Dorrance Burglary and poss of a weapon Dante Rucker and Andrena Locke Def(s) did force their way into compl home, did make threats with knife, and did damage property.

1/26/2011 1408 South Park Harassment Known susp is making threats via cell phone

1/26/2011 27 Krakow VOOP Known susp is in VOOP by texting compl

1/26/2011 161 Stevenson Assault and criminal mischief Alberta Steele Def did make threats with knife, and did carve up table with knife.

1/26/2011 125 Folger CPCS Anthony Burke Def was in Poss of CS

1/27/2011 137 Vandalia Larceny Vehicle Unk person did enter compl veh and did remove two bino's and some change. (0300-0400hrs)

1/27/2011 438 South Park Larceny Joshua Kennuth Def did steal various items from Family Dollar

1/27/2011 226 Hamburg Burglary Unk susp did kick in back door, smash alarm system. Nothing taken at this time.

1/27/2011 122 Imson Burglary Unk person did enter home (by kicking in rear door) and did remove iPod and $30.

1/27/2011 226 Willet Burglary attempt Unk person did try to kick in back door but did not gain entry. Footprints went to back fence

1/27/2011 42 Pries Burglary Unk person did enter apr (by unk means) and did remove Playstation, ring and bb gun. (1330-1910hrs)

1/27/2011 1512 Clinton VTL and Poss of Marij Vincent Capone Def did fail to yield for fire truck, hit fire truck and then was found to be in poss of Marij.

1/27/2011 29 McCamley Criminal Mischief Poss known susp did throw bottle through veh window

1/27/2011 273 Hamburg Criminal Mischief Compl reports tha unk person broke their DS window of veh (nothing taken)

1/27/2011 29 McCamley Harassment Elizabeth Lawler Def did phone harass compl

1/27/2011 92 Heussy Criminal Mischief Known susp did damage door

1/27/2011 1831 South Park Crim Poss of stole property Derek McMaster Def was in poss of SP from Cheektowaga

1/27/2011 2330 Seneca Assault Known susp did attempt to take money out of register, and did grab compl, injuring same.

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Dinner time!

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Wide wrong

If only that kick would have went through the uprights 20 years ago, Buffalo wouldn't be the third poorest city in America. Our waterfront would be vibrant. Downtown would be hopping with excitement after dark. Crime would be down. All the South Buffalo political hacks would have found work in the private sector.Our public schools would be the envy of the nation. Why did he have to miss that moth$@&*ck*&% kick?


It was 20 years ago today...

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R.I.P. Nick's

It's not too often I can say I am genuinely shocked but today was one of those days. I was driving up South Park Avenue past Nick's, only it wasn't there. I thought I must have entered the Twilight Zone. Nick's had been there for as long as I could remember. A new owner has taken over and it is now Chuckie's Texas Hots. It's hard for me to even imagine it being anything but Nick's. Nick's is where I had my first order of french fries with slime sauce. It looks like the whole inside has been remodeled (probably the first time since 1975.)

Just like that, it was gone.The end of a very long era. I can only imagine how many drunks have been asked to leave over the years and how much puke has been removed from it's floors. The drive thru intercom never worked, since they added it a few years ago. It was a great place to have breakfast at 2AM after a night out. No matter how good the new place is, there can never be another Nick's.

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Chicago Cheeseheads

If you get a chance, check out this clip. So many things about this story are funny. A Chicago car salesman was fired for wearing a Green Bay Packers tie to work. The boss seems like he was genuinely distraught over a football game (loser). Personally, I think anyone with enough nerve to wear a Packers tie to work in Chicago deserves a promotion. The tie was given to him as a gift by his recently deceased 91 year old grandmother who was inexplicably, also a Packers fan from Chicago. I'll bet you the Packers send him an autographed Don Majkowski jersey or something...



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The Church business must be booming

Ellicott District Councilman Rev. Darius Pridgen announced yesterday he will forgo his $52,000 council salary to fund community grants within the district. This marks a drastic policy change from his predecessor (Brian Davis) who used community grants within the district to fund his salary.

Pridgen to donate city salary to community groups - City of Buffalo - The Buffalo News

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Oprah's half sister

When a long lost relative appears to the rich and famous, did you ever notice it is always the regular person who makes the revelation and not the celebrity? First, we had the guy in Ghana who proved he was President Obama's half brother. Now, this woman from Milwaukee has introduced herself as Oprah Winfrey's half sister.

If you or I had a long lost half sibling, he'd probably end up being an assistant manager at Delta Sonic. Hey, Oprah. I love your show. I'm your half sister. I need a loan. Can I have "half" your money?

Wait a minute. I have to go. I think I may have found proof I'm Todd Bridges' half-brother...




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Salvadoran wedding

Stories like this one remind me why the United States is still the most advanced country in the world...

Attempt to 'elope' with girl brings prison sentence

A Salvadoran man was sentenced to five years, 10 months in federal prison for attempting to take his 15-year-old cousin to Canada over the Peace Bridge to “elope,” U. S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced Monday.

Enrique Rivas Perez, 28, an illegal immigrant, will be deported following the completion of his prison sentence. Rivas Perez was sentenced by U. S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara for trans-porting a minor across state lines for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct.

Attempt to ‘elope’ with girl brings prison sentence - West Side - The Buffalo News

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Basketball score 108-3

The basketball coach in this clip is quite annoying. He let his girls high school team defeat another school (made up of troubled girls, no less)108-3 in Utah. There are so many things a coach can do to keep a game from getting out of hand. Letting your players score at will against an overmatched opponent is not one of them and does nothing to improve your team.

In soccer, if we're routing a team, we make the players play one or two touch. In other words, they get one touch to control the ball and their second touch has to be a pass or a shot. They cannot dribble. This helps them to improve their first touch as well as play with their heads up (which helps them see more of their teammates). Both skills are needed when playing a more skilled opponent. We also switch our defensive players to forward at a certain point, where they are less likely to score. I'm not a basketball guy, but I have a feeling things like this could have been done in this game, too. However, maybe the coach in question isn't a basketball guy either.

What's great about it, is he probably believed beating a team 108-3 made HIM look good. He was probably shocked when people told him it actually made him look like a complete fool. Congratulations: You're the coach of the year! Now stick to teaching Math, nerd.

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Letter to the editor- Botanical Gardens

The Board of Directors at the Erie County Botanical Gardens chose career politician Dave Swarts as it's new Executive Director, despite the fact he has no horticultural experience.

I agree with this letter writer from Derby. Instead of hiring someone with horticultural experience, the Board of Directors of the Erie County Botanical Gardens selected career politician Dave Swarts as it's new Executive Director. When faced with a similar situation a few years ago, the people at the Tifft Farms Nature Preserve went outside of Western New York and found a guy with extensive wildlife experience (his name escapes me). The man has done a terrific job over there and is well respected by all.

Western New Yorkers should contact members of the board of directors at the Botanical Gardens and ask them why they chose a guy who is barely capable of sweeping it's floors, much less running it...

Gardens chief should have horticultural experience

On Jan. 14, The News printed an article titled, “Swarts to direct Gardens.” I just couldn’t comprehend what I read. It stated that “another political figure has been named to lead the Buffalo& Erie County Botanical Gardens.” He is the fifth person to be named to this position in the past six years and, like all but one, he has absolutely no horticultural experience!

Mary Ann Kreese, chairwoman of the Botanical Gardens, stated, “the search for this position was limited to Western New York applicants.” Oh, by the way, this position pays $89,000 annually. Are you kidding me? There are probably thousands of people who are qualified, not only in this area but across the country. These people would not only relocate here for this position but would probably accept half of that salary. It just goes to show the good-old-boys club is doing well.

Tom Ford
Derby

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Why I drive in the right hand lane

A tractor trailor hauling 30 tons of sand jacknifed in Toronto the other day. This unbelievable footage was taken from the dashcam of an oncoming motorist...

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Rogowski eyes Whalen's seat

Picture here receiving the endorsement of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown for Erie County Legislator is Mark "Rogo" Rogowski.

Lifelong South Buffalo resident Mark "Rogo" Rogowski is considering a run for Tim Keane-Whalen's seat on the Erie County Legislature. Rogowski coached thousands of baseball players throughout the years and is a longtime businessman in South Buffalo. He cites Whalen's support for Barbara Miller-Williams as Majority Leader as an insult to all Western New York Democrats. (Miller-Williams had the support of all the Western New York Republican Legislators but only two Democrats.)

In addition to being well known in South Buffalo, Kaisertown, Seneca Babcock, and Lovejoy, Rogowski has vast political support in the city of Lackawanna. He also has the backing of South District Councilman Mickey Kearns and was listed as one of People Magazine's 25 most influencial Americans in 2010. He was kicked out of Harvard's prestigious John F. Kennedy School of Government (incidentally the same school that gave Brian Higgins his FAKE degree.)

On a serious note, Kearns' crew, led by Rogo, have been hard at work plowing the streets of South Buffalo. They have been getting both sides of the side streets. In fact, their work has not gone unnoticed. A few city workers have asked Rogo and his crew to slow down, saying they are making the full time workers look bad and cutting into their overtime. Fortunately, most residents don't care who plows the streets, as long as they are plowed in a timely manner. To Rogo and his crew of drunks, ex-cons, and anti-social misfits, we say, "Keep up the great work!" Here is some recent footage of one of Rogo's guys hard at work...

100 - The Snow Plow Game - The best bloopers are here

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I wonder if he has the new profile

It looks like just about everyone is on Facebook these days...

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina prison officials say they have seized a cell phone from an inmate who was updating his Facebook page from prison.

Corrections officials told The Post and Courier of Charleston that 22-year-old Quincy Howard is in disciplinary detention and can't make collect calls or have visitors after the contraband mobile phone was taken from his cell earlier this month. Howard is serving a 30-year sentence for manslaughter from Marion County. The newspaper reports Howard spent most of his time on Facebook last year playing the Mafia Wars and Cafe World games. But he occasionally gave status updates like: "RAILROADED BY THIS CROOKED A JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN SOUTH CAROLINA." Howard's profile picture was a photo of him in his prison jumpsuit.
wgrz.com | Buffalo, NY | SC Inmate In Trouble After Facebooking From Prison

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Random thoughts from the ghetto-Volume 42

I look out my window and see the empty 40 oz beer bottles, hypodermic needles, crack pipes and abandoned shopping carts on my front lawn and begin to think. The end results have become known as my random thoughts from the ghetto...

-If you're given the nickname "Mad Dog", you're pretty much destined for a life of crime. I've known two guys in my life with that nickname and both are very familiar with the American criminal justice system.

-The barber in my neighborhood growing up also doubled as a bookie. This was pretty much established when he answered the phone while cutting hair and said, "The falcon has landed."


-I wonder what the Malachi brothers are doing with themselves these days?

(Link) View more Henry Winkler Sound Clips and Happy Days Sound Clips

-I watch a lot of prison documentaries. The one thing I learned is it's probably not a good idea to tattle on a Mexican American inmate to one of the guards.

They won't consider you "one of the guys." If you tell on someone at work, you're annoying. If you tell on someone in prison you're a rat.

-When the hell did they start selling health insurance for pets? These veterinarians are the biggest scammers on earth. Even worse than the guys at the oil change place.

-Did you ever do something that is both embarrassing and painful at the same time? You want to scream in pain but first you have to look around. One of your neighbors might have seen you step on the rake before it came up and smacked you in the face. "Man is the only animal that blushes, or needs to." Mark Twain

-If you go to McDonalds for breakfast and the line is at least three deep, do yourself a favor and turn around. You will be late for work if you decide to take the risk.

-Whose idea is it to allow Dan Dierdorf to remain on the air?

-I think for the playoffs in most sports, they should force the refs to get drunk before each game and eliminate instant replay. It would really add the "human element" to the game and be rather hilarious for the viewer. Did you ever try arguing with a drunk?

-Is there a sport more corrupt than harness racing?

The dwarfs riding these horses can control who wins and who loses each race. I have to get in with that group to find out when the fix is in. There's nothing better than gambling when there is no risk. Maybe I'll see what the barber is up to. Go forth and sin no more...

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Two Arrested For Stealing From Hall Of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly - WBEN NewsRadio 930 : Buffalo & Niagara Falls, NY

East Aurora police arrested a South Buffalo man for stealing items from Jim Kelly's house in 2009. Among the items NOT recovered were four Super Bowl rings from the 90s...

East Aurora, NY (WBEN) -- East Aurora Police have arrested two people, for allegedly stealing two of former Bills' quarterback Jim Kelly's trophy rings.

Several thousand dollars worth of items were stolen from Kelly's home in August, 2009 -- including his 2002 Hall of Fame ring, and his University of Miami Ring of Honor.

Kevin Sapp, 36, formerly of South Buffalo, and 34-year-old Eric Schmidt of West Seneca are charged with third-degree grand larceny and possession of stolen property.

Sapp is currently in Oneida Prison, serving time for an unrelated burglary conviction; he's expected to be brought back to the Town of Aurora Court for arraignment. Schmidt has been arraigned and is due back in court February 16.
Two Arrested For Stealing From Hall Of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly - WBEN NewsRadio 930 : Buffalo & Niagara Falls, NY

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crime stats 1/15-1/20

Some notes from South District police chief Pat Pascall...
- Burglar Arrested: We arrested a guy from Yale Street that kept breaking into homes and businesses. If it were not for the great work of the district detectives in collaboration with residents, this would not have come to such a great conclusion (see crime report).

- Car Larcenies: PLEASE! PLEASE! Remind your neighbor to take "all" their belongings into the house at night. We continue to have residents victimized where it could have been prevented. It is very difficult to catch these perpetrators, as they move along with the good people, and strike quick when a target presents itself.

- Crime Statistics: According to the Erie County Crime Analysis Center, our Part 1 crimes are down 48% from the previous year. If anyone wants to see the numbers, just let me know.

- Community Police Officers: We started the CPO's on January 15th. That means that we will have CPO coverage every day (they will not be answering calls, they will be dedicated to community issues only). Their names are Dave Fay and Tony LeBron. They both have many years on the force, and are South Buffalo residents.

1/16/2011 34 Olcott Larceny vehicle Compl reports that unk person did go in his vehicle and remove prescrip and wallet (1000-1930hrs)

1/16/2011 2077 Seneca Burglary Known suspect did enter pizza place and did remove $50 in cash.

1/16/2011 2075 Seneca Burglary Known suspect did enter dry cleaners and did damage cash register. Nothing taken

1/16/2011 2426 South Park Criminal trespass and harassment Known susp did come back to bar after being told to leave. Susp did harass compl.

1/16/2011 39 Boone Harassment Andrew Jablonski Def did push compl to floor in front of child.

1/16/2011 1941 Seneca Larceny Carlos Garcia Def of 928 Hertel did steal various items from Rite Aid

1/16/2011 Mercy Hospital Larceny vehicle Unk person did break driver's side window and did remove GPS (1430-1750hrs)

1/16/2011 245 Abbott Larceny vehicle Unk person did break driver's side window and did remove GPS and camera (1200-1350hrs)

1/16/2011 168 Smith Criminal Mischief Unk person did smash driver's side window...nothing taken (2300-0100hrs)

1/16/2011 60 Remington Criminal Mischief Unk person did smash driver's side window...nothing taken (2300-0100hrs)

1/17/2011 69 Trowbridge Harassment Known susp did yell obcen at compl. When officers arrived he refused to open door. Warrant card issued.

1/17/2011 Seneca and Cazenovia Assault and reckless endangerment Matthew Bruenn Def did shoot compl in stomach with BB's

1/17/2011 279 Fenton Stolen Vehicle, larceny, poss of stolen prop Philip Bareiniak Def did take compl vehicle and other items (BF)

1/17/2011 124 Crystal Criminal Mischief Unk susp did break pass side window of vehicle (1445hrs)

1/17/2011 Hopkins and Koester Larceny Unk person found compl wallet, and did then use debit card.

1/17/2011 38 Troupe Harassment Known susp keeps harassing family.

1/17/2011 44 Yale Burglary Known susp entered compl apt and did remove Snoy Playstation.

1/18/2011 99 Leddy Larceny Compl placed his bag on a table, and unk person did take it (had diabetic supplies)

1/18/2011 204 Melrose Larceny Vehicle Unk person did enter compl vehicle (unlocked) and did remove stereo and I pod (1830-2245hrs)

1/18/2011 Tifft and Canal Street Larceny vehicle Unk person did damage veh window, and did then remove $5 in change

1/18/2011 1776 Clinton Larceny EX BF did remove compl bank card and cell phone from table

1/18/2011 344 Perry Larceny Kelvin Seay Def arrested on previous reported incident

1/18/2011 Good and South Park Larceny Possible known susp did take a fire hydrant that was in the street from a previous car accident one hour prior

1/18/2011 1775 Fuhrman Larceny vehicle Unk person did break window of veh, and did then remove GPS, ipod, fishing rods.

1/18/2011 135 Walter Harassment Known susp keeps calling compl .

1/18/2011 250 Ganson Harassment Known susp keeps calling compl.

1/18/2011 418 South Park Forgery Compl states that he cashed a check for known compl for $3,500, and the check bounced.

1/18/2011 28 Parkview Harassment Known susp keeps texting compl

1/18/2011 93 Woodside Harassment Known susp called him names.

1/19/2011 880 South Division Burglary Known suspect entered building and did remove scrap metal.

1/19/2011 155 Bailey Larceny Employee of NOCO, over time, kept putting cash in her pocket instead of the register.

1/19/2011 35 Cazenovia Larceny Known suspect did enter compl room and did remove cash.

1/19/2011 2077 Seneca Burglary William Bair Def was arrested for 4 previous burglaries in area.

1/19/2011 1028 McKinley Crim Poss of forged instrument Known suspect did use counterfeit money while paying for McDonald's food.

1/19/2011 129 Louisiana Issuing bad check Known suspect did pass bad check for food at store.

1/19/2011 142 Hamburg Harassment Known susp did yell at compl in front of child.

1/19/2011 2426 South Park Criminal Mischief Unk susp did discharge fire ext at bowling alley.

1/20/2011 2022 Seneca Burglary Know susp did break into restaurant and did remove various tools (CRIME OCCURRED IN 2009)

1/20/2011 1028 McKinley Crim poss of forged instrument Donald Zimmerman Def arrested for passing counterfeit money at McDonalds

1/20/2011 St Johns Parkside and Seneca Criminal Mischief Known susp did damage compl vehicle

1/20/2011 79 Hamburg Obstructing Govt admin Brandie Spence Def did hide parole violator and obstructed police investigation

1/20/2011 22 Pries Harassment Known susp did make threats to damage compl property

1/20/2011 326 Cumberland Harassment Unk person keeps sending unwanted texts

1/20/2011 67 Moreland Harassment Lera Burrell Def and unk others did make threats against compl

1/20/2011 Clinton and South Ogden Robbery UNK males did hit juiv, and did take his phone

1/20/2011 1435 South Park Endangering the welfare, Unsafe conditions Ebony Lumpkin Def was arrested for living in deplorable conditions with CS on table within reach of minor

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