Island Dispatch, 1997-12-19

              Island  DISPATCH years "As the voice of Grand Island" mm Monday Nile Madness LARC.ECHEEBE PIZZA 4-05 TTfTAX ■vrnrfrrvM Official Newspaper for the Town of Grand Island <£ the Grand Island School District December 19, 1997 24 Pages 650 Vol. 54 •No. 35 (716) 773-7676 State will not settle Seneca Lawsuit by Christopher Caile "We will win this case ~ sooner if the U.S. Department of Justice stays out of it, later if it does not," stated New York State Attorney General Dennis C. Vacco. Vacco spoke to packed courtroom Monday evening on the Seneca Nation's lawsuit to regain Grand Island. His talk was held before the regularly scheduled Grand Island town board meeting. Vacco also said the state will not settle the case with the Seneca Nation of Indians which is seeking return of Grand Island. "I have not once contemplated settlement of this case, not once," Vacco said. Earlier this year the Senecas requested intervention on their behalf by the U.S. Department of Justice following a U.S. Supreme Court decision which limited the ability of Indian tribes to sue States in Federal Court for return of lands. The Seneca claim ownership over 22 islands including Grand Island and Cayuga Island. 'The only way the Seneca Nation can sue is if the Justice Department does intervene and files a lawsuit itself against the state on behalf of the SeneCa Nation. If the Justice Department does not intervene we feel strongly that we can get the case dismissed based on a recent relevant Supreme Court decision," said Vacco. He noted that the Justice Department had intervened in a number of other land cases citing their trust responsibility. But "it is our position that this case timers dramatically from the other cases because the federal government created the dispute in the first place when it gave away lands without the authority to do so." Vacco said he had personally met with Justice Department officials to state their case. A decision is expected on intervention within the next few weeks but before it is announced he was promised an opportunity to discuss the issue again with United States Attorney General Janet Reno. Vacco said he was so convinced of the state's case he offered the services of an expert to interpret the historical documents and treaties. (HS DECA MEMBERS PREPARE DONATIONS FOR IGHBORS FOUNDATION - Thirty Grand Island High School CA members worked at the Whitehaven Fire Company sub-station on jrsday sorting contributions to be distributed to 56 needy Island families the Neighbors Foundation this holiday season. Chamber elects new slate by Christopher Caile On Tuesday the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce elected its 1998 slate of officers and new Board members at its annual Christmas Party held in the Settlement Room of the Holiday Inn. Price of admission to the festivities was either an unwrapped toy or canned goods to be given to the Neighbors Foundation as part of their Christmas Drive. Chris Learman was elected as president, Jack Hugill as Ist vicepresident, Rod Reisdorf as 2nd vicepresident, Diane Dinsmore as secretary and Tina Walz as treasurer. All were unopposed. Also elected were five members Chambers, Ted Bates, Fran Jensen and John Lexo. Mike McDonough, the outgoing president introduced Chris Learman. She thanked everyone. "I'm excited about the year ahead," Learman said. "Coming up is the 50th year of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. If we all work toward common goals we will have a good start. I look forward to 1998." In attendance was the Grand Island High School Jazz Band under the direction of Marty Allen. Played was a holiday selection including many Christmas tunes. Also previewed was a preliminary rendition of the new Grand Island promotional video. The eight minute piece showed the many sides of the Island: water, recreation, parks and environmental as well as business and schools. Still to be added are shots taken of winter. Also previewed was a new Grand Island promotional brochure featuring a photo of the south Grand Island Bridge on the cover and a large aerial shot of the Island on the inside pages. Both the video and brochure are center pieces of a joint effort between the town and Chamber to promote and attract new businesses. There were also door prizes handed out by Youth Ambassador Vi Xie and Party Chairman Mike Sendlbeck. NEWLY ELECTED CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS - At and John Lexo. NEW CHAMBER OFFICERS - A new slate of officers was also elected: (from left) Diane Dinsmore elected as secretary, Rod Reisdorf as 2nd vice president, Jack Hugill as Ist vice president, Chris Learman as President, outgoing President Mike McDonough, and Tina Walz as treasurer. Coloring contest still open Hey, kids! There's still time to enter the Holiday coloring contest. Entry blanks are available at Showcase Restaurant on Grand Island Boulevard and Niagara Frontier Publications,* 1854 C Whitehaven Rd. (rear building) Winners for the age categories will be announced in the Grand Island Penny Saver and the Dispatch. Entrants will be displayed at the Showcase Restaurant. continued on page 9 t <*£AgfCrWfCE*> 3 < g~> Today is the last day to enter *J It* your home or Dusiness in the .E F** "Reflections of Light" _J T*T. Drop off your application to: CM |P The Chamber of Commerce __J W> 1980 Whitehaven Rd. CM pE> Niagara Frontier _*J l-p. Publications Qf 1854 C Whitehaven Rd.  ia_> Town Hall CBf F~ 2255 Baseline Rd. A r~!? Judging takes place ITJ tomorrow, Saturday Dec. 20.