Island Dispatch, 1998-08-14

              Island DISPATCH Vol. 58* No. 19 (716) 773-7676 Nite Madness LARGE CHEESE PIZZA 4-95 « ♦TAX (Pizm?sObs) Community Happening wrap-up. See page 11. August 14, 1998 Complete Community Coverage over r M  20 Pages 650 Grand Island Fire Company striding while others are struggling by Vincent Little Volunteer Fire Departments throughout Erie County are overwhelmed by man power shortages and aging volunteer squads. Many departments lack the necessary man power to respond to calls properly, having to wait for help from additional departments. This is not the case on Grand Island. The Grand Island Fire Company has an abundance of willing volunteers, so much so a waiting list was created. Currently, the Fire Company has 106 members that are utilized in squads of 10 to 12 tire fighters on a rotating six-week schedule. These volunteers are assigned to evening coverage from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Day time and early evening hours are covered by volunteers based on availability and need. This system helps to relieve the burden by creating group responsibility. Companies across the county are Car-Cycle Collision Results in Fatality by Ray Pauley Public Info Officer Shortly before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, GIFC Rescue Personnel responded to an automotorcycle accident which occurred on Grand Island Boulevard, across from Tops Market. Thirty year old Gregory Hudson, (Scott Carlson) of Towerwood Dr., BAL ACCIDENT - Victim's cycle remains on roadway Wednesday ing Erie County Sheriffs investigation. Feds rule in favor of Senecas by Deanne Bartha The case between the Seneca Nation of Indians vs. defendants regarding the Town of Grand Island came to a head Thursday morning after the federal government officially ruled to recommend dismissal of the defendants' filed motions. Announced by Carol E. Heckman, United States Magistrate Judge at the Federal courthouse in downtown Buffalo, the move prompted immediate response from local government officials who continue to speak out in defense of Grand Island property owners. Supervisor Peter McMahon said the ruling was "the expected result of the federal government's intervention in the Seneca Nation land claim. Fundamentally, trie ruling means the case can go to trial." "This ruling does not change the facts in this case," McMahon said. "It does mean that the uncertainty felt by our property owners and the negative economic impact, which Case to proceed to trial are caused by this land claim will continue for another two or three years." McMahon met with Judge Heckman following the release of her ruling. She told him that "if the US Government had not been there, the case would probably have been dismissed." "It is unfortunate that the federal government has chosen to ignore the rights of our residents," McMahon said. "It is important to remember that in the entire history of Indian land claims no property owner has ever involuntarily lost property." McMahon has instructed the Town Attorney to research the law JLOVemiUtt Indian land cUim& and look for legal options which might "result in either the dismissal of Island property owners as defendants and/or which would limit any award from the lawsuit to monetary damages." By)doing so, McMahon believes that uncertainty provoked by the case would end. Assemblymember Sam Hoyt was with McMahon for the press conference and expressed disappointment in the ruling. He criticized Attorney General Janet Reno for her actions this year that allowed the federal government to intervene on behalf of the Seneca Nation of Indians. "Today's decision by Magistrate Heckman is deeply disappointing," Hoyt said. "However, while this decision legally allows the United States Government to intervene against New York State and Grand Island, it still does not justify that intervention. As I said last spring, the Attorney General's office has no this matter" Hoyt pointed out that although the intervention may be legal, it isn't necessarily "right." "Today's ruling will further prolong the life of a legal case that Heatherstone Kennels make sure it’s a dogs’world by Vincent Little Heatherstone Kennels, located at 2070 Grand Island Blvd., is a family-owned and operated kennel that has been providing quality service for pets since 1969. Manager Carol Gress wants to make that clear, in light of a recent Buffalo News article exposing several violations at the town of Clarence kennel. She had a building created to house Town dogs, which are stray or lost dogs. This building is separate from the building that houses the boarding dogs. In total there are 60 covered runs attached to private indoor areas that are heated. Gress, who has been in the business since she was 15 years old, nearly 45 years, offers the same care for Town dogs that is given to the boarders. "The Town dogs and owners are getting the same service as the boarders," Gress said. "They are treated the same, they are fed the same, we isolate the Town dogs in case they have a disease." Town Clerk Nancy Samrany said the Department of Agriculture and Markets checks each year— Heatherstone Kennels "always got good reports." "I think Island owners and dog lovers can feel safe where they board their dogs—it's a positive place," Samrany said. "Since I've been clerk and worked with Heatherstone we've allowed owners to pick up their animals on weekends, something many towns don't do." Samrany has been "personally BOARDER BASKING IN THE SUN - This is one of several boarders enjoying his time in his private run at Heatherstone Kennels. The boarders have a separate building from the one used by the Town dogs, which are lost or stray dogs. continued on page 8 continued on page 8 continued on page 8 continued on page 4