Island Dispatch, 1998-12-04

              Island Dispatch I ~~^—i "~ i>j__^_k^ ti "As the voice of Grand Island" £TJy*k __h___C '* ■'■■» — —— \wr~~ l/Q?r,s Monday Nite Madru*** UWiE Of EESE PIZZA 4-95 i__♦_« fj£fw sites) _.m^M*_—M_—-_!»_——■ j In This Issue: Lewiston Cbhristmas Walk tab section December 4, 1998 24 Pages 650 Vol. 54 No, 34 (716)773-7676 - Complete community coverage MAKING THE HOLIDAY SEASON OFFICIAL - Town of Grand Island workers were busy Thursday morning arranging the festive Christmas decorations around Town Hall. As visitors approach the entrance of Town Hall, they will be greeted with "carolers" standing aside the "snow" covered entrance. The manger scene can be found at the Town Hall Gazebo, although Baby Jesus wasn't available at the time of the photo. Last year, He was stolen from various manger scenes throughout the community, including this one at Town Hall, and ended up with 20 other replicas at St. Stephen's Church. He was gratefully recovered, however, the manger is still missing. Workers anticipate having to build a new one. Reflections of Light applications available Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mike Sendlbeck, of the Reflections of Light committee, would like Grand Island residents and businesses to know that the deadline for applications to the annual contest is December 14 at the close of business. Categories include White Lighting, Colored Lighting, and Most Unusual Display for homes and businesses. Cash Prizes will be given to the winners. Submit applications to Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, 1980 Whitehaven Rd. The Chamber of Commerce will hold their elections and Christmas party on December 15 at the Holiday Inn Settlement Room beginning at 6 p.m. Please bring a non-perishable food item or an unwrapped toy to benefit the needy. Hey, You Never Know Lottery Officials congratulate Linda Rossitto of Grand Island, a winner of $9,500 on the New York Lottery's NY Wired television game show. Rossitto purchased a TV CASH Scratcher Lottery ticket from Wilson Farms, 1787 Love Rd. "They were out of my favorite ticket so I just decided to buy the TV CASH ticket," said Rossitto. "I didn't win on the ticket but I mailed it in for a chance to be on the television show. I was surprised to receive a letter in the mail saying I had been selected to be on the game show." Rossitto, her husband John, and their two-year old daughter traveled to New York City to tape the show earlier last month. They enjoyed a free night's stay at the World Trade Center Marriott. "I had a wonderful time in New York City. I'm black and blue from pinching myself," said Rossitto. The show will air on Dec. 20 on WGRZ-NBC. Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. Rossitto's team won $47,500 which was split between her and her four teammates. The team also played on behalf of a randomly selected school. Primary Magnet School in Newburgh will receive $5,000 toward computer equipment. In September 1996, Governor George Pataki, together with a unique coalition of businesses and government agencies, launched the NY Wired for Education Internet program. Since September 1996, the New York Wired initiative has provided more than 3,000 schools over $2 million in computer equipment. In addition, NY Wired has connected schools for access to the Internet at a cost savings to the State of over $20 million. TV CASH is a $1 Lottery Scratcher ticket, offering a top prize of $5,000 and, like most other Scratcher tickets also offers a second chance to appear on the New York Lottery's television game show "NY Wired," where everyone truly wins. Man faces jail term for assaulting ex David F. Arch, 37, of Love Road was found guilty on two charges in Supreme Court last Tuesday after a three day trial stemming from an October 1, 1997 incident at his home. Arch faced a second degree assault charge and unlawful imprisonment in the beating of his former girlfriend, Michelle Pardee, 34, of the Town of Wilson. He was found guilty of assault in the 3rd degree, a lesser charge which was included in the 2nd degree. That was determined because the extent of Pardee's injuries, although they have impaired her ability to work and function normally on a day to day basis, did not result in death. He was also found guilty of unlawful imprisonment. He is scheduled for sentencing in Supreme Court on February 19 and could be facing up to a one year jail term. He is free on $3,000 bail pending sentencing. Resulting from the beating incident, Pardee filed felony contempt of court charges and aggravated harassment after Arch allegedly threatened Pardee if she testified against him. Justice Ronald H. Tills dismissed the charges, however, the prosecution successfully argued for a court order of protection for Pardee. Arch was told to "stay away" from her and "make sure no third parties" try to contact her. t tate Please remember to fly your American flag at half staff in recognition of Monday, December 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.