Island Dispatch, 1999-07-16

              Island DISPATCH Behind the Badge page 6 G.L's Fire Guys page 6 Like a rock page 11 Vol, 55 Np:i3 [.: (716) J7fff6fj5| 55 Years As the Voice of Grand Island Award Winning Newspapers Complete Community Coverage The Official Newspaper of the Town of Grand Island and the Grand Island School District JULY 16. 1999 24 Pages  65c Keith’s Classic breaks record We should all be proud of Keith Brewer's mother, Jackie Mordaunt, for her efforts in raising funds for Roswell Park and the fight against cancer. The 12th Annual Keith's Classic Memorial Golf Tournament, held Monday, raised $100,000 in net earnings, breaking the record. However, Jackie didn't do it alone. It took the help of her husband and co-chair Tim Mordaunt, the 100 volunteers, along with the golfers and celebrities Rob Ray and Ted Washington. The proceeds from Keith's Classic benefit pediatric and breast cancer research at Roswell Park. To date, the tournament has raised over $700,000. All who participated in the tournament have joined the fight against cancer, enabling many victims fighting the disease the chance to live with better treatment and hope for a cancer free future. The Mordaunts continue their efforts each year hoping that the funds raised from the event will prevent, if even only one family, from experiencing the same kind of loss they did back in 1986 when Keith died. They certainly have made a difference. In its first year, Keith's Classic had barely over 50 golfers in just one tournament. Since then, it has evolved into two tournaments in the morning and afternoon with close to 300 golfers on the green. This year, the weather turned out perfect for a day of fun DRIVE FOR SHOW - Paul Kolkmeyer drove this tee-shot within 12 feet of the pin on the par 3 fifth hole during the morning round of the Keith's Classic, (by G. Schnitzer) IT'S BACK! - races will make another triumphant return to the Niagara Rivei on Saturday, July 24, and Sunday, July 25. Last year's event was one of the coolest attractions of the summer. December court date to determine lawsuit by Deanne Bartha Even with all the media exposure on the Seneca Indian land claim over the past year, longtime Legislator and Erie County Chairman Chuck Swanick, going door to door on Grand Island with his campaign trail for November's election, has encountered something common — and something somewhat baffling — among residents that he'd like to make clear: In the first week of December, Grand Island and Erie County are scheduled for court in the Seneca Indian Nation land claim. He'd like more Grand Islanders to know that, and be positive that the county is moving forward on the issue. "The court order date is set for the first week in December," Swanick said to the Dispatch on Tuesday. "There'll be an oral argument in January with a brief presentation of the historical data, and a decision to dismiss the case in early 2000." Swanick said that all the necessary documentation, including treaties retrieved from the British, are part of the case the county will present to the Federal Judge. Over $250,000 has been spent by the county in defense of Grand Island gathering all information they can based on historical issues, copies of treaties, and the work of several consultants. And, they aren't about to settle for casino gambling or cash. "In December, this will narrow the court case as to whether or not the Senecas have a claim," Swanick said. "We believe we have all the necessary documentation to defend Grand Island. We believe there's a clear title transfer from the Senecas to Grand Island." Since at least 95 percent of his constituents on Grand Island that he's seen so far have posed the loaded Seneca Indian Nation question, Swanick plans on mailing every homeowner and business on Grand Island a complete explana- tion of what's to come. He emphasized that when the Federal . Magistrate relayed the word from Attorney General Janet Reno last year that sided with the Senecas, Erie County Executive Dennis Gorski quickly came to Grand Island's defense. "Dennis thought: ._ *tl_ 1 _-.**__„._-, 4-U* n*ntA Why settle with letting the state handle this?" Swanick said. "He wanted to work with the State Attorney General. He wanted county involvement — to be a partner in any settlement, if needed." Swanick was referring to any cash settlement, which seems remote at this time, he relayed. There appears to be enough evidence right now to throw the case out of court. Gorski's decision, Swanick said, was to have the county absorb the cost, and not have Grand Islanders front it. "We've located the necessary treaties, we've hired consultants from England, and we're prepared Charles Swanick Thunder on the Water Racing on the Niagara returns again! by Kelly Gast It's true! Saturday, July 24, and Sunday, July 25, is reserved for the "Thunder on the Niagara" boat races. The return of the boat races last summer was a roaring success, and this year should prove to be even bigger and better. The river banks along the Niagara at Niawanda Park will soon be full of rigs lowering powerful race boats into the water and anxious motor sports fans anticipating the same high speed action of last year's event. This year, there will be even more excitement. In addition to the 2.5 Liter, 5.0 Liter, K-Runabout and Grand Prix boats, the Jersey Speed Skiffs have been added to the program. Even more thrilling, the Grand Prix class will be taping a one hour national television show that will air on Speedvision during August. There will be a restriction of carrying alcoholic beverages into Niawanda Park this year, however, there will be a private vendor. For those who did not attend last year's event, it is a natural rush of its own simply spectating. Many Islanders are looking forward to the boat races once again. It is a tradition many locals hold dear. In past years, the boat races were continued on page 5 continued on page 24 continued on page 2