Island Dispatch, 2002-04-19

              Island  DISPATCH  Founded 1944 • Complete Community Coverage The Farmer's Sii)iais:ic predicts: i t'. :'• 57 Years As the Voice of Grand Island %[ Award Winning Newspapers The Official Newspaper of the Town of Grand Island and the Grand Island School District Spaghetti and Fun For Islanders Page 5 A Sensational Start Page 12 Phone: (716) 773-7676 • Fax: <716) 773-7190 • F-Mail: NFPNe\\s(" clmail.com Vol. 58 No. 8 April 19,2002 20 Pages 85c Joy ride leads to arrest on serious charge Photo and story by Liz Zilbauer Last Friday was the first time I set foot on the pipelines clearing off Baseline, that tract of open land that interrupts the stretch of forest between Love and Staley roads: I had to take the photo shot accompanying these words. Though I had never made prior use of the easement, many Islanders do. Seasonal, hunters, along with ATV, dirt bike, and snowmobile enthusiasts take regular advantage of it, either for its access into the woods, or for its semi-unobstructed setting. And then there are the sport utility vehicle- and truck-driving folk who like to off-road down this natural alleyway. And why not? It looks inviting, right? Miles of relatively flat, open land lie at tires' tips, beckoning the thrill seeker off the paved, legal path. Sometimes this flight of fancy is successful. Successful treks would fall under the label of "covert Island operations," joining all other activities residents never find out about. Much to a camera lens' delight, success is not always to be had. Last Thursday night's expedition ended gloriously in a 2-1/2-foot deep pond of muddy water. And that's where it remained until a tow truck could fire up and head to the scene the next morning. Wheelfind Automotive responded after receiving the call around 8 a.m. Friday. When asked how long the extrication took, Wheelfind owner Terry Freiermuth responded, "We didn't get back until 11 a.m." He explained that the distance of the vehicle from Baseline Road was the main factor requiring three hours of winch work. Freiermuth said he needed to stretch out 400 feet of cable from the road before reaching the SUV: a lengthy process in both senses of the term. "We couldn't go in ourselves because the ground was too soft and muddy," he stated. Finally tugged out of the water and pulled to the road, the "waterlogged" Ford, as Freiermuth termed it, was hauled back to the garage. Not authorized to keep the truck for repairs, Wheelfind released it. But that's not to say there was no extensive damage. "I guarantee [the driver] probably shorted out some of the electrical on his car. He could have done a lot of damage, [as could anyone] going through that area."" Freiermuth said that he has to pull "two or three a year from the pipeline." "This is the first one I'm aware of," Town Supervisor Peter McMahon said, referring to the extent of his knowledge on the issue. When asked about the legality of driving a vehicle on the easement, he explained that it is the equivalent of unauthorized driving on private property. Pipeline territory is private property. The lines, which carry natural gas and oil to destinations such as Rochester, and the land in which they are buried, are. owned by pipeline companies. Town Attorney Peter Godfrey says the act of driving on the land is a trespass, but not against the town. Therefore, "It's not the town's right to enforce...who goes on [the land] and who doesn't. It's the property owners' right to enforce [that]," he said. Enforced or not, it is an illegal activity all the same. According to Freiermuth's report and the story of two teen "lookylous," watching the extrication Friday morning, many are breaking the law in, this way. The two teens said that they themselves have driven on the easement for fun, and they know many others who do. Off-roading along a pipeline easement, this SUV was only able to get so far before becoming lodged in deep water. Town board meeting short and to the point by Jon Sandino There were no controversial public hearings, concerned residents addressing the board or debates amongst board members. Monday's Grand Island Town Board meeting was short and to the point. - It was fitting on a day that, with temperatures reaching the mid 70s outside, the most pertinent agenda items approved inside town hall court room were summer related. With spring here, and summer right around the corner, that means Little League Baseball is fast approaching. This year's opening day ceremonies for Grand Island Little League Baseball are scheduled, weather pending, for Saturday, May 4. Games will be played throughout the day. -The board approved a request from Grand Island Parks and Recreation Department Director Linda Tufillaro to hire part-time seasonal summer attendants in maintenance as follows: • Master mower - 1 @ $9.00 per hour (fourth year employee). • Assistant crew worker - 1 @ $7.95 (third year employee) • Jr. worker PT - 3 @ $7.00 (third year employee) • General worker - 2 @ $6.35 (second year employee) • General worker - 5 @ $6.00 (new for 2002) Jackson Music Centre Inc., has been in the process of planning events that will take place at its store, 2475 Grand Island Boulevard, over the next six months. The first outdoor event that is scheduled will span over 10 days, starting from June 13 to June 23, in conjunction with the WNED Buffalo Niagara Guitar Festival as a co-sponsor. On June 21, there will be a catered party outside that will include food and adult beverages. In order for the event to take place, Jackson Music needs a letter from the town stating they (town officials) are aware of this event and that the caterer is Colony Lounge, who holds a liquor license for the event. The board voted 5-0 in favor of the request, and can expect a letter from McMahon in upcoming weeks. Jackson Music will also be hosting a second summer event during the week of July 4. Two bands, one blues and the other rock will perform from 5-9 p.m. just before the fire works. This event will not feature food or adult beverages. Other Agenda Items - The board approved a site plan continued on page 15 BW. continued on page 71®* MARTY'S TOWING, INC Tl RELiESfc. NYS INSPECTION • AUIO RIWURS • BRAND NAME TIMS • SATTtRiiS 24 hr. Emergency .qj- |RL El 35 * Road Service & Recovery - wsmmmm  1741 Baseline Rd. iHtmaaMumi B fcA«»««nan. umiim—  773-35 1 3 1--1 RES Weekend at a Glance Friday Annual Fish Fry I Niagara Sailing Club, 1 3619 E. River Rd. 6 p.m. 1 Saturday I Spring Chowder and Baked 1 Goods Sale j Grand Island Fire Company Headquarters, 2275 Baseline Rd. Chowder begins at approximately 11 a.m. or when ready and will be available by bowl or bulk to those bringing containers 1 Sunday Spaghetti Dinner St. Stephen's School Cafeteria, 2080 Baseline Rd. Noon to 5:30 p.m. I April 20-28 SAM COE RV Show We have your summer fashions - Lerners, Express, Deb Shop, Claires & More