Island Dispatch, 2005-06-10

              Island Dispatch V01.61 No. 12 24 Pages June 10,2005 Niagara fft Dl Frontier Publications proud publishers of Island Dispatch Lewiston-Porter Sentinel Grand Island Penny Saver Niagara-Wheatfield Tribune www.vMiypapers.com For Home Delivery of the Island Dispatch Call 773-7676 $1.00 Island Realtors specialize page 5 Tech Camp: Fun Skills page 11 Church's unique pianist page 12 First Grand Island resident dies in Iraq Army soldier killed by hostile fire; residents mourn loss by Michael J. Owen U.S. Navy Journalist (Ret.) The harsh reality and sudden tragedy of war hit home Tuesday when U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Terrence K. Crowe was killed by hostile fire while part of offensive operations in Tal Afar, Iraq, near the Syrian border. The first Grand Island resident to die in the Iraqi war, Crowe's loss to family, friends, the community and our nation comes just one week after the Island's Memorial Day ceremony - a day set aside nationwide to honor those who died in all of America's wars. An almost 22-year Army veteran with 12 years of active duty, Crowe was offered retirement at 20 years of qualifying service, but turned it down saying: "After 20 years I've never been to war and it's time to pay my dues." He was a member of the Army's 98th Division and was mobilized last October to help train Iraqi security forces. As a trainer and adviser, Crowe was part of a Military Transition Team mentoring Iraqi troops. Unit Attacked Army sources reported that Crowe's unit was in Tal Afar on June 7 looking for insurgents when the unit came under intense small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. "Lt. Col. Crowe is the finest Infantry Officer I have had ever served with and I lost a dear friend," said Capt. Peterson, who served with Crowe in that fire- fight. Crowe was qualified in Airborne and Air Assault and will receive the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. The 44-year old Grand Island resident was a 1982 graduate of Niagara University. In his civilian career, he was a carpenter with Arida Construction, based in North Tonawanda. He also worked as an assistant professor of Military Science at Canisius College in Lt. Col. "ferrence Crowe, who was killed by hostile fire Tuesday in Iraq, was the first Grand Island resident to die in that war. Island unites for Relay by Karen Keefe Grand Island proves it is a community that cares, in a very special event today. The Relay for Life, a show of strength against cancer and a celebration of life, begins at 6 p.m. The fund-raiser runs straight through until 8 a.m. Saturday. More than 55 teams have signed up to walk the track behind Grand Island High School and raise funds for the American Cancer Society. In addition, many teams have held fund-raisers that truly bring the community together for an important cause. There have been garage sales, craft sales, raffles, challenges and direct donations. There already is $47,000 banked, a figure equal to last year's total; so organizers expect to exceed that in this, the third annual Grand Island Relay. Victory Walk The Survivors Lap at 6:20 p.m. is, in essence, a victory walk for those who have persevered against cancer. It's their moment in the spotlight - a tribute to their bravery and to the support of loved ones who've helped them. Their fight is one the whole community is supporting today. It would be hard to find a family that has not been touched by cancer in some way, and yet a cure seems ever closer. Town Supervisor Peter McMahon and the Town Board issue a proclamation in support of today's Grand Island Relay for Life, (photo by Karen Keefe) Island again bracing for county fiscal impact McMahon, Hardwick react to Hevesi by Karen Keefe When State Comptroller Alan G. Hevesi released his report on Erie County's deepening financial crisis, Grand Island Town Supervisor Peter McMahon was there and paying very close attention. "Last December and early this year, we did a thorough assessment for the potential impact to Grand Island — what it would cost to replace (county) services. All of that stuff is now back on the table," McMahon said. 'There's some risk that we will lose sheriff's patrols and library" services, he said. Crisis of Confidence "Erie County is facing a fiscal crisis, a cash crisis and a crisis of confidence," Hevesi said, in calling for a control board to force the county to solve its financial problems. Hevesi reports that the county faces a 2005 budget gap of $118.4 million and projected gaps in future years that grow from $131 million in 2006 to $279 million in 2010. As a result, the county is running out of cash to pay its bills. Island feeling the pinch McMahon said that the county's cash crunch is already hayinghaying its effect on Grand Island and other towns. "They're delaying payment of sales taxes to quarterly instead of monthly," McMahon said. "We just signed a new contract for snow plowing," he said, and the county has honored its contracts.McMahon said the town is "prepared to deal with what happens," just as it was when the financial crisis first emerged last year. He said the next county Legislature meeting is Tuesday, and issues the town thinks are critical will be watched closely. "We may attend," McMahon said of the Tuesday meeting. Once a decision is made by the county, the Town Board will convene a meeting to deal with the ramifications, he said. /Perpetual Crisis' Dr. Kevin Hardwick, political science professor at Canisius College, will be sharing his views on the county budget crisis at a Conservative Party legislative update June 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Niagara Sailing Club on the Island. "The legislators in there now will determine the package of continued on page 7 continued on page 2 continued on page 7 I  i ; j »||j|gggj» 2948 Sunset | 0pEH | SUNDAY 1-3 3514 Calvano Drive Fabulous 3,100 sq. ft. Luxurious 5 bedroom, 3 Ml bath. Huge ceramic tile kitchen, 2nd floor laundry, finished basement. Bob Monaco 773-4637