Island Dispatch, 2005-09-30

              ISLAND Dispatch For Home Delivery of the island Dispatch Call 773-7676 Niagara fn'nl Frontier \A^f Publications proud publishers of Island Dispatch Lewiston-Porter Sentinel Grand Island Penny Saver Niagara-Wheatfield Tribune www.wnypapers.com September 30, 2005 V01.61 No. 28 24 Pages sl.OO Largest conference ever page 3 Hockey players victorious page 16 Co-op nursery anniversary page 24 Island larceny case puts Sheriff's patrols in spotlight by Karen Keefe A sheriff s detective and deputies assigned to the Grand Island Substation say a current grand larceny case points up the need for a countywide police agency to keep communities safe. The case involves a man charged with stealing guns and money from his brother and using the cash he obtained to buy crack cocaine. The guns stolen in Grand Island ended up being recovered in Buffalo. "Criminals know no boundaries," said Detective Dennis Fitzgibbon, who is handling the case. He stressed the importance of putting countywide resources behind such investigations. Families Victimized "This is a microcosm of what's going on in every community in Erie County," Fitzgibbon said of the case. "People become addicted to drugs and the first people they victimize is their family and friends," Fitzgibbon said. Fitzgibbon and deputy Mike Summers say threatened Erie County budget cuts could jeopardize the ability to apprehend suspects, especially those whose crimes cross municipal borders. "Public safety is the last thing that should be cut," said Summers, who is president of the Police Benevolent Association for the sheriff's deputies, Dep. Terance L. Guenot said the sheriff's patrols are crucial to the quality of life Grand Islanders count on. First Responders "We're normally the first ones there," to investigate, Guenot said, whether it's vandalism, downed wires, slippery winter roads or a water main break - all in addition to the more high profile crimes. Earlier this month, a 6-by-9 inch red post card was sent out by the Erie County Sheriff's Deputies Police Benevolent Association, It tells resi- dents, "In your hour of need, sheriff's deputies have been there." Guenot asks of the public, "Are you going to be there for us?" County Executive Joel Gimabra has proposed requiring towns to pay for road patrols or the elimination altogether of police services to towns. Guenot and Summers urge people who oppose further cutbacks to call their county legislator and let them know. A post card sent out by the Erie County Sheriff's Deputies Police Benevolent Association recently advises residents of the community policing services they receive. Deputy Mike Summers says Erie County residents have a good deal, with Sheriff's Department community-wide protection costing $10 per household per yean (photo by Karen Keefe) District starts to move on after Cannata sentencing by Karen Keefe The Grand Island school district is beginning to move on, fol- j lowing the sentencing Wednesday of suspended Sidway | Elementary School principal Frank Cannata. I I Cannata received two years probation for 1 j possession of small amounts of the drug j j Ecstasy, as well as methamphetamine. I School Board President Michael j Dallessandro said bringing a sense of sta| bility to the students and staff at the I Sidway School is of utmost importance now. 3 "I think it's very important that this issue be put behind us and we can bring stability to this building," Dallessandro said. He said what's needed is that "teachers and kids know they have a permanent leader in place." Dallassandro said although interim Principal Henry Peters "is doing an excellent job" in guiding the school, "It is time to move on and put this behind us." Cannata, 41, was sentenced in U.S. District Court on a case which began with his arrest in December during a roundup of 30 suspects said to be involved with Ecstasy and amphetamines. Authorities said Cannata was considered a user, not a dealer, and was arrested on misdemeanor drug possession. He was suspended without pay from his $97,000-a-year principal's job. He also was put on leave from his position as music director at St. Stephen's Church. "I know I let a lot of people down, and for that I am truly sorry," Cannata told the Buffalo News after his sentencing. Karl Kristoff, an attorney for the school district, told the Island Frank Cannata 'Raising the bar' for Samuel by Karen Keefe Samuel Terlecky lived only a few short days, but his life continues to inspire hope and bring healing to other children. On Saturday, Oct. 15, a very special event in his memory has as its goal to raise $50,000 to benefit Women and Children's Hospital. Samuel Michael Terlecky, the son of Traci and Peter Terlecky of Grand Island, was born on Jan. 13, 2002, at Children's. He died of an intestinal illness called NEC just four days after birth. The fund-raiser will benefit the hospital's Neo-Natal unit where Samuel was cared for, as well as medical programs, research and much needed state-of-the-art equipment specific to children's needs. Traci Terlecky holds a photograph and write-up about her infant son, Samuel, who died in 2002. Samuel is the inspiration for a Women and Children's Hospital fundraiser at the Buffalo Athletic Club's six facilities on Saturday, Oct. 15. The annual event has raised more than $40,000 for the hospital in the past three years. continued on page 2 continued on page ® continued on page 2 ILinda gjlli] I KutzbaehjjrW j Associate Broker 81b" jmjm ! #1 Island Agent fWjiSßtt I #1 Company in WNY 743-7321 ®r 628-1719 Q© Do you need to buy or * sell a home? A® Call Linda Kutzbach, *™*she knows how and would love to help you. ;| i j I'JRHb rot Hi your PSPfef Real Estate ES3B3S Needa' f