Garage fire battled in Gasport
GASPORT — Local firefighters battled a garage fire on Chapman Road late Thursday.
Niagara County central dispatch fielded a call about the fire at 9:53 p.m. Responding fire personnel and sheriff’s deputies confirmed a working fire at 8432 Chapman Road, in an attached garage that began to spread to the rest of the house.
All occupants were out of the house and safe, according to the incident report generated by the sheriff’s office. The fire was quickly brought under control by responding volunteer firefighters.
The Hartland, Gasport Chemical Hose, Middleport, Barker and Medina fire companies were called to the scene.
The cause of the blaze remains to be determined by Niagara County fire investigators. No estimate of damage was given immediately.
LHS Distinguished Alumni announced
The Lockport High School Foundation has announced its Distinguished Alumni for 2025.
The honorees are Laura Miskell Benedict, Paul Breloff, Betty Jo Licata, Michael Norris, Andy Rosenberg, Eric Schneider, Gracie Scirto and Stephen Shambach.
The foundation will host a public recognition ceremony in the high school auditorium on Aug. 20.
Via nominations from the community, the program honors LHS alumni who graduated at least 10 years ago and demonstrate: 1) how have they shown excellence in their chosen field; and 2) outstanding contributions to their community.
Barker library measures on May 20 ballot
BARKER — Propositions pertaining to financing and management of Barker Public Library will appear on the ballot in the May 20 school board election and budget vote.
Proposition 3 asks for a yes or no vote on the proposed library tax levy for 2025-2026. The levy is $98,834, an increase of $8,575 on the current year levy.
Proposition 4 is to elect one trustee to the library board. According to library director Lisa Thompson, there is one candidate: Roy Anderson, a past library trustee. If elected, Anderson will succeed current trustee Brian Carmer, whose term of office expires in June.
Locks & Legacy Gala benefits history center
The Niagara History Center will host the Locks & Legacy Gala May 17 at Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises. It’s a fundraiser for the county historical society celebrating the 200th anniversary of the completion of the Erie Canal.
Features include a pre-dinner Erie Canal cruise, music by pianist Kevin Clark, appearances by historic personages from 19th century Lockport, a buffet dinner, a silent auction and a live auction. Both auctions will feature contributions from local artists and photographers as well as items donated by area businesses and sponsors.
Reservations for the gala must be made by May 8. Call 716-434-7433 or visit niagarahistory.org for more information.