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Articles by James Sinner
Fox Valley Country Club's ownership puts millions into rejuvenation of local landmark
Fox Valley Country Club in Lancaster has reported a total of $4 million invested into the course and facilities by owners and Clarence natives, Ravi, Nitin, and Rohan Bansal, breathing new life into an establishment that was — only a short time ago — facing an uncertain future.
Village officials break ground for high-end pavilion at Cayuga Creek Park
A groundbreaking ceremony celebrated the incoming pavilion at Cayuga Creek Park on Tuesday, Oct. 20, attended by Russell J. Salvatore, who has committed $200,000 toward the project. The village will pay $100,000 toward the remaining costs of development. “It’s going to give us a permanent stage where different performers can come up, and we can run a smaller concert series, as well as a couple movie nights and kids’ night, for sure,” said Mayor Bill Schroeder, speaking at the event.
Lancaster Opera House property to receive 'David Bondrow Way' historic street sign
When the late creative director at the Lancaster Opera House, David Bondrow, passed away in April of this year, a community mourned the loss of a man who dedicated so much of himself to the betterment of a beloved instution. A celebration of his life, starting with a special designation of the area outside the Opera House and Town Hall as “David Bondrow Square,” will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.
Lancaster Opera House property to receive 'David Bondrow Way' historic street sign
When the late creative director at the Lancaster Opera House, David Bondrow, passed away in April of this year, a community mourned the loss of a man who dedicated so much of himself to the betterment of a beloved institution. A celebration of his life, starting with a special designation of the area outside the Opera House and Town Hall as “David Bondrow Square,” will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.
Lancaster supervisor slams BPD for press briefing targeting area residents for July 4 chaos
A spree of shootings in Buffalo during a street takeover party on July 4 resulted in 11 victims of gun violence over the course of two hours as the partying spiraled out of control. The incident, which took place in the area of East Delevan and Grider, caused an overwhelming situation for officers responding who struggled to keep up with the chaos and violence. "Of particular concern for us was an event by a self-proclaimed street party promoter," said Commissioner Erica Shields.
Depew Boys & Girls Club raises over $5,000 to help local teen fight cancer diagnosis
The Depew Boys & Girls Club hosted a community fundraiser event on Friday, June 26, supporting local teen Micah Trammell Ali in his fight against osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. The event sold hot dogs and chicken dinners, raising a total of over $5,000 in funds that will support Ali and his family with the expensive costs of medical care.
Lancaster residents butt heads over proposed lighting law
A local law introduced for public comment by the Town of Lancaster has residents torn over lighting regulations aimed at stopping exterior fixtures from creating a disturbance for neighboring properties. While the local law itself only targets bright lights of any source, many of the reported complaints are related to LED flood lamps.
Bee Group Newspapers hosts first annual Teen of the Year Recognition & Award Ceremony
Bee Group Newspapers held its first annual Teen of the Year Recognition & Award Ceremony at Lancaster Opera House on Thursday, May 28, collaborating with Erie 1 BOCES to celebrate 22 students across the news group's area of coverage for their academic and extracurricular activities.
Erie County native wins Pulitzer Prize
Lancaster native Sara DiNatale is among the winners of the Pulitzer Prize in 2026, receiving an award in Explanatory Writing for her coverage of systemic issues within major insurance companies that left policyholders undercompensated following widespread wildfires. DiNatale, a 2011 graduate of Lancaster High School, was able to claim the top American prize for journalism at only 33 years old. The San Francisco Chronicle writer partook in a discussion about her accomplishment over the weekend.
TOWN TALKS TERM LIMITS
Councilmember Melissa Studley has made waves at the last two board meetings by proposing the idea of term limits in the Town of Lancaster, with her fellow board members having various opinions on the topic but all welcoming input from the public.
DEC youth hunting program prohibition overturned, faces hurdle from impending county executive veto
Firearms, bullets, guns and ammo. Depending on who you are, these words can create positive, negative or no emotions at all. Despite a 7-3 vote in favor of allowing the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation youth hunting pilot program to operate in Erie County by the legislature this April, local sportsmen may still be blocked from bringing their 12- to 13-year-old kids along for the experience.
Community mourns loss of Lancaster Opera House creative director; organization plans to honor his legacy
The sudden passing of David Bondrow, creative director at the Lancaster Opera House, on Wednesday, April 15, has left a community mourning the loss of a man known for his talent, dedication, and kindness to those around him. Since 2009, Bondrow’s leadership saw the roughly 130-year-old opera house flourish into the 21st century, maintaining a dedicated following of regional theater fans that remained loyal attendees year after year.
Security company stirs concerns from cluster of village residents; FLOCK representative details data storage, sharing guidelines
FLOCK Security, a public safety and law enforcement technologies company, participated in Monday's Village of Lancaster Board of Trustees meeting, responding to recent criticisms from a small batch of residents upset over the potential storage of a new FLOCK drone atop the Municipal Building.
St. Paul's Lutheran Church hosts groundbreaking ceremony for new church building
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Blossom in Elma held a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of a new building on Saturday, March 21, bringing together congregants in celebration of a new place to worship following the destruction of their historic church by fire. Destroyed on May 13, 2023, multiple area fire companies attempted to save St. Paul’s Lutheran Church building. Members of the church worshiped at that site since 1862. The sanctuary and nearly all contents were declared a total loss.
St. Paul's Lutheran Church hosts ceremony for new church building
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Blossom in Elma held a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of a new sanctuary on Saturday, March 21, bringing together congregants in celebration of a new place to worship following the destruction of their historic church by fire. Destroyed on May 13, 2023, multiple area fire companies attempted to save St. Paul’s Church building. Members of the Lutheran church worshiped at that site since 1862. The sanctuary and nearly all contents were declared a total loss.
Derby-themed event will benefit Lancaster family that faced two cancer diagnoses in three years
Mother and son, Dawn and Luke Roller, maintain high spirits despite a separate set of cancer diagnoses, relying on each other and husband and father Bill Roller to get through this challenging period in their life. Dawn was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in December 2022, and Luke was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in May 2025.
No Kings protest takes place in Williamsville
The No Kings protest in Williamsville attracted heavy attendance Saturday, March 28, drawing residents from around Erie County who are critical of current federal policies. Protestors in the crowd conveyed concerns about immigration, health care, conflicts abroad, and inflation. Mimi Clem, who wears a yellow vest and works as a Peacekeeper at these events, said her priority is protecting free speech while keeping everyone safe.
REFERENDUM PASSED: Firefighters to receive updated LOSAP benefits plan
The Lancaster Fire Department’s updated LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program) benefits plan received heavy approval during a referendum held in the Village of Lancaster Wednesday, March 18, with election workers tallying 143 yes votes and 40 no votes. The passage of this proposal allows the department to increase the individual maximum benefit after 40 years of service from $600 to $800. LOSAP is structured so that volunteers accrue $20 per year of service toward their annual benefit.
Best Pizza Contest Lancaster-Depew set for March 22
The Kiwanis Club of Lancaster is ready to satisfy local appetites during their annual Best Pizza Contest from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at the Elks Lodge, 33 Legion Pkwy. Participating restaurants include Pizza Heist, Pizza 151, Papa’s Pizza and Grasso’s Pizza. The pizzerias will be judged for awards in best specialty pizza, best sauce, best crust, and the high title of overall best pizza. “Lancaster is home of the best pizzas around,” said Chuck Eckert, founder of Lancaster’s Kiwanis Club.
Best Pizza Contest Lancaster-Depew set for March 22
The Kiwanis Club of Lancaster is ready to satisfy local appetites during their annual Best Pizza Contest from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at the Elks Lodge, 33 Legion Pkwy. Participating restaurants include Pizza Heist, Pizza 151, Papa's Pizza and Grasso's Pizza. The pizzerias will be judged for awards in best specialty pizza, best sauce, best crust, and the high title of overall best pizza. "Lancaster is home of the best pizzas around," said Chuck Eckert, founder of Lancaster's Kiwanis Club.
Pastor Deb Turley awarded special recognition by NYS Assembly on International Women's Day
Pastor Deb Turley, president at the Depew Community Action Team (DCAT), was awarded with special recognition from the New York State Assembly Sunday, March 8, for her volunteerism at the Depew Community Center and in the community at large. The selection of Turley took place as part of the state's recognition of International Women's Day, honoring residents who work tirelessly to make a difference in their community.
Republican assemblymembers gather in Lancaster, demand bipartisan action to reduce energy costs
Local and regional assemblymembers and other local politicians, along with Assembly Republican Lead Ed Ra, amassed at Lancaster Town Hall Tuesday afternoon, demanding bipartisan action in an effort to reduce the cost of energy for everyday consumers. The public officials called for change in Albany after stating that a recently leaked NYSERDA memo estimated that the state’s energy mandates will eventually result in a $4,000 increase for upstate consumers.
Republican assemblymembers gather in Lancaster, demand bipartisan action to reduce energy costs
Local and regional assemblymembers and other local politicians, along with Assembly Republican Lead Ed Ra, amassed at Lancaster Town Hall Tuesday, March 3, demanding bipartisan action in an effort to reduce the cost of energy for everyday consumers. The public officials called for change in Albany after stating that a recently leaked NYSERDA memo estimated that the state’s energy mandates will eventually result in a $4,000 increase for upstate consumers.
Todaro calls on colleagues to end hunting restrictions for 12 to 13-year-olds
Legislator Frank Todaro is renewing the call to allow 12 and 13-year-olds to hunt in Erie County with adult supervision beneath a PILOT program administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). On Feb. 24, Todaro filed a letter with the legislature’s chair, Tim Meyers, stating that the program’s years of success should alleviate any prior safety concerns.
'The Addams Family' to take the stage at Depew High School
Around 80 student cast members from Depew are preparing for their upcoming musical performance of "The Addams Family," set to take the high school's stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14. Heather Lovelace, the show's director, said that she picked a production with plenty of room for an expanded cast, including roughly 50 middle school students.
Residents, engineers discuss incoming Central Avenue Improvement Project
Roughly 30 community members showed up for the Central Avenue Improvement Project's public information session this Thursday, engaging with a presentation from the team tasked with improvement of pedestrian infrastructure in the area. The project's scope will include changes and upgrades traveling from the Broadway intersection to the south end of the Walden Avenue intersection. Improvements will include repaving of the roadway, sidewalk upgrades, accessibility improvements, and a mobility hub.
Lancaster's Amazon facility to phase out certain operations, displace large number of employees
Amazon has announced that there will be a change in their Walden Avenue facility operations starting in the spring of this year, with plans to make the location for "Returns Only." The decision leaves hundreds of employees to choose between a new commute or finding other work.
Todaro calls on colleagues to end hunting restrictions for 12- to 13-year-olds
Legislator Frank Todaro is renewing the call to allow 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt in Erie County with adult supervision beneath a PILOT program administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). On Feb. 24, Todaro filed a letter with the legislature’s chair, Tim Meyers, stating that the program’s years of success should alleviate any prior safety concerns.
Josie's on Central to close doors this spring after successful run as high-end boutique
Josie’s on Central will be closing its doors after nearly a decade of serving as Lancaster’s popular clothing boutique in the downtown business district. The owner, Josie Sonberg, was born in Ellenville, raised in Brooklyn, and eventually landed in Lancaster, where she pursued her interest in fashion after a successful career as a dental hygienist. She opened up shop in 2018 after retiring from her position at the University at Buffalo’s School of Dentistry. “I had a vision,” Sonberg said.
LVAC, ambulance providers statewide warn of multi-million-dollar Medicaid cut
Lancaster Volunteer Ambulance Corp. (LVAC), along with ambulance providers around the state, are sounding the alarm over a proposed multi-million-dollar cut to Medicaid crossover payments for ambulance services. The proposal will take effect in FY 2027 if it passes a vote in Albany. “EMS has long been underfunded by Medicaid in New York,” stated a release from LVAC “Rising costs continue to outpace inflation.
'Annie' will take the stage at Lancaster High School
Lancaster High School students have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming production of 'Annie,' taking the stage Feb. 12, 13 & 14. The classic, feel-good musical tells the story of an optimistic orphan searching for her family during the Great Depression. Tristan Carrig, a high school senior who plays the role of Mr. Warbucks, said the musical is "fun and nostalgic." Carrig added that his favorite part of acting is taking a character and making it his own.
Town plans temporary moratorium on certain land use applications
The Town of Lancaster is taking action following a swell of concern from local residents over a proposed hotel on Maple Drive in Bowmansville, planning a public hearing to discuss a proposed law that would limit certain land use applications and approvals. The property owner was planning to develop the land near the Red Roof Inn, an area noted for its frequent visits by the Lancaster Police Department.
Moose Lodge popularity surges among local residentts
There’s no lack of activity at the Depew-Lancaster Moose Lodge lately, increasing their overall visibility through a bolstered events schedule and increased community outreach efforts. Over the weekend, the lodge volunteered its space for a fundraiser event to benefit Trinity Food Pantry, raising $1,520 in total. “The kind of community outreach that they are doing now, they are making it a new and exciting place that I think myself and other people that have joined can see.
Town residents push back against proposed four-story hotel
Many of Lancaster’s Maple Drive residents arrived in force at the most recent Town Board meeting, platforming concerns about a proposed four-story, 122-room building that would rest on 2.5 acres of land located roughly 1,000 feet east of Transit Road. Residents within Lancaster’s hamlet of Bowmansville worry about already-existing criminal reports in the area tied to the Red Roof Inn, wondering if the proposed hotel nearby would bring more of the same.
Town residents push back against proposed four-story hotel
Many of Lancaster's Maple Drive residents arrived in force at the most recent Town Board meeting, platforming concerns about a proposed four-story, 122-room building that would rest on 2.5 acres of land located roughly 1,000 ft. east of Transit Road. Residents within Lancaster's hamlet of Bowmansville worry about already-existing criminal reports in the area tied to the Red Roof Inn, wondering if the proposed hotel nearby would bring more of the same.
County resolution critiques removal of student for lacking vaccination booster
A resolution introduced to the Erie County Legislature has highlighted a potential hiccup in current state regulations on how school districts handle students with a documented history of adverse reactions to vaccinations and boosters. Depew Union Free School District (DUFSD), caught in the middle of the county-state policy squabble, had recently disallowed a local youth from enrolling for classes, due to her lacking a vaccination booster for meningitis.
Dickman celebrates law enforcement personnel, senior center upgrades and new turf field at final board meeting
Adam Dickman’s second and final term as a Town of Lancaster Councilmember is winding to a close, attending his final meeting Monday, Dec. 15. Dickman chose not to seek reelection this past November. “Eight years went by very fast, I’ll say that,” Dickman said. “I think I did the best I could, and we always had a good group of people on the board.” Dickman said his time on the board had both its “fun” and “stressful” moments.
QC Hobby House establishes new local spot for card, memorabilia collectors
Ken Voelker loves collecting sports cards and memorabilia; it brings him back to a slower time when the pleasures were simple. “It has basically been my passion my entire life,” he said. “Really, it’s all about putting the phones down and reconnecting with mom and dad as a family unit.” Voelker said that QC Hobby House, set to open their new Transit Road location Dec.
Boys & Girls Club officials express frustration following town board’s decision to hold funding resolution
The Depew-Lancaster Boys & Girls Club continues to hit rocky terrain in their quest to reestablish steady funding from the town board. Executive director at the club, Jeff Kupka, was confounded by the board’s decision to retract the already-diminished donation amount, down from the $245,000 delivered in years past, to a still-tentative resolution providing the club $200,000 for their next annual donation.
Lilly Belle Meads closing taproom doors to focus on brand expansion
After over eight years of success in the village’s downtown, Lancaster’s Lilly Belle Meads is closing its doors on West Main Street, giving owners Patricia and Joe Marshall the opportunity to focus on the brand as opposed to the operations of running an establishment.
Village seeks new location to launch New Year's fireworks display
The Village of Lancaster is seeking a new location to launch their annual New Year’s fireworks display, following a decision by St. Mary’s to suspend use of their property for that purpose. According to Trustee Tammie Schaefer, who heads up the village’s events committee, the decision by St. Mary’s came down to general safety concerns. “I get it that they are looking out for their best interests,” she said, while adding that the launch took place with plenty of room from any structures.
Burkard, Anticola take Town of Lancaster Board seats
Mark Burkard and Tom Anticola have both been elected to the Town of Lancaster Council, per Tuesday nights vote. Burkard, who will be entering his second term on the board, brought in 4,343 votes. Anticola, who will be entering his first term as a councilmember, brought in 4,547 votes. Tom Sweeney and Jennifer Borgioli, who ran spirited campaigns, canvassing multiple neighborhoods in the run-up to election day, brought in 4,190 votes and 4,180 votes, respectively.
Walden Pond Sports Complex hosts grand opening
Town of Lancaster officials, county and assembly representatives, and local sports clubs and businesses related to the project showed up for the official grand opening of the Walden Pond Sports Complex “Clubs have been talking about putting in a field like this or better for decades,” said Town of Lancaster Supervisor Bob Leary.
Town parks director interviewed by Court Street Elementary student
Court Street Elementary School second grade teacher Ellen Gerber has assigned her students to explore their local community by interviewing an expert or worker at a local restaurant, library, store or public location that they enjoy. Porter Leavoy, a student in Gerber’s classroom, loves being outside and playing sports.
Trustee fears faltering SNAP benefits may impact communities
With the government shutdown underway, Trustee Gavin O’Brien said that he is preparing for local residents in need to hit a food shortage if SNAP benefits stop being issued. “With the federal government being currently shutdown for folks that utilize SNAP, which is formerly food stamps, those benefits will not be renewing in November unless if something changes by then,” said O’Brien. “About 1,000 people in our community take advantage of SNAP benefits.
Depew Community Center's Care & Share Corner embraced by local residents
Only a few weeks in full swing and the Depew Community Center’s Care & Share Corner has already received a strong response from area residents, keen to utilize the newly found access to basic goods free of charge. The Care & Share Corner provides personal care items, diapers, household cleaning supplies and over-the-counter medications to Depew residents.
Meals on Wheels approached to make location change
The Town of Lancaster’s Senior Center Director, Marybeth Gianni, has reported approaching FeedMore WNY volunteers overseeing the local Meals on Wheels program, inquiring if a different location could better suit the organization’s needs. Gianni said that when the agreement was signed to host the Meals on Wheels program, years ago, the Senior Center just had more space to give.
Russell Salvatore gives $200,000 toward new pavilion at Cayuga Creek Park
The Village of Lancaster has announced that local philanthropist and restaurateur Russell J. Salvatore has offered up a donation of $200,000 toward a plan to erect a high-end pavilion and stage at Cayuga Creek Park. In total, the incoming pavilion would cost $300,000. “My wife and I had gone to Memphis a few ago, and they have an area very similar to what we have there,” said Lancaster Mayor Bill Schroeder. “It’d be a permanent outdoor stage.
Polish National Catholic Church sees steady growth far from area roots
The Polish National Catholic Church ordained a new cleric, Robert Grizzell, Saturday morning at Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral in Lancaster, who traveled from San Antonio, Texas, for the ceremony. The Polish National Catholic Church has seen steady growth in recent years, particularly the last decade, extending their presence westerly from their Pennsylvania and Western New York roots into the Midwest and Southwest portion of the country.
Spindle Items - Lancaster Depew Bee
• ART SHOW – The Lancaster Public Library has now accepted all of its submissions for their “Tiny Art Show,” with the entries to be placed on display from May 19 through May 31. Stop at the library to see works submitted by local artists of all ages. The library is located at 5466 Broadway. For more information, call the […]
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