News Reports

Various unusual news reports from the last month...

August 2 - The District Attorney's Office decided not to pursue charges against Buffalo private investigator Sam Mendoza for the mid-July slaying of alleged Busti Street Baby Killer, Jared Hoth. Mendoza confronted the alleged serial killer during an early-morning rescue of nine year old Somali immigrant, Ayan Mundia. Hoth died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and head. Assistant District Attorney Hans Herrenrasse described the discharge of Mendoza's Model 608 revolver as "clearly accidental."

August 6 - Buffalo police ran an intense live fire exercise within easy ear shot of the US Canada boarder. Someone in the department failed to file the appropriate paperwork and the Canadian officials were not informed before hand. According to Phill Blank, age 32, head of the night shift Canadian patrol
"We were having a normal night when suddenly a prolonged gun fight erupted on our door step. We were very alarmed. The Peace Bridge is normal a quiet post. The worst most of my men have had to deal with is some light smuggling and rude college students."
The incident has, in the words of one Canadian, soured relations.

August 15 - Hoyt Lake turns a mysterious shade of red for several days, before returning to its normal algae green. Parks Officials deferred an investigation due to budget restrictions.

August 19 - The Buffalo Zoo welcomes its new pandas! Ling Ling, Xandir, and Toot arrived safe and sound and are resting comfortably in their temporary enclosure. The official zoo exhibit will be completed and opened to the public on September 12th.

August 20 - Authorities are investigating a bizarre series of events that left a father and teenage child dead, a family home burned by arson, and the mother and two remaining children institutionalized. Earlier this afternoon, an alarm sounded at the McNamara house which subsequently burned to the ground. The McNamaras' and their three children were later found tied up and floating down the river toward the falls; as the McNamara's were being rescued by a man and his dog, police indicate that one of the children and the father broke away and voluntarily dived over the falls. Both bodies were recovered. The police are urging anyone with information that can shed some light on this episode to come forward.

August 21 - Police responded to an altercation at an East Side Baptist church when several parishioners became enraged by the Pastor's sermon. Witnesses report that Pastor Lester White III delivered a message about the importance of tolerating the sexual preferences of others, urging his flock to keep their noses out of other people's bedrooms; several of the churchgoers were "overwhelmed by the holy spirit" and charged the pulpit. Pastor White was taken to ECMC with minor injuries and is listed in stable condition. Charges pending.

August 27 - The Elmwood Art Festival is plagued by weak attendance and poor submissions by local artists. Mayor Brown issues a statement supporting the efforts of the event organizers and praising Buffalo's history of artistic expression.

August 30 - Local high school student joins the ranks of evangelical fembot exorcists - Anna Fears, 16, a junior at Nardin, recently completed an intensive summer course with Spiritual Freedom Churches International in Phoenix, Arizona. Now back in Buffalo, Fears tells the Buffalo News that she is ready to "bring the light of the lord into these dark days leading up to the rapture."

(Can we get a news bump? *has the shakes*)

March News (Crossposted from the Other Place)

3/5 - Canadian authorities are still advising people to steer clear of the site of a major gas line explosion north of Fort Erie; Provincial representatives admit that the explosion may have led to environmental contamination requiring months of clean up by Haz Mat teams.

3/10 - Local private investigator Sam Mendoza is featured in an article by the Buffalo Spree. A noted skeptic, Mendoza's specialties include cold cases, debunking "paranormal" events, conspiracy theories, and cases that seem to "slip through the cracks." Hailed for his saving of a kidnapped Somali girl in mid-July, Mendoza insists he's "no hero." A sentiment that is echoed by one of his most vocal detractors, Deputy Chief of Police O'Mally, who called Mendoza "a vigilante who should leave the heavy lifting to the professionals."

3/14 - AWOL National Guard Sargent Jonathan Smith has been reclassified as a "missing person" by the Niagara Falls Police Department. When prompted for comment, the local head of the New York National Guard, Colonel Arthur Greene said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and comrades of Jonathan Smith. We hope for his expeditious and safe return. That said, if Sargent Smith is the victim of foul play, then let his assailants know that the National Guard looks after its own. Hooah."

3/17 - Coroners report that 30 people suddenly dropped dead at the waterfront. A group of people watching a fireworks display just dropped dead for seemingly no medical reason. Investigations will be ongoing and the police have sealed off the Marina until further notice.

3/18 - The Statue of Abraham Lincoln outside the Buffalo Historical Society was destroyed by vandals last night. The head of the Olmsted Park's Conservancy called the loss a "senseless act of barbarism." Pieces of the statue were found in the nearby parking lot. Police are investigating.

3/20 - Gorilla Escape! A savage Gorilla escaped from the Buffalo Zoo on Monday morning; murdering three people including a nine year old girl who was visiting the Zoo on a field trip. Koga, the 400 pound silverback, managed to get out of the Zoo and was fleeing through Delaware Park where her was put down by a SWAT team sniper. Zoo President Dr. Donna Fernandez called it the "saddest day in the 100 year history of our institution."

3/24 - Local philanthropists Jeremy Jacobs Jr and Robert Rich have offered to donate the funds to pay for the restoration of the Abraham Lincoln statue that was destroyed outside the Buffalo Historical Society last weekend. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown hailed the business magnates as "true First Citizens of the Queen City."

April 16th - In the wake of yesterday's series of catastrophic explosions, including the destruction or damage of such notable landmarks as the Connecticut Street Armory, the Irish Classical Theater, Niagara University, and the Niagara Falls Air Force Base; David Donnovan Smith Jr, the CEO and Chairman of National Fuel, has been arrested and charged with over 40 counts of criminal negligence and involuntary manslaughter. The Attorney General states that a comprehensive investigation is underway into the safety protocols of Buffalo's natural gas infrastructure, and additional changes may be forthcoming. The death toll from last night's tragedy is expected to reach into the hundreds.

4/8 - Authorities suspect arson to be the cause in last night's house fire in Southern Erie county. Police reports indicate that a gangland style tagging on the property read "Sons of Varkon."

4/21--Less than a week after a serious of devastating explosions left multiple Buffalo landmarks in ruins, another blast left a Tonawanda home in flames and several Buffalo police officers seriously injured. Police were summoned to the house at 251 Falconer by one of their own, Officer Casey Richardson, after his tire was shot out by someone in the house. When police entered the house to search for the shooter, it exploded. Forensics reports confirm that the blast was consistent with a powerful explosive device. Officers James Wilkinson, Martin Spaulding, and Joseph Ellicott were injured by the blast and subsequent collapse of the structure; Richardson is credited with saving the lives of Spaulding and Ellicott before pulling himself free of the collapsing building. Wilkinson, Spaulding and Ellicott were transported to Millard Fillmore Suburban with serious but not life-threatening injuries, and are expected to make a full recovery, while Richardson was airlifted to Mercy hospital and is reportedly in stable condition following surgery. Police are seeking a suspect who was seen fleeing the house. (accompanying composite sketch of a wiry man in a camouflage jacket) Anyone seeing this man is warned to contact authorities, as he is potentially armed and dangerous. When asked if there was any connection between this detonation and the explosions attributed to faulty gas mains last week, officials declined to comment on an ongoing investigation.

July 22 – A new chapter in one of Western New York’s oldest mysteries has been opened by urban explorers. Kent Williams, and Sara Jackson got quite a surprise while exploring the site former site of Lake Erie Brass located next to the Army Surplus on Larkin St. when they found what is likely to be over thirty sets of human remains. The remains are in an advanced state of composition, and are being attributed to the famous Barbed Wire Butcher murders of the early 30’s, though investigator have no official comment at this time. Kent and Sara reported the find to authorities, and are currently being held on trespassing charges.


July 23 – Residents in Niagara Falls are warned to be on the lookout for venomous snakes after a drunk driver crashed into the Porter Rd. home of Rachel Jacobs. What is being described as “several dozen” snakes escaped from what is being investigated as an illegal reptile breeding operation. Animal control has been called to the scene, but has been unable to locate the serpents which include a black mamba, and several spitting cobras; Miss Jacobs is being held for questioning. Residents are advised to keep animals indoors, and to look before entering confined spaces.


July 25 – Tragedy struck the Orchard Heights adult care facility in what authorities are calling the most shocking case of nursing home negligence in recent memory. Bob Laski (78) was found dead in his room Monday morning; the cause of death has been ruled starvation. Records indicate that a span of five days had passed since staff entered Mr. Laski’s room; he was found by a family member on Monday, and conditions indicate that he was forced to drink his own urine to stave of dehydration. Nursing home management are blaming the remote location of Mr. Laski’s room, call light failures, and mis-filed release orders. Authorities are launching a full investigation, civil suit has been filed by Mr. Laski’s estate.


July 25 – Weaver Fever? Three employees of Bob Weaver motorsports fell ill on Friday in the first suspected case of Legionnaires disease of western New York in the last ten years. Employees and customers of the motorsports are advised to contact a medical professional of if they notice respiratory symptoms, or sudden changes in mood or temperament.

From the blotter:


Tragedy struck again as a fourth young child was found dead in his crib early Saturday morning. The cause of death appears to be dehydration, the mother has been taken in for questioning, but no charges have been pressed citing evidence of intrusion.

Police have arrested Ailsa Martinez, a worker at the Orchard Heights Adult Care facility after exposing the residents of the home to large doses of LSD. The damage from the incident is estimated to be over $70,000.

Authorities are puzzling at a potential break-in at the Maple Avenue Elementary School. After maintenance crews found an elaborate sand Mandela on the roof Thursday morning. No property damage was noted, and nothing was taken, but school officials contacted authority’s concerning the potential trespassing.

A series of bizarre pranks has police urging residents to be wary this week when retrieving their mail after more than fifty reports of decayed animal parts and feces being left in resident’s mailboxes.



Cover of Artvoice


Cover of Artvoice:
Arial photo of sand mandala at Maple Avenue Elementary School.

Oct 21st: Cover of Artvoice: Dozens of lines of Hindi script are written across many yards of smoothed sand. Waves from a lake have eroded half of the text.

Oct 21st: Local art exhibit: The Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University will be having an exhibition of works painted by local and regional artists from Oct 29th-Nov 16th.

Oct 21st: Local Entertainment: An “extreme” haunted house in Northtown plaza is guaranteed to give guests thrills and chills this Halloween with its interactive frights. Guests must be 18 and over and sign a waiver.

Oct 20th: Niagara falls blotter: Niagara falls resident Rachel Jacobs is now being held on manslaughter charges after one of the venomous snakes which escaped from her home back in July bit and killed Doreen Wilkes (74) last Thursday in her Porter Ave Home.

Oct 22nd: Niagara falls blotter: An unknown man was found dead Monday morning near the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Police investigators suspect foul play based on the state of the remains. Police are looking for suspects, please call 555-8572 if you have any information.

Oct 21st: Niagara falls blotter: A local man was taken into custody Sunday evening when it was discovered that one of the Halloween decorations on his front lawn was in fact the body of a missing Cheektowaga resident aged 7.

Oct 22: Niagara Gazette: Local high school student Susan Miller is going to the National Science Fund’s national science fair this fall for her discovery, study, and successful cultivation of a new species of Trillium found in the Niagara gorge.

Oct 22: Buffalo News : A Barge that drifted off course has been moored south of the Small Boat Harbor pending review by the Coast Guard. Reports indicate the ship struck an unmarked sand bar and took heavy damage; including the loss of two tugs that had been pulling the craft. Reports are still sketchy, but ten sailors are feared dead.

Oct 21: Buffalo News: Buffalo police suspect arson after Ideal St. home burned to the ground this weekend, two as of yet identified bodies were found at the scene.

October 21, Buffalo News -- A 34 year old Williamsville woman was found dead in her home this past Saturday after being held into a pot of boiling water. Details are still unfolding, and while there were no signs of break-in or struggle, the strange nature of this has police suspecting foul play.

http://io9.com/5955145/%5Bdraft%5D-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-upcoming-frankenstorm?utm_campaign=socialflow_io9_twitter&utm_source=io9_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

10/26 -- multiple news stations and papers

The Frankenstorm, which got its name from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecaster Jim Cisco, will be the result of three major weather systems coming together. The primary engine fueling the storm will be the remnants of Hurricane Sandy, a Category 2 storm that is currently making life miserable in Haiti and Cuba. Once it makes its way up the East coast, it will be reinvigorated by an early winter storm coming in from the West, and a blast of arctic air from the North.

And as if to add insult to injury, the storm will coincide with a full moon — a time when tides are at their highest. Government meteorologists say there's a 90% chance that the storm will hit as predicted, up from 60% two days ago.

Speaking to the AP, Cisco noted, "We don't have many modern precedents for what the models are suggesting." He worries that it could be historic in terms of its scope and the damage it may inflict.

The storm will have an impact on coastal areas ranging from Florida to the Canadian Maritime provinces, but the full force of its effects will be felt in New Jersey and New York City. It's expected to reach these areas on Sunday October 28, with the brunt of it hitting on Tuesday October 30. And the storm could linger. Meteorologists are worried that it could stall and batter the area for as much as five to six days, not leaving until some time around November 1 or 2.

11/12 -- A surprise storm hits Ontario. Meteorologists are currently tracking a storm cell that developed rapidly over the Great Lakes and struck southern Ontario and Niagara Falls. Weather conditions were on par with tropical storms, and specialists are still unsure how a storm of this magnitude developed. Currently, it suggested that a combination of the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and a warm weather front in its wake met a large cold front, causing the driving rains, lighting, and gale-force winds experiences in the area and parts of Niagara Falls, New York.

11/14 -- A local dance instructor in North Tonawanda, Melody Naples, is pleased to announce her prodigy student Natalie Sanders has earned local recognition and will be performing at a dance recital on Saturday, November the 17th at 6:00 PM at UB Center for the Arts, North Campus. After only working with Melody for a short few weeks, Natalie has shown incredible skill and promise. Melody, an honors student and freshman at Niagara-Wheatfield High School, has shared that she's dreamed of being a dancer for years, but only recently gathered the courage to pursue that dream. Admission is free although donations for the use of the facility are gladly accepted.

11/15 -- A Magnitude 2.4 Earthquake was recorded by UB's Earthquake Research Center today. It is believed that the tremor is centered about a kilometer below the Zoar Valley multiple use area. No injuries or property damage have been reported. Geologists indicate that this is not entirely unexpected for the region, being the result of glacial rebound from the last ice age.

News for May 2013

Allegany state park will be closed after a memo issued by the parks service warned of a severe fire hazard due to dry underbrush. Service chief Leon Gibbons cited a mild winter, and budget cuts for a 45% increase in underbrush and flammable biomass from the previous season. This, combined with an particularly dry spring has led to an unprecedented threat of wildfire in the State Park. Travelers are being warned to stay away until parks service can take measures to ensure the safety of visitors.


Salamanca Residents. Barbara and Robert Sheridan of Salamanca have been missing since last Saturday. Barbara 73, and her husband Robert (76) were last seen at their Salamanca home last Saturday. Authorities were called to the home on reports of utility problems when a postal worker reported water flowing from under the front door. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Barbara or Robert, please call 555-5555.


Cover of the art voice: Verdant vandalism, an ornate circle of grass has been grown into the 8th fairway of the Hyde Park Municipal golf course after the recent rains.


Edgewood drive in Niagara falls was closed, and residents of the Edgewood subdivision were asked to shelter Thursday morning as cleanup operations at the Forest Glen Mobile Home Subdivision remediation site released a large off gassing of Vinyl Chloride. Local director of operations for the EPA Saul Morman reassured the public that the warning was only issued as a precautionary measure, and that the situation is under control.