Niagara County, 175 Hawley Street, Lockport, NY (2026)

10/15/2026

Niagara County legislators secure $5,000 to help Niagara SPCA meet new state standards

The Niagara SPCA received $5,000 in community partnership funding secured by Niagara County legislators David Godfrey, Christopher McKimmie and Michael Casale to support the shelter’s fundraising effort to upgrade its facility and comply with new, state-mandated animal shelter standards.

Read full story here: https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2026/10/13/167282/niagara-county-legislators-secure-5000-to-help-niagara-spca-meet-new-state-standards

10/14/2026

From Niagara County Legislator Jesse Gooch, Chairman of the Community Services Committee: “It was my distinct honor to take part in announcing new funding secured by Senator Ortt to fund the Joseph Dwyer Veterans Program. Veterans have earned our support long after they return home, and the Dwyer program provides a critical lifeline for those who may be struggling with the transition back to civilian life. This increased funding is an investment in our veterans and in the services they need to build a strong support network, find stable housing, address mental health challenges and, most importantly, know that they are not facing these challenges alone.”

10/14/2026

The Niagara County Center for Economic Development is hosting a free, three-part virtual workshop series designed for start-ups, establish businesses, not-for-profits or those looking to access capital. Learn how to prepare for grants and financing, strengthen your funding applications, and navigate the process from application to award. The first event is tomorrow. Registration is separate for each event and you can choose which (or all) to attend. Click here: https://www.niagaracountybusiness.com/featured-events

10/07/2026

Niagara County is partnering with the Town of Newfane and paint-recycling company GreenSheen to host a free paint recycling event this Saturday, October 10 at the Newfane Highway Department. Niagara County residents and businesses can bring an unlimited amount of latex and oil paint in 5-gallon or smaller containers, and other coatings such as deck stains, primers, sealers, and varnishes. Products must be in their original containers with a readable label. Spray paint will not be accepted.

“We are at the time of year when people are packing away outdoor items and cleaning out before the weather turns,” said Niagara County Legislator Shawn Foti. “This is the perfect time to properly dispose of those old paint cans that have been kicking around the basement, garage or shed for years.”

WHAT: Free Community Paint Collection Event (Latex and Oil Paint in original containers, only)
WHEN: Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 9am to 1pm.
WHERE: Newfane Highway Department, 6176 McKee St., Newfane, NY 14108.

Registration for this event is required and there are many times slots still available. To register and to learn more about what is accepted for recycling, visit https://www.rethinkyourwaste.com/events and click on this event. When you arrive, you do not need to exit your vehicle as staff will be on hand to unload your car.

10/06/2026

Groundbreaking Held for Donald F. Miller Park Improvements in North Tonawanda

The Nor-Ton Red Jacket Club held a groundbreaking event Saturday for the improvements at the Donald F. Miller Park on Sweeney Street in North Tonawanda. Niagara County Legislators Rich Andres, Randy Bradt and Jesse Gooch were part of the event, having helped secure $190,000 in Niagara County Greenway funding for the project.

The planned improvements will expand opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy the park while strengthening a longtime community resource that has served North Tonawanda and organizations throughout Western New York for decades. Plans include the development of an inclusive sensory walking trail modeled around features designed for individuals with autism and other special needs, as well as new accessible restroom and changing facilities serving the park’s cabins.

“Donald F. Miller Park is a unique outdoor gem in the heart of North Tonawanda and is exactly the type of investment our Greenway funding should be supporting,” said Legislator Rich Andres, Chairman of Niagara County’s Greenway Ad Hoc Committee on Parks, Recreation and Tourism. “Randy, Jesse and I were proud to work with the Nor-Ton Red Jacket Club to continue add to a place where North Tonawanda residents can enjoy a genuine outdoor experience without leaving the city.”

Nor-Ton Red Jacket Club Board Member Karl Heilemann, who attended the groundbreaking and provided legislators with a tour of the property and planned improvement areas, said the expansion will allow the organization to better serve the wide range of groups that utilize the park.

“Our goal has always been to provide peaceful, natural setting for our community and make that experience available to as many people as possible,” Heilemann said. “These improvements will allow us to better accommodate individuals with different needs while expanding the programs and opportunities we can offer. We are extremely grateful to Niagara County and the Greenway Commission for recognizing the value of this park and helping us make this vision a reality.”

“The Nor-Ton Red Jacket Club has operated outdoor recreational and educational programming at Donald F. Miller Park for more than four decades,” said Legislator Bradt. “The volunteer-run park is the gold standard when it comes to hosting scouts, schools, and organizations serving individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, among many others. We appreciate everything these volunteers do to serve our community.”

Pictured from l to r: Legislator Rich Andres, Senator Rob Ortt, Legislators Jesse Gooch and Randy Bradt, and Nor-Ton Red Jacket Club Board Member Karl Heilemann.

10/06/2026

Niagara County Legislator Jeff Elder Elected to represent District 8 on the NYSAC Board of Directors.

Following the election of Dr. Kevin Watkins as President of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), county leaders at the Association’s Fall Seminar in Onondaga County elected four additional officials to leadership positions.

The Hon. Margaret (Meg) M. Kennedy of Otsego County was elected President Elect; Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus was elected First Vice President; Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel, Jr. was elected Second Vice President; and Niagara County Legislator Jeffrey Elder was elected to represent District 8 on the NYSAC Board of Directors.

The newly elected leaders will help guide NYSAC’s advocacy, education, and training efforts as the Association works to strengthen county government and advance the priorities of counties across New York State.

“NYSAC is strongest when county leaders from different regions, backgrounds, and areas of expertise come together around our shared commitment to public service,” said NYSAC President Dr. Kevin D. Watkins. “Each of these exceptional leaders bring valuable experience and perspective to our Association, and I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to unite the voice of county government across New York State.”

“Our strength as an Association comes directly from the county officials who step forward to serve and share their experience on behalf of their colleagues across the state,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “These leaders understand firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing county governments, and their insight will be invaluable as NYSAC continues to advocate on behalf of New York’s counties and the residents they serve.”

Niagara County Legislator Jeffrey Elder has represented the 4th District on the Niagara County board since 2021. A Niagara Falls native and U.S. Air Force veteran, Elder served as a crewmember aboard Air Force One under Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, logging more than 6,000 flying hours during his military career. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Elder continued his public service in positions with the Pentagon, Federal Emergency Management Agency, New York State Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Department of State.

For more than 100 years, the New York State Association of Counties has served as the unified voice of county government in New York State. NYSAC represents county executives, administrators, legislators, supervisors, commissioners, and other county officials from all 62 counties, including the five boroughs of New York City, advocating for county priorities and providing education, training, research, and opportunities for collaboration among local leaders.

10/01/2026

Niagara's WorkSourceOne provides employment, re-employment and recruitment assistance for Niagara County residents. Below is their calendar of events for October and key information on who to contact about their programs. Learn more at https://www.worksource1.com/

09/30/2026

NCDMH Awarded Su***de Prevention Grant

The Niagara County Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (NCDMH) today announced it has been awarded a highly competitive Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Adult Su***de Prevention Grant. Only five awards were made across the country, underscoring the strength and urgency of Niagara County’s proposal to expand its countywide Hope Speaks Niagara Adult Su***de Prevention initiative. The grant award is for $1.4 million over four years.

The grant will allow NCDMH to expand Hope Speaks’ efforts, with a goal of reaching an additional 10,000 at-risk adults annually and 40,000 over the four-year project period. Through evidence-based trainings, lethal means safety initiatives, improved crisis follow up, and innovative community engagement strategies, the aim is to reduce su***de risk and enhance emotional well-being

“By all measures, the demand for our services has been increasing and clearly shows a need for an expanded, countywide intervention effort,” said Laura J. Kelemen, Director of NCDMH. “Working with our Hope Speaks partners, we will implement effective, data driven strategies that improve access to crisis care, strengthen community connections, and build sustainable prevention infrastructure for years to come.”

The project will target adults at elevated risk for su***de, including veterans, first responders, socially isolated older adults, rural residents, individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorders, and men with access to lethal means. Hope Speaks’ expanded initiatives will include community trainings, improved care transition protocols, and distribution of lethal means safety devices in partnership with pharmacies, fi***rm retailers, law enforcement, and regional park systems. Additional initiatives include crisis signage at high-risk locations, public awareness campaigns, and the launch of Hope Speaks Niagara University, a regional hub for training and workforce development. A new discreet wellness application will also be piloted to support first responders.

“As we conclude Su***de Prevention and Recovery Month, which is recognized every September, we have been reinforcing the importance of offering services and support that meet people where they are,” said Myrla Gibbons Doxey, NCDMH Deputy Director and Hope Speaks Niagara Chair. “Hope Speaks Niagara has become a powerful coalition across the county and today’s announcement will help us offer more to those in need and ultimately, save lives.”

For more information about Hope Speaks Niagara or to get involved, please visit www.niagaracounty.gov/hopespeaks.

09/29/2026

Niagara County Social Services Commissioner Meghan Lutz today announced that the 2026-2027 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) application window will open on Monday, November 2nd with a streamlined application process. Applications have already been sent to qualified individuals who received HEAP last year and meet the Early Outreach criteria.

“In this time of skyrocketing utility bills, our department knows that many families count on HEAP to keep their homes warm in the winter,” said Lutz. “I strongly urge people to pay attention to these dates and get their application submitted once the HEAP application process begins.”

Lutz stressed that, for those who have not been notified that they qualify for Early Outreach, HEAP applications are not available until November 2. After November 2, applications can be filed on-line at https://www.mybenefits.ny.gov, by mail or in person at the Niagara County Department of Social Services offices at 301-10th Street, Niagara Falls or 20 East Avenue, Lockport. HEAP funding for 2026-2027 furnace repair or replacement is available as of October 1.

Those with questions regarding applying for HEAP, including the furnace program, should call 716-278-8400 or by visit the DSS website at www.niagaracounty.gov/heap. More information about the HEAP program can be found at http://www.otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/

09/24/2026

Niagara County Legislator Chris McKimmie presented a proclamation to Sheriff Mike Filicetti during the Legislature’s meeting Tuesday, celebrating “New York State Sheriff’s Week.” Sheriff’s Week is recognized September 20-26.

Thank you to everyone in the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office for all you do for our community.

Niagara County

10/15/2026

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

10/07/2026

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

10/01/2026

09/30/2026

09/29/2026

09/24/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request