CHEERS & JEERS: Thomas the Tank Engine is pulling into Orleans County again, which means a big economic boon to the area.

May 09, 2008 03:23 pm

— CHEERS

THOMAS VISIT: Thomas the Tank Engine is pulling into Orleans County again, which means a big economic boon to the area. It will mean a great deal for Orleans County, specifically Medina, but the spin-off certainly will help areas like Middleport, Gasport, Lockport and more. With thousands upon thousands expected, it’s an event that certainly has proved positive for the community. Enough so that it returns each year. It may be a big blue train that talks and hails from a cartoon, but it’s an even bigger economic engine for the area.

WWII: This year’s Memorial Day parade will focus on the local veterans of World War II. The men and women who served in the military between Sept. 16, 1940 and Sept. 2, 1945 are invited to be honorary marshals. The “Greatest Generation” as they’ve often and rightfully been called, is what the parade committee is looking for. It’s a great idea, since that generation really was one of the best. The men and women of our community who served are encouraged to heed the call and be a marshal in the parade. It’s at that point those who line the Lockport streets can again show respect to these fine individuals.

JEERS

KIDS LATELY: What is up with the youth of our area lately? Wilson case aside, we’ve also had now one of those kids charged with drug possession and a Lockport teen who shot a boy with a BB gun while he was riding his bike. The boy who was shot is fine, but what about these alleged perpetrators? Every day it seems another teen is being charged with a crime. Guns, drugs and sex crimes, too — serious stuff. The police seem to be doing its job to catch and charge these little angels, but where are the parents?