IRS-certified accounting students from the University at Buffalo School of Management will provide free tax preparation services to individuals and families with annual incomes less than $49,000. More...

Town of Amherst Supervisor Dr. Barry Weinstein’s first State of the Town add drew laughter to a quite serious situation. He discussed the economic issues the town will face this year, especially in attempting to balance the 2011 budget with a small supply of reserves. More...

What’s going on at Erie County hall? Why does Legislator Lynn Marinelli refuse to work for her constituents by not accepting a committee chairpersonship? Does she not have a duty and responsibility to represent the folks who voted her into office? More...

Saturday, Jan. 23 • Two intoxicated males were in a Niagara Falls Boulevard restaurant yelling and swearing. • A Sheridan Drive restaurant reported that a party left without paying its $29 bill, but the restaurant has the IDs of the patrons. Police followed up at the home on the ID. More...

(Editor’s note: Call The Bee at 632-0390 and record a one-minute comment on our Bee Heard line. It gives readers an opportunity to comment quickly and candidly on items of local or regional interest. Callers do not have to identify themselves and no callers’ names will be used. In the interest of fairness and good taste, The Bee will not publish derogatory or insulting comments. More...

Howard A. Peacock, 82, of Ashville, N.Y., formerly of the Buffalo area, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at his home. Mr. Peacock was born March 18, 1927, in Buffalo and attended Kensington High School. He was a medic in the U.S. Navy and while in the service, received his GED. More...

According to two district parents, an elementary math textbook in the Amherst Central School District needs to go. Brie Olearczyk and Brian Simonson of 71 Huxley Drive told the board at the Jan. 26 meeting that the second edition of the “Math Investigations” textbook should no longer be used in the elementary schools. More...

In a battle between the heavyweights of ECIC Division II boys basketball, Williamsville South struck the first blow. The Billies (10-3, 7-0) never trailed in a 68-52 home win last Friday over Sweet Home (10-3, 6-1). Both teams came into the game 6-0 in ECIC Division II. Sweet Home went 12-0 in league play the previous year. More...

N o one at the National Football League consulted the Amherst Symphony Orchestra when setting up the season’s schedule. The orchestra was dismayed to learn that its winter concert was scheduled during the Super Bowl. More...

Beechwood Service Guild sets program The Beechwood Service Guild will meet at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Beechwood Residence, 2235 Millersport Highway, Getzville. A musical program is planned, and refreshments will be served. Park School spaghetti dinner scheduled More...

thurs. 4 . Sweet Tooth — World premiere of Mark Wild’s comedy starring Andrea Andolina, Christopher S. Parada and Dayata Hassan under the direction of Lorna C. Hill. More...

Do most fitness clubs clash with your schedule? A new business in Amherst is designed to eliminate excuses and blend in seamlessly with any lifestyle. Anytime Fitness, at 1560 Hopkins Road, across from Williamsville North High School, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More...

— LEGAL NOTICE — NOTICE OF FORMATION of Abbott Lake Optical, LLC Art. of Org filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) 3/4/09. Office location: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 6411 Thistle Court, East Amherst, NY 14051. Purpose: any lawful activities. More...