Ken-Ton Bee

12/06/2025

Erie County Water Authority offers tips to protect water pipes from freezing temperatures
When temperatures drop, water freezes, and when it freezes, it expands pipes. This puts extra pressure on water pipes, which can cause them to break, leading to expensive repairs. The Erie County Water Authority is reminding homeowners of how to protect their pipes from freezing temperatures to mitigate the threat of frozen or broken water pipes.
“Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during the winter months,” said ECWA Executive Engineer Len Kowalski. “Homeowners can avoid costly pipe bursts through proactive prevention, which is much easier than trying to thaw them once frozen.”
Erie County Water Authority recommends these tips when temperatures drop:
Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas.
If your water meter is in an unheated area or near drafts from outdoors, insulate it to keep it from freezing.
Close outside doors and windows, and fill cracks in walls and around windows to eliminate cold drafts near water pipes.
Open kitchen and/or bathroom cabinet doors to allow the warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes.
If you’ve had a previous issue with frozen pipes or a frozen meter, leave a small stream of water running at the faucet farthest from the water source or next to an outside wall during periods of sub‐freezing winter temperatures. The cost of the water used will be substantially less than the amount charged by the Erie County Water Authority or a private plumber should your service need thawing again.
If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat set to a temperature no lower than 55°F.
In cases when homeowners experience frozen pipes, ECWA may perform thawing at a cost borne by the homeowner.
Customers can call ECWA Customer Service at 716-849‐8444, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with any questions. If you experience a watermain break in your area that affects your home on a weekday after 5 PM or the weekend, contact 716-684-0900.

12/05/2025

12/05/2025

The Town of Tonawanda Police Department and Fire Department participated in the 18th annual Lancaster Christmasville Fire Truck Parade, which took place Saturday, Nov. 29, traveling down Central Avenue from Forton Drive to West Main Street. Over 200 brightly decorated vehicles from across New York state participated in this year’s event, overseen by the Greater Lancaster Museum of Firefighting.

CHRISTMASVILLE PARADE — The Town of Tonawanda Police Department and Fire Department participated in the 18th annual Lancaster Christmasville Fire Truck Parade, which took place Saturday, Nov. 29, traveling down

12/05/2025

As another harsh Western New York winter settles in, Town of Tonawanda officials are reminding residents of their responsibility to keep sidewalks and parking areas free of snow and ice. With freezing conditions already making travel difficult, the town emphasizes that maintaining clear walkways is not only a courtesy — it’s the law.

As another harsh Western New York winter settles in, Town of Tonawanda officials are reminding residents of their responsibility to keep sidewalks and parking areas free of snow and ice.

12/05/2025

North Tonawanda’s 25th annual Winter Walk will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, in NT Downtown — Webster street, Tremont street, Gateway Harbor and parts of Oliver Street.

North Tonawanda’s 25th annual Winter Walk will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, in NT Downtown — Webster street, Tremont street, Gateway Harbor and parts

12/05/2025

After three years of development and months of anticipation, the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome has officially opened 16 brand-new Toptracer golfing units in its facility.

After three years of development and months of anticipation, the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome has officially opened 16 brand-new Toptracer golfing units in its facility.

12/05/2025

The Tonawanda-Kenmore Historical Society and Museum will be hosting an Open House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the museum at 100 Knoche Road, in Tonawanda.

The Tonawanda-Kenmore Historical Society and Museum will be hosting an Open House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the museum at 100 Knoche Road, in

12/05/2025

Just when the demand for winter coats and accessories began to reach record numbers and the need for more donations has never been greater, the West Herr Auto Group has come to the rescue for the 30th annual Colvin Cleaners Coats 4 Kids program.

Just when the demand for winter coats and accessories began to reach record numbers and the need for more donations has never been greater, the West Herr Auto Group has

12/05/2025

A community proposal has been recommended by the Ken-Ton School District Naming Committee and will now be subject to a 30-day public comment period. The proposal is to rename the Kenmore East High School Baseball Field in honor of former coach Robert A. Marafino.

A community proposal has been recommended by the Ken-Ton School District Naming Committee and will now be subject to a 30-day public comment period. The proposal is to rename the

12/05/2025

High school senior Jack Duffy aspires to become a landscape architect after he graduates; through his recent Eagle Scout project, not only has he already gained experience in the field, but enhanced his local community.

High school senior Jack Duffy aspires to become a landscape architect after he graduates; through his recent Eagle Scout project, not only has he already gained experience in the field,

12/05/2025

Members of the Freshman Class at Cardinal O’Hara High School will enact the Nativity story that Saint Francis of Assisi narrated to villagers in Greccio, Italy in 1223.

Members of the Freshman Class at Cardinal O’Hara High School will enact the Nativity story that Saint Francis of Assisi narrated to villagers in Greccio, Italy in 1223.

12/05/2025

The Town of Tonawanda Environment Commission announced they are preparing for this holiday season by kicking off the 2025 Ken-Ton Sustainable Holiday Decorating Contest, combining environmentally friendly decorating ideas and holiday cheer.

The Town of Tonawanda Environment Commission announced they are preparing for this holiday season by kicking off the 2025 Ken-Ton Sustainable Holiday Decorating Contest, combining environmentally friendly decorating ideas and