(So. Wilson) Maple and Chestnut - Auto Collision

Niagara County, NY) - Maple and Chestnut Auto Collision with possible injury. Avoid area, First Responders in route.

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Hail Wind approach Tonawanda, NY from Niagara Falls

Dark clouds, high wind, hail accompany this front.

Original Map Credit NWS (C) 2011 Motion Center

High Wind Warning goes into effect in 13 minutes WNY Buffalo

Issued By:  NWS Buffalo (Western New York)
Affected Jurisdictions:  Chautauqua, Erie Counties

Headline:  (CONTINUATION)  High Wind Warning issued April 15 at 9:43PM EDT expiring April 16 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo

...High Wind Warning Remains In Effect From 2 AM To 2 PM EDT Saturday... A High Wind Warning Remains In Effect From 2 AM To 2 PM EDT Saturday. * Locations...Southern Erie And Chautauqua Counties. * Timing...Early Saturday Morning Through Early Afternoon. * Winds...Southeast 30 To 40 Mph With Gusts To 60 Mph. * Impacts...Strong Winds May Bring Down Trees And Power Lines Resulting In Possible Power Outages. Those Operating High Profile Vehicles Should Exercise Extreme Caution...Especially On The New York State Thruway From The Hamburg Exit To The Pennsylvania State Line. 

A High Wind Warning Is Issued When Sustained Winds Of 40 Mph Are Expected For At Least An Hour...With Gusts Of 58 Mph Or Greater At Any Time. Damage To Trees...Power Lines...And Property Are Possible With Wind Of This Magnitude. If You Have A High Profile Vehicles Be Extra Careful Until The Wind Subsides. Stay Tuned To Weather Radio Or Other Radio And Tv Stations For Further Details Or Updates. 

Outreach program educates teens about the dangers of drug smuggling

In 2008, within 24 hours, five teenagers were apprehended at the San Ysidro Port in San Diego, Calif., and the Calexico Port in Imperial Valley, Calif. Each of them had narcotics strapped to their torsos and legs. Drug smuggling organizations had enlisted the teens' assistance in smuggling narcotics into the United States.

This, unfortunately, was not an isolated incident. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents learned that recruiters for drug smuggling organizations were frequenting school grounds, luring students with cash payments. To seal the deal, recruiters told the students that nothing could happen to them.
They would say, "Worst case scenario, they'll take the drugs from you and you'll be turned over to your parents," said Millie Jones, San Diego's assistant special agent in charge. "These kids are not aware of the consequences."
Representatives from ICE HSI and their counterparts at the San Diego Police Department launched an outreach campaign to tackle this growing situation. To date, ICE has made presentations at 24 locations, including community centers, high schools, middle schools and charter schools. Five additional presentations are scheduled this spring.
The presentations focus on the facts. Minors can receive felony convictions. A conviction like that can follow a teenager for the rest of his/her life. The presentation also includes a video featuring two convicted drug smugglers sharing their personal experiences. Smuggling does not equate to "quick and easy" money.
Agents warn that teens between the ages of 13 and 18 are the typical recruits and are primarily asked to smuggle marijuana or methamphetamine into the country. In some instances, however, teenagers have been caught with heroin or cocaine taped to their bodies.
Agents say the program is working. Teen smuggling arrests have significantly declined in the first quarter of 2011. But agents note that their work isn't complete. It's an ongoing process.
"If we can convince at least one kid not to smuggle drugs, that's one kid we won't have to encounter at the ports of entry," said Jones.

Savannah area McDonald's employees indicted for conspiring to sell stolen identities

 

SAVANNAH, Ga. - A federal indictment, unsealed today in federal court, charged Oscar Lazo, 51, a citizen of Peru; Eva Ramos, 35, a citizen of the United States; Mauricio Cruz, a citizen of Mexico; Manuel Cruz, a citizen of Mexico; and an unnamed defendant with conspiring to sell the stolen identities of U.S. citizens.

The charges follow an extensive undercover investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) special agents in Savannah.

The indictment alleges that beginning in July of 2010, Lazo and Ramos, both managers of a local McDonald's restaurant owned by NTG Enterprises, sold stolen identities to other prospective McDonald's employees, including Mauricio Cruz and Manuel Cruz, who used the stolen identities to obtain employment with the restaurant.

\Lazo and Ramos were also charged with harboring illegal aliens.
All five were arrested on criminal charges today by ICE HSI special agents in Savannah. Nine others were arrested administratively for being in violation of U.S. immigration law.

"ICE HSI aggressively targets the criminal networks that use stolen identities and document fraud to skirt U.S. immigration laws and conspire to hire an illegal alien workforce," said Brock Nicholson, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Atlanta. "This type of illegal activity compromises the integrity of our nation's immigration system, putting the security of our communities, and our country, at risk."

U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Georgia, Edward J. Tarver said, "Our office will work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to protect unknowing United States citizens against identity theft which is a rapidly growing problem across our country. Victims of identity fraud suffer a great deal and the effects of such fraud can be long-lasting if not indefinite."

If convicted on all counts, Lazo and Ramos face a maximum statutory penalty of over 100 years in prison. If convicted on all the counts of which they are charged, Mauricio Cruz and Manuel Cruz face a maximum statutory penalty of 37 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Natalie Lee is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Mayor Rob Ford and Councillor Josh Colle will participate during the 20-Minute Makeover

Mayor Rob Ford and Councillor Josh Colle will participate during the 20-Minute Makeover

Mayor Rob Ford will be joined by Councillor Josh Colle (Ward 15 Eglinton Lawrence), representatives from GLAD Canada - lead sponsor for the 20-Minute Makeover, members of the community, youth groups and members of the Toronto Police Service to pick up litter and paint a mural on Friday.

Date: Friday, April 15   
Time: 2 p.m. (for 20 minutes)   
Location: Fairbanks Memorial Community Centre, 2213 Dufferin St. (just south of Eglinton Avenue West)

Note to media:  Mayor Ford will be available for questions after the photo op.

Thousands of Toronto residents, businesses, students and government employees will pitch in at various locations to pick up litter and demonstrate their pride in Toronto. This is all part of the CLEAN TORONTO TOGETHER initiative.

The City, along with its sponsors - GLAD Canada, CP24, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, The Home Depot, the Toronto Star, Pizza Pizza, The Toronto Sun, Tim Hortons and McDonald’s - organizes this annual event.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

6.1 - KYUSHU, JAPAN - Saturday, April 09, 2011 -

6.1 - KYUSHU, JAPAN - Saturday, April 09, 2011 - 

Saturday, April 9, 2011 12:57:49 UTC

Saturday, April 9, 2011 09:57:49 PM at epicenter

Depth: 21.30 km (13.24 mi

New York human resources firm partners with ICE Company is second in New York to sign IMAGE agreement

NEW YORK - A human resources and labor relations consulting firm on Long Island, N.Y., has signed an IMAGE agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Short for "ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers," IMAGE provides businesses an opportunity to strengthen hiring practices and ensure a legal workforce.

Portnoy Messinger Pearl & Associates based in Syosset, N.Y., officially became a member of IMAGE at a signing ceremony on Thursday. IMAGE is a voluntary program that allows private industry to partner with ICE to reduce unauthorized employment and the use of fraudulent identity documents.

"We are pleased to welcome another IMAGE partner in the state of New York and applaud this company's overt commitment to hiring and employing a legal workforce," said James T. Hayes, Jr., ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agent in charge in New York. "As a volunteer partner in this effort, Portnoy Messinger Pearl & Associates is making a strong statement in the business community that compliance with federal hiring laws is a priority."

"In keeping with our company's mission of assisting businesses in their compliance efforts, we are proud of becoming a business partner with ICE. The additional value of having the resources that ICE provides its IMAGE partners will bring added value to our clients and our staff," said Mark B. Portnoy, President of Portnoy Messinger Pearl & Associates, Inc.

When a company pursues IMAGE membership, ICE provides education and training on proper hiring procedures, including employment screening tools such as E-Verify and the Social Security Number Verification Services. The company also undergoes an audit of its I-9 forms to ensure current employees are eligible to work in the United States.

Initiated in 2006, the IMAGE program has partners throughout the United States and in a wide range of industries including employment services, aviation, transportation, construction, high technology, shipping and manufacturing. Currently, more than 100 businesses nationwide are IMAGE members.

The E-Verify program, administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, allows employers to verify that newly hired employees are eligible to work in the United States. This web-based program, available in all 50 states at no cost to employers, provides an automated link to the Social Security Administration database and Department of Homeland Security immigration records.

New York-area employers interested in becoming IMAGE partners may contact the local IMAGE coordinator by calling 1-866-DHS-2ICE or visit www.ice.gov/image/.

ICE assists in dismantling heroin distribution network in Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA - Agents from the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, assisted by local police from Philadelphia and Bucks County, Pa., along with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), have filed criminal charges against twelve suspects accused of operating a wide-reaching drug network based in southeastern Pennsylvania responsible for the distribution and sale of more than $16 million worth of heroin and cocaine per year.

Acting Attorney General Bill Ryan said the ongoing investigation, known as "Operation Black Widow," focused on the distribution and sale of bulk quantities of heroin and cocaine. Drug buyers allegedly traveled to the Philadelphia area from throughout the region and across the state, in order to purchase drugs - often for resale in their local communities - including Pennsylvania communities like Norristown, King of Prussia, Fairless Hills and West Chester in suburban counties, or as far away as Mechanicsburg and Shermansdale in central Pennsylvania.

"Like the spider whose name they borrowed, these dealers were pushing a product that carried a potentially deadly sting, with 'Black Widow' heroin suspected in connection with a number of overdoses," said Ryan. "They also created a complicated web of relationships between suppliers, dealers and runners to maximize profits while hiding the true size and scope of their network."

Ryan said the investigation began in November 2010, based on information about heroin sales in the Philadelphia area that were being arranged through a dedicated cell phone number. Evidence and testimony about undercover drug purchases, surveillance of drug sales and wire taps that monitored thousands of phone conversations was presented to a statewide investigating grand jury, which recommended the criminal charges that were filed today.

According to the grand jury, the primary supplier for this drug distribution network was Warner Mieses-Guzman, also known as "Picua" or "Picu," a citizen of the Dominican Republic illegally residing in the United States.

Ryan said that "Picua" allegedly provided substantial quantities of drugs to two other Dominicans also illegally in this country: Fausto Ezequiel Valdez-Cordero, also known as "Keka," "Primo" or "Pepe," along with his brother, Fausto Gabriel Valdez-Cordero, often known simply as "Pepe's brother."

A fourth Dominican, Saviel Mieses-Guzman - the brother of "Picua" - allegedly served as a drug runner for the Valdez-Cordero brothers, delivering heroin and cocaine to various dealers in the network. Saviel Mieses-Guzman, who also went by the name Rodolfo Diaz or "Javier," is also illegally residing in the United States.

The grand jury found that the Valdez-Cordero brothers were distributing heroin to a pair of dealers operating in Bucks County, who were selling primarily to customers from southeastern Pennsylvania, along with a group of three Philadelphia men selling to customers who often traveled great distances to obtain large quantities of drugs.

Ryan said that sales to customers from outside Philadelphia were allegedly handled by a group controlled by Pedro "JR" Vega, along with his brothers, Noel "Chino" and Nestor Vega.

Three other men reportedly served as "runners" for the Vega brothers, delivering drugs to customers and collecting payments. These suspected runners include Jose Sanchez, also known as "Joey;" Jose Matos, also known as "Ponytail Boy;" and Amador Alvarado-Cintron, also known as "Chiki."

According to the grand jury, drug sales in and around Bucks County were handled by Darnell Ballard and Anthony Gary, also known as "Mooc" or "Mookum."

Ryan said that all of these interrelated drug operations allegedly functioned in a similar way, using dedicated cell phone numbers to quickly process drug orders from customers across the state. Callers who were attempting to order drugs were often greeted with a simple question: "what'chu drivin', what'chu need?"

"This was a systematic and speedy effort to move large quantities of drugs with few spoken words and little wasted time," Ryan said. "Once an order for heroin or cocaine was placed, runners were quickly dispatched to assigned meeting locations where drugs would be traded for cash - often within a few minutes of the initial call."

According to the grand jury, the heroin was sold under the street names of "Black Widow," "The Best" and "Moon Dust."

Ryan noted that heroin labeled as "Black Widow" was located at the scenes of two recent overdoses in Bristol Township, Bucks County, including a January 7th fatal overdose involving a 24-year old along with another overdose reported on December 31st.

"Over the course of the investigation agents identified several of the dedicated cell phone numbers used by the Vegas, 'Pepe,' 'Picua' and others," Ryan said. "They intercepted and monitored thousands of conversations involving drug orders, discussions about drug supplies and questions about the quality of various products."

As part of the investigation, agents executed a series of 24 search warrants in Philadelphia on February 15th, targeting 16 homes and eight vehicles. As the result of those searches they seized nearly a kilo of heroin and more than $62,000 in cash, along with stamps to label the drugs, scales and other drug packaging materials. Additional searches resulted in the seizure of an AK-47 assault rifle and several fully loaded ammunition clips; ten vehicles, including two with hidden drug compartments; and more than $88,000 in suspected drug proceeds seized from a bank account in Pedro Vega's name.

Ryan said agents estimate that the Dominican suspects were distributing approximately $35,000 worth of heroin per day, while the Vega brothers were allegedly generating daily sales of over $11,000. Combined, the organization allegedly distributed more than 76 kilos of heroin per year, with an estimated street value of more than $16.8 million.

Ryan noted that this is an ongoing investigation, with numerous additional arrests expected in the future.

The defendants will be prosecuted in Bucks County by Deputy Attorney General Robert D. Rosner of the Attorney General's Drug Strike Force Section.

Ryan thanked the Philadelphia Police Department, ICE HSI, the Bristol Township (Bucks County) Police Department and the Philadelphia and Bucks County District Attorney's Offices for their cooperation and assistance with this investigation.

Below is a list of the defendants and the charges filed against them:

Warner Mieses-Guzman, 32, 5339 Tabor Ave, Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $50,000; five counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver heroin, felonies which are each punishable by up to 15 years in prison and total fines of up to $1.25 million; one count of conspiracy to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; two counts of criminal use of a communication facility, third-degree felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison and total fines of up to $30,000; and one count of conspiracy to possess drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

• Fausto Ezequiel Valdez-Cordero, 30, 2135 Bleigh St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $50,000; three counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver heroin, all felonies which are each punishable by up to 30 years in prison along with a total fine of up to $1.5 million; one count of conspiracy to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; five counts of criminal use of a communication facility, third-degree felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison and total fines of up to $75,000; and one count of conspiracy to possess drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.
• Fausto Gabriel Valdez-Cordero, 31, 3159 N. 9th St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $50,000; five counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver heroin, felonies which are each punishable by up to 15 years in prison and total fines of up to $1.25 million; one count of conspiracy to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; five counts of criminal use of a communication facility, third-degree felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison and total fines of up to $75,000; and one count of conspiracy to possess drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.
• Saviel Mieses-Guzman, 28, 3417 N. Arbor St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $50,000; four counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver heroin, felonies which are each punishable by up to 15 years in prison and total fines of up to $1 million; one count of conspiracy to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; five counts of criminal use of a communication facility, third-degree felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison and total fines of up to $75,000; and one count of conspiracy to possess drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.
• Pedro Vega, 39, 3415 Hartel St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $50,000; six counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver heroin, felonies which are each punishable by up to 15 years in prison and total fines of up to $1.5 million; one count of conspiracy to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; five counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver cocaine, felonies which are each punishable by up to ten years in prison and total fines of up to $500,000; one count of conspiracy to deliver cocaine, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $100,000 fine; five counts of criminal use of a communication facility, third-degree felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison and total fines of up to $75,000; and one count of conspiracy to possess drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.
• Noel Vega, 35, 3744 N. Darien St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $50,000; six counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver heroin, felonies which are each punishable by up to 15 years in prison and total fines of up to $1.5 million; one count of conspiracy to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; five counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver cocaine, felonies which are each punishable by up to ten years in prison and total fines of up to $500,000; one count of conspiracy to deliver cocaine, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $100,000 fine; two counts of criminal use of a communication facility, third-degree felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison and total fines of up to $30,000; and one count of conspiracy to possess drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.
• Nestor Vega, 31, 4235 Fairhill St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $50,000; six counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver heroin, all felonies which are each punishable by up to 30 years in prison along with total fines of up to $3 million; one count of conspiracy to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; five counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver cocaine, all felonies which are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines totaling up to $1 million; one count of conspiracy to deliver cocaine, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $100,000 fine; five counts of criminal use of a communication facility, third-degree felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison and total fines of up to $75,000; and one count of conspiracy to possess drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.
• Jose Sanchez, 28, 3908 N. Franklin St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $50,000; 17 counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver heroin, felonies which are each punishable by up to 15 years in prison and total fines of up to $4.25 million; one count of conspiracy to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; five counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver cocaine, all felonies which are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $1 million; one count of conspiracy to deliver cocaine, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $100,000 fine; nine counts of criminal use of a communication facility, third-degree felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison and total fines of up to $135,000; one count of firearms not to be carried without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
• Jose Matos, 34, 4722 N. Tampa St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $50,000; five counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver heroin, felonies which are each punishable by up to 15 years in prison and total fines of up to $1.25 million; one count of conspiracy to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000; one count of delivery or possession with intent to deliver cocaine, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of conspiracy to deliver cocaine, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $100,000 fine; and three counts of criminal use of a communication facility, third-degree felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison and total fines of up to $45,000.
• Amadol Alvarado-Cintron, 54, 2441 N. Reese St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $50,000; one count of delivery or possession with intent to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; one count of conspiracy to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; one count of delivery or possession with intent to deliver cocaine, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of conspiracy to deliver cocaine, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $100,000 fine; and two counts of criminal use of a communication facility, both third degree felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison and total fines up to $30,000.
• Anthony Gary, 28, 126 Green Lynne Drive, Levittown, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $50,000; three counts of delivery or possession with intent to deliver heroin, felonies each punishable by up to 30 years in prison and total fines of up to $1.5 million; one count of conspiracy to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and ten counts of criminal use of a communication facility, third-degree felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison and total fines of up to $150,000.
• Darnell Ballard, 25, 126 Green Lynne Drive, Levittown, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and total fines of up to $50,000; one count of delivery or possession with intent to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; one count of conspiracy to deliver heroin, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

President's Weekly Address

A transcript of the Weekly Address is below:

Last night, after weeks of long and difficult negotiations over our national budget, leaders of both parties came together to avert a government shutdown, cut spending, and invest in our future.  

This is good news for the American people.  It means that small businesses can get the loans they need, our families can get the mortgages they applied for, folks can visit our national parks and museums, and hundreds of thousands of Americans will get their paychecks on time – including our brave men and women in uniform. 

This is an agreement to invest in our country’s future while making the largest annual spending cut in our history.   Like any compromise, this required everyone to give ground on issues that were important to them.  I certainly did.  Some of the cuts we agreed to will be painful – programs people rely on will be cut back; needed infrastructure projects will be delayed.  And I would not have made these cuts in better circumstances.  But we also prevented this important debate from being overtaken by politics and unrelated disagreements on social issues.  And beginning to live within our means is the only way to protect the investments that will help America compete for new jobs – investments in our kids’ education and student loans; in clean energy and life-saving medical research. 

Reducing spending while still investing in the future is just common sense.  That’s what families do in tough times.  They sacrifice where they can, even if it’s hard, to afford what’s really important. 

A few months ago, I was able to sign a tax cut for American families because both parties worked through their differences and found common ground.  Now, the same cooperation has made it possible for us to move forward with the biggest annual spending cut in history.  And it’s my sincere hope that we can continue to come together as we face the many difficult challenges that lie ahead – from creating jobs and growing our economy to educating our children and reducing our long-term deficits. 

That’s our responsibility. That’s what the American people expect us to do.  And it’s what the American people deserve.

DOD Identifies Army Casualty : Keith T. Buzinski

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

                 The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

                Spc. Keith T. Buzinski, 26, of Daytona Beach, Fla., died April 7 in Logar province, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y

UNYTS Blood Drive

UNYTS Blood Drive - DeGraff Hospital, North Tonawanda Monday 11- 6 Tues, 11-6 Thu. 11- 6 2nd and 4th Thurs of Month, Saturday 7 - 2, 1st and 3rd Satujrday of the Month, To Schedule 512-7940 Local Savings, Local Jobs More Info:www.unyts.org

CBP in Nogales Implements “Ready Lane” RFID-enabled document users to get dedicated lane

Nogales, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today the opening of a Ready Lane at the Nogales Port of Entry for travelers with approved Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology-enabled travel documents. CBP also announced plans to implement Ready Lanes at the Lukeville, Douglas, and San Luis ports of entry over the next few months.

Starting Monday, April 11, the Ready Lane will be open to the traveling public from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily on lane 7 at the Dennis DeConcini crossing. The Ready Lane is a primary vehicle lane that only accepts RFID-enabled cards.

“RFID-enabled cards allow our officers to screen travelers quicker,” said Port Director Guadalupe Ramirez. “By having a lane designated just for travelers with these cards, we can reduce the time spent waiting to enter the country, which facilitates and encourages legitimate cross-border business and tourism.”

Since the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the United States by land or sea from Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, are required to present a valid, WHTI-compliant document. Using a WHTI-compliant document that is an RFID-enabled travel now shortens the time it takes to process travelers at the border.

In order to use this dedicated lane, all adult passengers, over the age of 16, must present an approved travel card. The U.S. Passport card, SENTRI card, the new Legal Permanent Resident “green card” and the new Border Crossing Card are all RFID-enabled WHTI-compliant documents.

Travelers using the Ready Lane should follow these three simple steps as they approach a U.S. land port of entry with their RFID-enabled travel card:

1. Stop at the beginning of the lane and make sure each passenger has their card out
2. When it is your turn, drive slowly through the lane and hold all cards up on the driver’s side of the vehicle
3. Stop at the officer’s booth

CBP continues to strongly encourage travelers to obtain RFID-enabled card to expedite their entry and to help make the borders more efficient.

WHTI is the joint Department of State-Department of Homeland Security plan that implemented a key 9/11 Commission recommendation to establish document requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda.

For more information, please visit the following websites. ( www.GetYouHome.gov ) ( CBP HomePage )

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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