Buffalo Sports Kid is Finalist

A local boy is in the running to be "Sports Kid of the Year." Seven-year-old Derek Andrews, who plays baseball, hockey, and soccer despite a muscle ailment, is one of two finalists in Sports Illustrated's contest. Derek's dad John told Loraine and Tom this morning that Derek's application was placed just in time. It's the final day on on-line voting at S-I-kids-com.

US Appeals Court in Buffalo

For the first time in its 219-year history, the Second Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals, one step below the U.S. Supreme Court, will hear some of its cases in Buffalo. The Second Circuit is based in New York City, but this year, chief judge, Dennis Jacobs, has begun taking court operations to other cities on occasion. Seven cases are scheduled to be argued Thursday, beginning at 10 a. m., and five more Friday, also beginning at 10 a. m. Several of the cases involve legal disputes in Western New York.

First Collins Budget Out

Erie County Executive Chris Collins has released his proposed budget, including a 3.9 percent property tax increase. Most of the 15-member County Legislature has not announced whether or not they will support the budget. Legislators Ratzenhofer, Rath, and Mills have come out against an increase.

Second Anniverary of October Storm

It may be a beautiful, warm day today, but two years ago it was a different story. Yesterday marked the two-year anniversary of the surprise storm that dumped two feet of wet snow on Buffalo, and caused tens of thousands of trees to buckle under the weight. Officials say that upwards of 57-thousand trees lost their battle with the storm. In the two years since, there has been an effort to replant thousands of trees.

Rape Reported in South Buffalo

Detectives are investigating an attack on a teenage girl in South Buffalo. The girl's mother said her daughter was with a friend on South Park Avenue when a pair of teenage boys led them to a vacant apartment. One girl was in a room with the two boys who apparently prevented her from leaving, then one boy allegedly raped her.

Tax Hikes on County Table

Erie County Executive Chris Collins is not ruling out a property tax hike in the coming year's budget. Collins says the spending plan will be conservative -- and will likely include more than 100 job cuts. County Legislators, including Kathy Konst, are weighing in as well.

Episcopal Parish in Tonawanda to Secede

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal parish in Tonawanda plans to break away from its diocese and leave itss current facilities after 48 years. It would become the first local congregation to break ties since the controversial ratification of an openly gay bishop by the U.S Episcopal province in 2003.