Category: PostNews

(WWTI) — As the summer weather shows up in the forecast, the American Kennel Club is reminding pet owners of the risks associated with the heat of the season.

According to the AKC, a leading concern during the summer is the hot pavement when owners are walking their pets. The organization warned that if the temperature is 85 degrees or over without the chance for the pavement to cool down, the ground may be too hot to safely walk a dog. The AKC stated that scorching surfaces are especially damaging to puppies with sensitive young paws.

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According to data reported by the Journal of the American Medical Association, when the air temperature is 86 degrees, the asphalt temperature registers at 135 degrees. Jerry Klein, DVM, AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer and an expert in veterinary emergency and critical care gave advice on how pet owners can ensure they’re keeping their pets safe.

“To find out if the ground is too hot for your dog to walk on, place your hand comfortably on the pavement for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws,” Klein said.

Klein stated that the same temperature test works on all types of terrain, including sand, metal, and concrete. To also help the condition of the dog’s paws, owners are encouraged to walk their pets on the pavement during cool weather since the hard surface helps toughen them and builds resistance for when the temperature heats up.

The AKC also warned of heat-related issues for dogs like heat stress and heatstroke. The organization stated that a dog’s normal resting temperature ranges from 99 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature over 104 signals heat stress, over 105 registers as heat exhaustion, and more than 106 is heatstroke requiring emergency veterinary care.

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Dogs experiencing heat stress may seek shade, limit movement, choose to sit or lie down, pant uncontrollably, experience nausea or vomiting, and their skin may redden or excessively produce saliva. Dogs experiencing heatstroke may seem confused, excessively drool, have bright red or purple gums, seem dizzy, experience rectal bleeding, refuse to drink water, seem lethargic, lose consciousness or have seizures.

To cool a dog down, owners should find a shady spot, apply ice packs under the dog’s front legs at the chest, pour cool water over their head and body, give them water, find air conditions indoors or in a cooled-off car, or give their dog a cooling mat to stand on. More information on how to avoid heat-related issues in dogs this summer can be found here.

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — Juneteenth celebrations are being held across the country including Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

The City of Niagara Falls held its first Juneteenth parade ever. It went from the public library on Main Street to the steps of City Hall.

City officials spoke about the city’s history in the civil rights movement and raised the official Juneteenth flag.

Thousands in Buffalo attend Juneteenth parade and festivities at MLK Park

“What I like is that the city simply played a supporting role. We were asked for certain facilities, we were asked to provide certain things, but this is really organic this is really community-based. So that is what I appreciate the most,” said Mayor Robert Restaino, Niagara Falls.

Other festivities included a basketball tournament, music and history lessons about the Civil War and the civil rights era.

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Town of Tonawanda is making sure residents are ready for active shooter situations with a free training course.

The Town of Tonawanda Police Department and Paramedics are putting on the “Civilian Response to an Active Shooter and Stop the Bleed” program on June 27, June 29 and July 2.

The training focuses on how residents can stay vigilant about shootings and actions to take if they’re involved in an active-shooter situation. The town paramedics will provide first aid training.

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The program is open to Town of Tonawanda residents 16 years old and older.

To register online, click here.

Here are the available dates and times:

June 27 (Sheridan Park Fire Dept.): 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. June 29 (Ellwood Fire Dept.): 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. July 2 (Brighton Fire Dept.): 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

BUFFALO N.Y. (WIVB) – As the Juneteenth parade returns in Buffalo, for the first time in two years, it comes as many try to bring more equality, following the mass shooting at tops.

“Spirits high, a lot of children out, but there’s a sense of remembrance and a sense of reflection on the act of domestic terrorism that occurred in the city of Buffalo on the 14th of May,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.

People from all over Buffalo are coming together this weekend to celebrate Juneteenth. Things kicked off with a parade down Genesee street Saturday morning, followed by a gathering at MLK park with local food and artisans.

“I love it. I love it. The pandemic took it away, for about two and a half years but I’m glad we’re back. We’re thriving, we’re overcoming our obstacles, and enjoying each other,” said Latrice Lauer, who attended Juneteenth celebrations at MLK Park Saturday afternoon.

Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and the education and accomplishments of the men and women who lived during slavery.

“Once again we’re gathering together, celebrating the freedoms of black and brown people all across the world and especially in the United states of America,” said Buffalo resident Ahmad Randell. “Though we have a long way to go, we still are celebrating what we have accomplished thus far.”

After the racist tops shooting last month in Buffalo, people celebrating Juneteenth saying coming together like this again, was important.

“We’re never going to forget the events that happened but this is a celebration of joy and while we remember them, we still, as people who are still here, we have the opportunity to celebrate the life that we do have and the future of our community,” said Buffalo resident Nia Bronner. “While you’re celebrating, while you’re taking off. Take this time to remember, all that has happened. How far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.”

“Especially right now we need this,” said Henry Jemison, who drove from Jamestown N.Y. to attend the Juneteenth Parade. “We need to try to embrace this and celebrate and comfort ourselves to get through some of that pain and we do it by celebration and music and that’s how we should do this.”

Organizers from the Buffalo Urban League say that today is a day of renewed hope, and that despite the challenges the community has faced, they’re stronger together.

Juneteenth celebrations continue throughout Western New York tomorrow, including the first ever Juneteenth parade in Niagara Falls. The parade will be on Main Street starting at 2:15 p.m. from the Niagara Falls Public Library at Main St. and Portage Road down to 715 Main Street at the steps of City Hall.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — St. Gregory the Great’s “Great Race” 5k returned from a pandemic pause for its first run since 2019.

This is the 25th year for the race. There was a 5k, and one-mile fun walk. Hundreds of runners and walkers took part, then they enjoyed a party in the parking lot with the band “Hit and Run.”

The race is a major fundraiser for the church and the parish school.

“We’ve waited two and a half years now to be back out here, live with everybody, this is our 25th anniversary, 25 years, it’s a wonderful night, it’s great for the community, and we’ve been blessed with great weather every year,” said Cheryl Bertovich, chair, Great Race.

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“The proceeds go really to support primarily the school, and parish as well, as a whole, but primarily the school, different needs for the school, it’s not a designated fund this year, as it’s going to be for the general needs of the school,” Rev. Leon J. Biernat, pastor, St. Gregory the Great.

News 4’s Don Postles had the honor and the privilege to serve as the emcee for the race.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Sahlen Field was filled Friday night with the sounds of country music and country fans.

Friday marked the return of radio station WYRK’s Taste of Country concert.

Performers included Tim McGraw, Billy Currington and Walker Hayes.

Fans told News they look forward to “The Taste” year after year.

“It’s amazing for them coming to Buffalo, brings more entertainment to the city, more people to come around, and everything, it’s awesome,” said Robert Cicero, Niagara Falls.

Buffalo History Museum kicks off summer season with ‘Party on the Portico’

“This is just the start of the country season here in Buffalo, but this is one of the best concerts you can go to,” added Kelly Payne, Cheektowaga.

This was the first WYRK Taste of Country since 2019.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Buffalo History Museum went outside Friday night, for a fun kickoff to the summer season.

Delaware Park served as the backdrop for “Party on the Portico.” The party included live music, food, drink and an opportunity to check out the exhibits inside the museum.

If you missed Friday’s concert, the next one is set for July 15.

Step Out Buffalo talks Juneteenth and Father’s Day activities

The party on the Portico is for ages 21 and over.

For the latest Buffalo History Museum events, click here.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Both Juneteenth and Father’s Day are all being celebrated this weekend.

So what are the best local things to do with your family?

To give us some recommendations, Lauren Spoth of Step Out Buffalo joined us on News 4 at 4 to share some great activities this weekend.

Watch the full interview in the video player above.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Kaleida Health held their annual Juneteenth celebration Friday on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

“Our health care system is a vital resource for many in the City of Buffalo and we have an important role to play in the lives of our neighbors,” said Bob Nesselbush, CEO, Kaleida Health.

“Today should also encourage us to find ways to stand in solidarity with our Black and African American community to fight against racism, discrimination and violence,” Nesselbush added.

E. Ferry Street ‘Freedom Wall’ restoration gets a boost

Kaleida Health also made a donation to Buffalo Go Green which provides services and training to under-served communities throughout Western New York.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Freedom Wall on East Ferry Street, which celebrates and honors African American civil rights leaders is getting a major makeover.

Friday we saw what the completed construction will look like. More than $700,000 of state funding will help restore the murals and the surrounding area.

The space from the concrete wall to the sidewalk will be reconstructed as well as the installation of new LED lights.

Our community is still reeling from the tragedy we endured last month. The process of griefing that trauma may never be over for many of us. I am proud however that this Freedom Wall stands as a testament to Black excellence and the extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives making the world a better and more inclusive place.”

Construction will begin later this summer.