The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Western New York’s Southtowns, like Hamburg and Orchard Park, consistently endure the region’s highest snowfall according to a recent Erie County report.

Communities such as Holland, Boston, and Concord not only see heavy totals but also face more frequent storms dropping over four inches at a time.

Larry Heim, Concord’s Highway Superintendent, highlighted how unpredictable conditions can be—some days, hills get buried while valleys remain clear.

Remarkably, Concord’s highway district rarely deals with minor events; significant snows occur nearly nine out of ten times.

Over 30 years, Concord has weathered an astonishing 1,970 inches—more than 164 feet—of snow, outpacing local landmarks in height.

The report will soon be presented to the county legislature, offering municipal leaders new context for ongoing winter challenges across Erie County.

The Buffalo Bills are rapidly advancing their head coach search after parting ways with Sean McDermott following nine seasons.

Braving intense winter storms in Western New York, the organization has pressed ahead, prioritizing interviews with an impressive lineup of candidates.

Recent discussions included Grant Udinski of the Jaguars, known for orchestrating a high-scoring offense, and Anthony Lynn—Washington’s run game coordinator with prior Bills experience.

They’ve also spoken with Anthony Weaver of the Dolphins, and former star quarterback Philip Rivers, now a successful high school coach.

Earlier rounds featured Lou Anarumo of the Colts and Western New York native Brian Daboll, who previously drove the Bills’ offense to new heights.

Current OC Joe Brady also remains in contention, having led the offense to top-league rankings.

The Bills remain determined to secure a leader who can fuel future playoff runs and energize their loyal fanbase.

Jim and Lisa Saunders set out on the Erie Canalway Trail from Albany to Buffalo, envisioning a relaxed journey, but soon confronted relentless mosquitoes, aggressive geese, and unpredictable weather.

They endured physical aches yet found comfort in the canal’s beauty and engineering wonders.

Lisa’s 2024 book, Walking the Erie Canalway Trail, chronicles their challenges and highlights the canal’s intriguing history, family ties, and engineering feats.

She uncovers her ancestors' roles in the canal’s success, including welcoming Governor DeWitt Clinton in 1825, and explores the tragedy of her great-great-aunt’s fatal fall.

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is celebrated for spreading abolition and women’s rights, with icons like Elizabeth Cady Stanton using the route to campaign for equality.

Through sharing their story and raising CMV awareness, Lisa continues inspiring others as a dedicated Canalway Challenge Ambassador.

Hometown Comforts We Crave During Cold Days

• Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy, Extra Sauce) 🍗
  Buffalo’s ultimate comfort food — messy, saucy, and always better shared. No matter the weather or occasion, wings just feel like home.

• Beef on Weck 🥩
  Thin-sliced roast beef on a kummelweck roll delivers the perfect salty, savory bite that locals never get tired of.

• Chicken Wing Soup 🍲
  Everything people love about wings, turned into a warm, comforting bowl — especially popular during long winter stretches.

• Pizza Logs 🧀
  Crispy, cheesy, and unmistakably Western New York. A freezer staple and guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

• Fish Fry 🐟
  Beer-battered, flaky, and filling — a Buffalo fish fry feels less like a meal and more like a tradition.

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