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To Woo Wealthy, Lexus Attempts Image Makeover

For years, Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus division pitched its cars as the practical alternative to European luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes. And over time, the Lexus brand came to be known as kind of expensive, always respectable -- and a little boring.

"Lexus cars are made to be luxurious and forgettable," says Ryan Wilsey, a 29-year-old Boston resident who works in venture capital. Formerly an owner of a Porsche Boxster, Mr. Wilsey's dream cars are a BMW M3 coupe or a Ferrari.

Now, with Toyota's sales hitting new records, it craves a makeover for Lexus. It wants to become ...

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Lease-to-buy program moves forward

The La Salle County Board is inching closer to creating a new squad car rotation cycle to replace high-mileage cars in the fleet.

Sheriff Tom Templeton plans to present to Finance Committee members a proposal entailing a lease-to-buy program, which could provide the sheriff's office with seven new squads this year and each following year.

The county previously had a rotation cycle in which new squads were purchased every year, but because of lack of funds, that program was eliminated in 2004.

Squad cars, some which are approaching or have surpassed the 200,000-mile mark, continue to break down, and three of 28 squads used for patrol now are undriveable because of engine problems. Board members are faced with replacing those high-mileage vehicles.

"This is not going to stop; it's just a progression," Templeton told members of the county's Sheriff and County Radio and Court Security Committee Friday.

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What's up in the Mid-Hudson

The Fusileers Fife and Drum Corps will hold its annual two-penny social 6 p.m. Saturday at the Union Vale Firehouse, Route 82, Verbank.

Drawings will be at 7:30 p.m. There will be hundreds of prizes and refreshments.

Call 845-227-5412.

Rhinebeck GOP dinner to feature spaghetti

The Rhinebeck Republican Committee will serve spaghetti 5-8 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion, 30 Mill St.

The menu includes salad, bread, spaghetti, meatballs, homemade desserts and a beverage. Beer and wine will be available at an extra charge.

Adults cost $9; children 6-10 cost $3; those under 6 eat free.

Take-out will be available. Tickets can be bought at the door or by calling 845-876-2436.

Bingo night scheduled at Highland school gym

A bingo night will be held Saturday at St.