Robshots delivers

(Editor’s note: Rob Bennett is one of 3 journalists living and working in Niagara Falls and gets stories like this one, the sort of feel good thing that gives us a warm fuzzy. In addition to keeping us posted on the work of our city's emergency services personnel and always having the answer to "what was that cool airplane I just saw." This is likely too much of a feel-good story to make the Gazette but you never know.)

By Rob Bennett

Robshots

Niagara Falls, NY — For better or for worse.

July 9, 2026

Love knows no boundaries for James Nottingham, who stood outside the Niagara Falls City Jail to propose to his girlfriend, Kristie Stroup.

Nottingham hoped Stoup would catch a glimpse of the sign as the Niagara County Sheriff transport van pulled out of the sallyport. But Niagara Falls police saw Nottingham standing outside for hours, even after it started to rain, and arranged a way for Stroup to see the sign and respond.

As the sallyport door opened, Nottingham got down on one knee next to the sign, which read "Kristie Stroup Will You Marry Me??

From the edge of the sallyport door, Stroup shouted "yes" and gave a thumbs up before she got on the transport van.

Nottingham said he and Stroup have been together for 4 years and have been through some struggles together, including addiction. He said Stroup was taken into custody on county drug court related matters and is continuing efforts towards sobriety. He's looking forward to the future and a life of sobriety for him and Kristie.