Varysburg man, missing in boating accident more than a week, reportedly found dead...
Authorities have now recovered the body of a fisherman from Wyoming County who has been missing since a week ago yesterday. Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace's office reports that Bemus Point Fire rescue crews found 64 year-old David Spink of Varysburg dead in the northern end of Chautauqua Lake about 6:45 this morning. Gerace says Spink went missing after he was seen leaving Camp Prendergast about 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13th. Deputies say Spink planned to launch his boat from Prendergast Point... and, pick-up the friend. He was reported missing the following day by family members. Offices say his unoccupied boat was discovered on shore at Long Point State Park.
Salamanca woman charged with manslaughter in death of one-year-old daughter...
A 24-year-old woman from the Cattaraugus County city of Salamanca has been arresed in connection with the death of her one-year-old daughter last month. Police officials say they arrested Leslie Finch late Tuesday and charged her with manslaughter... reckless endangerment... and, endangering the welfare of a child. Officials say they were called to Finch's home last month for a report of an unresponsive child. Her baby, Mila Whipple, was flown to Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo, where she died from her injuries on April 26. Police say the baby's death was likely the cause of severe abuse. Finch was arraigned Tuesday night... and, is being held on $100,000 bail.
Karbacka looks forward to serving on City School Board...
The newest member of the Jamestown School Board says she wants to use her experience... and, educational background to continue the "excellence" of the city district. Those are the feelings of retired music teacher Nina Karbacka. Karbacka was elected to the school board for the first time Tuesday. She and incumbant Dan Johnson ran unopposed for the panel. Karbacka... who received 570 votes... taught music for 40 years in the elementary, middle and high school levels. During her tenure... Karbacka also helped found the Suzuki Strings program. She says she would like to find a way to bring in members of the community to help the district solve it's current challenges. Karbacka says she didn't run because she felt anyone on the board was "doing a bad job..." She just felt she had something to offer. Johnson... who was elected to a second-term... received 528 votes.
Bourne named Volunteer of the Year at WCA Hospital...
A Cattaraugus County man known for making people laugh with his "crazy" clothing combinations has been named WCA Hospital's Volunteer of the Year. Hospital staff gathered for the hospital's annual Volunteer Recognition and Awards Luncheon yesterday afternoon. WCA President and Chief Executive Officer Betsy Wright says the recipient -- Randolph's Larry Bourne -- has volunteered there nearly 10 years... and, "exemplifies" their vision and mission. Bourne is most know for his crazy ties... but, adds he added something else this past Winter -- a "Goofy" hat he bought at Disney World in Florida. Bourne also will wear different colored shoes at times to get a laugh. Wright says volunteers play a special role at WCA... fostering a sense of community and caring to patients and their families. Bourne says he appreciates the honor... adding that he began volunteering at WCA shortly after his wife passed away less than a decade ago... but, says she was always well-cared for at WCA. With that... he wanted to "give back" to the hospital. For more information about volunteering at WCA... contact Volunteer Coordinator Elizabeth DeRosa at 487-0141.
Gas prices holding steady in run-up to Memorial Day Holiday weekend...
For the most part... gasoline prices in Chautauqua County are holding steady heading into the long, Memorial Day Holiday weekend. That from the AAA's weekly Fuel Gauge report... which says the average price is now up to about $2.86 a gallon. However... some stations in the area are now charging about $2.90 a gallon for regular, unleaded fuel. The average price is based on reports from 19 service stations in the area. The price was $2.85 last week. The national average for regular unleaded is now $2.70 a gallon. As of now... AAA says the national average has increased on 32 of the past 34 days. Despite the national average continuing to register new highs for 2015... drivers are still experiencing significant yearly savings at the pump.
