WCA Hospital in Jamestown has signed an agreement to become an affiliate of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. That major announcement was made Thursday afternoon after an affiliate agreement had been signed earlier the day today. WCA President and Chief Executive Officer Betsy Wright says the agreement will keep "high-quality health care close to home." Wright says this "full integration" will means WCA will become part of UPMC's "world-class" network. She adds it's subject first to state approval. WCA Hospital Board Chairman Steve Kilburn says it's an "important and historic day" for WCA and the community. As hospital's face increasing pressures and challenges in the current health care environment... Kilburn says many communities face major reductions in access to local health care. He says they are moving in a way that will not only maintain services... but, grow them as part of UPMC's 20-plus affiliate network. Wright says UPMC has already made a $25-million investment over 10 years in capital expenditures. Once final approvals are given, the hospital will go under the name "UPMC Chautauqua at WCA."
There is some freezing drizzle in the Jamestown-area this morning as our stretch of Spring-like weather has come to an end. With that... there might be a few slippery spots this morning as you head into work. That from Forecaster Kirk Apfell with the National Weather Service in Buffalo... who says there's less of a chance near the Lake Erie Shoreline. Apfell says a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 this morning. Apfell says we'll see some general snow showers mixing in during the day... but, he adds the Lake Effect will mostly be to the north of us as the afternoon begins. A Lake Effect Snow Warning will take effect at 4 PM... but, Apfell says the Lake Effect may not begin until later. He says they're looking at some "pretty significant accumulations of snow" in the Jamestown-area late Friday into Saturday. Some could be up to 18 inches in spots. Apfell says that Lake Effect Snow Warning continues until 10 PM Saturday. Forecasters say the southern Tier will generally see about 4 to 6 inches of the white stuff by late Saturday.
A Celoron woman has been arrested for allegedly running a Methamphetime Lab operation in her Dunham Avenue apartment. Agents with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force say they raided the lower apartment at 66 Dunham about 6:20 PM Wednesday... and, arrested 31 year-old Kimberly Ferguson on a warrant out of Ellicott Town Court. Task Force members say they located a quantity of Methamphetamine oil... the precursors for making Meth... and, lab equipment used in it's production. Officers say Ferguson was arraigned on one count of third-degree Unlawfully Manufacturing Methamphetamine... and, sent to the county jail without bail. More charges are pending. As a result of the discovery of the hazardous materials used in making the Meth, the state Police C-C-SERT team was called to the location to decontaminate the scene and collect evidence. Police say they seized just over eight-ounces of Meth oil. Anyone with information on the suspected trafficking of illegal Narcotics is asked to call the Task Force at 1-800-344-8702.
A city man is jailed after allegedly threatening a woman with a gun. Jamestown police say that 31 year-old John Peterson pointed a shotgun at the unidentfied woman... and, threatened to kill her after an argument just after 1 AM yesterday. The victim was able to leave the South Main Street home, and meet officers outside. Peterson was being held pending arraignment.
A portion of Jamestown's westside... as well as much of the Celoron area... was without power for about three hours yesterday morning. Jamestown Board of Public Utilities Spokeswoman Becky Robbins says a downed tree limb was apparently the culprit. Robbins says a branch took down a power line on Lister Avenue about 5 AM... and, that cut power to areas like Jones and Gifford... and, Livingston Avenues. She says power was restored to the affected area by about 8 AM.
Jamestown Community College Athletic Director Keith Martin is again hosting his annual "Holiday Haul" at the Jamestown Cycle Shop in Brooklyn Square. Martin started the three-day "camp out" a few years ago to raise awareness -- and, get donations for the St. Susan's Center. He says there is an ever-increasing need this year... as the city's largest soup kitchen is projecting that it will again feed a record-number of meals to the needy in the community. Martin says they did well last year... and, says he wants to "top that" this year. In 2014... the "Holiday Haul" brought in 4-and-a-half tons of food... and, 10-thousand dollars in donations. Martin says he and members of JCC athletic teams... among others... will be on hand to accept donations of non-parishable food items... and money through 3 PM Saturday. Martin will be in a tent provided by Jamestown Awning. He says they're trying to fill up a truck provided by Jamestown Mattress Company. Other sponsors include the Cycle Shop and Cummins Engine Company.
There are some benefits for New York farmers in a tax package just unveiled in Washington. U-S Senator Charles Schumer says he secured the restoration and permanent extension of key provisions of Section 179 of the tax code... which provides tax deductions that help family farmers purchase needed equipment. There's something for apple growers, too. The tax extenders package includes the Cider Act introduced by Schumer to boost the state's growing hard cider industry. The Cider Act revises the definition of hard cider to allow it to have a greater alcohol content without being taxed at the higher rate of wine. Under current federal law, the definition of hard apple or pear cider only allows for up to 7 percent alcohol. Hard cider is a value-added product that can reap significant revenues for growers.
