Horrigan sets public hearing on increasing local tobacco purchase age to 21...
Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan has scheduled a public hearing for the proposed local law that would raise the tobacco purchase age in the county from 18 to 21. County lawmakers approved the measure last week by a 13 to 6 vote. It also affects e-cigarettes. Horrigan says the hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 12, beginning at 3 p.m. in county legislature chambers. He says he's leaning toward signing the legislation, although he is still keeping an open mind. Horrigan has received a lot of comment about the proposed measure... and, is looking for more input. He adds that a number of other counties... including Cattaraugus and Erie... are reportedly looking at similar legislation. So far... only New York City and Suffolk counties have actually raised the age for tobacco purchases.
Parents of Kallie Swan mark one-year annIversary of her death with Allen Park tree planting...
The family of a little girl who brought the community together to support her battle against a form of childhood Leukemia honored her with a tree planting at Jamestown's Allen Park yesterday. Kallie Swan passed away a year ago Friday at the age of 3. Her parents, Tara and Shane Swan, were joined by dozens of supporters of the Kallie's Crusade Foundation near the swing set in the park named after Kallie. Tara Swan says they thought it would be nice to get their supporters together for the tree planting. She says they were planting a Flowering Cherry Tree in honor of Kallie. The Swan's worked with the city Parks Department and City Arborist Dan Stone to plant the tree. Shane Swan also took a moment to thank those on hand... especially supporting their effort to help other families with children battling Leukemia or Cancer. The Swans were joined by numerous supporters... including members of the Falconer Modified Baseball Team Shane Swan helps coach... in planting the tree.
Goodell proposes legislation to eliminate "Pay-to-Play," but, it faces uphill battle in state Assembly...
The area's state Assemblyman has introduced legislation that would end the practice of lawmakers receiving campaign contributions in return for a favorable vote on legislation that benefits the donor. However... Jamestown-area Republican Andy Goodell admits his proposal to end what's commonly called "pay-to-play" faces an uphill battle in the chamber. Goodell says currently... there are no rules regarding the practice... and, there are no limits on how much a donor can contribute. He adds that currently... there isn't even a limit on the amount of money a lobbyist can contribute to a campaign where the state lawmaker would be able to cast a favorable vote. He says he does have some co-sponsors for the proposed bill. However... no Democrats -- who make up the Assembly's majority -- have signed on.
Young calls for DOT study of busy Falconer intersection where two students were hit by a car last month...
The area's State Senator is calling on the state Department of Transporation to install a traffic light at a Falconer intersection where two children were struck by a car last month. Olean Republican Cathy Young has sent a letter to the DOT to review "serious traffic safety concerns" at the intersection of East Avenue and Route 394, near Falconer Middle and High Schools. Following the accident... Falconer Mayor James Rensel... and, School Superintendent Steven Penhollow contacted Young about the incident... and, requested a study, since Route 394 is a state highway. She says the safety of the children at the school "should be everyone’s utmost priority. This hazardous intersection continues to be plagued with problems, and the situation deserves another thorough review. The conditions at the intersection warrant the DOT’s serious attention, so that the circumstances are not repeated again in the future."
Lakewood-Busti Police catch two alleged scammers, looking for four others...
Two of the six people accused of being involved in an alleged payroll check cashing scheme in the Lakewood-area have now been arrested. Lakewood-Busti Police say they took John Kellom, Junior... and, Richard Kerchner into custody late Thursday. Investigators say they still have outstanding warrants for Jacklyn Long... Jason Thom... Kimberly Ferguson... and, Ryan Newell. Police say they've received numerous complaints of false, fictitious or altered paychecks being cashed in the area. If anyone or any business receives a suspicious check... call your local police department... or Lakewood-Busti Police at 763-9563.
