The clock is ticking on the state legislature... and, final negotiations are underway on ethics reforms and the extension of mayoral control in New York City. Lawmakers today (Wednesday) hoped to work through a long list of bills before adjourning the session Thursday or Friday. While talks continue over ethics and Mayor Bill de Blasio's request to renew the policy giving him control of city schools, supporters of other measures are mounting final pushes. Bills banning toxins from toys, mandating minimum staffing levels for hospital nurses and legalizing daily fantasy sports are among the items facing uncertain fates. Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo and top lawmakers have already reached agreements on bills to combat heroin addiction, expand breast cancer screening and allow restaurants to sell alcohol before noon on Sundays.
Now that a deal has been worked out by state leaders to address the growing problem of heroin and opioid abuse, local officials are still awaiting the details. Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan did get a copy of a report from Governor Andrew Cuomo's task force... and, he says many of the recommendations from the report seem to be addressed by the legislation. Horrigan says the announcement of the agreement arrived as the county continues its "Hope and Healing for Chautauqua" week, which continues through Friday. He welcomes the assistance as organizations in the county continue to work with those who are struggling with Heroin and other opiate addictions. Cuomo says the package of about 20 bills expands supports for "New Yorkers in recovery... increases treatment beds by 270... and, expands program slots for substance abuse disorders by 2-thousand-335 in the state."
State legislative leaders and Governor Andrew Cuomo have agreed to legislation they say will "modernize" New York's 80-year old Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. Cuomo said late Tuesday that the agreement would allow alcohol to be sold earlier on Sundays... and, reduces burdensome fees for wineries, distilleries, breweries and cideries statewide. In addition... the governor says the measures add commonsense provisions to broaden retail sales by producers. The measure regarding sales on Sunday's has often been refered to as the "Brunch Law..." and would allow sales at restaurants to beginning at 10 AM. It would also allow those licensees to apply for up to 12 permits a year to sell on premise between 8 AM, and the new 10 AM.
Two Jamestown men have been arrested for allegedly stealing 12-hundred feet of electric cable from a home in Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania. State Police in Warren say someone stole the wiring... which was on a wooden spool... sometime between last April 1st and May 31st from the location on Pine Ridge Road. Troopers say their investigation led to the arrests of 55 year-old Jimmie Williams... and 24 year-old Joshua Bang. Police say the pair allegedly took the wire, and stripping the coating off it... and, sold it for scrap. They are also accused of burning the wooden spool. Both are charged with theft... receiving stolen property... and, conspiracy to do both. Further court action is pending.
A Frewsburg couple who have been very involved with youth and other activities in the Jamestown-area are this year's "unsung heroes" of southern Chautauqua County. Jerry and Norma Eklund were presented with the Axel W. Carlson Award Tuesday night at "The Relief Zone" in Frewsburg... an organization both have been very involved with. The award is presented by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation... and, director Randy Sweeney says both have exemplified the spirit of Carlson. Sweeney says the Carlson Award is given to a person... or individuals like the Eklunds... who have made a positive difference in the community without the expectation of fanfare, nor monitary gain. The Relief Zone was originated in a former church in Frewsburg to provide a good, positive place for children in the area... that has now expanded it's programming. The Eklund's names have been engraved on a plaque... and they received 15-hundred dollars cash. One-thousand dollars is for them... while the other 500-dollars goes to the charity of their choice.
Another past Jamestown High School graduate will be this year's Commencement Speaker at JHS's graduation at Chautauqua Institution on Friday, June 24th. High School Principal Mike McElrath says 1978 graduate Kim Sinatra will address the graduates and their families that night. Sinatra is currently the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Wynn Resorts, Limited... which owns and operates luxury destination casino resorts in Las Vegas, Nevada... and, elsewhere. She joined Wynn Resorts in January 2004. Sinatra received her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Wellesley College in 1982 and her Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago in 1985. Jamestown's commencement ceremony will begin at 7 PM on June 24th at the Chautauqua Amphitheater.
The five newest graduates of WCA Hospital's School of Radiologic Technology have received their certifications... and, most are now working at the hospital. The school's Program Director, Christina Slojukowski says it's an exciting time for the graduates... who have completed an intensive, 22-month program that's taught entirely at the hospital. Slojukowski says the program has also been good for WCA. Slojukowski says the School of Radiologic Technology has several courses on background of the science, and new technology for scans and MRIs. Three awards were also given out... including the relatively new Vince Messina Memorial Award that provides 15-hundred dollars for the tuition of a current student. Slojukowski says that award was presented to Brooke Ludwiczak. The Murray Marsh Award... with a 500-dollar scholarship... was given to Holly McIntyre... while the Radiologic Technology Certificate of Excellence Award went to Laura Tillburg. The other graduates recognized at the school's 47th Commencement were Bethany Chapman... Kylie Wilson... and, Jonathan Caprino.
