A horrific, nearly head-on crash involving a coach bus and a vehicle on Route 60 near Sinclairville has claimed the life of a Lakewood man... and, injured three others. Crews from five area fire departments, Chautauqua County Emergency Services, the Sheriff's Office and State Police responded to the crash around 9 AM. Sheriff Joe Gerace says it appears that the vehicle -- driven by 19 year-old Justin Romaniuk may have crossed into the opposite lane and into the path of the bus. The bus driver... identified as 61 year-old Debra Lee Grimes of Lakewood... suffered serious... but, non-life threatening injuries. Both she and Romaniuk were pinned inside their vehicles. Gerace says the Accident Reconstruction Team was also called to the scene of the crash to investigate. Route 60 was closed in both directions between Sylvester Road and Jamestown Street for about 4-hours. Sinclairville firefighters were assisted by Cassadaga, Ellery Center, Ellington and Gerry fire crews.
The storm that spurred tornadoes in the south will be moving up along the East Coast... and, will bring a wintry mix to much of the Northeast. However... Chautauqua County may be one of the few counties in the state not under any kind of warning or advisory. Cattaraugus County is under a Winter Weather Advisory until 10 AM today. Forecaster Jon Hitchcock with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says rain turned over to snow in most places mainly to the east last night. Hitchcock says the tricky part of the forecast involves Chautauqua County because the temperature will be around the freezing mark this evening. He says we cold see more mixed presciptation here than anywhere else.
The city of Jamestown is looking to annex property on the city line -- used for a major substation for the Board of Public Utilities -- from the town of Ellicott. The BPU Monday afternoon voted to initiate the proceedings to acquire the property from the town. The resolution passed at the board's meeting states that the BPU owns the property where the Dow Street Substation is located between Dow Street and Tiffany Avenue. It also says the city of Jamestown pays just over 322-thousand dollars on the land... which is assessed at 7.86-million dollars.
Two Republican members of the U-S Senate says they're putting the finishing touches on legislation that would let states keep President Obama's health care overhaul... or design their own programs. Local Congressman Tom Reed says the plan is what's being called the "Patient Freedom Act..." and he calls it an appropriate step to take while the repeal and replacement process is underway. The measure is being proposed by Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Susan Collins of Maine. Reed says House members met with Cassidy late last week on the proposal. Reed says several steps will be needed because some parts of the Affordable Care Act can be replaced in the Senate with a simple majority of 51 votes. However... others will require a 60-votes. He says another aspect for implementation will be having new Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Tom Price, in place. His confirmation is still pending, though. Some say the Patient Freedom Act represents a retreat from years of Republican calls to repeal Obama's law and then replace it. President Trump has said he wants to keep parts of Obama's health care law.
Local Congressman Tom Reed says he supports President Donald Trump's decision to follow through on a campaign promise to withdraw the United States from the much-debated, 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact. Mr. Trump says he prefers trade treaties with individual countries... also called "bi-lateral" agreements. Reed says the move allows the U-S to us Trump's ability as a "deal-maker" to get a better agreement for America. Until recent months... a number of national manufacturer's support the TPP agreement... and, Reed agrees the president will have to work hard to bring about agreements that manufacturer's like and trust. However... he says re-negotiating trade agreements will be in America''s "best interests." Reed adds, though, that ther need to be stiffer penalties if the other trade partner renegs on the agreement. Trump has also announced his intention to renegotate the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico. However... no formal steps have been taken.
A Chautauqua County man has been arrested in Erie County, New York for allegedly selling Heroin and other illegal narcotic drugs in the town of Ellington. Agents with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force say they had an outstanding bench warrant for 29 year-old William Bogal of Old Chautauqua Road in Ellington... who was located yesterday afternoon in Erie County... but, the exact location was not released. Task Force members say Bogal was accused of selling the drugs to undercover officers from his home. He was arraigned in Charlotte Town Court on one count each of third-degree criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance... and, sent to the County Jail without bail. Task Force members ask that if you observe suspicious or narcotics-related activity in your area... call them at 1-800-344-8702..
