Community Spotlight, the area's longest running local public affairs radio program, airs on all six Media One Radio Group stations each weekend and is also available to hear in our Podcast Section.  Each week we sit down with a community leader or another special guest to talk about issues within our community.  


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Connect with The National Weather Service's Buffalo Office or with WGRZ-TV for accurate weather information!

 

 

 


 

News Headlines for Sat., Dec. 23, 2017

Change-over from rain to snow begins, colder air on the way...
Our change-over from warm-up to a severe cool-down is underway... and, it's wrecking havoc on north county roads... especially the state Thruway.  Chautauqua County police dispatchers have sent a number of crews to the superhighway between Ripley and Portland due to a quick change over from wet, to icy conditions.  Officials say that'll be the case through the afternoon as colder air moves into the region.  There was also some snow with the colder air.  Generally... we'll see about 1 to 3 inches of new snow.  Forecaster Bob Hamilton with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says we are under a Winter Weather Advisory through tonight... and, adds that cooler temperatures will be here for a while as a cold front crosses the region.
 
 
Gerace urges motorists to be safe during the Holiday Travel period...
The busy holiday travel period is underway with AAA forecasting that more than 107-million Americans will take to planes, trains, and automobiles now through Monday, January 1st.  Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace says it's important that motorists think safety while traveling.  He says pay attention to weather conditions, buckle your seat belt, put down the phone, and don't drink and drive.  With challenging winter weather in the forecast... Gerace says it's important to make sure you vehicle is ready before hitting the highway.  He says people often wait until the snow has started falling to get their snow tires on... and, he says make sure your wiper-blades are in good shape. 
 
 
Cuomo signs measure to allow for pre-paying property taxes in wake of federal tax changes in 2018...
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says taxpayers can soften the blow of the federal tax overhaul by paying some of their local property taxes now so they can deduct the payments from their 2017 federal taxes.  The Democratic governor signed an executive order late Friday allowing New Yorkers to pre-pay their 2018 taxes to local governments and schools by January 1st... and claim the deduction on their 2017 taxes.  The new tax code will cap the deduction for state and local taxes at $10,000.  Some local governments and school districts may have to issue tax warrants or take other steps to accept early payments.
 
 
Horrigan pleased to see Cuomo propose initiative to deal with Blue-Green Algal Blooms in Chautauqua Lake...
Outgoing Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan is applauding Governor Cuomo's proposed, $65-million initiative to address algal blooms in several lakes across New York state... including Chautauqua Lake.  Cuomo made the announcement late Thursday in Syracuse.  He says the "toxic mats" pose a threat to tourism and health in areas around those lakes.  Horrigan says his administration has been working hard on ways to eliminate the mats that appear in late Summer on the lake... and, have been working on land management, and installed a closed-sewer system around the lake.  Cuomo says the algal bloom problem is "here and now."  He says the proposal is a four-step plan to tackle the issue... and, says it will be part of his state of the State Address and budget plan to be released next month.  Horrigan says the blooms are difficult to deal with once they begin sprouting up.  He says it's very different than dealing with invasive weeds... and, you need to keep working on closed sewer, and farm run-off issues. 
 
 
Rotary Club to sponsor exhibit at new National Comedy Center...
The Rotary Club of Jamestown is donating $20,000 to sponsor the "Comedy as a Tool for Social Progress" exhibit space in the National Comedy Center.  Marketing and Communication Manager Brian Distefano says the interactive video production is based on social change through comedy.  Distefano says you'll see stories like Lenny Bruce being arrested for using language that is now considered more acceptable on TV, and others.  He says the exhibit will be in the main part of the 35,000 square-foot museum.  He says that the Comedy Center is grateful for the donation by the Rotary Club of Jamestown, because they have a long history of supporting successful projects in the city.  For more information... visit www.nationalcomedycenter.org.
 
 
St. Susan's Center to be open for Christmas Dinner...
Jamestown's largest soup kitchen will be open again on Christmas Day this year.  Executive Director Jeff Smith says the St. Susan's Center will be open this Monday -- Christmas Day -- from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., serving a traditional Christmas dinner.  All are welcome.