Heat Advisory remains in effect, Hot weather to continue through coming week...
A Heat Advisory and Air Quality Alert are in effect for today... and, the advisory will last into early next week. That from Forecaster Jon Hitchcock with the National Weather Service in Buffalo... who says temperature and humidity levels will continue ramping up through Sunday night. Hitchcock adds the heat index values will be in the mid-90s today... and, possibly into the low 100s by Sunday. He says we'll see some relief after Monday... but, not much. Hitchcock says a cold front will finally move through the region by next weekend. Hitchcock says temperatures inland away from Lake Erie will run into the lower 90s today... and, could reach 95-degrees on Sunday. The Heat Advisory runs from now through 10 p.m. Monday. The State Department of Environmental Conservation has also issued an Air Quality Alert for much of New York state... including all of Western New York. The alert is in effect for Ozone until 11 p.m. tonight.
County Office for Aging Director urges people to keep an eye on seniors during heat wave...
The unseasonably hot weather the next few days has led state and local Offices for the Aging to warn senior citizens and their caregivers about high temperatures as a heat wave moves in for the weekend. Officials say hot weather can be particularly dangerous for older adults, especially those who live alone, or have chronic health conditions. Chautauqua County Office for the Aging Director Mary Ann Spanos urges the elderly to drink plenty of water during this time period. Spanos adds you should also try to keep cool in the house by keeping drapes and shades closed -- especially if you have no air conditioning. She adds limit outdoor activity between 1 and 3 p.m. when the sun is at it's hottest. Spanos adds that if you need a place to beat the heat... there are several designated cooling stations across the county... including some libraries and senior centers that are cooled. For more information on where the cooling centers are... Spanos says call their NY Connects number at 753-4582. She also again reminds residents to check on their elderly neighbors who are living alone during the heat wave.
Local Humane Society urges people to keep on eye on their pets during warm spell...
With that heat advisory... officials with the Chautauqua County Humane Society are reminding pet-owners to be cautious of 'Fido and Fifi' during hot and humid weather conditions. They say it's best to keep animals cool because most have fur on year-round. They add another important item is to be aware of to never leave your pets alone in a parked vehicle, even with the windows cracked, because it can get real hot -- real quick. For more pet safety info, visits www.spcapets.com.
Cuomo signs bill allowing immigrant parents to designate "Standby Guardian" for children if parent faces deportation...
Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation that allows immigrant parents to designate a "standby guardian" for their children if the parent is detained in New York or faces deportation. The Democrat signed the legislation at a community college in the Bronx on Wednesday, a day after a federal judge ordered immigrant families separated at the border to be reunited. The measure passed by the state Legislature last week changes wording in a law that allows a parent to designate a guardian should the parent become incapacitated. The new law allows a standby guardian's authority to immediately begin when a child is separated from a parent.
Ribbon cut to open up Phase-5 of Greater Jamestown Riverwalk...
The ribbon has been cut on the newest section of the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk -- not far from the McCrea Point Boat Launch. The 1.2-mile bicycle and walking trail runs over the former J-&-W Railbed between Chadakoin Park and the river. The project cost just over $500,000... but, it's Genesis was 44 years ago with a letter from Jamestown High School Senior Cindy Hedberg-Sorenson to then Mayor Stan Lundine. Sorenson was unable to attend the ribbon cutting... but, Lundine was on hand. He recalled the days of the railroad... and steamboats as he was growing up. He says the steamboats used to come down the outlet directly behind them. Lundine was invited by current Mayor Sam Teresi... who thanked the city Parks and Recreation staff, and Public Works Department for their efforts to complete Phase-5 of the riverwalk project from Eight Street to Clifton Avenue in a beautiful area of the city. The city received a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant from the state for just over $262,000 for the project. It was matched by the city.
Randolph man arrested following vehicle pursuit...
A Randolph man is being held on $5,000 cash bail following a vehichle pursuit in the town Wednesday night. Cattaraugus County Sheriff's deputies say they attempted to take 56 year-old David Hare into custody on an outstanding warrant just after 11:30 p.m. when he allegedly fled the scene in a vehicle, leading deputies on a pursuit. Officers were able to arrest Hare when he eventually stopped his vehicle. While in custody.... deputies say Hare was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was arraigned and sent to the county jail on several charges including second-degree reckless endangerment, obstruction and various traffic infractions. He is due back in court at a later date.
