New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and former ``Sex and the City'' star Cynthia Nixon swapped insults and clashed over policy in their only scheduled debate before their September 13 Democratic primary...
Nixon went after Cuomo early in Wednesday's televised exchange at Hofstra University, calling Cuomo corrupt and a liar and saying experience doesn't matter if a politician is bad at governing. Cuomo responded that Nixon doesn't understand the challenges of leading the nation's fourth largest state and lives in a ``world of fiction'' while he resides in the real world. Questions ranged from the naming of the new Tappan Zee Bridge after Cuomo's father, to taxing millionaires and billionaires in the state.
Chautauqua County officials are looking into other options for the idled NRG Power plant in Dunkirk now that the company will not be moving ahead with it's repowering...
That from County Executive George Borrello, who says the plant's future was discussed during the county Industrial Development Agency's board meeting in Westfield Tuesday. Borrello says an application has been filed with the Appalachian Regional Commission for a feasibility study on the plant.
One possible option is establishing a micro-grid. Borrello says he recently attended a meeting that was held in Kenmore, where discussion focused on a natural-gas fired facility, similar to what's at the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities. But, Borrello says a lot would be involved and they would need NRG to be on board with the project. The county's top-elected official says a meeting will be held in near future with NRG officials to see what they would like to do with the facility. The plant has been "mothballed" since January 2016.
Incumbant Southern Tier Congressman Tom Reed is also criticizing the White House's response to the passing of War Hero and long-time U-S Senator John McCain...
Reed responded to criticism leveled by Democratic Challenger Tracy Mitrano that President Donald Trump's response to McCain's death was "shameful." The Corning Republican says he disagrees with the way it was handled but, adds there was some recognition.
Reed says McCain leaves a "rich legacy of military commitment, and commitment to America." Funeral services started yesterday to honor Senator McCain as he was memorialized in state at the Arizona capitol on Thursday. His body will be flown to Washington, D-C for more events. Yesterday would have been John McCain's 82nd birthday. Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.
Thanks to on-going support from lawmakers -- namely State Senator Cathy Young -- the University of Buffalo's Mobile Dental Clinic is again providing 'smiles' for local youngsters, veterans and seniors...
Young toured the mobile van Wednesday during it's current stay at the Mayville VFW parking lot. The Olean Republican was able to secure an additional $372,000 in this year's state budget to keep expanded services in place to people who otherwise could not afford it.
Young says she's been able to secure $1.2-million over the past four years to keep the UB School of Dentistry's program in place. Last year, those services expanded to military veterans. The school's Rural Dentistry Project Coordinator Paula Fischer, says they had an overwhelming response to last year's visit to Mayville. Fischer says they treated about 100 veterans last year -- and had a waiting list. With that... they'll be at the Mayville VFW through next Thursday, September 6th. She says the move to include seniors in the program took place this year. For more information, call 829-2824 or go to the Dental School's webpage.
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly being found in possession of a hand-gun during a fight on the city's eastside late last weekend...
City police were called to the area of Allen and Institute Streets about 9:30 p.m. Sunday on a report of a fight, and person with a gun. Officers say they talked with several people at the scene... and, later arrested 35 year-old Donald Apperson for allegedly having the gun in his possession. Apperson was arrested for third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and, obstruction. The obstruction charge came after he refused to comply with officers. Apperson was arraigned and sent to the county jail without bail.
The former administrator for the Chautauqua County Home -- and nursing homes in Cattaraugus County -- has been arrested for sexual abuse at a Salamanca concert venue...
The Olean Times-Herald reports that 60 year-old Timothy Hellwig was arrested for allegedly groping three women at last Friday night's outdoor concert with Toby Keith at the Seneca Allegheny Casino. Salamanca Police tell the newspaper that Hellwig is charged with three counts of third-degree sexual abuse and obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Hellwig was the Cattaraugus County nursing homes director before resigning in February. The resignation came after he failed to notify county officials of a New York State Attorney General's Office investigation into the injury and death of a county nursing home resident. Hellwig was administrator of the Chautauqua County Home in Dunkirk for many years and, he still resides in Dunkirk. He took the Cattaraugus County job in 2014.
The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is also looking for a new Communications Director...
Bishop Richard Malone has announced that George Richert has decided to step down from his post effective a week from this Friday -- September 7. Malone says "I am extremely grateful to George for his counsel during his tenure with the diocese, especially in these tumultuous times. George was a valued member of my leadership team, respected in the community, and a gentleman of high integrity. I wish him the very best as he pursues other opportunities." Malone says he'll announce an interim diocesan spokesperson soon as they begin a search for a new Communications Director. Richert previously was a news anchor/reporter at WIVB-TV in Buffalo.
The dangerously high heat in the Northeastern U-S prompted emergency measures Wednesday -- including extra breaks for players wilting at the U.S. Open tennis tournament...
In several states, children are being released from school early, and the elderly without air conditioning were urged to go to cooling centers. The mercury in the Jamestown-area reached 90 in some spots Tuesday and, yesterday, the high reached 86 before dropping to about 72 during afternoon showers. The National Weather Service says temperatures in the 90s combined with high humidity pushed heat index past 100 in some place. Authorities on Long Island say heat appears to be a factor in the death of an 11-year-old girl found in a vehicle with the windows closed.
