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News Headlines for Sat., Apr. 27, 2019

No one hurt in building wall collapse in downtown Jamestown Saturday...
A wall on a more than 100 year-old building in downtown Jamestown collapsed in this morning's strong winds.  Jamestown Fire Battalion Chief Don Mowry says the gusty winds blew the brick facade off the side of the Coffee Exchange building at the corner of West 8th Street and Murray Avenue shortly after 9 a.m.  The winds were still gusting when we spoke with Mowry... who says the brick was blown off... but, fortunately no one was struck.  Mowry says the city's Department of Development and a contractor have been called to figure out how they can stabilize the building.  He says no injuries were reported, and the building itself is still structurally sound.  However... Mowry says a portion of West 8th Street has been blocked off in case any more bricks fall.


Hamilton says there are winds, and snow on tap for weekend...
Spring began just over a month ago... but, it's feeling more like Winter again this weekend as a pair of storm systems move through the region.  There were also windy conditions forecast, but, there were no advisories, watches or warnings.  Snow showers were in the forecast last night... and, again tonight.  Meteorologist Bob Hamilton at the National Weather Service in Buffalo says we could see a light coating of wet snow -- in places -- again tonight.  Hamilton says the better chance of snow comes with the second system that comes through later in the day today... and, it may leave a few inches of accumulation on the higher terrain early Sunday.  Hamilton says it’s not unusual to get some snowfall this time of the year... but, this would be the latest we've had snow in several years.


Tranum says, in spite of new state budget, NYS remains "Business Unfriendly..."
The head of Chautauqua County's largest merchants organization says the state legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo need to do more to make New York business friendly.  County Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Tranum says they are concerned about a proposed change that would provide more rights to farmworkers... and, he also sounded the alarm on rising workers compensation costs.  In fact... he says after being number three a couple of years ago, the state is now again number-one in that area.  The state legislature is currently holding hearings on the new Farmworker Fair Labor Practice Act.  Under current law, agricultural workers aren't allowed to unionize and many farmers don't have to pay overtime.  Farm workers told lawmakers that they deserve the same protections as other workers.  Some shared stories of injuries, long hours and difficult conditions.  Farm owners said such cases are rare, but that higher wages and potential strikes could drive some farms out of business, bad news for both owner and employee.


Reed warns Democrats should not push too hard for Impeachment of Trump...
Congressional Democrats need to be careful if they decide to travel down the road of Impreachment... because they'll show they're more about politics than the American people.  Those are the feelings of local Congressman Tom Reed... who says that's even though the Mueller Report shows 10 possible instances of obstruction by President Trump or the Trump Administration.  Reed agrees that Congress have oversight powers, but, he says to bring Impeachment charges and "overturn the will of the people" is not want the people feel should be prioritized.  Reed echoed comments by Colorado Senator Cory Gardiner... who says many statements in the report show the administration's behavior did not warrant "merit badges."  However... he says what is in the report does not rise to the level of collusion or obstruction.  Reed reitrated that Majority Democrats need to watch how hard they push the idea of impeachment... and, notes some extremists seem to have taken control of the party away from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He made his comments for his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.


Gillibrand shrugging off Cuomo's endorsement of Biden to be Democrat's choice to run in 2020 Presidential election...
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is shrugging off her state's governor's endorsement of former Vice President Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign over her own.  Speaking to reporters after an event Friday at a bar in Nashua, New Hampshire... Gillibrand said, "Our governor can endorse whoever he likes, but I am the best candidate to defeat President Trump, and I will."  Fellow Democrat and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has said he's supporting Biden, who formally launched his White House bid Thursday.  Gillibrand said, "The truth is, this presidential election will not be won on the endorsements of powerful people." 


State's annual Firefighter Recruiting Weekend underway...
More than 600 volunteer fire departments across New York -- including several in Chautauqua County -- are opening their doors to the public this weekend as part of an annual recruitment drive.  The open houses on Saturday and Sunday are being held to help local fire departments recruit more volunteers.  Visitors will get the chance to speak with active volunteers and participate in department activities.  The ninth annual "RecruitNY" drive is an undertaking by the Firemen's Association of the State of New York, which represents about 105,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel.