A project to extend sewer service to about 450 developed properties along the west side Chautauqua Lake from Ashville to Stow has been launched....
The project will extend South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District service to those parts of the town of North Harmony, with physical construction beginning in 2021. Chautauqua County Legislature Majority Leader Pierre Chagnon says the sewer board recently discussed moving ahead with final plans, now that the needed $16.9-million in funding has been secured.
Chagnon says the West Side Sewer Extension project will provide public sewers to a portion of the unsewered properties on the westside of Chautauqua Lake along the Route 394 corridor. He says recent surveys by the county's Health and Human Services Department show that about 50-percent of the septic systems in that area are failing, and adding affluent to the lake. He says that promotes both weed growth in the lake, and the rise of blue-green algal blooms as well. He says once construction begins, it will be completed in 2023.
A man suffered a serious head injury early yesterday morning in Jamestown after two men assaulted him during a fight over money...
City police were called to the scene at 1414 East Second Street just after 3 AM and, found the unidentified victim laying unresponsive in his apartment with several larcerations, and covered in blood. Officers say their investigation showed that 48 year-old Ronald Parsons of Falconer, and 25 year-old David Hicks of Jamestown got into an argument with the victim after unlawfully entering the apartment. They they allegedly assaulted the man. Both were arrested on one count each of first-degree burglary, and second-degree assault and taken to the city jail. The victim was initially taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital and, later transferred to UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Local Congressman Tom Reed is again blasting the "liberal agenda" coming out of Albany as state lawmakers wrap-up the 2019 session....
During his conference call with Southern Tier media yesterday, Reed was especially critical of the "Green Light" bill that allows illegal immigrants to get a state driver's license. The Corning Republican says those undocumented persons have already violated the law and, some could be a security -- or driving -- risk.
Reed adds that he's also concerned about whether the illegal immigrants have undergone a full background check before they travel. The measure was backed by worker advocates and, the state Business Council, which is not a "liberal" organization. However, Reed says they should be pushing for immigration reform,not licenses. He's been critical of it since it was first proposed. Reed is one of many Republican lawmakers across the state who have denounced the bill, which was approved by majority Democrats in the state legislature, and signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
One thousand mental health professionals and advocates from around New York state are signing on to a proposal to restrict the use of solitary confinement in prisons and jails....
Those signing on to the letter to state leaders include social workers, psychologists and other mental health professionals. The letter urges passage of legislation that would prohibit placing an inmate in isolation for more than 15 days. Supporters say isolation can leave life-long psychological scars. The bill hasn't been scheduled for a vote. Advocates say they're concerned it may not pass before lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn later this week. Cuomo said Monday that he agrees changes are needed to ensure solitary confinement is humane, but he said he's concerned the bill may require the construction of new prison facilities.
The first of the area's high school graduations will be Friday night, when 340 Jamestown High School seniors cross the stage at Chautauqua's Amphitheater....
Ken Ricker is the Class of 2019 advisor at JHS. He says if their level of participation is any indication, this year's graduates will be very successful. Four people, Christian Dolce, Olivia Gates, Allison Stockwell, and Micaela Cleveland, all expressed an interest in being class president, and have served simultaneously in that role . The JHS graduation starts at 7 PM Friday, and is open to the public. Those who drive are asked to park 'off the grounds'. Tony Dolce, advisor for the JHS Student Organization, has helped put on 30 commencements. He says the Amphitheater is the perfect place because of the large seating capacity and the 'special magic' it offers. Bus transportation is offered from JHS to Chautauqua for those who are not driving.
A young lawyer from Jamestown will be the chairman for this year's General Campaign for the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County....
United Way Executive Director Amy Rohler has announced that John LaMancuso, an attorney with the firm Lewis and Lewis, will head up the 2019 effort. Rohler says LaMancuso is a fifth-generation member of the community, who brings a lot of energy to everything he does.
Rohler says LaMancuso has already brought some fresh ideas to the effort, including having his picture taken for the announcement with children at the Eastside YMCA who have benefitted from United Way funding. Otherwise, Rohler says final details for the campaign are still being finalized. However, she says their goal this year will be more than $1.3-million. The United Way Campaign theme will be: "Change Doesn't Happen Alone." For more information on the United Way, call 483-1561.
The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County is also announcing it has a new director of Finance and Administration who has an extensive business and financial background...
Executive Director Amy Rohler says they have hired Sally Basheer who most recently has been an Accounting Specialist at Northwest Bank. Rohler says, while living in Jordan, Basheer worked as a counselor for Nippon International Cooperation for Community Development, which is a Japanese non-profit, non-governmental organization. She says it's dedicated to supporting self-reliance among people in developing countries in Asia, The Middle- East and Africa. Rohler says they are "thrilled" to have Sally on their team, adding, "we look forward to continuing a strong financial position in the community and building a stronger community with her experience and diversity."
