Abbate says he's "thrilled" to be the new manager at Cummins' Engine's Jamestown Engine Plant...
The new head of Cummins' Jamestown Engine Plant says he's "very excited" to be the manager of one of the county's major employers. Company leaders in Columbus, Indiana have announced that Mike Abbate had officially taken over for David Porter this past Tuesday. Speaking with Media One News Thursday afternoon... Abbate said he's been with Cummins for 31 years... all with the Jamestown Engine Plant. The Harborcreek, PA native says he moved to the area in 1981. Abbate says, personally, he's very excited to be part of the community... and, their plant, assembled team, and the opportunities ahead. For the past 10 years... Abbate served as the Jamestown plant's director of Materials and Supply Chain. Manufacturing Executive Director Kevin Aker says -- quote -- "Mike has been a strong contributor throughout his career and is very deserving of this new role. His ability to cultivate strong relationships with customers and suppliers has been integral to the success of JEP and the Engine Business." Abbate received his Bachelor's degree from Penn State University in Mechanical Engineering. Abbate and his family reside in the Jamestown-area.
Flames cause heavy-damage to commercial building in Dunkirk...
Dunkirk city firefighters -- with help from a Fredonia crew -- battled a blaze that's heavily-damaged a building at the corner of Ruggles and Talcott Streets. Dunkirk Fire Chief Keith Ahlstrom says crews got the call around 9 p.m. Thursday night. Ahlstrom says they found the building "fully-involved" on arrival, and the roof starting to collapse. With that... he says they made "an exterior attack only." Ahlstrom says his department's Ladder-#1... and, Fredonia's Tower-18 were used to help put out the flames. He says the cause of the fire is under investigation. Ahlstrom says the county's Fire Investigation Team has been called in to assist. The building formerly housed the Community Christmas-Sharing with Children program.
Two hurt when car strikes tanker truck in Ellington...
Two people were hurt when the car they were riding in struck a tanker truck that was backing into a farm in the town of Ellington Thurday afternoon. Sheriff's officers say the collision occured about 12:30 p.m. on Waterboro Hill Road when the car... operated by 62 year-old Donna Burdic... crested a hill... and, struck the front end of the truck. The truck driver, 28 year-old Robert Behnke, Jr. of Cattaraugus, was not hurt. However... Burdic, and her passenger, Nora Jo Rogers... were taken to WCA Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Deputies say their investigation showed that Burdic failed to reduce her speed at the hill crest... and, was ticketed. She's to appear in Ellington Town Court at a later date.
Reed optimistic over Schumer comments regarding Immigation, Farm bills...
Chautauqua County's representative in Congress says he feels House Republican's are getting closer to agreement on a five-year, federal Farm Bill with the Senate. Corning Republican Tom Reed says he's been working with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas... and, is encouraged by the progress being made. Reed was also encouraged by comments made recently in Jamestown by U-S Senator Charles Schumer... who says new Immigration legislation will finally deal with migrant farm worker issues in the northeast. He says "we're close." He says a lot of the issues that held-up a bill in 2012 have also been more fully vetted. The House and Senate were unable to reach finally agreement on many parts of a Farm Bill... especially the time period it covers. But... Reed says he's pleased to hear Schumer taking a more active role in trying to help New York farmers. Reed says they're also trying to address some "antiquated" areas of the Dairy Industry... including federal subsidies... and, guest worker provisions. He says he wants to see the dairy industry treated like "other farming industries" in the country. Reed says he believes there are opportunities to -- "make sure that dairy is promoted..." and, that lawmakers listen to the voices on the "front-line."
Police in Olean area looking for thieves stealing items from cars...
The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office is notifying residents in the Olean-area to lock their vehicles... and, not leave valuables in their vehicles. A rash of car break ins have been reported this week in the town of Allegany, Village of Allegany and the Town of Olean. Some of the break-ins occured while vehicles were parked in garages. Sheriff's Deputies... State Police... Olean City Police, and Allegany Village police are working together on extra night time patrols. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Department at 938-9191.
