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News Update for Sat., June 22, 2013

JHS graduation held at Chautauqua with usual traditions... and, calls for students to be ready for change as they go into the working world or college...

"The times are a' changing..." and, members of the Jamestown High School Class of 2013 were urged to be ready for those changes during last night's graduation ceremonies at Chautauqua Institution.  Keynote Speaker Ray Fashano is credited with making many of the recent technological upgrades in the district.  Fashano pointed out that current times seem to mirror the book "The Tale of Two Cities..." with what seem to be the best of times... and, the worst of times.  He said with all the technology changes during the student's lives to this point... life-long learning is the key.  Fashano says the leaders of tomorrow are constantly moving towards the mind-set of "life-long learning" because it provides "valuable experience."  He also pointed out that success isn't necessarily indicted by having a four-year degree.  He pointed out that while he went into teaching, and education... his brother, Guy, took a very different path.  Fashano says his brother moved to California... and, became very successful in the construction trades.  He says the skills needed now... and, in the future... suggest some more than high school -- but, not always a Bachelor's Degree.  With the skills they've learned in the Jamestown school system... Fashano says they now have the potential to be the leaders of the new generation.  However... he pointed out the need for life-long learning in order to do that.
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Outgoing School Superintendent Deke Kathman urged the students to pursue their passion... because that's where their success will be.  During his remarks... JHS Principal Mike McElrath paid tribute to Kathman... thanking him for his "thoughtful, and caring approach" to education.


Head of CASAC urges parents not to provide alcohol at After-Graduation parties...

Now that graduation has taken place... after-graduation parties are underway in the Jamestown-area... and, one organization is urging parents to help their children make wise decisions.  That includes NOT hosting parties where alcohol is served... or may be brought in with the parents consent.  The director of the Chautauqua Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Council says that can bring about tragic consequences.  Pat Munson says that's the idea behind the "Parents Who Host Lose the Most" campaign.  Munson says they want to make sure parents understand the health risks of underage drinking... and, the legal trouble they can get into.  She says high school graduation parties go on now through early August in some cases... and, she says it's important to first let parents know it's illegal to allow minors -- those who are under 21 -- drink alcohol.


Volunteer at Community Helping Hands receives Axel W. Carlson Award...

The winner of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation's Axel W. Carlson Award volunteers her time sewing... and, working with an outreach program at Jamestown's Gateway Center.  Foundation Executive Director Randy Sweeney says Brenda Cole is the 2013 Recipient.  Sweeney says Cole is "very deserving" of this year's award.  Sweeney says Cole has been a "wonderful volunteer at Community Helping Hands in the sewing room."  More specifically... she works with young pregnant women on projects ranging from making rugs out of recycled t-shirts... to Chemo Caps for cancer patients at WCA Hospital.  Sweeney says Brenda is the 28th recipient of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation's Axel W. Carlson award.  The award is a tribute to the unsung heroes of our community who neither recieve -- nor expect reward or recognition.


City man arrested in Lakewood for allegedly trafficking cocaine...

A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly selling cocaine to an undercover police officer in the village of Lakewood.  Agents with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Foce say 26 year-old Shane Newberry was arrested by Lakewood-Busti Police on a warrant in the town of Busti.  Newberry is accused of selling cocaine in the Lakewood-area for some time.  Task Force members say he was arraigned in Busti Town Court on charges of criminal sale... and, possession of a controlled substance.  Newberry was sent to the county jail without bail.  Police say additional arrests are expected... and, if you have any information on illegal drug activity... to contact the Task Force at 1-800-344-8702... or your local police.


Senate Republicans defeat surprise amendment expanding abortion rights...

Republicans have defeated a surprise amendment in the state Senate that would have forced an abortion bill to the floor for a vote.  The amendment was introduced by Senator Jeff Klein, who leads the Independent Democrat Conference that shares majority control of the chamber.  Republican Senator Thomas Libous opposed the amendment as not legally ``germane'' to the bills before the Senate.  The GOP have refused to bring the abortion bill to the floor.  Senator Diane Savino of the IDC overruled Libous, who appealed her decision.  A vote by raised hands, rather than a formally recorded roll call, supported Libous.  The bill would match state law to a less restrictive federal measure under the Roe vs. Wade court decision of 1973.


Summer arrives, along with Summer-like weather...

Summer arrived right on schedule early Friday morning... and, this weekend it's going to definately feel like Summer.  Forecaster David Thomas from the National Weather Service in Buffalo says we'll see more seasonal conditions through at least early next week.  Thomas says we've had low humidity and cool nights... but, more normal heat and humidity have moved in for the weekend.  Thomas says along with the warm temperatures... there will be some uncomfortable humidity.  Thomas says our nicer weather is acutally due to high pressure coming down through Canada.  He says it initially brought in clearing skies and low humidity.  However... humidity will be building in from the south this weekend.  Thomas says there is a "hit and miss" chance of rain on Sunday, but there shouldn't be any significant rain until early next week.