Snow not likely as colder air moves into the region tonight...
Lake Erie still has temperatures in the mid-60's... and some cold air is set to stream over the lake late tonight. Could that mean an early start to 'snow season?' National Weather Service meteorologist John Hitchcock says... probably not, with only a 20% chance. Hitchcock adds that the ground is still relatively warm, so even a few flakes won't stick. Long range outlooks for the first two-thirds of October suggest below average temperatures. So, Hitchcock says some areas could see accumulation prior to the end of the month, and that's not unusual -- especially for the higher elevations like the Chautauqua Ridge.
Cobb, others, feted at annual County Chamber Awards Banquet...
The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce had its annual Awards Banquet Thursday night at SUNY Fredonia. Steve Cobb, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County was named ‘Person of the Year.' Cobb says it "feels kind of special" and is a nice acknowledgement of what MHA does in and for the community. Last year... the Mental Health Association helped 946 people with mental health or substance abuse issues. The association currently has 21 full time employees. When Cobb signed on nine years ago there were three. The Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College was given the ‘Economic Development Award.’ Courtney Curatolo directs the center, and says they were pleased to help so many local businesses get through the COVID Pandemic. The Jamestown Community Chamber gave its award to Tom Benson. He helped bring the National Comedy Center to life, and is now working to build a new YMCA in Jamestown.
Federal judge halts state's new gun law...
A federal judge has halted key provisions of New York's gun rules that restrict where people can carry weapons... and require permit applicants to hand over social media information. Judge Glenn Suddaby ordered a temporary hold Thursday on multiple provisions of New York's sweeping new gun law. He also gave the state three business days to seek ``emergency relief'' before a federal appeals court. The rules were part of a sweeping gun law that went into effect Sept. 1 in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated New York's old system for granting concealed carry permits. Shortly after the story broke... local State Senator George Borrello -- who was among the minority lawmakers who voted against the law -- said "as I have said from the beginning, it was only a matter of time before this poorly drafted and unconstitutional law was struck down. It was nothing but bad election season theatrics. One Party Rule has failed to keep New Yorkers safe and New Yorkers know that."
County lawmakers join ranks of those going on the record against new gun law...
The decision by the federal judge to strike down the state's new concealed carry law comes in the wake of growing opposition to the regulations... which began about a month ago. The Chautauqua County Legislature last week approved a motion opposing the new law by an 18-1 margin. Jamestown Republican Elizabeth Rankin supported the motion because the places where concealed carry would be allowed was almost negligible... and, that's wrong. Rankin says studies have shown that those who have permits are far less likely to commit a crime. Fredonia-area Democrat Susan Parker addressed concerns over whether 21-gun salutes, and military rifle volley squads would be able to be part of military reenactments in parks, and cemeteries. Parker says a state representative told her that those activities in parks or on church grounds where military funerals are held can continue to occur.
Wendel voices concern over impact of 'MAT' mandate on county budget...
Chautauqua County Executive P-J Wendel is voicing frustration over a New York state mandate taking effect Friday that could negate a significant tax rate decrease in his 2023 budget plan. Wendel says concern was raised over a new 'Medical Assisted Treatment' Program... that is being implemented by Governor Kathy Hochul... during county legislature budget hearings this week. He says the mandate, which takes effect today, could jeopardize the 30-cent per $1,000 tax rate cut to the budget. Otherwise... Wendel says he's pleased with the reaction he's gotten from members of the county legislature, who have said there's very little excess to cut in the 2023 budget proposal. At this point... he says they don't know exactly how much the new MAT program will cost... but, he says county departments affected by the program say it could be "quite substantial." Hearings on the $277.6-million county budget got underway Monday... and, countinued through Thursday. Wendel made his comments for this weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.
Manufacturing Day/Month underway at MTI in Jamestown...
It's the first Friday of October... and, that means it's Manufacturing Day nationally and in Chautauqua County. With that... the Manufacturer's Association of the Southern Tier held a kickoff today at Jamestown Community College to celebrate. MAST President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Tranum says several local officials, and manufacturing leaders will be on hand at the Manufacturing Technology Institute... along with P-Tech students. While it's suffered some hits in recent years... Tranum says manufacturing remains important to the local economy. He adds that the three most western counties in the Southern Tier -- Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties -- ship about $7.5-billion worth of goods to other parts of the U-S and the world.
