Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame's Class of 2023 inducted during ceremony in Lakewood Monday night...
The 11 newest members of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame say they are "overwhelmed" and/or "humbled" by the honor. They received their plaques during last night's induction dinner at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, with several different sports recognized. Former JHS Football star David Hinson is now Co-Director of College Scouting with the Super Bowl winning Kansas City Chiefs. But... he says being inducted is "special" because he remembered his grandfather taking him to the banquets as a kid. Another inductee with Super Bowl ties is Jay Sirianni... who coached the Trojan's varsity football team to two state championships. His younger brother, Nick, is head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, who were edged out by KC in the big game. Others included long-time Dunkirk High School coach Frank Jagoda II... Assistant Athletic Director at Harvard University Kirsten Green... Amy King-Swanson... former JHS and college track and field stand-out Sheldon Battle, Bob Barlette, Bruce Johnson, Post-Journal Sports Editor Scott Kindberg, Fred Larson, and Marty Nichols.
George decides against running for Dunkirk mayor's seat...
Dunkirk City Democrats will have to consider another candidate to run for mayor. In a news release issued late Sunday... Dunkirk Democratic Committee Chairman Ned Divine announced "with regret" that Bob George has withdrawn from running for mayor due to "family considerations." George had been named to replace two-term incumbant Willie Rosas, who has decided not to run for re-election.
Borrello pleased Hochul is addressing mental health in 2023-24 budget, but, concerned about where money is going in general...
There's less than a month-and-a-half to go before a new budget is due in New York state... and, hearings and negotiations are well underway. Local State Senator George Borrello says he's pleased that Governor Kathy Hochul included $1-billion more in the $227-billion spending plan to increase mental health care. However... the Sunset Bay Republican says he told the state's director of the Office of Mental Health he wanted to know if Chautauqua County was getting more... and, what it'll be used for. Borrello says the director said she, and the governor, were committed to making the money available to boost the number of mental health evaluation beds in Chautauqua County and the rest of the state. He says he's also using the hearings to focus more on areas -- like mental health -- that need more funding -- including front-line health care, and law enforcement workers. While there's no income tax increase in the governor's budget... Borrello says he believes where will be additional spending added by the more progressive Democrats from downstate. Governor Hochul's budget increases spending by $5-billion. The final spending plan needs to be adopted by Saturday, Apr. 1.
City woman arrested for Felony DWI...
A Jamestown woman faces a Felony driving while intoxicated charge after being stopped for allegedly driving drunk for a third-time in the past 10 years. City police say a patrol stopped the car, driven by 46 year-old Angel Ormsby, on Chandler Street just after 6 p.m. Monday. Officers say Ormsby was arrested, and taken to the Jamestown City Jail for processing. Police say she was charged with Felony DWI after being found to have the two prior convictions. Ormsby was jailed pending arraignment in city court.
Final wrap-up on Mayville's Winter Festival...
It was a somewhat 'muted' Winter Festival in Mayville this past weekend. The coordinator of the Mayville-Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce, Shannon Biekarck, says the absence of an ice castle and spring like conditions kept the crowds down. Biekarck says "we can't control the weather..." but, added they appreciated everyone who came out. There were some bright spots. The polar plunge, pet parade and 5-K run all had good participation. And the first ever ‘Winter Spike Fest Volleyball Tournament' drew eight teams and 50 players. Event chairperson, Sorena Gilkinson, hopes people will continue to support the festival. She says it's important to the entire region because they draw people from Pittsburgh, Ohio and other parts of the northeast. Planning for each year's festival begins in October. Anyone interested in helping out should contact the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce.
