Several community leaders from across Chautauqua County have agreed to be part of County Executive-Elect Vince Horrigan's transition team. Horrigan says the team will -- quote -- "provide an external, non-partisan assessment of Chautauqua County government strengths, weaknesses and opportunities." He says they will then provide recommendations to improve the county's service delivery and economic development. The Bemus Point Republican says members include Jamestown Strategic Planning and Partnerships Commission member Dr. Lillian Ney... and, Allied Alarm Services President and CEO Mike Roberts. Horrigan says the team will interview a number of business, industrial and academic leaders to get an assessment of the county's strengths and weaknesses before he takes office.
At the new Veteran's Park in Jamestown's Logan Park... several local veteran's groups laid a wreath and flowers to commemorate fallen veterans from past wars and conflicts. There was a 21-gun salute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It was the first Veteran's Day observance with the new flag circle completed at the new park. The local Veteran's of Foreign Wars is in charge of the early ceremony. Commander Jim McNally says the completed circle with the flagpole is a much better place to hold the service compared to the former location at East Second and Third Streets. McNally says there was also the traditional rifle volley at North Main and Third Streets at 11 AM to commemorate the "11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th month" when the Armistice was signed following World War-One. After the rifle volley at the Veteran's Park... there was also the playing of taps.
World Trade Center families carried a giant American flag along Fifth Avenue as part of New York City's Veterans Day Parade. Some shouted ``Don't forget 9/11!'' Organizers of Monday's parade up Fifth Avenue have renamed it America's Parade. They say it's the largest Veterans Day event in the nation. The U.S. military's first female four-star general is a grand marshal. General Ann Dunwoody retired last year after a 37-year Army career.
Chautauqua County's Congressman is expressing a "heart-felt" thanks to all veterans who have served in past wars... and, answered their nation's call to duty. Corning Republican Tom Reed also encouraged all residents in the Southern Tier to take a moment and attend one of several Veteran's Day observances across the 23rd District... or just pause 30-seconds during their day to remember those who have fought for our freedom. Reed's father was a career Military officer who served in World War-Two and Korean War. He says he learned early that "we stand with our vets... not only when they're deployed... but, when they return home." Reed has also dedicated one member of his staff to servicing veteran's needs. He made his comments during his weekly telephone news conference with Southern Tier Media.
There are a lot charities that help out U-S veterans. But... people who are looking to donate should do some homework before issuing that check. Peggy Penders of the Better Business Bureau says its important to have some knowledge about the charity. Penders says a larger number of veterans and military-affiliated charities are disclosing information... and, meeting the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability than they did six years ago. There are several websites available that have information about charities. Penders says they include their website... BBB-dot-ORG... and Give-dot-ORG. In the past two years... Penders says that 64-percent of veterans and military-affiliated charities contact by the BBB provided requested information and materials. That's up from only 50-percent in 2007.
An accident involving a farm tractor on Sunday at a residence in the town of Pomfret has claimed the life of a 67-year-old man. State Police in Fredonia say they responded to the call around 12:15 PM at 8842 Chautauqua Road. Troopers say Michael Travis was operating the tractor when he apparently fell off and the tractor ran over him. He was pronounced dead at the scene by County Coroner Rick Machowiak. The investigation is continuing... and, an autopsy will scheduled at a later date.
Three people escaped serious injury early last weekend when a car skidded on some ice... and, sideswiped two other vehicles on Route 60 in Sinclairville. Sheriff's officers say 17 year-old Joshua Atwell was northbound just after 7:30 AM last Friday when he drove over some ice... and, lost control of his car. Deputies say Atwell's car went into the southbound lane and sideswiped two oncoming vehicles. The first vehicle sustained minor damage to the rear driver's side. The second vehicle... operated by 22 year-old Jonathan Skovira of Webster, New York... sustained heavy damage along the entire driver's side of the car. Skovira's vehicle spun... and, went into the ditch on the westside of the roadway. After striking Skovira's vehicle, Atwell's car crashed into the ditch on the east side of the roadway. Skovira received a minor laceration... while Atwell and, a Hamburg woman weren't hurt.
Firebrand Republican Carl Paladino is mulling another run for governor as a Conservative Party candidate. The 2010 Republican candidate lost to Cuomo in a heated campaign. He says he could back a GOP candidate for governor if he or she has sufficient conservative fiscal and economic values.
