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News Headlines for Wed., Dec. 21, 2016

Gaffigan will be headliner at Lucille Ball Comedy Festival...
Another well-known stand-up comedian will be headlining next Summer's annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown.  National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson announced Tuesday afternoon that Jim Gaffigan will be delivering his "unique brand" of humor during the three-day festival on Aug. 3 at the Northwest Arena.  Gunderson says they are "thrilled" to have landed one of the "greatest comedic voices of all-time" to this year's line-up.  She says he's most well-known for his TV show, "The Jim Gaffigan Show," which features him raising his five children in New York City.  Gaffigan's performance will be among those starting the annual comedy festival... which will run Aug. 3-6.  Gunderson says he's a "multi-platinum selling artist..." and, he performed before one-million people prior to Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia.  She adds he's also one of just 10 comedians who have sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden.  Gunder says tickets go on sale to Comedy Center members and sponsor next Jan. 19... while tickets go on sales to the public on Jan. 26.  For more information... go on-line to LucyComedyFest.com... or call 484-0800.
 
 
Gunderson says NCC had been trying to land Gaffigan for many years...
Landing big named comedian Jim Gaffigan is another feather in the hat of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown... and, one officials worked at for some time.  That from Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson... who says Gaffigan is one of her favorites... and, a name they had been trying to get for a Lucille Ball Comedy Festival for several years now... but, says the "stars hadn't aligned until now."  Gunderson says he joins a list that includes Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, and Joan Rivers who have appeared in Jamestown for the festival... and, lended their support to the comedy center.  Gunderson says they expect to add more comedic stars to the August Weekend as we enter the new year.  In addition... she says the Comedy Center is teaming up with Chauauqua Institution to put on a special week during the 2017 season.  Gunderson says the Comedy Center will have more information soon on the Week Six topic "Comedy and the Human Condition."  She says comedian Lewis Black, who has appeared in Jamestown, as well, will kick off Week Six will take place at the Chautauqua Amphitheater July 29-Aug. 5.  
 
 
Jamestown BPU approves Electric and Water Division budgets -- Water to see 2.5-percent rate hike...
The two largest budgets for the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities are now in place... but, the head of the utility says they'll be staying on top of what happens in 2017.  BPU General Manager Dave Leathers says the Electric and Water Division spending plans were adopted by the board Monday.  Leathers says the Electric budget was approved with no rate increase... and, says they had some challenges from 2016 to overcome to prevent a requested increase.  He says the warmer than normal temperatures cut into revenues because less electricity was used during those months.  Leathers says those lower revenues were due mainly to a warmer than normal Winter in 2015-16.  As for the Water budget... he says it includes a 2.5-percent rate increase.  Regarding the Water Division... he says the $5.5-million budget includes several cost increases... including administration and general expenses  Leathers says those increases are about $112,000.  Back to the Electric budget... it totals just over $40-million dollars... and, includes an increase of $960,000 in production expenses.
 
 
Dolce commends residents for asking "valid questions" about Jackson Spring project...
Jamestown residents and others are asking "valid questions" and have strong passions both ways regarding a proposed housing development on the city's northside.  That from Acting City Council President Tony Dolce following Monday night's year-end voting session regarding the Jackson Spring Housing development.  Several members of the public spoke on the proposal.  Dolce says he understands the concerns voiced, given the recent rash of shootings that have occured.  He says those concerns are being made "justifiably so."  Some members of the public urged city lawmakers to wield whatever influence they may have over the nearly $12-million project.  However... Dolce says the project will not come before them.  He says the city's Planning Commission would have to approve a site plan... but, they don't vote over whether they "want it or not."  He says it has to be whether the project fits the zoning, and other requirements.  Dolce says residents who feel strongly one way or the other should probably contact the state Housing agency involved.  Initial plans were not approved for funding.  The project is being developed by NRP of Buffalo... and, locally by Citizen's Opportunity for Development and Equality.
 
 
Gas prices up this week to almost $2.44 a gallon...
Gasoline prices in the Jamestown-area have increased about  four-cents a gallon this week for regular, unleaded fuel.  That from the Triple-A's Fuel Gauge Report... which says the price is now just under $2.44 per gallon.  Last week... the price was $2.39 a gallon.  Nationally... pump prices have risen for 20 of the past 21 days, rising a total of 11-cents during this span.  The national average price for regular, unleaded gasoline now sits at $2.24 a gallon, which is the highest mark since October.  Today’s average is three cents more than one week ago, nine cents more compared to one month ago and 24 cents more than the same date last year.
 
 
Cuomo announces 26 nominations for Historic Place designations, including Lakeview Ave. in Jamestown...
An historic street in Jamestown is one of 26 properties in New York state that has been nominated to the State and National Registers of Historic Places.  Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the nominations of the properties, resources and districts by the New York State Broad of Historic Preservation.  The sites also include the Lakeview Avenue Historic District... which Cuomo says encompasses 219 properties... primarily residences... stretched along what was once "a rough, rural road in the early 19th Century."  He says it was later transformed into an elegant residential street.  Also nominated was the Woodstock Music Festival site in rural Sullivan County, where some 400,000 fans gathered on rolling farmland for three days of rock music in August of 1969.  Landing a place on the registers can help property owners and organizations secure preservation grants and historic rehabilitation tax credits from the state and federal governments.