Clean-up continuing in southern Erie County after twin tornados strike Hamburg and Holland...
The clean-up is now underway in Erie County -- south of Buffalo -- after two tornadoes caused significant damage Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service in Buffalo says the first tornado touched down at about 12:30 p.m. in Hamburg, while the second touched down 20 minutes later in the Town of Holland. Governor Andrew Cuomo made a stop in Hamburg after the tornadoes hit... and, called it another "test" for New York's response. Cuomo says the tornados are a "high-level" test. He says western New Yorkers are ready and "can handle it." He says 100 National Guardsmen were deployed, and are now on hand to help with cleanup efforts. He says they'll be helping to remove debris from roadways, yards, and other places. A state of emergency was declared in Hamburg and Orchard Park... and, no unnecessary travel is advised. As many as 23,000 residents in Erie County had lost power.
CLA Harvester swamped by rough waters, sinks in Chautauqua Lake near Lakewood...
Officials with the Chautauqua Lake Association will try again this week to salvage a weed harvester that took on water earlier this week... and, capsized on the lake. A source tells us the operator began encountering rough water near the Bemus Point area... and, tried to return to the CLA headquarters in Lakewood before having to abandon the 35 year-old vessel. CLA Executive Director Doug Conroe tells The Post-Journal that they met with the county's Water Emergency Team to try and lift the harvester, but, that didn't work. The rough water incident was reported by the operator... who was the only person on board the vessel. He was able to get off the sinking vessel and was retrieved by another lake harvester near Lakewood.
Horrigan, Sheriff, tout Motorcycle safety in latest "100 Days of Summer Safety" event in Falconer...
Summer-time means more motorcycles on the road... and, that means make sure to share the road an be safe. In fact... Chautauqua County's top cop says operate your motorcycle as if you're "invisable." Sheriff Joe Gerace was one of the officials on hand for County Executive Vince Horrigan's latest "100 Days of Summer Safety" event. Gerace emphasized the importance of making sure you wear your helmet... leathers and other safety equipment in the wake of two recent fatal accidents in the north county. He also reminds motorists that motorcycles are unique because they can accelerate and, brake quicker. He adds that judging their speed can be more difficult. Horrigan's latest program was held at Harley-Davidson of Jamestown located in Falconer. Helmets are legally required for riding in New York state... but, Gerace says he's happy to report that compliance is "very good" in Chautauqua County. County Senior Paramedic Mike Volpe adds that you should always dress for safety when riding... including helmets, leather jackets and other safety equipment.
New Exec. Director, and Marketing and Events Mgr. named for JRC...
There are two new leaders at the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation... which also has a new location on the city's eastside. That from the JRC's new Marketing and Events Manager, Zach Agett, who says Lisa Hatch has been on the job now for about two weeks... and, is pleased to be back in Chautauqua County. Agett says Hatch is a Buffalo native... but, adds she came to love Chautauqua County while attending the SUNY College at Fredonia. He says -- after graduation -- she worked in health care for 25 years in the Buffalo-area. Hatch is a 1994 graduate of SUNY at Fredonia. Agatt adds that Hatch was most recently the Administrative Director at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Agatt has also been with the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation a short time. He replaces Edwin Rodriguez... who is now work at Lutheran. Agatt is from West Ellicott, and, has a Masters in Business Administration from Capella University. He saw several positives happening in Jamestown during that time that had the JRC's name on them... and, he wanted to be part of it. Kristy Kathmann served as Interim Director during the time prior to Hatch's arrival.
Scandinavian Folk Festival underway in Gerry...
An annual event high-lighting the Jamestown-area's rich, Scandinavian heritage continues today on the Gerry Rodeo grounds on Route 60 -- just south of the four-corners. The Scandinavian Folk Festival continues today until 9:30 p.m. Organizer Don Sandy adds the hours for Sunday will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It began Friday afternoon. Sandy says Jamestown was known from 1870 to about 1930 as a place where Scandinavians -- especially those from Sweden -- settled. He says they'll have all the Swedish foods, too, including Korv, and Swedish Meatballs. Sandy says they'll have plenty of education and music to convey the culture of Scandinavia. The second of two musical performances will be tonight at 7. There will also be several vendors on hand... selling their wares this weekend at the festival. A number of lectures on Scandinavian history... and, language will also be presented.
World Series of Cars set for Sunday at Bergman Park -- rain or shine...
The Jamestown Babe Ruth World Series Committee will hold it's major, yearly fund-raiser again this weekend... as the World Series of Cars will be held Sunday at Bergman Park. Local Babe Ruth President Russ Diethrick says they'll again have upwards of 400 cars on the ballfields at Bergman Park Sunday... but, adds this year will be different. He says it will no longer be a "judged" show... but, adds there will be "People's Choice" awards this year. Diethrick says the World Series was created by the Chautauqua County Antique Automobile Association. He says the event... as usual... will begin with their annual Breakfast in the morning... and, it runs until 5 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine. The car event has raised just over $250,000 for the World Series tournaments.
