Boil Water Advisory has been lifted for Dunkirk Water System users...
There is good news today for the city of Dunkirk... and, all water customers of the city's water supply. The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services has now lifted the boil water advisory for system users. Environmental Services Director Mark Stow says the affected area included the city and water districts in the towns of Dunkirk and Sheridan. Water samples collected on March 29 and 30 from the affected area show that the water is safe to drink and can now be used for all purposes. Construction at the City of Dunkirk's water plant caused a large leak on March 28 that could have allowed contaminants to enter the system. Stow says the leak was repaired the same day but as a precaution, the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services placed the City on a boil water advisory.
State lawmakers approve 2018-19 budget early Saturday morning...
Lawmakers in New York state have approved a new... just over $168-billion state budget that includes surcharges on taxi, Uber and Lyft rides in Manhattan and a new state sexual harassment policy written following the #MeToo movement. Members of the state Senate and Assembly worked into the early morning hours today to complete their work on the spending plan before a new fiscal year begins Sunday. State Senator Cathy Young says the approval came after the Governor issued a "message of necessity" because the budget bills would normally have to "age" for three-days on lawmakers desks. However... she says the mon allows immediate action. The budget includes $1-billion dollars in new education spending, investments in water quality and money to fight Lyme disease. It contains one notable new tax, a fee on opioid manufacturers and distributors that will raise funds to combat addiction.
High Wind Warning now in effect for late Saturday through early Sunday for Chautauqua County...
The National Weather Service has now issued a High Wind Warning from 5 this afternoon through 8 a.m. tomorrow for both Chautauqua and Erie counties. Southwest winds will become sustained later today at 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Meteorologist John Rozbicki in Buffalo says the strong winds will be triggered by a deepening low pressure system to our northeast... and, he says that will pull stronger winds behind it. Strong to potentially damaging winds will be possible... and, could bring down trees and power lines resulting in scattered power outages.
Gerace calls assault on toddler a "horrific" act...
Chautauqua County's top cop says the investigation is continuing into an assault in the village of Sinclairville that has left an 18-month-old child hospitalized after -- what he calls -- a "horrific incident." Sheriff Joe Gerace says 34-year-old Richard Pryll-Simpson is facing a felony charge after first responders were called out 40 East Avenue around 11 AM Thursday. Gerace says the young girl was first rushed to UPMC Chautauqua WCA in Jamestown, then flown to Children's Hospital in Buffalo. He says they don't have a condition update on her at the moment. Gerace says he can't release a lot of details at this time... including the child's name. He saays Pryll-Simpson, the child's custodial parent, was arraigned in Cherry Creek Town Court, then committed to the County Jail with bail set at $200,000 cash bail... $400,000 property bond. The Sheriff says the investigating is continuing.
Eleven people arrested in Cattaraugus County Meth Busts...
Eleven people from Cattaraugus County are jailed following drug raids at three homes... and, the search of a vehicle Thursday in four different locations in the county. Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force members say all four deal with the making and selling of methamphetime. They executed the first warrant at 363 Freedom Road in the town of Freedom shortly after 8 p.m., and, arrested 23 year-old Richard Fancher, Junior and 19 year-old Travis Sawyer. Task Force agents also raided the home at 10250 Pleasant Valley Road in Yorkshire... and, arrested 52 year-old Daniel, and 47 year-old Shelene Bemish. The third raid occured at a home on Route 98 in Freedom... and, four people were arrested. They include 47 year-old Jason Previty... 36 year-old Michael Hecht... 33 year-old Amber Pierce and 30 year-old Katy Lang. The task force then executed a search warrant following a traffic stop on South Main Street in Franklinville. Task Force members say they found a number of items used for making meth... and, arrested 33 year-old Michael Nesbit-the-second... 28 year-old Jessica Juda... and, 23 year-old Aaron Pierce. Several law enforcement agencies were involved in the raids... including the Erie County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team... and, the New York National Guard Counter Drug Task Force.
Schumer announces proposal to name new, National Comedy Center the "nation's Comedy Center..."
A soon-to-be bestowed federal designation will help launch the new, National Comedy Center in Jamestown into national prominance. U-S Senator Charles Schumer was at West Second Street location to make the announcement late yesterday morning. Schumer says he will do that shortly. Schumer noted that he's been a strong supporter of the comedy center -- which is set to open in August of this year. It's expected to coincide with the start of the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. Schumer helped secure $1.7-million in federal funds, as well as New Market Tax Credits. Schumer is excited the project is nearing the finish line, and adds that with the designation and hard work of people locally, that Jamestown will become the "Cooperstown of Comedy." Schumer says the National Comedy Center will not just be a tourist attraction... but, something draws new residents to the area. Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson says contractors are still finishing interior work on the center... which has a targeted opening date of August 1.
