There are two cases of the COVID-19 Virus being reported in the Jamestown Public Schools... but, they are siblings who were doing coursework on-line. That from School Superintendent Kevin Whitaker... who says they were notified yesterday by the Chautauqua County Health Department about the positive tests. Whitaker says they are working closely with health officials on contact tracing of any confirmed cases. He says "we appreciate our community's efforts to work together to keep our students and staff safe by wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing and continuing frequent hand washing while on any school property."
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The Dunkirk City School District says that a report regarding two positive cases COVID-19 at an elementary school was "erroneous." That from Superintendent Mike Mansfield... who says it was reported on New York's COVID-19 Report Card... that two students from School 7 had tested positive for the virus. However... Mansfield says the report was inaccurate due to human error in creating the report submission.
A reporting error has has led to a change in the number of new confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in Chautauqua County the past day. Interim County Executive P-J Wendel says there were four new cases on Tuesday, instead of eight. Wendel adds there were six new cases Wednesday... making the overall total now 592. He says there are now 50 active cases... with 521 having now recovered. There are 313 cases under quarantine or isolation orders... and, there are 30 persons under the 'domestic traveler quarantine.'
The head of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce says there is a definate need for a fourth COVID-19 stimulus plan... and is encouraged by the new package proposed by a bi-partisan, Congressional caucus. Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Tranum says he believes the Problem Solver's Caucuses "March to Common Ground" package will help residents... as well as county and local governments.
Tranum says "we need some continued stimulus in this economy." He adds that there are unemployed workers, and businesses that have been unable to reopen, or have just partially opened, that need the help. The proposal... announced by Problems Solvers Caucus Co-Chairman, local Congressman Tom Reed... comes on the heals of the U-S Department of Economic Development's announcement of 10.5-million dollars in federal funding to help local businesses dealing with the COVID Shut-down.
The smoke from the immense wildfires in the northwestern United States has reached Western New York. Meteorologist Liz Jurkowski with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says there's little else to block the sun right now.
Jurkowski explained the mechanism for transmitting the smoke all the way across the country... saying the smoke gets up into the winds "aloft," and, those usually go from west to east. She says the smoke may cool the high temperatures a few degrees over the next several days, but have no other major impacts on our weather.
It was a unique way to kick-off the 2020 United Way Campaign in Chautauqua County for both the Southern and Northern county organizations. That from United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Executive Director Amy Rohler on Wednesday afternoon's on-line start to both campaigns. Rohler says the south county group wanted to make it special for their 100th anniversary. She says they worked with 25 different businesses and organizations to make a video, passing a sign with this year's theme -- United We Rise -- on it.
Rohler says both United Ways have taken a number of steps in these unprecidented times to provide those running campaigns at local industries and businesses with what they need. She says -- if it can be done safely -- they may do an in-person presentation -- but, that's not likely. However... Rohler says their website has everything you need on a "virtual tool kit." She says the goal is 1.2-million dollars... and, for more information... go on-line to UWaysCC.org or call 483-1561.
A man has been arrested in Jamestown for allegedly burglarizing a property in the town of Kiantone yesterday morning... and, leading city police on a vehicle pursuit. JPD Captain Bob Samuelson says officers were called to assist a citizen who was following the vehicle about 9:40 AM... driven by 41 year-old Stephen Dean. Samuelson says police tried to stop Dean once he came into the city... but, he failed to comply... and, sped on. The car continued through the downtown area passing several red lights... and, then drove onto Potters Alley... then East Fifth Street where it collided with an eastbound vehicle. Police say Dean then tried to run off, and was arrested in parking lot of the 7-Eleven store on North Main Street. The occupant of the other car was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment of what appeared to be minor injuries. Dean was not hurt, and faces multiple charges.
A city man faces petty larceny charges for allegedly stealing road race apparel from Hector's Powersports Tuesday afternoon. Jamestown police responded to 1200 East 2nd Street to investigate... and, found 30 year-old Justin Anderson shoplifted the merchandise before fleeing on foot. He was found a short distance away and sent to the city jail pending arraignment.
