Chautauqua County sets new record with 110 new COVID-19 cases in past 24-hours...
Chautauqua County has set a new, one-day record for number of COVID-19 cases over the past day with 110. That from the county's Health Department... which reports that the most cases -- 28 -- were reported in Jamestown. The new figure also includes the 27 new cases reported at the Chautauqua County Jail. Officials say 10 were reported in Lakewood... while 8 were reported in Clymer. There are now 2,303 total confirmed COVID cases in the county... and, 441 are currently active. Health officials add that 1,840 cases have now recovered... while 23 people are now hospitalized.
Experts discuss issues with PFNA in Mayville Water System...
Local and state officials took part in a Town Hall meeting the Chautauqua County Health Department held Friday on the 'do not drink' water advisory issued for the village of Mayville water system. Dr. Gary Ginsberg with the State Department of Health, one of the participants, says PFNA is an emerging contaminant that is still being studied. Ginsberg says it's being studied in both humans and animals. But... he also says there is research that shows the contaminant could impact the liver, thyroid and cause developmental delays. Meanwhile, the State Department of Environmental Conservation's George Heitzman says his agency will be leading the effort to track down the source of PFNA. That will mainly involve monitoring the system's wells to see if the contaminant is move prevailent in one place over the others. Until mitigation of PFNA can take place... water customers should not use water for drinking, cooking, food preparation, tooth brushing, or for animal consumption. PFNA is among the chemicals regulated under new state water standards that were enacted in July.
Fatal House fire in town of Otto blamed on wood stove issue...
One person has died... and, three others were hurt in a fatal house fire in the Cattaraugus County town of Otto Thursday morning. WKBW-TV reports that Otto firefighters were called to the scene on North Otto Road just before 3 a.m., and, called in mutual aid from several other departments. Firefighters confirmed a woman was found dead inside the home just after 8 a.m. The Otto fire chief told Channel 7 that one of the people hospitalized was taken to the Erie County Medical Center... and, two children were taken to Oishei Children's Hospital. Investigators believe the fire was caused by a wood stove in the home. The house is a total loss. Two adjacent houses sustained minimal damage. The fire was brough under control by 5:20 a.m.
Co-Founder Greg Peterson retiring from RHJ Board...
One of the original co-founders of the Robert H. Jackson Center is retiring from the center's Board of Directors next Monday. The Jackson Center is announcing this afternoon that Greg Peterson is stepping down after 20 years of "leadership and service." Peterson is recognized for co-founding the center in 2001... with Elizabeth Lenna and Carl Cappa. Current Jackson Center President Kristan McMahon says "we are grateful for Greg's leadership and legacy of outstanding community service. I want to publicly thank Greg for his Board service and for his dedication to Robert H. Jackson and his legacy." McMahon says they plan to honor Peterson for his work in the new year.
The Comedy Shop opens in past month at National Comedy Center, selling funny merchandise...
"Laughter is more important than ever...." and, with that... the National Comedy Center has launched it's new national hub for comedy-themed products and gifts. The center opened up "The Comedy Shop" in late November as both an on-line, and "brick and mortar operation. Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson says they have "all kinds of gifts" to make you laugh... and, are offering "deep discounts" on many items store-wide. She says if you order by Dec. 18, the products will get to their destination by Christmas. In addition... Gunderson says all proceeds from sales at The Comedy Shop support the non-profit mission and operations of the National Comedy Center and its museums. The hours for the National Comedy Center... and, The Comedy Shop at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day Thursday through Monday. Gunderson says they are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information on the store... go on line to www.ComedyShop.com.
Fredonia Village Hall closed through Dec. 18 due to COVID-19 case...
Due to COVID-19... the Fredonia Village Hall will remain closed through next Friday, Dec. 18. Residents are being asked to utilize the drop box on the Church Street entrance for any payments that need to be made. The building was closed earlier this week after a village employee tested positive for the virus.
Maple Grove Robotics Team hosting second-annual Holiday Lights Competition...
The Maple Grove Red Dragon Robotics Team is helping county residents get into the seasonal spirit with the second annual Holiday Lights Competition. Maple Grove Computer Science and Technology Teacher Marcus Clark says it's a great way for families and businesses to highlight their holiday lights and decorations. Clark says we "need some holiday cheer, definately." Clark says the Holiday Lights Competition was originally started as a fundraiser for the Robotics Club to travel to competitions. However, with COVID-restrictions in place, they are inviting all to join in on the fun. All entries can be emailed to Marcus Clark at mclark@bemusptcsd.org or Mark Dollard at mdollard@bemusptcsd.org. Clark says a winner will be selected on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
