Mayville water customers can drink their water again...
There's good news on this Christmas Eve for customers of the village of Mayville's Public water system. The Do Not Drink Advisory has now been discontinued. Chautauqua County Public Health Director Christine Schuyler says this morning that the water can now be used for drinking, food preparation and all household uses. Schuyler says through coordination between the village, county and state Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health, they've been able to ensure a new water source for the Village -- Well #4. That's now on-line and providing clean water to Village residents. She says water testing has confirmed Well #4 has no detectable levels of the contaminant PFNA. The village residents and water customers are commended for their cooperation during this emergency.
"Very Changeable" weather during next day for Chautauqua County and Western NY...
The weather will be "very changable" over the next day or so across Chautauqua County... especially in the north county area. We are under a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 7 o'clock tonight through 7 pm Saturday. Forecaster Jon Hitchcock with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says we'll see rain and wind first with a high near 50 this afternoon. Hitchcock says a cold front will move through the area beginning later in the afternoon... bringing rain, snow and possibly freezing rain through mid evening. That will change to all snow overnight, with most places will seeing 4 to 6 inches of general snow before Lake Effect moves in. He adds that many places will see several more inches of snow through Saturday night. Hitchcock says the Lake Effect Snow will probably begin to taper down about mid-afternoon Saturday... and, should wrap up by about mid-evening Saturday.
House fire in Fredonia under investigation...
Three fire departments were called to the scene of a house fire in the village of Fredonia early this morning. The fire on Forest Place near West Main Street was first reported around 4:30 am. Everyone was reported out of the structure when they arrived. That from Chautauqua County Emergency Dispatchers... who say firefighters from East Dunkirk and Sheridan assisted Fredonia. Chautauqua County Emergency Services was also called in... along with fire investigators late this morning.
AAA has safety tips for people traveling during the Christmas Pandemic-period...
Nearly 85-million Americans are expected to travel between now and January 3rd. That's down 30 percent from last year, but much higher than expected. AAA of Western and Central New York is offering tips for those who have chosen to travel during the pandemic. Brian Murray says when flying, make sure to bring the hand sanitizer with you. Murray says hand sanitizer is allowed on planes, and you should wipe down common areas you'll be using as you are seated. More travelers are expected to hit the highway during the holidays. April Engram recommends planning ahead, and says if you travel by car, check restrictions in different states you may be stopped in. Those making road trips will enjoy gas prices that are down about 19 percent from 2019.
Chautauqua County reports 54 new COVID Cases on Wednesday...
The Chautauqua County Health Department is reporting 54 new cases of the COVID-19 virus in Chautauqua County over the past day... and, three duplicate cases have now been removed. Health officials say there are now 3,058 confirmed cases... and, there are still a total of 26 deaths with one new death over the past day. County officials say 22 of the new cases are in Jamestown... but, no other zip code area was in double figures. There are now 377 active cases... and, 2,655 have now recovered. Officials add that 37 people are now hospitalized.
Fund raising continues for new Hospice House in Lakewood...
They have exceeded their initial campaign goal... but, Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care still needs donations for the Star Hospice House. Campaign Co-Chairs... Bert and Mary Rappole... spoke about the need Wednesday. Bert Rappole says the pandemic is having an impact on building costs... driving those up. Rappole says materials have seen a 30-percent increase in price during COVID-19. Mary Rappole says "every dollar really has value" in a fund-raiser like this. She says people have been giving large, and smaller amounts. The Star Hospice House, which is taking shape on West Fairmount Avenue in Lakewood, honors legacy gift donors Stanley and Elizabeth Star.
NYS looking at allowing 6,700 fans attend a Bills home play-off game...
The New York health commissioner is considering whether to allow 6,700 fans to attend a Buffalo Bills home playoff game if all attendees are tested for the coronavirus beforehand. But... Governor Andrew Cuomo and a spokesperson for the Bills say nothing has been finalized yet. The playoffs begin the weekend of January 9th... but, the date of the game isn't set. Health Commissioner Howard Zucker says he's worried about encouraging post-game and pre-game events that could cause COVID-19 spikes of their own. And the idea is getting pushback in a region hit hard by an uptick in recent months.
Have a Merry Christmas everyone!
