Community Spotlight, the area's longest running local public affairs radio program, airs on all six Media One Radio Group stations each weekend and is also available to hear in our Podcast Section.  Each week we sit down with a community leader or another special guest to talk about issues within our community.  


Weather Forecasts are available across our radio stations each day and also as your fingertips! 

Connect with The National Weather Service's Buffalo Office or with WGRZ-TV for accurate weather information!

 

 

 


 

News Headlines for Thurs., Dec. 31, 2020

County set's new daily highs for deaths and hospitalizations Wednesday...
Chautauqua County has set new daily highs during the COVID-19 pandemic with three new deaths... and, the most hospitalizations reported in one day.  The county's Health Department reported Wednesday the new deaths are a person in their 40s... and, two others who are 70 and older.  That brings the total during the pandemic to 32.  Officials say there are 70 new cases of the coronavirus... bringing the local total to 3,566.  There are 17 new cases in Dunkirk, and 14 in Jamestown.  Officials add there are now 457 active cases... and, 43 of those are now hospitalized.  In addition... there are now 3,077 cases that have recovered.


Cattaraugus County reports 80 new cases, two deaths from COVID...
There are two new deaths to report in Cattaraugus County over the past day from COVID-19.  The health department in Olean says they are a 70 year-old woman, and a 75 year-old man.  That brings that county's total to 47 deaths.  Officials say there were 80 new cases on Wednesday... bringing the local number to 2,486.  There are now 497 active cases... and, 46 are hospitalized.  One-thousand-936 have now recovered.


Reed discusses recently approved COVID-19 Relief bill with business, education other leaders...
Regional business and other leaders have gotten more details about what's in the nearly $900-billion COVID-19 Relief bill recently approved by Congress, and signed by President Trump.  Local Congressman Tom Reed held a Zoom conference Wednesday morning to high-light what's in the massive bill.  The Corning Republican also talked about what's not in the bill... but, will likely be on the horizon.  One of those items is local, state and tribal relief.  Reed says the legislative text has been put together, and has bi-partisan support.  He says he anticipates that part of the legislation to be looked at when the new Congress convenes after the beginning of the year... along with liability for businesses concerned about possible lawsuits.  The Congressman also talked a lot about the $284-billion dollar Payroll Protection Program part of the legislation... which he says will help both workers... and, businesses.  Reed says that's especially the case for restaurants.  Members of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce were among those on Reed's Zoom Conference call.


Borrello discusses legislative goals for 2021...
Chautauqua County's representative in the New York State Senate says 2021 will be a very challenging year.  But... Republican George Borrello says getting the 57th District... and, the state as a whole... back on track will be a major priority.  Borrello says he's optimistic now that a vaccine for COVID-19 is now being made, and distributed.  He says that's especially for Chautauqua County and the entire district.  The Sunset Bay Republican says the re-election of Senator Rob Ortt of Niagara Falls as Senate minority leader is a positive.  Borrello says he's pleased with the leadership of the conference... which he says has a strong "Upstate New York" presence.  Borrello was recently elected to his first, full, two-year term in the State Senate.


NYS says COVID exposed, asymtomatic individuals can spend less time in quarantine...
Asymptomatic individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 can now end their quarantine after 10 days in New York under new guidance the governor announced Tuesday.  That's down from the 14-day period recommended since the pandemic began.  New York and other states have eased their guidance in light of guidance released earlier this month by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Governor Andrew Cuomo said individuals exposed to the virus can now end their quarantine after 10 days without a test as along as they experienced no symptoms during the quarantine period.


Wolf to allow some restrictions expire in COVID-19 lock-down...
Pennsylvania's governor is letting additional restrictions that were imposed almost three weeks ago to combat the pandemic expire as expected on Monday morning.  Democratic Governor Tom Wolf on Wednesday announced the end of the temporary measures during an afternoon news conference.  As of Dec. 12, Wolf temporarily halted school sports and other extracurricular activities, closed gyms, theaters and casinos, and banned indoor dining at restaurants in response to the worsening pandemic.  Other pandemic mitigation restrictions remain in place.


Fugitive arrested in Falconer...
A man sought by the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and Ellicott Town Police is under arrest after begin found at a location on West Main Street in Falconer.  City Police say Bobby Hunt was wanted by the U-S Marshals Fugitive Task Force on a charge of violating his Federal Supervised Release.  Police got a tip that Hunt was believed to be in the Jamestown, and Chautauqua County areas earlier this week, and he was arrested Tuesday afternoon.


Former principal Clark, Barone, pass away... 
The man credited with turning a 'raucous' inner city high school, and a prison into model institutions has died.  Former Eastside High School Principal Joe Clark was credited for the 180-degree turn at the New Jersey school.  Clark had died at age 82.  He addressed a President's Roundtable at Jamestown Community College in 2004... and, talked about his upbringing, military career, and then a seven-year stint at Eastside... a school ravaged by drugs and violence.  He admitted to us it wasn't easy, but, believes he was destined to turn the school around.  Clark became controversial after he expelled 300 students for different violations during his first week.  He also was known for carrying a bat and bullhorn with him. 
----

Also... a long-time friend of the Media One Group stations... retired Lakewood-area pharmacist... Tony Barone has passed away at the age of 86.  Tony was a long-time friend of late WJTN morning man, Jim Roselle.  He was known for dropping in on Jim's "Dew Drop Inn" part of his show.  Arrangements are being handled by the Lind Funeral Home.