Western New York under Winter Weather Advisory starting late tonight...
There could be some significant snowfall in Chautauqua County from late night through mid-day tomorrow as a late April storm system makes it's way north and east. That from Forecaster Aaron Reynolds from the National Weather Service in Buffalo... who says we're under a Winter Weather Advisory, starting at Midnight tonight. Reynolds says low pressure is moving in, and that will push colder air into our area, and change the rain we've been receiving to all snow. He says that advisory will continue through 2 p.m. tomorrow... and we will see the most snow of anyone in the region -- some 3 to 6 inches. Reynolds says most of the snow should taper off by 11 a.m. The expected high tomorrow will only be 35-degrees. However... there will still likely be some snow falling through mid-day Thursday. The complete forecast follows our News.
Brackman confirmed, sworn-in as new member of City Council...
A long-time member of the Jamestown Planning Commission has been sworn-in to represent Ward-Three on the City Council. Democrat Regina Brackman was given the official oath of office by City Clerk, Jennifer Williams after Council voted unanimously to confirm her appointment. After taking her oath, Brackman was welcomed by council members. She was appointed by Mayor Eddie Sundquist, to fill the vacancy left by the untimely death of third-term Councilwoman Vickye James. James died suddenly at her home late last month. Brackman will also fill James' seat on the Council's Housing Committee, which will now be chaired by Councilwoman Marie Carrubba.
County reports 93 New confirmed cases of COVID-19 from last weekend...
The Chautauqua County Health Department is reporting 93 new cases of the COVID-19 virus over the past three-days... along with two deaths. Those deaths are the first in the county in several weeks. With the new cases... officials say there have now been a total of 8,744 cases... and, 144 deaths. The health department reports there were 36 confirmed cases in Jamestown, and 10 others in Dunkirk. There are currently 209 active cases... and, 12 of those are hospitalized. There have now been 8,391 cases that have recovered... and the infection rate is up to 2.4-percent.
Cuomo points out that Western New York has highest COVID rate in the state...
Western New York has had the highest overall infection rate over the past few weeks in the state... and, the start to this week is no different. While Chautauqua County is still under 2.5-percent... the region's rate is 4.78-percent. That drew the scrutiny of Governor Andrew Cuomo during today's COVID-19 update. Cuomo says there's a simple answer to why... and, that is individuals not following protocols and health guidelines. Cuomo noted that while Western New York's infection rate is 4.78 percent... next door... the Southern Tier counties are at .86%. He says indivdual, family, and community infection rates are all intertwined... and, will impact local infecton rates. In addition... with the state-wide COVID Infection rate below 3-percent now... Governor Cuomo has announced the further reopening of a number of venues in the near future. During his COVID Press briefing... Cuomo said the biggest is the further reopening of two different entities... one being museums and the other, zoos... opening at 50-percent beginning next Monday. He says they also plan to allow movie theaters to reopen at 33-percent starting next Monday, Apr. 26. He says large indoor sports arenas can reopen to 25-percent starting on May 19.
DiNapoli's office calls for Cuomo book deal investigation...
New York's comptroller has asked the state attorney general's office to launch a criminal investigation into whether the governor used state resources to write and promote his book on leadership in the COVID-19 pandemic. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office released Monday the April 13th letter, which authorized State Attorney General Letitia James to investigate whether the process of writing and promoting the book violated state laws. James' office said it received the referral letter from the state comptroller but didn't comment further. The governor said Monday that he asked some people who he mentioned in the book to ``review'' it.
Dunkirk fire, and police respond to natural gas leak late Monday morning...
Dunkirk fire crews, with the help of local police, responded to a report of a large natural gas link leak in the area of Brigham Road and Veterans Drive late Monday morning. Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano says Dunkirk High School and several nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution after the call came in about 11 a.m. Orolano praised the teamwork involved with police, fire, the Public Works Department, National Fuel, and the school district. National Fuel Gas crews were able to shut off the break, and made repairs. Fire officials say a third-party contractor hit the line while digging. There were no injuries. Brigham Road between Lucas Avenue and West 6th Street was closed several hours while repair work was completed.
