Man dies in car crash in West Ellicott...
Ellicott Town Police are still trying to determine why a car cut through a pair of parking lots near the city line... crossed Fairmount Avenue...and, struck a parked car last night. The driver, identified only as a 65-year-old man from Lakewood, was pronounced dead at the scene. Town Police were called to the scene in West Ellicott shortly before 7 p.m., and, Fairmount from Chicago Avenue to the city line was closed for about two hours. Officers says witnesses told them the car had "cut across" a couple of parking lots... including the one for Brigiotta's Farmland Store before hitting the parked vehicle. No one else was hurt. The identity of the person is being withheld pending notification of family.
Borrello says state GOP lawmakers still pushing for complete repeal of Cuomo's emergency powers...
Republicans in the New York State Legislature continue to push for a clean repeal of Governor Andrew Cuomo's emergency powers. State Senator George Borrello says the latest move by Cuomo to ease COVID-19 restrictions is another example. The Sunset Bay Republican says the changes in the capacities of various businesses is leaving many people confused. Borrello says we're nearing the start of the Summer tourism season, and there's not enough clarity in what the changes mean. Cuomo announced the changes slated for May 19 during a news briefing on Monday... but, he indicated that six-foot social distancing requirements will remain unless people are vaccinated or undergo testing.
Former Assembly Speaker Silver released on Furlough...
Former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has been released from a federal prison on furlough, while he awaits potential placement to home confinement. That's according to a person familiar with the matter... who spoke with The Associated Press on Tuesday. Silver was serving his more than six-year sentence at a federal prison in Otisville, New York, in a corruption case. The person says he's been released on furlough while awaiting potential placement to home confinement to serve his sentence at home. The 77-year-old Silver began serving his sentence in August after years of fending off going behind bars. Prosecutors say they opposed the furlough.
Chautauqua County 4-H looking at alternatives now that County Fair has been cancelled again this year...
Chautauqua County Four-H is looking at the cancellation of this year's county fair as 'a unique opportunity' to consider hosting their own event. Kate Ewer is the Four-H Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension. Ewer says they are working out plans to hold an event where their youth members can show their livestock, and celebrate their projects. She says the event could well happen sometime this summer at the Dunkirk Fairgrounds, but would most likely be closed to all but Four-H members and their families. The cancellation of last year's fair took down nearly all summer Four-H activities, and leaders are anxious to do something this year. Still in limbo is this year's 'Meat Animal Sale'... a traditional feature on Friday of fair week. Last year's sale was held exclusively on-line.
County reports 17 New COVID-19 cases Tuesday...
The Chautauqua County Health Department is reporting 17 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county over the past day... but, no new deaths. Health officials say 5 of the new cases were in Brocton... and, 4 in Jamestown. There are now 8,995 total cases... and, 111 are active. Officials say 10 people are hospitalized... and, 8,732 cases have now recovered. The Health Department says the seven-day infection rate is now 2.1-percent.
Cattaraugus County reports 100th COVID-19 related death...
A 91-year-old woman has become the 100th person to die in Cattaraugus County from the COVID-19 pandemic. County health officials say the woman developed respiratory failure and could not overcome the virus. Officials extended their "deepest condolences" to the woman's family. Health officials add there were 13 new COVID cases reported yesterday... bringing Cattaraugus's total to 5,443. There are 153 active cases... and, 18 of those are hospitalized. Officials say 5,183 cases have now recovered... and, the seven-day infection rate is 3.5-percent.
Four people file necessary petitions to run for Jamestown School Board on May 18...
One incumbant... and three newcomers... have filed the necessary petitions to run for the two Jamestown School Board seats up for a vote on May 18. The Jamestown High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association will hold a "Meet the Candidates Night" on Thursday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Board of Education Room at the Administration Building on Martin Rd. Spokeswoman Cathy Panebianco says the forum will be live streamed at jpsny.org/election. The candidates include incumbant Nina Karbacka... and, newcomers Frank Galeazzo... Gina Sink... and, Krysta Rives. If a community member would like to attend the forum in person, due to COVID-19 restrictions, they should reserve a space with School District Clerk, Jaunita Walter at 483-4420 or jaunita.m.walter@jpsny.org by noon on May 13.
Former State Sen. Cathy Young will be JCC's graduation speaker...
Former State Senator Cathy Young will present the keynote address during SUNY Jamestown Community College's virtual commencement on May 14. Young retired from the Senate in early 2019 after accepting the position of executive director for the New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech. The Olean native was raised on a family farm in Cattaraugus County... and, has been a long-time champion of agriculture and economic development.
