Cuomo announces most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted after NYS reaches 70% vaccination rate...
Governor Andrew Cuomo says that 70-percent of adults in New York have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine... a threshold he said the state would celebrate by easing many of its remaining social distancing rules, and shooting off fireworks. During an announcement that at times sounded more like a political pep rally... Cuomo announced Tuesday that... effective immediately... the state is lifting rules that had limited the size of gatherings and required some types of businesses to follow social distancing, or cleaning protocols. He says commercial, recreational, social settings, manufacturing and retailing, for example, can all reopen as usual. Some rules will remain in place... some of them are federal guidelines. New Yorkers will continue to have to wear masks in schools and subways, for example. About half of all 20-million residents in New York are fully-vaccinated. On the same day Cuomo made the annoucement, the U.S. death toll from COVID-19 hit the 600,000 people.
Borrello says elimination of COVID-19 restrictions is welcome news, but, adds it's overdue...
While it's welcome news... the governor's move to lift the remaining COVID restrictions on businesses and in public spaces – is "long overdue." That from local State Senator George Borrello... who says "despite his attempt to position himself as a hero, this progress is a credit to the resilience and commitment of New Yorkers." The Sunset Bay Republican adds that residents have "endured extraordinary challenges over the past 15 months, as well as the arbitrary edicts of a leader who has sought to use this crisis to his political advantage." He says Cuomo also "still wields unilateral, decision-making power" because the legislature has failed to "reassert its constitutional duty." Borrello has been among those calling for an end to those emergency powers.
Gerry man arrested for alleged assault...
A man from Gerry faces a second-degree assault charge after an altercation during which he allegedly stabbed the other person with a sharp object. Sheriff's deputies say they were called to the scene on Gerry-Ellington Road shortly before 1 a.m. Tuesday on a report that someone was injured. Officers investigated... and, say 29 year-old Douglas Woodard had struck the victim... who was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital in Jamestown for treatment. Officers say Woodard was taken to the County Jail for centralized arraignment on one count of second-degree assault.
Sheriff's Office requests public help to find stolen ATV, and generator in town of Chautauqua...
The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in finding an all-terrain vehicle allegedly stolen from a location on Webber Road in the town of Chautauqua earlier this month. Investigators say the burglary took place between June 2 and today. Officers say someone entered a machinery building... and, took the 1996 Polaris 'Big Boss' 6x6 ATV was stolen... along with a Coleman 6500-watt generator. The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of the stolen property to contact the WeTip hotline. That's 1-800-78-CRIME... or 1-800-782-7463. The WeTip line offers a reward of up to $1,000.00 when the anonymous tip leads to an arrest and conviction.
Martz Observatory opens to public for first time since start of pandemic tonight...
The Martz-Kohl Observatory on Robbin Hill Road in Frewsburg is once again open to the public. President Gary Nelson says they'll be there a couple of nights a week... with some changes. Nelson says you must make reservations... and, they'll be open on Wednesdays, and Saturdays. However, if you call to make a reservations, they will get back to you with what dates and times are available. To do that, go to their website at martzobservatory.org. In-person programming at the observatory will resume this evening at 7:30 p.m. and, Nelson says you must be vaccinated and have a "proof of vaccination." Tonight features Ted Wolfe, an astro-photographer, who will show a video of his telescope in northern Chile. Sign-ups are through the website. His program will also be presented on zoom.
Annual "Cents for St. Susan's" campaign underway...
The biggest fund-raiser for the Jamestown-area's largest soup kitchen is underway... and, more than 70 bright yellow canisters are out in the community. The 22nd annual Cents for St. Susan's campaign is underway with a goal of raising at least $16,000 for the center located on Water Street. Board of Public Utilities Communications Coordinator Becky Robbins is urging people with spare change to drop it in... along with bills, and checks made out to the St. Susan's Center. Robbins says you can also send checks made out to St. Susan's Center to the BPU at P.O. Box 700. In addition... Robbins says you can drop off redeemable cans and bottles at BPU Customer Service, Don's Car Wash in Lakewood, or the Southside Redemption Center in Jamestown... and, put proceeds towards the drive. St. Susan's Director Bonnie Scott-Sleight says they need every penny they receive from the drive to help feed the less fortunate in the Jamestown-area. Scott-Sleight says the money goes toward their operational expenses, and to help buy food. St. Susan's handed out just over 120,000 meals last year during the pandemic, but, that included additional meals people were getting at their drive-thru window. Scott-Sleight the center will reopen it's dining area in August.
