Air Quality Health Advisory issued for NYS until Midnight tonight...
The wildfires in the Western United States have push fine particulate matter into the atmosphere... and, has made it's way to New York state. The Department of Environmental Conservation, and State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, have now issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the state of New York for today -- now through Midnight. Both departments issue such advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value leading to a greater health concern.
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New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy saving and pollution-reducing steps:
- Conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
- Turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
- Use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees; close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
For more information... go to the Health Dept. website at health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/ozone.htm
JPD Officer praised for saving residents of burning building Monday...
A Jamestown police officer is being praised for his heroic actions to save the lives of an adult and some children trapped on the second-floor of a burning house on the city's southside early Monday morning. In a Facebook post yesterday afternoon... Chief Tim Jackson commended the actions of Officer Mark Conklin, who was on a service call on Baker Street about 12:30 a.m. when he was alerted to the fire at 116 1/2 William St. Without hesitation... he says Conklin ran to the scene where he found a house engulfed in flames... and directed those trapped to jump to him from an upstairs window. While running to the scene... Conklin for the fire department to respond to the location... and, then began getting those trapped out of the burning building. In the Facebook post... Chief Jackson says "I can say that I have seen many examples of heroism over the years by officers. After watching the video of this incident and speaking to others involved, I can say that the actions of Officer Conklin were, to say the least, one of the most outstanding examples of bravery, heroism, and exemplary service I have seen." The home was destroyed by the fire, which remains under investigation.
Surprise reception held at new Star Hospice House for Rappoles...
Several family members and friends were on hand Monday afternoon for a surprise dedication to the local couple who headed up fund-raising for the new Star Hospice House in Lakewood. Dr. Bert and Mary Rappole were very much surprised by the event... which included the unveiling of a plaque that will be placed in one of the main rooms of the new facility... which is slated to open this Fall. Hospice Director Shauna Anderson did the honors... saying they owe their deepest appreciation to those who helped get the project going -- and the Rappole's are the first to receive it. Anderson says the new Hospice House... the first in Chautauqua County... will help upwards of 200 county residents with end-of-life care each year. Hospice Board President Charles Rice also made comments during the event... and, unveiled a model of the plaque that will be placed in one of the rooms at the new house -- next to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care on Fairmount Avenue. Dr. Rappole says it's easy to sell something that really sells itself. Construction of the new Star Hospice House is expected to be completed this October. The pandemic set the project back about a year.
Jamestown announces four dates for public input sessions on use of American Rescue Plan funds...
The city of Jamestown has announced the times and dates for four public input sessions on the city's Master Plan for use of just over $28-million in federal COVID-19 relief funding. Mayor Eddie Sundqust says the first session will be this Thursday, July 22 at 7 p.m. at the Jefferson Middle School auditorium. Sundquist says the second one will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 24 at the Prendergast Library's Fireplace Room. The third will be a week from tonight, Tuesday, July 27 at 7 p.m. at the Chautauqua Center... and the fourth will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Thursday, July 29 at 7 p.m. Sundquist says the public meetings on use of the American Rescue Plan funds are being co-hosted by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. They encourage people to join, and make their thoughts heard on the plan... and, provide feedback. For more information on the city's Master Plan... go on-line to Jamestownny.gov/rescueplan/.
Jamestown Municipal Band set to go with three concerts this Summer, starting Wednesday night...
The Jamestown Municipal Band will begin an abbreviated concert on Wednesday. Director Rick Lundquist says they needed to work through some issues related to COVID-19 before they could take the stage again. Lundquist says they'll be held at the Allen Park Bandshell, and tomorrow night's concert begins at 7 p.m. The band will also present concerts on Wednesday July 28 and August 4. This year's concerts will be shorter, about an hour, and will not have a specific theme. Lundquist says there'll be a mix of music each night.
Metzger to received CRCF's Hamilton Award...
The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation has announced Michael Metzger as its 2021 winner of the John D. Hamilton Award. Metzger is currently the Vice President for Finance and Administration at SUNY Fredonia and has worked for a wide variety of businesses in Jamestown and vicinity for over 30 years. He's also been a dedicated community volunteer for Junior Achievement, the United Way, The Chautauqua County IDA, Chautauqua Institution and many other organizations. The foundation's executive director, Tory Irgang, says the reception honoring Michael Metzger will be September 24 at the Harbor Hotel in Celeron.
