Hochul: local and regional governments will have more say in dealing with rise of COVID-19 guidance...
New New York Governor Kathy Hochul is making it clear that local and regional governments will have a say in what is done to stem the rise of the COVID-19 Delta Variant. During a press event with many members of the Western New York Control Room she has headed through much of the pandemic... Hochul pointed out that local governments know and understand what's happening in their communities better than the state. She paraphrased Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel in doing so; "Let us do this. This is the Super Bowl for our health care workers. They know how to manage this." She says she will not "be micromanaging, but giving guidance based on your input." At the same time... Hochul said she won't hesitate to do what she finds to be best for the people of the state. That goes for mask mandates for public schools. While it's controversial... Hochul says it's imperative to keep children safe... and, adds they will adapt. She's seen it with her children. Hochul says it's equally important to get "more people vaccinated..." noting that 76-percent of New Yorkers have now received at least one dose of one of the vaccines.
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There were 38 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Chautauqua County over the past day... along with one new death. The county Health Department says that brings the total number of cases to 10,045... and, deaths to 164. Officials say there are currently 272 active cases... and, eight are hospitalized.
Wolf says masks will be required in all K-12 PA schools beginning next week...
Governor Tom Wolf says that masks will be required in all Pennsylvania K-12 schools, starting next week. The Department of Health order will take effect Tuesday, Sept. 7. It will require students, teachers and staff to wear masks when inside, regardless of vaccination status. The order will not apply to student athletes while they're playing. Wolf and administration officials made the announcement Tuesday afternoon. The state is taking action amid a statewide resurgence of COVID-19 that is filling hospital beds just as students return to class.
NYS already agreeing to pay up to $9.5-million in legal costs for Cuomo investigations...
Resigning from office probably didn't end former Governor Andrew Cuomo's legal problems, and no matter what happens next, taxpayers are likely to wind up with a hefty bill. The state has already agreed to pay up to $9.5-million to lawyers representing, and investigating Cuomo and his administration over sexual harassment allegations and other matters. That figure represents the maximum amount that could be spent, not actual bills submitted so far. It includes up to $5 million for lawyers who have represented Cuomo's office, but not the legal fees of Cuomo's private attorney. Her bills are being paid by his campaign committee.
Water is back running in Dunkirk... but, Water Emergency still in place...
The city of Dunkirk remains under a water emergency and a boil water order until further notice. Mayor Willie Rosas says a water main break occurred near the intersection of Lake Shore Drive and Deer Street early Tuesday morning. Rosas says it's one of the main water mains for the city's system. Dunkirk officials said last evening that they were still hoping to get water restored. Rosas says the city was also working with the Chautauqua County Health Department on obtaining bottled water for city residents. All the water on hand was dispersed by last night... and more will be made available today.
Two city women arrested after fight, and alleged assault...
Two Jamestown woman have been arrested following an alleged assault that occured yesterday morning on the city's eastside. Jamestown police were called to the scene in the 200-block of East Second Street shortly before 9 a.m. for a fight involving two neighbors. Officers say 32 year-old Jaquetta Albino-Gonzalez and 36 year-old Nicole Allison had gotten into an altercation... and, Gonzalez pulled a knife, and cut Allison in the face. Police say Allison came back and smashed a back window in Gonzalez's back door. Officers arrested Gonzalez for second-degree assault... and, Allison for fourth-degree criminal mischief. Both were held pending arraignment.
Borrello and Serino calling on Aging Committee chair to subpoena Zucker on COVID death count...
Local State Senator George Borrello is one of two members of that chamber calling on the chairwoman of the Aging Committee to subpoena New York Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. In a printed release... Borrello and Sue Serino say the want Zucker to provide answers to why there was an undercount of 12-thousand COVID deaths in the state. The undercount was recently verified by new Governor Kathy Hochul... who updated the state's death toll during the pandemic to 55,400 people. That's in line with data submitted to the U-S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kick-off today for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month...
September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month... and the City of Jamestown will participate with a proclamation and flag raising at Tracy Plaza this afternoon. Tara Swan, Vice President of Kallies Krusade, says the event will begin at 3:30 p.m. Swan says they'll also have "block party" type event to recognize families dealing with childhood cancers. Swan says after focusing on fundraising over the last handful of years, which has raised more than $200,000 to be donated to various organizations and families, her focus is now shifting to pushing state lawmakers to put more money towards research into childhood cancer.
