SWCS school bus struck from behind in parking lot...
No one was hurt this morning after a Sports Utility Vehicle struck the back of a Southwestern Central School Bus that had no students on board. Ellicott Town Police say the accident occured after the bus driver had stopped on the school driveway before turning onto Southwestern Drive. Officers say the driver of the SUV said her foot slipped off the brake pedal about 7:30 a.m., and, slammed into the back to the bus. The unidentified driver was not hurt... but, her vehicle stained major front end damage. The bus received minimal damage, and was able to be driven from the scene. No charges have been filed... but, the accident remains under investigation.
Sherman man seriously hurt in Lawn Tractor accident in Mayville...
A Sherman man was seriously hurt last Saturday afternoon when he lost control of his lawn tractor in the village of Mayville and it crashed in the area of West Marvin and Valley Streets. Sheriff's officers were called to the scene about 5:45 p.m., and, found that 47 year-old James Eastham had suffered serious injuries in the accident... and, was flown by medivac helicopter to the UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pa. Deputies say the accident is under investigation... and, further information will follow once available.
Two hurt, one seriously, in one-car crash in Ashville last Friday...
Two people were hurt... one seriously... in a single-car accident last Friday afternoon near the intersection of Route 474 and Maple and Church Streets in Ashville. Sheriff's deputies were called to the scene shortly after 3 p.m., and, found the driver, 44 year-old Ron Johnson of Ashville, lost control of the vehicle, and went off the roadway. Officers say the car struck several large boulders... crossed a ditch... and, came to rest. Johnson was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. His passenger, 65 year-old Walter Abbott of Panama, was flown to UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pennsylvania with serious injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
County hosts 20th anniversary commemoration of "9/11" attacks...
The 20th anniversary of the "9/11" attacks was both emotional and somber... with several calls for unity in the wake of current circumstances. In front of the Chautauqua County Courthouse in Mayville Saturday... the near-hour-long program began with County Legislator and well-known, local musician Bill Ward, singing the National Anthem. One of the featured speakers, county Veteran's Services Agency Director Greg Carlson, served in Afghanistan for several of his 15 years of active service. Carlson remembered the heros of that day... including the 412 first responders who died that day who were running up to help and rescue people in the upper floors of the Twin Towers in NYC. He says they are what heroes "truly look like." County Executive P.J. Wendel was a life-long friend and classmate of Chautauqua County's lone casualty that day, Celoron's Amy King. He got emotional in telling the story of getting an e-mail Saturday morning from Amy's sister, Kelly, asking if it would be "okay" for she and her mother, Sue to attend. He used the moment as a call for unity, and embrace our fellow Americans. Several others also spoke during the nearly hour-long program... including local Blue Star Mothers President Sue Rowley... and, State Senator George Borrello.
Amy King's sister, Kelly, looks back on forward on "9/11" 20th Anniversary...
One of Amy King's sisters says while there will always be her personal sense of loss... she's more focused on what we went through as a nation on September 11, 2001. Amy King was a Southwestern Central School graduate who was a flight attendant on board United Flight 175 was one of two planes terrorist hijackers flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Following Saturday's program in Mayville... Kelly King spoke about her sister, and why it's important to 'never forget." King says she understand now about how "average people" who may not have lost anybody that day, felt. She says we "can't ever let anything like that happen again." King says the need for people to "Never Forget" is why she brought her 15 year-old step-son to last Saturday's program so he could hear the stories, and how the attacks impacted not just their family, but, everyone.
Fredonia woman reported missing over weekend...
A Fredonia women with dementia has been reported missing after being last seen at a location on Route 20 in the north county village last Friday afternoon. The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office says 58 year-old Laura Wilcox was last seen at 4 p.m. Friday... and, is believed to be on foot. Authorites also believe she may need medical attention. They say she is white female, 5' 4" inches tall, and weighs about 155 pounds. Laura was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt, grey hooded sweatshirt, tied around her waist, and had blue floral pants on. If you have seen her or know of her whereabouts, you're asked to call 9-1-1, or the Sheriff's Office at 753-2131.
No one hurt in North Harmony house fire...
No one was hurt in a house fire late last Friday night in the town of North Harmony. Sheriff's officers say Ashville fire crews were called to the scene on Hoag Road about 10:30 p.m., and county Fire Investigators responded a short time later. Investigators found the blaze originated in the second floor wall due to an electrical issue. Officials says the two residents living there got out of the home without injury.
