Roberts pays tribute to Jackson in Jamestown on 10th anniversary of RHJ Center...
The current Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court paid tribute to late Justice Robert H. Jackson Friday on the 10th anniversary of the center bearing his name in Jamestown. Justice John Roberts, who was born in Buffalo, spoke for about 20 minutes about Jackson from the porch of the Jackson Center. Roberts talked a lot about Jackson's quick assention and dedication. He says that was never more evident than 59 years ago Friday when Jackson returned to the court to hear the final opinion in the Brown versus Board of Education case. Jackson had suffered a major heart attack back on March 30 of 1954. Roberts says Jackson left the hospital on May 17 so he could hear the decision announced. A few months later, Jackson suffered another heart attack that ultimately took his life. However... Roberts says Jackson left behind a "inspiring legacy of a public servant, and true patriot." While he spent only 13 years on the high court... Roberts says Jackson made a lasting impact... and, added "what a mark he left." He says Jackson issued 154 "Opinions of the Court..." 115 Dissents... and, 46 "Concerning Opinions." However... Roberts also injected a lot of judicial humor into his talk... saying that when a judge speaks in court, he will likely disappoint half of the people. When he speaks in public... he has "a fair chance of "disappointing everyone." Roberts also reflected on the changes in the Supreme Court since Jackson sat there but noted that today's judges share the same ideals as their predecessors.
RHJ Director calls Roberts visit a very rare occasion...
Prior to his address... Chief Justice Roberts took a tour of the Jackson Center... and, it's many exhibits honoring Jackson's contributions to the high court... and, Nuremberg. This is the third time a sitting Chief Justice of the U-S Supreme Court has visited Jamestown. That's an honor few -- if any other -- small towns in the U-S can claim. Jackson Center Executive Director Jim Johnson told our Jim Roselle that public appearances by the Chief Justice are "very rare." Johnson says he may do three or four appearances a year... but, that's often at college commencements, or other major events. He says they hope Roberts enjoyed his tour of the Jackson Center. He also applauded the work of the small army of volunteers that helped in the planning and logistics to get the Chief Justice here for the event. Following Chief Justice Roberts' speech... he and several other dignitaties and members of the local judiciary went back inside the Jackson Center for a special luncheon.
Canada earthquake register's 5.1-magnitude, shakes parts of WNY for a short time...
A 5.1-magnitude earthquake in Ontario, Canada has been felt across upstate New York from Buffalo to the Vermont border. Canada's government agency that monitors earthquakes says the quake occurred at 9:43 a.m. Friday about 13 miles northeast of Shawville, Quebec, about an hour's drive outside of Ottawa. Local media outlets in northern New York say people in communities along the St. Lawrence River and as far east as Lake Champlain on New York-Vermont border reported feeling their homes shake. There are also reports from residents of Buffalo and surrounding suburbs who say they felt their houses sway and the ground shake for less than one minute. Rochester and Syracuse media outlets also report that the quake was felt in those areas. There are no reports of damage.
North county fires damage two structures, one a garage...
Firefighters from six departments had to battle a house fire on Route 20 in the town of Portland overnight. Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department dispatch center says the first call came in around 1:30 this morning. Portland had mutual aid from Brocton, Westfield, Mayville, Stockton and Fredonia. Route 20 was closed for over three-and-a-half hours because of the fire. The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation has been called in to determine a cause. No injuries have been reported.
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About 30 firefighters were called to put out a blaze that damaged a garage on Howard St. in the village of Fredonia. Second Assistant Fredonia Fire Chief John Lanphere says the fire at 93 Howard Street was first reported about 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Lanphere says the first crews reported heavy fire conditions from the garage that was attached to a home. Fire crews were able to quickly douse the flames, with the fire confined to the garage. No injuries were reported and all occupants were able to get out of the house. The County Fire Investigation team is now looking for a cause.
