(These were not updated for Friday -- 11/12)
Horrigan inducted into NYS Senate's Veterans Hall of Fame...
A retired U-S Air Force Colonel... who also served four years as Chautauqua County Executive... has been inducted into the New York State Senate's Veteran's Hall of Fame. Bemus Point's Vince Horrigan was nominated by local State Senator George Borrello of Sunset Bay for the honor... and, Borrello recalled the first time he met Horrigan. He says it was in 2009 right after historic flooding in the village of Silver Creek. Horrigan was executive director of the local American Red Cross chapter... and one of the first people at the scene. He says he was very impressed by Horrigan's work during that, then later when they both served on the county legislature. Borrello then replaced Horrigan as County Executive in 2017 after Horrigan decided not to seek re-election. Fellow Air Force veteran Greg Carlson is director of the county's Office of Veteran's Services. He says Horrigan not only flew "top gun" fighter planes... but, also trained the 'best of the best.' Carlson says he was not just a fighter pilot, but, someone who trained the best to be pilots. Horrigan says he expected to be drafted... and, wanted to decide early on which branch of the service he wanted to be -- the Air Force. He also reflected on the death this past Summer of his son-in-law... who was also a veteran who suffered from PTSD. Thursday's ceremony was held at the county Veteran's Services Office in West Ellicott.
Veterans Day ceremony held at St. Lukes church...
St. Luke’s Church hosted Jamestown’s annual Veterans Day service just after 11 a.m. Thursday. The speaker for the event was Sean McNally, Firing Squad Commander for the Ira Lou Spring Post American Legion. He said it’s good to be a veteran, and it means a lot to follow in the footsteps of those who had gone before. McNally recounted many of the wars and conflicts since the Revolution that Americans have fought in, and added that, through all these ventures, veterans fought with "courage and conviction" for their country.
Veteran's Park hosts earlier Veteran's Day program...
Veteran's Day 2021 in the Jamestown-area began yesterday at Veteran's Park on the city's westside. A few dozen people, and local elected leaders... gathered around the American Flag memorial circle. The ceremony... put on by VFW Post #53... included a 21-gun salute, and the playing of Taps. Post-#53 Commander... Bill Johnston... paid tribute to those who have passed on, and explained the importance of the day to honor the sacrifices of all veterans -- living and deceased. Other leaders from the VFW, and others placed flowers and flags at the base of the American Flag in the park during the ceremony.
Fire destroys trailer home in Westfield...
Several fire departments responded to a report of a trailer fire on North Gale Street in Westfield Wednesday afternoon. The trailer was located near some propane tanks. Westfield firefighters received mutual aid from Ripley, Portland, Brocton and Chautauqua County Emergency Services in battling the fire shortly after 1 p.m. County fire police also assisted at the scene. The Westfield Fire Department stated on it's Facebook page that the trailer was a complete loss. No word on what caused the fire.
Bentley resigns from county DPF director's post effective Dec. 1...
The man who has headed up the Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities has announced he is resigning -- effective the end of November. The surprise announcement was made by Director Brad Bentley during Wednesday's meeting of the legislature's Audit and Control Committee. Bentley said that he had been asked to tender his resignation by County Executive P-J Wendel. It was submitted this past Monday. Bentley he enjoyed his work, and is proud of what he's been able to do. We caught up with Wendel yesterday morning... and, he indicated that he had not asked Bentley for his resignation. He added that Bentley was ready to resign late last week... but, he asked the outgoing director to think about it over the weekend. Wendel says he'll meet next week with DPF managers about going forward... but, says someone who just came the area may have qualifications for the job. He says Bentley served the community and the county "greatly." Wendel says a search committee will be formed in the near future, once the paperwork is completed by the Human Resources Department.
City man arrested following domestic incident for being repeat offender...
A Jamestown man previously convicted on domestic violence charges has again been arrested following a domestic incident on the city's southside. City police say they were called to the unspecified scene about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday... and, later arrested 33 year-old Charles Thielges. Officers say Thielges allegedly violated an order of protection by being with a woman he was ordered to stay away from. He was taken into custody without incident... and, charged with second-degree criminal contempt... and, aggravated family offense due to the prior convictions.
