Chautauqua County reports another plummet in COVID-19 case numbers...
As with the rest of New York state... Chautauqua County saw the number of new COVID-19 cases plummet last week to less than 200.  The county's Health Department says there were 139 cases reported for the week ending February 26th... and, the overall total is now 26,940 cases.  Officials say there were three new deaths... bringing that number now to 323.  The Health Department says 8 people are now hospitalized with COVID... or COVID-related illness.  There were 35 new cases in Dunkirk... and, 31 in Jamestown.  There are now 26,425 cases that have recovered... and, the seven-day infection rate is down to 3.1%.  That dropped the local status from "High" to "Medium" for the first time in several months.

Reed agrees that with COVID-19 numbers dropping quickly, now is time to move forward...
With more and more cities and states moving to a new phase in the COVID-19 pandemic... President Biden pivoted last night to it becoming more of an endemic.  That was something Congressman Tom Reed was hoping to hear.  He says COVID is something that we "are going to learn to live with." because it won't be totally erraticated.  Reed says the effort now should be to take care of and treat those people who still get it.  The Corning Republican says the decision to lift New York's mask mandate in public schools... beginning Wednesday... is another positive sign that the state and nation are seeing the virus fading out.  Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement last weekend with new COVID case numbers plummeting... along with the number of hospitalizations.  President Biden outlined a program Tuesday night that would provide free anti-viral medications to people to receive if they test positive for the virus. 

Reed offers more on State of the Union Address...
Now is not the time for more political speeches.  That from local Congressman Tom Reed in response to President Biden's first State of the Union speech last night.  Reed says leadership means inspiring the hearts and minds of all Americans who, in these turbulent times, do not need partisan posturing or more divisive rhetoric.  He adds "we can not spend tax dollars to get out of the inflation trap.  That will only compound the problem."  Reed adds that begins with the energy sector because the price of oil and gas is continuing to soar. 

Poehler discusses her Lucy-Desi documentary in Jamestown...
For Amy Poehler and millions of millions of Americans, "I Love Lucy" wasn't just something that was on television.  Poehler calls it a show that "came with your TV."  But... she adds it's also one that has loomed so large as a defining pillar of sitcom comedy that it... and the vibrant couple behind the show... have been flattened under the weight of words like "icon" and "trailblazer."  Poehler was especially excited to dive into the world of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz for the new documentary "Lucy and Desi."  She was at the National Comedy Center this week to talk about the show... which will steam on Amazon Prime Video this coming Friday.

Jamestown Chambers ready for 'Doors Open' program...
The Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce is bringing back 'Doors Open Jamestown' this Saturday.  Chamber Coordinator Carrie Swanson says 16 attractions will be open and free for visitors... and, they're very excited to bring it back for the first time in two years.  The general hours for 'Doors Open' will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, but some locations may close early for scheduled events later in the day.  A few attractions are by reservation only, including the Lucy-Desi Museum and the Marvin House.  Contact them directly for availability.  The National Comedy Center is already 'sold out.'  There will be a text message based scavenger hunt in conjuntion with Doors Open at each location.  To encourage people to shop locally... 12 businesses will also be a part of the scavenger hunt.  The last 'Doors Open' was a virtual one in early 2021.  This year's event was postponed from January because of the omicron surge of COVID 19.  Here's the full list of attractions:  The Audubon Community Nature Center, Busti Historical Society, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, the DAR House, The Doubletree, Fenton History Center, Prendergast Library, Lucy-Desi Museum, the Lucille M. Wright Air Museum, Martz-Kohl Observatory, Marvin House, the National Comedy Center, Northwest Arena, the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, the Robert H. Jackson Center and the Peterson Institute.  That list of attractions can also be found on Facebook and at the chamber office at Third and Main Streets downtown.

Ribbon cut on new addiction treatment clinic in Dunkirk...
The ribbon was cut Wednesday afternoon for an addiction treatment clinic in the city of Dunkirk.  New York's Secretary of State, Robert Rodriguez, was among the officials taking part in the opening of the Safe Point Lighthouse at 303 Main St.  The non-profit Acacia Network is opening the clinic that will serve an estimated 500 individuals annually.  Rodriguez traveled to Dunkirk to represent Governor Kathy Hochul.  He says the new clinic will help respond to the worsening opioid epidemic... and, number of deaths.  Eugino Russi, Executive Director of Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo came up with the idea behind the name Safe Point Lighthouse and says there is a connection to the nearby Dunkirk Lighthouse... with the sense that "light will bring you to a place of safety."