Early morning, 3.8-magnitude earthquake detected in Buffalo-area...
A small earthquake in western New York jolted people awake early Monday morning... but, apparently caused no significant damage. The U.S. Geological Survey preliminarily reported a magnitude 3.8 earthquake centered east of Buffalo at about 6:15 a.m. in Orchard Park. A seismologist says it was the region's strongest quake in at least 40 years. The shaking lasted only a few seconds... but, sent residents unaccustomed to earthquakes to social media in search of an explanation.
House fire in Stockton kills several animals...
A malfunctioning electrical receptical is listed as the cause of a fire that heavily-damaged a home in the town of Stockton Sunday afternoon. Chautauqua County fire dispatchers say Stockton firefighters were called to 7150 Route 380 about 1:20 p.m., and, mutual aid was called in from Cassadaga, Brocton, Sinclairville... and, county Emergency Services.... along with tanker trucks to bring water to the scene. The county's Fire Investigation Team was called in to look for the cause. No one was hurt in the fire... but, officials say several animals died as a result of the fire.
Reg Lenna's 100th Birthday celebration kicks off Sunday afternoon...
More than 100 people were on hand to sing "Happy Birthday" to the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts... the former Palace Theater... in downtown Jamestown Sunday afternoon. The former Palace was mentioned during a scene of the old "I Love Lucy" Show in the 1950s in which Fred talks about his time in vaudeville, and tells Lucy and Ethel about what he did at The Palace in Jamestown, NY. The center turns 100 in 2023... and, a special birthday celebration kicked-off a year of activites and events at the former Palace. Current Reg Lenna Executive Director, Hillary Meyer, thanked past directors, board members and local foundations for their efforts to keep 'The Reg' going through renovation and revitalization of the old theater. Several proclamations were presented by local elected officials... and, in-person reflections were also offered by Conty Executive P.J. Wendel and State Assemblyman Andy Goodell. Refreshments were offered at the end of the program... and, it was followed by a special, free showing of the movie "School of Rock." Meyer says this kicks off a year of activities at The Reg.
Jamestown receives $248,000 Safe Streets Grant...
The city of Jamestown has been awarded a more than $248,000 federal Safe Streets for All grant to create a Comprehensive Road Safety Plan. Mayor Eddie Sundquist says the plan will include engineering and design work. Sundquist says the city is receiving the grant through the U-S Department of Transportation... and, the Federal Highway Administration. The Safe Streets for All program is part of the bi-partsian infrastructure law approved by Congress in late 2021. During his recent State of the City Address... Sundquist said they are also looking for more grants to get this done to make the streets safer "for everyone." Sundquist says the comprehensive plan will help form the blueprint to projects increasing pedestrian, bicyclist, and driver safety, with a focus on improving safe routes to school. He adds the city intends to apply for a multi-million dollar implementation grant during the next round funding to carry out the plan. The City Council recently approved a "Vision Zero" resolution, making it Jamestown’s goal to eliminate roadway deaths and serious injuries.
Sundquist says city is also looking to bring back more planes and train travel opportunities in SOC...
In addition to making it safer for local motorists and pedestrians... the city of Jamestown is also working towards bringing back commercial air and rail service. Mayor Sundquist highlighted this as part of the State of the City Address... noting they are looking for federal help in getting more rail service back, along with air service. Sundquist says the city has been in touch with state and federal officials regarding restoring Essential Air Service at the Chautauqua County Airport just outside of Jamestown. The Essential Air Service designation was taken away from the Jamestown Airport several years ago after a drop off in the number of passengers per plan to under 10 per flight. County officials have pushed to get the designation restored so commercial air service can be restored to the Jamestown-area.
The Chautauqua Center merges with Tri-County Medical...
The Chautauqua Center in Jamestown has acquired the long-standing Tri-County Family Medical Practice in Gowanda... which officials say will allow them to better serve patients in northern Chautauqua County. The Chautauqua Center's Chief Executive Officer... Michael Pease... says the move also expands their reach into southeastern Erie County, and northwestern Cattaraugus County. Pease adds the transition is expected to be completed soon, and patients should not experience any disruption in service. TCFM continues to accept new patients. For more information... call 716-241-7067.
Family of Ron Graham post tributes following his death...
A man who was the co-founder of both the Chautauqua Striders, and the Infinity Performing Arts youth programs has passed away from cancer. Family members of Ron Graham posted tributes on-line early last weekend for Graham... who was in his mid-70s. Graham and the late Dan Feather established the Striders in 1978. Graham was honored during a program at the Robert H. Jackson Center last October. He says helping to get the Striders and Infinity programs underway was a way to give back to the community he grew up in.
