Major, $425-million expansion project that'll add more than 300 new jobs announced at Wells Enterprises...
A major maker of ice cream and other frozen treats is beginning a more than $400-million expansion project that will bring another 270 jobs to northern Chautauqua County. New York Governor Kathy Hochul was in Dunkirk Tuesday afternoon to announce that Wells Enterprises will be undertaking the $425-million project... with the help of the state and other entities. Hochul called it a "proud day" for the Dunkirk area... and, adds that people "around the state love the ice cream that comes out of this factory." She says those products helps to "make good memories for families as well." In addition... Hochul says the project will help Wells retain it's current 380 jobs at the location. She says the state is chipping in some capital to assist with the effort... $18-million total. Hochul says $6-million will come from Empire State Development... while there will be $12-million in tax credits from the Excelsior Jobs program. Specifically... she says the project will increase the capacity of Well's current ice cream production, create new capabilities for future innovation, and add a first-of-its-kind chocolate manufacturing facility within the plant to use for ingredients in its ice cream and novelty products.
Fire that damaged Sinclairville Home determined to be "incendiary" in nature...
Chautauqua County fire investigators say someone intentionally set a house fire late Tuesday morning in the village of Sinclairville. Fire dispatchers say Sinclairville fire crews were called to the scene at 38 East Ave. about 10 a.m. to battle the blaze. Several mutual aid companies... including Celoron... were called in to assist. After extinguishing the fire... the county's Fire Investigation Team was called to the scene... and they found that the fire was incendiary in nature. No injuries were reported... and, the investigation is on-going.
HAB spotted in Chautauqua Lake forces closing of Lakewood Beach...
Discovery of a harmful algal bloom on Chautauqua Lake -- near Lakewood Beach -- has forced the closing of the beach's swimming area. That from Village Trustee Nancy Jones... who is in charge of the beach's lifeguard program... and says the HAB was spotted last Friday and a picture was sent to the county's Health Department. Jones says they recommended the closing until the algal bloom disappears. Up until now... she says they had been able to keep the beach open this Summer because they had six lifeguards. She says two will remain be on duty to make sure people don't go into the water. Jones says, though, their separate kiddie pool will remain open. Once the bloom disappears... she says they Health Department will take a sample of the water to make sure there are no left-over toxins in the water.
New records announced at conclusion of "Cents for St. Susan’s” campaign...
It was a record-smashing year for the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities annual "Cents for St. Susan’s" campaign to raise funds for the area's largest soup kitchen. BPU officials, along with those from the St. Susan's Center... gathered at Panzarella Park Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the fund drive going over the $35,000 mark for the first time ever. That from BPU Communications Coordinator, Becky Robbins, who helped head up this 25th anniversary effort. Robbins says the $35,401 raised this year easily beat last year's record of just over $32,000 raise. She adds that brings the 25 year total of money raised from the campaign to just over $395,000. BPU General Manager Dave Leathers adds that "this drive is one way in which we can help our community outside of our daily utility work. Both Leathers and Robbins thanked their "major" corporate and individual donors... each of whom contributed $500, $650, and some up to $1,000 or more. Robbins says their bright yellow coin canisters brought in $1,996... while redeemable cans and bottles brought in just over $300. The annual hot dog sale also brought in a record, $1,313 this year. The Media One Radio Group was a media sponsor of the "Cents for St. Susan's" campaign.
New JCC Men's Hockey team to hit ice in Jamestown this Fall...
When classes resume this Fall at SUNY Jamestown Community College... there will be a new sport that will hit the ice for the first time ever. College hockey will make it's debut at the Northwest Arena... with the Jayhawks being part of the Upstate New York Collegiate Hockey League... which was founded in 2006. JCC Hockey Head Coach Tommy Gerace says the league works to keep the game affordable... while giving local hockey players a change to play in college. He's excited to get started... and, says having a college hockey team has been discussed for some time... and, finally they are getting it. Gerace says he... along with his father, Joe... and, JCC Athletic Director George Sisson... began work last September to get the program started. Joe Gerace will be the assistant coach. While he and his father love hockey... Tommy Gerace says they believe this is about more than "just hockey...." but, also helping to grow the community and keeping college-age hockey players here. In addition to their league... Gerace says the JCC hockey team will play against some regional four-year schools -- including SUNY Fredonia... and, schools in the Buffalo and Erie, Pa. areas.
