UPMC Chautauqua has new president appointed...
UPMC Chautauqua Hospital in Jamestown has a new president who's been appointed to replace Brian Durniok. Durniok has been interim president, and president... since UPMC took over the Jamestown operation several years ago. He will remain on as president of UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pa., and market president for UPMC Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York. Durniok says -- effective Monday -- Tracy Gates takes over the helm in Jamestown. He says -- "Tracy brings more than two decades of leadership experience in hospital and health system operations to UPMC Chautauqua. Her career reflects a deep commitment to operational excellence, strategic growth, and community-focused care.” Most recently, Gates has been senior vice-president, chief operating officer, and vice-president of System Integration for Centralus Health, a newly formed integrated delivery network in Upstate New York. While there, she oversaw operations across three hospitals... and, two skilled nursing facilities.
City Council committees approving hiring state-mandated jail matrons...
The city of Jamestown is being mandated to hire up to eight new, on-call part-time matrons for female inmates at the city jail. The City Council's Finance and Public Safety Committees both approved the move at Monday night's work session. Finance Committee Chairman Brent Sheldon says the edict came from the State Department of Corrections following a recent inspection. At this point... Sheldon says Chief Timothy Jackson noted that they would likely be needed mainly during second and third-shifts at JPD. Public Safety Committee Chairman Jeff Russell noted that the state is requiring the city bring those positions back because male officers are not allowed to place women in the jail... or holding area. Russell adds that New York doesn't help fund them... so it's an unfunded mandate. Sheldon did note that the money to pay the matrons -- when they're needed -- would come from contingency through the end of the year. They would be part of the city budget beginning in 2026. The measure will be voted on during Council's Sept. 29 voting session.
Elderly woman driver has medical emergency and car crashes into porch in Falconer...
A single-car accident in which a vehicle went off the road and struck the porch of a house in the village of Falconer was apparently triggered by a medical emergency. Ellicott Town Police confirm the crash occured shortly before Noon Monday at the intersection of North Work and West Mosher Streets when the eldery woman driver had the medical issue. Officers say her car went through a utility guidewire... and, struck the porch at 401 North Work. The woman... who was not identified... was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment of injuries and her medical issue. No other injuries were reported.
United Way of Chautauqua County to kick-off 2025 General Campaign today...
The United Way of Chautauqua County will be officially launching its 2025 fundraising campaign later today... and, the public is invited to attend the kickoff. It will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Tulip's Brunch House in Mayville. United Way Executive Director Amy Rohler says this year's campaign goal is $1.7 million, with all proceeds going towards its 38 partner agencies that support 46 programs... including the local Red Cross... and, Meals on Wheels. This year's campaign is chaired by retired state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, and his wife, Lisa. She speaks about the campaign's theme, which is "United We Do More" meaning all donations -- regardless of size -- help them reach the goal. Today's General Campaign kickoff again... begins at 4:30 p.m. at Tulip's in Mayville.
Wendel says 2026 proposed county budget is ready to go...
Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel will present his 2026 budget proposal two weeks from Wednesday... and, he says it's pretty much in final form now. However... Wendel is also waiting to see if anything changes between now and Sept. 24. The Lakewood Republican says he's pleased with the new spending plan... which he says keeps any increase below the state's 2% property tax cap. Wendel says they made some tough guidelines for department head, but, adds he's proud of the work everyone has done. He says, though, there is more concern going into 2027... when the depths of federal cuts may be felt even moreso in New York state. He says Social Service directors from across the state will be meeting, and will likely learn more about possible Medicaid cuts. Wendel does admit that his 2026 budget proposal uses more of the county's, $40-million, undesignated fund balance than he would like. The past few years... Wendel has brought in budgets that have reduced the county's tax rate. He made his comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.
Four rescued after boat takes on water on Lake Erie, near Dunkirk...
Four people have been rescued from a boat that was taking on water on Lake Erie approximately four miles from the city of Dunkirk Marina. Dunkirk Fire Chief Nick Barter says his department and the Chautauqua County Water Emergency Team received the call shortly after 5:30 p.m. Monday. Barter says the city's Water Rescue Team responded quickly on Marine One within six minutes of the call. The crew made contact with the vessel in distress and assisted all four people aboard back to the marina. No one was hurt.
