New York's new restrictions on ammunition sales take effect tomorrow (Wednesday), requiring all sellers to register with state police and buyers to appear in person to get bullets. It's part of the law pushed through a year ago by Governor Andrew Cuomo, one month after the massacre of 26 educators and children in Newtown, Connecticut. It requires transactions to take place in person. That includes Internet sales, which will require the face-to-face involvement of a New York-licensed seller. Organizations like shooting ranges and hunting clubs that distribute ammunition on their premises can register to keep getting direct shipments. State police say the law will require retailers to record sales and do background checks on buyers as required now for gun sales once a state database is operating.
A national restaurant chain will be locating one of it's stores in the Jamestown-area by sometime later this year. Lakewood Mayor David Wordleman confirmed rumors of recent days that Panera Bread is buying the property owned by Shults Auto Group on the west side of Mall Boulevard... and, planning to begin construction of a new restaurant soon. Wordleman says he's excited to see the fast-growing eatery chain coming to the area. Wordleman says he and village Building Inspector Charlie Smith met with a Panera representative last week... and, adds they're excited about the news. He adds the building will be about the typical size of Panera's other restaurants... but, he says this restaurant will have something different. Wordlemann says the proposal may not have to go before the village Planning Board because the building is less than 5-thousand square feet. However... he says it may anyway. If all goes as planned... Wordleman says a site plan should be ready for the village board in about a month... and, the new restaurant should be up and running by late Summer or early Fall.
The artic blast of cold air and weather from last week has left the American Red Cross with a nationwide blood shortage. Southwestern New York Chapter Director Bill Tucker says about 300 drives in 25 states were cancelled last week due to the storm and dangerous conditions. With that... he says the effort's underway to build the blood supply back up. Tucker says if you have the time... and, are able... you can make an appointment to donate. He says they're asking anyone eligible to give blood to call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule a time to stop in. Tucker says you can also make a walk-in donation. He says there are a number of drives going on right now... but, he adds their fixed site in Jamestown will be open tomorrow (today)... and, Thursday afternoons from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The Red Cross likes to have at least a three-day supply of blood on hand. You must be in good health, be at least 17 years of age, and weigh 110 pounds to donate. Again... for more information... call 664-5115.
The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York is again seeking nominations for it's annual "Hometown Heros" awards this year. Assistant Director Kathy Burch says they're now accepting nominations from the public for the 12th celebration at Moon Brook Country Club near Jamestown next Mday. Burch says it's a great way to recognize people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the community. Burch says nomination forms will be accepted until April 1st. There are several catagories... including Humanitarian of the Year... which is for someone who helped someone in the county in a special way. She says others include Firefighter, Law Enforcement, Emergency and Medical personnel, Workplace, Youth, and Animal Rescue of the Year. Nomination forms can be found on their website at Redcross-dot-ORG-backslash-swny. You can also call 664-5115.
State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher has announced an expansion of the university system's on-line program. During her State of the University address today... Zimpher announced the "Open SUNY" initiative, which launches eight new on-line degree programs at six campuses. SUNY at Fredonia Spokesman Mike Barone, who made the trip to Albany to hear the address, says it won't likely change the local campus. Barone was pleased that the SUNY College at Fredonia was recognized in the Chancellor's speech as one of nine campuses to make Kiplinger's top values ranking. Barone says a student may be taking on-line courses... and, due to cost -- or whatever the reason -- they can't attend a residential college. He says they could still be learning from a SUNY College at Fredonia faculty member.
