Heritage announces closing of Heritage Village in Gerry... nearly 40 residents to be moved to other facilities at The Green and Park...
A rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility that's one of three operated by Heritage in the Jamestown-area will be closing it's doors due to "ongoing financial and operational challenges facing the long-term care industry."  Media One News had heard earlier in the week that officials had been notifying families about the likely closing of Heritage Village in Gerry.  In a press release issued Wednesday morning... Heritage's Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Haglund, said like many nursing homes across the state -- "Heritage Village has operated at a significantly reduced census since the COVID-19 pandemic, serving fewer than 40 residents.  Despite continued efforts to sustain operations, the organization determined that maintaining services at the location is no longer financially viable."  She called it a "very difficult but necessary decision.  Closing Heritage Village allows us to focus our limited staffing, financial resources, and operational support on our remaining skilled nursing communities – Heritage Park and Heritage Green – so that we can continue to provide high-quality care in Chautauqua County."  Haglund also noted that Heritage’s leadership team has worked closely with its local board on a long-term strategic plan to stabilize operations and preserve access to skilled nursing services in the region.  No closing date was announced.

JPD asking public's help in finding missing city man...
Jamestown police are asking for the public's help in find a city man reported missing Tuesday.  Police say they are trying to locate 59-year-old Darin Bigelow... who is described as a white male... about 5"11' tall... 165 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.  Anyone with information about Bigelow's whereabouts is asked to contact call JPD at 483-7536 or the Tip Line at 483-8477.

City Council approves $350,000 JLDC Loan to Jade Empire for Prendergast Landing project...
City lawmakers have approved a 350-thousand dollar, Jamestown Local Development Corporation loan to provide "bridge funding" for the $2.2-million Prendergast Landing project on the city's westside.  Jade Empire, LLC is proposing the mixed-use project for the former Joyce's Keg Room building at 106-108 Fairmount Avenue.  City Development Director Crystal Surdyk says Jade's Chief Executive Officer, Rashaan Graham has everything else in place... and, this will help complete the project.  Surdyk says some state funding for the project could be delayed, and this will help to "bridge" that gap.  Surdyk says the first floor of the three-story building will have two purposes... the first being a "cafe" and small business incubator... and the other for outfitters -- catering to skateboarders and kayakers in that area.  She says the second-floor will include smaller, "co-working space" for people looking for work space they don't have space for at home.  Surdyk says the third-floor will have three, short-term "AirBnB" type living spaces.  The City Council is required to vote on any JLDC loan of $100,000 or more.  The loan was approved by council 7-1 with At-Large Councilman Dan Gonzales casting the lone "no" vote.

County's Industrial Development Agency approves 10 year PILOT agreement with Wavepoint for expanded operations in the north county...
The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agencys' board has approved financial incentives for the expansion of a local food distribution company... assisting with the acquisition of property in the town of Sheridan.  Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, Mark Geise, says Wavepoint plans to acquire and upgrade a just-over 121,000 square foot existing warehouse and logistics hub on Chadwick Drive to improve and expand its operations.  In addition... he says Wavepoint -- which is headquartered in North East, Pa. -- has purchased an option on adjoining land to potentially expand the facility to take advantage of its rail access.  Geise says Wavepoint has currently has local operations in the village of Fredonia... and, the Chadwick Bay Industrial Park in the Town of Sheridan.  He says company officials noted that the acquisition will not affect their operations in Fredonia... but, will support it's growth.  The total project cost is about $6-million... and, will increase Wavepoint's local employment from 64 to 84.  The company will make Payment In Lieu of Tax payments over 10 years of about $860,000.

United Way of Chuatauqua County makes and exceeds it's $1.7-million goal...
It was a "united effort" that helped the United Way of Chautauqua County not only met -- but, exceed it's 2025 General Campaign goal.  Campaign leaders and others gathered at The Chop House in downtown Jamestown to celebrate last night.  Campaign Co-Chairs Andy and Lisa Goodell announced they had raised $1.766-million... or about $66,000 more than their goal.  Andy Goodell says they got some new donors... and, some others boosted their giving.  Those boosting their employee giving to 100% were Chautauqua Chemicals, and the Chautauqua Federal Credit Union.  He adds others also came through big... including Refresco, and Purina in the north county.  Goodell also praised the more than 200 volunteers who helped the campaign by helping to get those donors... and, make a record number of workplace presentations.  United Way Executive Director Amy Rohler expressed much appreciation to the Goodell's for their work during the campaign celebration at The Chop House in Jamestown.