Woman, 66, killed in two-car, head-on crash on Rt. 60 in Gerry Sunday night...
A woman has died... and, two other people were serious hurt... in a two-car, head-on crash, on Route 60 in the town of Gerry Sunday night. Sheriff's officers say they and other agencies were called to the scene shortly after 6 p.m., and, say the lone occupant of a northbound car died at the scene. She is only being identified right now as a 66 year-old female. The 19 year-old woman driver and a passenger in the southbound vehicle were both taken to area hospital for treatment. Deputies say the accident remains under investigation... and, more information will be released at a later time.
Several south county area fire departments respond to large fire at town of Ellery home...
More than a dozen fire departments battled a structure fire... and, the elements Saturday morning in the Sheldon Hall area of the town of Ellery. Sheriff's department fire dispatchers say Fluvanna firefighters were called to the scene on Willow Avenue about 7:20 a.m., and, they were joined by several others -- including Jamestown -- to truck water in and fight the flames. Facebook video shows the home fully-engulfed in flames on arrival. Once the blaze was out... the county's Fire Investigation Team was called in to look for the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators found the fire originated on the first-floor of the large residence... and, it was accidental in nature. Investigators say one person was transported to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for minor injuries sustained in the fire.
Dunkirk Dave sees no shadow on Groundhog Day, predicting early Spring...
There was a good turnout this morning on Farmlane Road for the annual Groundhog Day outlook from Dunkirk's longtime weather prognosticator, despite early morning temperatures in the single digits. Dave's handler, Bob Will, says the local groundhog did not see his shadow. According to legend... that means we'll see early spring weather. Will says Dave made his prediction after eating some pumpkin pie on the ground outside his house... but, he couldn't stay out very long do to the very cold air. So Dave went back into his home before he could see any shadow. Dave's prediction was different than the one provided by his counterpart in Pennsylvania. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter. Will says Dunkirk Dave predicts the "correct" way -- from the ground, unlike Phil. He says Dunkirk Dave walks on the ground -- the way it's supposed to be done, to see or not see his shadow. Will added that Dave seems to enjoy the crowd more than ever and "appreciates people clapping when they hear" a prediction of early spring.
Fredonia continues both Boil and Conserve Water Orders for water system through at least Tuesday...
A water main break in the village of Fredonia's water system has necessitated both boil water, and conserve water orders for the system. The Chautauqua County Health Department issued boil water order late Friday.... and, coordinated with the village to issue a Mandatory Water Conservation Order for all customers of the water system due to a substantial loss of water. County officials are asking customers to conserve water to ensure that the water treatment plant can produce enough water to meet customer demand while Village staff worked to locate and fix the leak. Anytime water is not adequately treated... officials say the State Department of Health requires that a boil water order must be issued to notify customers. With that... all Fredonia water customers must boil water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and making coffee until further notice. Water must be brought to a rolling boil for one minute then cooled prior to use. In addition... water customers -- both residential and commercial -- must take steps to reduce water usage. These restrictions will remain in place until further notice. For more information, residents should call the Village of Fredonia at 679-2307.
Four county business sectors report growth, but, also concerns for 2026...
There's been growth in the business community across Chautauqua County... but, headed into 2026... there are still plenty of challenges. That from the panel of four area business leaders representing health care, agriculture, banking and construction last Friday in Fredonia at the second-annual CHQ Chamber State of Business Breakfast. One of the panelists was M-&-T Bank in Lakewood's Vice-President and Senior Branch Manager, Cathy Kerr... who says their biggest challenge has been fraud... and, says they've become more disciplined and better prepared for uncertainty. Kerry says a survey of consumers reported $12.5-billion in financial losses in 2024... a 25% increase from the previous year. Brad Walters... who is the director of the Builder's Exchange of the Southern Tier... says construction spending in Chautauqua County has followed a "steady, moderate-growth" trajectory the past decade. However... he says Micron's $100-billion project for a chipmaking plant near Syracuse is the "900-pound gorilla in the room" for New York's next generation in his industry. He says while there will be many jobs created prevailing wage, and bonuses, will allow a carpenter -- alone -- to make an extra $62,000 a year for their work on the project. Also on the panel was Brooks-TLC President and Chief Executive Officer, Ken Morris, and, Viticulture Specialist Jennifer Phillips Russo with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
