This week... our Terry Frank talks with Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel about local activities surrounding America's 250th birthday celebration. Wendel discussed the early June appearance of the "Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive, which made a stop in Ripley as part of it's trip to celebrate the event. He says about 5,500 people showed up, and there was a lot of enthusiasm around the visit. We also discuss safety, and leaving the fireworks to the professionals, and that there were a number of communities hosting fireworks displays... including Dunkirk, Mayville, Lakewood, Findley Lake and Bemus Point. Wendel also urged boating safety on Chautauqua Lake, which figured to be busy on the Fourth of July and that entire weekend. We also discuss the condition of the lake... which Wendel says has been "great" especially compared to last year when excessive amounts of weeds matted on top of a few locations -- like Burtis Bay. We discuss the impact of a late start to hot weather, and early harvesting by the Chautauqua Lake Association. The third main topic for the month was the recent "Nuclear 101" forum set up by State Senator George Borrello... which Wendel said provided more information, and cleared up some misconceptions about it. He says new technology has made "Advanced Nuclear Energy" something the state is looking at seriously.
Copy episode link
