Fluvanna firefighters make quick work of small fire at Bob Evans restaurant on Route 60...
Fluvanna firefighters made quick work of a small fire at the Bob Evans Restaurant on Route 60 -- just north of Jamestown -- late Thursday afternoon. Chautauqua County fire dispatchers say crews were called to the scene for a mulch fire that had begun spreading to the building about 4 p.m. Firefighters were able to get the flames out quickly... and, cleared smoke from an area near the bathrooms. The building did not need to be evacuated. No one was hurt. Crews were at the scene about an hour. The cause was not released.
AQI Advisory remains in effect through Friday night...
All of Western New York... including all of Chautauqua County... remain under an Air Quality Health Advisory due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation... and, State Department of Health... is continuing the advisory for "fine particulate matter." Forecaster Dan Kelly with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says the smoke was especially visable during the day Thursday... and, was still visable in many places today. Kelly says breathing in the smoke can be a problem for the very young and very old... especially those with lung and breathing issues. Air Quality Health Advisories are issued when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution... either ozone or fine particulate matter... are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100.
In wake of Thursday night address... Sen. Gillibrand says Trump needs to get over 2020 loss...
President Donald Trump used a primetime address Thursday to question the legitimacy of U.S. elections and push for more restrictive voting laws. The Republican president president revisited debunked theories about his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden, despite ongoing voter concerns about other pressing issues. Trump claimed election interference but provided no evidence of manipulated votes. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says Trump needs to "get over" 2020 because Americans are more worried about "paying their bills." Gillibrand says he's also trying to "lay the groundwork" to undermine this November's elections. Some networks choose not to air the address live. Gillibrand says... instead of relitigating the 2020 election... there are bigger concerns to be focused on such as the cost of food, and health care.
"Cents for St. Susan’s" Campaign raises record $42,000 +....
The annual "Cents for St. Susan's" campaign to raise money to support the Jamestown-area's largest soup kitchen has set a new record for the amount raised. The Board of Public Utilities and the St. Susan's Center has announced the fund-raiser brought in more than $40,000 for the first time. Center Executive Director Cheri Rowland was "totally amazed" by the final total of $42,386. Rowland says they're "blessed to have a community as that of Jamestown for supporting St. Susan's." She notes the sponsors who take part are a big part fo their success. A total of 14 sponsors contributed $500 -- or more -- each. Money was also raised through the BPU's annual hot dog sale... which brought in more than $1,700. More than 50 canisters were placed around the area to support the effort as well. With increasing food costs... and, for day-to-day operations... Rowland says the financial boost is welcomed. The "Cents for St. Susan's" campaign brought in more than $6,000 more this year than last year's record of $36,330. The Glenora Radio Network was a media sponsor of this year's effort.
Jamestown man arrested for swinging baseball bat at people during Wednesday afternoon fight...
A city man has been arrested for allegedly swinging a baseball bat at two people -- one a child -- during a fight Wednesday afternoon on Jamestown's southside. City police say they were called to the location about 5 p.m. on a report of a fight with weapons involved. A JPD STRIVE Detail responded... and, found the suspect... 38 year-old Joshua Becker... a short distance away. Becker was arrested for third-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, second-degree menacing... and, held pending arraignment.
The 30th annual Laurel Run underway...
The two-day event celebrating the achievements of Chautauqua County residents with developmental disabilities is officially underway for the 30th year. The Laurel Memorial Run and Walk began this morning with a flag relay run from Jamestown to Dunkirk and continues Saturday morning with activities in Silver Creek. Steve Waterson of the Resource Center credits the longevity of this event to Wayne and Elaine Hotelling... and the advocacy for their late daughter, Laurel, who lived with Down syndrome. Waterson says it was originally a "one-and-done" event... but, it caught on so much they kept it going. Wayne Hotelling says the event would not be possible without the backing of the local community, as well as support from outside the area. Proceeds from Laurel Run are used to provide employment and work training opportunities for adults with disabilities. They also support the Dr. John Vona "Smile" Fund to provide dental services for people with disabilities.
