Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Heitzenrater joins our Terry Frank this week to talk about the start to the Holiday Shopping season, and membership. Heitzenrater says members they've talked to had both a good Black Friday, and Small Business Saturday. In fact... he says one mentioned they were concerned because they had their best year in 2022. However... this year they've doubled there amount of sales. He adds they again have their ShopCHQ.com gift cards that can be used at about 170 local businesses in the county. We also discuss where they are on memberships, and their new mission and vision statements. We also discuss a possible record number of ribbon cuttings for new businesses in the county. He says they just recently doubled last year's number, and the chamber is very pleased about that.

Our Terry Frank discusses a number of economic development issues this week with Deputy Chautauqua County Executive for Economic Development, Mark Geise. The major topic is New York State awarding a 5.25-million dollar grant to the county, and it's Industrial Development Agency for development of a 140-acre "shovel-ready" industrial park location near the Shortman Road exit off Interstate 90 in the town of Ripley. Specifically... Geise says the state funding will be used for infrastructure at the location, including getting electric, water and sewer services into the location, along with an access road. He says the entire project will take about 1-and-a-half to two-years to complete. However... they could begin work on the parcels on the westside of the site in the near future. We also discuss the decision to close the Cockaigne Ski Center in Cherry Creek, and while the IDA is ready to help, Geise says the owners have someone marketing that property, and they hope to see a buyer. We also discuss the village of Fredonia moving ahead with further study into the need for safe, and stable water supply to the village, and the IDA's funding half of that study. Preliminary results were recently provided to village officials.

This week we highlight the recent presentation by SUNY Jamestown Community College officials to the Jamestown City Council about plans to transfer Diethrick Park to JCC for planned upgrades -- namely a new turf field. JCC President Daniel DeMarte led off with an explanation of the project, which was initially to lay down the new, multi-purpose turf field which would be used for baseball, soccer and softball. However... he says there is another proposal by another consultant that would cost less... but, keep Diethrick Park a baseball-only stadium... and, create a new turf field at Stadium West for soccer and softball. JCC Foundation Executive Dir. Maria Kindberg says the new proposal would cost 27-million dollars while the initial one was 30-million dollars. Legal Counsel Stephen Abdella talked a little more about the legalities, and how the transfer of Diethrick Park would work. He also answered questions about what would happen with the city "losing" parkland, and possibly having to replace it... as well as what would happen with city parks workers who currently keep up the park with the city's other park facilities.

Our Terry Frank hosts his monthly interview with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist, who was defeated in his effort to win a second-term by Republican Councilwoman Kim Ecklund. Sundquist reflects on that night, and how proud he is of his campaign. He congratulated Ecklund on his victory, and noted that he was one of some small city Democratic mayors on Election Night who were defeated. He says he and his campaign are still processing this. It has been noted that the issues revolve mainly around public safety, bail reform, and Raise the Age legislation. We also discuss what he's looking to accomplish in his final two months in office, including getting a final, 2024 budget in place for the city. We also discuss what may take place with remaining money from the city's 28-million dollar American Rescue Plan Act funding, and, plans for the annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration.

Our Terry Frank speaks with Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel this week about the recently approved county budget that totals 294.1-million dollars, and other matters. Wendel echoed previous sentiments that the budget process went well, and that even Democratic Minority Leader Bob Bankowski said so, even though he and other Democratic lawmakers voted against it. With some possibly unexpected expenses heeped on the county this year, and possibly next, he didn't want to use another 1-million dollars in fund balance to offset spending. Wendel was also pleased the county's airports were approved for about 1.6-million dollars in state funding for infrastructure improvements. At the Jamestown Airport, he says the terminal building will be getting a significant face-lift. The executive was also saddened to learn that the Cockaigne Ski Center near Cherry Creek will not open this year... due in large part to mild Winters the past two years that really hurt the new owners financially. The center is up for sale. We also discuss the major response to The Colony Motel fire in West Ellicott.

News Director Terry Frank this week welcomes United Way of Southern Chautauqua County's Executive Dir. Amy Rohler and the agency's VITA Program Dir. Joe Kwitatkowski to the program. We first receive an update on the United Way's General Campaign, which recently began, and is about 20% of the way towards it's 1.4-million dollar goal for 2023. Rohler says she and campaign staff and volunteers are working hard to make "personal" contacts with people to urge them to give to the effort. One of the programs funded by the United Way's campaign is the VITA -- or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance -- Program. That's now headed up by Fredonia's Joe Kwiatkowski for both the United Way of Northern, and Southern Chautauqua County. Kwiatkowski has done tax preparations for many years now. He says they do basic returns free for people who's head of household makes up to 60,000 a year. He says they currently have about 30 volunteers in the program, but, could use several more in the coming year across the county. For more information on the United Way Campaign... or the VITA program... people can call 483-1561... or go to their website at uwayscc.org.

This week, we have comments from several people about Chautauqua County becoming the 11th in the nation to take part in the Individual Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education -- or "IGNITE" program. Sheriff Jim Quattrone explained in the beginning that the county was looking for such a program to help turn the lives of inmates around so they're productive citizens when they leave -- because they will leave at some point. The program was first started in Genesee County, Mich., and later was taken on by the Mecklenberg County, NC holding center -- which also services the city of Charlotte. Those officials say the program fostered a "culture change" in their facilities because inmates were now referred to as "residents," and the jail is a "holding center." They said that alone restores a sense of dignity to the inmates. The programs that will be offered for a couple of hours each day... five days a week... include mental health services, GED programming, skilled trade instruction, and others. In the other parts of the country the program has been located in, corrections officers say it has worked well in reducing recitivism, and getting people into a career path.

Incumbant Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist joins our Terry Frank this week to discuss his campaign, and platform for next month's city election. Sundquist says it's been "an honor" to be mayor over the past four years... and, that includes the two that the nation was in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Despite those challenges, he says his administration has accomplished "a lot." He says they've been able to make historic investments in programs and facilities... due mainly to the city's just over 28-million dollar grant from the American Rescue Plan Act. He adds that... all told... the city has been able to acquire 16-million dollars in state and federal grant funding in recent times. We also discuss the administration's move to add significant funding to public safety, security in the city's two parking ramps... and, other issues going forward. Sundquist also discusses how the city's property values increased by 22% this past year. He says that new valuation was reported by New York state. The first-term Democrat is being opposed by Republican Councilwoman Kim Ecklund, who was just recently on our program.

Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel joins our Terry Frank for his monthly visit on the program, where they primarily focused on Wendel's tentative 2024, 294.1-million dollar budget. Wendel says he is pleased to offer residents at tax rate reduction of 89-cents per 1,000 full value. However... he says legislature Democrats are misleading the public by saying that property owners would still be "overtaxed." While the tax levy -- or amount to be raised by taxes -- is up, that's due mainly to an increase in assessed value of homes and other buildings. Democrats say they want to use another 1-million dollars from undesignated fund balance to reduce that increase to about 800,000 dollars. They're also proposing elimination of the new media information officer's position. However, Wendel says restructuring has allowed that position to be filled at no additional cost in his administrative budget. No changes to the proposed budget were announced during last week's budget sessions. We also discuss Wendel's call for a pause in New York's "Sanctuary Status" for one-year to get the migrant crisis under control. Finally... he updated the recent spike in drug overdose deaths... which were reported to be four from the previous weekend, but had increase to six by late last week. That's believed to be caused by fentanyl being mixed in with other drugs. He urges people to get help, or make sure to carry Narcan if they have someone they know with a drug use/addiction issue.

Our Terry Frank talks this week with Jamestown City Councilwoman, and Republican Mayoral candidate, Kim Ecklund about her campaign for this Fall's General Election. Ecklund says she's completing her 10th term on the panel, and she's also been Finance Committee chairwoman for the council the past few years. She is a finance manager for eSolutions... which is the former Bush Industries. Ecklund agrees public safety is a big concern for the city... but, often goes deeper than just police and fire. She says she was among those who agreed to and supported a new "nuisance officer" for the Jamestown Police Dept. She also says she has supported the hiring of new police and firefighters using American Rescue Plan Act, and SAFER Grant funding. As for housing, she agrees there needs to be better strategy, but, adds incumbant Democrat Eddie Sundquist's declaration four years ago that he would tear down 100 dilapitated homes in 100 days was a stretch. Ecklund says she'll talk to anyone, including neighborhood gatherings, about her platform, which can be viewed at www.kimberlyecklund.com.

Our Terry Frank talks about the "Big Event" for the Busti Bicentennial Celebration, which will take place at the Firemen's Grounds off Lawson Road, beginning on Thursday, and continues through Sunday. Town Supervisor Jesse Robbins and Town Clerk Darlene Nygren join Terry on the program, to talk about the five-month long program, and highlight a number of the activities and events. Both say the response has been "overwhelming," and Robbins says it started with the big "Kick-Off" program on Apr. 16 featuring the reenactment of the first town board meeting, and, continued with the recent Square Dance program. Nygren says another highlight was the town veteran's recognition night with the Jamestown Tarp Skunks baseball game. As for this weekend's activities, those feature music and carnival rides both Thursday and Friday. The big Bicentennial Parade will be held Saturday morning, stepping off from near the former Busti Tap Room, at 10 a.m. Activities continue at 1 p.m., right after the start of Day-1 for the Busti Apple Harvest Festival at the Historical Society grounds next door. More music, carnival rides and food will be available until the fireworks show at 10 p.m. The final day for both events is Sunday, and the day starts with a Community Church service at 9 a.m.

Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist joins our Terry Frank for discussion about a number of topics, including a local management company for several apartment or housing units being contacted by someone from New York City to house migrants, or asylum seekers. Sundquist says the city has not been approached by NYC about housing those people. He says part of the issue is those people can't work, and there are no public funds that could be used to house them, so he's one of many officials pushing the state, and the federal government, to expedite the process of allowing those qualified to work to do so. Sundquist also addressed the requests for 1.5-million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funding by nine local, non-profit organizations. However, those requests total 2.7-million. Sundquist says the proposals first have to be acted on by the Jamestown Local Development Corp. at it's Sept. 20 meeting. Back to housing, he also spoke to a Housing Initiative he announced late last week to improve the city's aging, and in some cases, neglected housing stock. We discuss the move to improve public safety in the Cherry and Spring Street Parking Ramps. Finally... we talk about how his 2024 budget proposal, which is due out by Oct. 8, is coming together. He says it's going well... but, adds costs have risen. He says though, they don't anticipate much, if any tax increase at all, because they've been able to bring in about 15-million dollars in grant funding.

Our Terry Frank hosts his monthly visit with Chautauqua Co. Executive P.J. Wendel this week, and discusses a number of topics, including a recent statement from his office about emergency housing for the homeless -- in particular the ongoing situation with the Budget Inn in Falconer. Wendel says his administration has found that the Falconer Village Board has not discussed the topic the past year, as per their board minutes. He says they are working towards some additional "transitional" housing in the area... including one possibility in the city of Dunkirk. Wendel says part of the problem is some of those people have already been kicked out of other facilities due to their behavior. He says they're continuing to work on this area. We also discuss the recent "listening session" Farm Bill session hosted in the town of Portland by local Congressman Nick Langworthy, and House Agriculture Committee Chairman, Glenn "GT" Thompson of Northwestern Pa. He also represents the Warren, Pa. area. We also discuss Langworthy's recent meeting with Chautauqua Lake stakeholders, and Wendel regarding the need for dedicated funding to maintain the lake. We also discuss the 2024 budget, which will be presented by Wendel at the County Legislature's Sept. 27 meeting. He believes residents will generally be pleased with the spending plan he'll lay out.

An admissions counselor for the Cassadaga Job Corps talks with our Terry Frank about their programs, and how they work with, and teach at-risk youth. Mike Pietkowicz says, unlike other job training programs, there's is a residential program where students stay on campus, and are up early in the morning working to get their GED program... or if they have that or a diploma... they go to job courses. He says their students have to be 16 to 24 years of age. Pietkowicz says they also have to be clear of their court cases, and, be of low-income. He says Job Corps is fully funded by the federal government... and, there is at least one in each state. He says there are nine of them in New York State... with the closest one to Cassadaga being in Medina. Pietkowicz says for more information... go to their website, or call him at (716) 595-4277. He says their job programs included security, nursing, painting and construction.

We have no in-studio guest this week, but, News Director Terry Frank has excerpts from last week's Jamestown City Council meeting, where lawmakers further reviewed requests from non-profit organizations for American Rescue Plan Act funding. Grants Manager Tim O'Dell with the city's Department of Development outlined each of nine proposals to be considered. However, O'Dell says the nine projects total 2.7-million dollars, and there's only 1.5-million of ARPA funding left unallocated. The largest request is for 1-million dollars for the Jamestown-area YMCA's project to build a new, 30-million dollar facility. There's also a 500,000 request for the new "Kid's Zone" at the Northwest Arena... and, 350,000 for the Robert H. Jackson Center. There are two requests for 200,000 from the National Comedy Center, and St. Luke's Church. There are four others... including one for Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., and the YWCA. O'Dell also outlines four funding scenarios... which include giving less amounts, and or including bonding to cover the remaining 1.2-million dollars.

College begins for most students this week, and our Terry Frank previews the scene locally with SUNY Jamestown Community College President Daniel Demarte, and Vice-President for Student Affairs, Kirk Young. Both voice much optimism for the 2023-24 school year, with about 50 more full-time equivalent (or FTE) students compared to last Fall. In fact... Demarte says JCC had it's highest enrollment in four-years for their Summer Session, which is lending more optimism to the new school year. He adds they're also finishing up a capital project as the new semester begins... but, says most of that project is now complete. Dr. Demarte also discusses the revisiting of a project that's been discussed with the city of Jamestown and Chautauqua County the past few years... going back to the previous city administration. That would involve the city transferring or selling Diethrick Park to JCC as part of a 30-million facility upgrade that would allow a new turf field to be installed for baseball, softball, and soccer. The project has already been presented to a couple of entities for possible action.

Our Terry Frank speaks with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist on a number of topics this week... first regarding whether UPMC is living up to it's end of the agreement with the city for emergency transports by Allstar EMS Ambulance. The issue was raised last month by At-large City Councilman, Jeff Russell, who says there's supposed to be 24/7 coverage with two ambulances, and two paramedics per vehicle. Sundquist plans to meet in the coming week with UPMC officials to make sure the current agreement is being adhered to. We also discuss a proposal by Jamestown Community College to either purchase, or received transfer of Diethrick Park and other property for a more than 30-million upgrade to JCC's outdoor sports facilities. Sundquist says that proposal has been discussed for several years now, and JCC is primarily looking for support, and funding. We also discuss improvement in the homeless situation this Summer compared to last, and the fact the annual Labor Day Festival is coming up on Sunday, Sept. 3.

Our Terry Frank gets an update from Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel on a few topics this week -- namely the status of the State of Emergency regarding migrants being brought from New York City to the upstate region. Wendel says he believes the move is working, and that's keeping emergency housing available for local people who have become homeless and/or have mental health or drug addiction issues. He says a bi-partisan group of county leaders recently met with NYC Mayor Eric Adams about the situation, and Adams says they are still receiving about 500 migrants a day from the southern border in NYC, and, they are still sending some upstate if they want to go there. Wendel adds, though, that he's heard the city is only paying for four-months of housing. We also discuss Falconer Mayor Jim Jaroszynski, and two village residents voicing their concerns over emergency housing at a local motel (the Budget Inn)... and, they expressed concern over public safety, and quality of life issues. Wendel says he hopes to talk sometime soon with the mayor. We also discuss the recent rebranding of the CARTS bus system to CHQ Transit, with several new buses, and the new look of those buses.

This week... our Dennis Webster interviews Gerry Rodeo Spokesman Paul Cooley about the 78th event... which begins this Wednesday night with the first performance at 8 p.m. They speak at the Rodeo Grounds on Route 60 in Gerry, where final preparations were underway. Cooley says volunteer's have been busy getting the grounds ready for the annual program... which includes several events for the professional cowboys and cowgirls that coming in for the program on Wed. Aug. 2 through Sat. Aug. 5. Just a day ago, Cooley told us that 215 participants are expected. Again this year... Cooley says the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department will put on it's annual Beef Barbecue Dinner at 5 p.m. He says individual event tickets, and combined tickets for the dinner and rodeo will be available at the gate.

National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson joined our Terry Frank this week to discuss the upcoming Lucille Ball Comedy Festival... slated to run in Jamestown from Wed., Aug. 2 through Sun., Aug. 6 at multiple venues. She says generally, everything has come together for the four-and-a-half day event... featuring two headliners who have been smashing records doing stand-up comedy. The first headliner to perform will be Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias, who'll perform at the Northwest Arena at 7 p.m. Thurs., Aug. 3. The second will be Taylor Tomlinson who will perform on Fri., Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. Gunderson says only a few tickets remain for those two programs, and for more information, go on-line to www.ComedyCenter.org. Gunderson also tells us that attendance at the Comedy Center has picked up with the COVID Pandemic in the rear-view mirror. She says it's back near pre-Pandemic levels, and has been helped a lot by their "Kids Free" program this Summer. That programs is being underwritten by the Shults Auto Group.

Our Terry Frank discusses a number of issued with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist, who had just returned from a two-day trip to Washington, D.C. for the initial "Good Jobs, Great Cities" Academy. The academy was held to allow the mayors of 16 smaller cities to gather to discuss ways they are approaching workforce development for current, and newer jobs -- especially in regards to infrastructure. Jamestown was the smallest of the small cities involved, but, Sundquist says they appear to be ahead of most in terms of local agencies that assist with finding workers jobs... and, get them trained for those jobs. We also discuss the first of four community meetings held by the Jamestown Police, and Development Departments back on July 6 at Allen Park. About two-dozen people were on hand... and quality of life issues were a big part of the discussion. We also preview the next one to be held this Thursday night, July 20, at Jackson-Taylor Park on the city's northside. The mayor also updates the situation on trying to get an e-bike and e-scooter program up and running in the city... and, he also discusses the city getting a new Deputy Comptroller, Carol Malik.

Our Terry Frank speaks with Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel about a number of topics, namely the passing of Chautauqua County sport legend, and powerlifter, Don Reinhoudt. Reinhoudt died last week at the age of 78, after his car crash on a north county road. Wendel says Reinhoudt was a very humble man, and one of "great faith...." as he often talked about his Christian faith. We also discuss the county's budget process... and, the fact that they have now hired a new Budget Director. Wendel says they have hired Jennifer Swan, who was handling budgets for the Sheriff's Office. She'll replace the retired Kathleen Dennison at the end of July. We also discuss his extension of the State of Emergency regarding migrants being bussed by New York City to Chautauqua County. Wendel again emphasized he and other county executives want to discuss better ways to deal with the crisis... and he wanted to make sure that local non-governmental agencies and hotels don't contract with NYC to accept more migrants.

We spotlight Fourth of July safety and Summertime safety with Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, who outlined goals for his new term in office with our Terry Frank. Quattrone says his goals for the next four years including drug enforcement with their road patrol. He says they also have an officer assigned to work with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. He says they were pleased to received several hundred thousand dollars in Gun-Involved Violence Elimination -- or GIVE -- Grant. Most of the work with that is being done in the city of Jamestown... which is receiving just over 261,000 alone. Quattrone says, with a record number of people planning on traveling over the July 4th period, he urges motorists to not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and not drive distracted -- mainly by using cellphones. He says they are making progress -- collectively with the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, and Dunkirk SRT Team -- on the drug epidemic. However... he says it remains an issue with the introduction of fentanyl. However... he says community involvement remains a key to getting arrests, and convictions.

This year's Juneteenth Celebration in Jamestown featured an opening that included a report from Project Director, Leecroft Clarke, on the one year anniversary of the Chautauqua County I.D.E.A. Coalition. I.D.E.A. is short for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessiblity, and the organization's goal is to "make Chautauqua County a place where everyone belongs, and has opportunities to thrive, especially those who have been historically marginalized." The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County is serving as the "backbone" agency for the coalition... the idea of which came out of the George Floyd murder in Minneapolis, Minn. in 2020. Clarke says they are now moving forward on addressing three areas of concern for both the black and latino communities in the Jamestown-area. He says they started with 13, and pared them down to those three areas. The first is: Educational Systems... the second business/employment... and, thirdly is community/social issues. The coalition held six town hall-style meetings the past year with more than 160 people to develop a strategy.

Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist joins our Terry Frank this week to discuss a number of issues, including unfinished business regarding the hiring of eight new firefighters. The City Council approved the hiring at last month's voting session. Sundquist says the city is now moving ahead with having a third-party attorney to draw up and finalize the agreement with the Jamestown Professional Firefighters union to hire the new firefighters. Once that takes place... the new firefighters will be hired, and sent to the State Academy in Montour Falls for training. We also discuss the wrap-up to the New York State Legislative session... and the measure that moves several local elections to even-numbered years. However... Sundquist says he's been told there will be no change to village and city elections since those are mainly set by those communities charters. We also talk extensively about the new "Bird Bike" program that will provide e-bikes and e-scooters to people in the city, once they're able to have both available to residents, and visitors. He says it's part of their effort to provide better "micro-mobility" in the city.

This week... our Terry Frank talks with Executive Director Kelly Roberts, and Director of Fund Raising and Communication Brian Papalia with the Chautauqua County Humane Society. We start off talking about the very successful "Pennies 4 Paws" fund-raiser, which brought in just under 26,000 with the help of several groups and organizations. Brian says the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association again was the big fund-raiser, bringing in about 1,600 for the animals at the shelter, among others. He says it wasn't a record... but, the largest amount in many years. We also discuss recently approved state legislation regulating shelter operations. Roberts says the Shelter Standards Act was okayed, and will be brought on line in about three-years. She says building lay-out, and amount of time the animals are out of their cages will be regulated. We also discuss their foster, and adoption programs... as well as the annual "Walk 4 Paws" coming up in September.

Our Terry Frank discusses a number of topics with Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel this week... led by the county's purchase of 64-acres of land to develop "shovel-ready" development sites. Wendel notes that is just the beginning of developing 150-acres of land that could be used for large, manufacturing facilities. He says the county's Industrial Development Agency had been working for some time to obtain the property from four different owners. Wendel calls it exciting news, and once the infrastructure is in place, allows the county to be ready for someone to locate here. We also discuss the situation with ImmunityBio at the former Athenex pharmacutical plant in the town of Dunkirk. He says it's disappointing to see the facility pretty much empty at this point. We also discuss his State of Emergency he issued first on May 18th to prohibit New York City officials from contracting with local hotels, and motels, and agencies to bring migrants and asylum seekers to the county. He says there are currently about 80 migrants here, and the agencies he's spoken with say they can't handle anymore.

We look back on last week's huge celebration of the 2.5-millionth heavy-duty engine produced at Cummins' Jamestown Engine Plant in the town of Busti. Our Terry Frank features comments made by Plant Manager Anna Dibble, Cummins' Engine Business President Srikanth Padmanabhan, New York State Empire State Development President Hope Knight, and Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel. Dibble introduced the program, noting that Cummins will be celebrating it's 50th year at JEP, where the first engines were actually produced on an assembly line in 1976. She says, with Cummins 15-liter diesel engine production moved to JEP, their growth has been exponential. Padmanabhan says it's important to move forward with producing more environmentally-friendly natural gas, and later hydrogen engines for trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles. Knight represented New York Gov. Kathy Hochul at the program, and congratulated the company on it's achievements. Wendel expressed his appreciation to the company for keeping the plant local... and, noted that his family moved here when his father became employed by Cummins.

Our Terry Frank spotlights the end of the national COVID-19 emergency by talking with the head of an organization instrumental in helping to keep dozens of local non-profit agencies afloat during the pandemic. Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Exec. Director Tory Irgang joins Terry to look back on what they, and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation were able to do. They also partnered with local United Ways to establish a fund to help just over 100 local entities with just over one-million dollars in grants. For the most part... she says they all came through the pandemic alright, but, adds that the number of people using those services, or taking part in activities is still down from pre-pandemic levels. We also discuss the need for students looking to go to college to start looking at scholarship opportunities through CRCF. We also discuss other endowment and grant programs available to the community... and, the "Give Big CHQ" day of giving on Tues., June 8.

Our Terry Frank continues the discussion with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist about the need for eight new firefighters in the city's Fire Department. Sundquist says he looks forward to City Council members getting their questions answered about the 1.8-million dollar SAFER Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Sundquist says there is a definate need for them now... and, added the union understands that the positions may not be retained after the grant runs out. However... he says the city had learned more about the possibility of a Firefighter Retention Grant through SAFER they would be eligible for after the three-years of the initial grant. Lawmakers have expressed concern over the projected costs to retaining those firefighters if the funding runs out. A meeting with FEMA officials is set for a Zoom Conference on Tuesday, May 16 at 4 p.m. We also discuss the new state budget, which Sundquist says is taking some time to go through because there's a lot in there, to see if there is anything that would benefit the city. Terry also talks with the mayor about last Saturday's tree re-planting along West Third St., between Hall Avenue, and Hallock St., to replace the old Cathedral Oaks that had to be taken out the past 3 and 4 years. They were replaced by four kinds of smaller trees. A total of 37 were planted last Saturday.

Our Terry Frank discusses a number of issues on this week's program with Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel... in particular the new, New York state budget. Wendel says they are still trying to find out the status of two funding requests -- totaling about 4-million for Chautauqua Lake. He says there is other funding in the spending plan for the region... but, adds it's top-heavy in favor of the New York City Metro area. We also further discuss the lake and the need for funding... including 2-million in local funding recent approved by the County Legislature. Wendel says the first 1-million will support the Jefferson Project, whose scientific research helped turn around the weed and algae bloom situation at Lake George. The other 1-million went to purchase of equipment -- including a new weed harvester for the Chautauqua Lake Association. We also discuss the county Office for Aging Services celebrations of it's 50th anniversary. There was a sell-out for the first of two programs -- this once at the Celoron Harbor Hotel last Wednesday in Celoron... and, the second coming up this Wed. (5/10) at the Clarion Hotel in Dunkirk.

Our Terry Frank talks with Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services Director Mary Ann Spanos about a number of topics this week, including whether their services are up and fully running after the COVID pandemic shut-down. Dr. Spanos says they are able to hold most of their "in-person" programs this year. However... she says they will not be holding their annual Senior Picnic at Midway Park this year. In it's place... she says they'll be holding indoor celebrations in the next couple of weeks for their 50th anniversary of being established in 1973. That was the first year the federal Older Americans Act took effect after being approved in 1965. Dr. Spanos just returned from the U-S Aging conference in Washington, D.C. where they lobbied for federal monies to support local Offices for Aging or Aging Services,. She says the first celebration will be held this coming Wed., May 3 at the Celoron Harbor Hotel. The second will be held at the Clarion Hotel in Dunkirk on May 10. She says they still serve between 7,000 and 9,000 seniors in the county in various ways through Meals on Wheels, Chautauqua Adult Day Services, and others.

This week, our Terry Frank gets an update on several economic development projects in Chautauqua County with Deputy Co. Executive, Mark Geise. Geise agrees that the recent announcement by Cummins Engine of a 452-million dollar expansion project at the Jamestown Engine Plant shows a long-term commitment to the region by the heavy-duty engine maker. He says the only request Cummins has made to the county's Industrial Development Agency is about 3-million dollars in sales tax exemptions on items not already covered by New York state. We also discuss packaging of 150-acres of land in the western portion of the county for a new, "shovel-ready" industrial Park. Geise says the effort is taking time, and he didn't realize how time-consuming it would be. He says... once completed... the effort could cost upwards of 11-million dollars. However... he says a large share of that money is in-hand. We also discuss north county projects, and that Ferraro's purchase of Wells Enterprises in Dunkirk has stabilized the plant, and remaining jobs through at least this year. We also discuss future development of the former Lexington Die Cast plant in Lakewood... and, Truck-Lite in Falconer.

Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist joins our Terry Frank this week to discuss several topics... including the result of two neighborhood meetings in the Allen Park and Jackson-Taylor Park areas to gauge interest in having two smaller splash pads in those two locations. Sundquist says the neighborhoods are very excited about having them... and, adds the soil issue at Jackson-Taylor should not be a problem because the pad is proposed for the former skateboard park, where some residential housing has been previously located, so soft soils should not be a problem. We also discuss the ongoing concern over the deer population in various parts of the city... and, Sundquist believes a deer harvest -- or hunt -- needs to be done. However, it needs to be done safely. With Spring now here... we also discuss the closing of the two "Code Blue" homeless shelters in the city... and, where things are going for the warmer months, and next Winter. The mayor also talks about meeting with Congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. recently. They included U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, and, Rep. Nick Langworthy.

Our Terry Frank talks with Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel this week on a number of local and state issues... including what the county will do now to raise needed funds to maintain and improve Chautauqua Lake and other waterways. A recent proposal by Wendel to increase the county's occupancy -- or bed tax -- from 5% to 8% was changed back to 5% by the legislature. He says a meeting is being held this Wednesday night (4/12) on the possibility of instituting a boat user fee for people who use the lake for recreation. Wendel had said some time ago that such a fee at 200-dollars a boat could bring in up to 2.4-million dollars in additional revenues. We also discuss the late state budget, but, also the fact that it looks like there will be no "intercept" of federal funds going directly to counties through the eFMAP Medicaid program. That would have cost the county between 4-million and 4.3-million dollars this year. We also discuss economic development, and efforts this year to construct a new industrial park with about 150-acres of land in the western portion of the county... as well as Cummins Engines' recent, major announcement that it's embarking on a 452-million dollar expansion project that would add one new engine line to the Jamestown Engine Plant.

Busti Town Supervisor Jesse Robbins and Town Clerk Darlene Nygren talk with our Terry Frank about the upcoming Bicentennial celebration in the town, with a number of activities running from mid-April through late September. Robbins says the bicentennial planning actually began three-years ago when he heard from a former town resident that it was coming up, and he, Nygren and others began planning, and a committee was formed. The first activity is coming up on Apr. 12 when long-time Historian Norm Carlson gives the "Busti Talk" at the Fenton History Center. Robbins says they'll host a "Miss Busti" competition on Apr. 14 who will serve through the year. The first major event will then be held on Sunday, Apr. 16 at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club beginning at 1:30 p.m. with an opening ceremony, and a town board reenactment, featuring board members in 1923 garb. Robbins says there'll be music, a chicken barbecue, kids bounce house, and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. There'll be several other activities through the summer, with a night at Stateline Speedway on Sat. July 1, and at a Jamestown Tarp Skunks baseball game on July 15. The big event will be held Sept. 21-24 with concerts and a carnival at the Busti Firemen's Grounds. It will be held in conjuction with what will be a two-day Busti Apple Harvest Festival Sept. 23 and 24. For more information... go to www.townofbusti.com.

Jamestown Board of Public Utilities General Manager Dave Leathers is in the spotlight this week to discuss a number of topics, including the energy future in Jamestown and the rest of New York State. He tells our Terry Frank that it's all based around the state's new Energy Standards, which were put in place in August of 2016... and, the NYS Climate Action Plan, which was approved in 2019. Leathers says the BPU is actually well positioned to weather the changes, but, adds the cost for those approved changes are already adding about 20% more costs to BPU electric customers. He says the board's New York State Power Authority allocation of about 90% of the city's power will continue to come from the Niagara Hydropower Project through at least 2040. He adds the future of the BPU's gas turbine should be good through 2035. We also discuss the State Research and Development Agency's recent awarding of a 95,000 dollar grant to the BPU, and the city School District to develop a plan for changing the district's bus fleet to all-electric in the next few years. We also discuss current and future projects to replace old water mains around the city.

Our Terry Frank interviews Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce President, and Chief Executive Officer Dan Heitzenrater this week about a number of issues, including concerns over the state budget now being negotiated between the legislature and Gov.Kathy Hochul. Heitzenrater says there are three concerns they have, including: unemployment insurance, and, possible minimum wage increases. We also discuss labor and supply chain concerns. Heitzenrater says one business expert believes we'll be seeing labor shortages for another 7 years. As for the recent default of a couple of U.S. Banks, he says a chamber member who operates a local credit union says there should be no significant issues for local businesses and residents. We also discuss the chamber's upcoming State Legislative Breakfast at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville on Friday, April 28th. It will feature local New York State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, and State Senator George Borrello.

Our Terry Frank discusses a number of matters with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist this week, including controversy over possible conflict of interest accusations against the Jamestown Local Development Corporation. The controversy stems over three American Rescue Plan Act grants made by the JLDC to entities with ties on JLDC board members. Sundquist says they are working with the state, and have contacted federal officials about the matter. A couple of residents have charged that the grants to City Councilman Jeff Russells wife's business, Jamestown Skate Products, and St. Luke's Church should not have taken place. We also talk about possible new projects that could receive portions of the remaining 2-million dollars in ARPA funding. We also get an update on the city's homeless issue, and that the two new "code blue" shelters are having to remain open because of late Winter weather. Sundquist also gets a plug in for the city's "Turning the River Green" event along with Chadakoin River in Brooklyn Square next Saturday on St. Patrick's Day.

This week, our Terry Frank hosts Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel, who had just returned to the county following the three-day New York State Association of Counties -- or NYSAC -- annual legislative conference. Wendel, who was elected to the NYSAC Board during the conference, says they were all very united on a number of measures they oppose in Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget proposal. He says the main one is the fact the state would be taking the federal Medicaid eFMAP pass through monies... which totaled 4.3-million dollars to the county this past year. He says there were also other measures they opposed... including changing local county executive races to Presidential election years. We also discuss the six-point plan for Chautauqua Lake offered to the county legislature recently for lake maintenance. He says there needs to be more of a "team effort" to get and keep the lake well maintained, and will discuss that, and economic development in detail during his annual State of the County Address at the end of March. We also discuss firefighter safety and risk in the wake of the recent death of a Buffalo firefighter in a major, downtown fire.

This week, we lighten things up a little as our Terry Frank interviewed several of the Jamestown-area inductees into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame during the annual Induction Dinner at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. We include large portions of the interviews with former Jamestown High School football and track stand-out Sheldon Battle, former JHS football stand-out, and current Co-Director of College Scouting for the Kansas City Chiefs, David Hinson... and, former Southwestern Head Football Coach Jay Sirianni, who led the Trojans to state titles in 2008 and 2009. We also talk with Hinson and Sirianni about the recent Super Bowl, in which Kansas City edged out the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia is coached by Jay Sirianni's younger brother, Nick. While they were there watching the game and not directly involved, it was great to be a part of it. Terry also interviews former JHS girl's stand-out Kirsten Green, who later worked under legendary Basketball Coach Mike Kryszewski at Duke Univ. and is now Assistant Athletic Director at Harvard Univ... Post-Journal Sports Editor Scott Kindberg... and, long-time and still current Frewsburg High School Boy's Swimming Coach, Bruce Johnson.

Our Terry Frank speaks by phone this week with local NYS Senator George Borrello of Sunset Bay. The Republican says there are some good points to Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2023-24 state budget proposal. Borrello says the biggest plus is the 1-billion dollars the Buffalo-area Democrat is proposing to boost inpatient Mental Health beds, and other supports in the state. He says that's especially critical in the north county area because there are few if any in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area. We also discuss the Climate Action Plan final scoping document, which he opposes because it would phase out natural gas use over the next several years. We also delve into farming, since Borrello is the ranking minority member of that Senate committee. He says he's got three goals in the 2023 session... the first being curbing the impact of the lower overtime threshold for farm laborers. He's pushing for a tax credit that would have "no strings attached" to that credit. Borrello is also pushing to strengthen the Nourish-New York program... which was started by himself and Democratic Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to help residents in "food deserts." He's pushing to have the annual program's funding increased from 50-million to 75-million dollars. Borrello says the third area he's pushing to clarify language in the Climate Councii's final scoping document to allow farmers to be exempt from the phase-out of natural gas being allowed to power machinery and appliances.

This week... News Director Terry Frank speaks with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist about a number of topics and issues, led by his reaction to NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2023-24 budget proposal. Sundquist says the 227-billion dollar proposal is very good for local public school district, but, not so much for local municipalites. He says that was driven home during the New York State Conference of Mayor's (NYCOM's) annual legislative gathering in Albany. Sundquist says small cities have seen no increase in their Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM), nor for maintenance local governments are required to perform on state roadways in their municipalities. We also discuss the city's most recent numbers in American Rescue Plan Act funding outlays. City Council learned this past week that, so far, 25.3-million dollars has been either doled out, or committed to various projects and other items. There's about 2.7-million dollars in ARPA funds left that has to be spent by the end of the year. We also discuss progress on the city's new Public Works Maintenance Building on Washington Street, and where things stand on the state's project on Washington Street itself.

Our Terry Frank talks with Chautauqua County P.J. Wendel about a number of topics on this week's program... including what he was looking forward to in New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2023-24 budget proposal. One of the key items, he says, is the need to avoid taking the individual counties federal Medicaid reimbursement funding. For Chautauqua County... Wendel says that would create a 4.3-million dollar hole in the county's 2023 budget. We also discuss the county legislature's recent approval of a local law establishing the salary for a new media communications coorindator in his office. The legislature voted 13-3 in favor, but, Democrats complained it would create an eighth person in the executive's office. Wendel says that's not the case... adding that there has been a shifting of positions with one person going to the Human Resources Dept., and the Deputy County Exec. for Economic Development being moved into the county's Planning and Economic Development Dept. He also reflects on the death of a former Southwestern Central School Classmate, Jackson Rohm, who recently died where he lived in Florida, and SWCS Graduate Nick Sirianni coaching the Philadelphia Eagles in the upcoming Super Bowl.

Our Terry Frank talks with Chautauqua County Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon this week about a number of topics... but, mainly about the recent decision by the Chautauqua Lake Protection and Rehabilitation Agency panel to discontinue looking at creating a lake taxing district to support maintenance of the lake. We talk about a number of questions that have arose following that 7-4 vote to stop the process, even before receiving a report from the consulting firm, Barton and LoGuidice. That firm will continue on with completing it's report and will provide it to the county once it's completed. Chagnon says, even if a lake district was to be approved, there were a number of questions about what property owners would be taxing, and how much they would pay. He says the amount of funding for the projects isn't even known at this point. Otherwise, we talk about the past year and what to look forward to in 2023. Chagnon says the legislature's main task remains keeping up with the budget, especially with inflation now an issue. As for accomplishments, he feels getting the first phase of the West Chautauqua Lake Sewer project completed has been a major one.

This week, our Terry Frank talks with Jamestown City Council President Tony Dolce on a number of topics, including what council is looking forward to in 2023. Dolce says allocating the rest of what remains of the city's 28-million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funding remains front and center. He adds that, depending on what lawmakers learn about discrepancies in the money put into the Senior Housing Improvement Program, they will likely put in the money needed to cover all, eligible projects. We also discuss the fact that 2023 is an election year. Dolce acknowledges that he's a potential mayoral candidate, but, maintained that he's not reached a final decision on that, as he is still teaching at Jamestown High School. However... he does say that the city's Republican Committee plans on fielding a candidate this Fall against incumbant Mayor Eddie Sundquist, who recently announced he's running for re-election. Dolce adds that all seven current GOP council members appear to be running for re-election. If he doesn't run for mayor, Dolce may again run to represent the second-ward again.

Our Terry Frank speaks with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist this week on a number of topics, including last week's visit by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer to the site of the Crawford Furniture Factory fire last November. Schumer announced he'll be pushing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to expedite the environmental review, and clean-up of the former factory site. Mayor Sundquist says most of the solvents, varnishes and other materials were cleaned out of the structure over the previous year or so, but, there's still onsite contamination. Schumer says there's also the reinstated Superfund Cleanup Tax that would be available to allow the EPA to take the factory owners to court and sue for damages. We also discuss the fact the city's Senior Housing Improvement Program funded by American Rescue Plan Act funding has spent it's 1.5-million dollars, but, some 63 projects still need money, and there's some confusion over whether the city requested the 1.5-million or 1.8-million for the program. We also talk about Sundquist's decision, and recent announcement that he's running for a second-term in office.

Our Terry Frank looks back on the past year... and, highlights several stories... including the two main ones: Public Safety and the Homeless Crisis. In the area of public safety... City Council President Tony Dolce hosted a forum in September that drew a large crowd of people. However... one of the main topics ended up being the number of homeless, and what to do with them. Mayor Eddie Sundquist says the number of homeless people had skyrocketed in recent months for several reasons. One was the cost of housing and other items, and the other was the ending of the state's Eviction Moratorium put in place during the COVID Pandemic. As for public safety... we discuss the increase in gun violence in the city, and Chief Tim Jackson noted it's been everywhere - "not just one or two places." We also spotlight the major fire at the former Crawford Furniture factory building just outside the city. The drug crisis is also highlighted with a Fla. woman being arrested late last year after being found with nearly 10 pounds of Fentanyl pills in her possession. We also look at economic development... and, the landing of lithiun-ion battery producer Electrovaya in Jamestown's Mason Industrial Park... and, a new owner purchasing Wells Enterprises in Dunkirk.

News Director Terry Frank speaks with National Comedy Center Exec. Director, Journey Gunderson this week to do a year-end wrap on activities for the past year with the COVID pandemic in the rear view mirror. Gunderson says it was a successful year of activities, but, adds their numbers have not come back to "pre-COVID" levels yet. She says they welcomed acclaimed Comedian Amy Poehler to premier her documentary on Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to kick-off the year. Poehler was later named to the center's Advisory Board of Directors. She says they had a successful return of the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in August after the past two years were cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. She says they had three "full" headliner programs featuring Jeff Foxworthy, and Saturday Night Live Legends David Spade, Kevin Nealon, and Rob Schneider. Gunderson says the center wants to put more emphasis on drawing families, and especially children to the center to enjoy the interactive exhibits they have. She also encouraged people to visit during the holidays because they will be open.

Our Terry Frank catches up with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist after he had to cancel last week. We discuss the recently approved overrides of Sundquist's five vetoes... and, says he's disappointed that no amendments were offered until well after the deadline for them. Most disappointing, according to the mayor, was comments by some lawmakers about "errors" in putting the budget together. He adds that his finance team worked hard to get a spending plan together despite losing Comptroller Ryan Thompson. His replacement, John Sellstrom, is also leaving city government. Sundquist says he's most disappointed by council adding 75,000 to the amount of revenue to be raised through sales tax, but, it "sets the city up for failure." He also discusses recent news about the West Third Street Streetscape Project that will involve putting new trees and lights in... and, he adds those are starting to come in to the city. We also discuss the clean-up of the former Crawford Furniture Plant hit by a massive fire last month. He says they had already begun working with federal and state partners to clean-up the site before anything happened. However... he says the clean-up may cost upwards of 1-million dollars or more.