Chautauqua County adds 22 new cases of COVID-19, and 14th death in the pandemic...
There are 22 new confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virust in Chautauqua County today... and, 124 total over the past week. That from county Health Department officials... who also say there has been one new death over the past day. Public Health Director Christine Schuyler said Friday that a man in his 70s with multiple comorbid conditions, succumbed to complications from COVID-19 at an out of state hospital. Schuyler says this has been "the toughest month of the pandemic for the county." She adds there are now 1,060 total cases of COVID... and, there are 142 active cases. With schools and colleges back in session, businesses reopening, and colder weather upon us, residents are spending more time indoors and more time with other people... and, those are key elements to the spread of COVID-19. Schuyler says "we’ve seen clusters related to a bridal dinner, a wedding, frequenting social clubs and bowling alleys. COVID-19 is here and everyone needs to take personal responsibility for not spreading it. Wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands, and stay home if you’re not feeling well.”
Jamestown woman killed in single-car crash in Busti...
A Jamestown woman has been killed in a single-car crash Friday night in the town of Busti. Lakewood-Busti police were called to the scene on the Busti-Sugar Grove Road just after 6:30 p.m., and, found that the driver of the vehicle, 51 year-old Joseph Wisnewski of Jamestown, was southbound when a deer ran out in front of the car. Officers say Wisnewski swerved to avoid the animal... but, the vehicle went off the side of the road, and slammed head-on into a tree. Wisnewski had to be extracated from the car... but, his front seat passenger, 65 year-old Carol Boyer, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say Wisnewski and two children, ages 13 and 2, were taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment.
City, Alstar EMS, sign new, four-year contract...
A new, four-year contract between the city of Jamestown and WCA Services Corporation has been signed for ambulance services provided by Alstar EMS. Mayor Eddie Sundquist says the new pact replaces the one that had been in place for the past 21 years. During a signing ceremony in the lobby of City Hall, Sundquist said "we thank those at Alstar for their cooperation with the city over this past year as we negotiated the new contract." He says getting both sides together, and talking, made the difference in renewing their relationship. Sundquist says there are a number of benefits to the new agreement... including that it will allow the fire department to bill insurance for calls which should result in a significant increase in monies the city collects. City officials add the new contract also expands services to the city by allowing the Jamestown Fire Department access to Alstar's training center, access to billing services, and annual exercises between the ambulance service and the city.
Reed highlights early voting during campaign stop in Chautauqua County...
It's been a strange Election year... but, local Congressman Tom Reed says local voting venues have been handling it well. The Corning Republican was in the Jamestown-area this morning to thank poll workers. County Elections officials say just over 10-thousand registered voters have taken advantage of casting their ballots at their three early voting sites. Outside the Chautauqua Mall... Reed said the COVID-19 pandemic has made campaigning a challenge. Reed, and some campaign workers were in Jamestown today to campaign door-to-door... using social distancing. He says he's noticed a lot of enthusiasm on both sides of the political aisle. County elections officials are now revising their voting projections for this Presidential election year. Initially... they were expecting a 70-percent turn-out. However... they's now looking at 75 percent. Reed says early voting is helping the numbers.
JPD gives Halloween tips to be safe from COVID-19...
The Jamestown Police Department is reminding residents that due to the restrictions set forth for Covid-19, there will not be any set hours or city sanctioned scheduled events for Halloween. That from Police Captain Bob Samuelson who says city officials are not encouraging parents to take their children door to door, but are leaving that decision up to the parents and neighbor residents. Samuelson says those who wish to participate in giving out candy from their homes are encouraged to turn their porch lights on... wear a mask and practice social distancing. If you do not wish to participate, leave your porch light off. Samuelson says trick-or-treaters also must wear facial coverings, and use hand sanitizer often. More information is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.
WJTN to air Little Theater production of "War of the Worlds..."
One of the most famous radio broadcasts of all time will be re-created Halloween night on WJTN... as the Lucille Ball Little Theater of Jamestown presents H.G. Wells 'War of the Worlds.' The play... about a Martian invation of New Jersey... was first presented nationwide around Halloween in 1938. Aubrey Russell, who directed the Little Theater version, says it's a perfect time to bring it back because most people will be home tonight. The one-hour long program will run at 9 tonight on WJTN AM and FM... and at WJTN.com. When first on the air, some people actually believed the invation was real. The local production of 'War of the Worlds' was safely recorded through Zoom... as part of an effort to keep Little Theater productions going even though COVID-19 concerns have ended in-person theater for now.
