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News Headlines for Fri., May 27, 2016

Authorities say elderly Cattaraugus County man drowned after falling into Allegany River...

An elderly Olean-area man has been found dead in the Allegany River behind St. Bonaventure University in the Cattaraugus County town of Allegany.  State Police in Olean say the body of 83 year-old Robert Granger, Sr. of Allegany, was found shortly before 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.  Troopers believe Granger was on a bike ride, when he rested on a park bench nearby.  They say it appears that Granger fell down an embankment entering the river.. and, he was located a short time later.  Police say their investigation reveals that foul play was not a factor.  The investigation is continuing... and, an autopsy will be performed.


Salamanca man struck by car in accident... driver charged with Manslaughter...

A Salamanca man is dead after being struck by a car on a decommissioned section of Old State Route 17 Wednesday in the Cattaraugus County town of Redhouse.  Sheriff's officers in Little Valley say 23 year-old Watson Cooper was hit by a speeding 2002 Dodge Caravan driven by 19-year-old Cyrus Spruce of Steamburg.  Deputies say Spruce then allegedly fled the scene without helping the victim... and, also hitting two nearby parked cars.  Officers say Cooper was rushed to the Erie County Medical Center... where he later died from his injuries.  Spruce was arrested following an investigation by the Sheriff's Office's Criminal Investigation Bureau... and, he was arraigned Salamanca Town Court, and held without bail on charges of second-degree manslaughter and first-degree assault. 


Cuomo plans advertising blitz to education New Yorker's about Zika Virus...

New York state is launching an ad blitz to remind New Yorkers about the dangers of the Zika Virus... just in time for the mosquito season.  Governor Cuomo's office late Wednesday announced what it's calling an "aggressive" campaign involving TV, radio and online ads as well as billboards and bus and subway signs.  Zika is primarily transmitted by specific species of mosquito.  In addition... a growing number of cases in the world have occurred through sexual transmission.  The virus has been linked to birth defects in babies of infected mothers. 


Schuyler says county has Action Plan in place for any possibility of Zika...

Chautauqua County is ready in the unlikely event of a Zika outbreak.  That from county Health and Human Services Commissioner Christine Schuyler... who says they now have a state-approved, local Zika Action Plan in place to deal with mosquito populations that may carry the virus.  But... at this point... Schuyler says they are more concerned about West Nile Virus... and, Eastern Equine Encepholitis... both of which have been seen here over the past few years.  She recommends mosquito bite prevention by eliminating standing water on your property, and using repellant including DEET.  Schuyler says the only Zika situation that's a real concern right now is about people traveling elsewhere... and, bringing the virus back with them.  At this point... Schulyer says none of the county's mosquito pools show the species carrying the disease.  If you are traveling... she says search the state Health Department... and, CDC websites.  Schuyler says the county Health and Human Service Department's mosquito surveillance program is underway... and, adds they are fortunate to have someone with the state's Department that does that work for them.  She adds that the type of mosquito carrying the virus is now on their list.


County lawmakers approve local law allowing Sparkler-type devices...

County lawmakers have approved a local law that will allow the sale and possession of sparkler-type devices in Chautauqua County.  The legislature Wednesday night approved the measure, 17-to-0.  Sheridan Republican Terry Niebel... who sponsored the measure... cited three reasons for approving the measure.  He says the first is local residents can go to Pennsylvania to buy not only sparklers... but, much more dangerous fireworks.  He's hoping the move will keep people from traveling elsewhere.  Secondly... he says fewer of the more dangerous fireworks will hopefully lead to fewer police calls... and, police can better use their time.  Both Niebel and County Executive Vince Horrigan strongly urged adult supervision when sparklers are being used... even though they are not as dangerous as M-80s... Roman Candles... and, others.  Horrigan says he will set a public hearing on the measure in a few days... but, adds he has no problem with allowing sparklers.  Chautauqua County will join a few other western New York Counties... including Cattaraugus... in legalizing their purchase and use.


Duckworth thanks county legislature, others for approving Sheldon House sale...

All three sponsors of Jamestown Community College have now approved the sale of the Sheldon House to Lynn Development Group.  The County Legislature voted 17-to-0 last night in favor of the move after no one from the public came forward to oppose the sale.  There was no discussion by the legislature.  However... the measure had been fully discussed in committee.  JCC President Cory Duckworth express his appreciation to the legislature for helping to move the $250,000 sale forward... and, acknowledged there was some public opposition to the sale.  He called that unfortunate, but, adds there are really good neighbors in that area and they believe the Lynn group will be on as well.   The county legislature's approval follows approval earlier this week by the Jamestown City Council... and last month by the Cattararaugus County Legislature.  Lynn Development plans to use the Sheldon House for business offices... and, continue it as a "community" meeting and reception location. 


Soap Box Derby Sign-Up is today...

The last chance to sign up for the Jamestown Area Soapbox Derby will be held today at Rapid Moving and Storage in Falconer.  Rapid Moving and Storage is located at 1599 Route 394 in Falconer... and, the sign-up will be out front of the business from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Any questions... call John Williams at 664-2508.  The cost is 30-dollars per participant.  The race will be held at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 11.