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WJTN Headlines

The Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance will be receiving $100,000 to help cover expenses for weed management and shoreline maintenance this year. 

 

However, the County Legislature last night unanimously agreed that no county funds be used to pay for a recent, limited amount of herbicide use in Bemus Bay.  The legislature agreed to the allocation of 2% bed tax funding by a 13-to-4 vote. 

 

Hanover Republican George Borrello supported an amendment requiring the alliance provide the necessary documentation to be reimbursed.  Borrello says that's because, last year, the alliance needed more money for shoreline clean-up than was allocated, and they couldn't clean-up the shortline. 

 

Jamestown Democrat Chuck Nazzaro urged lawmakers to keep in mind that the alliance, and the other lake entities seeking the funding stated these were "anticipated" costs.  He wanted to reduce the allocation to $50,000 now and, then see if they needed the additional $50,000.   Nazzaro says that could be approved in August. 

 

An handful of other lawmakers agreed with Nazzaro's concerns but, ultimately the majority said they were comfortable with the language in the resolution ensuring that receipts would have to be shown for money to be doled out.


State parks and New York Sea Grant are getting the word out about algae that can make dogs sick. 

 

The problem is harmful algal blooms, which poison water with toxins from blue-green algae.  The toxins can disrupt liver and nervous system function and cause skin irritation in people, pets and wildlife. 

 

Dogs are especially susceptible because they often drink from ponds and lakes and eat scummy algal mats with attractive odors.  Fact sheets and brochures are being provided at numerous state parks where harmful algal blooms occur.  New York Sea Grant has also posted information on its website.


Chautauqua County lawmakers took the final step to extend the county's 8% sales tax at last night's meeting in Mayville. 

 

Lawmakers said, prior to the meeting that the proposed extension of the tax is for a longer period of time this time around.  It is a three-year extension versus a two-year one. 

 

The measure was approved unanimously at last night's monthly meeting.  The State Legislature approved the extender allowing the county to impose the additional one-percent tax last month.  County lawmakers initially approved the legislation earlier this year.


The idea of using "textalyzer technology" to help law enforcement agencies when it comes to dealing with accidents caused by texting while driving will be investigated. 

 

That after Governor Andrew Cuomo directed the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Wednesday to study the new technology.  Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace says he will be following the results very closely because it currently would be a "post-crash" type of application. 

 

Gerace says privacy issues will also have to be addressed at some point.  Gerace says the problem of drivers texting behind the wheel continues to grow according to Gerace.  He says it can still be a problem to prove if a driver is using a cellphone but, he says in many cases, they can't validate those with current technology. 

 

The committee will work with member agencies, advocates, legal experts and other stakeholders to gather information about the technology and its impact.  But, Gerace says the best advice is to wait before texting.


A member of the County Legislature says he believes Cott Corporation's decision to sell Cott Beverages to Refresco could be a good thing for the local area. 

 

That from Silver Creek area Republican, George Borrello, who is also a member of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency's Board of Directors.  He has done some research into sale that was announced on Tuesday and, found that Refresco want's to expand it's North American operations. 

 

Cott Beverages operates a plant in the city of Dunkirk and Borrello feels that the move should help the local facility which Cott acquired from the former Cliffstar and, he said there is every indiction that this is a "positive move" for the county.  Cott and Refresco announced the sale for $1.25-billion. 

 

Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas indicated that the city will be reaching out to Refresco to see how they can work together.


The annual Chautauqua County Fair in Dunkirk has moved into it's second half and, those attending this year's fair will see a strong presence by the County's 4-Hers on the fairgrounds off Central Avenue. 

 

Cornell Cooperative Extension in Chautauqua County's Emily Reynolds says it’s a great opportunity to learn more about 4-H and see all of the animal exhibits and, take part in the annual Meat Animal Sale tomorrow afternoon beginning at 12 p.m. 

 

Reynolds says 4-Hers are eager to show off their animals and to share their knowledge with fairgoers about many of the approxiamtely 600 animals they bring to the fairgrounds during the week.  All the animals with the exception of the Market Chickens will be there. 

 

Again the annual 4-H market sale that will be held tomorrow starting at Noon.  Our Dennis Webster will preview the sale tomorrow morning.