(**Alert)Seven residences affected by BPU Water Main break...
The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities Water Division is working on a water main break that occured early this morning on Elam Avenue between Marion and Birch Streets. BPU Spokeswoman Becky Robbins says the break occured about 6 a.m., and, water is off to seven homes on Elam... between Martin and Marion Streets... while repairs are made. Once the water is restored... water customers in that area will likely experience discolored water for 12 to 24 hours. Robbins says affected residents should not do laundry until the water is clear in your house. She adds, hopefully, repairs will be made by early afternoon... but, the timetable in main breaks is unpredictable.
Slight Warm Up and Lake Effect Snow Coming Our Way
There are no warnings, watches or advisories until next Monday and, that's when a signifcant Lake Effect event -- with sub-zero temperatures -- moves in. Temperatures are expected to reach into the 30s this weekend, but again it won't last long. National Weather Service Forecaster Bill Hibbert says it may reach 20-below zero in some areas overnight Tuesday. Hibbert adds that with the next arctic blast there will be more lake effect snow.
David Himelein Becomes New Majority Leader
Republicans may have a "Super Majority" in the newly downsized Chautauqua County Legislature, but their leader doesn't seem to be taking it for granted. David Himelein of the Clymer-area has become the Legislature's new Majority Leader. He says he looks forward to working closely with the six Democratic members. Himelein replaces Larry Barmore as Majority Leader. Barmore left the Legislature to run for County Clerk and, won election to that post. Himelein expects the legislature to face some challenges in the year ahead including a possible vote on selling the County Home. There are 13 Republicans on the panel for the next two years.
Waiver Approved for NYS Test
Some New York 7th and 8th grade students will have one less math exam to take after the state received a waiver from the federal government. New York Education Commissioner John King, Jr sought the waiver so that advanced students who take the Math Regents exam in 7th or 8th grade can skip the general 7th or 8th grade State Math Assessment. King says the decision affects nearly 60,000 students and is part of New York's efforts to reduce the amount of time students spend on tests. Before the waiver, advanced math students have had to take both tests.
Farm Bill Close to a Deal
A 30 day extension is ready if it's needed but, local Congressman Tom Reed is hopeful that federal lawmakers will agree to a new, 5 year Farm Bill early this year. Reed says a joint House-Senate Conference Committee is "very, very close." The Corning Republican says he's been in contact with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas who is very optimistic a deal will be struck soon. Reed adds this will be a priority item when they return to session after the Holidays.
Prices at the Pump
As 2014 begins, Jamestown-area gasoline prices increased just a fraction of a penny for regular, unleaded this week. The AAA's Fuel Gauge Report says the price is now at $3.64 a gallon. Nationally, AAA says the average price at the pump is $3.32 a gallon, which is the highest price on record for New Year's Eve. This is the 4th consecutive year of record-breaking prices heading into the New Year. The current price is 6-cents more expensive than one week ago.
