City man dies in drowning in Barcelona Harbor...
A Jamestown man has died in a reported drowning in Barcelona Harbor on Lake Erie in the town of Westfield late yesterday afternoon. Sheriff's officers and Westfield Police were called to the scene just before 4:30 PM of a possible drowning. Deputies say a search was conducted... and, he was located in the water by members of the department's Water Emergency Team. Officers say 24 year-old John Penhollow was pronounced dead at the scene. He had apparently gone swimming to get away from the heat of the day. The Chautauqua County Medic... county Fire Police... North East, Pennsylvania fire crews, and the Coast Guard assisted at the scene.
Heat Advisory remains in effect until 6 pm tonight...
A mid-afternoon thunderstorm cooled the area off yesterday... but, more hot and humid weather is expected through early this evening for western New York... including Chautauqua County. The National Weather Service in Buffalo is continuing a Heat Advisory until 6 p.m. tonight. Forecaster Heather Kenyon in Buffalo says it's part of the mid-Summer heat hitting much of the continental U-S. Kenyon says there will be heat index readings -- the combination of temperature and humidity -- that will reach near or better than 100. Kenyon adds that -- especially if you're very young, or very old -- stay inside and keep as cool as possible. She says don't stay outside for any prolonged periods of time.
County Health official warns of dangers during heat wave...
Much of western New York is under the Heat Advisory through tonight... and, health officials are urging residents to stay inside in air conditioning as much as possible during our heat wave. Chautauqua County Health and Human Services Public Health Planner Shelly Wells says it's important for people to be aware of the heat and humidity... and, the need to keep cool. Wells also says dress appropriately... with light-colored, and lighter fabric, and stay out of direct sunlight, and drink plenty of water, and non-alcoholic fluids. She also says avoid sugary drinks. She adds it's also important to know the signs of heat-related illness. She says infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases... such as heart disease... should be especially careful. Wells adds we should also keep an eye on our pets... and, make sure they have plenty of fresh water. She says there are 16 "cooling centers" across the county. In the immediate Jamestown-area... they include the Prendergast Library on Cherry Street... and, the County Department of Health and Human Services on East Fourth Street. Residents can also go to the Ashville Library... Fluvanna Free Library... and Hazeltine Public Library in Busti.
State Park pools to be open during heat wave...
New York state parks are keeping their pools open longer to help people deal with the heat wave. Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the extended hours will begin Friday and continue through Sunday at more than 30 parks statewide. Temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s around much of the state Friday and Saturday as much of the nation deals with high heat. High temperatures are expected to linger through the weekend. A list of available swim locations and places to cool off is available at www.parks.ny.gov.
Officials say annual 4-H Meat Animal show and sale another big success...
It was another successful 4-H Meat Animal sale at the Chautauqua County Fair yesterday with nearly 200 animals being auctioned off at the show arena. Four-H Meat Animal Sale Chairman Dave Schauman says activities got underway at Noon at the Dunkirk Fairgrounds. Speaking with our Dennis Webster... Schauman said there were 68 hogs auctioned off... along with 30 pairs of chickens... 30 Sheep... and 23 steers. He praised the 4-Her's work, and says the judges were equally impressed with the quality of animals and the care they were given. County Fair Board Chairman Dave Wilson says that's part of the strength of this fair... adding that Chautauqua County has a "strong" agricultural community. He says other fairs have seen their farm animal numbers drop -- in some cases dramatically. Wilson says the Chautauqua County Fair should be in good shape for the next "5 to 10 years." However... he says there are potential issues on the horizon -- namely with laws enacted by the state including the recently approved Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act... which eliminates a provision in New York state law that prohibits agricultural workers from unionizing.
Police in Warren County looking for missing girl...
Authorities in Warren County, Pennsylvania are seeking the public's help in locating a missing girl who may be in the Corry... or Jamestown areas. State Police in Warren say the juvenile reportedly left her home on Oil Creek Road in Spring Creek Township late last Monday morning... and, has not returned home. Troopers say she is now considered missing, but, have not identified her. If you have an information... contact State Police in Warren at 1-(814)728-3600.
Westfield School superintendent retiring later this year...
The Westfield Academy and Central District will soon be looking for a new superintendent. A story in this morning's Dunkirk Observer indicates that Superintendent David Davison officially announced his intention to retire earlier this week. He will submit an official letter of retirement in November, with his date of retirement on December 1st. Davison has been the superintendent of Westfield Academy since May of 2012.
