Community Spotlight, the area's longest running local public affairs radio program, airs on all six Media One Radio Group stations each weekend and is also available to hear in our Podcast Section.  Each week we sit down with a community leader or another special guest to talk about issues within our community.  


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News Headlines for Sat., Jan. 7, 2016

New Lake Effect Snow Warning now in effect for Chautauqua County...
More Wintry weather is on tap for this weekend in Chautauqua County and the western Southern Tier.  The National Weather Service has now issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning now through 7 p.m. Sunday.  That from Forecaster Bob Hamilton with the National Weather Service in Buffalo... who says the traditional snow belt areas -- including the Chautauqua Ridge -- will see up to a foot to 2-feet of snow now through Sunday evening.  Hamilton adds we'll continue to see frigid temperatures -- and wind chills through Sunday.  He says temperatures will be about 10-degrees below normal for the period.  Hamilton says there will be a bit of a break during the afternoon today.  However... the Lake Effect machine kicks in again tonight.
 
 
Chautauqua County provides help for the homeless during severe Winter outbreaks...
The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services has announced new, emergency measures for those experiencing homeless conditions during inclement winter weather.  Health and Human Services Director Christine Schuyler says during those periods when temperatures fall to 32-degrees Fahrenheit... or lower... those who are homeless are encouraged to seek emergency shelter assistance through her office.  She says anyone experiencing those conditions... may report to either the Jamestown or Dunkirk office locations during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. where assistance will be provided.  However... Schuyler says during those times, and after-business hours, all law enforcement departments in the county... along with the Department of Mental Hygiene, UPMC Chautauqua at WCA, Brooks Hospital, and Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. Mobile Crisis Team are available to assist with arrangements for emergency shelter for those experiencing homeless conditions.  For more information... call 661-8830.  After hours... call 753-4231.
 
Goodell pleased with Assembly committee assignments...
Chautauqua County's representative in the state Assembly says making New York more "business-friendly" continues to be his goal as the 2017 session begins.  Jamestown-area Republican Andy Goodell will be assistant floor leader for the GOP in the coming session... and, says he's excited about that.  Goodell says he's also pleased to be back on the committees he served on in 2016... including Social Services... and, the Judiciary... which deals with judicial and government operations.  He'll also be on the Cities Committee... which deals with small cities such as Jamestown and Dunkirk.  He adds that another priority will be dealing with the ongoing Heroin and Opioid Drug crisis.  The state legislative session began this past Wednesday in the Assembly and Senate.
 
Jamestown BPU pushing new sanitation regulations for 2017 in interest of health and safety...
The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities have made some changes to it's solid waste regulations to make the operation more efficient and safe.  That from BPU Communications Coordinator Becky Robbins... who says the biggest change is enforcing a bag limit of eight per customer.  Robbins says officials decided on the move because... in some cases... crews are picking up 20 to 30 grocery-sized plastic bags.  She says the BPU wants customers to use 30-gallon trash bags to cut down on the number of bags that workers have to pick-up.  Robbins says -- starting now -- anyone leaving 15 or more bags a week will be charged a $3 fee for each of the extra bags.  If someone is still putting out 9 to 11 bags... they will get a letter in February.  In addition... Robbins says the requirement to put lids on garbage cans has already stirred some controversy.  However... she says they want to avoid problems with rats... and roaches during the Summer months.  If the trash is NOT in a can, though, there will be no penalty -- at this point.  The basic sanitation fee remains $10.50.  If you have any questions... you're asked to call the garbage hotline at 661-1651.
 
BPU warns about Customer Service Scam...
It appears a scam involving a person calling customers of the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities... and, identifying themself as a BPU representative... and, threatening service shut-offs has resurfaced.  BPU Communications Coordinator Becky Robbins says three separate customers Friday reported receiving such calls... and, threatening to cut off service unless the customer went to a local pharmacy to pay the caller with a money card.  Robbins says the BPU receives payments only in its 92 Steele St. Customer Service Office, the City Clerk’s Office and the Town of Ellicott’s Clerk’s Office.  Customers may pay on-line or by phone... but, the customer must initiate such payments.