No one hurt when Farm Truck losses brakes, hits three cars at town of Poland intersection...
No injuries were reported after a farm truck lost it's brakes and crashed into three cars at an intersection in the town of Poland Friday afternoon. Sheriff's deputies say the "semi-truck," operated by 21 year-old Nicholas Hettenbaugh of Kennedy, was hauling silage on Waterboro Hill Road just after 1 p.m. when he approached the intersection with Route 394. Deputies say the engine of the truck apparently shut-off... causing the brakes to malfunction. Officers say the Hettenbaugh's truck went through the intersection... and, overturned... striking the three vehicles. Officers say Route 394 was shut down for about four-hours while the roadway and silage was cleaned up. Hettenbaugh was ticketed for failure to stop at a stop sign... Operating Out of Class... and, Inadequate Brakes. Multiple fire companies and the county's HazMat Team also responded to the scene.
Leone received commendation from Horrigan, Legislature, at this week's legislature meeting...
Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan and county lawmakers recognized the long-time director of emergency services as he prepares to retire from the post. Horrigan praised the work of Julius Leone. Horrigan, who served with the American Red Cross before becoming County Executive, praised Leone's leadership and organization, saying he was in the middle of disasters where people needed help, be they floods, tornadoes, or train derailments. He adds that Leone had the support and respect of everyone in the fire services. Leone, who served under three county executives, called the job an "incredible" opportunity and praised the work of his staff. He says he is overwhelmed by the honor. John Griffith, a former Ellington Town Supervisor with extensive experience in the fire service, will replace Leone at the end of the month. Griffith's appointment was announced last month.
NRA Gun Insurance under scrutiny...
An insurance policy being offered by the nation's most powerful gun lobbying group is under scrutiny by insurance regulators after gun-control groups raised questions about how it's being marketed. The National Rifle Association's Carry Guard insurance was launched earlier this year. It's being promoted to gun-owners in case they shoot someone in self-defense and face legal costs. Gun-control advocates believe it will lull gun owners into a false sense of security and encourage them to shoot rather than try to avoid confrontations. New York state financial regulators have now launched an investigation into how it's being marketed.
BPU now warning of two scams in service area...
There's been a repeat of one reported phone scam -- and a new in-person one -- reported by two businesses in the Jamestwon Board of Public Utilities' service area. BPU Spokeswoman Becky Robbins says the newer one involves a person showing up at the business, and, demanding cash to avoid a utility shut-off. Robbins says when BPU field representatives are sent to turn off a customer, they may accept a check to avoid the shut-off… but, never cash. She says -- if there's a question -- ask for the representative's identification. In addition... a business has received a call from a "Steven" or "Charles" who asks the customer to call a local phone number to pay by phone. She says the BPU only accepts phone payments through it's phone system -- and, customers have to initiate those calls. Robbins says they do not call... and, ask you to call a local number for payment. Before the BPU can turn off service for an overdue electric bill or deposit, the utility must send a Final Termination Notice.
Young and Santini speak on World Jr. Pre-Tournament games returning to Jamestown...
The World Junior Hockey Tournament pre-tournament will be an exciting, economic boost to the city of Jamestown. It's the first time the Under-20 Exhibition games have been here in about six years. Two of the Under-20 Games will be held at the Northwest Arena later this December. State Senator Cathy Young says the games will give Chautauqua County's hotel, gas stations and restaurants an economic shot in the arm. Young says since the games are in town during the holiday season, they are a great present to Jamestown. In his earlier career, Southern Tier Xpress head coach Lou Santini worked with USA Hockey as a coach and instructor for the USA Player Development Program in Michigan, Minnesota and New York... and, says the competition there is always keen. Santini says he's excited for the preliminary games and is glad Jamestown is hosting because the players are potential NHL stars. USA plays against Belarus on Dec. 20 and Belarus takes on Slovakia on Dec. 21. For ticket information... go on-line to www.northwestarena.com.
