Two out-of-state men arrested for allegedly transporting $2,500 worth of fireworks through Chautauqua County...
The first fireworks arrests of the Fourth of July holiday period has been made during a traffic stop in the town of Chautauqua. Sheriff's officers say they pulled over a vehicle... operated by 43 year-old Todd Kennedy of Gates Mills, Ohio... just before 12:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Deputies say they found about $2,500 worth of fireworks -- many of them dangerous -- inside. Both Kennedy... and, his passenger, 73 year-old Bertram Kennedy of Tequesta, Florida... were arrested for Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks and Dangerous Fireworks. Officers says Todd Kennedy was also issued several traffic tickets... and, both were released pending a future appearance in Chautauqua Town Court.
Gerace urges people to leave fireworks displays to the pros...
Local police urge residents to leave the fireworks displays to the professionals... and, weather permitting... several are planned across the Chautauqua region. There are a couple planned for tonight in Chautauqua County. One follows the Jamestown Jammers regularily scheduled game at Diethrick Park. The seven-inning game follows completion of last night's suspended game against Mahoning Valley. That game resumes in the second-inning at 5 p.m. Sheriff Joe Gerace warns agains illegal fireworks possession and use... and, adds it "drains resources from police... taking away from often more important calls. Gerace adds that they... as well as other local agencies... are obligated to check all such calls out. He urges people to watch the "professional fireworks" shows in the county... and, elsewhere. In addition to Diethrick Park... there'll be fireworks tonight at George Borrello Park in Silver Creek at dusk. The rain date for that is Friday, July 5.
Gerace also urges boating safety on the Fourth of July...
The other travel concern over the Fourth of July Holiday is on the water. Sheriff Gerace adds -- despite the weather -- the county's lakes have seen a big increase in boat traffic. He adds that's accentuated by the number of fireworks displays along the Chautauqua Lake waterfront... as well as Lake Erie. Again... Gerace says plan ahead... and, follow the rules of boating... including not boating while intoxicated. He adds there's also a night-time speed limit on Chautauqua Lake.
Here's a quick list of fireworks displays beginning tonight through tomorrow...
7/3 Wednesday night - Dietrick Park... following regularily scheduled Jammers Game. They're completing a suspended game at 5 PM, second game to follow.
7/3 Wednesday-Silver Creek-George Borrello Park dusk (rain date 7/5)
7/4-Thursday-Hartley Park, Lakewood, 10 PM.
7/4 Thursday-Midway State Park 10 PM.
7/4 Thursday-near Floating Stage at Bemus Point. Follows Bruce Springsteen Tribute Concert at dusk.
7/4 Thursday-Dunkirk-Memorial Park at dusk.
7/4 Thursday-Mayville-Lakeside Park 10 PM (rain date, 7/5).
7/4 Thursday-Betts Park, Warren, 10 PM. (**more on our Community Events page)...
