County lawmakers will have to wait another month before taking final action on a proposed local law that would prohibit the use of tobacco products on county land. That's because of a proposed amendment that would allow residents and visitors to smoke in county park and forest land, except inside and within 100 feet of roofed structures. Frewsburg Democrat Tom Erlandson offered the amendment. While most lawmakers supported the amendment, Jamestown Democrat Timothy Hoyer did not. He suffers from asthma. County lawmakers have to allow 14-days before taking action on the amended law, so a final vote is expected during their August meeting.
The decade old Clean Indoor Air Act has "saved lives... and, saved money." That from a reported released just before yesterday's 10th anniversary of the still-controversial law. Those points were also driven home by Program Director Laurie Adams with the Tri-County Tobacco Free Programs coalition. Adams says it was a hard fight both locally... and, statewide to enact the measure. She says... though... the measure -- which put a halt to smoking indoors in public places -- has had more than health benefits. Adams adds that the data shows the number of adults exposed to second-hand smoke in the workplace has been significantly reduced. Adams adds that the law also led to 30-percent of the smokers who tried to quit did it because of the law. She says New York became a model during that time for the rest of the country. Adams says the findings were just published by the New York State Department of Health... and, the Bureau of Tobacco Control.
The Chautauqua County Health and Human Services Department has announced that the boil water order for part of the town of Carroll has been lifted. County Water Specialist Bill Boria says the order had been in effect since July 18th for those customers served by the Frewsburg public water supply in the Wigren Road area. The water leak that caused the problem was repaired on July 19th... and, water samples collected this past Monday and Tuesday showed that the water is safe to drink. The boil water order did not affect the entire water district... only the Wigren Road area. The town of Carroll and the county's Health and Human Services Department say they appreciate the cooperation shown by those customers of the water district affected by this water emergency. Any questions should be directed to the Town of Carroll at 569-5365... county's Public Health division at 753-4481.
A 'green energy' company from Canada that provides solutions centered on LED lighting... and solar technologies has started up it's first U-S venture in Dunkirk. Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency Director Bill Daly says... though... that Proquip is not new to the area. Daly says Proquip -- which is based in Brantford, Ontario -- has bought the Lightning Circuits Company building on Main Street in Dunkirk... and, is co-locating there with the north county company. Daly says Proquip has been a leader in the new energy sector in Canada since 1996. Daly says Proquip was brought in to help light the front entrance to Jamestown Community College's new Science Center on the Jamestown Campus. He says the lighting system at JCC used solar light to charge the batteries that provide the power used for the light at night. Daly says the Dunkirk location will mainly be used for sales and marketing of their products... and, adds they'll also be doing some assembly work as well. Daly says Proquip plans to start with about two to three people at the Dunkirk location.
A Silver Creek man suffered serious injuries after falling under a bus while trying to flag it down shortly after Noon Wednesday in the village. Sheriff's Deputies say the accident occured when the victim... 50 year-old Robert Stankowitz... ran after the bus along Howard Street as the driver stopped to make a right turn onto Central Avenue. However... officers say Stankowitz lost his footing... and, fell under the Coach USA bus as continued the turn. Deputies say witnesses were able to alert the driver to stop so Stankowitz wasn't hurt any further. Officers say he was flown by Starflight Helicopter to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo for treatment. The accident is under investigation.
A committee is being formed to take a look at whether or not the village of Forestville should dissolve itself. The Forestville Village Board approved the move during a meeting last (Tuesday) night. Village attorney Mike Sullivan says the Dissolution Committee will look into several parts of the municipalities operations... including the services it provides. The committee will also look at the debt and the budget to determine what impact the move will have on tax rates. Sullivan says a county lawmaker may serve on the panel for his leadership. The committee is expected to report back to the village Board in about 60 days.
