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WJTN News Headlines for Wed., Jan. 26, 2022

County IDA approves incentive package for South Ripley Solar Project...
The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency's board of directors has approved incentives for ConnectGen Chautauqua County, LLC's South Ripley Solar Project.  Deputy County Executive for Economic Development... and IDA Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise says the 270 megawatt large-scale solar project that will be located in South Ripley will have a lot of benefits... including $30-million in payment to local landowners, and $800,000 a year in tax revenues to the town of Ripley each year for the 30-year life of a payment-in-lieu of tax agreement.  In addition... Geise says the incentives include sales tax abatements, and a mortgage recording tax abatement for the project.  He says there are still some environmental reviews yet to be done.  He says the state's review will take about a year... so the project will likely begin in early or mid-2023.  Officials say the project is expected to produce more than 200 family-wage jobs during the construction process.


Dahlstrom Rollform completes move into new facility in Falconer...
A Jamestown-area manufacturer has completed a four-month move into a new facility in the village of Falconer.  Dahlstrom Rollform is now in a new facility with D.C. Rollform at 221 Lister Ave.  Dahlstrom Rollform President Rob White says they're pleased to be in the new location... and, says they performed most of the move internally... moving each of their 15 rollforming machines in two week increments.  He says they did buffer runs of inventory to make sure they had supply ready for customers before moving a particular line.  White says the new location is ideal because it mainly has a concrete floor with higher ceilings... and no interior walls.  He adds they're able to move raw materials in at one end... and push finished product out the other.  White adds the move should also help with customer relationships through increased reliability, and response time.  White says their loyal customers actually helped them outgrow their old facility.  He made his comments in a special, YouTube video.


Borrello happy to see NYS Supreme Court judge rule Hochul's mask mandate unconstitutional...
A local New York state lawmaker says he's pleased that a State Supreme Court judge from Long Island has ruled that the mask mandate imposed by Governor Kathy Hochul last month is unconstitutional.  State Senator George Borrello says he has been a strong opponent to such measures... and, calls it another situation where those mandates have been struck down.  The State Department of Education says it will still require masks for students in schools while the decision is appealed, but Borrello says that is causing confusion.  He says the state Health Department is also continuing that requirement.  In a statement issued last night... Hochul said her administration "strongly" disagrees with the ruling and will pursue every option to have it reversed.


Dunkirk man sentenced to two-years in prison for rape...
A Dunkirk man faces two-years in state prison... and, 10 years post-release supervision after pleading guilty to a third-degree rape charge.  Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt says 66 year-old James Miller entered the plea before County Court Judge David Foley Tuesday.  Schmidt says Miller was arrested in July of last year in connection with the May 2021 incident.  Schmidt and Assistant D.A. Tracey Brunecz thanked the Dunkirk Police Department for their work on the investigation, and their assistance in prosecuting the case.


Administrators of SAT say test is going digital...
The administrators of the SAT say the exam will move from paper and pencil to a digital format.  They say the shift will boost the test's relevancy in an increasingly test-optional college admissions landscape. Test-takers will be able to use their own laptops. But they will still have to take the test at a monitored site or in school. The format change is scheduled to roll out internationally next year and in the U.S. in 2024.


United Way of So. Chautauqua County makes 2021 General Campaign goal...
Tuesday's "Campaign Celebration Day" was topped off in a big way for the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.   The annual general campaign celebration was held yesterday afternoon virtually... and 2021 Campaign Co-Chair Christine Tarbrake announced the final results of the effort... which had a goal of $1.3-million.  She said they raised $1.314-million.  Chris Tarbrake and her husband, Mark, co-chaired the campaign.  Mark Tarbrake praised the work of United Way staff... and, especially volunteers for their efforts during a difficult year.  United Way Executive Director Amy Rohler told us earlier that "pandemic fatigue" made this year's fund raising more difficult than last year.  Rohler believes everyone in the community is touched by at least one of the 43 programs supported by the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.  


Tickets still available for Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner...
Tickets are still available for the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club on President's Day, Feb. 21.  This year's class is a 'holdover' group from last year when the banquet could not be held.  Despite that, Hall of Fame President, Randy Anderson, says the inductees will be well represented at the event.  Anderson says only one family will not be able to attend.  Tickets are $50 each and available at the Sports Hall of Fame, the Jamestown Cycle Shop or from Banquet Chairman Chip Johnson.  For the dinner, COVID protocols will be in effect.