We look back on last week's huge celebration of the 2.5-millionth heavy-duty engine produced at Cummins' Jamestown Engine Plant in the town of Busti. Our Terry Frank features comments made by Plant Manager Anna Dibble, Cummins' Engine Business President Srikanth Padmanabhan, New York State Empire State Development President Hope Knight, and Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel. Dibble introduced the program, noting that Cummins will be celebrating it's 50th year at JEP, where the first engines were actually produced on an assembly line in 1976. She says, with Cummins 15-liter diesel engine production moved to JEP, their growth has been exponential. Padmanabhan says it's important to move forward with producing more environmentally-friendly natural gas, and later hydrogen engines for trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles. Knight represented New York Gov. Kathy Hochul at the program, and congratulated the company on it's achievements. Wendel expressed his appreciation to the company for keeping the plant local... and, noted that his family moved here when his father became employed by Cummins.

Our Terry Frank spotlights the end of the national COVID-19 emergency by talking with the head of an organization instrumental in helping to keep dozens of local non-profit agencies afloat during the pandemic. Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Exec. Director Tory Irgang joins Terry to look back on what they, and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation were able to do. They also partnered with local United Ways to establish a fund to help just over 100 local entities with just over one-million dollars in grants. For the most part... she says they all came through the pandemic alright, but, adds that the number of people using those services, or taking part in activities is still down from pre-pandemic levels. We also discuss the need for students looking to go to college to start looking at scholarship opportunities through CRCF. We also discuss other endowment and grant programs available to the community... and, the "Give Big CHQ" day of giving on Tues., June 8.

Our Terry Frank continues the discussion with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist about the need for eight new firefighters in the city's Fire Department. Sundquist says he looks forward to City Council members getting their questions answered about the 1.8-million dollar SAFER Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Sundquist says there is a definate need for them now... and, added the union understands that the positions may not be retained after the grant runs out. However... he says the city had learned more about the possibility of a Firefighter Retention Grant through SAFER they would be eligible for after the three-years of the initial grant. Lawmakers have expressed concern over the projected costs to retaining those firefighters if the funding runs out. A meeting with FEMA officials is set for a Zoom Conference on Tuesday, May 16 at 4 p.m. We also discuss the new state budget, which Sundquist says is taking some time to go through because there's a lot in there, to see if there is anything that would benefit the city. Terry also talks with the mayor about last Saturday's tree re-planting along West Third St., between Hall Avenue, and Hallock St., to replace the old Cathedral Oaks that had to be taken out the past 3 and 4 years. They were replaced by four kinds of smaller trees. A total of 37 were planted last Saturday.

Our Terry Frank discusses a number of issues on this week's program with Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel... in particular the new, New York state budget. Wendel says they are still trying to find out the status of two funding requests -- totaling about 4-million for Chautauqua Lake. He says there is other funding in the spending plan for the region... but, adds it's top-heavy in favor of the New York City Metro area. We also further discuss the lake and the need for funding... including 2-million in local funding recent approved by the County Legislature. Wendel says the first 1-million will support the Jefferson Project, whose scientific research helped turn around the weed and algae bloom situation at Lake George. The other 1-million went to purchase of equipment -- including a new weed harvester for the Chautauqua Lake Association. We also discuss the county Office for Aging Services celebrations of it's 50th anniversary. There was a sell-out for the first of two programs -- this once at the Celoron Harbor Hotel last Wednesday in Celoron... and, the second coming up this Wed. (5/10) at the Clarion Hotel in Dunkirk.

Our Terry Frank talks with Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services Director Mary Ann Spanos about a number of topics this week, including whether their services are up and fully running after the COVID pandemic shut-down. Dr. Spanos says they are able to hold most of their "in-person" programs this year. However... she says they will not be holding their annual Senior Picnic at Midway Park this year. In it's place... she says they'll be holding indoor celebrations in the next couple of weeks for their 50th anniversary of being established in 1973. That was the first year the federal Older Americans Act took effect after being approved in 1965. Dr. Spanos just returned from the U-S Aging conference in Washington, D.C. where they lobbied for federal monies to support local Offices for Aging or Aging Services,. She says the first celebration will be held this coming Wed., May 3 at the Celoron Harbor Hotel. The second will be held at the Clarion Hotel in Dunkirk on May 10. She says they still serve between 7,000 and 9,000 seniors in the county in various ways through Meals on Wheels, Chautauqua Adult Day Services, and others.

This week, our Terry Frank gets an update on several economic development projects in Chautauqua County with Deputy Co. Executive, Mark Geise. Geise agrees that the recent announcement by Cummins Engine of a 452-million dollar expansion project at the Jamestown Engine Plant shows a long-term commitment to the region by the heavy-duty engine maker. He says the only request Cummins has made to the county's Industrial Development Agency is about 3-million dollars in sales tax exemptions on items not already covered by New York state. We also discuss packaging of 150-acres of land in the western portion of the county for a new, "shovel-ready" industrial Park. Geise says the effort is taking time, and he didn't realize how time-consuming it would be. He says... once completed... the effort could cost upwards of 11-million dollars. However... he says a large share of that money is in-hand. We also discuss north county projects, and that Ferraro's purchase of Wells Enterprises in Dunkirk has stabilized the plant, and remaining jobs through at least this year. We also discuss future development of the former Lexington Die Cast plant in Lakewood... and, Truck-Lite in Falconer.

Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist joins our Terry Frank this week to discuss several topics... including the result of two neighborhood meetings in the Allen Park and Jackson-Taylor Park areas to gauge interest in having two smaller splash pads in those two locations. Sundquist says the neighborhoods are very excited about having them... and, adds the soil issue at Jackson-Taylor should not be a problem because the pad is proposed for the former skateboard park, where some residential housing has been previously located, so soft soils should not be a problem. We also discuss the ongoing concern over the deer population in various parts of the city... and, Sundquist believes a deer harvest -- or hunt -- needs to be done. However, it needs to be done safely. With Spring now here... we also discuss the closing of the two "Code Blue" homeless shelters in the city... and, where things are going for the warmer months, and next Winter. The mayor also talks about meeting with Congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. recently. They included U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, and, Rep. Nick Langworthy.

Our Terry Frank talks with Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel this week on a number of local and state issues... including what the county will do now to raise needed funds to maintain and improve Chautauqua Lake and other waterways. A recent proposal by Wendel to increase the county's occupancy -- or bed tax -- from 5% to 8% was changed back to 5% by the legislature. He says a meeting is being held this Wednesday night (4/12) on the possibility of instituting a boat user fee for people who use the lake for recreation. Wendel had said some time ago that such a fee at 200-dollars a boat could bring in up to 2.4-million dollars in additional revenues. We also discuss the late state budget, but, also the fact that it looks like there will be no "intercept" of federal funds going directly to counties through the eFMAP Medicaid program. That would have cost the county between 4-million and 4.3-million dollars this year. We also discuss economic development, and efforts this year to construct a new industrial park with about 150-acres of land in the western portion of the county... as well as Cummins Engines' recent, major announcement that it's embarking on a 452-million dollar expansion project that would add one new engine line to the Jamestown Engine Plant.

Busti Town Supervisor Jesse Robbins and Town Clerk Darlene Nygren talk with our Terry Frank about the upcoming Bicentennial celebration in the town, with a number of activities running from mid-April through late September. Robbins says the bicentennial planning actually began three-years ago when he heard from a former town resident that it was coming up, and he, Nygren and others began planning, and a committee was formed. The first activity is coming up on Apr. 12 when long-time Historian Norm Carlson gives the "Busti Talk" at the Fenton History Center. Robbins says they'll host a "Miss Busti" competition on Apr. 14 who will serve through the year. The first major event will then be held on Sunday, Apr. 16 at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club beginning at 1:30 p.m. with an opening ceremony, and a town board reenactment, featuring board members in 1923 garb. Robbins says there'll be music, a chicken barbecue, kids bounce house, and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. There'll be several other activities through the summer, with a night at Stateline Speedway on Sat. July 1, and at a Jamestown Tarp Skunks baseball game on July 15. The big event will be held Sept. 21-24 with concerts and a carnival at the Busti Firemen's Grounds. It will be held in conjuction with what will be a two-day Busti Apple Harvest Festival Sept. 23 and 24. For more information... go to www.townofbusti.com.

Jamestown Board of Public Utilities General Manager Dave Leathers is in the spotlight this week to discuss a number of topics, including the energy future in Jamestown and the rest of New York State. He tells our Terry Frank that it's all based around the state's new Energy Standards, which were put in place in August of 2016... and, the NYS Climate Action Plan, which was approved in 2019. Leathers says the BPU is actually well positioned to weather the changes, but, adds the cost for those approved changes are already adding about 20% more costs to BPU electric customers. He says the board's New York State Power Authority allocation of about 90% of the city's power will continue to come from the Niagara Hydropower Project through at least 2040. He adds the future of the BPU's gas turbine should be good through 2035. We also discuss the State Research and Development Agency's recent awarding of a 95,000 dollar grant to the BPU, and the city School District to develop a plan for changing the district's bus fleet to all-electric in the next few years. We also discuss current and future projects to replace old water mains around the city.

Our Terry Frank interviews Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce President, and Chief Executive Officer Dan Heitzenrater this week about a number of issues, including concerns over the state budget now being negotiated between the legislature and Gov.Kathy Hochul. Heitzenrater says there are three concerns they have, including: unemployment insurance, and, possible minimum wage increases. We also discuss labor and supply chain concerns. Heitzenrater says one business expert believes we'll be seeing labor shortages for another 7 years. As for the recent default of a couple of U.S. Banks, he says a chamber member who operates a local credit union says there should be no significant issues for local businesses and residents. We also discuss the chamber's upcoming State Legislative Breakfast at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville on Friday, April 28th. It will feature local New York State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, and State Senator George Borrello.

Our Terry Frank discusses a number of matters with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist this week, including controversy over possible conflict of interest accusations against the Jamestown Local Development Corporation. The controversy stems over three American Rescue Plan Act grants made by the JLDC to entities with ties on JLDC board members. Sundquist says they are working with the state, and have contacted federal officials about the matter. A couple of residents have charged that the grants to City Councilman Jeff Russells wife's business, Jamestown Skate Products, and St. Luke's Church should not have taken place. We also talk about possible new projects that could receive portions of the remaining 2-million dollars in ARPA funding. We also get an update on the city's homeless issue, and that the two new "code blue" shelters are having to remain open because of late Winter weather. Sundquist also gets a plug in for the city's "Turning the River Green" event along with Chadakoin River in Brooklyn Square next Saturday on St. Patrick's Day.

This week, our Terry Frank hosts Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel, who had just returned to the county following the three-day New York State Association of Counties -- or NYSAC -- annual legislative conference. Wendel, who was elected to the NYSAC Board during the conference, says they were all very united on a number of measures they oppose in Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget proposal. He says the main one is the fact the state would be taking the federal Medicaid eFMAP pass through monies... which totaled 4.3-million dollars to the county this past year. He says there were also other measures they opposed... including changing local county executive races to Presidential election years. We also discuss the six-point plan for Chautauqua Lake offered to the county legislature recently for lake maintenance. He says there needs to be more of a "team effort" to get and keep the lake well maintained, and will discuss that, and economic development in detail during his annual State of the County Address at the end of March. We also discuss firefighter safety and risk in the wake of the recent death of a Buffalo firefighter in a major, downtown fire.

This week, we lighten things up a little as our Terry Frank interviewed several of the Jamestown-area inductees into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame during the annual Induction Dinner at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. We include large portions of the interviews with former Jamestown High School football and track stand-out Sheldon Battle, former JHS football stand-out, and current Co-Director of College Scouting for the Kansas City Chiefs, David Hinson... and, former Southwestern Head Football Coach Jay Sirianni, who led the Trojans to state titles in 2008 and 2009. We also talk with Hinson and Sirianni about the recent Super Bowl, in which Kansas City edged out the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia is coached by Jay Sirianni's younger brother, Nick. While they were there watching the game and not directly involved, it was great to be a part of it. Terry also interviews former JHS girl's stand-out Kirsten Green, who later worked under legendary Basketball Coach Mike Kryszewski at Duke Univ. and is now Assistant Athletic Director at Harvard Univ... Post-Journal Sports Editor Scott Kindberg... and, long-time and still current Frewsburg High School Boy's Swimming Coach, Bruce Johnson.

Our Terry Frank speaks by phone this week with local NYS Senator George Borrello of Sunset Bay. The Republican says there are some good points to Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2023-24 state budget proposal. Borrello says the biggest plus is the 1-billion dollars the Buffalo-area Democrat is proposing to boost inpatient Mental Health beds, and other supports in the state. He says that's especially critical in the north county area because there are few if any in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area. We also discuss the Climate Action Plan final scoping document, which he opposes because it would phase out natural gas use over the next several years. We also delve into farming, since Borrello is the ranking minority member of that Senate committee. He says he's got three goals in the 2023 session... the first being curbing the impact of the lower overtime threshold for farm laborers. He's pushing for a tax credit that would have "no strings attached" to that credit. Borrello is also pushing to strengthen the Nourish-New York program... which was started by himself and Democratic Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to help residents in "food deserts." He's pushing to have the annual program's funding increased from 50-million to 75-million dollars. Borrello says the third area he's pushing to clarify language in the Climate Councii's final scoping document to allow farmers to be exempt from the phase-out of natural gas being allowed to power machinery and appliances.

This week... News Director Terry Frank speaks with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist about a number of topics and issues, led by his reaction to NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2023-24 budget proposal. Sundquist says the 227-billion dollar proposal is very good for local public school district, but, not so much for local municipalites. He says that was driven home during the New York State Conference of Mayor's (NYCOM's) annual legislative gathering in Albany. Sundquist says small cities have seen no increase in their Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM), nor for maintenance local governments are required to perform on state roadways in their municipalities. We also discuss the city's most recent numbers in American Rescue Plan Act funding outlays. City Council learned this past week that, so far, 25.3-million dollars has been either doled out, or committed to various projects and other items. There's about 2.7-million dollars in ARPA funds left that has to be spent by the end of the year. We also discuss progress on the city's new Public Works Maintenance Building on Washington Street, and where things stand on the state's project on Washington Street itself.

Our Terry Frank talks with Chautauqua County P.J. Wendel about a number of topics on this week's program... including what he was looking forward to in New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2023-24 budget proposal. One of the key items, he says, is the need to avoid taking the individual counties federal Medicaid reimbursement funding. For Chautauqua County... Wendel says that would create a 4.3-million dollar hole in the county's 2023 budget. We also discuss the county legislature's recent approval of a local law establishing the salary for a new media communications coorindator in his office. The legislature voted 13-3 in favor, but, Democrats complained it would create an eighth person in the executive's office. Wendel says that's not the case... adding that there has been a shifting of positions with one person going to the Human Resources Dept., and the Deputy County Exec. for Economic Development being moved into the county's Planning and Economic Development Dept. He also reflects on the death of a former Southwestern Central School Classmate, Jackson Rohm, who recently died where he lived in Florida, and SWCS Graduate Nick Sirianni coaching the Philadelphia Eagles in the upcoming Super Bowl.

Our Terry Frank talks with Chautauqua County Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon this week about a number of topics... but, mainly about the recent decision by the Chautauqua Lake Protection and Rehabilitation Agency panel to discontinue looking at creating a lake taxing district to support maintenance of the lake. We talk about a number of questions that have arose following that 7-4 vote to stop the process, even before receiving a report from the consulting firm, Barton and LoGuidice. That firm will continue on with completing it's report and will provide it to the county once it's completed. Chagnon says, even if a lake district was to be approved, there were a number of questions about what property owners would be taxing, and how much they would pay. He says the amount of funding for the projects isn't even known at this point. Otherwise, we talk about the past year and what to look forward to in 2023. Chagnon says the legislature's main task remains keeping up with the budget, especially with inflation now an issue. As for accomplishments, he feels getting the first phase of the West Chautauqua Lake Sewer project completed has been a major one.

This week, our Terry Frank talks with Jamestown City Council President Tony Dolce on a number of topics, including what council is looking forward to in 2023. Dolce says allocating the rest of what remains of the city's 28-million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funding remains front and center. He adds that, depending on what lawmakers learn about discrepancies in the money put into the Senior Housing Improvement Program, they will likely put in the money needed to cover all, eligible projects. We also discuss the fact that 2023 is an election year. Dolce acknowledges that he's a potential mayoral candidate, but, maintained that he's not reached a final decision on that, as he is still teaching at Jamestown High School. However... he does say that the city's Republican Committee plans on fielding a candidate this Fall against incumbant Mayor Eddie Sundquist, who recently announced he's running for re-election. Dolce adds that all seven current GOP council members appear to be running for re-election. If he doesn't run for mayor, Dolce may again run to represent the second-ward again.

Our Terry Frank speaks with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist this week on a number of topics, including last week's visit by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer to the site of the Crawford Furniture Factory fire last November. Schumer announced he'll be pushing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to expedite the environmental review, and clean-up of the former factory site. Mayor Sundquist says most of the solvents, varnishes and other materials were cleaned out of the structure over the previous year or so, but, there's still onsite contamination. Schumer says there's also the reinstated Superfund Cleanup Tax that would be available to allow the EPA to take the factory owners to court and sue for damages. We also discuss the fact the city's Senior Housing Improvement Program funded by American Rescue Plan Act funding has spent it's 1.5-million dollars, but, some 63 projects still need money, and there's some confusion over whether the city requested the 1.5-million or 1.8-million for the program. We also talk about Sundquist's decision, and recent announcement that he's running for a second-term in office.

Our Terry Frank looks back on the past year... and, highlights several stories... including the two main ones: Public Safety and the Homeless Crisis. In the area of public safety... City Council President Tony Dolce hosted a forum in September that drew a large crowd of people. However... one of the main topics ended up being the number of homeless, and what to do with them. Mayor Eddie Sundquist says the number of homeless people had skyrocketed in recent months for several reasons. One was the cost of housing and other items, and the other was the ending of the state's Eviction Moratorium put in place during the COVID Pandemic. As for public safety... we discuss the increase in gun violence in the city, and Chief Tim Jackson noted it's been everywhere - "not just one or two places." We also spotlight the major fire at the former Crawford Furniture factory building just outside the city. The drug crisis is also highlighted with a Fla. woman being arrested late last year after being found with nearly 10 pounds of Fentanyl pills in her possession. We also look at economic development... and, the landing of lithiun-ion battery producer Electrovaya in Jamestown's Mason Industrial Park... and, a new owner purchasing Wells Enterprises in Dunkirk.

News Director Terry Frank speaks with National Comedy Center Exec. Director, Journey Gunderson this week to do a year-end wrap on activities for the past year with the COVID pandemic in the rear view mirror. Gunderson says it was a successful year of activities, but, adds their numbers have not come back to "pre-COVID" levels yet. She says they welcomed acclaimed Comedian Amy Poehler to premier her documentary on Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to kick-off the year. Poehler was later named to the center's Advisory Board of Directors. She says they had a successful return of the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in August after the past two years were cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. She says they had three "full" headliner programs featuring Jeff Foxworthy, and Saturday Night Live Legends David Spade, Kevin Nealon, and Rob Schneider. Gunderson says the center wants to put more emphasis on drawing families, and especially children to the center to enjoy the interactive exhibits they have. She also encouraged people to visit during the holidays because they will be open.

Our Terry Frank catches up with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist after he had to cancel last week. We discuss the recently approved overrides of Sundquist's five vetoes... and, says he's disappointed that no amendments were offered until well after the deadline for them. Most disappointing, according to the mayor, was comments by some lawmakers about "errors" in putting the budget together. He adds that his finance team worked hard to get a spending plan together despite losing Comptroller Ryan Thompson. His replacement, John Sellstrom, is also leaving city government. Sundquist says he's most disappointed by council adding 75,000 to the amount of revenue to be raised through sales tax, but, it "sets the city up for failure." He also discusses recent news about the West Third Street Streetscape Project that will involve putting new trees and lights in... and, he adds those are starting to come in to the city. We also discuss the clean-up of the former Crawford Furniture Plant hit by a massive fire last month. He says they had already begun working with federal and state partners to clean-up the site before anything happened. However... he says the clean-up may cost upwards of 1-million dollars or more.

This week, we present a preview of the 10th anniversary Holiday Haul in Jamestown to benefit the St. Susan's Center. It's been put on the Northwest Savings Arena Director Keith Martin, who spoke with our Dennis Webster recently about the upcoming anniversary. Martin was joined on the program by St. Susan's Executive Dir. Cherie Rowland... who talked about the Jamestown-area's largest soup kitchen, and it's needs. Martin says last year they raised just over 24,000 dollars... and, six-and-a-half tons of food and supplies for St. Susan's. He says they're hoping to better those amounts during the three-day "Holiday Haul" in the parking lot of the Jamestown Cycle Shop on Harrison Street on Thursday, Dec. 15 through Saturday, Dec. 17. Residents are invited to bring cash, and/or non-perishable food items, and supplies on those days.

Chautauqua County's Deputy Executive for Economic Development, Mark Geise, joins our Terry Frank this week to update industrial and commercial projects in the county. Geise talks in more detail about plans for Canadian-based Electrovaya to locate it's first U.S.-based plant in the Mason Industrial Park in the town of Ellicott. Geise says the 75-million dollar project is set to begin in the former Heidenhain building, with an additional structure to be added for the Lithium-ion battery producer. Geise says Electrovaya is seeking county Industrial Development Ageny incentives in addition to state and federal assistance. Electrovaya was first announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul when she announced the state's 1.5-megawatts of hydropower allocation to the plant. We also discuss the need for more "shovel ready" development sites in the county. Geise says when developers decide to move on a new location, that location most often needs to be ready now. He says 2.5-million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funding, along with local dollars are being invested in obtaining new property to package for development. Geise also updates efforts to move projects ahead for the former Furniture Mart Building in Jamestown, and the former White Inn in Fredonia.

News Director Terry Frank welcomes back Executive Dir. Shane Hawkins from Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, and their Artistic Dir. Jamie Lee Bonfiglio-Davis to talk about getting programming back up and running after the COVID Pandemic. Both say they are getting more students back, but, are still behind their numbers prior to the pandemic. Hawkins adds they're also adding more instructors because those numbers were down during the pandemic, as well. We also discuss the soon-to-be-opened "Pearl City Clay House" which will house studios and other facilities for people to create pottery works, and other art creations. That will be located in a building across from the Jamestown Police Dept. We also discuss recent hires to be instructors, including local singing stand-out Teal Weatherly. We also discuss a recent state grant the program received, and the fact they depend on about 30 grants a year to keep their programs going.

This week... our Terry Frank talks with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist on a number of issues, but, at the beginning, he updates budget discussions in recent weeks. Sundquist says there are still a couple of smaller departments to be reviewed, but, adds no formal amendments were received from the City Council at last Wednesday's deadline for lawmakers to do so. Amendments could still be offered from the floor at this month's voting session. We also discuss ongoing talks over the remaining American Rescue Plan Act funding the city received. One of the mayor's proposals is for two splash pad areas. We also discuss the unveiling of new, decorative lighting in the city as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and the city receiving it's Christmas Tree ahead of the annual Downtown Parade on Dec. 3.

News Director Terry Frank talks with Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel about an emergency water leak that just occured that morning at the county's Hall Clothier Building in Mayville. Wendel says it was a problem with a water line that goes to the HVAC on top of the building, causing significant water damage to the upper three-floors of the building. However... the Dept. of Motor Vehicles, and the Board of Elections are able to remain operational. Wendel says that's important because the BOE is one of four locations in the county. The basement and first-floors remained closed for a time. We also discuss the final approved budget for 2023... which Wendel signed the morning after it was approved by the county legislature. He says they do have funding to cover the additional cost of providing drug addiction recovery services at the jail in Mayville. The budget includes a 30-cent per 1,000 full value tax rate reduction.

Our Terry Frank takes an in-depth look at early voting in Chautauqua County this week with County Elections Commissioners Brian Abram and Luz Torres. We discuss the four locations where you can vote early, and how many days early voting will be available. The nine-day early voting period in New York state began last Saturday at the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood, the county Board of Elections Office in Mayville, the county Fairgrounds in Dunkirk, and the Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown. The commissioners say, for early voting, you can stop at any one of the four sites, and cast your ballot through Sun. Nov. 6. After that, you have to wait until Election Day on Nov. 8, and vote at your designed polling site. There are approximately 50 of those across the county. Abram says they expect about the second-largest turn-out for this year because residents will vote on who the next governor will be, as well as the full state legislature. Locally, Assemblyman Andy Goodell is being challenged by Sandra Lewis, and Senator George Borrello is facing off against Dan Brown. Local voters are also deciding on the next 23rd District Congressman between Nick Langworthy and Max Della Pia.

News Director Terry Frank speaks with Executive Director Amy Rohler, and Director of Community Impact, Lindsey Goold with the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County about the 2022 General Campaign. Rohler says this year's goal is to again raise 1.3-million dollars to support some 42 local programs at several member agencies. She says the campaign is off to a good start, having raised about a quarter of the goal so far. Rohler says they're pleased to be able to get out and make workplace presentations this year after two years of very limited, or no presentations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also talk about the start of the new Vicki James "Blueprint" fund, and Lindsey Goold talks about their just released Collective Impact Report... which highlights the number of people and programs impacted by United Way contributions. Rohler says most surprising is the positive impacts that mentorship programs have had on graduation rates for students in school. For more information on the campaign, or to schedule a workplace presentation, call the United Way at 483-1561... or go on-line to uwayscc.org,

This week, News Dir. Terry Frank talks with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist about three different matters -- the first being his 2023 budget proposal, which totals 38.6-million dollars. Sundquist says his finance team worked hard on the spending plan, which includes no tax rate increase. That means the rate would remain 23.69 dollars per 1,000 dollars full value. However... there is an increase of 6-percent in the budget. He adds it is a balanced budget that only relies on 250-thousand dollars in undesignated fund balance. The City Council will begin budget talks shortly, and a final spending plan is due by Dec. 1. We also get a homeless update... and, Sundquist says planning meetings are continuing with human service providers, and the faith-based community. He says they have also brought a medical component into the equation for the homeless who have health care needs. Right now, they are working with larger local churches to see who might be able to house people who don't have a place to live during the colder weather months. We also discuss efforts to provide more American Rescue Plan Act funding for the city's Senior Home Improvement Program... which has long-exhausted it's initial 500,000 dollars in funding.

Chautauqua County Exec. P.J. Wendel is our Terry Frank's guest this week to futher discuss his 277.6-million dollar budget proposal presented to the county legislature at the end of September. Wendel says lawmakers have been reviewing the plan, and noted that there's very little left to cut out of the proposal, which includes a 30-cent per 1,000 dollar full value tax rate decrease. However... he says some of that may be eaten up by an increase the Medically Assisted Treatment program for inmates with addictions at the County Jail. Wendel says that's now a mandate handed down by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. We also discuss the decision by a new, lithium-ion battery manufacturer, Electroveya, will be moving into the Mason Industrial Park between Jamestown and Falconer, which is projected to bring 250 new jobs to the area. Wendel also discusses a new, County Landfill Commission that the legislature recently approved to help advocate for the landfill, and it's operations.

There was no in-studio guest this week, so we air Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel's 2023 budget address to the legislature and public during the monthly legislature voting session. Wendel outlines the fact the county is in a strong position coming out of the COVID Pandemic, and he has a "solid and balanced" budget plan, totaling 277.6-million dollars. He says there is some added spending for such capital project items as new snowplows for the Dept. of Public Facilities, and a new multi-purpose athletic field at Jamestown Community College. However, while the tax levy is up about 2.76-million dollars... the tax rate would fall by 30-cents per 1,000 dollars full value. Wendel says the budget does use about 4.5-million in undesignated fund balance... including about 3.6-million dollars for the added capital projects. The county legislature reviewed the spending plan this week in committee with department heads.

We air portions of comments from introductory remarks, and the question and answer session to Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce held last Friday morning with Congressman Joe Sempolinski. During the program at Moonbrook Country Club -- just north of Jamestown -- Sempolinski discussed hitting the ground running in Congress after being sworn-in on Sept. 13 in Washington. He noted that a lot of the early work has involved reestablishing the 23 Districts satelite offices in Jamestown, Olean, Geneva, and elsewhere. Constituent services were a big part of what Sempolinski dealt with as an aide for former Congressman Tom Reed, who left office earlier this year. He says the House has voted on about two-dozen bills since he officially took office, and he managed Republican floor debate on two of them. He expressed concern on a number of fronts, including the deficit rung up the past two-years, due in part to the pandemic, as well as what he said was out of control spending. While he's pushing for more accountability, he says this pattern has been around for a few decades now, and changing that habit won't occur overnight. Sempolinski also talked about being assigned to the Education and Budget Committees during the hour-long program.

Our Terry Frank talks with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist this week on mainly two topics: the rising number of homeless people, and the 2023 city budget proposal. The homeless issue came up during City Council President Tony Dolce's Public Safety and Neighborhood Forum last week as an issue. Sundquist says he met with more than 60 local clergy and pastors about the problem, and how to deal with it. He says these homeless wound up that way for a number of reasons, with one of the big ones the end to the eviction moratorium in New York state. Sundquist says he's trying to link the faith community with local service providers to help those people out. On the budget, Sundquist says the city is facing a number of challenges, including reductions in sales tax as the economy slows due to inflation. He says there's also the loss of 1-million dollars in state aid funding. However, Sundquist adds that the city will be saving money with 60% to 70% of it's Medicare-eligible retirees moving off the city's self-insured plan, and onto full Medicare. He's to present the 35-million dollar-plus budget on Fri., Oct. 7.

The still-new coordinator for Businesses Development at the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities joins our Terry Frank for this week's program. Ellen DiTonto, whose been in the position about five months, is coordinating the BPU's upcoming "Retool '22 - A Climate Tech Conference for Manufacturers." DiTonto says the conference will be held at the Northwest Arena from Oct. 17 through Oct. 19... and will feature several speakers, and break-out groups that discuss ways that new and existing businesses can take advantage of programs and funding that's available to shift their business towards new, and cleaner energy technology for the future. The main speakers will be Clint Wilder, Editorial Director of "Clean Edge" who is a best-selling author... and, Managing Director John Ellis with Ellis & Associates, and specializes in new and emerging transportation technology. For more information on registering for the conference and a Sept. 13 Webinar, contact DiTonto at 716-661-1686, or editonto@jamestownbpu.com.

Sorry this wasn't posted earlier! Our Terry Frank spoke this week (9/4-11) with Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel about preparing his final, 2023 budget proposal which will be presented to the public, and county legislature in late September. He says they are working the department heads to hold the line on spending to minimize any increases. Wendel won't say whether there will be a tax increase or decrease, but, that it will be a "solid, and balanced" budget. The approximately 270-million dollar spending plan is due on or about Sept. 25. We also discuss public safety, and a state-mandated threat assessment plan and team to be developed. Wendel says the county is on track for that, and will develop the plan based off of local school threat assessment plans, and other counties that already have them in place. We also discuss security at Chautauqua Institution in the wake of the Aug. 12 attack on well-known Author, Salmon Rushdie.

Our Terry Frank speaks this week with Chief Communications and Marketing Officer David Albert with the New York State School Boards Association about what should be a fairly "normal" start to the school year. That's after the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled in-person instruction for several months... and, then led to special protocols once in-person learning resumes. Albert says more than three-quarters of all 668 New York state school districts are using American Rescue Plan Act funding to deal with issues ranging from "COVID Slide..." to hiring more bus drivers. Many districts are also addressing mental health and other socio-economic issues with their ARPA funding. Nationally... the pandemic accelerated the loss of many teachers who either retired, or went into something different. However... Albert says while districts are looking to hire more teachers, the biggest shortage is in bus drivers. Some districts are offering more pay, and using job fairs to bring in potential applicants. Most schools in the region begin the 2022-23 school year next Tuesday, Sept. 6.

This week we present comments from the two Republican candidates seeking the nomination to run for the 23rd Congressional District in this Fall's election. Our Terry Frank has an exclusive interview with Chautauqua County native Nick Langworthy, who is also State GOP Chairman. Langworthy felt compelled to run because he knows the area, and that people want a "different brand of leadership." We also have excerpts from a town Hall style meeting held in the area by opponent, Buffalo-area developer Carl Paladino... who says he wants to "give back" because he's been successful. Paladino has said that one of the first things he wants to do is impeach current President Joe Biden. Both men say they are pro-2nd Amendment, pro smaller government, and want to get criminals off the streets. Early voting just wrapped up for the primary, and primary day is Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This week, News Director Terry Frank hosts his monthly visit with Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist, and discusses the city's recent bill of "good financial health" in the annual, third-party audit of the 2021 audit. Sundquist says he's pleased with the news, because it gives the city the proper buffer for any emergencies that may come up coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also discuss the return of the annual Labor Day Festival on Sunday, Sept. 4 at Bergman Park. Sundquist says this will be the city's 41st annual festival... but, the first held since the pandemic began in Mar. of 2020. We also get an in-depth update on the locating of cannibis growing and production facilities in Jamestown, and the licensing process for dispensaries.

Our Terry Frank interviews County Executive P.J. Wendel about a number of topics, including the recent increases in cases of Monkeypox reported. None have been found in Chautauqua County at this time, but, Wendel says the county's Department of Health and Human Services is monitoring the situation. He also took part in a Zoom Conference meeting with state Health Commissioner, Dr. Mary Bassett. As for COVID-19... he says case numbers remain very low, along with hospitalizations heading into August, and later in September when schools reopen. We also discuss the county's 2023 budget proposal, which Wendel has recently been meeting with his finance team, and department heads about. He says there will be no additional hiring unless the cost can be covered by incoming revenues, or grant funds. The budget will be presented on or before Sept. 25, and will likely again total about 270-million dollars. We also discuss the recent passing of retired Ellery Town Supervisor Arden Johnson, and former Jamestown car dealership owner, Howard Howlett. Howlett was among the founders of the county's Starflight Helicopter program.

Our Dennis Webster has a rare interview with Chautauqua County's two college presidents, Dr. Daniel DeMarte from Jamestown Community College, and SUNY College at Fredonia President Dr. Stephen Kolison. The focus is on two, four-year Bachelors Degree programs at Fredonia that students can complete on the JCC Campus. Those two programs are business administration, and early childhood education. Kolison says, while a significant number of Jamestown residents have a two-year degree, only 17-percent have a BA or BS. This Fall, they'll be offering the ability to complete those two programs in Jamestown... thus helping people who are unable to attend Fredonia to obtain the four-year degree, due to either family or work commitments.

Our Terry Frank speaks with National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson about how the center has come through the COVID pandemic shut-down, and how preparations are going for the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival to be held Aug. 3-7, 2022. With less than two weeks to go, Gunderson says they're pretty well set, with one of the top female comedians - Margaret Cho - coming in for the Aug. 4 show at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. She says tickets remain for that show, and there are also some left for the Aug. 5 second show now scheduled for Jeff Foxworthy. The Aug. 6 program with Saturday Night Live Legends David Spade, Rob Schneider and Kevin Nealon is sold out. Gunderson says, with the past two festivals cancelled due to the pandemic, they had to work to make sure everyone could still do their shows this year. For more information, go on-line to ComedyCenter.org.

Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist joins our Terry Frank in studio this week to discuss a number of issues... including items to be on the city council's agenda for it's lone work session of the month. Among those items is moving forward on a shared services agreement for sidewalk snowplowing with the Jamestown Public Schools. The hold-up there, according to Sundquist, is the need to see whether two laborers can be hired seasonally or if they need to be full-time with other duties during the warmer months of the year. We also discuss the street work situation with a number of festivals now underway. The Scandinavian Folk Festival was held the past weekend in downtown Jamestown for the first-time, and Sundquist helped with the kick-off for that event last Friday afternoon. We also discuss what city leaders are working on for use of Jamestown's second traunch of 14-million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funding. He says since those determinations are being made "in-house" it will be a little while before they're brought to the City Council.

Our Terry Frank speaks this week with Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel on a variety of topics, including the start to the Summer season. Wendel says everything is open for the Summer, unlike the past two Summers when activity was shut-down or limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He says the county has received it's second traunche of American Rescue Plan Act funding from the federal government, totaling just over 12-million dollars. Wendel says their panel that's been reviewing projects will now look at what to use that funding for. We also discuss the application period now opening for local events, and programs seeking funding from the county's 3% occupancy tax. We also discuss Summer safety with activity picking up on the highways, and local waterways.

This week, Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services Director Mary Ann Spanos joins our Terry Frank to discuss a number of senior, and elderly resident issues. First, though, we talk about her recently being awarded a NYS "Woman of Distinction" designation through State Senator George Borrello. Spanos called it an honor and validation of the work she's doing for the county. We discuss programming, and where things are as the COVID-19 Pandemic winds down. Most programs are back up and running, through member agencies, but, some will not take place -- including the annual Senior Picnic at Midway Park. Dr. Spanos says that may return in the form of smaller picnics at different places in the county. She adds that a big reason is lack of staff, because they are still down five employees from the pandemic. We also discuss Elder Fraud and Abuse, which remain big issues for seniors... including a local program on Elder Fraud co-hosted with Sen. Borrello on July 15.

This week we present portions of a presentation by the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy's Twan Leenders to the Jamestown City Council about completion of the first-phase of the Chadakoin River Clean-up project from the Warner Dam to the Falconer village line. Leenders says that was successful in removing several logs and trees that had fallen into the river, with minimal impact on the shoreline areas. However... he did warn that they found three major areas of infestation by the invasive "Tree of Heaven" tree species that tends to crowd-out other trees and vegetation. He says the species also draws another invasive species of insect called "Spotted Lanternfly..." which is very destructive to fruit plants and trees -- including grapes -- which are a major crop along the Lake Erie shoreline. Leenders urged city lawmakers to use another 17,760 dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funding to properly eradicate the "Tree of Heaven" that also eliminates it's root system.

New York State Assemblyman Andy Goodell joins our Terry Frank to give his perspective on the recently concluded state legislative session. Goodell says there were some positives that came from the session... namely that some change was made to the state's Bail Reform Laws. The Jamestown-area Republican says that allows bail to be set for someone who is out of jail on an appearance ticket, and is to appear on that charge, can be jailed if there's a repeat offense. He says there were still some in the Democratic majority that did not support that change. Other more meaningful changes were not brought forth, nor acted on. Goodell is also critical of the state legislature acting on additional restrictions on guns, and allowing abortions up to the point of one-day before birth. He says the new measures are definate reactions to the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, Tex... as well as a leaked draft document from the U.S. Supreme Court on overturning Roe versus Wade. We also discuss issues surrounding environmental and climate change legislation.

Mayor Eddie Sundquist of Jamestown joins our Terry Frank this week to discuss a number of topics, including a recent presentation by he, and Jamestown School District Superintendent Kevin Whitaker about a new, shared services agreement to increase sidewalk plowing around the schools. The city council was presented with a plan to have the district provide 306,000 dollars for the purchase of two new plows, and the city would use American Rescue Plan Act funding for the approximately 680,000 dollars to hire two new city parks laborers to run them. Those two workers would work in the parks dept. otherwise. Sundquist says a big part of the agreement would have the district provide the main areas students are walking from, and the primary routes to school. Sundquist adds that the city recently received it's second traunche of ARPA funding, totaling 14-million dollars. He also discusses being in The Bronx recently for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's signing of gun control legislation in the wake of shootings in Buffalo, NY, and Evalde, Tex. He believes they're a good start, and says Jamestown has not been immune to gun violence. We also discuss the work of the city's Reapportionment Commission, which he says is keeping to keep six-wards in the city itself, but, adds there is still discussion about how many at-large councilmembers there will be. Sundquist also tells us that his City Comptroller, Ryan Thompson, is leaving for a new job in the private sector on July 8th

News Director Terry Frank interviews Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel on the fact the county and New York state's gasoline tax holiday had an immediate impact on prices. On May 31st, the average price was up to 4.79.9 cents per gallon for regular, unleaded. That fell on June 1st to 4.56-4.58 a gallon. Wendel called that a bit of a surprise because the tax holiday wasn't to begin until the next shipments of gas. However... it's been inching back up since then. We also discuss the recent, reported losses of ImmunityBio, LLC, which is moving forward in leasing out the Athenex pharmacutical plant in the town of Dunkirk. Those losses were reportedly 2.1-billion dollars. However, he remains confident the project will happen. He also offers his throughts on the recent mass shootings -- in particular the one in Evalde, Tex. that claimed the lives of 21 people -- 19 of them students at an elementary school. Wendel, who was a teacher and coach prior to being elected, said to blame teachers for not doing more to prevent what happened is just wrong.