Monday, December 9

Chautauqua County

A Thanksgiving Feast of Recovery: MHA’s November Luncheon Celebrates Support, Success, and New Beginnings
Chautauqua County

A Thanksgiving Feast of Recovery: MHA’s November Luncheon Celebrates Support, Success, and New Beginnings

(WNY News Now) The November holiday recovery luncheon hosted by the Mental Health Association (MHA) in Chautauqua County was full with inspiring tales, innovative new initiatives, and a strong sense of community support for individuals pursuing recovery.There were several highlights of the Mental Health Association's November holiday recovery luncheon.After Gordy Frederes volunteered at the front desk for a year, greeting guests and answering phones, Acting Executive Director Michael Nordin welcomed him as a staff member. Nordin also offered certificates for finishing the anger management group successfully and for a participant who has stayed sober despite personal challenges.Scotlynn Fegley, Asia Leonard, Jennifer Rolfe, and Joathylet (JoJo) Ruedas, Salvation Army staff, explained some...
Jingle at the Rocks: A Festive Evening for a Good Cause
Chautauqua County

Jingle at the Rocks: A Festive Evening for a Good Cause

(WNY News Now) The Dunkirk-Fredonia Rotary Club and the CHQ Professionals Group are preparing for the fourth annual Jingle at the Rocks.New York's FREDONIA.The Dunkirk-Fredonia Rotary Club and the CHQ Professionals Group are excited to announce the fourth annual Jingle at the Rocks event, which will take place on Thursday, December 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 64 on the Rocks (64 W. Main St., Fredonia, NY).Raffles, appetizers, an ugly sweater contest, DJ Gould's music, and networking chances for young professionals and community members will all be part of this joyous holiday event. Everyone must be at least 21 years old. Admission costs $20 without a donation or $10 if you donate a brand-new, unwrapped toy.The event's entire revenues will go to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots prog...
Chautauqua County 4-H Youth Leaders Sharpen Skills at Annual Officer Training
Chautauqua County

Chautauqua County 4-H Youth Leaders Sharpen Skills at Annual Officer Training

(WNY News Now) Chautauqua County 4-H Club Officers get together for leadership training to improve their abilities in club management, cooperation, and parliamentary process.New York's Jamestown (November 20, 2024) Recently, 4-H club officers received training from Cornell Cooperative Extension's 4-H Youth Development Program in Chautauqua County. On October 1st, the new 4-H year got underway. Thirteen clubs throughout the county have a new slate of officials for the new year. Officers of 4-H clubs are crucial in running club business meetings and helping to organize club activities for the next 4-H year.On Wednesday, November 13th, 35 officers from 4-H youth clubs gathered at the JCC Carnahan Center to learn about Roberts Rules of Order, Parliamentary Procedure, meeting management, and ...
New AAA Group Launches at MHA Holiday Luncheon, Offering Hope for All Addictions
Chautauqua County

New AAA Group Launches at MHA Holiday Luncheon, Offering Hope for All Addictions

(WNY News Now) With its November recovery luncheon, the Mental Health Association (MHA) in Chautauqua County kicked off the Christmas season by showcasing important community connections and recent advancements that support people on their recovery journeys.Jamestown, New York.There were several highlights of the Mental Health Association's November holiday recovery luncheon.After Gordy Frederes volunteered at the front desk for a year, greeting guests and answering phones, Acting Executive Director Michael Nordin welcomed him as a staff member. Nordin also offered certificates for finishing the anger management group successfully and for a participant who has stayed sober despite personal challenges.Scotlynn Fegley, Asia Leonard, Jennifer Rolfe, and Joathylet (JoJo) Ruedas, Salvation Ar...
Chautauqua County Economic Growth Gets Major Boost with $1.625M Grant from Wilson Foundation
Chautauqua County

Chautauqua County Economic Growth Gets Major Boost with $1.625M Grant from Wilson Foundation

(WNY News Now) A historic $1.625 million award from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is expected to boost Chautauqua County's economic development initiatives and signal a turning point in the development of the area.New York's Jamestown.The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) is governed by the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), which approved the acceptance of a $1.625 million three-year funding award from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation on Tuesday, November 19.The grant award, which represents CCPEG's greatest financial commitment to date, will primarily fund the implementation of priority projects that line with the county's economic development strategy, while also expanding and improving CCPEG's administrative and project develo...
Chautauqua County

$1.3 Million Federal Grant Aims to Tackle Substance Use Crisis in Chautauqua County

(WNY News Now) Congressman Nick Langworthy secures funding for the Chautauqua CARES program, a transformative initiative to fight addiction and improve public health in the region.WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced that Chautauqua County will receive $1,300,000 in federal funding to support the Chautauqua Comprehensive Addiction Response and Evaluation (CARES) program. Funded by the Office of Justice Programs, this grant will advance efforts to address the substance use crisis affecting families and communities across the region.The CARES program is a critical public health initiative for Chautauqua County, bringing together law enforcement, behavioral health, and community organizations to provide critical support for individuals battling addiction,said Congre...
Fire Investigation Underway After Blaze Ravages Unoccupied Garage in Panama
Chautauqua County

Fire Investigation Underway After Blaze Ravages Unoccupied Garage in Panama

(WNY News Now) Authorities are investigating the cause of a late-night fire that severely damaged an unoccupied garage on Muzzy Hill Road in Panama.Panama, N.Y. On November 14th, 2024, at approximately 11:39 PM, the Panama Fire Department, along with multiple mutual aid agencies, responded to a reported structure fire at 6406 Muzzy Hill Road in Panama, NY. Crews arrived to find a two-story, unoccupied garage fully engulfed in flames. The fire s intensity resulted in significant damage to the structure, but fortunately, no injuries were reported as the building was vacant at the time.After the fire was successfully extinguished, the Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team was called to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the blaze. Upon their examination, investigators conf...
Chautauqua Opportunities CEO Earns Prestigious Community Action Certification
Chautauqua County

Chautauqua Opportunities CEO Earns Prestigious Community Action Certification

(WNY News Now) – Diane Hewitt-Johnson, CEO of Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., has been awarded the Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) credential, recognizing her leadership and commitment to advancing community welfare.Diane Hewitt-Johnson, Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.’s CEO, recently achieved status as a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP). Diane was among 112 CCAP graduates who were recognized in August 2024 at the National Community Action Partnership (NCAP) Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington. The CCAP credential recognizes those who demonstrate knowledge and application of the core competencies required to effectively carry out the vision, mission, purpose and values of the Community Action movement.The process for earning certification consists of a peri...
Chautauqua County

Fire Investigation Uncovers Pellet Stove Vent Pipe Failure as Cause of Busti Home Blaze

(WNY News Now) – A November 11th fire in Busti was linked to a vent pipe failure in a pellet stove, prompting an emergency demolition of the home, though no injuries were reported.Busti, N.Y. – On Monday, November 11, 2024, at approximately 5:16 p.m., emergency responders were called to 2938 Riverside Road in the Town of Busti for a residential structure fire. The Busti Fire Department, with support from mutual aid teams, quickly extinguished the flames, preventing further damage.Following the fire’s containment, Busti Fire Chief requested assistance from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigation Team to determine the origin and cause of the blaze. After thorough examination, investigators confirmed that the fire started in the area of a pellet stove on the home’s first flo...
Chautauqua County

Kitchen Blaze Leaves Kiantone Resident Injured as Fire Investigation Continues

(WNY News Now) – A late-night fire in Kiantone has left one resident injured and investigators searching for answers on its cause.On November 10, 2024, at approximately 7:06 PM, the Kiantone Volunteer Fire Department, supported by multiple mutual aid units, responded to an emergency call regarding a structure fire at 2490 Brown Street in the Town of Kiantone. When firefighters arrived, they encountered smoke and flames emanating from the residence.After successfully extinguishing the blaze, the Kiantone Fire Chief called on the Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team to examine the scene. Investigators determined that the fire originated in the kitchen, though the exact cause remains undetermined at this stage. Authorities have classified the cause as pending further investigation, await...