State Parks Sets Record

New York’s state parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails welcomed a record-setting 78 million visits in 2020. The milestone marks nine years of steady visitor growth and represents an overall increase of 34%, or more than 20 million visitors, since 2011. New York State Parks saw estimated visitation grow from the previous record of 77.1 million visits in 2019 to 78 million in 2020. The increase was driven by unprecedented visitation in the spring and fall, as New Yorkers turned to nearby State parks, trails and historic sites to escape the pandemic. Visitation during the summer, typically the busiest time in the park system, was held in check as state park beaches, pools, historic sites and trailheads operated with reduced capacity limits put in place to protect visitor health and promote social distancing.

Blood Drive To Be Held Feb. 4

An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the American Red Cross chapter office, 325 E. Fourth St., Jamestown. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-733-2767.

Police Looking For Vehicle

The Ellicott Police Department said it is looking for assistance in locating a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run accident Thursday, Jan. 21, at about 6:20 p.m. in front of Starbuck’s on Fairmount Avenue. The vehicle involved is described as a white or silver newer Ford Escape with heavy front-end damage and air bag deployment. The operator was a white male possibly in his mid 30s. Those with information are asked to call the tip line or the office phone at 665-7083.

Ellicott Cancels Tax Collection

CELORON — Due to COVID restrictions, the town of Ellicott has canceled the tax collection in Celoron this Saturday. Residents can make payments, penalty free, until Feb. 4 either by mail or at the town clerk’s office at 215 S. Work St., Falconer. A drop box is located outside the main door.

Westfield Board To Meet Tuesday

The Westfield Village Board will meet virtually at 4 p.m. Tuesday to consider a resolution authorizing the Fire Department of Westfield to apply for a 2020-21 FEMA Grant in the amount of $625,000 to replace the Westfield Fire Department’s 1996 Pumper-Tanker.

Panama To Host Blood Drive

PANAMA — An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 2-8 p.m. Feb. 10 at Panama United Methodist Church, 12 E. Main St., Panama. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-733-2767.