Breaking News

COVID-19 Coverage

Hochul Says Data Will Drive State’s Move On School Masks

ALBANY — While the state is today ending its mandate for indoor businesses to have patrons show proof of vaccination or wear a mask, local governments have the option to keep their own COVID-19 rules, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. Hochul also said there is a “very strong possibility” she might lift the controversial school mask mandate March 7. That decision will hinge on how the contagion is spreading by March 4 — about a week after students return to classes from what is for many districts the week-long winter break. The governor suggested parents should test their children for ...

SW Superintendent Seeks Return To ‘Normal Procedures’

The Southwestern Central School District may soon see more of a return to normal after the upcoming spring break. Superintendent Maureen Donahue updated school board members this week on operations in the district and moving forward from the pandemic. “It’s time to start getting some of ...

Heritage Ministries Requests Assistance From National Guard

Heritage Ministries has requested assistance from the National Guard, CEO and President Lisa Haglund said Friday. The request is to assist employees at its skilled nursing communities in Chautauqua County, she said. "The pandemic has presented so many challenges for the health care ...

State Lets Broad Mask Mandate Expire, But Not In Schools

ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that the state will end a COVID-19 mandate requiring face coverings in most indoor public settings, but will keep masking rules in place in schools for now. The mask mandate for places like grocery stores, shops and offices was put in place ...

Local Officials To Lobby Against NY’s Bail Reform

While Gov. Kathy Hochul seems reluctant at this point to restore judicial discretion to jail defendants, some local leaders who work in the criminal justice field disagree with her. Jason Schmidt, Chautauqua County’s district attorney, said his office sees a lot of problems with the new ...

Few Hospital Beds Available Locally

At any given time there are 112 beds across all hospitals in Chautauqua County. According to information provided daily by hospitals to New York state, all but five of those beds were currently occupied. Based on the most recent data provided by the state on its website tracking hospital bed ...