Uptick in new COVID cases continues locally

April 16, 2021

The Chautauqua County Department of Health reported 33 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, continuing a recent uptick in cases locally. Of the newest cases, 11 came from Jamestown, four in Dunkirk and three in Fredonia. There are currently 213 active cases, 13 people with the virus in the hospital, 521 in quarantine and a seven-day positivity rate of 2.1%. To date there have been 8,654 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 8,299 recoveries and 142 virus-related deaths. As of Thursday, 48,115 residents within Chautauqua County have received at least one dose, while 33,272 have completed ...

‘I’m so proud’: County clinics surpass 25K vaccine doses

April 14, 2021

The Chautauqua County Health Department celebrated its staff and partners on Wednesday at its mass vaccination clinic at SUNY Fredonia. Commendations were made and balloons released in celebration of county-run vaccinations sites administering 25,111 doses by the end of the day on Friday, ...

Family misses seeing mom, 95, in facility

April 13, 2021

Melinda Bell of Fredonia has seen her 95-year-old mother Mary Sorci twice since COVID began and she’s had enough. Sorci, who lives at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dunkirk for the last few years, suffers from dementia, but loves her home and the people in it. ...

COVID forces cancellation of Scandinavian Folk Festival

April 13, 2021

The 2021 Scandanavian Folk Festival has been canceled by organizers. The next festival is scheduled for July 2022. Continued COVID-19 restrictions for large group gatherings and required quarantine for international travelers have prompted the decision. Thirty-two guest performers from ...

Bach event canceled, Fredonia Opera House run moved

April 13, 2021

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center announced the impact of the continued COVID crisis on two annual events – the 1891 Run and the Bach & Beyond Baroque Music Festival. The 1891 Run, a 5K Walk/Run usually held in late April, has been rescheduled for July 18-31. The Bach & ...

State updates guidance on graduation ceremonies

April 13, 2021

New York state has updated its guidance on graduation ceremonies for schools, colleges and universities. The update takes effect May 1, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, and includes indoor and outdoor graduation and commencement ceremonies. “We’re once again approaching the end of the academic year which means we need strict rules in place to ensure commencement ceremonies are done safely in the context of the ongoing pandemic,” Cuomo said. “With more people getting vaccinated every day, we are so close to the light at the end of the tunnel, but we all need to continue being vigilant ...