CONGRESS TO ACT ON BILL TO RAISE DEBT CEILING
WASHINGTON — President Obama and Republican congressional leaders have finally reached agreement on a plan to raise the federal debt ceiling. At the same time, the plan would reduce the deficit by at least $2.1 trillion over a decade – a move that could avert a disastrous government default Tuesday.
During a national television broadcast Sunday night, President Obama said the deal would extend the debt ceiling into 2013. The deal was largely the work of Obama and Senate Minority Leader and Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell, but congressional leaders of both parties signed onto it. It is expected to be formally approved by both houses later today.
CITY OFFICIALS DEAL WITH WEEKEND FUEL SPILL
JAMESTOWN, NY – Public Safety Officials are still trying to determine the source of a mysterious fuel leak into the Chadakoin River over the weekend. The leak, which had an odor similar to Diesel Fuel, resulted in the full closure of the Warner dam and the cleanup of the Chadakoin River.
The leak was reported early Friday evening at about 6 p.m. when police and fire personnel responded to a call regarding a strong odor of fuel coming from the river near Main Street. Fuel was spotted leaking from a large viaduct underneath the railroad tracks. Shortly after the call came in, the city fire department requested assistance from the Lakewood Fire Department and the Chautauqua County Hazmat team to help contain the leaking fuel. By 8 p.m. Friday night, the Board of Public Utilities had closed the Warner Dam and booms and absorbent pads were laid downstream. A representative from the state Department of Environmental Conservation was also called to the scene. By Sunday, fire crews had “scoured the area” but had not yet located the source of the leaking fuel. The investigation into the source is continuing.
LUCY’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION BEGINS WEDNESDAY
JAMESTOWN, NY – Lucille Ball’s 100th birthday celebration begins this week with dozens of events scheduled to take part, beginning Wednesday and continuing on into the weekend. The highlight of the four days of activities will be the Lucille Ball Festival of Comedy – which will feature comedians Joan Rivers on Thursday and Paula Poundstone on Saturday at the Reg Lenna Civic Center. Lucy-Desi Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson say this year’s event will truly have something for everyone.
In addition to comedy taking place Thursday through Saturday nights, there will be a Lucy-Desi Jammers game on Wednesday night with the Jammers wearing special Lucy uniforms. There will also be an attempt to set the Guinness Record for the most people dressed as Lucille Ball. The “Be a Lucy” event takes place at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Jamestown City Hall.
The world’s most famous redhead was born in Jamestown on Aug. 5, 1911 and spent much of her youth growing up in the village of Celoron.
HIGGINS ANNOUNCES CONGRESS ON YOUR CORNER
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brian Higgins announced the August schedule for his Chautauqua County Congress on Your Corner program. Congress on Your Corner provides constituents the opportunity to talk directly with someone from Congressman Higgins’ office about issues related to Social Security, the Veteran’s Administration, passports, or other federal matters. Residents are encouraged to visit a satellite site to share their concerns, questions, and ides with a representative from Congressman Higgins’ office.
All congress on your corner events are set to take place on Fridays throughout the month of august. This Friday Congress on your corner will take place at the Portland Town Hall from 9 to 11 a.m. and in Dunkirk at the Senior Center from 11:30 to Noon and at the Dunkirk city hall from 1 to 3 p.m.
Residents can also continue to reach Congressman Higgins’ office in Chautauqua County from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday at 2 East Second Street in Jamestown in person or by telephone at 716-484-1049.
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