MAYVILLE - Chautauqua County is taking proactive steps to curb foodborne illnesses. Unveiled Thursday by County Executive Greg Edwards, a new training program will educate restaurant workers about proper food handling techniques and procedures.

WASHINGTON - House Democrats on Thursday stopped a Republican bid to force an investigation of Democratic leaders aimed at determining whether they covered up sexual harassment allegations against ex-Rep. Eric Massa. Even in failure, Republicans planted questions about when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi learned about allegations from Massa's employees that he sexually harassed male staff members.

BROCTON - A Dunkirk man who was a corrections officer has been arrested after allegedly having sex with some of the inmates. According to the New York State Police at Fredonia, James Beers, age 39, was charged Thursday with two counts of third-degree rape and three counts of third-degree criminal sexual act.

The Chautauqua Country Rural Ministry (CCRM), a United Way, grassroots advocacy agency that meets the needs of the homeless, working poor and disenfranchised in Chautauqua County was the recipient of a rather large donation this week.

SILVER CREEK - Officials are "cautiously optimistic" the village will avoid serious flooding. While there is a risk that it could happen, flooding is not imminent. The creeks are flowing free. Crews have been working quickly to keep the paths of Silver Creek and Walnut Creek clear and to lower water levels.

After being criticized by the State Comptroller's Office for having a budget that isn't properly funded, Dunkirk city officials have completed their own written response. Councilman-at-Large A.J. Dolce said Thursday that he had all the signatures necessary on the letter and was mailing it out today. "I'm satisfied with the final product.

Two months after he had originally planned to do so, Shawn Wilder will kick off a Nashville tour this weekend. Wilder and his backing band, The River's End, will play in the Expo Room at the Chautauqua Suites in Mayville on Saturday night.

Ralph Phillips, the Stockton native who pleaded guilty to shooting three New York State Troopers, one fatally, was denied the right to rescind his guilty plea and go to trial Thursday. A 5-0 ruling from the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court in Albany rejected the argument that his legal defense was inadequate and his guilty plea was coerced.

BROCTON - With the exception of Brocton Teachers Association President Deborah Lloyd Priest, none of the audience attending the Brocton budget workshop Thursday questioned proposed staff and program cuts. Lloyd Priest called the cuts serious and significant. She asked to meet with the Brocton School Board in executive session to discuss alternative solutions. The board agreed to meet with her.

SILVER CREEK - Nearly seven months have passed since the devastating August flood. Life is back to being pretty much the same as it was prior to Aug. 9, 2009. But one thing will never be the same. And that's the flow patterns of the creeks. "The creeks are different now than they were prior to August 9," said Julius Leone, coordinator of Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services.

MAYVILLE - Home Depot is seeking a "significant" property tax assessment reduction for its Dunkirk store, according to Kurt Gustafson, first assistant county attorney. To deal with the challenge, Gustafson advised members of the Administrative Services Committee last week to hire outside counsel for the county. A resolution passed the full legislature Wednesday.

The children filed into a room in the Boys and Girls Club (BGC), anxiously awaiting story time. Kim Killion, BGC lead youth development professional, helped them tie red and white stovepipe hats - made out of paper plates and poster paper - on top of their heads. Wearing the hats that Dr. Seuss made famous, the children celebrated the good doctor's birthday.

MAYVILLE - After eight years at the front of the room, Keith Ahlstrom will take a new seat in the County Legislature come March. With Republicans now the majority party in Mayville, the Dunkirk Democrat will resign from his position as chairman after eight years. In that time, Ahlstrom said he has seen some significant changes in Chautauqua County from the chairman's seat.

A handful of businesses were permanently affected by the Masonic Temple building fire last week, all of which are seeking alternative space. Those left intact on the opposite side of the street, however, are going through a bit of a rough patch as a result of the aftermath. Dunkirk Mayor Richard Frey announced during Monday's press conference that on behalf of merchants Central Station and Dr.

A city landmark will be no more. One result of the blaze that hit downtown Dunkirk last Wednesday night is clear, the Masonic Temple building will be coming down. The Dunkirk Common Council passed two walk-in resolutions Tuesday that provided the legal framework to put the demolition in motion.

The Masonic Temple building fire is not completely out yet. That was the report Monday as Dunkirk Mayor Richard Frey provided a forum for an update on the fire that has closed Central Avenue between Third and Fourth streets to vehicular traffic since the first lines were put down around 6 p.m. on Feb. 24.

Space available. Inquire at the church offices. There's no sign out front declaring empty rooms are waiting to be filled by businesses and organizations in need, but Blessed Mary Angela (BMA) Parish said they are offering their vacant and underused space to those affected by the downtown fire.

COLLINS - A two-vehicle accident Sunday sent 12 people to Erie County hospitals. According to the State Police at Collins, at approximately 4:10 p.m., troopers were called to the scene of a two-car personal injury auto accident that occurred on State Route 438 on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation.

District Attorney David W. Foley has announced that Jason Wells, 37 of 60 Temple St., Fredonia, has been indicted on one count of second-degree murder for the early February death of Ruth Fisk at One Temple Square in the village of Fredonia. Wells was arraigned by Chautauqua County Court Judge John T. Ward. He was sent to the Chautauqua County Jail with bail set at $750,000 cash or $1.

District Attorney David W. Foley has announced that Jason Wells, 37 of 60 Temple St., Fredonia, has been indicted on one count of second-deggree murder for the early February death of Ruth Fisk at One Temple Square in the village of Fredonia. Wells was arraigned by Chautauqua County Court Judge John T. Ward. He was sent to the Chautauqua County Jail with bail set at $750,000 cash or $1.