The funding is coming from $70 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State that was approved by the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors.

Brocton will receive $395,520 in short-term market-rate financing and a$605,280 Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant to replace approximately 3,400 linear feet of an 8-inch water main on Central Avenue.

Bait drops

New York State will be doing aerial and hand distribution of baits until August 18 through the Village of Brocton, and the Towns of Portland, Arkwright, and Villenova.

The Environmental Health Unit of the Chautauqua County Department of Health & Human Services says humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the bait. However, people who encounter baits directly are asked to leave them undisturbed. Should contact with a bait occur, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap. Please do not attempt to remove a bait from your dog’s mouth. The bait will not harm the dog.

The Health Department encourages residents to be mindful of wildlife and leave animals alone when they are encountered in the wild.

They added one in ten animals infected by the rabies virus will become aggressive and attack with no provocation. Other rabid animals may appear tame or docile, and well-meaning animal lovers may be tempted to catch and help the animals. People may hear orphaned animals crying for their mother and think they need to care for the animals. However, when people take wild or feral animals home they create a real danger for their family, particularly children. It is illegal and dangerous to relocate or harbor wild animals. An entire family may need to be treated for rabies exposure after an animal has been brought home. Health officials say if you have to handle a wild animal, such as a bat, to remove it from your home to wear thick, puncture resistant gloves and protective layers to prevent bites and scratches.

Rabies is a serious public health concern because if left untreated it is invariably fatal. Costs associated with detection, prevention and control of rabies conservatively exceed $500 million annually.

For more information, contact the Chautauqua County Environmental Health Unit at (716) 753-4481.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the award of $638 million in grants to municipalities and public authorities across the state for projects that will protect public health or improve water quality.

The town of Chautauqua will receive $803,250 with the village of Brocton receiving $605,280.

State Senator George Borrello said, “Most of these communities have aged water systems that are 70 or 100-years old. Each year, residents are forced to endure water main breaks and outages that leaves them without water for days at a time in some cases. These breaks are not just a nuisance for residents, they also disable fire hydrants, endangering lives and property. These projects will have a lasting impact.”

The Post-Journal is reporting that residents attended a recent village boar meeting to voice concern and questions about the potential sale of The St. Stephen Hotel on Main St. and its conversion into a faith-based “recovery house/cafe and restaurant” for drug-addicted adults.

The project is being proposed by former Brocton residents Stewart and Tammy Thompson, and operators of Breathe Life Ministries of WNY, Inc.

Village officials said that they would hold a public hearing as required for any action that will be taken on a potential sale of the property.

BROCTON – The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office is reporting Monday morning that a Dunkirk man has been indicted by the county grand jury on a charge of 3rd degree arson for his alleged involvement in a fire that broke out at the Tri Parish Church on Nov. 3, 2013.

Sheriff deputies say that following the indictment a warrant was issued for the arrest of 32 year old Daniel Frey, who was brought into custody without incident on Friday. Frey is being held at the Chautauqua County Jail pending his arraignment in Chautauqua County Court. At the time of the fire, Frey was residing on E Main St in Brocton.

In November 2013 Brocton and Portland Fire Departments responded to a structure fire at 41 E Main St, Brocton, the Tri Parish Church. Several mutual aid fire departments assisted in fighting the fire.

An investigation was started by the County Fire Investigation Team and the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division and Frey’s indictment and arrest was the culmination of the investigation.

A fire that broke out at the Tri Parish Church in Brocton on Nov. 3, 2013 was ruled as arson. Following a year-and-a-half long investigation, 32-year old Daniel Frey of Dunkirk was indicted and charged for the crime. (image from youtube.com)

According to Chautauqua County Board of Election officials, some of the local caucuses scheduled include:

Bemus Point:  Democrats caucus Tue. Jan. 21, 5:15 p.m., See-Zurh House, 14 Main St., and Republicans caucus Sat. Jan. 25, 10 a.m., Bemus Point Village Hall, 13 Alburtus Ave.  There will be elections for two expiring village trustee terms.

Brocton: Portland Town Hall, 87 West Main St. is the site for both major party caucuses on Sat. Jan. 25, with the Republicans at 9 a.m. and the Democrats at 10 a.m.  There will be an election for one village trustee vacancy.

Cherry Creek: Cherry Creek Village Hall, 6763 Main St. is the site for both major party caucuses on Sat. Jan 25, for the Democrats at 9:30 a.m. and Thurs. Jan. 23, for the Republicans at 7 p.m.  There will be an election for the expiring terms of the mayor and two village trustees.

Forestville:  Forestville Village Hall Municipal Building, 18 Chestnut St., is the site for both major political party caucuses on Thurs. Jan. 23, for the Democrats at 7 p.m. and Tue. Jan. 28, for the Republicans at 6 p.m.  There will be an election for the expiring terms of the mayor and two village trustees.

Mayville:  Mayville American Legion, 144 South Erie St., is the site for both major party caucuses on  Wed. Jan. 22, for the Democrats at 6 p.m. and Sat. Jan. 25 for the Republicans at 1 p.m. There will be an election for the expiring terms of the mayor and two village trustees.

Panama: Did not file for major party caucuses, but will have a March village election conducted by the Board of Elections.  There will be an election for the expiring terms of the mayor and one village trustee.

Sherman: Did not file for major party caucuses, but will have a March village election conducted by the Board of Elections.  There will be an election for two expiring village trustee terms and one village trustee vacancy.

Sinclairville:  Did not file for major party caucuses, but will have a March village election conducted by the Sinclairville Village Clerk.   There will be an election for two expiring village trustee terms and one village trustee vacancy.

Westfield: Eason Hall, 23 Elm St., is the site for both major political party caucuses Tue. Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. for the Democrats and Wed. Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. for the Republicans.

Celoron, Falconer, Fredonia, Lakewood and Silver Creek elections are conducted in concert with the November General Elections.   Cassadaga does not have any offices to be filled at an election in 2014.

For more information, contact the Board of Elections at 753-4580.