Community Spotlight, the area's longest running local public affairs radio program, airs on all six Media One Radio Group stations each weekend and is also available to hear in our Podcast Section.  Each week we sit down with a community leader or another special guest to talk about issues within our community.  


Weather Forecasts are available across our radio stations each day and also as your fingertips! 

Connect with The National Weather Service's Buffalo Office or with WGRZ-TV for accurate weather information!

 

 

 


 

News Headlines for Sat., Apr. 29, 2017

Major drug bust in Dunkirk leads to five arrests, and seizure of more than 100 grams of "crack" cocaine, and more than $170,000...
A major drug bust in the city of Dunkirk has led to five arrests... and the seizing of a large amount of "crack" cocaine, and, more than $170,000 in cash.  Agents with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force say they raided the house at 51 East Second Street shortly before 10 a.m. Friday... and, arrested four of the five suspects.  Task Force members say they arrested  47 year-old Minerva Maestre... 23 year-old Hector Mercado-Torres... 17 year-old Eriberto Corraliza... and, 18 year-old Angelica Cullinan.  Agents say the raid and arrests were based on a seven-month long investigation... where they allegedly found the residence was being used by several people for storage and sales of crack cocaine.  During the raid... task force members say they found 118.5 grams of crack... and, just over $171,000 in cash.  While the raid was being conducted... they arrested 24 year-old Pedro Corraliza, Junior as he arrived at the residence.  He is charged with one count each of Felony criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance.  All five were arraigned and sent to the county jail without bail.  Task Force members are also on the look-out for 32 year-old Jason Rosas-Rodriguez... and, 27 year-old Cristian Maestre... who are being sought on similar charges.  Anyone with information on their whereabouts can call the Tier Task Force at 1-800-344-8702 or 363-0313.
 
 
RecruitNY Volunteer Fire Weekend underway...
About a dozen fire departments across Chautauqua County will be holding open houses both today and tomorrow as part of the annual "Recruit-New York" Weekend.  That from County Emergency Services Director Julius Leone... who says they're among the nearly 500 departments across the state that'll be hosting such events this weekend.  Leone says the Firemen's Association of the State of New York -- or FASNY --- started the effort a few years ago in an effort to recruit more volunteers to fill their ranks, because those numbers continue to decline.  After many years of decline... FASNY says the annual Recruit-NY weekend has helped add more than 20,000 people to the ranks of fire departments across the state.  Leone says there is still a need for volunteers in Chautauqua County and he encourages those who are interested to attend the local open houses.  The fire departments taking part include Falconer, Fluvanna, Gerry, Kennedy, Kiantone, and Lakewood.
 
 
Young gets $100,000 grant for Jamestown's new Veteran's Memorial Park...
To help the city of Jamestown fullfill it's mission of honoring local veteran's with a completed memorial park... State Senator Cathy Young announced Friday a $100,000 grant to help finish the project.  Young was joined by other local officials and veteran's groups as she unveiled an oversized check for that amount for the on-going effort.  The Olean Republican says it's time to complete the park... which honors veterans of all wars and conflicts.  She also honored the more than 130 groups that have raised more than $300,000 to help construct the memorial park.  Young recalled that the project was started in 2011 under the leadership of late Jamestown Veteran's Council President Ron Cotton.  Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi expressed his appreciation for the grant... and, the community effort to get the Veteran's Memorial completed.  He especially praised the Veteran's Memorial Commission for it's efforts.  The grant will help complete installation of two new signs for the park... finish relocating six historic monuments from the old Veteran's Park... and, put in a new, nine car parking lot.
 
 
County Chamber's State Leg. Breakfast focuses on new State Budget...
While there were some new, big-ticket items for Chautauqua County in the final state budget... there were some others that lawmakers had to fight to keep in the 2017-18 spending plan.  That from State Senator Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andy Goodell... who say those item will help local businesses and business owners.  Young and Goodell both took part in yesterday morning's State Legislative Breakfast, hosted by the county Chamber of Commerce, in Lakewood.  Young says they were able to protect a $4.2-billion in tax reform measures.  She also pointed out a number of smaller, Worker's Compensation laws and regulations designed to cut some of the bureaucracy for employers.
 
 
Young, Goodell, voice opposition to state Constitutional Convention...
Many people in Chautauqua County have clamored over the years for a New York state constitutional convention.  However... "be careful of what you wish for."  That from the area's state legislators... who says holding one in the current political climate in Albany could be "devastating" to the state.  That from State Senator Cathy Young... who adds it could also cause the "death nell" for the upstate region.  Young says there would be three delegates elected from each Senate District.. and, then 15 "Super Delegates..." which she says would give the New York City-Metro Area full control of the convention.  Young warns that politicians, and lobbyists will have a chance at those seats.  State Assemblyman Andy Goodell adds that he often hears from more conservative groups and advocates about the need for constitutional changes to such areas as gun rights.  However... he too warns against a constitutional convention.  However... they did speak in favor of an amendment on the ballot that would strip pension rights from lawmakers convicted of crimes, such as corruption.