Two boys from Jamestown face charges in Family Court after allegedly stealing several items from a number of cars on the city's northside over the past several weeks......
City police say -- among the items stolen -- were an AR-15 Rifle, and a loaded, 9-millimeter pistol. Officers say the pair was taken into custody late Wednesday after they allegedly tried to use a stolen credit card at a local retail business. Police say the boys, who were not identified, were found on surveillance video and arrested. Investigators are trying to recover the other items stolen during the rash of vehicle thefts. JPD Captain Bob Samuelson reminds residents to never store any firearms in their cars and always lock your vehicle when you leave it parked. He says the juveniles will face charges in Family Court.
Congress has approved a new, five-year federal Farm Bill that includes "some substantial reforms"....
Those are the feelings of local Congressman Tom Reed, who says he voted for the measure, which had been reconciled in both chambers. Reed says there is some trade-off in the final measure provides some additional relief for dairy farmers -- especially those with up to 200 head of cattle. The Corning Republican adds that, while it doesn't go far enough in his mind, there were some gains in limiting food stamp benefits.
Reed says the dairy component would increase the ability of farmers to get margin insurance if they have up to 200 cows in their herd. He says the bill would also encourage expansion of milk markets, both in the U-S and internationally. However, he says the latter part is also dependent on the U-S wrapping up the new USMC trade deal with Mexico and Canada. Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier media.
U-S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says she's "very excited" about the new federal Farm Bill, which has now been approved by both houses of Congress....
Gillibrand says she supported the measure as a member of the agriculture committee and, adds that she like many aspects of the five-year bill, including two in particular. She says one is that it helps smaller dairy farmers who will get margin protection over the past three years.
Gillibrand says the Farm Bill also protects the Supplimental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or food stamp benefits. She says it rejects the House GOP plan that would have cut benefits, and created a "massive paperwork nightmare" for low-income families trying to get help from the program. Gillibrand made her comments during a conference call with state media this week.
The former head of the State University of New York's Polytechnic Institute has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison for his role in corrupting the state's Buffalo Billion project....
Alain Kaloyeros was sentenced Tuesday in Manhattan federal court by Judge Valerie Caproni. She also fined him $100-thousand dollars. The judge said he can remain free on bail pending appeal because there was a substantial legal question that the appeals court must consider. However, she said he must report to prison two months after the appeals court rules, if it upholds the conviction and sentence. Kaloyeros, who apologized to New York state residents, was convicted in July of conspiracy and wire fraud. His lawyers said afterward they still believe him to be "an innocent man."
A 22 year-old man -- who fled to Las Vegas Nevada -- is awaiting extradition to Cattaraugus County on a second-degree murder charge in connection with a fatal stabbing incident in Salamanca....
Sheriff's Officers in Little Valley report the arrest was made following an investigation into the death of 22 year-old Juwaan Holt at 357 Broad Street last Saturday. Deputies say the unidentified suspect allegedly stabbed the Buffalo-area victim in the abdomen, resulting in his death. The investigation is continuing in conjuction with the Salamanca City Police and, more charges are pending. Officers say this was an isolated incident, the suspect is in custody and there is no current danger to the public.
The village of Fredonia's neighboring police agency has assisted with the response, and the investigation into this past Monday's police involved shooting in the village....
Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano says his department sprang into action when they learned of the shooting at 76 Liberty Street around 2 PM. Ortolano called the shooting a tragedy, not only for the man who was shot and killed, but also for the police officer and his family. He says the officer is obviously going through a lot right now. Ortolano says police officers in both communities work closely together and continue to show support following the difficult ordeal. The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office along with New York State Police are assisting with the investigation.
Through some good work from their finance department, there will be no rate hikes for any of the five divisions of the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities next year....
That good news this week from BPU General Manager Dave Leathers, who says the board recently approved all five 2019 budgets. Leathers says the panel, during it's last meeting, approved both the electric and water division spending plans. That news was conveyed to the city council this week.
Leathers says both the water and wastewater budgets do reflect the new, 10-year agreement with the town of Ellicott. Customers there will pay 200-percent of the city rate going forward but, the BPU takes on more infrastructure responsibilities. That includes sewer and water main replacements when needed. Leathers says the board approved the other three division budgets for wastewater, solid waste, and District Heating in late October.
