Two Jamestown woman arrested for assaulting following fight on eastside...
Two women from Jamestown have been arrested for allegedly getting into a fight at an eastside address... and, injuring each other. City police were called to the scene shortly before 5 a.m. last Friday for the fight involving 19 year-old Samaria Cruz... and, 32 year-old Marilyn Freeman. Officers say after an investigation... they arrested both Cruz and Freeman for third-degree assault. They were taken to the city jail pending arraignment.
State AG's office determines deputy involved in shooting death of man in town of Mina should not be charged...
The New York State Attorney General's Office has determined that a Chautauqua County Sheriff's officer's used of deadly force in a shooting incident last June was justified. A-G Letitia James says the Office of Special Investigation late last week issued a Notification of Investigative Findings regarding the investigation into the death of 66 year-old Mark Bemis, who died on June 18 of 2025 following an armed encounter with deputies in the town of Mina. James says the OSI concluded that -- "a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force was justified under the law. A final Investigation Report will follow." Deputies were called to Bemus' home shortly before 4 p.m. for a domestic dispute. However... when the first deputy arrived...he encountered Bemus... who was holding a shotgun. The deputy took out his service weapon and instructed Bemis to drop his weapon. However... Bemus fired a shot into the air, and the deputy took cover behind a tree. The deputy... and, a second one who later arrived... advised Bemus several times to lower his weapon... but, he refused. That led to an exchange of several rounds of gunfire... during which the first deputy was wounded. Bemus was hit... and, died at the scene.
Wendel to deliver annual State of County Address in Jamestown on Apr. 21...
Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel is moving his State of the County Address outside of Mayville to allow more people to see it. Wendel is confirming that he will be presenting the annual address to the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Jamestown... and, it will be hosted by the CHQ Chamber of Commerce. Wendel says many of his counterparts across the state have done it... and, adds the format will be a little different... including a short Q-and-A session at the end. The address will be delivered the morning of Tuesday, Apr. 21... with breakfast being provided first at 8 a.m., with the address to follow a short time later. Wendel noted that former Executive... and, current State Senator George Borrello... delivered his first State of the County Address at Chautauqua Lake Central School to accomodate more people... including representatives from the 100 businesses he met during his first year in office. Wendel adds that his office will also present the video tape of the address at the legislature's meeting the following night on Wed., April 22. This will replace the Chamber's annual County Executive Breakfast... and, registration is $30 for chamber members and $35 for non-members. For more information... call the chamber at 484-1101.
Local officials, and advocates gather for annual "Pinwheels for Prevention" child abuse prevention program...
Support for the programs that support families and their children is critical. That from local elected officials... and, advocates who kicked off April as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" with the annual Pinwheels for Prevention program at Jamestown City Hall. The coordinator for the Child Advocacy Program's "Safe Harbor" initiative... Saraden Randall... says prevention can't be done by one group alone... and, she encouraged them to help spread awareness. Randall says that's even more critical now because families are under stress from rising costs. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month... and, a group of Jamestown High School students spoke to both. One was Senior Siena Lewis... who says the advocate groups are critical to the mission. Randall told the gathering that the blue pinwheels are the national symbol for Child Abuse Prevention Month. She adds that places that have paid family leave have seen a 14% reduction in child abuse cases.
Dunkirk hours fire ruled accidental... and, caused by electrical issue...
Last Friday morning's house fire in the city of Dunkirk has been determined to be electrical in nature. Chautauqua County Fire Investigators say Dunkirk firefighters were called to the scene at 122 Lakeshore Dr. East about 2:17 a.m., and, investigators were called to the scene once the blaze was snuffed out. They say the fire is believed to have originated on the exterior of the residence... as a result of a malfunctioning electical service entrance cable. The blaze has been ruled accidental. Three pets perished in the fire.
City woman arrested after allegedly throwing brick through car window...
A woman from Jamestown has been arrested after allegedly throwing a brick through a car window during an incident last Saturday morning. City police say they were called to a southside address just after 10:30 a.m. on a criminal mischief complaint. Officers say they spoke with the victim... who told them that 25 year-old Natasha Lockett had thrown the brick... breaking the car window. Lockett had fled the scene following the incident... but, later turned herself into Jamestown police. She was charged with third-degree criminal mischief... and was held pending her arraignment.
