Former Sherman village treasurer arrested for allegedly stealing more than $20,000 from village...
A former Sherman village treasurer has been arrested for allegedly stealing more than $20,000 in tax and fee payments from village residents. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has announced that 54 year-old Ann Gilbert was taken into custody for allegedly using those payments to pay her own bills... and, for personal items from places like Dollar General, Walmart and others between 2012 and 2016. The missing money was reported after DiNapoli's Office performed an audit earlier this year. Gilbert... who now resides in Florida... was arrested by Chautauqua County Sheriff's Deputies on a charge of third-degree Grand Larceny. DiNapoli's office worked with local District Attorney Jason Schmidt's Office. The comptroller says "Gilbert allegedly betrayed her neighbors by pocketing tax payments to pay her personal expenses. I thank District Attorney Schmidt and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office for partnering with my office to hold her accountable.” He added that, once Mayor Colleen Meeder found out about the missing money, she contacted his office. Gilbert served as Sherman's treasurer from 2007 to 2016.
Tricky Forecast shows strong chance of rain at times through the weekend...
There will be a strong chance of rain at times through Sunday. That from Forecaster Kirk Apffel with the National Weather Service in Buffalo... who told us Thursday that the greatest probability is coming before the weekend. Apffel says rain will be a little more widespread later in the day Friday. Apfell says the current atmospheric conditions make the rain difficult to predict. Organizers of outdoor events and those who want to attend are advised to keep an eye on the radar and be prepared for quick changes in conditions.
Gerry Rodeo has sell-outs for first two nights of performances...
There was a prediction of thunderstorms last night... but, they stayed away... and more than 2,000 fans were on hand to watch the second-night of the Gerry Rodeo. A special tribute was held at the beginning for military members, first responders, and health care workers by having them stand to a prolonged ovation from the fans. Another large number of rodeo cowboys and cowgirls took part... with Bareback bronc riding kicked off the competition with seven of the nine cowboys making successful rides. However... only three of the ten cowgirls were able to successfully rope their calves in the breakaway roping event. There was a capacity crowd on hand for the first night Wednesday at the 77th annual rodeo... and they saw a record number of cowboys and cowgirls begin competition. The rodeo continues tonight through Saturday at the Rodeo Grounds in Gerry.
Ellington Picnic gets underway tonight, and continues through Sunday...
Of all the events happening in the Jamestown area this weekend, none has a longer history than the Ellington Town Picnic. This weekend's is the 109th in the series. Picnic Association President, Mat Pickup, says they offer all kinds of 'traditional fun'... especially on Saturday with a baby show, a pet show, wood cutting, and a chicken barbecue. The activities are centered around the town square in Ellington. There is no admission charge. There will be bounce houses at the picnic for the first time in two years. The Ellington Town Picnic begins tonight with music and vendors... runs all day until fireworks on Saturday, with a few concluding events Sunday. The full schedule is available on the 'Ellington Town Picnic' Facebook page.
Wendel: No Monkeypox seen yet in Chautauqua County...
Chautauqua County officials are monitoring the Monkeypox situation... though it's not contracted through either casual contact or close proximity to an infected person. That from County Executive P-J Wendel... who says there have still been no cases detected in the county. However... there have been at least two in nearby Erie County. Wendel says he's also talked with New York's Health Commissioner, Dr. Mary Basset, about it during a Zoom call. He says there are a couple of specific "risk groups" involved, and they need to be careful. Unlike COVID-19... which is spread through the air... Wendel says Monkeypox is contracted by "skin to skin" contact... and, he says it's not through "casual contact, either." Prior to Erie County's cases... Wendel says the closest case was in Chemung County. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the monkeypox virus is spreading mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has it... and, you can take steps to prevent getting monkeypox and lower your risk during sexual contact. For more information... go to cdc.gov.
The 2022 Chautauqua Vintage Book & Paper Show is set for Saturday in Mayville...
A vintage book and paper show and sale is going on tomorrow in Mayville to benefit the Jamestown Trolley Car Restoration Project. The show is being held this year in a new and larger location... the Chautauqua Suites... from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organizers say the Chautauqua Vintage Book and Paper Show will feature over 20 different dealers on hand selling a large variety of items, including vintage and rare books, first editions, antiquarian books, local history, postcards, photography, maps, historic documents, posters, sports memorabilia, comic books, trade cards, sheet music, and more. Once again... that runs from 10 until 4 tomorrow at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville. Admission is $5 per person.
