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WJTN Headlines

Two people are jailed after they were arrested during a drug bust in the Cattaraugus County town of Randolph last night. 

 

Members of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force say they were investigating 29 year-old Brent Robbins of Kennedy for allegedly trafficking Heroin when they spotted his car stopped on Swamp Road about 8 PM

 

Task Force agents say they found both Robbins and his passenger, 24 year-old Ashley Waite of Salamanca in possession of a bag of Heroin, and Heroin that was packaged for sale.  Both were arrested by Task Force members and Olean Police on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

 

Robbins was also charged with criminal sale.  Robbins is in the Cattaraugus County Jail on $15,000 bail Waite on $5,000 bail.


The man who has headed up Chautauqua County's Emergency Services Department for the past 15 years says he'll be calling it a career in late October. 

 

County Executive Vince Horrigan announced Thursday that Fredonia's Julius Leone will officially step down from the position October 27th.  Horrigan says he'll miss having Leone's expertise and ability to lead local fire departments in responding to major fires, tornados, and floods. 

 

He says their relationship goes back to Horrigan's time as director of the local Red Cross and, he says Leone has been a "master" at handling emergency situations here and across the state.  He says Leone will "truly be missed."  Horrigan adds that Leone has also led the annual training of firefighters at the county's Taylor Training Center in Jamestown and, the Murphy Training Center in Dunkirk. 

 

He's also been fully-involved in developing the county's new "Fly-Car" EMS Service.  Horrigan says he's already spoken with Legislature Chairman David Himelein about creating a search committee to find a replacement.  However he says not only does a person need the expertise but, they need someone who works well with several local fire agencies. 

 

In a printed statement Leone says it's been "an honor and privilege" to serve county residents and, work with the local fire departments.


After several hours, crews finally left the scene of Thursday's dust bin fire in the village of Silver Creek. 

 

Firefighters from Silver Creek and Sunset Bay first responded to the blaze which originated in a bin near Newbrook Machine on Mechanic Street around 9:30 AM.  They later had assistance from the Chautauqua County Hazardous Materials Team. 

 

County Emergency Services Director Julius Leone said late Thursday that village residents could go outside again shortly after 4 PM after the fire was put out.  Leone says the all clear was given at that time. 

 

Village residents had been asked to stay indoors with windows closed and ventilation off while the fire was burning.  Leone says crews did an excellent job in getting the blaze under control adding they are difficult fires to put out.  Leone says investigators are still looking into what sparked the blaze.


New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed into law a measure that extends mayoral control of schools in New York City and names the new Tappan Zee Bridge after his father, the late Governor Mario Cuomo. 

 

Cuomo, a Democrat, signed the measure Thursday shortly after lawmakers approved it and adjourned.  The law giving Mayor Bill de Blasio control over city schools had been set to expire Friday.  The extension renews the 15-year-old policy for another two years. 

 

The Legislature also voted to name the new Tappan Zee Bridge the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.  The span will replace the current, aging structure and is expected to open later this year.  Cuomo says his father would not have sought the tribute and would have considered it an act of vanity.


People in Chautauqua County are again able to buy fireworks that are considered "sparkler-type" devices this year for the Fourth of July. 

 

The County Legislature took advantage of a new state law in 2016 that allows local counties to sell such devices within two weeks of the Fourth of July and, New Year's Day.  Sheriff Joe Gerace voiced several concerns over the ability to sell such devises last year and, he still has those concerns now. 

 

Gerace says the biggest one is parents allowing children to have, and set these off, unsupervised.  He says in that case the parents are responsible.  Gerace says the new law has taken an old one that was "difficult to enforce" and, made it "impossible" to enforce. 

 

He says fireworks that go "boom" like M-80s are still illegal in New York state.  Lawmakers hoped that lightening up on regulations for sparklers would keep residents in border counties from going into Pennsylvania to buy fireworks. 

 

On this weekend's "Community Spotlight" program Gerace also urged residents to attend one of the several professional fireworks displays locally.


The Uber and Lyft ride-hailing services are up and running in upstate New York and on Long Island. 

 

The apps became available for those regions as of 12:01 a.m. Thursday under legislation approved by state lawmakers and signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo this month. 

 

The original measure called for the services to begin upstate and on Long Island on July 9th but Cuomo and the Legislature worked out a deal to push up the start to just before the busy Fourth of July holiday.

WJTN Headlines

Chautauqua County legislators are clearing the way for establishing a sustainable energy loan program in the county. 

 

By an 18-0 vote, lawmakers approved a local law that established the program for state financing for energy efficiency upgrades for commercial properties and multi-family homes.  Legislator George Borrello of Hanover has concerns about large-scale projects, but supported the local law.  Borrello says this is unlike large-scale wind and solar projects that are a "burden on the community... these projects are practical." 

 

County Executive Vince Horrigan says he now supports the program because it could have a positive economic impact and will not require any county funding.   In other action, the County Legislature approved a measure that allows the Transportation Alternatives Program Project on Dale Drive in the village of Cassadaga to proceed. 

 

Engineering and preliminary work will be able to move ahead on the shoulder expansion project that was recently awarded $588,000 in federal funding by the state.


The state Assembly has voted to name the new Tappan Zee Bridge after the late Governor Mario Cuomo.  The legislation endorsed by lawmakers early Thursday morning also would renew the law giving the mayor of New York City control of public education in the city.  That 15-year-old policy is set to expire Friday

 

Under the bill, the new bridge would be known as the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.  The structure is being built to replace the old Hudson River crossing, formally named the Governor Malcolm Wilson Tappan Zee Bridge.  The Senate is expected to consider the legislation later today.


A Buffalo-area man accused of attacking a Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputy last September 11th reportedly told police he suffers from multiple mental conditions. 

 

The Post-Journal reports that 22 year-old Justin Haffa of Cheektowaga appeared Wednesady for the continuation of a Huntley Hearing in County Court.  The hearing began in late April and, looks at how police obtained statements from the defendant. 

 

Police did report that Haffa may have been suicidal.  He faces multiple felony charges for allegedly attacking a female deputy in the early morning hours of late September 11th while a field sobriety test was being administered along Route 60 in Pomfret.  Haffa's trial is to begin August 22nd.


A decision on whether a one-time candidate for New York governor who publicly insulted former President Barack Obama should remain on a school board is expected in several weeks. 

 

Layers wrapped up a five-day hearing in Albany on Wednesday.  State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia will make her decision on Carl Paladino's future on the Buffalo school board after receiving written briefs until mid-July. 

 

Fellow school board members say Paladino improperly disclosed information about teacher contract negotiations discussed in closed-door sessions.  But Paladino says the real reason for the action is comments he made about Obama published in a Buffalo arts newspaper.


There will be a "cruise-in" event in downtown Jamestown this Summer thanks to the efforts of the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce which has stepped forward to put on the event.

 

Community Chamber Coordinator Lee Harkness made the announcement Wednesday afternoon in front of one of the sponsors of the August 18th event Shawbucks Press Room. 

 

Harkness says the event will begin at 4 and run until 10 PM that day and, adds they're getting a lot of help from the local Der Kobblers classic car organization.  In addition to dozens of classic cars Harkness says there'll be plenty of other activites taking place including live music, vendors and food.  He says the main stage will again be at the corner of Third and Main Streets. 

 

Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Tranum thanked Harkness for taking on the project. The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation will continue involvment as a sponsor this year.  The Media One Group is also a sponsor of the event. 

 

For more information call Lee Harkness at 338-6089.


A Jamestown man has been cited for keeping a wild deer on the second floor of his home. 

 

State Department of Environmental Conservation Officer Jerry Kinney says his office received a complaint that a neighbor was harboring a wild animal in his city house. 

 

The resident told responding officers he believed it was legal to keep the whitetail deer fawn in his house for up to six weeks before he had to release it.  Officers told him this was not true and issued the resident a ticket for illegal possession of protected wildlife.  Kinney says the deer was in good health and was released back into the wild.


The Uber and Lyft ride-sharing services are up and running in upstate New York and on Long Island. 

 

The ride-hailing apps became available for those regions as of Midnight this morning under legislation approved by state lawmakers and signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this month.  Uber and Lyft had been limited to picking up passengers in New York City until lawmakers voted this year to permit the expansion.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is calling New York lawmakers back to Albany today to extend Mayor Bill de Blasio's control of New York City schools, with some lawmakers also calling for immediate action on the city's beleaguered subway system. 

 

Lawmakers ended their regular session last week without a deal to extend the state law giving the mayor oversight of city schools.  The 15-year-old policy expires Friday if lawmakers don't act, threatening to undermine the governance of the nation's largest school system.  Local leaders are also urging lawmakers to take up soon to expire sales tax extenders.


Jamestown Community College has announced that President Cory Duckworth is retiring at the end of the 2017-18 academic year. 

 

Dr. Duckworth informed JCC’s board of trustees of his decision earlier this week saying that he's enjoyed his tenure at JCC where he's served as the college’s eighth president.  Duckworth says, as part of his original agreement he would sit down with the board to determine where they were going at the end of his fourth year. 

 

However he and his wife decided the time was right to retire and, he says it gives the college plenty of time, better than a year to find a replacement.  Duckworth says he was to begin new discussions with the board about his future at the end of his fourth year.  He says next year will be the final year of his five-year contract. 

 

He says professionally his tenure at JCC will "forever be considered one of the most exceptional experiences of my life."  Duckworth's 33-year career in higher education has included leadership positions at several other colleges and universities.  He says he and his wife will retire in 2018 back to Utah.


A 15 year-old from Brocton is being treated for serious injuries at an Erie, Pennsylvania hospital after his bicycle was struck by a car on Route 20 in the town of Pomfret Tuesday afternoon. 

 

Sheriff's deputies say the teen was eastbound on the side of the road about 1:30 PMwhen his bike entered the roadway.  Officers say the driver of the car, 27 year-old Nicholas Galardo of Fredonia, was unable to avoid hitting the youth and, the bicycle. 

 

The teen rider was flow to UPMC Hamot Medical Center for treatment.  No charges have been filed in the accident.


A Jamestown woman has been ticketed for driving while on an electronic device after her car crashed in the town of Carroll early Tuesdayafternoon injuring her 3 year-old child. 

 

Sheriff's officers say 23 year-old Brittany Smith was driving on the Falconer-Frewsburg Road shortly before 2 PM when she was distracted and, her car left the road and rolled onto it's roof. 

 

Deputies say Smith was not hurt but, her daughter, Amaria Rose, was taken to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries.  Officers say Smith was also charged with driving with a suspended driver's license.


Even before yesterday's decision to delay a vote on the Senate version of health care legislation, local Congressman Tom Reed wasn't sure the support was there for the measure. 

 

Reed supported the House version of the bill which passed but, adds that the current Affordable Care Act is collapsing and, lawmakers are running out of time.  The Congressional Budget Office estimates some 22-million people would lose coverage under the Senate Plan. 

 

Reed doesn't believe those will be the final numbers but, adds lawmakers have to be "sensitive" to that.  He says the current "one size fits all" system doesn't work.  New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul has stated that the Senate bill would provide an average $37,000 a year tax cut to the wealthy. 

 

Reed disputes that saying that he's pushing a program that will cut costs for everyone.  The Corning Republican says he's not sure where Hochul's numbers come from but, adds he believes she's being at least somewhat "disengenuous."  He made his comments for his weekly telephone conference call with local media.


Despite a surge in the demand for gasoline nationwide the average price for regular, unleaded fuel continues to near all-time lows for the year. 

 

That from the AAA's Fuel Gauge Report which says in the Jamestown-area the price has fallen about 4.5-cents from last week's $2.50.  AAA says the average price in Chautauqua County is just over $2.45 a gallon. 

 

The Fuel Gauge reports that gas prices have declined in every Mid-Atlantic and Northeast state on average by three cents on the week, and in-line with the national trend.  However, the price drop is an outlier given that the region made the country’s largest gasoline inventory draw on the week.

WJTN Headlines

The future of the former Arcade Building on North Main Street in Jamestown may be determined by a study of the four-story structure, and a smaller two-story portion recently damaged in a fire. 

 

The City Council last night approved a resolution supporting the Gebbie Foundation and the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation's Consolidated Funding Application for money to support a study of possible re-uses for the building. 

 

Mayor Sam Teresi says given the fire that heavily-damaged the former shoe store last Wednesday a study is even more critical to the future of the building.  Teresi says if the best use of the property is tearing down the current building and marketing the vacant site, they want to know that also. 

 

The cause of the fire in the former shoe store remains under investigation.


Three men had to rescued from Chautauqua Lake after their boat got swamped during a storm and, overturned near the town of Ellery late Sunday morning. 

 

Sheriff's Department Navigation Team member Greg Paterniti says the incident was called in 11 AM after the storm filled the 12-foot boat with water, and it overturned near the Interstate 86 overlook.  Paterniti says, fortunately, the three men were able to hold onto the edges of the boat until Bemus Point fire resuers were able to arrive. 

 

However he says they are very concerned this year with people on non-motorized craft.  He says their biggest concern this Summer is kayaks and paddle boards, which have grown in popularity. 

 

Paterniti says the three men 32 year-old Nicholas Gibbons and Thomas Parks of Jamestown and, 31 year-old Nathan Gibbons of Kent, Ohio were out fishing when the incident occured. 

 

All three were returned to shore unhurt.  However he says their predicament underscores the need for people to wear their life jackets don't just have them stowed away.


The first major water rescue on one of Chautauqua County's five lakes of the 2017 Summer Season was on everyone's minds Monday morning as County Executive Vince Horrigan officially kicked off his "100 Days of Summer Safety" initiative. 

 

Horrigan says when he was an officer in the U-S Air Force they always had a 100 Days of Summer Safety Program as a way to remind people to enjoy Summer but, also be safe. 

 

Sheriff's Department Navigation Team member Robert Richter emphasized the need for people in "paddle-craft" to have a personal floation device because they are required. 

 

With the number of people using the non-motorized craft Richter urged young people and their parents create a "float plan" in case something happens.  He says that's where you tell a parent or another adult about where you're going and when you are to return.  But, Richter says they often ask the parent if the children are overdue where they are, and they don't know. 

 

The press conference was held at Chautauqua Marina in Mayville where owner Ken Shearer noted that they have all the latest safety equipment any boater needs.  He adds they're also holding a boater safety course tonight from 5 to 9 PM.


Rough waters on Lake Erie resulted in three separate rescues by the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Erie, Pennsylvania this past Saturday. 

 

One of the calls involved a 28-foot charter boat that was taking on water about three-miles offshore.  A total of seven people were recovered from the water, with one person being treated for inhaling water.  Another rescue involved a 22-foot boat with 12 people aboard that had capsized near Presque Isle Bay. 

 

A Coast Guard crew rescued a total 10 people while a good Samaritan rescued two others.  And a Coast Guard crew also rescued two kayakers while on patrol.


Two Jamestown residents have been arrested for allegedly trafficking methampheamine and LSD and, being in possession of a stun gun on the city's southside early last weekend. 

 

Jamestown police say members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and JPD SWAT Team raided two apartments last Friday night and, arrested 35 year-old Jeremy Gross, and 34 year-old Kimberly Fred. 

 

Task Force members say they found about 10 grams of Meth along with doses of LSD along with drug paraphernalia, a quantity of cash, and the stun gun at the two locations, 21 Hazzard Street and 57 Colfax Street. 

 

Gross faces several charges including third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  Kimberly Fred is charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Both are jailed pending further court action.

WJTN Headlines

Three Jamestown residents have been arrested for allegedly being found in possession of drugs during a "Targeted Enforcement Patrol" this past weekend. 

 

City police say they spotted the vehicle going the wrong way on Bowen Street at Bush shortly before Midnight Saturday night.  Officers did a traffic stop and, found 34 year-old Richard Hanson was driving the vehicle in an impaired condition. 

 

Police say they found a quantity of Methamphetamine inside the vehicle and, some was packaged for sale. 

 

Officers say they also arrested Robert Comber and Alicia Machado both 23 and charged all three with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

 

Hanson was also charged with driving while under the influence, and, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  All three are jailed pending further court action.  State Police assisted in the traffic stop.


A Jamestown man is accused of breaking into a home on the city's northside and, hitting the person living there and holding the victim against their will early last weekend. 

 

City police were called to a location on Fulton Street shortly after Midnight Saturday on a report of a domestic dispute.  On arrival officers say they spoke with both the unidentified victim, and the suspect, 36 year-old Nicholas Clark. 

 

Police say evidence showed that Clark allegedly broke down a door to gain entry to an apartment, and then choked, and struck the victim several times.  Officers arrested Clark on several charges including second-degree burglary and unlawful imprisonment, and third-degree assault.  He was held pending arraignment.


Chautauqua's New President, Michael Hill stood in the new Amphitheater Sunday morning, and opened the Chautauqua season for the summer with the traditional "three-taps" of the gavel. 

 

Hill says he believes Chautauqua's founders John Heyl Vincent and Lewis Miller provide a framework for this summer and the future in three promises:  To listen and to learn, be responsible citizens in our communities, and seek the best in human values to "shape a better tomorrow." 

 

Hill outlined a vision for Chautauqua that includes a 'more muscular' civil dialogue, and an institution that would be more diverse, and more welcoming to millennials. The new President also addressed people who live in the immediate region, saying for too many, Chautauqua's gates are barriers and, "those separate us" and it's time to "transform those gates into gateways." 

 

He also talked about Chautauqua gaining an increased digital, or on-line, presence all year long and more practically including an app that allows you to make a reservation, order a book, or tickets for an event. 

 

Michael Hill is Chautauqua's 18th president.  The season will run through August 27th.


Chautauqua County's top elected official says the approval of a sales tax extender is crucial to the county. 

 

County Executive Vince Horrigan says the loss of sales tax revenues would be a major hit for the county and local municipalities that receive a share of the revenues.  Horrigan says the amount is around $37-million dollars or about two-thirds of the total property tax assessment. 

 

Horrigan says the extender would keep the county's sales tax at 8 percent.  The current sales tax rate is set to expired at the end of the year if no action is taken.  If that were to happen the sales tax would revert back to the basic, 7%.


Several high-profile measures failed to pass before the New York Legislature wrapped up its annual session late last week and, will likely return next year if not before. 

 

They include bills to legalize physician-assisted suicide, permit alcohol sales in movie theaters and crack down on heroin dealers.  Other proposals that fell flat this year would have loosened the statute of limitations on child sex crimes to give victims more time to step forward to file lawsuits or seek criminal charges.

 

The Legislature adjourned late last Wednesday, and isn't scheduled to return until January.  However... a special session appears likely.


A Silver Creek woman escaped serious injuries when her car was struck by a second-vehicle that was making a left turn on Routes 5 and 20 in the town of Hanover. 

 

Sheriff's deputies say the other car, driven by 69 year-old Patrick White of West Seneca, was traveling near Alleghany Road when he went to make the left turn and, turned in front of the oncoming car. 

 

The driver of that car, 27 year-old Maria Baez, was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.  White was not hurt but, was ticketed for failure to yield the right of way.


A New York City auction house now has received the nearly 40 pieces of artwork from the Prendergast Library in Jamestown that will be sold later this year to help raise money for the library. 

 

The Library Board recently approved turning over the artwork purchased with funding from Mary Prendergast's will and, from the Packard Estate to Sotheby's Auction House.  Board President Tom Rankin says the move comes after a final decision was made by the state Attorney General's office regarding a tentative offer by Jesse Marion and his wife of Houston, Texas to buy the artwork. 

 

Since then, they have consigned the work to Sotheby's which will clean-up and get the artwork ready for sale in October.  Library Director Tina Scott says most of the artwork involved in the sale was being displayed but, adds much of it had been taken down during renovation work done last year on a passenger elevator. 

 

Scott says movers from Sotheby's began moving the artwork out, carefully last Tuesday.  She says because the frames are "very delicate" it took until Wednesday to complete moving the artwork.  Scott and Rankin were guests on Media One Group's "Community Spotlight" program last weekend.

News Headlines for Sat., June 24, 2017

Man sought on warrant arrested in Jamestown after 3-plus hour stand-off with Police...
A man sought by police on a warrant for parole violation in Jamestown is jailed after allegedly arming himself with a knife... and, holing up in an upstairs room on the city's southside.  Jamestown police say they responded to a distubance call at 242 McKinley Ave. shortly before 11 a.m. Friday... and, found the suspect, 27 year-old Alberto Acevedo, had fled the scene.  However... they soon after learned Acevedo had fled the scene to 131 Baker Street.  Officers and Jamestown SWAT Team members were called in... and, Acevedo allegedly armed himself with the knife and went up stairs.  The JPD Crisis Negotiation Team was called in... but, after just over 3 hours... the SWAT Team was able to get inside... and, capture Acevedo about just before 2:30 p.m.  He was taken to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital for evaluation... and, is now being held in the city jail pending arraignment.
 
 
Goodell says State Legislature leaves Albany without approving Sales Tax extenders... including one for Chautauqua County...
The state legislature will be returning to Albany again soon to deal with unfinished New York state business... including the need for tax extenders to be granted for 53 counties -- including Chautauqua.  That from State Assemblyman Andy Goodell... who says the current session ended Thursday without renewing New York City Mayor Bill deBlasio's "control" of the city's school system.  Goodell says Assembly Democrats tied mayoral control to the renewal of sales taxes in the various counties... and that led to a stalemate.  On Friday... he said he was on his way home Thursday when his phone rang... and, he was initially called back.  He says about 100 miles into the return trip, he was again called and state officials said "oh, nevermind."  Goodell expects the state legislature to return Albany, possibly in a few weeks after the Fourth of July holiday.  He says they can't afford to not approve the extenders because of the impact on the counties... many of which are controlled by Democrats.  Chautauqua County needs approval of an additional one-percent tax... with half-a-percent split with local towns, cities and villages. 
 
 
Cuomo disappointed about unfinished business -- including measure regarding statute of limitations on molestation cases...
Governor Andrew Cuomo says he's disappointed state lawmakers have ended their session without loosening the statute of limitations for molestation to give victims more time to report abuse.  The bill would have given victims more time to file civil lawsuits or seek criminal charges against their abusers. It also would have created a one-year window for past victims to file civil suits.  Victims now have until they turn 23 to sue, but supporters say it often takes far longer for victims to report their abuse.  The bill was supported by the Assembly and Cuomo, but never got a vote in the Senate. It faced strong opposition from the Catholic Church and other institutions.
 
 
Jamestown man, Eddie Sundquist, announces run for Congress...
A Jamestown man will be among several candidates who want to take a shot at running against incumbant Republican Congressman Tom Reed in 2018.  Eddie Sundquist has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination... and, says he's excited about running.  The Chautauqua County man says it's time to have a Congressman who keeps their promises.  Sundquist says it seems like the 23rd Congressional District is the "land that time forgot," and Reed has not kept his promises.  Sundquist is a practicing attorney with offices in Jamestown and Olean.  He says among the major issues in the campaign, agriculture, the environment and health care.  He says there are a number of area residents who are on Medicaid... or are low to middle income... and, can't get insurance, or afforable insurance.  Sundquist says he will embark on a listening tour, visiting all 11 counties in the district... and, he wants to hear about "real issues" from the people of the region. 
 
 
Green likes Sundquist as candidate...
Chautauqua County Democratic Committee Chairman Norm Green says he's excited about the announcement of Eddie Sundquist running for Congress.  Green says the Jamestown man has a lot of energy and is eager to run.  He also talked about the need for possible opponents to Reed announcing early... adding that candidates now have to raise "$2-million to $3-million to run..." and, that "doesn't happen in a month or two."  Green says he likens the 28 year-old Sundquist to a "young Bobby Kennedy."
 
 
Asian Carp found in Chicago waterway near Lake Michigan...
A live Asian carp has been discovered in a Chicago waterway about nine miles from Lake Michigan.  Federal and state officials tell The Associated Press a commercial fisherman netted the silver carp below the T.J. O'Brien Lock and Dam.  The fish was 28 inches long and weighed about 8 pounds.  Silver carp are among four Asian carp species threatening to invade the Great Lakes, where scientists say they could compete with native species and devastate the region's $7 billion fishing industry.  This is the second time a live Asian carp has turned up beyond an electric barrier network 37 miles southwest of the city that's designed to keep the invasive fish from reaching the lakes.  
 
 

WJTN Headlines

A Chautauqua County man will be among several candidates who want to take a shot at running against incumbant Republican Congressman Tom Reed in 2018. 

 

Eddie Sunquist of Jamestown has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination and, says he's excited about running.  Sundquist says he came back to the area and, felt the region was the "land that time forgot, here." 

 

He says we've been given promises by current Congressman Tom Reed that "were never kept."  Sundquist is a practicing attorney with offices in Jamestown and Olean.  He says among the major issues in the campaign, agriculture, the environment and health care. 

 

Sundquist says there are a lot of people in the district who are low-to middle income, or on Medicaid, and can't affort health coverage otherwise.  Sundquist says he will embark on a listening tour, visiting all 11 counties in the district and, he wants to hear about "real issues" from the people of the region.

The chairman of the Chautauqua County Democratic Committee says he's excited about the announcement of Eddie Sundquist running for Congress.  Chairman Norm Green says the Jamestown man has a lot of energy and is eager to run.  He says Sundquist has a "campaign staff that's already up and running."  He says the 28 year-old is "young Bobby Kennedy" like.  Green says Sundquist is beginning his campaign early because it takes time to raise the $2 to $3 million that is necessary to run for Congress.


It was a night of "firsts" at Chautauqua Institution last night as the nearly 300 members of the Jamestown High School Class of 2017 got their diploma's during the annual graduation. 

 

It was the first event to be held in the new Chautauqua Amphitheater.  That fact was not lost on many of the speakers during JHS Commencement starting with Principal Mike McElrath who asked the graduates to "think about it" because the Amp is built to last the next 100 years.  He called that "quite a first." 

 

Commencement Speaker Chris Olsen a member of the JHS Class of 1982 also told graduates that they were now "a part of history" at the institution.  Olsen urged them to embrace their legacy and do great things like many of the people who have appeared at Chautauqua and, who came from Jamestown. 

 

He says he's gotten to know many members of the Class of 2017 and, he likes their future and, made one prediction:  One of them will be there in 35 years, and addressing the Class of 2052.  Olsen says the graduates that everything they "need to know to succeed in life" they learned in Jamestown" including the values of hard work and persevering.



The lawyer for a Buffalo school board member who publicly insulted former President Barack Obama and his wife says a state Education Department hearing for the lawyer's client is "all a charade." 

 

Dennis Vacco says the hearing Thursday in Albany is "a subterfuge to get at Carl Paladino in retaliation for his intemperate remarks" in a Buffalo alternative weekly last December.  Vacco is a former New York attorney general. He says the derogatory remarks Paladino submitted to Buffalo's Artvoice were "low and unfortunate," but nonetheless constitutionally protected. 

 

The hearing is being held to determine whether Paladino disclosed confidential school board business when he released information on teacher contract negotiations.


Republicans in the U-S Senate finally revealed details about their health care plan but, many are saying it has a tough road ahead. 

 

The measure dismantles much of former President Obama's health care law.  It would cut Medicaid, and erase tax boosts that Obama imposed on high-earners and medical companies to finance expanded coverage. 

 

Local Congressman Tom Reed says the Senate needs to take action because the current system is not working for many Americans because many of the ObamaCare exchanges are collapsing.  Reed says he has yet to have anyone at his Town Hall meetings say the Affordable Care Act is working "perfectly" and, solving their problems. 

 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is reportedly pushing for a vote on health care next week.  However some Senate Republicans still have concerns.  House Republicans passed a plan earlier this year.


Two more big names have been added to the line-up of comedy in Jamestown and Chautauqua Institution the week of July 31st through August 6th. 

 

That from National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson who says Lisa Lampanelli will appear on Satuday night, August 5th, at 9 PM at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.  Gunderson tells us Lampanelli is a contemporary star referred to as the "Queen of Mean" who is a cross between Don Rickles and Archie Bunker. 

 

In fact Gunderson says Howard Stern says Lampanelli is a "true original" who steals the show each time.  The other name added will be part of the week on Comedy at Chautauqua Institution.  Gunderson says W. Kamau Bell is well known on CNN. 

 

Bell, who is a stand-up comedian also hosts the program "United Shades of America" program which is an emmy nominated show.  Gunderson says tickets are on sale now for Bell's appearance at Chautauqua but, tickets for Lisa Lampanelli don't go on sale until next week. 

 

She says National Comedy Center members will be able to buy them Tuesday on-line at www.LucyComedyFest.com and, the general public will get their crack at tickets a week from Thursday.  You can also call the Comedy Center at 484-0800.

WJTN News Headlines

Flames have heavily-damaged the former two-story shoe store that was part of the former Arcade Building on North Main Street in Jamestown. 

 

However crews were able to prevent serious damage to the main structure next to the railroad tracks in the heart of the city.  Jamestown fire crews were called to the scene between First Street and Brooklyn Square about 4:18 PM Wednesday

 

Deputy Fire Chief Chet Harvey says first-arriving crews at the scene found heavy smoke coming from the buillding. He says they found heavy fire on the southeast corner of the building, and they extended hand lines and Falconer's aerial truck was called in because Jamestown's was out for repairs.  Harvey says it took about 30 to 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control. 

 

He says no one was hurt and, no one was inside the structure.  Harvey adds that a machine shop behind the structure was not involved in the blaze. 

 

Harvey says they called in an additional 10 firefighters and a shift commander along with Falconer and Kiantone crews.  The cause is under investigation.


The Jamestown High School Class of 2017 will make history tonight when their hold their commencement exercises in the new Amphitheater at Chautauqua Institution. 

 

Some 311 members of the graduating class will accept diplomas during the ceremony which begins at 7 PM.  This year it's being held on a Thursday as opposed to Friday as the institution continues preparations for their first event Saturday night. 

 

Class Advisor Tony Dolce says the students are excited, and have been on "pins and needles" in anticipation of being part of the opening for the new Amp.  Dolce says each class has it's own charactoristics and, are about equally diverse. 

 

He says he tries to meet and get to know each class member he says he has had many in his Government class or as a coach.  JHS Class of 1982 member Chris Olsen who is a producer and attorney in Los Angeles will be the Commencement Speaker. 

 

Principal Mike McElrath says Olsen is a "proud and highly successful JHS alum and I'm certain his message will be well-received by students and audience members alike."


The more than 300 Jamestown High School Graduates are set for their commencement and, will hear from a number of speakers during tonight's graduation. 

 

Among them will be Class President, Bradley Brown.  Brown says he and fellow class members are "excited" about being the first event ever at the new Amphitheater adding that it will be a special occasion for them. 

 

Brown will be joined on the stage by other students including Class Valedictorian Kelly Emerson who will be attending Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, where she plans to go into pre-med. 

 

Salutatorian Madison Card plans to attend the University of New Haven, and major in Forensic Science.  As for Brown he plans to attend the SUNY College at Fredonia where he'll be in pre-med.


A one-time candidate for governor of New York who publicly insulted former President Barack Obama and his wife may be booted off the Buffalo School Board. 

 

A hearing is scheduled to begin Thursday in Albany over whether wealthy developer Carl Paladino disclosed confidential board business.  State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia is set to hear testimony on a petition filed by other school board members seeking Paladino's removal. 

 

They say Paladino publicly disclosed information about teacher contract negotiations discussed in closed-door sessions.


The search continues for a missing Westfield man who hasn’t been seen since June 12th. 

 

Westfield Police are asking the public for it's help in finding 31-year-old Patrick Thompson of Clark Street.  He was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute, with a missing person report being filed the following day. 

 

Police believe Patrick may be distraught and may want to do harm to himself.  There have been some searches for him including one that was held last night near the Chautauqua Gorge.  However Westfield Police say there haven't been any signs of his whereabouts.  Anyone with information is asked to call them at 326-3375.


While he generally has a good relationship with the media local Congressman Tom Reed is very outspoken about comments made by a national news anchor following last week's shooting that wounded House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and others. 

 

Scott Pelley of CBS News said following the shooting, "It's time to ask whether the attack on the United States Congress was foreseeable, predictable and, to some degree, self-inflicted." 

 

Reed called Pelley's comments "despicable" and "lacking in basic human decency."  During his weekly conference call with Southern Tier Media Tuesday afternoon, Reed stated that Pelley doesn't deserve to be working in a newsroom any longer because of a "reckless attitude towards human life."  Pelley officially ended his tenure as CBS Evening News anchor last Friday.

WJTN Headlines

The proposed developer of Jamestown's Sheldon House has withdrawn it's plan to purchase the location at 9 Falconer Street for new office space. 

 

The Jamestown Post-Journal reports today that Lynn Development President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Spain stated in a news release that they will no longer be trying to acquire the Sheldon House for their corporate headquarters.  Lynn Development is currently located at 301 East Second Street. 

 

Spain expressed disappointment saying the latest Appellate Court decision against the Zoning Board of Appeals granting of a variance for the proposal was "unexpected."  He adds that "we respect the decision and would find no honor in continuing this effort at the ongoing expense of our beloved community college.  Therefore Lynn Development Inc. will acquiesce for the greater good."


Legislation co-sponsored by area State Senator Cathy Young that would provide $6.9-million dollars in flood recovery funds for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties has cleared both houses of the state legislature. 

 

However it still needs the backing of Governor Andrew Cuomo.  Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan says the bill would help cover the costs from flash flooding that occurred in July of 2015. 

 

Horrigan says it's part of a package that also includes funding help for victims of the severe shoreline flooding along the Lake Ontario Shoreline.  He praised Young for staying with the effort to get the local counties relief help.  The flash floods caused about $2.1-million in damage across multiple municipalities in Chautauqua County. 

 

The damage did not meet the requirements for federal aid through the Federal Emergency Management Administration.  The funding is part of a $90 million package to assist upstate individuals, small businesses and local governments still dealing with damage from flooding and other natural disasters since 2007.  Horrigan says its now up to the Governor to sign or veto the bill later this year.


Chautauqua County's Congressman is not saying what his position is when it comes to carrying a gun for personal protection following last week's shooting in Washington during a GOP baseball game practice. 

 

Corning Republican Tom Reed's western New York colleague, Chris Collins, said Monday that he will carry a gun while traveling in his district.  Reed was asked about the issue during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media Tuesday afternoon. 

 

He says security in general has been discussed with his staff, with the need to make sure that "we learn from the tragic events of last week."  Reed did say that he remains a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. 

 

He also indicated that he hoped the tragedy would bring House members closer together adding there is a "uniqueness in many of the friendships" he has formed with fellow members of Congress. 

 

Chris Collins first indicated last week that he would be carrying a gun after the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and others during the Republican baseball team practice last week in Alexandria, Virginia.

 


Gas prices in the Jamestown-area have dropped slightly from last week to just under $2.50 a gallon for regular, unleaded fuel. 

 

The AAA's Fuel Gauge report says the price is down just over a penny to $2.49.6 per gallon.  AAA says that's also about 5-cents less that one year ago. 

 

The Fuel Gauge says prices at the pump dropped in every state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, on average by 4 cents on the week.  However it says gas prices vary significantly, by a range of 43 cents, from state to state. 

 

Nationally AAA says motorists can find gas prices less than $2.24 a gallon at 56% of gas stations nationwide.  That's well below today’s national average gasoline price of $2.29 cents a gallon.


Jamestown Police are on the look-out for a man who allegedly drove up to an eastside welding business and, stole a piece of equipment Tuesday afternoon before driving off. 

 

Officers say the unidentified man pulled up to Welder's Supply Company at 47 Winsor Street about 4 PM and grabbed the equipment from the garage and, drove off in his tan-colored, 1990s Honda Accord.  If you have any information on the theft contact Jamestown Police.


There were some hardships, but Great Lakes researcher and SUNY College at Fredonia professor Sherri Mason was able to successfully complete a 15.5 miles swim on Chautauqua Lake on Monday. 

 

Dr. Mason tells us the swim, from Lakeside Park in Mayville to Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Celoron, was going well before she encountered some challenges in the southern basin of the lake, and she ran into windy and rainy conditions which produced choppy waves. 

 

She credits her team for helping her complete the swim especially her two kayakers who kept her motivated for finish the swim.  She completed the swim in 10 hours and 37 minutes.  She is gearing up for a swim across Lake Erie on August 19th.

WJTN Headlines

A Great Lakes researcher accomplished an impressive feat, swimming the 17 mile length of Chautauqua Lake. 

 

Sherri Mason, who is the chair of SUNY College at Fredonia's Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences, swam the length of the lake in just over 10 hours Monday morning.  WGRZ-TV reports Mason undertook the aquatic marathon to raise awareness about protecting fresh water sources. 

 

Mason says Monday's swim is practice for a planned 12.5-mile (20.11 kilometer) swim across Lake Erie in August.  She is fundraising for the swim through a personal GoFundMe page.


Falconer's mayor is again urging the Jamestown City Council to call-off the proposed annexation about 4 acres of land owned by the Board of Public Utilities for the Dow Street Substation into the city. 

 

Jim Rensel pointed out to city lawmakers that no one among the nearly 30 people who spoke during last Monday night's public hearing in Falconer supported the proposal.  He says that included a handful of residents from Jamestown who also spoke against the proposal. 

 

Rensel says judging by the public hearing "it doesn't appear as though you have any support for it."  Rensel added that the Jamestown School District would be benefitting from the annexation because it would also receive a payment in lieu of taxes on the property located at the city line. 

 

He said it was curious that no one representing the school district spoke at the hearing.  The City Council and, the Falconer Village and Ellicott Town Boards held the hearing last week on the proposal which would save the Board of Public Utilities about $325,000 in tax payments to the village, town, Falconer school district and the county. 

 

No council members responded, and we were unable to reach City Council President Greg Rabb last night for comment.


An Adirondack region manufacturer of scenic components has been awarded a 2.9-million dollar contract to create scenic art for exhibits in the new National Comedy Center in Jamestown. 

 

Governor Andrew Cuomo late Monday announced the contract with Adirondack Studios of Washington County will provide for the fabrication and installation of those components.  Cuomo says Adirondack creates the scenic and themed environments experienced in venues that range from theme parks to casinos, museums, live shows, retail and public art. 

 

He says with this contract the comedy center continues to make progress toward its targeted opening in 2018.  Cuomo says "The National Comedy Center, once completed, will boost the local economy and spur job creation for Western New York, while creating a world-class cultural hub for visitors and residents alike."


A strong cold front crossed the area this past Sunday night, bringing some severe weather late Sunday afternoon and evening. 

 

It also spawned some wind damage and localized flash flooding.  Forecaster Bob Hamilton with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says there were several reports of thunderstorm related wind damage across the area. 

 

There was a report of a possible tornado about two miles east-southeast of Frewsburg.  Hamilton said Monday the weather service is still checking out that report. 

 

But the weather service late Mondaysaid they have not been able to get anyone down to check the scene yet.  Forecasters, though, add that all the information points to "straight-line" wind damage.


Phone and Internet scams continue to be a major concern for local law enforcement officials and, they are finding that scammers have developed another tool to add their arsenal of deception and theft. 

 

Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace says local phone exchanges are now being used by some scammers who are trying to get your money and identity.  Gerace says they are able to do this through the use of new computer software that can be researched on the Internet. 

 

While it's virtually impossible for law enforcement to get the victim's money back in most cases, Gerace says it's still important to report such crimes.  He says if nothing else they can "stop the bleeding." 

 

However in most cases the money given to the scammers is gone.  In the most recent IRS Scams they found most were coming from Pakistan.  Gerace says he believes the best way to fight this type of crime is by educating the public.


The city of Jamestown's annual Summer Playground Program will run a week longer this year at five different sites where free lunches will be served to the children who take part. 

 

Parks and Recreation Coordinator Julia Ciesla-Hanley says the program begins it's seven-week run next Monday, June 26th at 11 AM.  Ciesla-Hanley says that's a later starting time and, adds the program will run until 5 PM at each location. 

 

She says they'll run through Aug. 11 at Allen Park, Lillian Dickson Tot Lot, and three elementary schools Lincoln, Ring, and Fletcher schools.  Ciesla-Hanley says the program is free of charge and, the free lunches will be served to all children through the Jamestown YMCA and the St. Susan's Center from 12:30 to 1:30 PM each day. 

 

She adds that while the playground program is limited to children ages 5 to 13 children up to 18 years of age can get a free lunch at the playground nearest them if they need one.  However they need to sign up the day prior to get one. 

 

Ciesla-Hanley adds they have a new Playground Program Recreation Leader this year Katrina Kerkendall who is a Jamestown Community College graduate.  For more information on the program, call the Recreation Office at 483-7523.

WJTN Headlines

Severe storms roar through Chautauqua County, Warren Co. reports two possible tornadoes.

There were some trees and power lines knocked down but, no serious damage was reported in Chautauqua County from severe storms that raced through the area yesterday afternoon and early evening.  Sheriff's Department dispatchers say most of the problems were in the Frewsburg and Ashville areas.  However no severe damage, nor injuries were reported. 

 

Several trees were reported down in the Frewsburg-area.  There were preliminary reports of a couple of possible twisters in Warren County, Pennsylvania between 4 and 5:30 p.m.Sunday, according to the Warren Times-Observer.

 



U-S Senator Charles Schumer is calling for federal help in the fight against opioid addiction in New York. 

 

Schumer is asking the Drug Enforcement Agency to provide the state with one of four special heroin enforcement teams being formed to combat the problem. 

 

The four teams are specifically dedicated to counteracting heroin trafficking and are sent to states that report heroin as the highest drug threat. 

 

The Democrat says New York's heroin overdose death rate increased by 30% in 2015.  New data show there was an average of four overdose deaths a day in New York City alone last year.  That was double the rate two years earlier.

 

New York City also is a major distribution hub.  Overall 24 New York counties are considered High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas.


With the necessary funding now in place it's full-speed ahead on completing the new National Comedy Center on Jamestown's westside by Spring of 2018. 

 

Comedy Center Director Journey Gunderson says the approximately $30-million project is is "a good spot" right now as the outside work on the new entryway and, a connecting structure between the former Board of Public Utilities' Storage Building, and Gateway Train Station is being completed. 

 

He says they "finished up" the funding with a $5-million grant from Empire State Development Corporation, and $3-million from the Ralph Wilson Foundation.  Gunderson says she and the Comedy Center Board of Directors are especially grateful to the foundation community in Jamestown which really stepped up and has supported the project which began with an August 2015 ground-breaking. 

 

She says the indoor work will involve a lot of coordination between firms that will put up the exhibits including Cortina Productiions which is a major exhibit producer.  Gunderson says they have done work in such places at the College Football Hall of Fame. 

 

Gunderson says she and Board President Tom Benson who is also chairman of the project "couldn't be happier" with the progress they have made.  She made her comments for this past weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Group stations.


In state government news New York lawmakers are entering their final week of work in Albany and control of New York City schools remains the top issue. 

 

Meanwhile, bills to protect the environment, crack down on heroin- and opioid-dealing and bar alcohol in movie theaters hang in the balance.  Another piece of high-profile legislation would extend the statute of limitations to allow molestation victims to sue for potentially decades-old abuse.  The session is scheduled to end Wednesday

 

The state law giving Mayor Bill de Blasio control of his city's schools expires at the end of the month unless lawmakers vote to renew it.  Last year, they extended the policy by a single year. De Blasio and other Democrats want a longer extension this year, but Senate Republicans are skeptical.


The headquarters of 'Filling the Gap' a group of corporations associated with the Resource Center has been named in honor of Mike Felice. 

 

The Felice Corporate Center on Fairmount Ave near the 6th Street Bridge was officially dedicated on Friday afternoon.  Mike Felice spent more that 30 years volunteering for The Resouce Center and the corporations, right up 'til the time of his death in the fall of 2016. 

 

The Resource Center's Chief Executive Officer, Denise Jones, says Mike Felice always "led with his heart" in everything that he did.  Mike's widow, Laura, says the family became committed to the Resource Center when Jennifer, their youngest daughter, began to receive services from the agency, and he loved what TRC did for his daughter. 

 

Professionally, Mike Felice was the manager of radio stations WKSN and WHUG for many years.


The summer festival season was fully underway over the weekend with two major events in the Jamestown area. 

 

At St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, hundreds of people flocked to the 35th annual 'Yassou' Festival.  The church's Parish Council President, Tim Anderson,  says the festival is about more than Greek food, music and dancing it's about community, and showing what the church is all about. 

 

Anderson adds 'Yassou' is a major fundraiser for the church.  Meanwhile, the Fluvanna Community Historical Society held its second annual 'Fluvanna Fest'.  Spokesman Richard Keefer says they are all about a community 'coming together' as well.  More than 80 people ran or walked in the Fluvanna Fest 5K a large increase from last year.

News Headlines for Sat., June 17, 2017

Neighbor to Sheldon House says he's "very, very pleased" with Appellate Court decision annulling ZBA approval of variance for sale...
A neighbor to the Sheldon House in Jamestown says he's "very, very pleased" with a court verdict annulling the Zoning Board of Appeals' granting of a variance for the property in 2016.  Paul Leone tells Media One Group News that the move is "good for the neighborhood..." because it doesn't allow Lynn Development Group to develop business offices inside the structure at Falconer Street and Lakeview Avenue.  The State Appellate Division of the Fourth Judicial Department ruled late Friday in favor of Leone and three others who appealed a lower court ruling.  They argued a number of points... but, the Appellate Division specifically stated that the city and Lynn Development did not provide evidence of "an undue hardship" in making it's ruling.  The property would be sold to Lynn Development for $240,000 contingent on the variance being approved.  Leone -- who declined to go on tape -- and the other neighbors say they want the property to remain residential
 
 
Chautauqua announces cancellation of Aretha Franklin Concert on opening night for new Amp; Leno to now appear June 24...
Health concerns have led Artha Franklin to cancel next Saturday night's concert scheduled to open the new Amphitheater at Chautauqua Institution.  The announcement was made in an on-line letter from Chautauqua's President.  Michael Hill also announced that legendary stand-up comedian... and, retired Tonight Show host Jay Leno will replace Franklin on the Amp stage.  Hill says Aretha Franklin's doctor has now ordered her to not travel over the next few weeks per doctor’s orders.  She was to perform in Chicago this weekend... and, had already cancelled that out.  He says -- if you are seeking a refund -- call the Chautauqua Ticket Office at 1-888-688-1960.  Hill adds that the Institution will not sell additional tickets for opening night unless it receives cancellations from current ticket holders.
 
 
House extensively damaged in Westfield-area fire...
Firefighters from more than a half dozen departments battled a blaze that heavily damaged a home in the town of Westfield Thursday afternoon.  Westfield firefighters responded to the blaze at 7578 Martin Wright Rd. around 3:30 p.m., and, got mutual aid from Brocton, Ripley, Portland, Mayville, Dewittville, East Dunkirk, and Sherman.  There are reports that no one was home at the time of the blaze... but, two dogs perished in the fire that caused extensive damage to the one story structure.  The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team was sent to the scene to determine a cause. 
 
 
Prendergast Library Director says decision to sell artwork spurred by funding loss...
The Prendergast Library's board of directors has agreed to move foward on selling some 40 pieces of artwork in it's possession to raise money to keep the Jamestown institution financially viable.  Library Director Tina Scott says it was a "very difficult" decision... but, one that had to be made in light of funding losses in recent years... not the least of which was a $250,000 cut in funding from the city.  Scott says the board has been reviewing the situation for the past two years... and, adds there's even a question whether the library can properly care for the artwork... which she says really has not been done the way it should be for about 30 years.  The maintenance issue was settled for a short time with an offer from Jesse and Cathy Marion of Houston, Texas in December of 2015 for $60,000 if the board would hold off on auctioning off the paintings.  Scott says the art to be sold will be those items bought with funding left in the will of Mary Prendergast... and from the Packard Estate.  Scott says the artwork will be sold by Sotheby's Auction House in New York City in the near future... and, adds the library will receive 100 percent of the proceeds.
 
 
Food Bank of WNY cuts ribbon on new, facility, truck in Chautauqua County...
The Food Bank of Western New York has a new, expanded location... and, vehicle to deliver food to more than 50 food distribution points across Chautauqua County.  Food Bank Communcations Director Christine Schick says they're excited to have cut the ribbon on their new distribution center on the Falconer-Frewsburg Road in Falconer.  Schick says both moves will allow them to "expand their footprint" here in Chautauqua County to meet increased demand for their services.  She says -- until this year -- the Food Bank had been providing about 1.2-million pounds of food annually to families across the county.  However... she says that amount rose to 2-million pounds this past year... and, the growing need required a new facility... and, delivery truck.  Schick says they also unveiled their new, 26-foot long "Partners Fighting Hunger Truck..." which includes a lift-gate.  She says it will allow them to increase the amount of food they can haul each time by 22-hundred pounds.  Schick says the Food Bank appreciates all the support of several local foundations and community sponsors who helped make the purchase possible. 
 
 
Jacobson named UPMC Chautauqua WCA Volunteer of the Year... 
A woman who has been volunteering in UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital's Occupational Therapy Department has been named as the hospital's 2016 Volunteer of the Year.  That from Volunteer Coordinator Elizabeth DeRosa... who says Maria Jacobson epitomizes what their volunteer's are all about.  DeRosa says Jacobson was recognized during the hospital's annual "Volunteer Recognition Luncheon" yesterday at the hospital's main campus... after being selected by staff for the award.  DeRosa says Jacobson works hard in putting patient packets together, filing, and helping to clean patient rooms.  She says employees have written that Jacobson is "a joy to have around..." and, has a great relationship with the patients she works with, and she encourages patients to visit with their therapy dog.  DeRosa says they currently have 102 volunteers at UPMC Chautauqua WCA... who put in a variety of hours and days putting in time at the hospital.  If you are interested in volunteering... you can contact Elizabeth DeRosa at 664-8224 for more information.
 
 

WJTN Headlines

Ongoing funding issues especially what comes from the city of Jamestown has led the Prendergast Library's Board of Directors to decide to sell much of the library's artwork. 

 

That from Library Director Tina Scott who says the board made it's unanimous deicision yesterday about two years after the board initially started the process.  Scott says the art to be sold will be mainly what was bought using funding left in Mary Prendergast's will and from the Packard Estate. 

 

She says there are also 10 paintings they've acquired over the years that would also be part of the auctions.  Scott says there are about 40 pieces of artwork that will be sold by Sotheby's Auction House in New York City in the near future. 

 

Scott declined to give details of the sale involving Sotheby's but, says the library should receive between $1.1-million and $1.6-million dollars for the art.  She says the decision was a "very difficult" one from the board. 

 

However she says given a $250,000 cut the past year from the city, and other staff and funding cuts the board had little choice.


Firefighters from more than a half dozen departments battled a blaze that heavily damaged a home in the town of Westfield Thursday afternoon. 

 

Westfield firefighters responded to the blaze at 75-78 Martin Wright Road around 3:30 PM and, got mutual aid from Brocton, Ripley, Portland, Mayville, Dewittville, East Dunkirk, and Sherman. 

 

There are reports that no one was home at the time of the blaze but, two dogs perished in the fire that caused extensive damage to the one story structure.  The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team was sent to the scene to determine a cause.


JPD officials release drowning victim's name.

The city man who died late Wednesday afternoon in what appears to be an accidental drowning in Jamestown's Chadakoin River has now been identified.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says that a woman had called 911 just after 3 PM, saying she was with 47 year-old Dennis Plummer when he went into the water to try and cool off and, slipped under the water a short distance from shore near Winsor and Harrison Streets. 

 

Samuelson says the county's Dive Team was also called in.and, found the man a short distance away in more than 10-feet of water.  Samuelson says it's a tragic way to begin the Summer season adding that they aren't sure if Plummer knew how to swim or not. 

 

While the current can be strong in some parts of the river he says the depth can be an issue, too especially at that location. 

 

Samuelson says it goes from several inches deep to several feet very quickly.


A Jamestown man has been arrested on Felony court warrants during a raid on an upstairs apartment on the city's eastside. 

 

Jamestown Police say members of the city's Metro Drug Task Force executed the warrants at a home at 45 Bush Street with the help of the JPD SWAT Team.  They arrested 28 year-old Roberto Figueredo on the warrants for third-degree assault, and second-degree conspiracy. 

 

Police add they allegedly found Figueredo in possession of a quantity of marijuana and, he was arrested for unlawful possession.  Figueredo was arraigned in city court... and, sent to the county jail without bail.


Chautauqua County Republicans have endorsed a "strong and full slate" of candidates for this Fall's election. 

 

That from County Republican Committee Chairman David Wilfong who says the panel met recently to endorse county-wide and county legislature races.  Wilfong says they are enthusiastically backing Legislator George Borrello for county executive, and Larry Barmore again for County Clerk.  He adds they also endorsed candidates for all but three legislature seats. 

 

Wilfong says they include several Jamestown-area Republicans starting with one in the Lakewood-area.  In District-10, P-J Wendel is running for re-election.  Wilfong himself is running again in District-11. 

 

He says Elizabeth Rankin will run again in District 12.  He says there are changes in District-14, where Dan Pavlock is running in place of Mark Tarbrake, who is moving from the district.  Also John Davis running in District-16, replacing Ron Lemon, who is not running again. 

 

Wilfong says they've had to find new candidates in three legislative districts including District-#6 which will now have Silver Creek's Gary Cerne running in Borrello's place.  Others endorsed include Kevin Muldowney in District-1 Robert Scudder in District-2 and, Terry Neibel in District-5. 

 

Current Legislature Chairman David Himelen of French Creek was endorsed in District-18 along with former Chairman Jay Gould in District-17.

WJTN Headlines

A 47 year-old man died late yesterday afternoon in was appears to be an accidental drowning in the Chadakoin River on Jamestown's eastside. 

 

City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says that a woman had called 911 just after 3 PM, saying that the man she was with had gone into the water to try and cool off and, slipped under the water a short distance from shore near Winsor and Harrison Streets. 

 

Samuelson says the county's Dive Team was also called in and, found the man, now identified as Dennis Plummer a short distance away in more than 10-feet of water.  He says police are still notifying relatives because the unidentified man is reportedly from the Buffalo-area. 

 

Samuelson says they're not sure if the man knew how to swim or not.  While the current can be strong in some parts of the river he says the depth can be an issue, too especially at that location.


Two Jamestown residents face obstruction charges in connection with a drug investigation on the city's eastside late Tuesday. 

 

City police say they were called to the scene at 928 East Second Street for a warrant check for 33 year-old Anthony Camarata and 25 year-old Ashley Havle.  Officers say they gained access to the residence and, began searching for the pair. 

 

Police say they found both hiding under some blankets in a closet.  Both were arrested on warrants issued by Chautauqua County Drug Court and, second-degree obstruction of governmental administration.  Both were taken to the city lock-up pending arraignment.


One congressman says he's going to start carrying a gun in public. Others want beefed-up security at town hall meetings.  

 

Wednesday'sshooting of a top Republican while he was practicing for a congressional baseball game has jolted lawmakers.  It also highlights their vulnerability when they are in public.  Only the leaders of Congress get security details.  Rank-and-file members do not. 

 

Local Congressman Tom Reed says "his thoughts and prayers" are with the people who were shot and wounded during a baseball practice in Virginia where House Majority Whip Steven Scalise was wounded.  However, as for security Reed's Communications Director Samantha Cotton would only says "the safety of constituents and our team members is a priority, but as a matter of office policy we do not discuss the specifics of how we secure our district offices or public events." 

 

However another Republican Congressman, Chris Collins of Clarence, says he is going to start carrying a gun in public.  In addition to Scalise two members of the Capitol Police were injured along with a congressional aide and a lobbyist.

 



Local Congressman Tom Reed is part of a group of lawmakers trying to bridge the "skills gap" in the United States that has helped keep 9-million Americans unemployed in recent years. 

 

A day ago Reed was among a bi-partisan group of House members who introduced the federal Leveraging and Energizing America's Apprenticeship Program or LEAP Act.  Reed is a co-sponsor along with California Democrat Linda Sanchez. 

 

Reed says if all the current "skilled labor" jobs were filled 5-million of those people could be employed and, he says they want to show support for the apprenticeship programs across the country.  He says the proposal involves a two-tiered tax credit program that will help encourage people to get into a local apprenticeship program. 

 

He says a $1,000 tax credit is available for apprentices over the age of 25 and, $1,500 for those under 25.  Reed says the idea is to help people who are looking for work to get into an apprenticeship program to learn a skill that will get them employed.


Gasoline prices in Chautauqua County have fallen about 5-cents a gallon this week to slightly over $2.50 a gallon for regular, unleaded fuel. 

 

The AAA's Fuel Gauge Report says it follows the trend of most places in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Region where prices fell except for the Washington, D.C. area.  AAA says the price is also lower than it was last year at this time.  The EIA reports gasoline inventory levels above year-ago levels. 

 

Overall compared to a year ago, gas prices are mostly reminiscent of last summer.  With comparable gas prices to last summer, consumers may feel encouraged to drive more ultimately leading to an increase in demand, which could help dip into the supply levels.  Nationally AAA says the price is also cheaper $2.34 cents a gallon than it was a year ago.


A Jamestown man has been honored by a nationally-known weight-loss program for losing just over 85-pounds and, changing his life. 

 

Dennis Bechmann was recently awarded the 2016 King award for Taking Pounds off Sensibly or TOPS during it's annual state conference near Syracuse. 

 

Bechmann says he had finally got tired of "huffing and puffing" and weighing as much as 354 pounds.  He says he learned by "word of mouth" about TOPS local chapter #721 that meets at Holy Trinity Church. 

 

Bechmann says the great part about TOPS is you get a lot of support from fellow members who hold you accountable but, not in any negative way.  He says he needed knee replacement surgery but, the two doctors he worked said he needed to lose weight first for the surgeries to be successful. 

 

It was then that he started looking for the best way to lose weight and keep it off.  Bechmann says the Jamestown chapter of 57 members is one of the largest local TOPS groups in New York state, and they meet every Thursday at Holy Trinity with weigh-ins starting at 8:30 AM

 

For more information about TOPS go on-line to www.tops.org.

WJTN Headlines

A Jamestown-area businessman has been indicted by the Chautauqua County Grand Jury for using improper sales procedures, and improperly filing tax returns. 

 

District Attorney Patrick Swanson says the grand jury handed down the 20-count indictment late Mondayagainst owner Kenneth Asel of Ken Asel R-V's in Gerry.  Swanson says the allegations include four counts of third-degree Grand Larceny one count of second-degree forgery two counts of Criminal Tax Fraud and thirteen counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing. 

 

Swanson says the indictment was the result of a lengthy investigation by the D-A’s office it's Crimes Against Revenue Program Investigation Unit, state Police and, others.  He says the allegations surround Asel’s business practices at Ken Asel R-V’s between March of 2012 through August 2015. 

 

He was arrested on a warrant and, arraigned.  Bail was set at $5,000 cash... $10,000 property bond.


The Deputy U-S Attorney General says he will "defend the integrity" of the special counsel's investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. elections. 

 

That from Rod Rosenstein to a Senate Committee Tuesday morning in the wake of comments by President Donald Trump that he may fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller who is now investigating the alleged manipulation of last year's Presidential election. 

 

Local Congressman Tom Reed says he doesn't believe what the president tweeted about Mueller has "any voracity."  Reed adds that if there is nothing there it's time to "move foward."  He says he wants Mueller to "get to the bottom of what's going on" for the benefit of everyone namely the American people. 

 

U-S Senator Dianne Feinstein of California told Rosenstein that she believes it would be "catastrophic" if special counsel Robert Mueller were fired based on the tweet by President Trump.


Legislation has again been introduced in Congress that may help officials get a better handle on the overabundance of nutrients that have led to excessive weed and algae bloom growth in Chautauqua Lake. 

 

That from local Representative Tom Reed who says the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act uses tax credits to develop technology that boosts the use of biomass and, recover manure resources a problem that is seen on Chautauqua Lake. 

 

Reed says it would allow the tax code to allow for people to develop and invest in that technology.  Reed says the idea is to support current and, new emerging techologies that will eventually "stand on their own" commercially.  He made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.


New York state has hosted its first ever demonstration of a driverless vehicle on public roads. 

 

During Tuesday's test drive in Albany two engineers rode in the vehicle for about six miles. State officials say the engineers monitored the ride at all times to ensure safety. 

 

Governor Andrew Cuomo hailed the demonstration as a "major milestone" in the development of a technology that he says is the "next frontier" in transportation. 

 

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul also took a test drive in the vehicle.  She said driverless cars offer "tremendous potential" for improving traffic safety.


With little more than a week left in the legislative session, some state lawmakers and community advocates are renewing the push for legalized recreational marijuana in New York state. 

 

State Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly member Crystal Peoples-Stokes are joining with advocates organized by the Drug Policy Alliance Monday afternoon to announce reintroduction of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. 

 

Past efforts have stalled in legislative committees.  The bill would establish a legal market for marijuana in New York and tax and regulate it like alcohol. 

 

The lawmakers say the potential tax revenue stream is considerable since it's estimated that New Yorkers spend 3-billion dollars a year on marijuana. 

 

Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo has been dubious about legalizing weed beyond limited medical use of non-smokeable forms.

WJTN Headlines

A Pittsfield, Pennsylvania man was killed last Sunday night when his motorcycle crashed into a truck that was turning into a parking lot on Route 6 in Brokenstraw Township. 

 

State Police in Warren say the motorcycle operated by 42 year-old Andrw Blauser was westbound about 8:30 p.m. when the eastbound truck crossed it's path.  Troopers say the truck driven by 33 year-old Ashlyn Auflick of Youngsville was turning into a lot for a local business. 

 

Police say Blauser was pronounced dead at the scene while Auflick and her two child passengers sustained minor injuries.  No charges have been filed but, the investigation is continuing.


A Cassadaga man has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a child under the age of 11 in the town of Charlotte earlier this year. 

 

Chautauqua County Sheriff's officers say they concluded an investigation involving 32 year-old Steven Morris, Junior of 7392 Hall Road into an incident back in April of this year.  Deputies say Morris was arrested on a warrant issued out of county court on one count each of first-degree criminal sexual act and, predatory sexual assault against a child. 

 

Officers say Morris was arraigned in county court and, sent to the county jail on $150,000 cash bail $300,000 property bond.


Comments were spirited at times during last night's public hearing on the proposal by the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities to annex about 4-acres of land used for it's Dow Street Substation from the village of Falconer. 

 

The session was attended by just over 200 people at the Falconer Middle and High School Auditorium.  The first person to speak was School Superintendent Steve Penhollow who says a projected loss of nearly $154,000 in tax revenue would mean cutting three full-time teachers. 

 

He says that's a "significant loss of opporunities in a rural school district" and he urged officials to "really look at that."  One resident of the village, Carmella Catanese opposed the plan which she called a "tax shift" by taking money away from the village, town of Ellicott, and the Falconer School District. 

 

A couple of other people called the city and it's BPU's proposal nothing more than a "money grab."  The proposal would save the BPU about $325,000 in taxes paid to the school district, town, village, and county. 

 

Under the city and BPU's payment in lieu of tax agreement plan city government and the school district would split about $158,000.


Perhaps the most contentious moments of the hearing came during the presentation by Jamestown's special legal counsel Kathy Bennett who outlined the reaon's for annexation. 

 

Bennett discussed the savings the city would see, and said it would lead to lower utility rates.  She also said the Jamestown Fire Department would be able to better provide fire and emergency protection for the electric substation because it's a trained, full-time deparment with a nearby fire hall. 

 

She says the Falconer Fire Station is closer, but, she says Jamestown stations are fully-staffed, "24/7" while Falconer, which has a volunteer department, does not.  That did not sit well with several members of the Falconer Fire Department, who were in the audience and, several village residents.  Department Second-Lieutenant Tyler Stimpson says Jamestown has 55 firefighters but, they have 80-plus more volunteers many of whom are amply qualified as EMTs. 

 

The lawyer for the town and village Petra Zaffrom also argued that the annexation should not go forward because unlike the city contends the BPU property does not adjoin the city line except for a very small piece of it at Tiffany Avenue.


A Jamestown man is jailed for allegedly harassing two people outside the Northwest Arena last Saturday afternoon with a knife. 

 

City police were called to the scene at 319 West Third Street shortly before 4 PM and, talked with the two victims who said 46 year-old Brian Livingston had threatened the pair with a knife.  Officers say they found Livingston later at his home and, arrested him.  He was arraigned on two counts of second-degree Menacing and, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, sent to the county jail without bail.


A record-breaking blast of summer-like weather has hit New York and other parts of the Northeast. 

 

The National Weather Service says New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport recorded a sweltering 97 degrees on Monday, breaking its 1973 record of 95 degrees.  New York's LaGuardia Airport reached 95 degrees, topping its 1988 record of 92 degrees. Central Park tied its previous record of 93 degrees, set in 1973.  It was a little cooler on Long Island, where Islip reached 91 degrees, topping its 1988 record by 3 degrees. 

 

Here in the immediate Jamestown-area the temperature topped out at 86 degrees and, an air quailty alert was in place until 10 last night.  Meteorologist Joe Pollina says the heat is being caused by a large high pressure system over Bermuda that's pumping heat and humidity into the area.

 

WJTN Headlines

A Buffalo-area man is accused of vehicular assault after he allegedly backed his car unsafely, and struck a man walking on Route 20 in the town of Ripley last Saturday night. 

 

Sheriff's officers say they were called to the scene of the car-pedestrian just after 11 PM and, found that the car was operated by 61 year-old Rory Stevenson of Angola, was involved in the accident.  Deputies say Stevenson's car struck 43 year-old Matthew Vogt of Buffalo, seriously injurying the man. 

 

Officers say Vogt was flown by Starflight Helicopter to UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie for what were described as "life-threatening injuries."  Deputies say Stevenson faces several charges including second-degree vehicular assault backing unsafely uninspected motor vehicle and, several others.  He was arraigned and sent to the county jail with bail to be set.


A town of Arkwright couple has been arrested for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party on their property early last weekend. 

 

Sheriff's officers say they were called to a residence on Miller Road shortly after 12 Midnight last Saturday on a report of the party taking place.  On arrival deputies say they observed several youths under the age of 21 on the property drinking alcohol. 

 

Officers say they spoke with Michael and Diane Rafan, both 53, and, determined they were in charge of the property and the party.  Deputies charged both Michael and Diane Rafan with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a minor. 

 

In addition they say a 17 year-old male youth was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.  All subjects are to appear in Arkwright Town Court at a later date.


A much-anticipated public hearing on the proposed annexation of five-acres of land owned by the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities in the village of Falconer at the city line is set for tonight. 

 

The session will begin at 7 PM at the Falconer Central School Auditorium, and will be hosted by the Jamestown City Council, Falconer Village Board and Ellicott Town Board.  During this past weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Group stations Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi said anyone from the three municipalities can speak at the hearing. 

 

The proposal involves shifting the 4 to 5-acres of land the BPU's Dow Street Substation is located on to being in the city where it would not have to have taxes paid on it.  This would mean a loss of tax revenues from that land to the village of Falconer, town of Ellicott and the Falconer School District. 

 

However Teresi says there have been some misconceptions about what's being proposed.  The biggest being that the city is trying to annex the entire village.  Teresi says that's not the case it is a small piece of property at the city line, and will help keep electric rates low.


A bill under consideration in New York's legislature would give banks the ability to temporarily freeze the accounts of older adults when they notice activity uncharacteristic of a person's normal spending habits. 

 

The measure is intended to combat financial abuse and fraud aimed at elders.  New York's Office of Children and Family Services says financial fraud costs the state's seniors an estimated $1.5 billion per year. 

 

It might also help people like Roseann Keiles, of Long Island.  Her 82-year-old mother was tricked into giving thousands of dollars before a local banker alerted the family that something was wrong. 

 

The bill was unanimously approved by the Senate in March, but has faced resistance in the Democratic-led Assembly and hasn't been scheduled for a vote.


The investigation into a fire late last Friday that destroyed a single-family home in the town of Carrol just outside of Frewsburg is continuing. 

 

The Jamestown Post-Journal reports that Frewsburg firefighters were called to the Lightner home just before 5 PM and, found the building and attached garage on fire.  Assistant Fire Chief Dan Sisson tells the paper the home on Wigren Road was "fully engulfed" on arrival and, that it took about an hour to bring the flames under control. 

 

Frewsburg fire crews were joined at the scene by Frewsburg, Busti, Kennedy, Falconer, Kiantone, and Russell, Pennsylvania fire companies. 

 

No one was hurt.  The cause is under investigation but, apparently started in the garage area.


It was a terrific first day for the newly-rebranded "Jamestown Public Market" in downtown Jamestown last Saturday morning and afternoon. 

 

The public market is actually the name for the original farmer's market that was held in Jamestown in 1878.  Market Manager Christina Breen says they had a very good turn-out for their first attempt at a Saturday market after holding the past several year's on Thursdays. 

 

Breen says they went with a Saturday because several people, many of whom live downtown, told them that a weekday even around the lunch-hour did not work as well as a weekend might.  She says they wanted to create more "vibrancy" on the weekends for people in the area. 

 

The market takes place in the 200-block of Cherry Street between West Second and Third Streets.  She says they had about 10 vendors for the first day.  The Jamestown Public Market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through early Fall. 

 

For more information, call the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation at 664-2477 or go on-line to Jamestownrenaissance.org


There was a giant celebration at the Lucille Ball Little Theater of Jamestown Saturday night. 

 

A huge cast performed songs from two dozen musicals to mark the theater's 80th anniversary and Norm and Helen Merrill were honored for 50 years of volunteer work.  Helen Merrill has directed 48 shows at the Little Theater, and she thanked all the actors and actresses who took part in those shows. 

 

Little Theater President, Bob Ostrom, announced a new curtain and fly system, air conditioning and other improvements for the Little Theater... thanks to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and local foundations.

WJTN Headlines

Nearly three dozen people had to be treated for nausea and difficulty breathing late Thursday morning after a refrigerant spilled in the upper floors of the old Furniture Mart Building on Jamestown's westside. 

 

That from Deputy Fire Chief Chet Harvey who says they received a call about a woman having trouble breathing at "The Connection" Call Center on West Second Street just after 10:30 a.m.  Harvey says they sent a rescue unit but, soon after found several others getting sick. 

 

He says they transported 11 to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital while three others took themselves.  Harvey says 19 others were treated, then released at the scene.  Harvey says the coolant known as "Propylene Glycol" spilled out as a work crew was off-loading about 200-gallons of the fluid from the Furniture Mart's HVAC Unit. 

 

He says the fluid called "Propylene Glycol" spilled onto a floor.  He says it's similar to anti-freeze.  The county's HazMat Team was called in to help clean-up the material.  Crews are still at the scene this afternoon and, the building remained evacuated until it could be cleaned up.


A city woman is jailed without bail for allegedly trafficking cocaine and marihauna from an apartment on Jamestown's eastside.  City police say they arrested 42 year-old Brandy McBride during a raid at 248 Buffalo Street about 5:45 AM Thursday after getting nuisance complaints from neighbors. 

 

Officers and members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force found McBride along with two other women and five young children between the ages of one-month and 10 years inside an apartment.  Police say they also found about 9 grams of powder cocaine 6-and-a-half grams of marihuana and, several pieces of drug paraphernalia, a quanity of cash and a canister of "CS gas" which is illegal to possess. 

 

McBride was arrested on charges including second and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and five counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  Anyone who may have information on the illegal drug trafficking in the Jamestown area is asked to contact the JPD Tip line at 483-TIPS that's 483-8477 or the departments Tips 411 app.


The first major event in Chautauqua's new Amphitheater will be two weeks from last night on Thursday, June 22nd, for the Jamestown High School graduation. 

 

That from Chautauqua's Director of Communications, Jordan Steves Wednesday. The Institution wanted to have a 'temporary Certificate of Occupancy' earlier this month but, it's not in hand yet.  In the meantime Steves says programming staff is having to wear hard-hats and work vests inside the Amp. 

 

That Certificate of Occupancy is expected in the next week.  Steves says the biggest 'hiccup' has been a manufacturing delay at the Nebraska company making the new benches.  They won't all be done in time but an area firm,  Fancher Chair in Falconer is saving the day by making several temporary benches for them. 

 

Individual tickets for the first major entertainment event in the new Amp,  Aretha Franklin on June 24th are completely sold out.


The Fancher Chair Company in Falconer that Chautauqua Institution has turned to for help in getting several thousand feet of temporary benching in place was first contacted about the situation a week-and-a-half ago. 

 

Fancher's President and Chief Executive Officer Gary Henry says Chautauqua officials said they had a delay in the order and, worked out the details about design within about three-days.  Henry says they mainly manufacture solid-wood chairs. 

 

However he says they do benches on occasion.  Henry says they had asked to be considered for the initial project but, didn't hear back about it.  However he says they are making many of the chairs that'll be used in the new Amp during the coming season.  He says their 140 employees have "really stepped up" to get the project done in time.


Work is now underway to finalize Chautauqua County's application for the $20-million dollar, Municipal Consolidation and Government Efficiency Grant competition. 

 

A public forum was held Wednesday night at the Carlson Community Center in Mayville.  County Executive Vince Horrigan says about 75 people turned out for the meeting, including a number of local officials many who spoke about their projects including the new wasterwater treatment plant in Dunkirk. 

 

Horrigan says at this point, 13 projects have been identified for the application that is due later this month.  He says the Center for Governmental Research in Rochester is working with the county and local governments to finalize the application. 

 

Horrigan says they got "some additional input on opportunities" Wednesday.  He adds the application is due on June 28th.  Chautauqua County is one of six finalists in the competition.  There's no word on when a final decision will be made.

WJTN Headlines

It's not Congressional Republicans but, Democratic policies the past 30 years that have made it more difficult to do business and, has driven people from New York state. 

 

That from local Congressman Tom Reed who pushed back Wednesday against criticism from Governor Cuomo and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi about the need to defeat them in 2018.  Reed said Cuomo's comments clearly show that he is eyeing a run for the White House in 2020.  However he says the polices of Cuomo and his late father, Mario, have caused the exodus of businesses and people seen in recent years. 

 

In addition Reed says it's led to a loss of representation in Washington since the 1980s.  At that time New York had 35 members of Congress but, that number has now fallen to 27.  He adds two more may be lost after the next Census. 

 

Cuomo and Pelosi told hundreds of union members at a Manhattan rally Tuesday that New Yorkers can play a key role in returning the House of Representatives to Democratic control.  Reed says he's been pushing "pro-growth" policies to grow jobs and population in the state.


Local Congressman Tom Reed says he likes what he's seen so far of President Trump's pick to head up the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

 

House Republicans say they didn't have advance notice of Trump's choice of Christopher Wray.  He's a former Justice Department official who was New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's personal lawyer during the George Washington Bridge lane-closing investigation. 

 

Reed says he doesn't know much more about Wray at this point but says Wray has a lot of experience with the U-S Attorney's Office, and the Justice Department.  Reed says he's very eagar to look more at Wray's resume and, record. 

 

He says he's hopeful that the Senate will move quickly to confirm the appointment.  Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with regional media.


A former mayor of Cassadaga has announced she is running for Chautauqua County Clerk this Fall. 

 

LeeAnn Lazarony is currently the resource coordinator for the Dunkirk City drug treatment court and also has in the past worked in that same capacity for the Jamestown drug treatment court.  Lazarony says she believes her experience in the court system and as a mayor for eight years is a major asset. 

 

She says she has worked in the court system for about 15 years.  If elected, Lazarony says among her goals is to provide a "professional, non-political, customer friendly" county clerk's office. 

 

She is seeking the Democratic nomination and would run against incumbent Republican Larry Barmore.


Four people have been arrested and, Jamestown police seized a number of stolen items including a hand-gun and shot-gun during two separate raids in the city Monday. 

 

Jamestown Police Captain Bob Samuelson confirms today that officers executed a search warrant at an apartment about 10:30 AM at 108 Crescent Street after being tipped about stolen property inside.  They reportedly found items including a 12-gauge shotgun, laptop computers and a large machete. 

 

In addition police say they found a quantity of methamphetamine, and arrested two people.  They say 52 year-old Bernard Philbrick, Junior and 25 year-old Kyle Lewis face weapons and drug possession charges.  During the investigation, police learned that the stolen property was taken from a nearby home at 117 Crescent Street and, they arrested 37 year-old Misty Harkins there on an outstanding bench warrant. 

 

A second raid occured several hours later at 1063 East Second Street on a report of a person with a weapon.  They later arrested 27 year-old James Blue, and seized a 40-calibur pistol.


For the seventh week in a row gasoline prices in the Jamestown-area are holding steady. 

 

The AAA's Fuel Gauge Report says the price is up just 2-tenths of a cent per gallon but, is still just over $2.55  a gallon.  AAA says New York is one of four states across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region where prices remained flat from last week. 

 

Every other state in the region is seeing prices drop as much as three cents.  Nationally gas prices have fallen moderately in most states following a week of all-time high gasoline demand.  The price of a gallon of gasoline increased one cent this week to $2.38 from last week; however, the price at the pump in 30 states has fallen as much as 4-cents. 

 

The moderate decline in gas prices is typical following a long holiday weekend.

WJTN Headlines

The first of three Erie, Pennsylvania men accused of car-jacking a vehicle, and stealing a truck in the Dunkirk-area about two years ago has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. 

 

Acting U.S. Attorney James Kennedy, Junior says 21 year-old Michael Gonzalez-Colon was recently convicted of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.  He was then sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo. 

 

Prosecutors say Gonzalez-Colon and the two co-defendants rode stolen ATV's in Erie and, road them to Dunkirk in July of 2015... and, shortly after arriving in Dunkirk, the ATV's were seized by police.  Without transportation they then assaulted two people in the vicinity of Robin and Second Streets and, stole their car at gun-point.  They also stole a pick-up truck.


A city man is jailed without bail and, a teenaged boy is also in custody for allegedly trafficking crystal methamphetime on Jamestown's north and east sides. 

 

City police say they were called to the area of Dearborn Street late Monday morning on a report of 19 year-old Joshua Verrett being spotted walking there.  Verrett was wanted on several oustanding city court warrants and, police say they found the Bishop Street man with a 17 year-old on Dearborn Street. 

 

Officers say they arrested Verrett without incident and, during the arrest, allegedly found a quantity of crystal meth and, two digital scales in his possession.  Police say the 17 year-old was also found in possession of a small amount of crystal meth in his possession. 

 

Verrett was arrraigned on charges including Felony third-degree criminal possesion of a controlled substance and, the 17 year-old was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession.


The Jamestown School District can now move forward on hiring 10 new staff members four of them teachers for the upcoming 2017-18 school year. 

 

The school board unanimously approved formally adding the posts during last night's meeting.  Interim School Superintendent Silvia Root says she's pleased to be able to move forward on filling these positions.  Root says funding for the positions is included in the new, $80-plus million dollar budget. 

 

Root says she believes this is "the beginning of meeting students needs, and being able to support it.  Root says the positions include two English Language Learner teachers two ESL paraprofessionals two school counselors and two elementary teachers.  There will also be one new music teacher and, one school psychologist. 

 

Root says the district should be set once those people are hired.  However she says the district did leave some financial "room" for the new superintendent to possibly fill two other positions once he or she is hired. 

 

The school board also approved the final canvass of the May 16th budget, and school board vote.  The spending plan was approved 505-to-106.


Governor Andrew Cuomo and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi say New York's eight Republican members of Congress must be defeated in 2018. 

 

Pelosi and the Democratic governor told hundreds of union members at a Manhattan rally Tuesday that New Yorkers can play a key role in returning the House of Representatives to Democratic control.  Cuomo said New York's Republican Congress members don't represent the state's interests. 

 

He called them "political pawns of the ultra-conservative puppet masters in Washington."  While it's not uncommon for Democrats to criticize Republicans, Cuomo's remarks come amid speculation that he may seek the White House in 2020.  Corning Republican Tom Reed is one of those House members being targeted.


A Great Lakes researcher and SUNY College at Fredonia professor is preparing to swim the length of Chautauqua Lake later this month in preparation for a longer swim across Lake Erie. 

 

Sherri Mason has announced that she will attempt the 15.5-mile journey during the week of June 19th.  She says that the idea began as a swim across Lake Erie, but she was encouraged to do a "trial swim" first of at least 10-miles.  Dr. Mason has been in training for the swim for nearly a year. 

 

Initially the focus of the swim was on the problem of plastics pollution, but the message has become a larger one because of the Trump Administration and the push for changes in environmental policy.  Mason says it's a matter of how important fresh, clean water is to us in America, and the entire world. 

 

No specific date for the Chautauqua Lake swim has been set.  It will begin at Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Celoron and conclude at Lakeside Park in Mayville.

WJTN Headlines

Jamestown city officials and residents of a northside neighborhood are expressing disappointment over a state decision to not fund an approximately 12-to-13-million dollar housing project. 

 

City Council Housing Committee Chairwoman Marie Carruba expressed her feelings after some residents spoke during last night's committee meeting.  Carrubba says she's heard from other people in the area where the Jackson-Spring Housing Development was to be built. 

 

She says the problem with the eight dilapitated and condemned homes there is not going away because the city can't afford to do them all.  They were to be replaced with 36-units developed by a Buffalo-area firm, NRP working locally with Citizens Opportunity for Development and Equality also known as CODE. 

 

CODE and the developer had applied for a second-time for funding through the state Office of Housing and Community Renewal for the funding and, housing credits.


Two Kennedy men have been arrested for allegedly being found in possession of narcotic drugs following a vehicle stop on the city of Jamestown's northside. 

 

City police say a pick-up truck passed a marked JPD Cruiser on West 10th Street shortly before 1 PM last Saturday afternoon and, the operator, 21 year-old Dyllan Ownbey, was pulled over.  Officers say Ownbey was smoking a marijuana cigarette in plain sight, and he was found to be driving the truck with an expired inspection sticker. 

 

Police ordered both Ownbey and his passenger, 23 year-old James Albro from the vehicle.  They say they found 15-grams of marijuana, 5.5-grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms, and point-3 grams of Fentanyl. 

 

Both were charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and one count each of unlawful possession of marijuaua.  Both were jailed with bail to be set.


A Cattaraugus County man is jailed on $25,000 bail for allegedly trafficing narcotic drugs in the Randolph area following a raid on his apartment. 

 

Members of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office say they executed a search warrant at 106 Hall Avenue and found 27 year-old Scott Fairbanks with six bags of Heroin packaged for sale.  They say they also found a small amount of marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia and scales. 

 

Fairbanks faces charges including third-degree Felony criminal possession of a controlled substance and, unlawful possession of marijuana.  He also faces three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.  Fairbanks was arraigned and sent to the Little Valley lock-up.


Local Congressman Tom Reed was in the majority of the House of Representatives who voted recently for the Reduction of Regulatory Burdens Act that pulls back on some regulations regarding the dumping of pesticides. 

 

Reed says the act, which amends what's commonly called the Clean Water Act would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency or a state from requiring a permit under the "National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System" for discharging of pesticides through a pipe or tunnel. 

 

The bill establishes exemptions from this prohibition which Reed feels are "reasonable."  Opponents of the move say the move "guts" clean water and clean air rules but, Reed says it's intended to eliminate duplicity, and overly burdensome regulations on businesses and individuals. 

 

Congress earlier this year approved the "Midnight Rules Relief Act" which simply allowed lawmakers to reject multiple rules under the Congressional Review Act. 

 

The Reduction of Regulatory Burdens Act was approved prior to President Trump announcing the U-S was withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord. Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.



The county's application for the $20 million-dollar New York State Municipal Consolidation and Efficiency Competition is coming together and among the 10 projects in the application will be two involving the village of Fredonia and the city of Dunkirk. 

 

Fredonia Mayor Athanasia Landis spoke about the two projects Monday and pointed out that they are involved in talks regarding the wastewater treatment plant in Dunkirk.  Landis says an agency is working with them on that project. 

 

She adds there's also the ongoing effort to find one location for both community's police departments and courts.  Dr. Landis says there may be some complications involving the shared police and courts facility because of a state mandate and, circumstances are more complicated. 

 

She says police cars can currently go outside the area they primarily serve.  Chautauqua County is among six finalists seeking the $20-million dollar grant and there's a June 30the deadline for the applications.

WJTN Headlines

A Ripley man was killed last weekend when he apparently fell from the tractor he was using, and got pinned underneath it. 

 

Sheriff's officers were called to the scene on Sulpher Springs Road in the town of Mina about 5:20 PM Saturday on a report of the man being pinned under the vehicle.  When they arrived, deputies say they found 57 year old Edward Schwab underneath the tractor.  However, EMS workers were unable to revive him and, Schwab was pronounced dead at the scene.

 


A Cassadaga Man was seriously hurt when his motorcycle struck a deer and he was ejected on the Stockton-Cassadaga Road in the town of Stockton last Saturday night. 

 

Sheriff's officers say the operator, 47 year-old Daniel Gloss, was westbound just after 11 PM when the crash occured.  Deputies say Gloss was unable to avoid the deer and, struck it and was thrown from the bike. 

 

They say Gloss was treated at the scene by Cassadaga and Stockton fire rescue crews and, was flown by Starflight Helicopter to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo for treatment of his injuries.


With the exception of some rain Sunday morning there was great weather last weekend for the return of the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament to downtown Jamestown. 

 

That from Tournament Director Michael Bird with the Jamestown Post-Journal.  The local newspaper, along with the Dunkirk Observer and, the Warren Times-Observer headed up the effort to bring the Macker back to Jamestown for the first time in several years. 

 

Bird says they expected some issues Sunday but, none was insurmountable. Bird says they got 200 teams for the tournament which was a good number for the first year back.  He says the response was very good and, overall there was a lot of good sportsmanship. 

 

The Media One Group was a Media Sponsor for the Gus Macker Tournament.  Bird says 20% of the proceeds will go to the Alex Foulk Foundation to support the "Fresh Start" initiative.  He adds that several other groups including the Jamestown Key Club and, Honor Society and, local elementary schools will all benefit from the tournament.


Chautauqua County is finalizing it's application for a 20-million dollar local government consolidation award from New York State. 

 

That from County Executive Vince Horrigan, who high-lighted the work of his Regional Solutions Commission during last Friday's County Executive Breakfast hosted by the Chautuaqua County Chamber of Commerce at Chautauqua Golf Club. The commission chaired by County Legislator George Borrello, had identified 10 projects that would receive money from that award.

 

Horrigan says the application is due by the end of June and, state leaders will then make a decision among the six finalists for the funding.  He says that would help the county realize the 15 focus goals of the county's 2020 Comprehensive Plan. 

 

Horrigan adds that having the county on solid financial footing was one of those when it was first drawn-up.  He says being able to cut the tax rate by 74 cents over the past six years has helped greatly.


New York is pushing a major clean energy job initiative in the wake of President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from an international pact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

 

Governor Andrew Cuomo on Friday announced $1.5 billion-dollars for renewable energy projects such as wind, solar arrays, hydro and fuel cell to advance a state goal of achieving 50% of electricity from renewables by 2030.  Cuomo says the investment will produce 40,000 clean energy jobs by 2020. 

 

The announcement follows Trump's Thursday decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement to reduce U.S. polluting emissions by 1.6 billion tons by 2025.  Cuomo and Democratic governors in Washington and California denounced the move and pledged to uphold the commitment.


New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says his state will continue to abide by the Paris climate accord regardless of President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the landmark 190-nation agreement to reduce carbon emissions. 

 

Cuomo says that the Republican president's decision is "reckless" and harmful for the nation and the planet.  He says he will use executive orders to ensure the state does not abandon its efforts to boost renewable energy while reducing emissions tied to climate change. 

 

Cuomo also says he and the governors of California and Washington state will lead a new alliance of states supporting the Paris agreement.  New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also vowed to use executive orders to ensure his city continues to "honor the goals" of the climate deal.


Republican Governor Phil Scott says Vermont is joining a coalition of states, including New York that have committed to upholding the Paris climate agreement despite President Trump's decision to leave the historic international pact. 

 

The U.S. Climate Alliance was formed by the Democratic governors of California, New York and Washington after Trump's announcement Thursday.  The governors of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island also announced Friday that their states would be joining the alliance. 

 

Scott says Vermont is a leader in environmental policy and natural resource management.  He says the president's decision to withdraw the country from the agreement only strengthens the states' commitment and makes their work more important.


A cold storage facility could still be coming to the city of Dunkirk and, the north county city's elected official says he couldn't be happier. 

 

Mayor Willie Rosas confirms that a meeting involving the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency the city of Dunkirk and, Fieldbrook Foods was held on Thursday and the former Edgewood warehouse on Roberts Road is now being considered as a possible site for the Great Lakes Cold Storage facility. 

 

Rosas says that while no final decision has been made, he is pleased that a city based site is in the running. Earlier this year Dunkirk's Zoning Board of Appeals had approved a location for the project between Central Avenue, Fairview Avenue and Main Street Extension, but local residents in the area of site had threatened a lawsuit.  That had led the company and Fieldbrook Foods to consider a site at the Chadwick Bay Industrial Park in the town of Sheridan.   

 

Rosas says no decision has been made yet because they haven't gotten a commitment yet from the developer.


Pennsylvania's state Senate is unveiling legislation to overhaul retirement benefits for future state government and public school employees in hopes of getting it to Governor Tom Wolf's desk this week. 

 

 A first committee vote was scheduled for last night... just hours after the legislation became public.  Pennsylvania's two big pension systems face a roughly a $60-billion dollar projected debt.  Senate Republicans have tried unsuccessfully for four years to end or reduce the traditional pension benefit for future state and school employees in favor of a 401(k)-style benefit. 

 

This bill would create a hybrid plan, and make the second pension overhaul in eight years.  Actuaries say it wouldn't reduce near-term pension obligations for the state and school districts.

News Headlines for Sat., June 3, 2017

Horrigan updates State of County, talks about accomplishments during county Chamber appearance...
He still has seven months left in office... but, Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan tell county business leaders that indicators show "all the arrows are pointed in the right direction" for the county.  Horrigan addressed the county's Chamber of Commerce at the Chautauqua Golf Club for the final time as executive yesterday morning.  Horrigan presented an updated version of his State of the County Address... then fielded a series of questions.  He was asked what he felt was his biggest accomplishment.  Horrigan says it was forming "consensus" on a number of issues facing the county... adding we're not arguing about "silly things..." and are getting things done.  Horrigan says "everyone has good ideas..." and, the key was to listen... compromise and move forward.  As for his biggest challenge... the Bemus Point Republican pointed quickly to the local Heroin and Opioid Drug Crisis.  He says strides have been made in law enforcement and the judicial system... but, adds the addiction part has been difficult.  Horrigan did point to the fact that UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital has been able to get the funding in place to start long-term treatment in the Jamestown-area... and, improvements have also been made in the north county.
 
 
Horrigan says former Chautauqua County Home is doing well...
Perhaps the most controversial issue faced during County Executive Vince Horrigan's lone-term as executive was the February 2014 sale of the Chautauqua County Home in Dunkirk.  After several months of discussion and debate... the county legislature voted to sell the Dunkirk facility to VestraCare for $16-million by a 13-to-5 vote.  Horrigan says it was a "very difficult" process... especially having to face the fears of residents, and their families.  He says care for the elderly is  "deeply personnal..." but, he says it's "doing well," and their rates have not increased.  Horrigan... adds though... that owning a nursing home was not a primary function of government... and, says the home was a drag on the county's finances.  He says the combination of the sale... and, boosting the county's sales tax an extra half-a-percent to 8-percent has helped the county bring the tax rate to 41-cents per $1,000 below the average in Western New York.  
 
 
Dunkirk man arrested as part of major bust in late April...
A Dunkirk man wanted in connection with a major drug bust in the city back in April has been located and arrested by police in the north county.  Dunkirk Police arrested 27-year-old Christian Maestre at 172 King Street around 7 p.m. last Thursday.  Officers say Maestre was wanted on a warrant charging him with one count each of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, second-degree criminal sale.  The charges stem from an investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and Dunkirk Police that led to a raid at 51 East 2nd Street on April 28th.  Task Force members seized a large quantity of cocaine and more than $171-thousand dollars in cash from alleged drug sales.  Maestre was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail.
 
 
Lakewood mayor explosing possible community chamber in village...
An effort is underway to create a new "community" chamber of commerce in southern Chautauqua County.  Lakewood Mayor Cara Birritierri has been discussing the possibility of a new chamber specifically for merchants in the village.  Birritierri recently discussed the idea with Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Tranum and other chamber leaders.  She says she first thought about creating a local Merchants group because retail is such a big part of the village's economy... including the only mall in the Jamestown-area.  Birritierri says it made sense because there are about 50 members of the county Chamber of Commerce from Lakewood.  However... she says there is a slight obstacle in that Lakewood does not currently have it's own community chamber.  She says Tranum and other Chamber officials met with Birritierri during the recent ribbon cutting for the new Lakewood Diner on Chautauqua Avenue. 
 
 

WJTN News Headlines

A Jamestown-area man has been indicted by the Chautauqua County Grand Jury on 20-counts for allegedly being in possession of child pornography.  

 

Ellicott Town Police say they arrested 51 year-old George Ciancio of 107 Westminster Drive in West Ellicott on a County Court warrant last February following a several month-long, joint investigation with the FBI.  

 

Officers say Ciancio faces 10 counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child and, 10 counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child.  Ciancio is free on bail.

 

 

A Jamestown woman was arrested early Thursday morning for allegedly selling illegal drugs during a raid at a home on the city's northside.  
 
Jamestown Police Captain Bob Samuelson says members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force were joined by members of the state Police C-NET Team in executing a search warrant at 11 West 10th Street shortly after 5 AM.  Samuelson said yesterday that agents arrested 48 year-old Searcy Fields as part of their ongoing investigation into the sales and trafficking of illegal narcotics in the city.
 
Samuelson says task force members also found quanitites of heroin and "crack" cocaine inside the residence and, also seized a small amount of cash and scales.  He says Fields was taken into custody without incident and, adds she is charged with third-and seventh-degree criminal possesion of a controlled substance and, criminally using drug paraphernalia.  
 
She was arraigned and sent to the county jail without bail.  If you have any information on illegal drug trafficking in Jamestown contact the Task Force confidentially at 483-TIPS that's 483-8477.  Or contact them via their Tips 4-1-1 app.
 
 
A north county woman is being treated for serious injuries after her car went off Route 5 in the town of Sheridan yesterday afternoon and, slammed into a tree.  
 
Sheriff's officers were called to the scene, near the junction with Newell Road just after 12:30 PM.  Deputies say a nearby neighbor and another motorist pulled the woman Chun Pandak of Irving, from the wreckage.  
 
Officers say that prevented more serious injuries.  Officers say Pandak was taken by Alstar Ambulance to a landing area and, she was then flown by Starflight Helicopter to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo.
 
 
A fatal accident involving an Amish horse and buggy late last year in Clymer has led four local fire departments to donate a miniature Amish buggy to the Chautauqua Children's Safety Education Village in Ashville.  
 
Safety Village Director Terri Kindberg says she happened to come across the scene of that accident and, says it left an impression she'll never forget.  Kindberg says the buggy will now be part of the safety courses they teach at the village regarding traffic that moves slowly.
 
Kindberg says she and Safety Village Board President Sheriff Joe Gerace serve on the county's Traffic Safety Board and, she says the idea of adding an Amish buggy to their curriculum has been discussed for a while now.  
 
She says Panama Fire Chief Vern Sheldon, Junior knew the man killed in the Clymer accident and, called her about the idea to get the ball rolling.  The chiefs of all four communities Panama, Sherman, Clymer and Ashville have large Amish populations.  Each was represented during the unveiling of the miniature buggy Wednesday night at the Hewes Education Center BOCES in Ashville. 

 

 

 

An investigation into a stabbing that occurred Saturday afternoon in the area of East 4th Street and Park Avenue in Dunkirk has resulted in the arrest of an 18-year-old man.  

 

Dunkirk Police have charged Christopher Cancel-Vazquez of South Zebra Street with first-degree assault after allegedly stabbing a 33-year-old male from Dunkirk in the lower abdomen during an argument.  Cancel-Vazquez fled the scene, but was picked up Tuesday on an arrest warrant.  

 

The victim was treated at Brooks Memorial Hospital... and, was later flown by helicopter to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo.  Cancel-Vazquez was arraigned in Dunkirk City Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail on 50-thousand dollars cash bail.

 

 

Chautauqua County's two airports picked up nearly $1.2-million dollars in federal funding.  
 
That from U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand who announced late Wednesday that both airports would share in 17-million dollars being provided to 36 airports in New York state.  County Executive Vince Horrigan, who was pleased to get the news, says the County Airport near Jamestown will receive just over 816,000 of those dollars.
 
Horrigan says Jamestown actually received two grants with a smaller one to remove an obstruction and refurbish the taxiway.  In addition Horrigan says the Dunkirk Airport will receive $437,000 in funding.  
 
He says that'll be used to repair runway and taxiway surfaces and, study removal of any obstructions to air traffic.  
Senator's Schumer and Gillibrand announced that more than $17 million in funding would go to the upstate area. The largest award 2.4-million dollars will go for projects at the Greater Rochester International Airport in Rochester.
 
 
A Jamestown man involved with private sector management and finance for three decades has been named the new Vice-President for Finance and Administration at the SUNY College at Fredonia.  
 
Fredonia President Virginia Horvath says Michael Metzger will assume his new duties at Fredonia on July 3rd.  Metzger is currently Vice President and Strategic Advisor for Blackstone Advanced Technologies in Jamestown... a position he has held since 2014.  
 
In previous positions Horvath said Metzger was president of Blackstone Business Enterprises from 2010 to 2013 the Chief Financial Officer for Acu-Rite Companies from 1985 to 2010 and, he worked at Bausch & Lomb from 1976 to 1984.  
 
Horvath says Metzger quote  "brings a range of experiences in operations management, including in the not-for-profit and government sectors."  Metzger says he's "honored to accept the position" adding that, "it's been a dream of mine to be part of the rich tradition of this exceptional educational institution."
 
 
Legislation newly introduced in Albany aims to stamp out school lunch shaming.  
 
The proposal announced Wednesday by state Sen. Liz Krueger and Jo Anne Simon would require schools to ensure all eligible students are signed up for free and reduced-cost school meals.  The bill would also prohibit schools from singling out students whose families fall into school lunch debt by assigning them extra chores or giving them alternative meals.  
 
The sponsors of the bill say there's no statewide policy for students who can't buy their lunch. They say that too often students are stigmatized and shamed if their families fall behind on school lunch payments.

WJTN News Headlines

A Buffalo man living in Jamestown and accused of trafficking large quantities of crack and powder cocaine now faces federal charges in the case following his arrest locally.  

 

Acting U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior has formally announced that 38 year-old Odessin McBride was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine.  Kennedy says the charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $2,000,000 fine.  

 

Federal prosecutors accuse McBride of distributing both cocaine and crack cocaine in the Jamestown area.  Police and local Drug agents surveilled McBride allegedly selling cocaine and, they obtained a search warrant for McBride’s Sampson Street home.  

 

Special agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, working with officers from the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, raided McBride's home on May 19th and, found him and his wife, and their 4 year-old child inside.  

 

Police also recovered cash, four digital scales, and a shrink-wrapping machine in the kitchen.  They also allegedly found scales, baggies, a razor blade, and a quantity of cocaine sealed in shrink-wrapped plastic bags buried in the ground outside the home.  A detention hearing was held in Buffalo Wednesday afternoon. 

 

 

Western New York and Chautauqua County are both winding up an unusually wet month of May and, it's looking like a rainy start to June as well.  
 
That from National Weather Service Forecaster Dan Kelly in Buffalo. who says they have a weather observer in Jamestown. who reports higher than usual rainfall for May.  Kelly says that follows a rainier than usual April.
 
Kelly says, in Buffalo they has received 6.35-inches for the month of May as of Midnight Tuesday night which is the seventh-highest amount for the city since records have been kept.  As for the immediate future he says we'll remain somewhat rainy through the coming weekend.  
 
Kelly says another round of thunderstorms moved through the area late yesterday more are expected towards the end of the week on Friday.  Kelly says there's a 50-50 chance of rain through early next week with temperatures slightly below normal.  Our complete forecast is coming up.
 
 
Memorial Day weekend serves as the unofficial kick-off to Summer but, Chautauqua County's top-elected official used it to kick off his first-ever "100 Days of Summer Safety" campaign.  
 
County Executive Vince Horrigan discussed the program at the end of last week's County Legislature meeting talking about how great the Summer season is here.  However he says it seems like every year there is at least one tragedy that occurs. Horrigan, who also headed up the local chapter of the American Red Cross for about 12 years says he wants to try and prevent that.
 
To that end Horrigan says he's working with the county Department of Health and Human Services on a program that includes boating, and motor vehicle and bicycle safety and so on.  He says it can only take a moment for tragedy to strike.  
 
Horrigan says he's tentatively scheduled a press event for next week with a focus on water safety.  Horrigan says one focus there will be on making sure that children have life jackets on when boating. 

 

 

Gasoline prices in Chautauqua County remain steady as the Summer driving season demand kicks in.  

 

That from the Triple-A's Fuel Gauge Report, which ways the price for a gallon of regular, unleaded fuel remains just over $2.55 this week.  Triple-A says the price is down about 2-tenths of a cent for the week.  

 

The Fuel Gauge reports that New York state's average price is now $2.51 a gallon.  Elsewhere across the Northeast the growing demand for gasoline has pressured pump prices.  

 

Nationally the average is now $2.37 cents, one-cent more than a week ago, two cents more than a month ago and five cents more than a year ago.  The latest Energy Information Administration's report says rising gasoline demand has resulted in dropping gasoline inventories across the country.  

 

Last week U.S. demand for gasoline jumped to the highest level this year, while inventories dropped by 800,000 barrels. 

 

 

When Congress resumes it's 115th session next Tuesday there will be less than two months to go before the current session ends for lawmakers in August.  
 
That means action needs to be taken on a number of big ticket items that need to be addressed before then. Local Congressman Tom Reed says the big item currently is in the Senate which is working on a new Health Care bill.  
 
The House acted on the American Health Care Act earlier this Spring but, the Senate has yet to.  After that, Reed says there's the president's 4.1-trillion dollar budget proposal.
 
However there is some Republican opposition to the president's proposal which would add defense spending but, cut or eliminate several domestic social programs.  
 
Reed says there's also the issue of the nation's accumulated, 20-Trillion deficit and, President Trump's administration has already indicated the need for Congress to raise the debt ceiling before they leave for Summer recess.  
 
He says the bi-partisan "Problem Solver's" caucus he belongs to is already looking at common ways to deal with that issue.
 
 
A Buffalo-area woman who died of her injuries suffered in an All-Terrain Vehicle accident last weekend in Cattaraugus County has now been identified.  
 
Sheriff's deputies in Little Valley now say that 33 year-old Dawn Krol died after her ATV crashed on Eastland Road in Yorkshire, just after 7 PM last Sunday.  Officers say Krol was unconscious and not breathing when they arrived.  
But, she was already receiving CPR and, was rushed to Bertrand-Chaffee Hospital in Springville.  She was then taken to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo where she later died from her injuries.  
 
Krol was a high school math teacher in the Pembroke School District in Genesee County.
 
 
Two north county men are in the Chautauqua County Jail for allegedly committing an armed robbery Tuesday morning in the village of Fredonia.  
 
Fredonia Police were called to a location on Cushing Street at about 2 AM where the victims were able to provide a description of the suspects.  Police say they were later seen in a vehicle, fleeing the neighboorhood at a high rate of speed.  
 
Further investigation led to the arrest of 31-year-old Steven Glenn of Fredonia and 18-year-old Norman Geddis, Jr. of Dunkirk.  A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two loaded handguns and, several items of stolen property.  
 
Glenn and Geddis were arraigned and jailed on two counts each of first-degree robbery and, three counts of criminal possession of stolen property.  They also face one count each of criminal use of a firearm, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  
 
Geddis is being held on $150,000 cash bail, while Glenn is being held without bail. 
 
 
A Jamestown woman has been arrested for allegedly throwing her cane into the front window of a downtown bar and eatery late yesterday morning.  
 
City police were called to The Pub about 10:45 AM on a report of the woman hitting, and damaging the window at the 209 North Main Street location.  Officers say 53 year-old Tammy Stevenson of West Eighth Street apparently left before police arrived.  
 
However they say she was found near Prendergast Avenue and, was arrested.  City police say the window which was found with several cracks on it will cost more than $1,500 to replace.  
 
Officers say Stevenson is charged with second-degree criminal contempt a Felony.

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