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News Headlines for Sat. Mar. 31, 2018

Boil Water Advisory has been lifted for Dunkirk Water System users...
There is good news today for the city of Dunkirk... and, all water customers of the city's water supply.  The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services has now lifted the boil water advisory for system users.  Environmental Services Director Mark Stow says the affected area included the city and water districts in the towns of Dunkirk and Sheridan.  Water samples collected on March 29 and 30 from the affected area show that the water is safe to drink and can now be used for all purposes.  Construction at the City of Dunkirk's water plant caused a large leak on March 28 that could have allowed contaminants to enter the system.  Stow says the leak was repaired the same day but as a precaution, the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services placed the City on a boil water advisory.
 
 
State lawmakers approve 2018-19 budget early Saturday morning... 
Lawmakers in New York state have approved a new... just over $168-billion state budget that includes surcharges on taxi, Uber and Lyft rides in Manhattan and a new state sexual harassment policy written following the #MeToo movement.  Members of the state Senate and Assembly worked into the early morning hours today to complete their work on the spending plan before a new fiscal year begins Sunday.  State Senator Cathy Young says the approval came after the Governor issued a "message of necessity" because the budget bills would normally have to "age" for three-days on lawmakers desks.  However... she says the mon allows immediate action.  The budget includes $1-billion dollars in new education spending, investments in water quality and money to fight Lyme disease.  It contains one notable new tax, a fee on opioid manufacturers and distributors that will raise funds to combat addiction. 
 
 
High Wind Warning now in effect for late Saturday through early Sunday for Chautauqua County...
The National Weather Service has now issued a High Wind Warning from 5 this afternoon through 8 a.m. tomorrow for both Chautauqua and Erie counties.  Southwest winds will become sustained later today at 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.  Meteorologist John Rozbicki in Buffalo says the strong winds will be triggered by a deepening low pressure system to our northeast... and, he says that will pull stronger winds behind it.  Strong to potentially damaging winds will be possible... and, could bring down trees and power lines resulting in scattered power outages. 
 
 
Gerace calls assault on toddler a "horrific" act...
Chautauqua County's top cop says the investigation is continuing into an assault in the village of Sinclairville that has left an 18-month-old child hospitalized after -- what he calls -- a "horrific incident."  Sheriff Joe Gerace says 34-year-old Richard Pryll-Simpson is facing a felony charge after first responders were called out 40 East Avenue around 11 AM Thursday.  Gerace says the young girl was first rushed to UPMC Chautauqua WCA in Jamestown, then flown to Children's Hospital in Buffalo.  He says they don't have a condition update on her at the moment.  Gerace says he can't release a lot of details at this time... including the child's name.  He saays Pryll-Simpson, the child's custodial parent, was arraigned in Cherry Creek Town Court, then committed to the County Jail with bail set at $200,000 cash bail... $400,000 property bond.  The Sheriff says the investigating is continuing.
 
 
Eleven people arrested in Cattaraugus County Meth Busts...
Eleven people from Cattaraugus County are jailed following drug raids at three homes... and, the search of a vehicle Thursday in four different locations in the county.  Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force members say all four deal with the making and selling of methamphetime.  They executed the first warrant at 363 Freedom Road in the town of Freedom shortly after 8 p.m., and, arrested 23 year-old Richard Fancher, Junior and 19 year-old Travis Sawyer.  Task Force agents also raided the home at 10250 Pleasant Valley Road in Yorkshire... and, arrested 52 year-old Daniel, and 47 year-old Shelene Bemish.  The third raid occured at a home on Route 98 in Freedom... and, four people were arrested.  They include 47 year-old Jason Previty... 36 year-old Michael Hecht... 33 year-old Amber Pierce and 30 year-old Katy Lang.  The task force then executed a search warrant following a traffic stop on South Main Street in Franklinville.  Task Force members say they found a number of items used for making meth... and, arrested 33 year-old Michael Nesbit-the-second... 28 year-old Jessica Juda... and, 23 year-old Aaron Pierce.  Several law enforcement agencies were involved in the raids... including the Erie County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team... and, the New York National Guard Counter Drug Task Force.
 
 
Schumer announces proposal to name new, National Comedy Center the "nation's Comedy Center..."
A soon-to-be bestowed federal designation will help launch the new, National Comedy Center in Jamestown into national prominance.  U-S Senator Charles Schumer was at West Second Street location to make the announcement late yesterday morning.  Schumer says he will do that shortly.  Schumer noted that he's been a strong supporter of the comedy center -- which is set to open in August of this year.  It's expected to coincide with the start of the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival.  Schumer helped secure $1.7-million in federal funds, as well as New Market Tax Credits.  Schumer is excited the project is nearing the finish line, and adds that with the designation and hard work of people locally, that Jamestown will become the "Cooperstown of Comedy."  Schumer says the National Comedy Center will not just be a tourist attraction... but, something draws new residents to the area.  Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson says contractors are still finishing interior work on the center... which has a targeted opening date of August 1.
 
 
 
 

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 30, 2018

A Sinclairville man is jailed on $200,000 cash bail for allegedly assaulting his 18-month-old child in the village late Thursday morning...  
 
Sheriff's officers say Sinclairville Fire Rescue crews were called to 40 East Avenue about 11 a.m. on a report of a toddler with an unknown medical issue.  Deputies say once the child was rushed to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital, they began an investigation into the incident.  Once they knew the extent of the child's injuries, officers say they arrested 34 year-old Richard Pryll-Simpson for first-degree assault.  Deputies say the child was later flown to Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo for further treatment.  Pryll-Simpson was arraigned, and sent to the county lock-up.
 
 
The 3 year-old child who suffered a serious head injury when she was assaulted by her caretaker this past Tuesday morning in Jamestown has now been stablized at a Bufffalo-area hospital...  
 
City police updated the child's condition yesterday afternoon, saying the unidentified girl is in "guarded, but stable" condition.  Police Captain Bob Samuelson says she underwent surgery Wednesday at Oishei  Children's Hospital after sustaining a severe brain injury.  A city man, 28 year-old Joshua Berg, is being held on charges -- including Felony second-degree assault, in connection with the incident at 196 Clyde Avenue.  The investigation is continuing, and more charges are pending.
 
 
A boil water order continues for the city of Dunkirk until further notice after construction at the city water plant triggered a large leak...  
 
The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services is requiring all city water customers to boil their water before using That from the Department's Environmental Health Director Mark Stow. He says water should come to a rolling boil and continue for at least a minute before use. 
 
Meanwhile, city water customers are also being asked to conserve water as much as possible.  Stow says the break caused water levels to reach critically low levels.  He says conditions are improving because the line was patched Thursday morning.  Until then, industrial users are being asked to shut down to conserve water.  Residential customers are being asked to conserve water by limiting laundry and showers and use paper and plastic ware for eating to decrease dish washing.  Stow says the boil order will continue until at least Saturday when the first round test results should be available.
 
 
A Celoron man is jailed following a pair of raids in the village around Noon-time Wednesday, one of which uncovered a major marihuana grow operation...  
 
Jamestown Police Captain Bob Samuelson says members of the city's Metro Drug Task Force, State Police C-NET Team, JPD SWAT Team and the FBI, first executed a search warrant at 16 Venice Street shortly before noon.  Samuelson says they found and arrested 47 year-old Alan Miller, who was in possession of quantities of cocaine, marihuana and a 12-gauge shotgun.  He says the investigation then led police to 10 Venice Street. After getting a search warrant, they entered and found the pot growing operation.  Police seized 88 plants from the home.  Samuelson says Miller is jailed pending arraignment on charges including third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawfully growing cannabis.  Ellicott Town Police also assisted in the investigation.
 
 
A Jamestown woman heavily involved in local politics and community affairs has passed away...  
 
Former Chautauqua County Legislator Lula Taylor died this past Tuesday morning at the age of 89 at UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital.  Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi, who knew Lula, and her husband Vivian for many years, says the new hit him like a ton of bricks.  Teresi says Lula was a trailblazer, becoming the first black woman in New York state to be elected to a county legislature.  However, he says Lula and Vivian's contributions to the area went well beyond politics--as leaders among history and promoting and advancing the rich African American culture in the community. 
 
Lula Taylor was first elected to the county legislature in the Fall of 1991 and served there for 14 years.  In addition, Teresi says she was the first woman to chair a major political party in Chautauqua County in the late 1980s when she headed up the county's Democratic Committee.  She served on the legislature around the same time her husband served on the Jamestown City Council.  She was also involved with several organizations, including the Chautauqua County Board of Health and, Office for the Aging Advisory Board. 
 
 
Democratic Congressional candidate Rick Gallant has announced that -- due to finanical issues -- he is suspending his campaign...  
 
The Corning-area teacher says he's making the announcement with "a heavy heart..." adding that he would "like to sincerely thank all of those who have supported me in the past year-it means the world to me.  I have had the privilege of meeting the wonderful people of NY-23 and will cherish every moment spent getting to know so many amazing citizens."  Gallant 's decision means there are five Democrats left in the race to face Republican incumbant Tom Reed next November.
 
 
A desire for more information... and, better wording is the reason county lawmakers Wednesday night tabled a local law establishing an animal abuse registry in Chautauqua County...  
 
Sheridan Republican Terry Neibel made the motion, which was accepted, to table action on the registry and send it back to committee for more work. Legislature Chairman Paul Wendel, a Lakewood Republican, says as lawmakers began moving towards okaying the measure, they wanted to "fine tune" it to make sure it works the way it should.  He says as lawmakers talked to people who could be affected-- including farmers-- they wanted to make sure there aren't "unintended consequences" from the local law.  He says the legislature basically agreed they wanted to take a harder look at it.  

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 29, 2018

Several north county residents thanked the Chautauqua County Legislature at the end of last night's meeting for standing up to the operators of major wind farms and limiting their scope...  
 
A handful spoke after lawmakers unanimously approved a measure calling on the county's Industrial Development Agency to no longer approve Payment-in-Lieu of Tax agreements for wind energy projects larger than five megawatts.  Arkwright's Jack Shimigah says their roads can't take the heavy-duty truck traffic anymore.
 
Residents say the deliver trucks bringing in the turbines and other equipment have caused major problems on Straight Road... along with Bard, and Meadows Roads.  County Executive George Borrello... who has been outspoken against wind turbines... later reiterated that wind turbines are profitable only because they are heavily subsidized by the government and they don't full-fill their "clean energy" promises.  Other towns seriously impacted include Villanova, and Pomfret, as well as the Cassadaga-area.  The legislature's resolution only makes a recommendation to the IDA because it's not a county government entity.
 
 
County lawmakers last night tabled a local law that would create an Animal Abuse Registry that would allow people selling animals to know more about who is buying them...  
 
Members of the legislature generally support the measure, but some concern was expressed last night about wanting more specifics about the proposal before a final vote is taken.  The legislature, however, did approve a local law declaring that the Opioid Epidemic was a "public nuisance" in Chautauqua County, allowing for a cost recovery program to be put in place if settlement monies are received from drug makers.
 
 
A Bemus Point man has been arrested for allegedly stealing two vehicles-- one in the town of Ellery, and the other in the Cattaraugus County town of Randolph...  
 
Sheriff's officers say they were called to the first scene at 5535 Weaver Road in Ellery about 7 a.m. Tuesday after the victim woke up and found his car was missing from his driveway.  Deputies say the vehicle was later recovered abandoned in Cattaraugus County.  Upon taking the report, Chautauqua County dispatchers got a call from the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office that a second motor vehicle was stolen in Randolph, and last seen driving towards Chautauqua County.  Deputies later located vehicle at an Ellery home.  Officers say they also found the suspect -- 31 year-old Shawn Paprocki -- in the presence of people that had orders of protection for him to stay away.  Paprocki was arraigned on several charges including Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal possession of stolen property.  He was sent to the county jail without bail.
 
 
One-million dollars in state funding has been approved for a nearly $2.5-million project to redevelope the historic Viking's Lodge in downtown Jamestown...  
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo's office announced earlier this week the Restore-New York grant for the vacant structure at 318 Washington Street, which was purchased by James and Martin Schwab late last year.  City Development Director Vince DeJoy says they're estatic the funding has been approved to help get the building's infrastructure back up and working.
 
DeJoy says getting the former Vikings building back in use has been part of the city's development strategy for the westside with two major projects nearing conclusion later this year-- the National Comedy Center and the new DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.  He says the project will include a new, first-floor craft beer business called "The Beer Snob."  DeJoy says there'll be meeting rooms and a convention area upstairs that should augment what the hotel will provide.  DeJoy says they'll be in contact with the Schwab's about a final timetable for stabilizing the building, and moving forward.
 
 
The possibility of a pay raise for state lawmakers has emerged as a bargaining chip as Governor Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders work to pass a new budget ahead of a deadline...  
 
Sunday is the start of a new state fiscal year and the deadline for a new budget.  But. lawmakers want to finish in time for the Jewish Passover, which begins Friday at sundown, or Christian Easter, which is Sunday.  Senate Leader John Flanagan said it came up during a meeting last night with Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Independent Democratic Conference leader Jeff Klein.
 
 
The proposed merger of Brooks Memorial Hospital of Dunkirk and TLC Health Network in Irving has now been finalized...  
 
That follows final approval of the move by the New York State Department of Health and filings with the state Attorney General and the New York Secretary of State.  The announcement was made Tuesday afternoon and the new organization will be known as the "Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Incorporated."  Brooks President and Chief Executive Officer Mary LaRowe says the merger has been in the works since late 2015.
 
While the two hospitals were at one time under the Lake Erie Regional Health System, LaRowe says this merger is a better fit because they can now better negotiate contracts.  She will serve as President and CEO of the Brooks-TLC Hospital system.  She says with the merger now complete, the Brooks-TLC Hospital Systems, Inc. will now move forward in the process of formally affiliating with Kaleida Health. 

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 28, 2018

Jamestown Police are looking for the public's help in finding an armed bandit who held up the West 3rd Street Kwik Fill convenience store early Tuesday morning...  
 
City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says the incident occured shortly before 1 a.m. at the 1617 West Third location.  Samuelson says the unidentifed, masked man came inside and pulled a silver revolver and demanded cash from the clerk before taking off towards Kenmore Avenue. 
 
Samuelson says they do have a photo of the suspect up on their website, and Facebook page.  He adds the suspect was wearing a black Carhart Jacket and a black hat with the bandana over the face.  Samuelson adds the man is about 5"10.  He says they hope to hear from members of the public because robbers sometime like to "brag" about or describe their success to others.  No one was hurt and he says there were other people in the store when the hold-up occured.  Samuelson says if you have any information, call them confidentially at 483-TIPS (8477).  You can also contact them anonymously at their Tips 4-1-1 app.
 
 
A city man is jailed after allegedly striking a 3-year-old girl in the head yesterday morning on Jamestown's northside, sending her to a Buffalo-area hospital...  
 
City police say they were called to the scene at 196 Clyde Avenue on a report of an unresponsive child.  Officers say local EMTs arrived and initially took the child to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital.  Police say the toddler was later transferred to a Buffalo hospital for emergency surgery.  The preliminary investigation showed that the caregiver who was at home with the child -- 28 year-old Joshua Berg -- hit her in the head.  Berg was charged with second-degree assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.  The investigation is continuing, and more charges are pending.
 
 
Leaders of the New York state legislature are still pushing for an on-time budget, but lawmakers remain far apart on how much to spend and tax in the new spending plan...  
 
That from State Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Cathy Young, who says talks stalled briefly Tuesday afternoon.  The Olean Republican (who represents Chautauqua County), says there are still some significant disagreements, including Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposal to hike taxes by about a billion dollars.
 
Young says the good news is, there are no real "non-budget policy" items included in the spending plan.  She says once the budget is in place, there is plenty of time to deal with those before the end of the 2018 session.  Young adds, while the governor was looking at a billion-dollar tax increase, there's a $2-billion dollar increase in the Assembly Democrat's plan.  She says, if the budget is to be acted on by the April 1 deadline, the governor will likely have to issue a "message of necessity."
 
 
The state's new budget year begins Sunday morning and the county's state Assemblyman says lawmakers are running out of time...  
 
Jamestown-area Republican Andy Goodell says legislators in both chambers have approved only one budget bill in the $168-billion package.  Goodell says negotiators from both the Assembly, Senate and governor's office have made some progress.
 
Goodell says lawmakers have only approved the one bill that one dealing with the state's debt service.  It's among the 10 to 12 bills that usually make up the budget.  Otherwise, Goodell says no other bills have been printed so.  He adds that what is complicating matters this year is that the first day of Passover is Saturday and many Orthodox Jewish members will not be able to take part in any votes.  Sunday is Easter.  However, the budget is due Sunday because it's April  1-- which is the start of the fiscal year.
 
 
The Jamestown School Board got the ball rolling during Tuesday night's budget work session for the 2018-19 school year... 
 
Board President Paul Abbott says he's encouraged about future plans for the district, including re-instituting 14 full-time employees. He says the district is re-postitioning itself "very well for handling the ebb and flow of the state budget while addressing scholastic needs".
 
Abbott says he is also committed to keeping the current tax levy flat at $14.6-million-- or lower. The board also discussed introducing an annual capital outlay project, meaning that the district could carry out a small capital project up to $100,000. Jamestown Superintendent Bret Apthorpe says the school district would be eligible for 98% aid. Apthorpe says each project then would cost the district $2,000. This year's capital outlay project would be used to improve security at the main entrance of Jamestown High School. 
 
 
A Mayville man was arrested following the seizure of multiple drugs and paraphernalia during a raid at his home early last Saturday morning...  
 
The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office SWAT team carried out a search warrant at 5 Blanchard Street around 1:00.  Officers also had an arrest warrant for 64 year-old Charles Baker based on an investigation into alleged meth trafficking.  The arrest warrant was for one count each of third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance.  Baker was arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court sent to County Jail without bail with additional charges pending.  During a search of the home, officers located an additional quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana, packing materials, scales and a quantity of cash.  As a result, Baker faces several more drug charges.
 
 
A catholic priest in Dunkirk has been put on administative leave following a sexual abuse complaint dating back to the 1990s when he served at a church in Buffalo...  
 
Bishop Richard Malone announced Monday afternoon that Dennis Riter was placed on leave as an investigation continues into the complaint.  WKBW-TV in Buffalo reports that Riter, current pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Dunkirk, is facing allegations that he had inappropriate sexual contact with two former altar boys.  A victim who spoke with Channel 7 said he was abused more than 20 times over the course of three years. 
 
 
Even before last Saturday's "March for Our Lives" in Washington, DC and elsewhere, the national conversation about how to prevent school shootings was well underway...  
 
That from local Congressman Tom Reed... who applauded the students and adults for bringing attention to the issue.  Reed says lawmakers have been listening and potential gun ban is not on the table.  The Corning Republican says the bi-partisan "Problem Solver's Caucus" he's part of has come to a 75% consensus on three areas-- "funding School Resource Officers, make sure background check system is functioning to keep guns out of the hands of those who commit crimes and the dangerously mentally ill".  
 
Reed says there are too many differences right now for the caucus to talk about the second-amendment because Republicans and Democrats are too far apart on that.  Students at the rallies were being urged to register and vote in the coming elections if they are 18 years-old.  Reed sees that as a good thing for Democracy and will push the debate for better solutions to the issue. 

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 28, 2018

Jamestown Police are looking for the public's help in finding an armed bandit who held up the West 3rd Street Kwik Fill convenience store early Tuesday morning...  
 
City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says the incident occured shortly before 1 a.m. at the 1617 West Third location.  Samuelson says the unidentifed, masked man came inside and pulled a silver revolver and demanded cash from the clerk before taking off towards Kenmore Avenue. 
 
Samuelson says they do have a photo of the suspect up on their website, and Facebook page.  He adds the suspect was wearing a black Carhart Jacket and a black hat with the bandana over the face.  Samuelson adds the man is about 5"10.  He says they hope to hear from members of the public because robbers sometime like to "brag" about or describe their success to others.  No one was hurt and he says there were other people in the store when the hold-up occured.  Samuelson says if you have any information, call them confidentially at 483-TIPS (8477).  You can also contact them anonymously at their Tips 4-1-1 app.
 
 
A city man is jailed after allegedly striking a 3-year-old girl in the head yesterday morning on Jamestown's northside, sending her to a Buffalo-area hospital...  
 
City police say they were called to the scene at 196 Clyde Avenue on a report of an unresponsive child.  Officers say local EMTs arrived and initially took the child to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital.  Police say the toddler was later transferred to a Buffalo hospital for emergency surgery.  The preliminary investigation showed that the caregiver who was at home with the child -- 28 year-old Joshua Berg -- hit her in the head.  Berg was charged with second-degree assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.  The investigation is continuing, and more charges are pending.
 
 
Leaders of the New York state legislature are still pushing for an on-time budget, but lawmakers remain far apart on how much to spend and tax in the new spending plan...  
 
That from State Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Cathy Young, who says talks stalled briefly Tuesday afternoon.  The Olean Republican (who represents Chautauqua County), says there are still some significant disagreements, including Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposal to hike taxes by about a billion dollars.
 
Young says the good news is, there are no real "non-budget policy" items included in the spending plan.  She says once the budget is in place, there is plenty of time to deal with those before the end of the 2018 session.  Young adds, while the governor was looking at a billion-dollar tax increase, there's a $2-billion dollar increase in the Assembly Democrat's plan.  She says, if the budget is to be acted on by the April 1 deadline, the governor will likely have to issue a "message of necessity."
 
 
The state's new budget year begins Sunday morning and the county's state Assemblyman says lawmakers are running out of time...  
 
Jamestown-area Republican Andy Goodell says legislators in both chambers have approved only one budget bill in the $168-billion package.  Goodell says negotiators from both the Assembly, Senate and governor's office have made some progress.
 
Goodell says lawmakers have only approved the one bill that one dealing with the state's debt service.  It's among the 10 to 12 bills that usually make up the budget.  Otherwise, Goodell says no other bills have been printed so.  He adds that what is complicating matters this year is that the first day of Passover is Saturday and many Orthodox Jewish members will not be able to take part in any votes.  Sunday is Easter.  However, the budget is due Sunday because it's April  1-- which is the start of the fiscal year.
 
 
The Jamestown School Board got the ball rolling during Tuesday night's budget work session for the 2018-19 school year... 
 
Board President Paul Abbott says he's encouraged about future plans for the district, including re-instituting 14 full-time employees. He says the district is re-postitioning itself "very well for handling the ebb and flow of the state budget while addressing scholastic needs".
 
Abbott says he is also committed to keeping the current tax levy flat at $14.6-million-- or lower. The board also discussed introducing an annual capital outlay project, meaning that the district could carry out a small capital project up to $100,000. Jamestown Superintendent Bret Apthorpe says the school district would be eligible for 98% aid. Apthorpe says each project then would cost the district $2,000. This year's capital outlay project would be used to improve security at the main entrance of Jamestown High School. 
 
 
A Mayville man was arrested following the seizure of multiple drugs and paraphernalia during a raid at his home early last Saturday morning...  
 
The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office SWAT team carried out a search warrant at 5 Blanchard Street around 1:00.  Officers also had an arrest warrant for 64 year-old Charles Baker based on an investigation into alleged meth trafficking.  The arrest warrant was for one count each of third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance.  Baker was arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court sent to County Jail without bail with additional charges pending.  During a search of the home, officers located an additional quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana, packing materials, scales and a quantity of cash.  As a result, Baker faces several more drug charges.
 
 
A catholic priest in Dunkirk has been put on administative leave following a sexual abuse complaint dating back to the 1990s when he served at a church in Buffalo...  
 
Bishop Richard Malone announced Monday afternoon that Dennis Riter was placed on leave as an investigation continues into the complaint.  WKBW-TV in Buffalo reports that Riter, current pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Dunkirk, is facing allegations that he had inappropriate sexual contact with two former altar boys.  A victim who spoke with Channel 7 said he was abused more than 20 times over the course of three years. 
 
 
Even before last Saturday's "March for Our Lives" in Washington, DC and elsewhere, the national conversation about how to prevent school shootings was well underway...  
 
That from local Congressman Tom Reed... who applauded the students and adults for bringing attention to the issue.  Reed says lawmakers have been listening and potential gun ban is not on the table.  The Corning Republican says the bi-partisan "Problem Solver's Caucus" he's part of has come to a 75% consensus on three areas-- "funding School Resource Officers, make sure background check system is functioning to keep guns out of the hands of those who commit crimes and the dangerously mentally ill".  
 
Reed says there are too many differences right now for the caucus to talk about the second-amendment because Republicans and Democrats are too far apart on that.  Students at the rallies were being urged to register and vote in the coming elections if they are 18 years-old.  Reed sees that as a good thing for Democracy and will push the debate for better solutions to the issue. 

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 27, 2018

A Warren County, Pennsylvania man was pronounced dead at the scene of a single-car motor vehicle accident last weekend in Warren...  
 
State Police in Warren say 22 year-old Nathan Park was southbound in his pick-up truck on Conewango Avenue shortly after 10 p.m. on Saturday.  While making a left-hand turn, troopers say Park's vehicle went out of control, and traveled 300-feet along an embankment leading away from the roadway.  It then hit a depression in the road before the wheels lifted off the ground.  State Police says the truck traveled 48-feet and rotated counter-clockwise before rolling on it's side. The GMC Sierra landed on the south-side of a driveway on Conewango Avenue and bounced before landing on its right-side.  The truck then struck a tree with the roof of its cab and police say Park was trapped inside before being freed by rescuers.  Troopers were assisted by Glade Township Fire and a Deputy Coroner.
 
 
A catholic priest in Dunkirk has been put on administative leave following a sexual abuse complaint dating back to the nineties when he served at a church in Buffalo...  
 
Bishop Richard Malone announced Monday afternoon that Dennis Riter was placed on leave as an investigation continues into the complaint.  WKBW-TV in Buffalo reports that Riter, current pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Dunkirk, is facing allegations that he had inappropriate sexual contact with two former altar boys.  A victim who spoke with Channel 7 in Buffalo said he was abused more than 20 times over the course of three years.  a release issued by the Diocese of Buffalo states that the Erie County District Attorney's Office has been notified.  Bishop Malone also wrote an open letter to the parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.  In the letter, Malone tells parishioners to pray for Father Riter and the investigation.
 
 
Two city residents are jailed after they were allegedly found with drugs and a set of brass knuckles during a traffic stop last Sunday night...  
 
Jamestown police say they stopped a vehicle at the intersection of Newland and Forest Avenues at 6:00.  During the stop, officers identified a passenger in the vehicle as 23 year-old Chloe Fries-Isaac, who had an active warrant for her arrest on a prior incident.  She was arrested and a search of Fries-Isaac's property uncovered a quantity of marijuana and a hypodermic instrument in her possession.  Police say the driver, 40 year-old Henry Stoval, was found to have a revoked drivers license.  While searching the vehicle, police found methamphetamine the brass knuckles and a digital scale.  Both Fries-Isaac and Stoval face several charges and were jailed pending arraignment.
 
 
Local Congressman Tom Reed says he understand's President Donald Trump's frustration with the $1.3-trillion continuing resolution he wound up signing last Friday afternoon...  
 
The move came after Trump had threatened to veto the measure earlier in the day because of additional spending on domestic programs added by Congress.  Reed agrees that lawmakers need to be better prepared when this new agreement expires next September.
 
Trump ended up signing the appropriations measure because it funded most of his budget priorities, namely upgrades to the nation's defense.  It also included some new funding for border security.  However, Trump also issued a warning to Congress that this was the "last time" that he would sign such a spending bill.  Reed made his comments for his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.
 
 
The United States is pursuing a "disruptive path" in trade negotiations with other countries, including our neighbors to the north and south...  
 
That from local Congressman Tom Reed, who addressed the issue of new tariffs on steel and aluminum recently signed by President Trump, during last Friday's Congressional Luncheon in Mayville.  During the session, hosted by the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Reed cautioned business leaders to pay more attention to the actions that come out of negotiations.
 
Reed says the President's tone regarding tariff's (especially on China for "dumping steel" in the U.S.), is being taken seriously in negotiations with others -- namely those involved in the North American Free Trade Agreement-- also known as NAFTA.  The Corning Republican says while Mexico has been negotiating in "good faith..." Canada was not in the beginning.  But, he says that's changed in the past two weeks.  Reed was part of a trade mission two weeks ago that went from "Montreal to Mexico City..." and adds that he's "very confident" there will some new, and better trade policy acted on sooner rather than later.
 
 
If you're tired of mowing lawns in the summer, the National Audubon Society suggests you could plant bird-friendly gardens instead...  
 
Spring is finally here, and that means Americans will soon be mowing about 40-million acres of lawns every week.  With climate change and urbanization reducing the range of North American bird species, replacing parts of lawns with gardens can help restore the environment that birds need.  Community Conservation Director John Rowden with the Audubon Society says selecting the right native plants will do the most for local bird populations. He says this happens directly by providing food, nuts, seeds and nectars; but also indirectly by hosting insects.
 
The Audubon Society has launched a national "Plants for Birds" campaign urging Americans to grow one-million bird-friendly native plants this year. To help get there, there's a native-plant database on the Audubon Society webpage.  Rowden says users just have to type in their zip code.  It also provides a list of retailers that carry native plants and links to the local Audubon Society.  Replacing some lawn area with native plants also cuts down on the use of fertilizer and weed killers as well as the noise and air pollution from mowers.
 
 
The Jamestown City Council recently approved receipt of a $140,000 matching grant from New York State for the Second Street Piazza Streetscape Project...  
 
City officials say the project will create a festival street area between the Northwest Arena and Train Station to the intersection with Washington Street.  It will create a new, pedestrian area when the street is closed off for major events at the new National Comedy Center, and the arena.  The bulk of the funding for the project ($560,000) is being provided by the Gebbie Foundation in Jamestown.
 
 
New York state's top fiscal watchdog says the average bonus paid to securities industry employees in New York City rose by 17% last year as Wall Street profits soared for a second consecutive year...  
 
Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said Monday that the average bonus paid to brokers jumped to more than $184,000.  The Democrat says pre-tax profits for the Wall Street operations of New York Stock Exchange member firms jumped 42% to $24.5 billion, the highest level since 2010.

A Warren, Pennsylvania man was killed last weekend in a one-car crash... 
 
State Police in Warren say 22 year-old Nathan Park was traveling south on Conewango Avenue shortly after 10 p.m. on Saturday, and went to make a left turn.  However, Troopers say Park's vehicle traveled  300-feet along an embankment leading away from the roadway.  The GMC-Sierra's right wheels then dipped into a depression and came out airborne, then traveled 48-feet in a southern direction as it turned and rolled towards its side.  The Sierra then landed on it's front right wheel and corner and turned onto it's right-side.  Subsequently, the vehicle struck a tree with the roof of its cab and partially folded around the tree before coming to rest.  Police say Park was trapped inside and was freed by mechanical means.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.
 
 
A Jamestown man wanted in Buffalo for several armed robberies has been been arrested here after allegedly leading local police on a more than one-hour long car chase...  
 
City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says that the vehicle pursuit began in the city shortly before 10 p.m. last Friday night and continued through the village of Falconer and Kennedy on Interstate-86.  Samuelson says the chase continued back into the city and the suspect -- now identified as 19 year-old Jordan Alexander of Jamestown -- was finally located on Stow Street.  He says Alexander was apparently armed, and was holding a woman in the car at gun-point while she was driving.  However, police were able to arrest him without incident; no one was hurt. Alexander is being held in the county jail without bail on multiple Felony armed robbery counts from Buffalo and several local charges (including unlawful imprisonment).  State Police and other agencies assisted Jamestown Police.
 
 
An early morning house fire in the village of Cherry Creek Sunday has left a family homeless...  
 
Sheriff's Office dispatchers say a passerby called in the alarm at the home, owned by Jeff and Ivory Fishgold, at 775 Southside Avenue -- shortly before 4:00.  Officials say the house collapsed due to the fire, but they add that everyone was out of the house when the blaze began and that everyone inside was accounted for.  No injuries were reported.  The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team was called in, but is still investigating the cause.
 
 
The New York State Senate this week approved a measure to hold drug dealers accountable for overdose deaths...  
 
Local Senator Cathy Young co-sponsored Laree's Law, which would allow a charge of homicide if a death results from a drug sale.  Young says one of the contributing factors fueling both addiction and overdose deaths are the drug dealers who are lacing heroin with fentanyl. The Olean Republican says that was the case with a 2016 overdose death in Cattaraugus County.
 
Young says Cattaraugus County District Attorney Lori Rieman obtained a guilty plea in the case for criminally negligent homicide.  She says the new law would give D.A.'s the ability to charge a Class A-1 Felony, with a penalty of 15 to 25 years in prison.  Young says the measure is named after an Albany County teen who died of a heroin overdose in 2013.  
 
 
Advocates for New Yorkers with mental illness have delivered nearly 25,000 letters to state leaders urging them to find more funding for community housing for those with significant mental health issues...  
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed an additional $10-million to expand community housing programs for the mentally ill, but advocates say much more money is needed.  Community housing programs often link up residents with workforce training, medical care, therapy and other resources that advocates say reduces other costs related to homelessness, and incarceration.
 
 
A reminder for motorists in the city of Jamestown that West Fourth Street -- between Washington and Lafayette Streets -- will be closed starting today for a complete reconstruction of the street in that one-block area...  
 
City Public Works Director Jeff Lehman says the street will be closed until further notice to facilitate the work.  The City Council last week approved hiring a local contractor to dig up the asphalt, bricks and concrete, and put do a reconstruction to eliminate a major pothole problem. 
 
 
The promotion known as Maple Weekend is over for the year, but syrup producers hope the sap season will go on for a little longer...  
 
Big Tree Maple's David Munsee in Lakewood says for the first 20 days of March they "didn't turn a wheel."  Munsee says it was just too cold to get any sap.  He adds, things got a little better this past week with sap flows in the afternoon for a few hours. Munsee says it's weather what you would normally expect in February. 
 
Another maple syrup producer, John Wangler, of Lily Acre Farms on the Chautauqua Ridge in Stockton characterized the season as "kind of lousy". He says the latest they have ever boiled in April 11. Wangler is hoping the season extends. In addition, John Wangler says it's taken as much as 80 gallons of sap to make a gallon of syrup this year, about twice the usual amount.  
 
 
A Randolph man faces a handful of charges stemming from a break-in at a residence in the town... 
 
Troopers out of Jamestown say  investigation revealed 26 year-old Dustin Waite had allegedly entered the unidentified victim's home on Saturday without invitation in an intoxicated condition and refused to leave peacefully. After being locked out, Troopers say Waite broke the victim's window and urinated on his porch. Police say he physically resisted arrest on scene, but was successfully taken into custody where a search revealed beef jerky, later determined to be stolen from a 7-11 convenience store just prior to the break-in call. Wait was arraigned in Randolph Town Court and remanded to Cattaraugus County Jail. 
 
 
A city man is jailed without bail on a county court warrant after being pulled over for alleged vehicle infractions in the town of Carroll early last Friday morning...  
 
Sheriff's deputies say they pulled over 37 year-old Brian Wilson of Jamestown on Old Warren Road just after 7 a.m. after finding the Lafayette Street man's pick-up truck was unregistered and uninsured -- and had illegal Tennessee license plates.  Officers say Wilson also had a suspended driver's license.  They say Wilson initially refused to pull over for Sheriff's vehicles, and he later stopped at a Frewsburg business where he was arrested without incident.  Wilson is being held in the county jail on the Felony warrant, and several traffic violations.
 
 
A long-time member of the medical staff at UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital has been named it's 2018 "Physician of the Year"...  
 
The presentation was made to Dr. James Cirbus during last Friday's annual "Doctor's Day Celebration" at the hospital.  WCA President and Chief Executive Officer Betsy Wright says Cirbus was chosen by the medical staff for the award. She calls him a "wonderful recipient..." who has dedicated 35 years to the hospital and community.
 
Wright says Cirbus has also has taken on a number of leadership roles at the hospital and is involved in several local organizations.  She says the "Doctor's Day" program is very important because they are critical to their operation.  Wright says they have more than 200 doctors on staff now at UPMC Chautauqua WCA and the luncheon is a great way to say "thank-you" to them.  This year's "Doctor's Day" program was a presentation by officials with the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
 

News Headlines for Sat., Mar. 24, 2018

City man wanted for robberies in Buffalo arrested after car chase, and holding woman at gun-point...
A man wanted in Buffalo for several armed robberies has been been arrested in Jamestown after allegedly leading local police on a more than one-hour long car chase.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson said early this afternoon that the vehicle pursuit began in the city shortly before 10 p.m. Friday night... and, continued through the village of Falconer and Kennedy on Interstate 86.  Samuelson says the chase continued back into the city... and, the suspect -- now identified as 19 year-old Jordan Alexander of Jamestown -- was finally located on Stow Street.  He says Alexander was reportedly armed and holding a female in the car as gun-point as she was driving.  But... police were able to arrest him without incident.  No one was hurt... and, Alexander is being held without bail on multiple Felony armed robbery counts from Buffalo... and, several local charges... including unlawful imprisonment, and menacing.  Several police agencies assisted Jamestown Police.
 
 
Another city man arrested following car chase in Carroll...
A Jamestown man has been arrested on a Felony county court warrant after being pulled over for alleged vehicle infractions in the town of Carroll early last Friday morning.  Sheriff's officers say they pulled over 37 year-old Brian Wilson of Lafayette Street on Old Warren Road just after 7 a.m., after finding his pick-up truck was unregistered and uninsured -- and had illegal Tennessee license plates.  Deputies say Wilson also had a suspended driver's license.  They say Wilson initially refused to pull over for Sheriff's vehicles, and he later stopped at a Frewsburg business where he was arrested without incident.  Wilson is being held in the county jail without bail  on the Felony warrant, and several traffic violations... including second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.
 
 
Dunkirk woman acquitted on most serious charges in shooting death last year, found guilty of weapon's possession...
A Chautauqua County Court jury has found a Dunkirk woman guilty of only one of the four charges she was facing for shooting and killing her boyfriend.  Rebecca Ruiz was found guilty of second degree criminal possession of a weapon in the July 2017 shooting death of Julian Duman.  We heard from District Attorney Patrick Swanson late Friday afternoon, and he said she was found guilty of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and she faces a manditory state prison term of 3-and-1/2 to 15 years.  Ruiz was found not guilty on the other charges including second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.  The jury also had the option of convicting Ruiz on second-degree manslaughter, but did not do so.  Swanson says he was pleased that Ruiz was found guilty of a Felony charge and will spend some time in state prison.  He says they had to quickly re-group at the start of the trial because they lost their eye-witness to the crime.  Swanson says sentencing for Ruiz has been tentatively scheduled for June 15.
 
 
Jamestown man arrested in Ellicott for alleged drug possession...
A Jamestown man was arrested while walking in the village of Falconer Friday morning after allegedly being found in possession of a controlled substance.  Ellicott police say they saw a man -- later identified as 31 year-old Adam Meachem -- walking down East Main Street at 3 a.m.  Officers say Meacham was found to have a Valid Warrant out of the Ellicott Town Police Department.  After searching Meacham... Officers located a quantity of Crystal Methamphetamine... a Digital scale and other packaging materials.  He was arrested and charged with fifth-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell and second-degree Criminally using Drug Paraphernalia... and, remanded to county jail without bail. 
 
 
Reed talks taxes, continuing resolution, and trade with County Chamber of Commerce...
There were several good things in the just-agreed to $1.3-trillion continuing budget resolution in Congress.  However... local Representative Tom Reed voted against the resolution... which was signed by President Trump Friday afternoon.  Reed discussed the spending plan... and, other issues during the once-delayed Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce's annual Congressional Luncheon in Mayville.  The Corning Republican says he voted "no" because it will add to the national debt... but, adds there is funding for some local and regional initiatives... including the Great Lakes Initiative, and the Community Development Block Grant program.  Reed says there's also $75-million in funding for the on-going clean-up at the West Valley Nuclear Demonstration Site in Cattaraugus County.  Even before the deal was announced... budget leaders in Washington sounded the alarm that the tax cuts recently enacted by the president and Congress would create another $1.5-trillion dollars in debt over the next 10 years.  However... Reed believes there is a difference when you're comparing "revenue loss" to "increased spending."  
 
 
City's 71st annual Easter Egg Hunt set for next Saturday at Allen Park Ice Rink...
The Jamestown Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department has already made the early decision to hold this year's 71st annual Easter Egg Hunt at Allen Park a week from today indoors.  That from Parks and Recreation Coordinator Julia Ciesla-Hanley... who says the weather appears to be warmer for that time period.  However... she adds that, while the long-range forecast is looking okay, they don't want to take a chance.  She says children up to age 12 are welcome to take part... with ages 4-and-under will go first... followed by 5-to-8, and 9-to-12 will go last.  Ciesla-Hanley says they'll have three-thousand candy-filled eggs placed inside the Rink.  She says they'll also have the usual Gold and Silver prize eggs... but, there are some new prizes this year.  Ciesla-Hanley says they include two new bicycle for children who find the Golden Eggs.  In addition to Sertoma Club... and, the family of Mark Hess... the Media One Group is a media sponsor of the event.  It begins at 10:30 a.m. next Saturday, Mar. 31 at the Allen Park Ice Rink.
 
 

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 23, 2018

Congress has easily approved a bi-partisan $1.3-trillion measure handing huge spending increases to defense programs and domestic initiatives ranging from road-building to biomedical research...  
 
However, Chautauqua County's representative in the House voted against the latest continuing resolution in Washington.  Corning Republican Tom Reed's office says he voted against the measure, which was approved early Thursday afternoon, 256-167.  That shipped the more than 2,200-page package to the Senate, where it passed earlier this morning 65-32.
 
 
The Jamestown Public Works Department will begin work on the reconstruction of West 4th Street -- between Washington and Lafayette Streets -- next Monday morning...  
 
DPW Director Jeff Lehman says they'll be closing that one-block area to local traffic until the project is completed.  City Council this week approved a resolution to allow Mayor Sam Teresi to enter into an agreement with R. Patti Construction to head up the project for $167,000.  Teresi says they were just waiting for warmer weather to get here.
 
Teresi says the project on West 4th will be the first of 90 to 100 projects taken up by the DPW this Spring and Summer.  He says they are projects that are "above and beyond" the routine maintenance work the city does on potholes and other smaller projects.  R. Patti Construction submitted the lowest of three bigs for the project, which will involve tearing out the asphalt pavement, bricks, and concrete base surface.  Teresi says most of the problem on West 4th involves the concrete breaking up, and pushing the bricks and pavement up, creating major potholes. 
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The Jamestown City Council this week also approved a resolution to lift the hiring freeze so the Police Department can hire a new full-time officer to replace on that has retired.  Lawmakers say the retirement was planned for this year, and funding for the new hire is in the 2018 budget.  The hiring will bring the department to a full compliment of 62.
 
 
Lakewood Mayor Cara Birrittieri has released her proposed 2018-19 budget, which includes a 7.7% tax rate increase...  
 
Birritieri released the spending plan late Thursday and says rising health care costs remains the main reason why the rate is increasing by $0.57 per thousand of assessed value from $7.34 to $7.91.  She says her tentative budget shows it's going to be a very "challenging fiscal year for the village."  She says another issue in recent years is a drop in assessments, while the village has had to deal with increasing costs.  The tentative spending plan totals just over $3.7-million.  The village board must adopt a budget prior to May 1.
 
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo wants to reform the system of cash bail in New York, but some say his reforms don't go far enough...
 
Sixty-three percent of prisoners held in jails around New York State have not been convicted of a crime but can't afford the bail to secure their release.  The governor wants to end the current cash bail system for those charged with misdemeanors or nonviolent felonies.  But critics of the proposal say his plan would force those charged with a crime to pay for electronic monitoring and other services while awaiting trial.  Kesi Foster, with Make the Road New York, says that approach is fundamentally flawed.
 
Supporters of electronic monitoring note that nationally, one-third of defendants released while awaiting trial don't comply with discharge requirements, including court appearances.  While the governor's proposal would reduce the number of people in pretrial detention, Foster believes that by including required payment for monitoring services and expanding offenses with no pretrial release, the reforms would fall short of the desired goal.  The governor's bill is included in the state budget proposals.
 
 
Several police agencies raided a home in the Cattaraugus County city of Olean Wednesday night to arrest a woman accused of trafficking three kinds of illegal drugs...  
 
Agents with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force joined with Olean Police and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Special Response Team to execute a search warrant at 210-1/2 West Green Street shortly before 9:00.  Task Force members say they arrested 21 year-old Kasia Lewis and seized about 11-grams of crack cocaine, eight-grams of Heroin and six morphine pills.  Lewis is awaiting arraignment today in Olean City Court on one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia.  The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit also assisted with the arrest.
 
 
Officials in the Silver Creek Central School district say they're elated with the results of this week's vote on a $17.6 million capital improvement project.  Voters approved the project on Tuesday, 287-85.  That was much to the delight of Superintendent Todd Crandall...
 
Crandall says the project will address a number of items including an expanded security and new communications system, transportation facility addition and a number of maintenance items including roofing.  He says a six-classroom addition at the elementary school is also part of the project because they have a "diversified" student population to provide more teaching space, and support services.  Crandall expects plans to be submitted soon to the State Department of Education.  If all goes well, construction could start by the summer of 2019.
 
 
The annual Grow Jamestown gardening and home improvement show will take place at the Northwest Arena this coming Saturday...  
 
Marketing and Events Manager Zach Agett from Jamestown Renaissance Corporation says this year's show features 52 vendors including presenting sponsor Mike's Nursery.  Additionally, the show will also include workshops periodically throughout the day starting at 10:30.  JRC's Neighborhood Project Manager Mary Maxwell says the workshops will dive into backyard wildlife, butterfly gardens for kids, composting and others. For more information,  visit JamestownRenaissance.org.  Grow Jamestown is a free event running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 22, 2018

As the New York City area deals with it's fourth nor'easter in less than three weeks, Governor Andrew Cuomo used a storm briefing Wednesday to vent his frustration over the performance of utility companies during recent storms...  
 
Cuomo says that the utilities serving parts of Upstate and New York City have failed to adapt to what he calls "a new reality."  He says they've been "slow to respond..." and that's unacceptable. He says they are "not a charity..." and regardless of whether there's bright sunshine or snow,  they're supposed to produce.  Cuomo says that's why he has ordered the state's Public Service Commissioner to perform a review of the utilities.  He also made it clear that they have the power to revoked the licenses of any utility.  
 
 
One of the businesses destroyed by fire earlier this year in Falconer will re-open in the next few days.  Brian Nelson's Falconer Vac Shop will be operating in a temporary structure at the site of the old store on Main Street...
 
An electrical problem caused the January 14 fire that burned Nelson's building down.  A year ago today (March 22), an arson fire took out several other businesses, just down the block. Brian Nelson's been in business in Falconer for 48 years. Despite the fires and changes in retail, he's still enthusiastic about the village. Nelson says his vac shop will remain in its temporary location while the village decides what to do, to redevelop the burned out areas.  He plans a formal grand opening on May 1.  
 
 
A group of bi-partisan federal lawmakers is completing it's work on legislation that will address school and other mass shootings, the latest one taking place in Maryland Tuesday...  
 
That from Chautauqua County's Congressman Tom Reed (who co-chairs the Problem Solvers Caucus), which is half Republican and half Democratic.  Reed says their legislations deals with gun issues, school safety and mental illness issues.  Reed adds, though, that lawmakers need to get to what "drives" a person like Florida shooter Nicholas Cruz to do what he did.
 
Reed says he is pushing on controversial idea 'forced treatment', which he says would deal with socio and psychologistal problems Cruz was known by many people to have.  Reed says it's unclear how soon the Problem Solver's legislation may be introduced.  He made his comments for his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.
 
 
One of the six Democrats seeking the nomination to run for the 23rd Congressional District seat says sensible gun control would be one way to curtail school shootings...  
 
Owego's Max Della Pia was in Jamestown for several appearances Wednesday to talk about the issues and why he should be elected to go to Washington.  Della Pia is a retired U-S Air Force officer, who supports the Second Amendment.  Yet, he feels there is a need for federal background checks.
 
Della Pia adds that bump stocks should be illegal, along with military-style weapons.  However, he admits there would have to be some compromise to bring those about.  Della Pia says there needs to be "a respectful conversation with all the stakeholders because that's the only way we get to "enduring policy." 
 
 
Democratic Congressionial candidate Max Della Pia of Owego is being touted as the one person seeking the Democratic nomination who has a lot of public service on his resume...  
 
However, Della Pia said during a series of stops in Jamestown yesterday that the reason why he decided to enter the race last Summer is because of the challenges facing his adult children.  One of those challenges is getting good, affordable health care.  Della Pie says he supports "Medicare for All".
 
Della Pia says he also wants to help his son -- who is trying to make a go of it in farming -- by working to improve the economy for them and others.  He says he also has a transgender daughter, and her rights are important to him.  Republican Tom Reed's campaign has already painted the six candidates as "Extreme Ithaca Liberals", which Della Pia calls nothing more than a distraction.  He says voters should be focusing on capabilities and experience.  The Democratic Primary will be held in late June.  Della Pia hosted a "Meet and Greet" last night at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Jamestown.
 
 
The Catholic Diocese of Western New York has released a list of 42 retired or deceased priests who were removed or retired from the ministry amid sex abuse allegations...  
 
The list, which was disclosed by Buffalo Bishop Richard Malone on Tuesday, includes eight priests who previously served in Jamestown-area parishes.  The Post-Journal reports that some of those served for many years in Jamestown at three catholic churches.  They are the Reverend Martin Pavlock, James Spielman, Donald Fafinski, John Hajduk and the Reverend Chester Stachewicz.  The others serving locally include the Reverends Mark and Joseph Friel, Thomas Kemp and Francis Hogan.  
 
 
A Warren County, Pennsylvania man was hurt Tuesday evening after a firearm accidentally went off with two 4 year-old children inside a Youngsville home...  
 
State Police in Warren say while the suspect was involved in a verbal argument at a Homestead Drive residence, he retrieved a small-caliber handgun.  Identified as 28 year-old Michael Battko, III, Troopers report he did not brandish the weapon, but allegedly kept it behind his back while pacing in the residence.  The gun is believed to have discharged by accident injuring Battko in the leg, he was taken to an Erie hospital for treatment.  The incident is still under investigation with additional interviews still pending, as well as court action. 

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 21, 2018

Local Congressman Tom Reed supports President Trump's call to strengthen criminal penalties for the trafficking of deadly opioids such as Heroin and Fentanyl -- including possible use of the death penalty...  
 
Reed also agrees with the idea of using some drug asset forefeiture monies to help pay for treating those with addiction.  The Corning Republican says it's part of the Help Ensure Lives are Protected -- or HELP Act -- that he has proposed. Reed additionally agrees that it's time to go after major pharmacutial makers who are found guilty of "super-saturating" certain areas of the country with opioid pain-killers.  He says he likes the idea of taking at least some of the drug forefeiture assets seized during raids to help treat the addicts left in the wake of the Opioid epidemic.  He agrees law enforcement should have some of that money, but he feels using some to pay for treatment is a "very sound idea."  Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.
 
 
New York State Police are investigating a tractor-trailer collision that left one person dead on Interstate-86 early Tuesday morning...  
 
Troopers say the collision occurred in the eastbound lane in the Allegany County town of Cuba just before 5:30.  Police say their investigation shows that a 1987 tractor-trailer was disabled partially in the roadway.  The operator, 41 year-old Kyle Willis of Dorset, Ohio, was outside the rig trying to make repairs when both he and the rig were struck by another eastbound tractor-trailer.  Troopers say Willis was transported to Olean General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. 
 
 
The nearly 20 people on hand at Monday's Jamestown City Council meeting to press for using half of drug forefeiture monies for local drug addiction treatment programs found a sympathetic ear.  However, the fact remains that there isn't enough local money to put towards such programs...  
 
Following the meeting, City Council President Marie Carrubba addressed the issue.  Carrubba has worked with the local Health Action Team dealing with the issue and says probably the place to start is Chautauqua County, because it puts funding towards a number of mental health issues.  Carrubba says New York state is "really where the money gets allocated" for drug treatment.  With that, she urged members of the "Fight for Recovery" movement to contact State Senator Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andy Goodell about the issue.  She says part of the problem is people sometimes have to go through recovery two or three times before it takes hold and, that costs more money.  Carrubba echoed the sentiments of at-large Councilwoman Vanessa Weinert, who says it's part of the health insurance coverage debate because some insurances cover treatment, and others don't as well.
 
 
Fredonia Mayor Athenesia Landis has delivered a no tax increase budget to the village board that adds seven new employees...  
 
The tentative, $10.4-million spending plan, was presented during Monday night's board meeting.  Landis is proposing the hiring of three full-time and four part-time employees to help with reducing overtime costs. The mayor is also seeking an increase in state aid from Albany.  As a comparison, Dr. Landis says Fredonia and other villages receive much less funding from Albany than cities such as Dunkirk.  She says they only get $7.90-a person.  However, if they got $100 (still lower than cities get) she could lower taxes by 15-20%.  The budget calls for a 3.9% increase in spending.  Trustees will now review the proposal with a final budget due by early May.  
 
 
It was Jamestown Raider State Champions Day in the city Tuesday...  
 
Mayor Sam Teresi issued the proclamation at Monday night's City Council meeting while honoring the Jamestown Raiders AAU State Championship hockey team.  The Raiders recently won the state High School Championships played at the Northwest Arena.  Teresi not only honored the players, but the people who supported them through-out an outstanding season.
 
The Raiders went undefeated -- winning five games during championship weekend -- and team members were praised for their hard-work and sacrifice during the entire season.  Head Coach Joe Gerace echoed the mayor's sentiments, and especially singled out the parents who stood behind their sons, and the team through "thick and thin."  Teresi gave the team a copy of the proclamation, as well as a framed copy of the front page story in the Jamestown Post-Journal.  They also received a pin and pen from the city.  The Raiders hockey team finished it's season 23-4-1.
 
 
Former "Sex and the City" star Cynthia Nixon says she'll challenge Governor Cuomo in New York's Democratic primary in September...  
 
Her announcement sets up a race pitting an openly gay liberal activist against a two-term incumbent with a $30-million dollar war chest and possible presidential ambitions.  In a video on Twitter, the public education advocate says "We want our government to work again."  Nixon in recent speeches has called on Democrats nationally to carve out a strong liberal identity instead of being merely the "anti-Trump party."  The 60 year-old Cuomo was favored 66% to 19% over Nixon in a recent Siena College poll.
 
 
New York gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon says one of the reasons she's running in the Democratic primary against Governor Andrew Cuomo is because of the poor condition of New York City's subway system...  
 
She experienced that firsthand on Tuesday as she was on her way to her first official campaign event in Brooklyn after announcing her candidacy the day before.  The liberal activist and "Sex and the City" actress told the crowd at the Bethesda Healing Center that she just made it to the event.  She said a ride which should have been 30 minutes took vastly longer. 
 
 
Jamestown residents are seeing a price decrease at the pump this week for the first time in nearly two months, according to AAA's weekly gas price report... 
 
Even though New York gas prices's are among the most expensive in the region (and land on list of the top-10 most expensive in the country this week), the cost for a gallon of regular, unleaded fuel dropped to $2.71.  Nationally, AAA says gasoline demand is at the highest level on record for March. The national gas price average is $0.26 higher than this time last year, at $2.55. 

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 20, 2018

The regional "Fight for Recovery" effort came to Jamestown last night to call for some drug forefeiture money to be used to help addicts get the help they need...  
 
Several people spoke during the public comment portion of the City Council's monthly voting session, asking that 50% of drug seizure funds go to recovery.  Local "Fight for Recovery" advocate Chanda Germain says, while the $50-billion-a-year "War on Drugs" has largely been a failure, supporting recovery can and will work.
 
Germain says only about one in nine addicts are able to get into actual treatment.  Another member of the effort-- Clyde, Ohio's Richie Webber-- says they have 5,000 signatures on a petition so far.  Jamestown Police Chief Harry Snellings did some research and found out just over $28-million  was seized in drug assets in New York state in 2016 and says Chautauqua County only received $50,800.  He says Jamestown and other communities split about $17,000 (35%) of that.  Snellings says his department depends on the money it gets because his department gets no other extra money to help fight the local battle against drugs.
 
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The young people who spoke received a very sympathetic ear from City Councilmembers, who acknowledged the city doesn't have the money to support treatment.  However, they did urge the grassroots organization to keep fighting both on the county and state levels to get money funding for treatment efforts, along with support for "sober-living" facilities.  More details to follow. 
 
 
Chautauqua County is losing ground when it comes to health factors and outcomes compared to the rest of New York state between last year and this year...  
 
The county's Health and Human Services Department has released a report from the University of Wisconsin's Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which ranks the county 57th among the state's 62 counties for Health Factors.  County Epidemiology Manager Breeanne Agett says the county was 58th in Health Outcomes-- premature deaths (suicide, cancer, cardiovascular disease and fatal drug overdoses). 
 
There were two areas where Chautauqua County had the highest rate of negative health factors.  The first was the smoking rate, which was about 24% for the county, but it was 14% state-wide.  Agett says the second area is obesity, which is 33%, while it's 25% state-wide.  She says the report reinforces the need for "community action" to improve health behaviors.  Agett says that runs the gamut from churches to employers; to friends and family.  She says the county's Health Rankings Report is available on-line at countyhealthrankings.org;  the Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan for 2016-18 is available at chautauqua.ny.us.
 
 
The case against a Sherman man who allegedly shot and killed a woman while she was walking her dogs in a field behind her Sherman home appears to be back on track...  
 
In a joint statement, Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson, Sheriff Joe Gerace and DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that Thomas Jadlowski has been re-indicted.  Jadlowski was arraigned today in County Court on a two-count indictment for second-degree manslaughter and hunting after dark.  Swanson tells us the case was re-submitted to a county grand jury.
 
Fourty-three year-old Rosemary Billquist was struck in the hip by the bullet fired by Jadlowski, the alleged incident occurring on the day before Thanksgiving. The bail amount remains at $50,000 cash bail, which Jadlowski had posted after the first indictment.   The charges carry a potential indeterminate state prison sentence of 5 to 15 years if condicted.
 
 
The official start of spring comes early this afternoon and forecasters at the National Weather Service says colder than normal temperatures will hang on for the next several days.  However, there is a break on the way...  
 
That from Meteorologist Dan Kelly at the service's Buffalo office, who says somewhere near the end of March, the weather pattern will change into warmer weather across Western New York.  Kelly says that sets the stage for a warm than normal spring.  He says the latest 90 day outlooks shows a warmer and wetter than normal Spring.  Kelly says there is a 45% chance that temperatures will be warmer than usual during that time period, which he says is "promising."  Spring officially gets underway at 12:15 p.m. today.

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 19, 2018

A Warren, Pennsylvania woman has been arrested as a fugitive from justice after being found in a hotel in downtown Jamestown...  
 
City Police say they were sent to the Best Western Hotel at 200 West Third Street late last Friday on a report of a wanted person being there.  Officers say they quickly found 31 year-old Jessica Lamper, who was wanted on a warrant issued by the Warren County Sheriff's Department.  Police say Lamper disobeyed several officer commands, but was taken into custody without further incident.  She was taken to Jamestown City Jail on one count of Felony Fugitive From Justice and second-degree obstruction.  She was arraigned, and sent to the county jail without bail.
 
 
A man from Clymer has been arrested for allegedly violating Leandra's Law for being drunk while driving with three children under the age of 15 in his car...  
 
Sheriff's deputies say they stopped the vehicle-- driven by 39 year-old Johnathan Whitney-- on Route 474 in the town of French Creek shortly before Midnight last Saturday for a traffic infraction.  Deputies say they found that Whitney was driving in an intoxicated state, and the children were his passengers.  Whitney has been charged with Felony Driving While Intoxicated -- Leandra's Law, DWI, and Speed in Zone.  He was issued appearance tickets for French Creek Town Court.
 
 
An Ohio man was arrested for allegedly operating a snowmobile while intoxicated in the village of Mayville...  
 
Sheriff's officers say they saw a snowmobile on its side just after 2:30 a.m. Saturday, on Trail-Four.  Investigation revealed that 55 year-old Kevin Ropes of Rocky River, had left the groomed portion of the trail and tipped over on its side in soft, unpacked snow. Ropes was taken into custody for snowmobiling while intoxicated and SWI per-se. He was released and will appear in the Town of Chautauqua Court at a later date.
 
 
Chautauqua County's top-cop is voicing his support for a proposed local law that would create an animal abuser registry in the county...  
 
Sheriff Joe Gerace says he's been working with County Executive George Borrello... who announced the proposed local law late last week, to develop the proposal.  Gerace says he already has an animal abuse officer on staff and the proposed registry would assist in her work.
 
Gerace says the idea of a registry came from his counterpart in Niagara County and, he says their sheriff has also been helping Chautauqua County through the process of getting the program in place.  He says the idea is similar to the sex offender registry that has been in use for years.  Gerace says he believes the idea of an animal abuser registry will catch on across the state and adds he believes it will become something that's used state-wide to reduce animal abuse.  The Chautauqua County Legislature's Public Safety Committee will be taking up a proposed local law during it's meeting this Wednesday, March 21.   
 
 
New York's two U-S senators say they'd like to honor Congresswoman Louise Slaughter by renaming a Rochester train station after her...  
 
The New York Democrat died Friday at a Washington hospital where she was treated following a fall at home.  She was 88.  Democrats Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, said last Saturday that the renaming would be appropriate nearly a year after Slaughter dedicated the station.  They noted that Slaughter spent years fighting to secure over $15-million in federal funding for the station.  They said Slaughter was solely responsible for securing the necessary federal funding.
 
 
The two new, twin pedestrian bridges that are part of the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk are now award-winning spans...  
 
That from Mayor Sam Teresi, who says they were recently recognized by a New York state association with it's "Structures of the Year" award for 2017.  Teresi says Public Works Director Jeff Lehman and Development Director Vince DeJoy accepted the award, along with span designer Dan Dupree from Clark-Patterson Lee.  Teresi says the $2-million project was presented the award by the western New York chapter of the American Public Works Association.
 
Teresi says the city received a $2-million grant through the state with the help of Empire State Development.  Jamestown used $400,000 in left-over Urban Development Action Grant monies to pay the match on the grant.  He adds that the spans have both been installed, but says there is still some finishing work that remains, including some landscaping work around the twin spans.  Teresi says project to make and install the bridges was done with no local tax dollars involved.
 
 
Police say a former Cornell University student has been arrested after bomb-making materials and an AR-15 rifle were found in his apartment near the campus...  
 
The Syracue Post-Standard reports that 20-year-old Maximilien Reynolds was charged in federal court Friday with possessing a silencer and a destructive device.  He was also charged with aiding and abetting the straw purchase of a rifle.  Information on an attorney for Reynolds wasn't immediately available.
 
 
If you bought a Powerball ticket in Pennsylvania for Saturday's drawing, you may be holding a piece of paper worth $457-million...  
 
Powerball officials say a single winning ticket was sold in Pennsylvania that matches all of the winning numbers: 22-57-59-60-66 and Powerball 7.  The jackpot from Saturday's drawing is the eighth-largest ever for the Powerball game.  The specific location where the winning ticket was sold has not been announced.  Powerball is played in 44 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

News Headlines for Sat., Marc. 17, 2018

House fire on Willard Street in Jamestown remains under investigation....
Jamestown fire investigators are continuing to look for the cause of a fire that destroyed a multi-story home on the city's eastside late Thursday night that left one person homeless.  City Fire Lieutenant Bruce Sheldon says crews were called to the scene at 382 Willard St. about 9:45 p.m., and, found heavy flames coming from the structure.  Sheldon says firefighters were not able to get inside the structure, and took a defensive posture to fight the blaze.  He says the lone tenant of the building was at work at the time.... and, no one was hurt.  An emergency demolition was ordered late Thursday.  Crews were at the scene for several hours.  An off-duty shift was called in to assist at the scene and at the City Hall fire station.
 
 
Bus fire in Cattaraugus County under investigation... but, no one hurt...
State Police say three children and the driver escaped injury after their school bus caught fire in the Cattaraugus County town of Yorkshire early Friday morning.  The blaze involving a Pioneer School District bus occurred just before dawn.  The bus was completely engulfed in flames.  Troopers are investigating the cause, but believe a possible engine issue may have triggered the fire.
 
 
Animal Abuse registry proposed for Chautauqua County, lawmakers to vote on it this month...
The Chautauqua County Legislature's Public Safety Committee will consider a local law next week that would authorize the creation of an animal abuser registry.  That from County Executive George Borrello says the local law would create an on-line registry to identify any county resident who has been convicted of animal abuse crimes.  He says the list will be able to be used by anyone to check on who has abused or neglected animals.  Borrello says there are great organizations and people involved in the effort.  He adds there are people who have been convicted of animal abuse in the county who are still able to buy an animal because there is no registry.  The local law would also require animal shelters and pet sellers to examine the Animal Abuser Registry to confirm that the name of the potential owner is not listed.  The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office would be responsible for establishing and maintaining the registry.  The Public Safety Committee will take up the proposed local law at its March 21 meeting.  
 
 
Jamestown man arrested following alleged violent domestic incident...
A city man faces multiple charges including unlawful imprisonment, criminal obstruction of breathing and endangering the welfare of a child stemming from a domestic dispute overnight.  Officers responded to 188 Falconer Street where the victim stated 26 year-old DeVonte Chandler allegedly put his hands on their neck causing the victim to be unable to breathe.  The victim said Chandler then threw them onto a rocking chair where an infant was sleeping.  Officers located Chandler a short distance away and was taken to city jail pending arraignment. 
 
 
Flu Epidemic in NYS beginning to loosen it's grip...
The flu continues to loosen its grip on New York, with state health officials saying the number of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases has dropped for the third consecutive week.  Governor Andrew Cuomo announced late this week that the number of flu cases reported to the Department of Health fell last week to around 37-hundred... that's down from about 6,400 the previous week.  Cuomo says the number of New Yorkers requiring hospitalization for the flu dipped just under 700 last week, compared to more than 1,000 the week before.  State health officials say the total number of lab-confirmed cases of the flu since it was deemed widespread in New York state in December has topped 111,000, with more than 20,000 people requiring hospitalization.  The flu is blamed for the deaths of eight children.
 
 
Mason says her research has found a lot of microscoping plastic in bottled water...
Go back to the tap!  That's the message from a professor of chemistry, and chairwoman of the Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences at the State University of New York at Fredonia.  Dr. Sherri Mason says she has found microscopic particles of plastic in nearly all major brands of bottled water.  Mason says they investigated 59 bottles from 11 different brands, and found 93-percent has plastic pollution in them.  Her research is now receiving international attention... including from the B-B-C.  It has also drawn the attention of the World Health Organization.  She says consumers need to reconsider where they get their water from... and, should look at going back to tap water.  Dr. Mason has done extensive research into microplastic pollution.  That research led to Congress passing the Microbead-Free Water Act in 2015.
 
 
 

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 16, 2018

Jamestown firefighters were called to the scene of a house fire on the city's eastside late last night...  
 
Fire officials say the call at 382 Willard Street came in about 9:45.  Unofficially, there was word the building was a vacant house.  An emergency demolition was being ordered late last night.  No injuries have been reported. We have a call in to the Jamestown Fire Department for further information at this time. 
 
 
A city man is jailed pending arraignment for allegedly being found in possession of a controlled substance in a taxi-cab Wednesday evening...  
 
A Jamestown Officer reportedly saw a person exit a residence at 339 Delaware Avenue and get into a taxi-cab just before 6:30.  Officers say the vehicle was stopped for a traffic infraction as further investigation revealed that the passenger --36 year-old Jeremy Gross -- had a valid order or protection to stay away from the residence and its occupant. Investigation also revealed that Gross attempted to dispose of 3.9 grams of crystal meth while seated in the taxi. Officers located the drug where Gross was sitting.  He arrested on charges of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree criminal contempt. 
 
 
A parole check yesterday morning on Jamestown's eastside led to the arrest of two people for allegedly being in possession of drugs, and drug paraphernalia...  
 
City police say officers assisted New York Parole agents on a house visit at 302 Allen Street about 8:00.  Officers say they found 31 year-old Patricia Raynor in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia, and hyperdermic syringes.  They also found 45 year-old Dennis Penhollow-the-second, in possession of meth, as well as Suboxone and a small amount of marihuana.  He was charged with three counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marihauna.  Raynor was arrested for seventh-degree criminal possession of drugs and criminally using drug paraphernalia, and possessing a syringe.  Both were jailed pending arraignment.
 
 
A Fredonia man is being held in the Chautauqua County Jail after being indicted by the county grand jury after a lengthy investigation into a robbery that occurred at a store at the D&F Plaza last month...   
 
Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano says that 30-year-old Nathaniel Lion was arrested Wednesday on a felony indictment warrant in connection with the hold up that occurred at Gamerz Haven.  Ortolano says Lion was arraigned on a robbery charge and remanded to the County Jail.   He praised the work of his detectives, saying they stayed on the case and brought it to closure.  
 
 
Chautauqua County's representative in the New York State Assembly says he's "very disappointed" in the final "one-house budget bill" the legislature's lower chamber has approved...  
 
The Assembly (which is about 2-1 Democratic) OKed the measure Wednesday, with Jamestown-area Republican Andy Goodell voting no.  Goodell says he has some major issues with the spending plan.  He says it cuts more than $1-billion from economic development programs and includes significant tax hikes.
 
Goodell says there are a few parts of the Assembly's budget that he likes, including restoration of some agricutural funding that the governor had cut in his budget proposal.  One will make sure to fund programming for Cornell Cooperative Extension, while another will restore money to the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program -- or CHIPS fundings.  Goodell says the increase in eduction funding totaled more than $1-billion, but the final breakdown is not yet available.  He says the Legislature's Joint Budget Conference Committee began it's work yesterday on hammer out a final agreement.  A final spending plan is due April 1.
 
 
The State Senate approved it's 2018-19 budget plan which "promotes affordability, opportunity, and security for all New Yorkers"...  
 
That from State Senator Cathy Young, who says the spending plan is "fiscally responsible..." and keeps state spending within the two-percent cap.  Young says it also serves as a "blueprint" for the creation of a better budget and a stronger, safer, and more prosperous New York.  The Olean Republican, who also chairs the Senate Finance Committee, says the budget "delivers on our promises to provide additional tax relief to overburdened families..." and others, as well as supporting key investments in education, infrastructure, health care and other areas.
 
 
Jamestown police are looking for the alleged suspect in a stabbing that occured early Wednesday night on the city's westside...  
 
City police confirm the stabbing occured at an apartment at 303 Lafayette Street shortly before 8:00.  Officers and Jamestown firefighters were called to the scene, with the male victim being rushed to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital for treatment of an apparent head injury.  Police say the suspect remains at-large, but they know who that person is.  The severity of victim's injuries aren't immediately known.  The investigation is continuing.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 15, 2018

Students across the United States staged walkouts yesterday, calling for stricter gun laws in the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida...  
 
Local Congressman Tom Reed spoke about the walkouts during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media Wednesday afternoon.  He says there are a couple of items being seriously looked at federal lawmakers in Washington.  One is supporting school resource officers, and providing help for facility and staffing improvements.  Reed also indicated that he was encouraged by the student walkouts, saying it was important for them to be "engaged in democracy."  A walkout was held yesterday morning outside the Dunkirk High School on Sixth Street with about 300 students taking part.
 
 
One person was sent to the hospital following an alleged stabbing at an apartment in Jamestown Wednesday evening... 
 
The Post-Journal reports city police and firefighters were called in for assistance at 303 Lafayette Street just before 8:00. The newspaper says the man appeared to suffer a head injury in the incident and was rushed to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital. The severity of injuries wasn't immediately known.  Additional information was not yet available this morning. 
 
 
The enlarged Jamestown City School District is still mandated to provide certain services, even though it's getting a relatively small increase in state aid...  
 
That from School Superintendent Bret Apthorpe, who says the district is currently looking at a no-tax increase budget for 2018-19.  The school board reviewed the first budget draft this past Tuesday night. While Governor Cuomo is proposing a general, 4% aid increase next year, Apthorpe says Jamestown would only see about a 2% increase to help out with special education, and English-language learning services.
 
Jamestown's Director of Finance and Business Affairs, Vern Connors, says the current revenue budget proposal for next school year has increased to $84.8-million.  Apthorpe says he's encouraged that both State Senator Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andy Goodell are on the record opposing the lesser amount of aid for Jamestown.  He adds that he's heard from various groups that the item may be "negotiated away" as they resolve school aid in both the Senate and Assembly. 
 
 
Two young students in Warren County, Pennsylvania have been accused of making threats to teachers and staff at the Warren Area Elementary Center...  
 
State Police in Warren say they were called to tthe scene about 9:30 Tuesday morning after a 10 year-old boy allegedly made a hand-written threat with "disturbing" hand-drawn sketches.  Troopers assessed the situation and investigated and removed the child from school.  They then made a Juvenile Petition for the child on one count each of terrorist threats and disorderly conduct.  Shortly after 10 a.m. while investigating the earlier incident, troopers were alerted to another alleged threat involving a 7 year-old boy.  Another juvenile petition is also being prepared in that case.  State Police say the investigation is ongoing.
 
 
Fear of retaliation by neighbors for allegedly housing code violations has left some Jamestown residents deciding not to contact the city about those problems...  
 
That from City Council Housing Committee Chairwoman Vickeye James during discussion at this week's Council work session.  James brought up alleged retaliation by some people after someone complained about the condition of one house.  She says someone "lasered out" a cellphone being used to call in a complaint.  City Council President  (past Housing Committee Chairwoman) Marie Carrubba says it's too bad that some people are fearful of reporting housing violations.  She says those problems can grow bigger in scope when violators move to another location.
 
James was urged to remind residents that they should report housing issues, and can do so anonymously.  If the problem is significant enought to warrant a police check, Chief Harry Snellings said that's certainly something they can do.  Snellings says people can go on their cell phones to the department's Tips 411 app.
 
 
A north county woman arrested by federal authorities nearly a year ago has pleaded guilty in U-S District Court in Buffalo to possessing and attempting to traffic 28-grams or more of crack cocaine...  
 
U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior has announced that 49 year-old Minerva Maestre of Dunkirk entered the plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kenneth Schroder; she faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5-million fine.  Prosecutors say Dunkirk Police and members of other agencies raided Maestre's home at 51 East Second Street, and found 60 grams of crack cocaine, 42 grams of cocaine, and more than $171,000 in cash.
 
 
Gas prices in the Jamestown area remained steady for the seventh consecutive week at $2.76 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel...  
 
That from AAA's weekly gas price report, which says every state in the region is paying more than at this time last year.  A handful are paying as much as $0.25 or more to fill up (in New York the price is $0.26 more than in March 2017). Regional inventory sits at 61.8-millions barrels despite a 3.4-million barrel drop on the week.  The national average price for regular gas has remained steady at $2.53 for the last nine days.  Officials say the price at the pump reflects an unseasonably high demand for fuel this winter.  Get prices along your route GasPrices.AAA.com.
 
 
A proposal to cut about a quarter of state lawmakers from the Pennsylvania General Assembly is moving ahead, but it's still not certain that the constitutional amendment will make it onto the November ballot...  
 
The House voted 109 to 80 on Tuesday for a bill that would cut the House from 203 to 151 members, and the Senate from 50 to 38.  Supporters predict it will make the Legislature work more efficiently and could produce some cost savings.  Opponents warn it will dilute the voices of constituents and give more power to leaders when new district lines are drawn after the 2020 census.  Procedural rules mean that the proposal to cut the Senate would have to be eliminated in order for the bill to go before voters later this year.

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 14, 2018

A Winter Storm Warnings remains in effect through 2 a.m. tomorrow for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Southern Erie counties... 
 
That from Meteorologist Tony Ansuini with the National Weather Service in Buffalo, who says the snowfall amounts will start to add up through the early morning... and, this morning's commute could be very challenging.  The greatest amounts will occur over the higher elevations, but Ansuini says everyone will be getting more than a half-foot from the storm.
 
Winds gusting as high as 45 mph will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow and could help to bring down snow covered tree limbs.  Ansuini adds that we won't see any quick change in the weather pattern because a fourth coastal storm is taking shape for the middle of next week.  So -- he says -- keep that snow shovel handy... and the snow blower filled with gas!
 
 
An alarming Facebook post about a person threatening to do "terrible violence" in the village of Falconer has led to a convicted Felon's arrest in Falconer, and the discovery of a huge cache of weapons...  
 
Ellicott Town Police Detective Kevin Pierce says a resident alerted them to the Facebook post on February 28, which led them to a storage unit rented by 36 year-old James Caloren in the town. Pierce says a search warrant issued by Ellicott Town Court led to the seizure weapons, including AK-47 assault rifle, a 308-calibur rifle, a sawed-off 16-gauge shotgun and, a 12-gauge shotgun, as well as a large amount of ammunition. 
 
An arrest warrant was obtained for Caloren, who faces five Felony counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Pierce says Caloren was arraigned in Ellicott Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail on the five charges.  He adds the FBI and ATF are assisting and federal charges are pending.  If you any information on suspicious activity in the town, call Ellicott Police at 665-7083; the Sheriff's Department at 661-7232; or the JPD tips-line at 483-TIPS (8477).
 
 
One of three Erie, Pennsylvania-area men convicted of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in the city of Dunkirk has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison...  
 
U.S. Attorney James Kennedy says 37 year-old Dimas Colon-Cruz received the 154 month-long term late Monday in federal court in Buffalo.  Prosecutors say Colon-Cruz and his co-defendants, Michael Gonzalez-Colon and Denis Cruz, fled to Dunkirk on stolen All-terrain vehicles. Shortly after arriving in Dunkirk, the stolen ATV's were seized by Dunkirk Police.  At that point, Kennedy says all three assaulted two people... and, stole a car and pick-up truck and other items before fleeing again.  Both vehicles were later recovered in Erie.  Kennedy says Michael Gonzalez-Colon has been convicted and sentenced. Charges are still pending against Denis Cruz. 
 
 
A former top aide to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been convicted of accepting bribes...  
 
A jury delivered a verdict Tuesday in the trial of Joseph Percoco after deliberating for parts of three weeks.  It convicted Percoco on two counts of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and one count of soliciting bribes.  Percoco was a longtime friend of the governor and the manager of his 2014 re-election campaign.  Defense lawyers said the payments were legitimate fees for consulting work performed when Percoco was out of state government.
 
 
The Jamestown School District presented it's first budget proposal for the 2018-19 school year at a regular School Board Meeting Tuesday evening... 
 
At first glance, Director of Finance and Business Affairs-- Vern Connors, says the current revenue budget proposal for next school year is a million-dollar increase to $84.8-million. Board President Paul Abbott says despite a number of difficult years, he sees a "number of opportunities" in order to shield the district from unexpected expenses in the infrastructure of the budget. 
 
Additionally, Abbott says that any improvements the district makes or programs they add, would be sustainable and able to "weather the ebbs and flows of the budget". There's also no change in the tax levy. A public hearing regarding the 2018-19 Budget will be held on May 8, 2018 at 6 p.m. at Persell Middle School.
 
 
New York's junior U-S Senator, Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, is not comfortable with Mike Pompeo as the next Secretary of State...  
 
Speaking at the end of a news conference call Tuesday about dairy policy, the senator said something she sees in Pompeo's past jumps out right away and that's the fact he has a record that supports torture.  She says that don't project well out into the world.  Gillibrand concluded her remarks by saying the U.S. needs strong foreign policy and diplomacy right now, and Pompeo might not be the right choice.  New York's senior senator, Chuck Schumer issued a statement saying he hopes Pompeo would 'turn over a new leaf' as Secretary of State and toughen policies toward Russia, and its leader Vladimir Putin.
 
 
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says it's time for the federal government to get back in the dairy price support business.  She's a member of the Agriculture Committee, and is introducing the "Price Loss Contract" program that would pay dairy farmers when returns drop below a certain level...
 
The money would come straight out of the federal treasury, and would not involve the purchase of any dairy products by the government.  The old price support program has been inactive for about a decade, and was repealed in the 2014 farm bill.  A new farm bill is about to be written, and Gillibrand hopes dairy farmers will speak loudly in support of her idea.  The price of milk has been hovering around $15 to $16 per 100 pounds for over a year, straining the mental health and financial stability of many in the business.  (The new "Price Loss Contract" would be in addition to "Margin Protection Program".) 
 
 
A Jamestown man was arrested for allegedly driving drunk close to three-times the legal limit last weekend...  
 
State Police in Jamestown responded to the four-corners area of Falconer for a report of an erratic driver that had nearly been involved in multiple accidents on Saturday.  Troopers initated a traffic stop on the suspected vehicle at Homestead and Falconer Streets and identified the driver as 34 year-old Joshua Nuse.  He was arrested after failing several sobriety tests and provided a breath sample of 0.22 while in custody.  He was charged with aggravated-DWI. Troopers say his license was suspended and was additionally charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Nuse is scheduled to appear in Ellicott Town Court at a later date. 
 
 
New York wildlife researchers are taking a new approach to gathering citizen input to guide deer management objectives...  
 
The Department of Environmental Conservation and researchers at Cornell University have developed a survey asking people about deer-related interests and concerns.  The survey also asks how they would like to see the deer population in their area change over the next few years.  The survey is currently being mailed to people in a third of the state.  The rest of the state will be surveyed next year.

News Update for Mon., March 13, 2018

An alarming Facebook post about a person threatening to do "terrible violence" in the village of Falconer has led to a convicted Felon's arrest in Falconer, and the discovery of a huge cache of weapons...  

 
Ellicott Town Police Detective Kevin Pierce says a resident alerted them to the Facebook post on February 28, which led them to a storage unit rented by 36 year-old James Caloren in the town. Pierce says a search warrant issued by Ellicott Town Court led to the seizure weapons, including an AK-47 assault rifle, a 308-calibur rifle, a sawed-off 16-gauge shotgun and, a 12-gauge shotgun, as well as a large amount of ammunition. 
 
An arrest warrant was obtained for Caloren, who faces five Felony counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Pierce says Caloren was arraigned in Ellicott Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail on the five charges.  He adds the FBI and ATF are assisting and federal charges are pending.  If you any information on suspicious activity in the town, call Ellicott Police at 665-7083; the Sheriff's Department at 661-7232; or the JPD tips-line at 483-TIPS (8477).

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 13, 2018

Another nor'easter is taking aim on the Northeast this week and, like last week's storm, there won't be a direct effect on Western New York...  
 
However, forecasters expect the area to pick up some snowfall.  Meteorologist Jim Mitchell with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says the snowfall could start to add up by mid-week, especially over the higher terrain.
 
The flow around the storm will result in periods of snow from today through Wednesday night with moderate accumulations across the lower elevations and locally heavy amounts for the higher terrain of the Chautauqua Ridge. A winter storm warning is in effect from 6 p.m. this evening  until 2 a.m. Thursday morning. Today's snow accumulation of three to six inches are expected. 
 
 
A new Salary Review Commission will begin reviewing current salaries for elected officials in the city of Jamestown and, make recommendations on any changes to lawmakers...  
 
City Council Finance Committee Chairman Tony Dolce says the commission is enpaneled every four-years to review current pay for council members, and the mayor.  Dolce handed out some information on salaries-- dating back to the late 1950s.  He says there will be six members of the new panel.
 
Dolce says the city council has not had a raise since 1984, when individual council members were granted a $5,000 a year salary.  The Council president reviewed $6,000 a year.  Dolce adds that the mayor's salary is now $72,000 per year, which has been in place since 2008.  He says the Salary Review Commission is to meet as many times as they feel necessary, then report to the city council by the end of this year, or very early in 2019.  Dolce says the council can accept the recommendations, not accept them, or adopt modified recommendations.  In 2014, he says the commission decided against any change in salaries.
 
 
There's been a stablization in the number of condemned and vacant homes in the city of Jamestown.  However, due to a shortage of funds, the city will only be able to demolish 10 of them this year... 
 
That from City Development Director Vince DeJoy, who told the city council that his department had done a quick tally and found between 100 and 105 homes are still unoccupied, and condemned.  DeJoy says they worked up their list of homes to be torn down from those whose owners can no longer be found.
 
DeJoy says they could only do 10 demolitions this year because the grant monies provided to the Chautauqua County Landbank to pay for tearing down the homes has been used up.  City Council Housing Committee Chairwoman Vickeye James says two of the properties listed would have been torn-down by a private developer if the state had agreed to support the Jackson-Spring Housing Project on the city's northside. 
 
 
A 3-on-3 basketball tournament open to all-ages returns to Jamestown this summer for the second-consecutive year... 
 
That from Publisher Mike Bird of the Jamestown Post Journal, who says the Gus Macker Tournament is celebrating it's 45th anniversary. Bird says the tournament returned last year with the help of three local newspapers-- the Post Journal, Dunkirk Observer and Warren Times Observer. He says 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the Alex Foulk Fund.
 
In addition, Bird says last year's event hosted 200 teams and 800 players and expects up close to 300 teams this year. The tournament will be held Saturday, June 2 through Sunday, June 3 along Third Street between Washington and Monroe Streets. Bird says this also incorporates the Northwest Arena as well as Layfette Street and a portion of Second Street. Player-registration is Friday, June 1 inside the Northwest Arena from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Bird says they will also hold registration that Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. however, players must be registered before their first game and wearing their tournament-issued bracelet throughout the entire weekend. For more information, visit Macker.com or call Mike Bird at the Post-Journal: 487-1111, extension 201.
 
 
A Jamestown was arrested following a domestic incident on Barrows Street yesterday afternoon... 
 
City police were called to the residence shortly before 4 p.m. and could hear screaming and observed clothingn on the ground outside on arrival. Investigation revealed 44 year-old James Cook allegedly held the unidentified victim down and would not ler her leave the residence. Cook was additionally found in possession of a gravity butterfly knife, which is illegal. He was taken to city jail pending arraignment on charges of second-degree unlawful imprisonment and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. 
 
 
The leader of Planned Parenthood is coming to Albany for her organization's annual lobby day...  
 
Cecile Richards plans to address a rally of Planned Parenthood supporters Tuesday near the New York state Capitol. Richards is president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.  State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins are also expected to speak.  All are Democrats.  More than 1,500 advocates for women's health and abortion rights are expected to attend the rally and participate in other events, such as meetings with lawmakers. 
 
 
A special Saint Patrick's Day celebration is returning to the Chadakoin River this Saturday morning... 
 
That from Vice President of the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce Bill Stevenson, who says only three cities in the United States besides Jamestown turn their waters green for the Irish-American holiday: Chicago, Indianapolis and Tampa.
 
Stevenson says the Chamber voted to bring back turning the Chadakoin River green in Jamestown this year.  He says spectators can stand on the Riverwalk area along the Jamestown Area Medical Associates parking lot.  Additionally, Stevenson says the event is free and some Leprechauns will be on-hand. He says the recipe for turning the water green is a well-kept secret by the late Randy Peterson.  Peterson headed up the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities water operations for many years.  Stevenson says this year's Saint Patrick's Day green river will be in memory of Peterson.
 
 
More than $8-million in federal funding is available for emergency response teams across New York state...  
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced late last week that $8.5 million in funding from the federal government's State Homeland Security Program can be used to support hazardous materials teams, bomb squads, bomb-detection K-9 teams, SWAT units and urban search teams. The Democrat says the funding will help ensure that New York's first responders have the tools and resources they need to protect local communities. 
 
 
A Frewsburg man was arrested following an investigation into harassment and unwanted contact by the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office over the weekend...  
 
Deputies say 43 year-old Eric Sohl allegedly intiated contact with a person between December 2017 to March 2018, after repeatedly being told to stop such contact.  A warrant was put out for Sohl on 2 counts of fourth-degree stalking. Deputies say he was taken into custody Saturday afternoon and remanded to the county jail on $1,000 bail.

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 12, 2018

A city man is jailed without bail for allegedly trafficking drugs and being in possession of 15 "long-guns" following his arrest while walking his dog on Jamestown's eastside last Friday...  
 
City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, State Police C-NET Team and the FBI had been investigating 27 year-old Tyler Anderson for some time, and were conducting surveillance on his home at 2256 Willard Street Extension just before 2:30 p.m. in the town of Ellicott.  Samuelson says they moved in when Anderson took the dog for a walk, they then raided the home and found four pounds of marihuana and must over two ounces of cocaine.
 
Samuelson said he wasn't sure if any ammunition was found during the raid or if the guns were loaded.  However, he says they are pleased to have those illegally possessed guns off the street and that's why the FBI was involved.  Samuelson says Anderson also faces federal charges for possessing the guns.  He says Anderson initially resisted arrested, but was eventually taken into custody on several local charges, which also include criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.
 
 
Six other people were also arrested early last Friday morning in drug-related raid-- one on Jamestown's southside, and the other on the northside...  
 
City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, State Police C-NET Team were assisted by the JPD SWAT Team in executing search warrants shortly after 6 a.m. at 238 Forest Avenue, then at 22 Basett Street about 6:40.  Samuelson says much of the information they get about suspected drug activity in the city comes from their tipline ( 483-8477).
 
Samuelson says the Tips 411 App can be downloaded for free.  At 238 Forest Avenue, police arrested 44 year-old Christine Dean after learning the location was being used to traffic Crystal Methamphetime.  Police allegedly found a quantity of meth, drug paraphernalia and cash inside.  Dean was arrested for third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.  She's jailed without bail.  Two others were arrested for endangering the welfare of an incompetent or disabled person.
---
 
At 22 Bassett Street, police arrested three others and allegedly found 21-grams of Methamphetime, cocaine, suboxone, paraphernalia, and cash inside.  Officers say 38 year-old Stacie Yancer, 24 year-old Morgan Merrill-Larson, and 26 year-old Dustin Newbree were arrested for third, fifth and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controll substance, as well as endangering the welfare of a child.  All three were arraigned and sent to the county jail without bail.
 
 
A Frewsburg man was arrested over the weekend following an investigation into harassment and unwanted contact by the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office... 
 
Deputies say 43 year-old Eric Sohl allegedly intiated contact with a person between December 2017 to March 2018, after repeatedly being told to stop such contact. A warrant was put out for Sohl on two counts of fourth-degree stalking. Deputies say he was taken into custody Saturday afternoon and remanded to the county jail on $1,000 bail.
 
 
State health officials say the number of confirmed influenza cases across New York has decreased for the second consecutive week last week...  
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that about 6,400 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu were reported to the state Department of Health last week, about half the number reported the previous week.  The Democrat says the number of flu-stricken people requiring hospitalization dropped for the fourth straight week to just around 1,070.
 
 
The local Red Cross is helping the lone occupant of a home that was extensively damaged by a fire on Jamestown's southside during the overnight hours last Saturday...  
 
City Fire Battalion Chief Matt Coon says crews were called to the scene at 106 Charles Street shortly before Midnight last Friday and says they found light smoke initially coming from the peak of the roof, and ceiling areas.  However, he says they found a lot of fire in the upper floors, but found it originated on the first floor.
 
Coon says it took some time to get the blaze under control because of the building's "balloon wall" construction.  He says they were able to get the lone occupant out safely, but adds they couldn't save the structure, which had extensive damage to all three floors of the building.  Coon says an off-duty shift of eight firefighters and a shift commander were also called in.  He says crews were there for about five hours.  Coon says no injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.
 
 
A three-person arbitration panel will try again to meet next month in an effort to break the impasse between the city of Jamestown and it's policemen's union from the past two years...  
 
That from Mayor Sam Teresi, who says the arbitration was postponed from last month after one of the two out-of town arbiters had a health issue and could not attend.  Teresi says the panel will now meet on Thursday, April 12, and will also meet on Friday, April 13 -- if need be.
 
The union, the Kendall Club-Police Benevolent Association, will have it's representative.  The city will be represented in the arbitration hearing by City Clerk and Administrative Services Director Todd Thomas.  A Buffalo arbitrator, Howard Foster, will also be involved in the three-way meetings.  The contract (once the panel decides) will run from December 31, 2015 to the end of 2017.  Teresi says the process still allows discussion to continue towards a negotiated settlement right up to the time a decision is rendered, but he says he's doubtful one will be reached at this stage.
 
 
In state government news, Republican Marc Molinaro says he's poised to make his run for New York governor official...  
 
The Dutchess County executive has told Republican Party leaders he's running but he's yet to announce his candidacy to voters.  That could soon change.  In a letter to local GOP chairpersons obtained by The A-P, Molinaro writes that he'll publicly kick off his campaign "in the near future."  Meanwhile, Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposal to require more information about the groups behind online political ads picked up the support of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. 
 
 
A Jamestown-area health care organization has been recognized by the federal government for it's solutions to delivering health care in the region...  
 
Local Congressman Tom Reed says the Chautauqua County Health Network has received the 2018 Champion Impact award from the Health Resources and Service Administration.  Reed adds that the Health Network also received Honorable Mention for the Innovations in Health Care Delivery award.  The Corning Republican says, "the model that CCHN has pioneered to provide health care results for people in rural communities is a valuable asset to our community, and I join in applauding them for receiving this award".  Network Director Ann Abdella says they're "thrilled" to receive the recognition. 

News Headlines for Sat., Mar. 10, 2018

No one hurt in overnight fire on Charles St. in Jamestown...
An overnight fire on the city of Jamestown's southside has heavily-damaged an older, two-and-a-half story house.  City Fire Battalion Chief Matt Coon says crews were called to the scene at 106 Charles Street shortly before Midnight last night... and, says they found light smoke initially coming from the peak of the roof, and ceiling areas.  When crews arrived... Coon says they sent crews to the first and second-floors and the attic area... and found the fire started on the first-floor and quickly moved into the second-floor.  He says crews extended hoses into the first and second-floors... but, at one point they had to evacute the building to knock down heavy fire on one exterior wall.  He says it took some time to get the blaze under control because of the building's "balloon wall" construction.   Coon says they were able to get the lone occupant out safely... but, adds they couldn't save the structure... which had extensive damage to all three floors of the building.  He says an off-duty shift of eight firefighters and a shift commander were also called in.  He says crews were there until shorlty after 5 this morning.  Coon says no injuries were reported... and, the cause remains under investigation.
 
 
City man arrested on local, and possibly federal gun possession charges after drug raid late Friday...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly trafficking drugs... and, being in possession of several "long-guns" following his arrest while walking his dog on the city's eastside.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, State Police C-NET Team... and, the FBI... had been investigating 27 year-old Tyler Anderson for some time, and were conducting surveillance on his home at 2256 Willard St. Ext. just before 2:30 p.m. Friday in the town of Ellicott.  Samuelson says they moved in when Anderson took the dog for a walk... they then raided the home and found 4 pounds of marihuana, just over two ounces of powder cocaine, 15 "long" guns, and cash inside.  Samuelson wasn't sure if any ammunition was found during the raid... or if the guns were loaded.  However... he says they are pleased to have those illegally possessed guns off the street.  He says that's likely why the FBI was involved in the raid operation.  Samuelson says Anderson initially resisted arrested... but, was eventually taken into custody on several local charges... including third and fourth-degree criminal possesson of a controlled substance.  He was jailed pending arraignment in Jamestown city, and Ellicott Town Courts. 
 
 
First "Gun Done Cases" in the county disposed of with manditory sentences...
The first defendants sentenced under a new policy enacted just over a year ago in Chautauqua County for defendants on simple, illegal gun possession, have made their way through the court system.  District Attorney Patrick Swanson says his office implimented a "Gun Done Case" policy in January of 2017 that takes a tougher stance on people convicted of having a gun in their possession.  Basically... Swanson says the policy says the D-A's office will not "plead down" a possession case.  He says they are seeing success with those.  Swanson says a person convicted in the basic, criminal possession of a weapon's case will receive 3 1/2 years in state prison.  However... he adds they are also working with the U-S Attorney's Office in Buffalo to make sure they pick up cases involving Felons... who cannot legally have a gun... as well as being in possession of drugs.  One of those people sentenced... James Blue of Jamestown... received 4-years in state prision, and 2 1/2 years post-release supervision.  Another Jamestown man... 18 year-old Eduardo Rivera... received 3 years in prison and two years post-release supervision.
 
 
Catt. County teen arrested for alleged, multi-school threats last week...
A Cattaraugus County teenager is being held on $2,500 cash bail in connection with an alleged school threat a week ago Thursday.  Following investigation by Sheriff's officers in Little Valley... the unidentified teen was taken into custody for allegedly instructing others in a Facebook chat room on how, and where to purchase items that would be used by a school shooter.  Deputies say the actions caused alarm and concern by multiple Cattaraugus County School Districts.  The districts along with School Resource Officers followed proper protocols... which, ensured no immediate threats.  The teen was sent to the Little Valley Jail on a charge of making a terroristic threat.
 
 
 
 
 

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 9, 2018

A federal grand jury has indicted a Jamestown man on 14-counts charging him with sex trafficking of a minor and producing and trafficking child pornography...  
 
U.S. Attorney James Kennedy, Junior in Buffalo announced late Thursday that 37 year-old James Chapman is also charged with enticement of a minor and, receipt of child pornography.   Prosecutors say Chapman is accused of trying to coerce a minor to engage in prostitution and sexual activity between November 24-25 of 2014.  During that same time, they say he is accused of recruiting two minor victims to engage in a commercial sex act and, video taping the encounter.  Kennedy says the charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine. Anyone with information about Chapman (also known as "Fatz Guy" and "Perverted Doe") should contact the FBI in buffalo at 856-7800.
 
 
The Jamestown-area is under a Winter Weather Advisory though early Saturday morning...  
 
That from Forecaster Kirk Apffel from the National Weather Service in Buffalo, who says some parts of the region could see upwards of a foot of snow through 5 a.m. Saturday, when the advisory ends.  Apffel says the places where Lake Snows tend to be heavy will see the higher amounts. Additionally, Apffel says an upper level low is what's helping to drive the Nor-easter off the east coast.  However, he adds that we're getting some "wrap-around" snow from that system.  The immediate Jamestown-area is looking at lower amounts of snow from this system.
 
 
One major road construction project this coming Summer in Jamestown will look to resolve a long-standing problem at the corner of West Fourth and Washington Streets... 
 
That from Mayor Sam Teresi, who told the city council this week that the project will involve West Fourth between Washington and Lafayette Streets.  Teresi says that one-block stretch has had to be milled and overlayed at least four times since he's been mayor.
 
Teresi says the problem is not with the bricks under the paved surface, but with the concrete sub-surface under the bricks which has deteriorated, and is pushing against the bricks and pavement.  However, Teresi says the entire street from Washington to the junction with Third Street will get a makeover-- including new lighting and landscaping and drainage improvements.  He says the city will also undertake a major project on North Main Street due to the two recent water main breaks -- including one last Fall.  He says those have undermined the street in a couple of locations.
 
 
Dunkirk city officials late Thursday unveiled details of a big event that they hope will make a "real splash" for the city and Chautauqua County...  
 
Mayor Willie Rosas announced an agreement to have Race World Offshore to hold a Grand Prix speed boat race in Dunkirk next August 17-19.  Special Events Coordinator Hector Rosas says the effort to bring a major boat race to the city began last September when they learned there would not be another air show.
 
With help from Chautauqua County, the state and several major sponsors, city officials were able to raise enough funding without using city tax dollars.  One of the race organizers, Rich Dancisin, says there will be five racing classes taking part in the event including the Unlimited Class which includes speed boats capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 mph.  Dancisin says under race conditions, they go about 180 to 185.  City officials say the event will be televised internationally by NBC Sports.  Among the major sponsors involved are DFT Communications, and a company that will soon locate in the Dunkirk area-- Athenex.
 
 
A city man faces several charges after allegedly leading Jamestown police on a pursuit in a reported stolen vehicle Wednesday evening...  
 
After seeing an expired registration from 2016, police attempted to stop a vehicle on Willard Street.  However, it fled from officers.  After a short pursuit, the vehicle stopped on the 100-block of Barrows Street where officers say the driver and passenger got out while the car was still moving, and took off on foot.  Officers were able to take the driver -- 20 year-old Jordan Thayer -- into custody without incident after a short foot chase.  Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was stolen out of the town of Ellicott earlier this week.  While searching the vehicle, officers found a switch blade knife and a small quantity of marijuana. Thayer was also found to be impaired by drugs while driving.  He is being held in City Jail pending arraignment. 
 
 
The ribbon has been cut on the new Western New York P-TECH STEM College and Career Academy on Benton Street in Dunkirk...  
 
The ceremony was led by Principal Stephen Rusczyk and District Superintendent David O'Rourke with the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES.  O'Rourke says P-TECH provides both a high school diploma and an Associates Degree from Jamestown Community College in advanced manufacturing.
 
O'Rourke says they have a partnership that led to the academy, one of only three in Western New York and has no tax impact on the Dunkirk School District.  He says the program has been operating for about three years, but this is the first time it has place that's designed specifically for the program.  A number of community leaders took part in Wednesday afternoon's program including Mayor Willie Rosas, Dunkirk's Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Tracy and representatives for Senator Cathy Young, Congressman Tom Reed and Governor Andrew Cuomo.
 
 
The annual meeting of the Warren County Historical Society will be held in the main courtroom of the Warren County court house next Tuesday, March 13 at 6 p.m. ... 
 
The meeting will feature a lecture from noted author Michael J. Shults who will speak about his recent book "From the Forest to the Battlefield". The book highlights stories of 40 conservation corps members who were awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II. For more information, call 814-723-1795 or go online to warrencountyhistory.org. The meeting is free and open to the public. 
 
 
Gas prices in the Jamestown-area held on for the sixth-consecutive week at $2.76 for a gallon of regular, unleaded fuel, despite dropping a penny in New York state...  
 
That from the AAA's weekly gas price report, which says prices increased in only two states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region on the week, while decreasing 1 to 3 cents in the others.  On the national front, gas prices have gone up as much as $0.09 in some states.  At $2.53 per gallon -- AAA says prices are $0.08 cheaper from last month, and $0.22 more expensive than this time last year.

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 8, 2018

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 3 p.m. this afternoon through 5 a.m. Saturday morning...
 
Total snow accumulations adding up to six to 12 inches are expected. The snow will be spread out over a long period, with the majority of the snow tonight and Friday. Effected areas include Chautauqua county, with greatest amounts along the Chautauqua Ridge with less snow along the immediate lakeshore.
The weather service says to plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the morning commute on Friday; be prepared for reduced visibilities at times.
 
 
An ammunition maker near Brooklyn Square in Jamestown sustained little damage late Wednesday morning when some chemicals reacted in a one-thousand gallon tank, sending an orange vapor plume into the air...  
 
City Fire Battalion Chief Andrew Finson says crews were called to the scene at International Ordinance at 101 Harrison Street shortly before 10 a.m. and made sure everyone had been evacuated from the building.  Finson says they then called in the county's Hazardous Materials team, and an ambulance. 
 
Once the building is cleaned-up, Finson says it will be ready for use again.  He says crews were at the scene until just after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.  He says seven off-duty firefighters were called in to staff Fire Station-One while their crew was at International Ordinance.  No firefighters were injured or overcome by fumes during the incident response.
 
 
Two teenagers have been arrested for allegedly making terroristic threats against two schools in the Warren County District Tuesday morning and afternoon...  
 
State Police in Warren say troopers were called to Sheffield Area Middle School to investigate a verbal threat against the school about 10 in the morning.  Police say they investigated, and found a 14 year-old boy made a threat to "shoot up the school."  He was arrested.  Shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday, Troopers say they were called to the Warren Area High School where a 16 year-old male student made a similar threat.  State Police say both were charged with Felony Making Terroristic Threats, and disorderly conduct.  Both were put into the juvenile court system.  Troopers say they take a "zero-tolerance approach" to such threats.
 
 
A recently retired member of the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department has announced his decision to run for the county's top-law enforcement position next Fall...  
 
Lakewood-area Republican Jim Quattrone is seeking the nod to run for the office in November after a 30 year career with the department.  Quattrone recalled talking with late Sheriff John Bentley when he was hired in 1987 and was asked about career ambitions. He said he'd like to sit in Bentley's chair someday.
 
On a post on his "Quattrone for Sheriff" Facebook page, he says, "I have been focused on serving our community throughout my career with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and in various volunteer organizations."  He adds he "would like to use my experience and education along with my passion for our community to serve county residents.  Currently, Quattrone is the executive director of Jamestown's United Christian Advocacy Network -- or "UCAN" -- City Mission.  If nominated, he would run against Democratic incumbent Joe Gerace in the Fall.  Gerace has yet to announce his plans.
 
 
The Democratic majority in the New York State Assembly is proposing legislation their leader says will help "prevent and reduce gun violence in New York..." 
 
Speaker Carl Heastie of the Bronx says the package of bills includes measures that would keep individuals deemed a danger to themselves, or others, from possessing or purchasing firearms.  Heastie says it would also establish longer background checks and ban "bump stocks" that turn legal guns into machine guns.
 
Heastie says the legislation would allow a court to issue an "extreme risk protection order" that would prevent someone deemed a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing a firearm for up to one year.  It would also establish a 10 day waiting period to a purchaser who has not cleared a background check.  Heastie says these two items are in response to the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.  He adds the measure regarding bump stocks is in response to last year's deadly massacre at a concert in Las Vegas.  
 
 
Tractor-trailers were banned on the New York State Thruway late yesterday from the Syracuse area to New York City because of the nor'easter that's hitting the region...  
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo issued the ban for Interstate 90 from Exit 36 just outside Syracuse to the Albany area, and for Interstate 87 from Albany to the Yonkers-Bronx line.  The ban also prohibited tandem trailers, buses, box trucks and other high-profile vehicles from those highways.  It also applied to sections of I-81, I-88, I-84, I-684, I-287, I-95 and Route 17. 
 
 
A Jamestown man was arrested for criminal contempt following a traffic stop on the city's eastside earlier this morning... 
 
City police say they stopped a Ford Escape in the 400-block of Windsor Street near East 7th Street. Investigation revealed that the backseat passenger, 21 year-old Anthonie Sugden, had a valid stay-away order from the front-seat passenger. Officers say Sugden allegedly gave a false name and birthdate to hide the order of protection violation, along with being wanted on other domestic-related charges out of city court. He was taken to city jail pending arraignment for second-degree criminal contempt and false personation. 

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 7, 2018

A special weather statement remains in effect until 11:00 this morning...
 
The National Weather Service's Buffalo Office reports a band of heavy snow was located over Findley Lake this morning. They say the band will slowly move northeast and weaken this morning. Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour are expected with impacted areas including Jamestown, Dunkirk, Fredonia, Salamanca, Allegany State Park, Westfield, Lakewood, Silver Creek, Falconer, Clymer and Mayville. 
 
The weather service says this also includes I-90 between exits 61 and 59, and I-86 between exits 4 and 19. Additionally, they say to be prepared for snow or ice covered roads. Slow down and allow extra time when traveling. 
 
 
 
A city man is jailed on Felony charges after allegedly being found in possession of a loaded gun and some methamphetime following a brief foot chase in Jamestown's westside Tuesday afternoon...  
 
City police say they, along with members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, had information that the suspect -- 38 year-old Douglas Wood -- was in possession of a revolver.  Police say they went to do a street check on a suspicious person at West Sixth Street and Fairview Avenue.  However, officers say Wood tried to run off when they approached.  He was caught a short time later, and arrested after a brief struggle.  Police say Wood had a loaded, 357-calibur gun, and a small amount of Meth.  He was jailed pending arraignment on charges including second-degree criminal possession of a weapon,  two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
 
 
 
Local Congressman Tom Reed is bucking Republican leadership in both the House and Senate by saying that he's in agreement with President Trump's proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports...  
 
House Speaker Paul Ryan is now saying that he would support some "surgical" tariffs on countries that have blatently abused trade agreements.  However, Ryan and others are fearful that a "blanket" tariff will touch off a trade war.  Reed says he understands that, but believe's America's interests need to be defended.
 
Reed says he is "aware" that a trade war has consequences, but adds that he wants to avoid that.  At the same time, he says the U.S. is a significant consumer market and says the possible loss of that may make other nations reconsider their stance.  Reed made his comments during Tuesday's weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.  Also, Chairman Orrin Hatch of the Senate Finance Committee said he is concerned that proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports would "undermine" the tax cuts Congress recently passed. 
 
 
 
Concerns are being raised across New York state about how President Trump's proposal to impose new, stiff tariffs on steel and aluminum may impact relations with North American trade partners...  
 
Congressman Reed says he's also "keenly aware" of that situation, in particular when it comes to dairy farmers looking to export milk and milk products to Canada.  However, he believes a better North American Free Trade Agreement could open up new markets for farmers. President Trump has already indicated that he wants to renegotiate NAFTA with several nations, including Canada and Mexico.
 
 
 
Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi says the major snowstorm that hit the region last week provided another example of why the city needs to have a new, Capital Improvement Fund for new equipment...  
 
During last Monday night's City Council work session, Teresi noted that he talked with other officials about the fact some pieces of snow-removal equipment were broken down, and out-of-service last Friday morning.  Teresi said that -- along with some illnesses in the Pubic Works Department -- contributed to delays in getting streets cleared.
 
Teresi used the situation to again push for the Capital Improvement program, which he says could be funded through the sale of the Board of Public Utilities' wastewater treatment plant to the Jamestown Local Development Corporation.  The Mayor and the city's bond counsel proposed the move late last year as a way to raise about $16-million that could be used to buy newer equipment so it doesn't break-down on a frequent basis.  It would also be used to create a tax stablization fund.  
 
 
 
The New York state Senate has approved more than a dozen bills that are designed to improve school security, including legislation that would increase state funding to help schools pay for armed police and security upgrades...  
 
Local State Senator Cathy Young was among Republican Senators who backed legislation that would treat school shootings and other mass shootings as acts of domestic terrorism.  She expressed her support during debate on the Senate floor late Monday.
 
Young says the move would empower federal and state intelligence gather resources towards preventing crimes, which will allow them to not only find out about about them before it happens -- but, act as well.  Other bills passed in the Senate Monday would mandate two annual active-shooter drills and set aside money for mental health services coordinators in local schools.  The legislation now moves to the Democratic-controlled assembly.  
 
 
 
Special license plates to raise money for armed guards in schools are part of a package of legislation passed by the Republican-controlled New York State Senate...  
 
The Senate passed a series of bills Monday evening to bolster school security in the wake of the Parkland, Florida school shooting.  The measures include a "Guardians for Schools" vanity plate.  Senate Democrats have pushed a package of gun control measures in response to the Florida shooting.
 
 
 
A Jamestown man is accused of stealing items from the Tops Market on Washington Street early last Sunday morning...  
 
City police were called to the grocery store shortly before 12:30 for a shoplifting in progrress.  Officers located a suspect matching the description and, identified him as 22 year-old Tyler Donovan, who was found in possession of several food items from Tops.  He was taken to city jail pending arraignment for petty larceny. 
 
 
 
A new exhibit highlighting New York women who contributed to the nation's women's rights movement has opened at the state Capitol...  
 
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the exhibit Monday during an event in the East Gallery on the building's second floor.  Titled 1918: The New Day for New York Women the display celebrates a century of progress since women's suffrage was passed in New York state during World War I.  The exhibit also honors 25 New York women who were trailblazers and accomplished a "first" in their chosen fields.   

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 6, 2018

A city man recently convicted of being in possession of an illegal drug -- and trafficking it across the region -- has been sentenced to 2.5 years in federal prison...  
 
U.S. Attorney James Kennedy, Junior says 34 year-old Barrett Johnson was sentenced to the 30-month term by Chief U-S District Court Judge Frank Geraci, Junior in Buffalo late Monday.  Johnson was convicted of possession with intent to distribute MDA, also known as "Molly."  Prosecutors say Johnson sold MDA on multiple occasions, at locations which included Johnson's barbershop.  Two other co-defendants have already been convicted, as well.
 
 
Our on-going freeze-thaw cycle in western New York has caused a lot of "heaving" in the ground, resulting in hundreds of potholes across the city of Jamestown...  
 
With that, the city has developed a new tool for residents to report potholes on-line to help the Public Works Department locate and deal with them once warmer weather arrives.  Mayor Sam Teresi last night outlined the new part of the city's JamestownNY.net website.
 
Teresi says residents just need to leave their information, and the specific location where the pothole is located.  He says DPW crews will use the cold patch until the weather warms up, and "hot patch" is available from Jamestown MacAdam.  Teresi says-- once Jamestown MacAdam opens-- they plan to dedicate a crew to patch potholes and cracks on city streets.  He says street repair will be part of the DPW's Summer Project schedule, which will come out sometime later in April.  
 
There are schools across the state-- including at least one locally-- that have looked into arming teachers in the classroom the past few years to protect against potential shooters...  
 
Sheriff Joe Gerace was part of that panel, along with retired school administrator Tom Schmidt, a few years ago.  Schmidt says the panel first looked at the state's Penal Law and, it could be done under an exemption in that law.
 
Gerace says even after that, there are many questions still to be answered, including what firearms would be allowed, and who would have them.  He says the law itself does not include what kind of firearms would be permitted, or who would be allowed to be trained, and have them.  Gerace says the idea has gone no further than being studied.  Neither Gerace nor Schmidt are advocating for or against guns in schools.  Gerace says there are also liability issues that would have to be considered first.  With that, he would prefer schools that would allow some school personnel to carry guns to also have School Resource Officers.
 
 
The New York Senate has voted to increase state funding to help schools pay for armed police and security upgrades...  
 
Other bills endorsed by the Senate Monday would mandate two annual active-shooter drills and set aside money for mental health services coordinators in local schools.  Another measure would change criminal penalties to make the criminal discharge of a gun within 1,000 feet of a school or place of worship eligible to be considered a terrorist act.  The bills came from members of the Senate's Republican majority, who called them common-sense responses to incidents like the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.  Democrats complained that the bills ignore access to firearms and tried unsuccessfully to add stronger background checks and other gun restrictions.  The legislation now moves to the Democrat-controlled Assembly.
 
 
The mayor of Fredonia says she's disappointed with the direction the Fredonia School Board intends to take when it comes to having a school resource officer in the school district...  
 
School Board members indicated during a meeting last week they desired to have either a retired officer or a school peace officer.  Fredonia Mayor Athanasia Landis Monday moring said she still supports having a village police officer handle the duties for a number of reasons-- including at retired officer not  having the resources a current-officer has.
 
The Fredonia Central School system did have an SRO from the police department handle the duties until three years ago when the village board at the time pulled the plug on the program because of budget cuts.
 
 
Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello is well past the mid-way point in his effort to visit 100 local businesses in his first 100 days in office...  
 
Borrello was out visiting Fredonia Hardware late last week and earlier in the week stopped at Ripley Machine and Tool in Ripley.  Ripley Machine is now owned and operated by the grandson of original owner Quentin Buesink.  Borrello says 24 year-old Andy Reinwald now heads up the operation.
 
Borrello agrees that there has been an up-tick across the county of young "Millennials" who have taken over businesses, or are helping to run them locally.  He says they seem to appreciate what is here and aren't being driven so much by monetary gain.  Borrello says he's been using the visits to see what local companies need to be able to compete and grow in the area.  He says workforce issues continue to be big right now.  As of Monday, Borrello said he has now visited 65 businesses so far. 
 
 
A man from Pennsylvania has been arrested in Jamestown for allegedly driving while drunk, and talking on his cellphone when he nearly struck a pedestrian with his car early last weekend...  
 
City police say a patrol spotted a vehicle commit several traffic infractions on West Third Street about 1 a.m. Saturday and almost struck the person walking.  Officers pulled over 33 year-old Chad Thompson who allegedly had an open container of alcohol in the car and was using his cellphone.  Thompson was arrested for DWI, Aggravated DWI, failure to maintain lane, and operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile device.

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 5, 2018

Two brothers from Jamestown are jailed without bail after allegedly being found with a large quantity of drugs in their possession during routine traffic stop...  
 
City police say their K-9 Unit pulled over the car for failing to sign for a turn at the intersection of Allen Street and Foote Avenue -- near UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital -- about 7:30 last Friday night.  Officers say they found the driver was 49 year-old Henry Myers, while the passenger was his 50 year-old brother, Jeffrey.  Police say they found Henry Myers was driving with a suspended license. When he was taken into custody, he was found with a large amount of Meth and a digital scale.  Police searched the vehicle, and allegedly found another large quantity of methamphetime, along with heroin, marihuana and nearly $2,000 in cash.  Police say they seized nearly 3,000 ounces of Meth, 7 bags of Heroin and 4.2 grams of marijuana.  Both men were arraigned on Felony charges, including second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and sent to the county lock-up.
 
 
 
Two Jamestown residents were arrested late last week on outstanding bench warrants... and, being found in possession of a small amount of methamphetime...  
 
City police say officers spotted the pair, identified as 39 year-old Bradley Knapp and 28 year-old Heather Brown, acting suspiciously near the corner of Water and King Streets.  When police got out of their patrol car, officers say Knapp ran off behind the houses there.  They arrested Brown, who was sought on warrants.  They then searched the area, and found Knapp hiding on the front porch of a home on Water Street.  He was also wanted on city court warrants.  The JPD K-9 found a small baggy of Meth.  Both were arrested on the bench warrants, and for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.    
 
 
 
The Jamestown Raiders went undefeated in the AAU State Hockey tournament mixed division for win the state title... 
 
The Raiders capped the weekend with a sweet victory over Roy-Hart. Our Andrew Hill was featured along-side a group of broadcasters for the play-by-play on WKSN-1340.
 
Net-minder Tommy Chapman was piled on by teammates as the coaching staff embraced during the celebration. The game remained tied until a goal by defenseman Cole Sndyer lifted the Raiders over the Rams with just over 8:00 remaining. Jack Brinkley sealed the deal for Jamestown in the last two minutes, letting a shot fly as Blade Ellis scored on the rebound, making the final score 4-2. 
 
 
 
The number of laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza has dropped across New York state, the first decline since the flu was deemed widespread in December...  
 
Governor Cuomo announced late last week that about 13,700 flu cases were reported last week to the state Department of Health, down from 18,250 the previous week.  He continues to encourage New Yorkers to get a flu shot.  Health officials say the number of New Yorkers hospitalized last week with the lab-confirmed flu cases fell for the third consecutive week to around 1,700.
 
 
 
Chautauqua County's top-elected official says they are "actively pursuing" another Essential Air Service carrier for the county airport near Jamestown after losing it's previous carrier earlier this year...  
 
County Executive George Borrello says the loss of the EAS for Southern Airways Express as one of his first major issues to deal with upon taking office.  Borrello says he remains optimistic that they can get a reliable carrier into the airport soon, and plans to talk with two of them next month when he visits Massena in the north country.
 
Borrello says there are currently two carriers servicing the Massena International Airport which is in a very rural part of the state.  He declined to talk about Massena's carriers, but it's website touts Boutique-Air is one of the carriers.  Chautauqua County lost the Southern Airways service because of low ride counts in it's flights.  The EAS program calls for an average of 10 daily passenger flights per day; however, the county was only averaging 1.7.  Borrello made his comments during this past weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Group stations.
 
 
 
Jury selection is expected to get underway this week in Chautauqua County Court for a Dunkirk woman who is accused of murdering her boyfriend last summer...  
 
Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson confirms that jury selection in the trial for Rebecca Ruiz is set to begin on Tuesday, March 6.  Ruiz allegedly shot 21-year-old Julian Duman to death last July 6 at a residence near the intersection of Lake Shore East and South Zebra Street in Dunkirk.  Ruiz faces charges including second-degree murder.
 
 
 
More than $210-million in state grants is being awarded to scores of municipalities from Buffalo to Westchester to bring broadband internet access to thousands of New York homes and businesses...  
 
Governor Cuomo announced late last week that seven separate grants, totaling $214-million, will be shared by localities in western, central and northern New York, the Finger Lakes region, the Southern Tier, the Mohawk Valley, the Albany area and the Hudson Valley.  When the projects are completed, another 125,000-plus homes and business will have access to high-speed broadband. 
 
 
 
When some Northeast dairy farmers received their milk checks last month, their dairy cooperative included a list of mental health services and a suicide prevention hotline...  
 
It was an alarming sign of the financial stress small dairy farms are enduring.  The Agri-Mark Inc. dairy cooperative says it felt obligated to get the resources out to its one-thousand farmers in New England and New York following the suicide of a member farmer in January.  Minnesota has set up a free 24-hour confidential helpline for farmers, and calls have been pouring into FarmNet, a help line in New York.

News Headlines for Sat., Mar. 3, 2018

Clean-up underway after Winter Storm drops 8 to 18 inches of snow on much of Chautauqua County...
The clean-up is now underway following the half-day long snow storm that struck the region... dumping one to one-and-a-half feet of snow in many parts of Western New York.  The National Weather Service discontinued a Winter Storm Warning late Friday morning as the snow was beginning to end.  Snowfall totals -- in many cases -- mimiced what we see when we get Lake Effect.  The higher amounts tended to be around the Chautauqua Ridge to the north.  Forecaster Steve Welch says the highest official amount was found in two places... one of them Dunkirk.  Welch says both the Dunkirk Aiport and East Aurora, received 18 inches of snow by mid-morning Friday.  Unofficially... we heard about 19 inches of snow in the town of Arkwright... and, there was a report of 16 inches in Cassadaga.
 
 
Winter storm that hits WNY moves into Central and Eastern New York, forming Nor'easter...
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says more than 350,000 utility customers were still without power late last night across the state as winds and snow down tree limbs and power lines.  Most of those have been in Central and Eastern New York.  Cuomo says tractor-trailers are banned on bridges during the severe winter storm that is expected to continue through this afternoon.  He says truck drivers who violate the ban will be arrested and fined.  Overturned tractor-trailers on the Verrazano Bridge and the new Mario Cuomo Bridge caused major traffic delays Friday.
 
 
Jury Selection for Ruiz trial set to begin...
Jury selection is expected to get underway next week in Chautauqua County Court for a Dunkirk woman who is accused of murdering her boyfriend last summer.  Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson confirms that jury selection in the trial for Rebecca Ruiz is set to begin on Tuesday, March 6.  Ruiz allegedly shot to death 21-year-old Julian Duman on July 6th at a residence near the intersection of Lake Shore East and South Zebra Street in Dunkirk.  Besides second degree murder, Ruiz was also indicted by a county grand jury on second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and tampering with evidence.  
 
 
Dunkirk man arrested for forgery...
A north county man is being held on $5,000 bail for allegedly stealing and cashing checks that did not belong to him.  Sheriff's officers received the report of a larceny that previously occurred on February 16th at an address on Bennett Road in the town of Dunkirk.  Following an investigation... deputies say 28 year-old Michael Bobik -- of Dunkirk -- had stolen bank checks that did not belong to him. He is alleged to have forged a signature and cash the checks for a total of $2,000.  Bobik was arraigned and sent to county jail on charges of petty larceny... fourth-degree grand larceny... second-degree forgery... and, criminal possession of a forged instrument. 
 
 
"Alarming sign" of financial stress on small dairy farms being seen in Northeast...
When some Northeast dairy farmers received their milk checks last month, their dairy cooperative included a list of mental health services and a suicide prevention hotline.  It was an alarming sign of the financial stress small dairy farms are enduring.  The Agri-Mark Inc. dairy cooperative says it felt obligated to get the resources out to its one-thousand farmers in New England and New York following the suicide of a member farmer in January.  Agri-Mark economist Bob Wellington says farmers are facing their fourth year of payments well below their cost of production, due in part to a national and global oversupply of milk.  Minnesota has set up a free 24-hour confidential helpline for farmers, and calls have been pouring into FarmNet, a help line in New York.
 
 
Democratic candidates for 23rd Congressional race sound off on Health Care...
Health care was a major focus of this past week's Democratic candidate's forum for the 23rd Congressional District in Celoron.  All six candidates vying for a chance to run against incumbant Republican Tom Reed support creaton of a "single-payer..." or "Medicare for All" program.  However... the issue becomes how to pay for it.  Jamestown attorney Eddie Sundquist says he supports a special tax to help cover that projected 25 to 40-percent tax increase that would be needed.  Sundquist says the tax would be on corporate profits being held overseas to avoid taxes.  All six candidates support the concept of "Medicare for All" because -- they say -- health care outcomes would be better... and, it would be more cost-effective over the long-run.  One of them is Ithaca's Ian Golden... who says citizens pay about $3.2-trillion for health care each year.  He says projections are that "Medicare for All" would cost $1.8-to-$2.5-trillion.  Most of the candidates -- including Ithaca's Tracy Mitrano -- supported a "phasing-in" of a lower age for people to go onto the "Medicare for All" program.  Another candidate from the eastern part of the district... Linda Andrei... agrees with a phasing-in of a lower age.  Mitrano added that there is currently a House bill that would eliminate the current "profit-motive system" of health care.
 
 

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 2, 2018

The National Weather Service is continuing a Winter Storm Warning through 1 p.m. this afternoon for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties...  
 
Forecaster Aaron Reynolds of the National Weather Service in Buffalo says a storm system has brought some heavy, wet snow to the area that began last night and will continue well into today.  Reynolds says some places will see more than others.  Reynolds says travel will be very difficult to near impossible through the morning commute today.  Gusty winds and wet, heavy snow could cause tree branches to fall.  Again, our Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 1:00 today, but we're expecting snow through much of the day.
 
 
 
The six people vying for the Democratic nomination to run against incumbant Congressman Tom Reed were on Celoron last night for the party's latest candidates forum...  
 
They spoke before just over 100 people during the forum at the Celoron American Legion about why they got into the race and what they feel are the key issues.  Jamestown attorney Eddie Sundquist returned to the area a few years ago and says he want's to be part of the effort to bring real change to the area.
 
Linda Andrei is from the eastern end of the 23rd Congressional District... and, is a doctor and scientist.  She says the U-S has had a number of programs that are part of a "social contract" with it's citizens.  Andrei want's to expand that.
 
Owego's Max Della Pia provides a number of perspectives to the race with a military background, as well as legislative and legal.  Della Pia says he will stand up against special interests, which he calls a "domestic threat."  He adds he also will not be a "rubber stamp" for President Trump, like Reed currently is.  The candidates sounded off during the two-hour forum about a number of topics, including single-payer health care and the threat of nuclear war.
 
 
 
Democratic members of Congress are feeling some pressure to propose a school-gun safety bill for lawmakers to consider...  
 
But, there will be one by the end of the week.  That from U-S Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who made his comments late Wednesday in the wake of criticism by Governor Andrew Cuomo.  Cuomo said Democrats on the federal level need to draw up a "serious" proposal that covers school safety, and gun control.
 
Meantime, a Republican senator from neaby Pennsylvania is calling on President Donald Trump to back his proposed legislation on gun restrictions and says it would an important step in standing up to the NRA.  Senator Pat Toomey acknowledges the bill he's sponsoring with Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia lacks the needed votes for Senate passage.
 
 
 
Chautauqua County's top-elected official believes there should be school resource officers in every school...  
 
County Executive George Borrello spoke about SROs after the County Legislature approved an agreement that will have a sheriff's deputy as an SRO in Silver Creek Central.  Borrello says Sheriff Joe Gerace is looking into a plan that would allow all schools to have the specially trained police officers in their buildings.
 
Borrello says he believes having an SRO in a school building makes a big difference because they help create a "better environment" in these schools.  The legislature approved the agreement that will have a Sheriff's deputy continue to serve as an SRO at Silver Creek Central for about $76,000.  The vote was unanimous.
 
 
 
There have been more tough discussions for school officials across the nation in the wake of the recent mass shooting that took 17 lives in Florida... 
 
In the Southwestern Central School District, Superintendent Maureen Donahue says the subject came up during this week's school board meeting.  Donahue says they reviewed safety measures they take for their three-building campus in West Ellicott.  Donahue says theY don't have a School Resource Officer, but adds they do have a standing agreement with Ellicott Town Police that allows them to check in during the week.
 
With tight budgets in recent years, Southwestern has not been able to fund an SRO program.  However, Donahue says they would certainly look at it -- if state and federal funding were again made available.  In addition, Donahue says it's time for government to start funding Mental Health services in the community the way it needs to be and enhance programs for youth-in-need.  She says the district itself has been able to address mental health issues in the schools themselves.
 
 
 
Minority Republicans in the state Assembly are calling on Governor Cuomo to create a new commission to study school security...  
 
The proposed panel, which would be called the Temporary Commission on School Safety and Security, would include members from law enforcement, public education and state government.  Assemblyman Brian Kolb, who leads the chamber's Republican minority, says the commission could look at setting uniform security standards for schools throughout the state.  He says simple, small changes that could prevent another tragedy, like limiting access to schools to a single secure entry point. 
 
 
 
A Randolph man faces several charges including felony aggravated driving while intoxicated, after being pulled over on Interstate-86 for driving the wrong direction...  
 
Sheriff's officers in Little Valley received the report of a vehicle traveling east in the westbound lane shortly before 1 a.m. Wednesday.  Deputies say they pulled over the vehicle and believed the driver, 59 year-old John Fellows, to be intoxicated.  Fellows was given sobriety and breath tests at scene by deputies before being arrested.  He was arraigned and released to appear in Randolph Town Court next week.

WJTN News Headlines for Mar. 1, 2018

February has left the area like a lamb, but it appears that March could come roaring in like a lion after all... 
 
A storm system will approach western New York later today and could bring some heavy, wet snow to the area through Friday morning.  The National Weather Service is continuing a Winter Storm Warning for tonight into Friday night for the entire area including Chautauqua, Cattauragus and Erie counties.  Forecaster David Church in Buffalo says the precipitation will begin as rain this afternoon before turning into snow by nighttime or overnight.
 
Church says there is some uncertainty about snowfall totals, due to the temperatures.  He says where the mercury is slightly above freezing, there won't be as much snow;  colder areas will have more.  Difficult travel conditions are possible, including during the morning commute on Friday.  Gusty winds and wet heavy snow could cause tree branches to fall. Total snow accumulations are expected to be between six to 10 inches.  We'll continue to have updates as the storm approaches.
 
 
A federal program designed to "choke off" drugs and drug trafficking on the local level is in jeopardy of being dimembered by the Washington bureaucracy...  
 
That from U-S Senator Charles Schumer of New York, who said late Wednesday that the new budget is proposing to move the "High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area" -- or HIDTA Program from a White House-level program, to one that's part of the U-S Department of Justice.  
 
Schumer says the best part of HIDTA is that it provides a direct link between federal and local law enforcement. He says the feds may find out a new shipment of Fentanyl -- for example -- may have come in from China, and is destined for an upstate community.  Under the current program, he says the federal agents are able to go directly to local officials and let them know what's going on.  He says if it get's "buried" in the Justice Department, it will require jumping through "10 different hoops" to get information from the federal to the local level.  Schumer says Chautauqua County was among the first counties in the United States that became part of the "High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area" program.
 
 
A total of $10-million in state funding has been awarded to five providers who will offer detox programs for New Yorkers suffering from addiction withdrawal...  
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced late Tuesday that 84 beds for the Medically Supervised Withdrawal and Stabilization Services will be overseen with around-the-clock care for people under the influence of alcohol or opioids and will connect addiction sufferers to long-term treatment services.  The Democrat says the funding will allow service providers to people in underserved areas get the help they need. 
 
 
Chautauqua County lawmakers have taken another step toward extending the South Chautauqua Lake Sewer District...  
 
By an 18-0 vote, legislators approved $16.9-million in bonding for the design and construction of the extension.  County Executive George Borrello says it's a good start, but more work is needed because of a funding gap.  The State Comptroller's Office wants the gap closed before moving ahead with the project.
 
The legislature approved  another bonding resolution, this one for $650,000 to cover the cost for the design and construction of a fuel farm at the Dunkirk Airport. The vote 17-1 with Legislator David Himelein casting the lone no vote. In other action, county legislators approved an agreement for a school resource officer at Silver Creek Central.  A sheriff's deputy will be used as an SRO at an annual cost of about $76,000.  The district will fund the position.
 
 
Heritage Ministries has announced that it has acquired an eldercare facility near Meadville, Pennsylvania that is now part of it's network of assisted living and other facilities...  
 
Heritage's President and Chief Executive Officer, David Smeltzer, says they have acquired Rolling Fields Elder Care Community of Conneautville, Pennsylvania.  Smeltzer says Rolling Fields was founded in 1968 when Duane and Marlene Braham purchased the facilities belonging to Elwood Heaster.  In 1995, a 60 bed addition was constructed resulting in the current 181 bed facility which also offers on-site childcare services for employee care partners and the community.  Smeltzer says Heritage is a leader in the industry, and this acquisition will serve to strengthen that position.  He says there will be no change in local operations.
 
 
The Ellicott Town Board will hold a special meeting this afternoon at the town offices in Falconer to discuss a resolution to support aquatic pesticide use on Chautauqua Lake...  
 
Town Clerk Mike Erlandson says it's the only item on the agenda, but says there are three parts to the resolution.  The board decided to take up the measure now instead of waiting until it's regular meeting on March 19.  The Ellicott Town Board meeting will begin at 12 p.m. this afternoon.
 
 
An investigation by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit and Fredonia Police has led to additional arrests for possession of fraudulent driver's licenses...  
 
Fredonia Police Chief Brad Meyers says that on February 8, undercover officers with both agencies reviewed the licenses of patrons entering downtown bars and made a total of 17 arrests.  He says those arrested were released on appearance tickets.  A December detail led to 26 arrests.

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