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WJTN Headlines for Sat., Sept. 29, 2018

Final clean-up of Falconer arson fire site now underway...
A collaborative effort among several south county communities will allow the site of an arson fire a year-and-a-half ago in Falconer to be cleaned-up... and redeveloped.  Chautauqua County officials joined with others -- including Falconer Mayor Jim Rensel -- to announce the communities providing landfill credits so a contractor can take the debris from 29-to-37 West Main St. to the Ellery facility at no charge.  Rensel thanked officials in the towns of Poland, Ellington, Gerry, Carroll and the village of Celoron, for donating their landfill credits to help.  County Executive George Borrello praised the effort... which will allow the village to move forward on re-developing the location -- including the Chautauqua County Landbank.  In addition... the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency will assist with managing the remaining demolition and clean-up.  City Development Director Vince DeJoy recalled that the Falconer fire corresponded with a series of arsons in Jamestown.  Four of them occured the following day in the city, and they needed four different crews to demolish those structures.  Local police and the Chautauqua County District Attorney's office have accused a Falconer man, 20 year-old Jonathon Young... of setting about a dozen fires in the immediate Jamestown area.  Young was extradicted from Pennsylvania... where he faced similar charges... earlier this year.  


More information on West Ellicott House fire...
A number of fire companies were called to a house fire in West Ellicott early Friday morning.  According to the Post Journal, a neighbor spotted the fire at 67 South Alleghany Ave.  The home was vacant at the time of the fire.  Crews from Celeron, Lakewood, Busti, Fluvanna and Kiantone were on the scene for about a half an hour.  Fire investigators were called to the scene, though at this time a cause has not been released.  It was determined the first started near the garage.  The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities said Friday that water could be discolored in Lakewood and Celeron due to the fire.  


Investigation ongoing into fatal car-motorcycle accident in Cattaraugus County...
The investigation is continuing into a fatal car-motorcyle crash in the Cattaraugus County town of Olean just over a week ago.  Sheriff's officers in Little Valley aren't releasing many details... but, say the accident occured on Route 16 just before 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 18th.  Deputies say the motorcycle was southbound when it was struck by a Sports Utility Vehicle that was turning onto Route 16 from Fairview Land.  The operator of the bike was rushed to Olean General Hospital where they were pronouned dead.  The driver of the SUV was also taken to Olean General... and, treated for minor injuries.  No charges have been filed.  


Anderson Precision signs new Flex Plan Agreement with BPU...
The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities has signed a new, four-year Flex Plan agreement with a local employer to help it save on it's electric costs.  BPU General Manager Dave Leathers, and Mayor Sam Teresi, were at Anderson Precision Products Friday afternoon to sign the new agreement... which runs from this coming November 1 through October 31 of 2022.  Anderson's Co-Owner, David Archer, says their past agreement has helped them grow their global sales and purchasing efforts.  Anderson Precision makes precision-turned metal parts... and, fittings to meet almost any requirement on a global-scale.  The company won the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce's 2018 "Manufacturer of the Year" award.  Teresi says there are just a few, small ways that local government can assist local businesses.  He says this is a good one, because the BPU becomes "tool" to assist economic development. 


City woman arrested for DWI and Drug possession following Frewsburg accident...
A Jamestown woman has been arrested for allegedly being drunk when she was involved in a one-car, rollover accident in Frewsburg this past Tuesday.  State Police in Jamestown were called to the scene on Sawmill Run Road... and, found that 45 year-old Robin Smith was the lone occupant of the vehicle.  Troopers and Frewsburg firefighters helped Smith out of the vehicle... but, she was found to be intoxicated.  She was allegedly found to be in possession of morphine and clonazepam, both controlled substances for which she did not have a prescription.  Smith provided a breath sample.. and, was found with a blood alcohol content of point-15.  She was arraigned in South Valley town Court on charges including Felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, issued appearance tickets.


Jamestown man arrested in Kiantone for trespassing...
A man wanted on a warrant in the city of Jamestown was arrested in Kiantone for tresspassing onto a person's property early Thursday morning.  Sheriff's officers responded to Carlson Road for two people fighting... and, spoke with the victim on arrival, who reportedly said 25 year-old Ryan Paulisick had additionally taken property and damaged their vehicle.  Paulisick allegedly fled the scene prior to the officers's arrival... but, was located quickly by Ellicott Police.  He was taken into custody for the outstanding warrant, prior to officers obtaining an arrest warrant for the Carlson Road incident.  Paulisick will be appear in Kiantone Town Court at a later date. 


State reached agreement with feds on "I LOVE NY" program sign...
State and federal transportation regulators have reached an agreement allowing "I Love NY" highway signs to stay in place without costing New York $14-million in highway funding.  The Federal Highway Administration had warned the state that the 514 big blue tourism signs along highways from Long Island to Buffalo didn't adhere to regulations and were distracting to drivers.  New York stood to lose federal funding if the dispute wasn't resolved by month's end. 

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 29, 2018

Local fire crews were hard at work on a house fire that broke out in the Village of Celoron early this morning... 

County dispatchers say crews were called to South Allegheny Avenue about 2:20 a.m., with assistance from Lakewood, Busti and Fluvanna fire departments. We have a message into the Celoron Fire Department at this time. We'll continue following this story as more information becomes available.  

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The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities notes discolored water in West Ellicott, Celoron and Lakewood is possible today due to the fire. 


Nearly 20 members of Congress have committed to back a proposal by the "Problem Solver's" caucus that will "fast-track" bi-partisan legislation in the House of Representatives...  

Local Congressman Tom Reed, who co-chairs the caucus, adds they also want whoever the next Speaker is, they want them to commit to the "Break the Gridlock" legislation, as well.  Reed is one of the 19 members who have announced that they have agreed to only vote for a Speaker who supports the legislation, and he believes that will increase.

During his conference call with Southern Tier media on Thursday, Reed said there are about a dozen members of Congress who have expressed an interest in being speaker, including Ohio Republican Jim Jordan -- who is a member of the conservative "Freedom Caucus."  Reed says he has talked with Jordan about that possibility.  He adds that Jordan has been positive about such reforms to get Congress moving in a more positive direction. 


Several political campaigns in New York have come under criticism over campaign messaging deemed by some to have been designed to exploit voters' racial biases or xenophobia...  

In the latest skirmish, a Democratic congressman in California assailed a New York Republican colleague over an attack ad that showed his opponent speaking Korean, over a backdrop of ominous music, a portrait of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and captions falsely implying he was talking about sending American jobs to Asia.  California Congressman Ted Lieu of California on Twitter told Buffalo-area Republican Chris Collins of western New York's 27th District to "take your racist ad and shove it."  A Collins spokeswoman said the ad was about the economic policies of Democratic opponent Nate McMurray, and race had nothing to do with it.


There are two special events for the Resource Center this weekend, beginning with the 4th Annual Sprout Film Festival at 7:30 tonight at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts...  

Kevin Anderson, Assistant Director of Employment and Community Based Services, says 'Sprout' is a series of short films made by or about people with disabilities. Admission is free. Meanwhile, the "Step-Up for Autism" walk to Chautauqua Lake starts at 10 a.m. at the Dunham Avenue Admininstration Offices. More information on both events is available at resourcecenter.org.


The head of the county legislature is happy with their starting point, regarding Executive George Borrello's 2019 budget proposal...  

Chairman P-J Wendel adds, though, that the legislature will not "rubber stamp" the more than $254-million spending plan.  Wendel says -- for him - the biggest part of the budget is that it's balanced and plugs a projected deficit.

Wendel says he's excited about the creative way Borrello has looked at the budget and, eliminated the deficit.  One area of interest in the spending plan is whether it includes the hiring of a special, drug prosecutor for the District Attorney's office.  Wendel says if the item is in the budget proposal, he doubts it would be taken out.  County Executive Borrello noted after the meeting that the added prosecutor is in the budget he is presenting and, that's an additional $65,000 expense.  The Audit and Control Committee -- chaired by Pierre Chagnon -- begins it's budget review next Monday.


A number of contract renewals for goods and services routinely come across the Chautauqua County Executive's desk and most cases they have been routinely approved with little problem...  

However, that's going to change effective immediately.  That from County Executive George Borrello during his first budget presentation Wednesday night.  Borrello says -- if the county is going to reduce costs going forward -- it has to look at every vendor agreement with a discerning eye.  He adds that's also going to be the case for state bids.

Borrello says he wants to restore "common sense" to the state bid process.  The $254-million-plus budget proposal includes no tax increase and, doesn't use any undesignated fund balance to balance the spending plan.  The county legislature's Audit and Control Committee begins work on the budget next week, meeting with department heads.


A city man is jailed pending arraignment for burglarizing a home and fleeing from officers during a domestic incident early Wednesday morning...  

Jamestown police were called to 15 Benedict Avenue at 12:30 and, learned 34 year-old Justin Cusimano allegedly forced his way into the house, and stole property from the victim -- who has a valid stay away order of protection.  As officers walked up to the home, Cusimano was seen running away in a wooded area, which led to a short foot chase.  Officers also say they saw the suspect throw two small plastic baggies possibly containing drugs.  He was taken into custody and sent to the City Jail for second-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny, and criminal contempt. 


A retired state trooper has been hired as a school safety advisor for the Fredonia Central School District.. 

Superintendent Jeff Sortisio says the school board approved the hiring of Tim Kachelmeyer for the position Wednesday night.  Sortisio says he believes the military man and Dunkirk coach will connect well with students.  Kachelmeyer begins his new duties on Monday.


The deadline for removing New York's famous ``I Love N-Y'' signs is fast approaching, and neither the state nor the federal government seems to be backing down...  

Federal highway regulators say they believe Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo's administration is working to take down the tourism-promotion signs by Sunday.  Without a deal by month's end, New York could lose $14 million in funding.  The state Department of Transportation says it has not been ordered to take down the 500-plus signs on a big stretch of roads from Long Island to Buffalo.  The federal government has long maintained the signs violate its regulations. The state disagrees.  Officials say discussions are continuing.

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 27, 2018

The ability to find new ways to increase revenues and, made dozens of small and big cuts, has allowed Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello to propose a no-tax increase budget for 2019....  

Borrello presented his first tentative spending plan to the legislature at last night's monthly meeting.  He presented a handful of big ways he was able to cut spending, and increase revenues.  One significant cut involves re-bidding the county's employee health insurance, which is eight-percent of the entire budget.

Borrello says the county had to make an "accounting adjustment" to begin the process, which required $4.2-million to be moved from the undesignated fund balance to their capital reserve fund.  With that, he says the budget team decided to use $3.4-million more into roads and bridges and, upgrade equipment for the Public Facilities Department.  Through his "bushel full of pennies" philosophy, Borrello says most department heads were able to meet -- or exceed their own budget targets in the just over $254-million budget.  The legislature begins hearings on the budget next week.


A 15 year-old boy was struck by a single gun-shot fired by someone during an apparent drive-by shooting in Warren County's Eldred Township...  

State Police in Warren say someone in a vehicle fired the round at a residence in the 14-hundred block of Fiddlersgreen Road about 4:45 Wednesday morning.  Troopers say the suspect vehicle then fled the scene.  Police say the teenager was taken to Titusville Hospital for treatment.  Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call State Police at 1-814-728-3600 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-832-7463.


A condemned house that's been a serious blight on an eastside street in the city of Jamestown will soon be torn down and it won't be too soon for the neighbors there...  


The matter regarding the property at 42 Eagle Street was first brought up just over a week ago after the man told a council member that he had brought the property from the previous owner for a dollar.  However, the man has been living outside the home in a tent with no means to upgrade the property.  A woman from the neighborhood says the man is nothing more than a vagrant.

The woman, who wished not to be identified, says all the proper channels to get the property condemned have been gone through.  Mayor Sam Teresi says he and the Department of Development fully-agree with the residents there.  Teresi says, if the man living on the property has the means later to buy and rehabilitate the property, there are plenty of others in the city that would be better suited than the one on Eagle Street.


The Jamestown YMCA has been looking into options to become more financially responsible with resources over the past two years, in order to provide members with programs they want to see in facilities...  

However, an reported petition to "Save the Lakewood YMCA" has been circulating and, local YMCA Chief Executive Officer Mark Eckendorf says it's produced a "misunderstanding."

Eckendorf says the Jamestown YMCA is working with a professional company to do a feasibility study with "due diligence" by asking community members their feelings about consolidation and the possibility of a new YMCA location via telephone and email.  In a printed released, he says the 'Y' has been "part of this community for more than 157-years and will continue to be a part of this community for many more".  Again, the Lakewood YMCA is NOT closing and all programs will continue as is.  Eckendorf says nothing is immediate and all discussions are only exploratory.  


Congress has passed a bill that includes $75-million each year through 2025 to clean-up nuclear waste at the West Valley Demonstration Project in Cattaraugus County....  

Local Representative Tom Reed announced the approval late Tuesday and, says he's been proud to be "an unrelenting advocate" for West Valley.   Reed adds that he worked to ensure there would be a "fair amount of funding for the complete and total cleanup of this nuclear site."  He says the bill offers "clarity and, ensures the health and safety of our environment for years to come.  He also urged his colleagues in the Senate to quickly pass our bill to reauthorize this vital nuclear cleanup project while speaking on the House floor.


New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has blamed upstate weather for prompting people to flee to other states....  

The Democrat, who is up for re-election this November, told reporters Tuesday that while job losses and high taxes once drove people to leave New York, his administration has ended that trend and improved the local economic situation.  He says many of the New Yorkers leaving the state now are doing so for personal reasons or decisions that he called "climate based."  The comments came after Cuomo's Republican challenger, Marc Molinaro, said Cuomo has failed to stem the number of New Yorkers leaving for states with lower taxes and more jobs. 

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 26, 2018

The head of the union representing Jamestown firefighters is urging city lawmakers to step in and, push for a quick resolution to the leaking issue at Station-One at Tracy Plaza....  

As we first reported a couple of weeks ago, a new leaking problem has cropped up with the contractor doing renovation work on the top of the plaza.  Fire Lieutenant Shawn Shilling addressed lawmakers at Monday night's council meeting, saying the Professional Firefighters Local 1776 has several concerns, including poor working conditions.

However, Mayor Sam Teresi says the matter is being addressed by the contractor, as well as city officials.  Teresi says they are again working with the contractor's insurance to get the necessary repairs made.  He adds a mitigation plan has been in place, and, fire management stated it was okay to use the area affected again.  Teresi says he's disappointed that the union chief used "a public grandstanding" approach to dealing with the matter.  He adds the contractor is in the final stages of finishing repairs and renovations on the city hall Police Station.

 

The first Jamestown City Council meeting held outside of City Hall in many years went off without few -- if any problems -- on Monday night...  

Those are the feelings of both lawmakers and Mayor Sam Teresi following the meeting at the main pavillion at Chadakoin Park.  Teresi believes the session, which was attended by about a dozen people, is a model they can use for other such meetings.

In addition to the Mayor's Office, the city Parks Department was also involved in the effort.  Parks Manager John Williams oversaw the set up in the park, including the sound system.  The meeting allowed lawmakers to showcase what has happened at the park in recent years -- including the opening of the new playground area near the pavillion. 


The controversial mayor of the village of Lakewood says she is still the mayor and has not moved... 

Speculation has run rampant after Monday night's village board meeting, which was not attended by Cara Birritierri.  Birritierri has missed a number of meetings in recent months, leading to rumors of the possibility of her stepping down with just over a year left in her term.  She has been embroiled in a number of controversies, most recently over approval of a water test along the village's shores with Chautauqua Lake to check on whether herbicides used in the town of Busti impacted local water.  The village board recently okayed paying the Chautauqua Lake Association for the testing, but it's not clear yet whether Birritierri or someone else ordered the testing.  Birritierri replied to our Facebook message today saying she had not moved from the village, and was still -- indeed -- mayor.


The Democratic challenger for the 23rd Congressional seat is sounding the alarm on the latest House budget plan which says would allow Social Security and Medicare to be used to balance the budget in 10 years...  

Ithaca's Tracy Mitrano says last year's tax reform bill will create an additional $1.4-trillion in deficits.  With that, Mitrano says outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan included the proposal, approved by the House Ways and Means Committee.

Mitrano says while Reed labels her as an "Extreme Ithaca Liberal..." he has been even more to the extreme among convervatives.  She says the Corning Republican's "rhetoric doesn't match his record" when he contends he is a moderate.  Mitrano says voters need to understand that this "is Mr. Reed's policy, this is his plan, and it will deeply affect their lives."  She says any raiding of Social Security and Medicare will be devastating to the 166,000 people in the Southern Tier district who rely solely on Social Security to pay their bills.  Mitrano made her comments during her weekly press call with regional media.


Congressman Tom Reed's campaign responded to the accusation Tueday afternoon, saying this is "just another deceptive attack from our opponent"....  

Tom Reed for Congress Communications Director Abbey Daugherty says "Tom has never supported anything that would take away Social Security benefits from those currently receiving them and, has in fact been outspoken in his belief that those who have paid into the system all their working lives deserve to receive their full benefits."


 A two-month long investigation into alleged cocaine sales in the city of Dunkirk resulted in two arrests Monday afternoon...  

The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and the Dunkirk Police Department's Special Response Team executed a search warrant at 62 Lincoln Avenue around 5:30.  Police Chief David Ortolano spoke about the charges placed against the two men who allegedly sold quantities of cocaine to agents of the Task Force during the course of the investigation.  The search led to the recovery of a quantity of cocaine, suboxone, an assortment of tablet form controlled substances, scales and packaging materials along with a large amount of currency. Ortolano says additional charges are possible after the other controlled substances are tested. 


A north county man had to be tasered after he resisted arrest for allegedly stealing merchandise from the Wal-Mart SuperCenter in the village of Lakewood...  


Lakewood-Busti Police say they were called to the scene on Fairmount Avenue shortly after 5 p.m. Monday after 26 year-old Luca Brownlee of Dunkirk fled the store and, was later found in the Olive Garden Parking lot at the Chautauqua Mall.  Police say, when they confronted him, Brownlee ran off through the parking lot.  During the pursuit, officers deployed a taser to try and stop the suspect.  He was then arrested in front of the Plant Fitness club near the mall's main entrance.  Brownlee was arraigned on charges of third-degree burglary, petty larceny, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest and sent to the county jail pending further court action.


A Jamestown man was arrested for allegedly punching his ex-girlfriend in the face early Tuesday morning... 

City police responded to 107 Maple Street for a physical domestic dispute shortly before 3 a.m. and, the victim told officers 24 year-old Caleb Goodemote struck her multiple times and prevented her from leaving the residence. Goodemote was located a short distance away and taken into custody for third-degree assault and second-degree unlawful imprisonment. He's being held in City Jail pending arraignment. 


A Bemus Point man was arrested for two counts of drug possession after he was pulled over for speeding Monday...

State Police say 44 year-old Jeremy Shepherd was stopped for allegedly going 96-mph in a 55-mph zone on Dutch Hollow Road. While speaking to Troopers, Shepherd revealed that he was in possession of Carisoprodol -- a controlled substance he did not have a prescription for. A search of his vehicle additionally revealed a partial Suboxone strip. Shepherd was taken into custody and is scheduled to appear in Ellery Court at a later date.


A priest in the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo has been placed on administrative leave following a complaint of abuse...  

The diocese announced Monday that Father Ronald Mierzwa  is currently under internal investigation. Mierzwa serves as a pastor at a church in Ellicottville in Cattaraugus County.  He is one of more than 100 priests in the Diocese of Buffalo to be accused of misconduct.  Church officials say putting the priest on leave doesn't imply there's truth or falsity of the complaint.

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 25, 2018

A Forestville man has been arrested for allegedly manufacturing and trafficking methamphetime from a home in the north county village...  

Members of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, and the State Police C-SERT Team investigated a suspect meth lab and disposal site at 46 Pearl Street a week ago yesterday.  Task Force agents say they also got a court order to search a garage allegedly used by 29 year-old Timothy Will and another person and, additional items to make meth were allegedly found.  As a result of the search, a warrant was issued and Will was arrested at a home on Mixer Road in Forestville.  He was arrested for third-degree unlawful manufacturing of methamphetime, and unlawful disposal of methamphetime lab materials.  Will was arraigned and, sent to the county jail on $15,000 cash bail.  If you suspect suspicious or illegal drug activity, call the task force at 1-800-344-8702.


Four people -- one a fugitive from justice -- were arrested during a drug raid at a Jamestown apartment last Friday...  

Agents with the Metro Drug Task Force executed a search warrant for a residence at 10-91 E. 2nd Street and, gained entry with help from the Jamestown Police SWAT team.  While inside, investigators reportedly found a sawed-off shotgun, swtichblade knife, drug paraphernalia and 4.9-grams of crystal meth.  Arrested were 36 year-old Joshua Doud; 34 year-old Jamie Bennett; 37 year-old Angel Mason; and 33 year-old Ricky Sadler, who was found to be wanted out of McKean, Pennsylvania on an assault charge.  The four were taken to the city jail and arraigned on various charges.

**Anyone with information on illegal drug trafficking or sales in the Jamestown area can leave tips annonymously with JPD by calling 483-TIPS (8477) or the tips 411 App.


The city of Jamestown now has a full compliment of constables after the City Council approved the appointment of an Elam Avenue man to fill a vacancy...  

Mayor Sam Teresi presented two appointments to lawmakers at last night's outdoor voting session at Chadakoin Park.  Teresi submitted the name of resident G. Richard Bird to council members and, the appointment was approved unanimously.

The constable background check is done by the Jamestown Police Department.  Teresi says he was "pleasantly surprised" that Bird was interested in the unpaid position.  Constables in the city perform a number of duties, but one of the key ones is the delivery of eviction notices to tenants from local landlords.  The Real Estate Investors Association, which represents landlords, had called for the post to be filled.  REIA President Harold Whitford was at the meeting and, simply thanked the mayor for making the appointment.


New York state is hosting three public listening sessions this week in New York City to gather input on proposals to legalize recreational marijuana....  

The meetings had been scheduled for yesterday in Queens, today in Brooklyn and Wednesday on Staten Island.  Several listening sessions have already been held upstate, and more are planned throughout the state.  On Friday, two more in Westchester and Suffolk counties were added to the calendar for October.  Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers are expected to take up proposals to legalize and regulate marijuana next year.  State officials say the listening sessions will help guide them as they work out the details of the legislation.


No injuries have been reported, but a handful of local fire departments and rescue teams were called to a structure fire in Cherry Creek Monday afternoon....  


Chautauqua County Fire Dispatchers says Cherry Creek firefighters responded to the scene at 66-13 Main Street just before 1:30.  Dispatchers say Ellington and South Dayton fire crews, along with the county's fire investigation team, and coordinators, were also called in.  Efforts to reach the Cherry Creek fire hall were unsuccessful.
 
The Republican challenger in the race for Chautauqua County Sheriff says the opioid epidemic remains one of the biggest issues he speaks to on the campaign trail...  


Lakewood's Jim Quattrone says, while deaths are reportedly down in Chautauqua County, he remains concerned because Narcan is helping the situation.  However, he says as strong opioids and synthetics become more prevalent, Narcan becomes less effective.

Quattrone is challenging Democrat Joe Gerace, who has been County Sheriff since 1995.  Both candidates say they oppose the legalization of marijuana in New York State.  But, Quattrone says the county needs to prepare should the recreational use of pot by adults become state law and, says there needs to be further efforts to education children about the dangers of using marijuana.  Quattrone, who recently won the Conservative Party primary, also says he wants to Sheriff's office work closer with local police agencies on the drug issue.

A man who escaped Nazi Germany as a boy and went on to become a distinguished World War Two scholar, told his story in Jamestown...

Dr. Gerhard Weinberg is Jewish, and was 11 years-old when he and his siblings left Hanover, Germany.  He says it was only after he immigrated here that he came to understand he escaped with his life.  Now at age 90, and a Professor Emeritus at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Weinberg says it's important to know to the true significance of the Allied victory in World War Two.

Weinberg says the killing of Jews in the Nazi era is the 'worst catastrophe in human history that we know anything about', and he adds there are no automatic guarantees to insure it does not happen again.  Gerhard Weinberg was at the Robert H. Jackson Center for the first ever Al and Marge Brown lecture on WWII, an annual program started by Phil and May Ann Zimmer.  Albert Brown was a World War Two veteran and President at the SUNY College at Brockport through the sixties and seventies.  

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 24, 2108

 
A nearly 12-hour stand-off on Jamestown's northside ended peacefully yesterday afternoon with the arrest of a city man on multiple charges...  
 
Jamestown police were called to the scene of a reported "in-progress" domestic assault at 22 Spring Street Extension about 3 a.m. Sunday and, were able to get the unidentified woman involved safely away from the scene.  They identified the man as 28 year-old Nicholas Brown... who had barricaded himself inside the residence with a 9 year-old child.  JPD Captain Bob Samuelson says their SWAT Team was called in and, forced entry about 2:15 p.m. after crisis negotiators tried to get Brown to surrender peacefully.  Samuelson says Brown was wanted for multiple warrants.  Brown was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for an evalutaton, then jailed pending arraignment on charges of obstruction, endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree menancing and second-degree unlawful imprisonment.
 
 
A Forestville man was seriously injured during a motorcycle accident in the Town of Hanover Sunday evening... 
 
Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Creek Road for a single-vehicle accident with injury just before 8:30. Investigation found that 54 year-old John Sausner was south-bound when he allegedly lost control of his motorcycle and went off the roadway. Deputies say Sausner was air-lifted to Erie County Medical Center Hospital for treatment. The investigation is still on-going, with charges pending at this time.  
 
 
A woman from South Carolina was arrested early last weekend on a drunk driving charge after crashing her car in the north county town of Hanover...  
 
Sheriff's deputies say 29 year-old Aimee Weber of Charleston was traveling on Hanover Road about 5 a.m. Saturday when she lost control of the vehicle, and it crashed.  Officers responded and, found Weber to be the driver.  An investigation revealed that she was allegedly drunk, and she refused a breath test.  She was not hurt.  Weber was arraigned in town court on charges of Felony DWI, refusing the breath test, and moving from lane unsafely.  She was then released under the supervision of her attorney.
 
 
Chadakoin Park will be spotlighted tonight as the Jamestown City Council hold's its first voting session outside of the confines of City Hall in many years...  
 
Mayor Sam Teresi says his administration has been able to take Council President Marie Carrubba's request, and work out the logistics for a meeting in the main pavillion in the park beginning at 6:30 PM.  Teresi recently talked about all the parks improvements through the years, which includes the new playground area.
 
Teresi says that in addition to the new playground area, the park recently had 18 new trees added to it.  Tonight's meeting at the Chadakoin Park Pavillion begins at 6:30. If there is threatening weather, lawmakers said a decision will be made by 3 p.m. today on whether to continue with the meeting in the park or move it back to City Hall.
 
 
A recent survey, commissioned by the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, shows that the county has experience strong growth in the past year...  
 
The report by Smith Travel Research showed that overall lodging occupancy for the 10 brand name hotels is up 14.7-percent for 2018 as of the end of August.  Associated revenues are also up 14.1 percent, at $21.6 million.  County Executive George Borrello says he's pleased with the results.
 
Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Andrew Nixon says he hopes the trend will continue into September and October.  Borrello says the results of the survey should help with efforts to bring more hotel developments to the county.
 
 
A federal judge says Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross can be questioned under oath by lawyers challenging a decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census...  
 
U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman ruled late last week, saying Ross's testimony was necessary because his intent and credibility are directly at issue.  The judge also said aggressive efforts to shield Ross from answering questions were "surprising, if not unsettling."  Furman says it wasn't a close call as to whether Ross must be deposed. He said the public interest weighs heavily in favor of requiring Ross to answer questions.  The judge said the deposition will be limited to four hours. Kate Bailey, a Justice Department lawyer, has said the government will immediately appeal any requirement that Ross answer questions.
 
 
Congressman Lou Barletta is trying to wake up Pennsylvania's sleepy U.S. Senate race....  
 
Barletta, a four-term House Republican, began airing his first TV attack ad of the general election campaign Friday, accusing two-term Democratic Senator Bob Casey of being ineffective and asleep on the job.  Barletta's campaign maintains that Casey has a lackluster record of legislative success, citing congressional records that four Casey bills have become law.  It also cites an academic methodology of Casey's legislative success from 2007 to 2010.  Casey's ratings have dramatically improved since then, and his campaign contends that dozens of bills he wrote have become law, often amended into larger bills that didn't bear his name.  Casey is seeking a third six-year term in the November 6th election.  Barletta has badly lagged Casey in fundraising and polls.
 
 
There needs to be a new and truly independent authority put in place to investigate into how high corruption has gone in New York's governor's office...  
 
Those are the feelings of local State Assemblyman Andy Goodell following last week's sentencing of former Cuomo aide, Joseph Percoco.  Goodell said there is a body that should investigate such matters as "bid-rigging" in Governor Cuomo's office, and who was involved.  He says if the Joint Commission on Public Ethics won't do it, they need to empanel someone who will.
 
Goodell contends that there is some evidence of rigging bids for government jobs in exchange for campaign contributions in the governor's office.  He says the U-S Attorney's Office has been investigating the matters involving Percoco, and another Cuomo aide, Alain Kaloyeros, regarding the "Buffalo Billion."  Goodell adds there's also the matter of the Crystal Run Medical facility in Orange County, where there is an investigation already underway.  He says the facilities developers made contributions to Cuomo's campaign and a short time later, were awarded a special grant for the project.
 
 
Incumbant Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace has been endorsed by the Western New York Chapter of the Working Families Party...  
 
Chautauqua-Area Vice Chairman, Robert Dando, says they decided on Gerace after he was interviewed by members of the Chapter.  Dando says they chose the six-term Democrat "because of his honesty, ingenuity and steadfast dedication to the position of sheriff and those whom he supervises."  He adds that Gerace is "sensitive to the need of our community.  He has worked very hard to bring grant monies into the Sheriff's Office, resulting in a multitude of helpful programs for the citizens of our county."  Dando adds he can't thinkg of "no one who would care more or do the job better than Joseph Gerace does every day."

WJTN Headlines for Sat., Sept. 22, 2018

Strong storms roar through Chautauqua County Friday night, tornado warnings issued to the east...
Several trees were reported down in the central part of Chautauqua County... but, no serious damage nor injuries were reported when a line of severe thunderstorms swept through the region.  The worst of the weather was reported in eastern Cattaraugus and much of Allegany Counties early last evening.  Tornado Warnings were issued when radar picked up possible "rotation" inside a cloud near Olean.  The immediate Jamestown-area was under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for a short time... about 6 p.m.  Trees were reported down in the Bemus Point... Maple Springs... Ellery Center... Gerry... and, Ellington.  Channel 7 in Buffalo reported a tree down on a cottage near Bemus Point... and, the report was confirmed by Sheriff's Department dispatchers.
 
 
Busti woman accused of vehicular manslaughter in death of man in Randolph...
State police say they've charged a 73-year-old woman in connection with the hit-and-run death of a man whose body was found along a rural road in western New York last spring.  Troopers say they arrested Marylou Johnson of Busti Friday, five months to the day that a passing ATV rider spotted a man's body on a road in the Cattaraugus County town of Randolph.  Police later identified the man as 48-year-old Wilfredo Rodriguez-Colon of Busti.  An investigation revealed he had been hit by a vehicle.  Police say more interviews led to the arrest of Johnson.  The charges against her include manslaughter, driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an incident without reporting it.  Johnson's public defender wasn't available to comment on the charges.
 
 
Young and Goodell say Percoco sentencing shows "zero tolerance" for Albany corruption...
The six-year sentence given to a former top aide to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo should send a message to public officials that fraud and bribery won't be accepted in Albany.  Those are the feelings of State Senator Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andy Goodell on the term handed down to Joseph Percoco in a federal court in New York City Thursday.  Young says there needs to be "zero tolerance" for such illegal dealings, and she says it sends a "clear message" that elected and appointed officials are supposed to be working for the people.  U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni said she hoped that Percoco's sentence would be heard in the state capital.  He was convicted in March of accepting more than $300,000 from companies that wanted influence with the Cuomo administration.  Gov. Cuomo wasn't charged in the case and denied any knowledge of Percoco's influence peddling.  However, trial testimony presented an unflattering picture of the inner workings of his office.  
 
 
Ribbon cut on new traffic light near Falconer Middle-High School...
It was a "complete community effort" that led to installation of a new traffic light in Falconer that will help protect students walking to the middle and high school.  Local Assemblyman Andy Goodell says it "signals what can happen when everyone works together."  Goodell used the play on words as the ribbon was cut on the four-way stop light at the corner of Route 394 and East Avenue Friday morning.  State Senator Cathy Young was also instrumental in getting the state Department of Transportation to take another look at the need for a light after two students were struck by a car there in April of 2016.  Young says there was a new urgency to get something done, and people were quickly mobilized to again push for a light after an initial attempt in 2012 fell short.  The DOT did an initial study, but, at that time, officials said a light wasn't needed.  School Superintendent Steve Penhollow was grateful to everyone from the local and state governments that worked hard to get the light put in to better insure student safety.  Also on hand for the ribbon cutting in Falconer were Falconer Mayor Jim Rensel... Ellicott Town Supervisor Pat McLaughlin... and Ellicott Police Chief William Ohnmeiss.
 
 
Frewsburg man arrested for alleged threat to Cattaraugus County school district...
A Frewsburg man was arrested for allegedly sending a threatening message to a Hinsdale Central School student Thursday morning. The State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of Olean say administrators put the facility on a "lock-out" after a 17 year-old student reportedly received a text message suggesting that the suspect would harm others with a gun and that the school should be "locked". Officers took 20 year-old Nicholas McChesney into custody for sending the text. He acknowledged that he was having mental health difficulties and agreed to be evaluated at a local hospital. Troopers say McChesney had no access to firearms. He was arraigned and sent to the Cattaraugus County jail on $5,000 bail. 
 
 
New York dispatching more students to help with Puerto Rican relief efforts...
New York is dispatching more college students to help rebuild homes in Puerto Rico.  Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo said late this week that another 500 students from public schools around the state will head to the island territory this school year.  Cuomo also says a memorial to the victims of Hurricane Maria is being planned.  He signed an executive order Thursday creating a 10-member commission to approve a design and location for the monument.  New York state has contributed food, water and first-aid supplies and dispatched utility workers, nurses and other skilled professionals to Puerto Rico since the island was devastated by the hurricane a year ago this week.
 
 

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 21, 2018

The head of the Chautauqua County Legislature's main financial panel says he's looking forward to County Executive George Borrello presenting his first budget next week...  
 
Audit and Control Committee Chairman Pierre Chagnon says there are a number of challenges facing the county, including a signficant, $4-million deficit.  However, Chagnon says he believes Borrello is up to the task of developing a workable spending plan.
 
Chagnon says, though, that Borrello's goal of a "no tax increase" budget without using any reserve funds, will be a "tall mountain" to climb.  However, having worked with the executive on the Audit and Control Committee before on the budget, and he knows Borrello's approach to finances.  Chagnon says he has already scheduled budget hearings for the first week in October with department heads-- the 1st through 5th.  Borrello is to present his tentative, 2019 budget, at the legislature's voting session next Wednesday, September 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Mayville.
 
Jamestown fire investigators are still looking into the cause of this week's fire that destroyed an apartment house on the city's southside.....  
 
However, investigators say they know where the blaze began.  City Fire Battalion Chief Matt Coon says they have determined the flames started in a couch on an exterior porch next to the basement apartment at 202 McKinley Avenue.  Coon says investigators determined the fire then went up, through the house, into the attic.  No one was inside the house when flames erupted shortly before 4 a.m. Monday.  No one was hurt, but the house was heavily damaged, and later torn down.
 
A Lakewood man has been arrested in Florida for allegedly breaking into a local dealership and, stealing a car, cash, and New York dealer plates...  
 
Lakewood-Busti Police say the break-in at Jamestown Honda on Fairmount Avenue occured earlier this year and, say 22 year-old Collin Slack was taken into custody in Orange County after the dealer plate pass through a Sun Pass toll booth.  Officers say police in Florida located the car -- and Slack -- leading to a vehicle pursuit.  Police say he then crashed the car and, was arrested.  Slack has been returned to Chautauqua County on several charges, including two counts of third-degree burglary and third-degree grand larceny.  He was arraigned in Busti Town Court, and sent to the county jail on $25,000 bail.  Slack is also accused in a separate case of trying to pass phony $100-bills at the Lakewood Wal-Mart Supercenter after he had been banned from the store.
 
 
The Jamestown City Council will be taking it's voting session on the road next Monday night for the first time in many years...  
 
Lawmakers will meet in the pavillion at Chadakoin Park on the northside at 6:30 PM.  The idea came up during a work session where improvements to the park -- namely the new playground area -- were discussed.  Mayor Sam Teresi says it's a great idea and, thanked Council President Marie Carrubba for making it happen.
 
Teresi says Carrubba has wanted to hold more meetings elsewhere in the community -- outside of City Hall.  He says they welcome residents of the northside area to the meeting, which will also spotlight improvements to the park.  Again, the meeting will begin at 6:30 next Monday night.  Teresi made his comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Radio Group stations.
 
 
The Department's of Development in the cities of Jamestown and Dunkirk officially have another tool that they can use to lure new development to the north and south counties...  
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo's announcement of the designation of two new Brownfield Opportunity Areas in those cities is considered "good news."  That from Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas, who says the latest designation will include more sites for future development in the city.  Among the locations, says Rosas, is the NRG plant.
 
Also among the sites included in the designation, property on Lake Shore Drive where a new waterfront hotel is being sought.  The designation in Jamestown involves 11 total sites that have a combined 710 acres in a mixed residential-industrial area along the Chadakoin River.  Jamestown's Principle Planner, Bill Rice, says the city received it's initial approval of the sites about a year-and-a half ago.  He says they are looking at bringing in business developers for some of the property, and some land will be used for green space. 
 
 
A former top aide to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been sentenced to six years in prison for fraud and accepting bribes....  
 
Joseph Percoco was sentenced yesterday by a federal judge in New York City.  U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni said she hoped the sentence would be heard in the state capital.  Percoco was convicted in March of accepting more than $300,000 from companies that wanted influence with the Cuomo administration.  The governor wasn't charged in the case and denied any knowledge of Percoco's influence peddling.  However, trial testimony presented an unflattering picture of the inner workings of his office.  Percoco's conviction also gave ammunition to Cuomo's opponents in this year's election.  They say it proves the two-term Democrat hasn't done enough to address chronic corruption in state government.
 
 
There will be an official ribbon cutting for the new traffic light at the intersection of Route 394 and East Avenu in Falconer this  morning...  
 
State Senator Cathy Young, who helped push the state Department of Transporation for the new traffic signal, will be there along with local officials.  Following an accident in 2016 that involved two Falconer Middle–High School students being struck by a car as they walked near the school, Senator Young helped lead the effort to get a traffic signal installed at the accident plagued intersection.  The three-color signal was installed and operational for the start of the school year on September 4.
 
 
The New York State Comptroller's office says farms in the Empire State produced 15 agricultural products that ranked in the top five nationwide last year.... 
 
A report released Thursday by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says the state's more than 35,000 farms generated $4.8 billion dollars in revenue in 2017.  The New York crops that landed in the top rankings nationally include cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt, apples and grapes.  DiNapoli's report found New York's production of milk, snap beans and maple syrup also rose in national rankings. 

WJTN Headlines for Sept. 20, 2018

There are problems with an overpopulation of deer in some parts of Jamestown, but now there is also an issue with the predators that hunt them....  
 
That was brought into clear focus at this week's City Council work session, as Public Safety Committee Chairwoman Maria Jones talked about recent discussions she had with some people who live in the area of Chadakoin Park.  Jones says one family was near the new playground-area and, saw a deer run out of the woods, chased by three coyotes.  They turned the deer back to the woods and three other coyotes chase the deer back out before they took it down.
 
No people were hurt, but Jones says it's a reminder that where there are lots of deer, their natural predators will end up there as well.  There is little that can be done at this point about the problem, but At-Large Councilman Andrew Liuzzo says the state Department of Environmental Conservation has approved eight additional deer hunting permits for landowners outside the city in the 9-J territory.  It is against the law to hunt within the city limits and, lawmakers have already decided against any kind of legal deer harvest in the city. 
 
 
A one-year-old child was pepper-sprayed, along with a man, during what is described as a neighborhood dispute in Jamestown's eastside...  
 
City police were called to the scene on Midgely Street about 5 p.m. Tuesday and, found that 22 year-old Mariah Jackson had used the pepper spray on the unidentified man and, that the one-year-old -- who was nearby -- also got sprayed.  Fortunately, the todder was not hurt.  Police say Jackson was arrested on one count of endangering the welfare of a child.
 
 
A judge will decide whether a former top aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo receives leniency or a long prison sentence for his conviction on federal bribery and fraud charges...  
 
Joseph Percoco is set for a sentencing in Manhattan federal court today.  Prosecutors say he should serve well over five years in prison. His lawyers say he should get no more than two years.  Percoco was convicted in March. He was acquitted of extortion and a bribery count.  Prosecutors say Percoco and his family accepted more than $300,000 in bribes from companies that wanted to gain influence with the Cuomo administration.  Cuomo, a Democrat, wasn't accused of wrongdoing, but testimony presented an unflattering picture of the inner workings of his office.
 
 
Indicted Congressman Chris Collins says he'll campaign for his Buffalo-area seat, and the Republican is vowing to serve if voters re-elect him in November...  
 
Collins' announcement on Twitter Wednesday comes two days after he said he would remain on the ballot despite previously suspending his campaign in the wake of insider trading charges.  The 68 year-old Buffalo-area representative tweeted that the stakes "are too high" to allow a Democrat to take control of his seat representing a right-leaning Buffalo-area district.  He says he'll actively campaign, while fighting the federal charges filed last month. 
 
 
A problem for a local veteran getting access to dental care has led Congressman Tom Reed to co-sponsor legislation that will allow vets better access to those services...  
 
Reed says he worked with New Hampshire representative Carol Shay Porter on the legislation.  The Corning Republican says the measure would eliminate some provisions in the regulations that blocked such care.
 
Reed says he was on a street in Corning when a woman stopped him to talk about her husband's plight in dealing with the barriers to getting the dental care he needed.  He says they've been taking feedback from veteran's regarding the "Choice Program" to make it work better.  Reed says that's also come into play with the "Blue Water Program... " which expanded coverage for Vietnam veteran's affected by "Agent Orange."  Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone news conference call with Southern Tier Media.
 
 
The legacy of a legendary automobile will be celebrated this weekend, with the 3rd annual Studebaker Swap Meet at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds in Dunkirk...
  
Steve Grant of Fredonia, the founder and Vice-President of the Kinzua Region Chapter of the Studebaker Driver's Club, says there will be used cars for sale, toys, parts (new and used), memorabilia and more that's Studebaker related.
 
Around 30 vendors will be on the grounds for the show, Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m..  Steve Grant has owned 30 Studebakers over time.  He says people sometimes think it was a bad brand because it went out of business in 1966. But he says they were a really "well-built and dependable" car and truck company.  Grant adds, people will come from a wide area for the Dunkirk show, as Studebaker swaps are rare today.  The show at the fairgrounds is free, with free parking.  Food will be available.  
 
 
Republicans and Democrats are joining forces to speed legislation combating the misuse of opioids and other addictive drugs through the Senate...  
 
It's expected to be passed easily in a rare show of unity against a growing and deadly health-care crisis.  The measure would increase scrutiny of arriving international mail that may include illegal drugs.  It would also make it easier for the National Institutes of Health to approve research on finding non-addictive painkillers.  The Food and Drug Administration would be allowed to require drug makers to package smaller quantities of drugs like opioids.  And there would be new federal grants for treatment centers, training emergency workers and research on prevention.  The government estimates that over 72,000 people died from drug overdoses last year - double the 36,000 who died in 2008.

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 19, 2018

A Jamestown man has died after he apparently fell into the Chadakoin River sometime early Monday morning and  failed to resurface...  
 
City Police were called to the area of Victoria Avenue and Institute Street about 6:30 a.m. for a body being found in the river.  Officers say city Fire Rescue crews were also called to the scene, and they recovered the body of 61 year-old Robert Cavender.  Police say the body was taken to the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office in Buffalo where an autopsy will be performed.  However, police say the drowning appears accidental and, foul play is not suspected.
 
 
A Westfield man is accused of selling an illegal assault rifle to an undercover officer of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force this past Monday...  
 
Members of the task force say 57 year-old David Marracino possessed and sold an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, three high-capacity magazines and, a quantity of steel-jacketed ammo to the undercover officer during a meeting on Old Bridge Road in Stow.  Officers report Marracino was also found in possession of marijuana when taken into custody.  He was arraigned and sent to the County Jail on bail pending further action of the court. 
------
 
Authorities continue to ask citizen's to call when they see suspicious or narcotics related activity in their neighborhoods at either 1-800-344-8702.
 
 
The investigation into a fiery car-train accident in the town of Ripley late last July has resulted in the arrests of two people from Westfield...  
 
Sheriff's officers say they have arrested 25 year-old Christopher Weston, and a 16 year-old for unlawful interference with a railroad train, and third-degree attempted arson.  Deputies say their Office of Criminal Investigation and Westfield Police determined the two suspects poured gasoline inside Weston's vehicle, then parked it on the Norfolk/Suffolk rail crossing at Station Road shortly after 4 a.m. July 22.  Officers say they intended to have a train hit the car, catching the car on fire.  No one was hurt in the incident.  Weston was arraigned and sent to the county jail on $5,000 bail while the 16 year-old was released pending a future court appearance.
 
 
A Jamestown business owner convicted of food stamp benefits fraud was sentenced to six-months of home detention in U-S District Court yesterday...
 
Assistant U-S Attorneys Douglas 'AC' Penrose and Mary-Catherine Baumgarten -- who handled the case -- say 57 year-old Joseph Gullotti owned and operated Fresh Cut Meats and More on Newland Avenue and, was authorized to accept food stamps. However, attorneys say, the U-S Department of Agriculture prohibits a retailer from accepting food stamps for items such as beer, cigarettes and hot prepared food. Between January 2015 and Mar. 21, 2017, Gullotti and others accepted the benefits to pay for merchandise on credit by a beneficiary in nearly $173,515 of unlawful transactions. In addition to the home detention, Gullotti was also ordered to pay the money back in restitution to the USDA.  
 
 
The Democratic challenger in the 23rd Congressional District race has accepted three debates with incumbant Republican Tom Reed in the later days of the campaign...  
 
However, Ithaca's Tracy Mitrano says there should be more and, they should be more spread out over the entire district.  The first debate will be at the Jamestown Post-Journal on October 24.  There will also be one in Corning, and a third in Olean.  However, Mitrano says there were invitations for five others, but Reed declined.
 
Mitrano says she accepted the League of Women Voters debate that would have been held in Mayville, but that was rejected by Reed's campaign.  She believes he's "ducking" her in areas where she's done well, such as the north county area -- including Fredonia.  She says the fact there are just three debates is a shame because there are very real issues facing many residents of the district, including what's happening with Social Security, Medicare, and Heath care.  Mitrano made her comments during a regional press call this morning.
 
 
There will be three debates in the campaign for the 23rd Congressional District and, that's what both sides in the contest agreed to...  
 
That from incumbant Local Congressman Tom Reed, who says he is not trying to limit debate, nor ducking debates against his Democratic challenger, Tracy Mitrano.  Reed says Mitrano's campaign agreed with no significant issues to have the three debates -- the first of which will be held in Jamestown.
 
Reed charged earlier Tuesday that Mitrano is misrepresenting herself again by agreeing to the debates, then saying there need to be more of them.  The Corning Republican says his challenger has misrepresented her stands on a number of issues, including the Second-Amendment.  Reed made his comments for his weekly telephone conference call with regional media.
 
 
A vehicle pursuit that started in the Erie, Pennsylvania area and, entered Chautauqua County, led to the operator losing control of the car, and crashing in Findley Lake...  
 
Sheriff's officers say State Police in Erie began pursuing the vehicle, operated by 51 year-old Marshall Young, about 11 p.m. Monday.  Deputies say the car entered Chautauqua County and, continued on Route 430 at a high rate of speed before Young lost control and, the vehicle went sideways before crashing into a gate at the end of a private driveway.  Officers say the car continued into a lawn where it stopped.  Young was arrested on several charges, including speeding, driving while impaired by drugs, and reckless driving.  He was arraigned and sent to the county jail pending extradiction to Erie, where he faces charges -- including failure to appear.
 
 
Two area men are facing drug related charges after a report of a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot on Lake Shore Drive West in the city of Dunkirk Monday night...  
Officers say they observed the vehicle parked in a dark area of the lot around 10:30
p.m. with two people inside the vehicle.  Further investigation led to the discovery of 10 bags of cocaine, 12 bindles of heroin, numerous hypodermic needles and glassine envelopes and plastic bags containing cocaine and fentanyl residue, along with one-thousand dollars in cash.  The men, identified as 25-year-old Jeremy Burke of Stockton and 24-year-old Lucas Trautman of Fredonia, are both facing two counts of third and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
 
 
Ellicott Town Police are asking for the public's help in finding a man who allegedly walked into the CVS Pharmacy in Falconer, jumped  the counter and, grabbed a quantity of medication and ran out of the store...  
 
Police say the theft occured shortly before 8:30 Monday night and, no one was hurt.  The bandit is described as a black male, about 5"10 tall with a slim build.  He had corn row hair, and some facial hair.  He was wearing a camoflage baseball hat, brown hooded-sweatshirt and gray sweat pants.  A picture is on the Ellicott Town Poilce website.  Anyone with any information should Ellicott Police at 665-7083 or the coinfidential tips line for Jamestown Police at 483-TIPS (8477).
 
 
There was some rain late Monday and overnight in the Jamestown-area as the remnants of Hurricane Florence moved through the area...  
 
However, several roads in New York's Southern Tier to the east remain closed by flash flooding caused by heavy rains that have led to a State of Emergency in Tioga County -- just east of Binghampton.  The National Weather Service says more than four inches of rain had fallen by Tuesday morning from the Elmira area to counties in southeastern New York.  Local Congressman Tom Reed is in the district and, saw some of the flooding in eastern Chemung County yesterday.
 
Reed adds that his office is in close contact to local officials, and will be talking with them about immediate and longer-term needs in the wake of the heavy rains and flooding.  The state's Division of Homeland Security and Office of Emergency Management sent swift water urban search and rescue teams to staging areas in Binghamton, Guilderland in the Capital Region and Montour Falls in the Finger Lakes.
 
 
A chemistry professor and chair of the department of geology and environmental science at the State University of New York at Fredonia will receive the 23rd Heinz Award in the Public Policy category...  
 
Dr. Sherri Mason is receiving the recognition for her ground-breaking research identifying the presence of microbeads and microfibers in fresh water, and for raising awareness of their potential health impact.  The push has resulted in policy changes on the state, federal and international levels.  Dr. Mason says she was shocked and deeply humbled to receive the award.
 
By getting the recognition, Dr. Mason says it should help with the research work that she continues to do.  She says that includes being able to get research grants.  Mason is one of six honorees.  The Heinz Awards have been established to honor the memory of U.S. Senator John Heinz.
 
 
The Ellicott Town Board will hold a special meeting regarding weed and algal bloom issues in the Fluvanna and Burtis Bay areas of Chautauqua Lake...  
 
Town Clerk Mike Erlandson says the session will be held next Monday, September 24, in the Town Hall in Falconer.  He says they encourage people from those areas to come and discuss possible solutions to the problems.  If you need more information, contact the Town Hall at 665-5317.

WJTN News Bulletin for Tues., Sept. 18, 2018

**News Bulletin -- City man found dead from drowing in Chadakoin River...
A Jamestown man has died after he apparently fell into the Chadakoin River sometime early Monday morning... and, he failed to resurface.  City Police were called to the area of Victoria Avenue and Institute Street about 6:30 AM for a body being found in the river.  Officers say city Fire Rescue crews were also called to the scene, and they recovered the body of 61 year-old Robert Cavender.  Police say the body was taken to Buffalo where an autopsy will be performed.  However... police say the drowning appears accidental.  More when it's available.

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 19, 2018

Flames have destroyed a two-and-a-half story apartment house on Jamestown's southside... 
 
City fire crews were called to the scene shortly before 4:00 Monday morning and, Fire Battalion Chief Roger Sigular says they found a lot of fire and smoke coming from the front of the structure at 202 McKinley Avenue -- near Colfax Street.
 
Sigular says no one was home at the time of the blaze and an off-duty shift was called in to assist.  Five people lived in two of the occupied apartments.  The fire was reported out about 7:30 AM.  Sigular says investigators were checking an area around a basement porch for a cause.  No injuries were reported.  The Department of Development has ordered the building be torn down.
 
 
A Titusville, Pennyslvania woman was killed early Sunday morning in an accident involving an "E-Z Go" Sportman all-terrian vehicle in Spring Creek Township...  
 
State Police in Warren say 24 year-old Timothy Doerfer -- of Corry -- was traveling on Old Route 77 East of Picidilli Hill at 3 AM when the golf-cart-like ATV struck a deer.  Troopers say Doerfer reportedly lost control of the vehicle and struck a parked Dodge Dakota.  His 19 year-old passenger -- Hannah Wright -- was pronounced dead at the scene.  Doerfer was taken to Warren General Hospital for suspected serious injuries. 
 
 
The final figures for a portion of Jamestown's West Second Street "Piazza Project" are in and, a local foundation will pay 80-percent of that cost...  
 
That from City Development Director Vince DeJoy, who says the Gebbie Foundation agreed to pay the more than a quarter-of-a-million dollar cost for new "street furniture" in and around that area -- adjacent to the National Comedy Center.  DeJoy says the furniture was purchased all together, and at a discount.
 
DeJoy says the other 20-percent of the cost for the Streetscape furniture will be borne by the Empire State Development Corporation through the state's Consolidated Funding Application program.  DeJoy says the project came in "well under budget."  The resolution will be voted on at next week's voting session.
 
 
Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello has now announced that he will present his tentative, 2019 budget to the legislature a week from this Wednesday...  
 
Borrello yesterday updated progress made on developing the more than $230-million spending plan.  He says he and his department heads began work on a new budget four months ago and, adds his finance team will put the finishing touches on before the meeting.
 
So far, Borrello says it's his goal to close a nearly $4-million spending gap, using his Bushel Full of Pennies" concept of trying to save small amounts of money over the entire budget to do that.  He says he'll know how that's going later this week.  Borrello also wants a produce a budget that has no tax increase, and is at least under the state's property tax cap.  Once the budget is presented, county legislators will begin their review of it.  The spending plan is due by December 1.
 
 
Local Congressman Tom Reed had two objectives Monday afternoon when he visited a domestic violence program at the Salvation Army of Jamestown...  
 
Reed was at the ANEW Center on South Main Street to hear about their on-going efforts to help the victims of domestic violence and, he says he also wanted to visit the center to show them his support.
 
Reed heard ANEW Center employees and case workers about the need for more support to help child victims of domestic violence.  The Corning Republican agrees there is a need to "break the cycle" of both poverty, and sexual abuse and he believes that should be part of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act -- which he supports.  He says children who are exposed to domestic violence need help as well, because there's a strong likelyhood that they will continue the cycle of violence. 
----
 
While he was in Jamestown, Reed also talked with ANEW officials about efforts to find a new, larger facility for them to do their work.  A recent effort to locate a new center in the town of Ellery was shot-down by town officials.  However, they say County Executive George Borrello is also supporting their efforts to find a new home.  Reed pledged his support as well.
 
 
Several rental property owners addressed village trustees in Fredonia this past week on a proposed local law that would make major changes to the village's rental property code...  
 
The majority of those who spoke during a public hearing felt the proposed changes target student housing near the SUNY College at Fredonia.  Rental owner David Bird felt the proposed changes discriminate against those providing such housing.
 
Mayor Athenasia Landis says the villege trustees have decided to table the proposed local law.  Landis says there is a provision that allows tenants to withhold their rent payments and, adds that was "never our intention."  She says they expect to hold another public hearing on the proposed local law in about one-to-two weeks.
 
 
A judge has denied an ex-New York Assembly speaker bail pending the appeal of his corruption conviction and seven-year prison term...  
 
U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni said in a written opinion Monday that the substance of Sheldon Silver's appeal lacks merit.  She noted the 74-year-old Silver's age and said the true purpose of his appeal is to postpone his day of reckoning.  Silver is scheduled to report to prison October 5th.  Silver was sentenced to 12 years in prison after his first conviction in 2015.  That conviction was overturned, and a second jury convicted him earlier this year. 
 
 
State agriculture officials are advising horse owners in New York to vaccinate their horses against West Nile virus...  
 
The Department of Agriculture and Markets says there have been four confirmed equine cases of the mosquito-borne infection in the state this year, in Steuben, Suffolk, Cattaraugus and Livingston counties.  Infected mosquitoes can pass West Nile virus to humans, horses and other animals.  Symptoms can resemble the flu, with horses appearing mildly anorexic and depressed.  Twelve cases of West Nile virus have been reported in humans this year.
 
 
A Republican official says Buffalo-area Congressman Chris Collins will remain on the November ballot despite previously suspending his campaign amid an insider trading indictment....  
 
The announcement by Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Nick Langworthy on Monday throws the race for the western New York seat further into turmoil. There was no immediate comment from Collins, and it wasn't immediately clear whether he would actively campaign.  Collins suspended his campaign in August after he was charged with illegally using inside information about a biotech company to help his son avoid hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.  Collins has pleaded not guilty and vowed to fight the charges.  Republicans were looking to strip the three-term conservative lawmaker's name from the ballot.  The Democratic candidate is Nate McMurray.

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 17, 2018

The Cuomo Administration has begun holding "listening sessions" across New York State on developing legislation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana...  
 
However, Chautauqua County's only alcohol and substance abuse prevention provider has announced that it opposes the legalization of marijuana.  Chautauqua Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council's Executive Director Melanie Witkowski says legalizing marijuana sends the wrong message to youth.
 
While Witkowski doesn't like the term "gateway drug..." she says there is evidence that marijuana users are more likely to use prescription drugs.  She says a recent news release states that medical marijuana users are more likely to use prescription drugs "medically and non-medically."  CASAC has also taken the position that while it supports keeping marijuana illegal, it does favors decriminalizing personal use.  Witkowski says decriminalizing is a public health approach that prioritizes treatment over incarceration.   
 
 
A Jamestown teenager has been accused of harassing a corrections officer at the Chautauqua County Jail earlier this month...  
 
Sheriff's officers say 18 year-old David Santiago was being held in the jail when he allegedly threw urine on the employee during an incident last September 7.  Deputies say Santiago was arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court on one count of aggravated harassment of an Employee by an Inmate and, returned to the county jail without bail.
 
 
A man wanted on murder and assault charges by authorities in Worcester, Massachusetts was located last week in the city of Dunkirk...  
 
Dunkirk Police worked with agents from the US Marshals Office in arresting 25-year-old Kennie Mota-Cruz.  Police Chief David Ortolano describes Mota-Cruz as a dangerous man, who was found in the area of Roberts Road and East 2nd Street.  Mota-Cruz was arraigned in Dunkirk City Court as a fugitive from justice and he was transported to the Chautauqua County Jail to await extradition proceedings.
 
 
The event put on by the Harmony Historical Society is called the 'Harvest Festival,' but it was more like full summer on Saturday and Sunday in Blockville...  
 
Lyn Nagle is the President of the Harmony Historical Society and was in full period dress as she showed how to weave with a loom.   She said the art was nearly lost due to the Industrial Revolution. However, she says it came back as a "therapy" for soldiers following WWI. 
 
Harmony's John Brown organizes the annual Harvest Festival, with the intention of taking people back to a specific time-- the 1800s.  Next year, the festival will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the separation of North Harmony from the Town of Harmony.  
 
 
A judge is urging a government lawyer to clear the schedule of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for a day so he can be asked why he wants to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census...  
 
U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman encouraged that step at a hearing last Friday even before he rules next week whether Ross must answer questions from lawyers.  Furman is presiding over lawsuits which claim Ross is acting improperly.  One of the lawsuits was brought by over a dozen states and big cities.  Plaintiffs say the citizenship question will discourage immigrants from participating, diluting political representation and federal dollars for states that tend to vote Democratic.  The judge also says a trial could start November 5.  A government lawyer says there is no need for a trial.
 
 
There have been several prison reforms in the 47 years since the 1971 Attica Prison uprising, but there is still a problem with mass incarceration in the United States...  
 
Those are the feelings of Civil Right's Historian and author Heather Ann Thompson, who spoke during a Fall Legal Seminar at the Robert H. Jackson Center this past week.  Thompson says improvements in visitation and corrections officer training has helped but, she says more alternatives to incarceration need to be looked at.
 
Thompson says the United States' criminal justice system incarcerates about seven-million people right now and, she says it's affected more than just the person who is locked-up.  It's affected those families involved in both black and white communities.  Thompson spoke at the Jackson Center about her 2016 book: "Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and it's legacy..." which took about 13 years to write as more records, and stories came to light.
 
 
After a night of silence, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made his first public remarks following his victory in Thursday's Democratic primary early last weekend....  
 
Cuomo appeared at his office in Manhattan to cite his big win over Cynthia Nixon as evidence that liberal voters want results, not rhetoric.  Cuomo, who did not hold an election night victory party and issued only a brief tweet on election night, spoke Friday with a tinge of bitterness in his voice as he chafed at Nixon's campaign message that he wasn't a true progressive.  He said voters had agreed with him, saying, "I received more votes in the Democratic primary than any governor in history."  Cuomo also dismissed the idea that established Democrats are in danger of being tossed out of office by young, leftist candidates.
 
 
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is decrying proposed cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's budget he says could seriously hurt the government's ability to obtain critical weather information...  
 
The New York Democrat says the agency's budget may be slashed by more than 20-percent.  He said Sunday that would be more than one-billion dollars of its overall budget.  Schumer says the cuts would include a reduction to a research budget from more than $510-million to $321-million.  He says the National Weather Service would also see an eight-percent cut, which includes a reduction in weather forecast positions.  Schumer says he's attempting to negotiate a bi-partisan spending bill to prevent the cuts.  He says there needs to be "high pressure" put on Congress to stop the "unwise cuts."
 
 
The U-S Department of Agriculture says Bob Evans Farms is recalling nearly 47-thousand pounds of pork sausage links because it might contain pieces of plastic... 
 
The items have establishment number "EST 6785" and were sold in New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin.  The Food and Safety Inspection Service says there are no confirmed reports of any injuries.  The 12-ounce trays are labeled Bob Evans Maple Pork Sausage Links, Brown Sugar and Honey, Fresh from Meijer Maple Flavored Sausage Links or Giant Eagle Maple Pork Breakfast Sausage Links Caramel Color Added.  All have a lot code of 8213.  The sausage should be thrown out or returned to place of purchase.
 

WJTN Headlines for Sat., Sept. 15, 2018

Clymer HS Teacher arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography...
A Clymer High School teacher is accused of possessing child pornography after a criminal complaint was filed in late June.  U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior says 60 year-old Scott Aikens was arrested Friday morning after his Rte. 474 home was raided earlier in the day.  During a search of the residence... investigators say multiple electronic devices were recovered, including a laptop and two desktop computers.  At the time... Homeland Security agents say they saw Aikens sitting in front of his computer... where there were multiple images on the computer screen of young boys undressed.  Back in late June... agents say they received information that a user, identified as "EJD," was active on a Thai-based child pornography website.  Investigators traced the email address utilized by "EJD" to the defendant.  If convicted... Aikens faces a mandatory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
 
 
City man now indicted for allegedly receiving and possessing child pornography...
A Jamestown man has now been formally indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly for receiving and possessing child pornography late last month.  U-S Attorney James Kennedy says today that 33 year-old Matthew Bailer was arraigned on the charges Friday morning in Buffalo... and, is being detained.  Prosecutors say a complaint was initialy filed with the Jamestown Police Department back on July 11 by parent who said her two minor children may have been sexually abused by Bailer.  The parent said she was told by the defendant's sister that a series of concerning pictures, sexual in nature, were delivered on a cellphone that was used by the defendant.  Bailer was subsequently arrested on a warrant out of Missouri related to a burglary case.  During a search of the cellphone, investigators recovered several hundred images of images of child pornography.  The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine. 
 
 
County Elections officials pleased with Primary Day turn-out...
Chautauqua County elections officials are both surprised and very pleased with the turnout during Thursday's state and local primary contests held across New York.  That from County Election's Commissioner Norm Green says turnout was about 20-percent here in Chautauqua County -- which was much higher than expected.  Green says they were happy that people were interested, and that the day when off -- virtually -- without a hitch.  All 51 polling sites in the county were used... and, he says one of the main issues was, because of the turn-out, the need to print up some additional ballots when they ran out a few times.
 
 
Jamestown man arrested for alleged Machete attack...
A city man faces reckless endangerment and menacing charges for allegedly wielding a large knife at a person on the city's eastside.  Jamestown police were called to 748 East 2nd Street Thursday evening.... and, were aware that the suspect was identified as 45 year-old Eddie Melendez on arrival.  Officers say they took a report from the unidentified victim, who stated Melendez swung at him with a machete but missed.  He was arrested at a nearby Cheney Street address and taken to the city jail without further incident. 
 
 
Bob Evans orders nationwide sausage recall...
The Agriculture Department says Bob Evans Farms is recalling nearly 47,000 pounds of pork sausage links because it might contain pieces of plastic.  The items have establishment number "EST 6785" and were sold in Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.  The Food and Safety Inspection Service says there are no confirmed reports of any injuries.  The 12-ounce (340 gram) trays are labeled Bob Evans Maple Pork Sausage Links, Brown Sugar and Honey, Fresh from Meijer Maple Flavored Sausage Links or Giant Eagle Maple Pork Breakfast Sausage Links Caramel Color Added.  All have a lot code of 8213.  The sausage should be thrown out or returned to place of purchase.
 
 
Ribbon is cut on new Chadakoin Park playground area...
A project that began as a dream on Jamestown's northside about three-years ago finally came to fruition in Chadakoin Park Firday afternoon.  City Councilwoman Vickye James and a neighborhood youngster cut the ribbon on the new, Chadakoin Park Playground... which officially opened yesterday afternoon.  The project became reality through the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, and the KaBoom! playground group.  However... some finishing work had to be done before the ribbon cutting.  James says it was great to see the construction tape taken down... and, the scene is "breath-taking."  She says it's an amazing occurance, and something "great for our community."  Before the ribbon was cut... Mayor Sam Teresi handed out several acknowledgements... but, saved the last for everyone who helped make the playround a reality.  Teresi says they built more than a playground... but, in fact built a "community" in that part of the city. 
 
 
Cassadaga Valley Teacher breaks her personal record in World Triathlon..
Cassadaga  Valley  teacher Cheryl Burns competed for a world title in the Triathlon this past week in Australia.  Burns finished fourth in her age group.  Our Ron Smith reports that she had qualified before, but, injuries and funding prevented her from competing.  This time, he says her bike was not legal.  However... he says she was able to get a bike loaned to her through the Jamestown Cycle Shop for the event.  He says they also helped raise some money to help her get to the triathlon... and, she missed a third-place podium finish by just 10 seconds.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 14, 2018

Incumbant Governor Andrew Cuomo has fended off a challenge from liberal upstart Cythia Nixon to win Thursday's Democratic Primary for governor...  
 
With 99-percent of the precincts reporting late last night, Cuomo had 66-percent of the vote, to 34-percent for Nixon.  The former "Sex and the City" co-star ran as far-left, anti-corruption candidate.  The real question on Primary night was who would be Cuomo's Lieutenant Governor candidate.  Incumbant Kathy Hochul of Buffalo defeated New York City's Jumaane Williams, 53-percent to 47-percent.  In Chautauqua County, Republican challenger Jim Quattrone won the Conservative Party Primary for sheriff against incumbant Demcract Joe Gerace.  Quattrone had 217 votes, to Gerace's 104.  In the Democratic Attorney General's race, Latitia James won four-way race with 41-percent of the vote.  Zephyr Teachout got 31-percent.  Sean Patrick Maloney received 25-percent and Leecia Eve had three-percent.  
 
 
A Dunkirk man will spend the next 16 years behind bars for kidnapping a 13 year-old autisic boy from the Fredonia Wal-Mart store two years ago...  
 
Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson says 40 year-old Samuel Saeli was sentenced in County Court Thursday on one count each of second-degree kidnapping, and second-degree kidnapping as a sexually-motivated Felony.
 
Swanson added that -- quote - "today, the defendant was placed where he cannot pose a threat to any child for the next 16 years.  Justice was served with the sentence the Court handed down."  The autistic boy was found shortly after the incident occured and, Saeli was arrested a short distance away from the Wal-Mart.  The sentence was handed down Thursday by Acting County Court Judge Paul Wojtaszek.
 
 
Work has begun in earnest on the city of Jamestown's 2019 budget and, Mayor Sam Teresi says there are a number of challenges to tackle before it's presented to the City Council next month...  
 
Teresi briefed lawmakers this week on the process, noting that one of the biggest challenges is dealing with increasing health insurance costs.  The city is self-insured and, Teresi says a large number of those in the program are retirees.
 
The city has battled deficts the past couple of years because it has reached 100-percent of it's constitutional taxing limit, which means lawmakers can't raise taxes.  Teresi says his department heads are encouraged to include needs in their individual budgets, so they typically start in a deficit situation.  He says he and his budget team then pare down the spending plan further to present to the City Council.  He says the other challenges include fuel costs, and increasing state pension costs.  The budget will be presented on Tuesday, October 9.  
 
 
There is a new leaking problem on the ground floor of Jamestown City Hall stemming from the reconstruction project on Tracy Plaza above...  
 
Last year, the problem shut down the front entrance to the Police Department.  This time, the work above has forced the Fire Department out of part of it's City Hall fire station while repairs are being done.  Mayor Sam Teresi maintains that -- once again -- it's the contractor's fault.
 
Two to three offices were affected, along with part of the parking garage under the plaza.  Teresi says the fire department has handled the inconvenience well, moving to other parts of the department after two heavy rains hit the area.  After that, he says the department moved some of it's operations to another fire station.  Teresi says the good news is that the contractor's insurance company has covered repairs to the Police Department and, they will again push for a settlement regarding the fire station. 
 
 
A Jamestown man -- wanted in Warren County -- was arrested during a foot chase early Tuesday night...  
 
Ellicott Town Police initiated a traffic stop on Fairmount Avenue and say 36 year-old Armando Rosario falsified his name and birth date.  Rosario allegedly ran off as officers attempted to find out his true identity.  Lakewood-Busti Police and the State Police K-9 Unit were called in to assist.  The K-9 tracked and located Rosario, who attempted to flee again without luck.  He was transported to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment of his injuries.  Officers say he also had a valid order of protection to stay away from a person he was with at the time of the stop.  He was arraigned before being sent to the County jail. 
 
 
Pennsylvania is sending National Guard troops, helicopters and other specialists and equipment to help with the response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Florence... 
 
Gov. Tom Wolf said Thursday that the deployment involves more than 25 guardsmen, six technicians from the state Fish and Boat Commission and four helicopters, including two UH-60 Black Hawks and two CH-47 Chinooks.
 
 The Guard personnel have been leaving this week from Fort Indiantown Gap and an airport in Johnstown to join others at a staging area for post-storm efforts in Columbia, South Carolina.  The Fish and Boat technicians are with the Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team. They're deploying with a rescue truck and trailer that contains inflatable boats and other rescue equipment.
 
 
The weather looks perfect for the 40th annual Fall Festival of Bands this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Strider Field near Jefferson School...  
 
The marching band show is organized by the Jamestown High School Music Department and the JHS Band Boosters.  Jamestown's senior Drum Major, Carley Westphal, says nine bands will be attending this year.  Jamestown's show this year is based on the Pachelbel Canon.  The Falconer-Frewsburg Band is performing a Halloween themed show called 'Something Wicked this Way Comes.'  Tickets will be $8 at the gate.  Food and refreshments will be available.  
 
 
Dozens of airmen at a New York Air National Guard base on Long Island have deployed to southern states in the path of Hurricane Florence...  
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo says Wednesday that 50 members of the 106th Rescue Wing based at Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach traveled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.  The Democrat says elements of the unit will offer assistance along coastal areas of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.  The New York Army National Guard is ready to deploy four helicopters - two CH-47 Chinooks and two UH-60 Blackhawks - to help storm response efforts. The aircraft are based at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport.
 
 
Two undocumented immigrants from Mexico were arrested during a traffic stop on Interstate-86 in Olean Wednesday morning... 
 
Sheriff's officers in Little Valley reportedly pulled over a car on the highway for driving on the shoulder just before 9:30 and, determined the occupants of the vehicle were illegal aliens. Agents from the U-S Boarder Patrol took 37 year-old Gerino Tapia Barrera and 55 year-old Agustin Barrera Rojas into custody. Deputies say a third individual was released because he had previously been arrested by Boarder Patrol and was already in the immigration system. 
 
 
It took more than a decade for a Pulitzer-Prize winning author to weave together the stories surrounding the four-day, Attica Prison takeover in 1971...  
 
Civil Right's Historian Heather Ann Thompson addressed a Fall Continuing Legal Education Seminar entitled: "Attica -- Legal Perspectives and Legacy" at the Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown Thursday.  Thompson says there were two reasons why it took a long time to write the book, the first being lack of access to prison records.
 
Thompson adds the other reason it's taken time to write the book: Blood in the Water:  The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and its Legacy is news stories that have come up in recent years as more information was released on what happened.  She says it was a surprise and honor to win a Pulitzer Prize for the book, which was released in 2016.  Thompson was joined at Thursday's program by former Buffalo News Reporter Lee Coppola, who is former dean of the St. Bonaventure University School of Communications and, U-S Attorney for the Western District of New York, James Kennedy.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 13, 2018

There are some significant primary elections taking place in Chautauqua County... as well as New York state today..  
 
The major race on the ballot today is for Democrats, as they decide on whether to keep incumbant two-term Governor Andrew Cuomo or challenger Cynthia Nixon.  There is also a four-way race for the Democratic nod to run for state Attorney General.  Locally, there is a Conservative Party run-off for Sheriff and Election's Commissioner Norm Green says there are some other, more local races.
 
The local Sheriff's primary for the Conservative line has Democratic incumbant Joe Gerace being challenged by Republican Jim Quattrone.  There are about 2,000 conservative voters in the county.  In addition, Busti Republicans in Election District 3 will choose two county committee members from three candidates.  Voting hours today are Noon to 9.
 
 
The Cuomo administration allegedly offered enticements to the builders of the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge to open the structure's second span in August, ahead of this week's Democratic primary...  
 
The New York Times reports that a Thruway Authority official wrote to contractors in July directing that work on the eastbound span be completed so the bridge could fully open on August 24.  The official offered to absolve contractors of responsibility for accidents that might occur while work continued as traffic moved across the span.  The Westchester-bound span was supposed to open last Saturday, but that plan was scratched because of safety concerns over a section of the old Tappan Zee Bridge still to be demolished.  Governor Andrew Cuomo has said he had no role in the timing of the bridge's opening.
 
 
The New York city man convicted of pushing Fredonia native Kendra Webdale to her death when she was struck by an oncoming subway car has been discharged from prison...  
 
State Senator Cathy Young, who pushed for a law that would force seriously mentally-ill people to take their medications, says she was concerned about the release of Andrew Goldstein.  However, Young says the state Department of Corrections assured her that Goldstein "has not been discharged into the community but moved to a state facility where he will receive the attention that he needs."  Goldstein was found to be suffering from Paranoid Schizophrenia, which was untreated, when he pushed Webdale in front of the subway train in January of 1999.  He served 19 years of his 23-year sentence. 
 
 
A Jamestown man -- wanted in Warren County -- was arrested during a foot chase early Tuesday evening... 
 
Ellicott Police initiated a traffic stop on Fairmount Avenue and say 36 year-old Armando Rosario falsified his name and birth date. Rosario allegedly took off on foot as officers attempted to find out his true identity. Lakewood-Busti Police and State Police K-9 were called in to assist. The canine tracked and located Rosario, who attempted to flee once more with no luck. He was transported to UPMC Chautauqua for his injuries. Officers say he also had a valid order of protection to stay away from a person he was with at the time of the stop. He was arraigned before being sent to the County jail. 
 
 
A Jamestown-area manufacturer is working to deliver and install the furniture for the new, 149-room Double-Tree by Hilton, which is slated to open in about two-months...  
 
Officials with the Hamister Group, which is developing the new hotel on West Fourth Street... met with Artone Manufacturing officials and, got a tour of the Allen Street Facility yesterday morning.  City Development Director Vince DeJoy says city officials pushed the idea to Hammister when the group acquired the property about four-years ago.
 
Hamister Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Hamister praised Artone and the Jamestown community in general, for "opening their arms" to them as they have worked on the multi-million dollar project.  Artone President and Owner Mike Calimeri says they are also pleased that the Hamister Group included a provision to have Artone not only design and make the furniture for each of their rooms, but to also install it.  Calimeri says the contract was for about $600,000.
 
 
City police in Jamestown are asking residents to be aware of skimming devices being use in Jamestown and, possibly the Town of Ellicott...  
 
In a printed release late Tuesday, JPD Captain Bob Samuelson said a skimming device is an electronic card reader that is illegally connected to anything used to process payments with credit or bank cards.  He says these devices can be connected on gas pumps, ATMs or other machine that takes cards. Consumers are asked to proceed with caution when making purchases as to avoid becoming a victim to theives attempting to steal their account information. Samuelson says anyone who sees something suspicious on a machine should contact their local police immediately.  
 
 
A traffic stop on Interstate 86 in the town of Ellery led to the arrest of an Ashville man for allegedly driving without a license, and for marijuana possession...  
 
State police in Jamestown say they pulled over 30 year-old Dustin Raynor on Tuesday and, he was found in possession of five-grams of pot, and had a suspended license.  Raynor was arrested for third-degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.  He was issued appearance tickets for Ellery Town Court at a later date.

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 13, 2018

There are some significant primary elections taking place in Chautauqua County... as well as New York state today..  
 
The major race on the ballot today is for Democrats, as they decide on whether to keep incumbant two-term Governor Andrew Cuomo or challenger Cynthia Nixon.  There is also a four-way race for the Democratic nod to run for state Attorney General.  Locally, there is a Conservative Party run-off for Sheriff and Election's Commissioner Norm Green says there are some other, more local races.
 
The local Sheriff's primary for the Conservative line has Democratic incumbant Joe Gerace being challenged by Republican Jim Quattrone.  There are about 2,000 conservative voters in the county.  In addition, Busti Republicans in Election District 3 will choose two county committee members from three candidates.  Voting hours today are Noon to 9.
 
 
The Cuomo administration allegedly offered enticements to the builders of the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge to open the structure's second span in August, ahead of this week's Democratic primary...  
 
The New York Times reports that a Thruway Authority official wrote to contractors in July directing that work on the eastbound span be completed so the bridge could fully open on August 24.  The official offered to absolve contractors of responsibility for accidents that might occur while work continued as traffic moved across the span.  The Westchester-bound span was supposed to open last Saturday, but that plan was scratched because of safety concerns over a section of the old Tappan Zee Bridge still to be demolished.  Governor Andrew Cuomo has said he had no role in the timing of the bridge's opening.
 
 
The New York city man convicted of pushing Fredonia native Kendra Webdale to her death when she was struck by an oncoming subway car has been discharged from prison...  
 
State Senator Cathy Young, who pushed for a law that would force seriously mentally-ill people to take their medications, says she was concerned about the release of Andrew Goldstein.  However, Young says the state Department of Corrections assured her that Goldstein "has not been discharged into the community but moved to a state facility where he will receive the attention that he needs."  Goldstein was found to be suffering from Paranoid Schizophrenia, which was untreated, when he pushed Webdale in front of the subway train in January of 1999.  He served 19 years of his 23-year sentence. 
 
 
A Jamestown man -- wanted in Warren County -- was arrested during a foot chase early Tuesday evening... 
 
Ellicott Police initiated a traffic stop on Fairmount Avenue and say 36 year-old Armando Rosario falsified his name and birth date. Rosario allegedly took off on foot as officers attempted to find out his true identity. Lakewood-Busti Police and State Police K-9 were called in to assist. The canine tracked and located Rosario, who attempted to flee once more with no luck. He was transported to UPMC Chautauqua for his injuries. Officers say he also had a valid order of protection to stay away from a person he was with at the time of the stop. He was arraigned before being sent to the County jail. 
 
 
A Jamestown-area manufacturer is working to deliver and install the furniture for the new, 149-room Double-Tree by Hilton, which is slated to open in about two-months...  
 
Officials with the Hamister Group, which is developing the new hotel on West Fourth Street... met with Artone Manufacturing officials and, got a tour of the Allen Street Facility yesterday morning.  City Development Director Vince DeJoy says city officials pushed the idea to Hammister when the group acquired the property about four-years ago.
 
Hamister Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Hamister praised Artone and the Jamestown community in general, for "opening their arms" to them as they have worked on the multi-million dollar project.  Artone President and Owner Mike Calimeri says they are also pleased that the Hamister Group included a provision to have Artone not only design and make the furniture for each of their rooms, but to also install it.  Calimeri says the contract was for about $600,000.
 
 
City police in Jamestown are asking residents to be aware of skimming devices being use in Jamestown and, possibly the Town of Ellicott...  
 
In a printed release late Tuesday, JPD Captain Bob Samuelson said a skimming device is an electronic card reader that is illegally connected to anything used to process payments with credit or bank cards.  He says these devices can be connected on gas pumps, ATMs or other machine that takes cards. Consumers are asked to proceed with caution when making purchases as to avoid becoming a victim to theives attempting to steal their account information. Samuelson says anyone who sees something suspicious on a machine should contact their local police immediately.  
 
 
A traffic stop on Interstate 86 in the town of Ellery led to the arrest of an Ashville man for allegedly driving without a license, and for marijuana possession...  
 
State police in Jamestown say they pulled over 30 year-old Dustin Raynor on Tuesday and, he was found in possession of five-grams of pot, and had a suspended license.  Raynor was arrested for third-degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.  He was issued appearance tickets for Ellery Town Court at a later date.

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 12, 2018

BPU Water Alert for Lakewood.... 
 
There may still be some discolored water in the Lakewood area and to the west this morning after a hydrant was accidently opened yesterday without notice.  Jamestown Board of Public Utilities Spokeswoman Becky Robbins says a contractor accidently opened the hydrant while working on a project.  She says water customers in the village to the Ashville BOCES should be on the look-out for unsettled water through late morning today.
 
 
City police are on the look-out for two men accused of breaking into a home on Jamestown's southside last weekend and assaulting and robbing the woman who lived there...  
 
City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says two white males allegedly entered an apartment on Chautauqua Avenue shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday morning and, one was armed with a hand-gun.  He says they have a video of the break-in on their Facebook page. 
 
Samuelson says that the address and woman involved were targeted.  He says this was not a random act, and it appears that drugs were also a factor.  He says the woman suffered minor injuries but, will be okay.  He would not say to what extent she is cooperating with the investigation.  However, he urges anyone with information to call their confidential tips line at 483-TIPS (8477).  You can also contact them through their Tips 4-1-1 app.
 
 
 
A north county man is jailed on $50,000 bail for allegedly having sex with a juvenile victim on various occasions about a year-and-a-half ago...  
 
Sheriff's deputies say their Criminal Investigation Division looked into the allegations and, arrested 27 year-old Joshua Northrup-Dowdall on four counts of second-degree rape.  Officers say the incidents allegedly occured in March of 2017.  Dowdall was arraigned on the charges in Chautauqua County Court and, sent to the county lock-up.
 
 
It was all smiles at the first regular school board meeting Tuesday night for Jamestown Public Schools since the first day of classes. During his Superintendent's Report, Dr. Bret Apthorpe expressed his feelings about the first day, saying it was "very, very fun."
 
Apthorpe also noted some statistics for the 2018-19 school year, indicating that enrollment is down by 55 students, to 4,519 for the current year. However, the district's Pre-K program is full with 400 students enrolled for the 2018-19 school year. However, on the flip side, the district's Pre-K program is completely full with over 400 students enrolled. Apthorpe says that official district enrollment numbers will be available in mid-October. 
 
 
 
A regular board meeting for the Jamestown Public School District began with an executive session Tuesday night to "test" new technology the board will be implementing this school year... 
 
That from board Vice-President Patrick Slagle, who says 'Board Docs' is a user-friendly way for board members, parents and students can go online and look at the agenda for upcoming meetings.  The board used their iPads for polling on resolutions at their first meeting since the beginning of the new school year. Slagle says the votes are cast through the program and later projected onto a screen so people can who voted/motioned what. He says it will also use less paper. Slagle adds that even though they're not speaking their votes, this is a program that many other districts implement into their board meetings, namely the Chautauqua County School Board Association. He says they are still working out the kinks but hopes to have Board Docs fully operational soon. 
 
 
A new training program for basketball officials begins tonight...and the teacher of the course says many more refs are needed...  
 
Roger McTavish of  IAABOA the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials invites anyone interested to Room 250 at Jamestown High School tonight (Wednesday) at 7:00 There are currently 55 officials working school games in this area.  McTavish says there's room for at least 20 more. The course costs $225, and runs to the end of November.  After passing a test, new refs will make up to $91 for a varsity game, more than $80 for 7th and 8th grade.  Candidates should be able to easily move up and down the court.  Otherwise, there are no pre-qualifications. Anyone interested should go to JHS tonight, or phone Roger MacTavish at his home in West Ellicott.   
 
 
Congressional Republicans say they will be introducing "Tax Cuts 2.0" this week... which will basically make temporary cuts approved last year permanent...  
 
During his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media, Corning Republican Tom Reed said the time is right due to the success of last year's massive tax reform package approved by lawmakers, and signed by the president.  While tax cuts have triggered a "booming" economy in many places, there are two issues looming that could short-circuit the improvements.  Reed believes, though, that tariff's will help the economy in the long-run.
 
Reed agrees that "creeping" inflation -- which has been cited by some economists -- could take away some of the benefits from last year's tax cuts.  He also says making the cuts to individuals and small businesses permanent, will help the economy even more.  Those cuts were to sunset in eight years.  Reed cited Cummins Engine -- just outside of Jamestown -- as one employer that has benefitted greatly from the first round of cuts.  He says they were able to begin offering $15/hr wages to start with the company.
 
 
Some economic indicators show there have been benefits to businesses, and others, from tax cuts enacted by Congress and the Trump Administration....  
 
However,  there have been problems for others -- namely farmers who own large amounts of land across the 23rd Congressional Distrct.  That from Democratic challenger Tracy Mitrano, who challenged Republican Tom Reed's stance on tax cuts and trade Tuesday morning.  Mitrano says people she's talked to say tariffs are hurting businesses and farmers.
 
Mitrano adds that capping the federal property tax write-off at $10,000 directly affects farmers because even small farms have a significant amount of land to them.  She adds that tariffs are also impacting farmer's abilities to go into Canada and, China.  Mitrano adds that farmers she's talked to complain that a lack of Immigration Reform is also hurting them because they need migrant workers to help harvest their crops. 
 
 
Three men were arrested Tuesday morning when Jamestown Police allegedly found several controlled substances and paraphernalia during a traffic stop... 
 
The vehicle was pulled over at 1:15 a.m. near North Main and East 6th Streets for making an improper left-hand turn. Officers conducted a search of the car after a meth pipe was allegedly seen in plain sight. Two-grams of meth, pills and a metal knuckle knife were found, along with a digital scale and packaging materials. The operator was identified at 42 year-old Jack Ferry of Warren, and he was taken into custody with his 37 year-old passenger from Warren, Pennsylvania, and 26 year-old Jamestown passenger.  The men are being held in Jamestown City Jail pending arraignment. 
 
 
Nearly 3-thousand people were killed 17 years ago today in New York City, Washington D-C, and Pennsylvania in the 9/11 terror attacks...  
 
During a solemn ceremony held outside Dunkirk Fire Headquarters under dreary skies and a heavy drizzle, local first responders remembered those who lost their lives and recalled the attacks.
 
Among the speakers was Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas.  He was a state trooper at the time of the 9/11 attacks and one of the first from Chautauqua County to make the trip to New York to assist with the recovery.  Rosas says it had a unifying effect.
 
Dunkirk Fire Chief Mike Edwards says it's important to remember the attacks and how firefighters responded.  He says they showed "drive, commitment, and bravery..." and it's up to us to continue that commitment.  The remembrance ceremony was organized by the fire department and Dunkirk Professional Firefighters Local 616.
 
 
Both Congressional candidates in the 23rd District paused at the beginning of their conference calls to remember the victims of the "9/11" attacks 17 years ago...  
 
Incumbant Congressman Tom Reed paused for one-minute at 9:03 a.m., when the second plane hit the World Trade Center towers.  Democratic opponent Tracy Mitrano also recognized the victims, and the heroes of "9/11."  She noted an op-ed in the New YorkTimes written by Joe Quinn, whose brother died in the attacks.  Mitrano says he speaks as a member of the military who is calling for an end to one of America's longest wars.   There was also a "9/11" rememberance ceremony in front of the Chautauqua County Courthouse in Mayville at Noon time.  Chautauqua County had one casualty during the "9/11" attacks.  Celoron native Amy King was a flight attendant on board the second plane that struck the World Trade Center towers that morning.
 
 
A city man is jailed without bail following a drug raid on the northside of Jamestown late Monday night...  
 
City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, and the JPD SWAT Team executed a search warrant at 815 Prendergast Avenue shortly before 10 p.m. and, arrested 41 year-old Esteban Santiago.  Samuelson says they also found just over 39-grams of powder cocaine cash and, a drug scale.  He says Santiago was arraigned on charges of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminally using drug paraphernalia and, sent to the county lock-up.  City police say the State Police K-9 Unit and Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force assisted with the raid.
 
 
Saint Bonaventure University in upstate New York is rescinding an honorary degree bestowed to former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who's accused of engaging in sexual misconduct with minors and adult seminarians....  
 
The private, Franciscan Catholic university posted a statement on its website Monday saying its Board of Trustees voted on Friday to rescind its honorary doctorate of humane letters awarded to McCarrick in May 2011.  University president, Dr. Dennis R. DePerro, said the school has "an unwavering commitment to stand in solidarity with all survivors of sexual abuse."  The Vatican removed McCarrick from public ministry in June after it determined allegations he sexually molested a teenager more than 40 years earlier were credible. McCarrick later resigned from the College of Cardinals in July.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 11, 2018

City lawmakers have tentatively agreed to let Chautauqua County continue using it's temporary bus hub on Pine Street in Jamestown through mid-October...  
 
The City Council voiced it's approval last night with moving ahead with letting the Chautauqua Area Regional Transporation System use the location -- near the South County Office Building -- through October 19.  Mayor Sam Teresi says he received a formal letter from County Executive George Borrello, requesting the extension while they finalize a permanent location.
 
The original agreement ran through September 1, but Borrello indicated to Teresi that more time is needed.  Some members of the public have said they believed the CARTS move was permanent, but Teresi emphasized it is temporary.  CARTS moved from it's previous location on West Second Street -- in front of the train station -- due to construction of the new "Streetscape" on West Second that's part of the new, National Comedy Center.  The City Council will formally vote on continuing the temporary location on Pine Street at it's September 24 voting session.
 
 
A supply truck was the apparent source of scrap metal strewn along several roads in Warren, Venango, Mercer and Lawrence Counties late yesterday morning...  
 
State Police in Warren say the scrap apparently caused flat tires on numerous vehicles along Routes 62, 6W, 8S, 79S, and 422S.  Troopers say the McClymonds Supply and Transit Company truck was traveling from Warren to New Castle, Pennsylvania, but shortly into the trip, it began losing pieces of scrap.  State Police checked the vehicle in New Castle, and found it was the vehicle involved.  At least a dozen vehicles were apparently affected in Warren County.  Anyone who had punctured tires due to the scrap metal should contact McClymond's in Portersville at (724)-368-8040. 
 
 
A Jamestown man was arrested on felony charges afer his car struck a building during a police pursuit on the city's southside last Saturday evening...  
 
Officers say they attempted to stop 43 year-old Christopher Thomas for failing to use a turn signal, before he fled at a high rate of speed.  Police say Thomas then allegedly jumped out of the moving vehicle at the intersection of South Main Street and Prather Avenue.  The car continued to travel up and over the curb and, through a lawn before hitting the side of a building at 117 South Main Street.  Thomas was taken into custody and is being held pending arraignment on numerous charges -- including some Felonies -- in Jamestown City Court.
 
 
The next big hurricane that's barreling towards the eastern United States should not impact the western New York region...  
 
That from Forecaster David Church with the National Weather Service in Buffalo, who says Hurricane Florence continues to strengthen as it heads for the Southeast, and it's expected to arrive late Thursday or early Friday as a Category 4 storm.  Church says while it's not expected to come here, it will cause trouble for the Carolinas and other parts of the Southeast.  Church says a high pressure system centered around New England should prevent Florence, or it's remnants, from getting into western New York. 
 
 
A man who fatally struck a retired western New York couple in the town where they held elected offices has been sentenced to prison time...  
 
WIVB-TV in Buffalo reports that 28-year-old Kevin Donaldson, Junior of Cattaraugus, was sentenced Monday in a Cattaraugus County court to 1 2/3 to five years in prison for the deaths of Michael and Donna Phillips.  The couple was walking across a road in front of their home in Salamanca on December 15th when they were hit by a vehicle Donaldson was driving.  He was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter and later pleaded guilty.  Michael Phillips was Salamanca town supervisor and Donna Phillips was the town clerk.  Police said they were headed to town hall when they were struck.
 
 
The owner-operators of the new Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron say they're "all in" when it comes to improving the water quality of Chautauqua Lake...  
 
Operator David Hart of Hart Hotels made the comment during late week's ribbon cutting on the nearly $40-million project along the lake, which also includes a new boardwalk.  Most of all, Hart says they want to help bring all the lake entities together to do what's best.
 
Hart praised the Chautauqua Lake Association for helping to clear weeds along the shoreline area for their grand opening.  He also thanked the CLA's Paul Stage for helping to bring the Chautauqua Belle steamship to dock at the nearby island for last Thursday's event.  County Executive George Borrello says it's great to hear that Hart and Peter Krog  want to help improve the lake.  Borrello says he's hopeful that it will help them fund the strategy they develop.  Borrello made his comments for this past weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Group stations. 
 
 
The bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, New York, says he's sorry for any of his own ``failures'' but says he'll remain as leader of the diocese until his retirement...  
 
Bishop Richard Malone has faced renewed calls for his resignation over his handling of sexual abuse allegations against priests.  He released a letter over the weekend reiterating his apologies and says criticism of church leadership is ``justified.''  New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood issued a subpoena to all dioceses in the state and has announced a civil investigation into the Catholic Church's handling of sex abuse allegations.  The bishop says he intends to retire in 2021.
 
 
Democrat Zephyr Teachout says that if elected New York attorney general she will investigate whether Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo has used state resources for campaign purposes...  
 
Teachout told reporters Monday that Cuomo's extensive use of state helicopters raises ethical questions.  She also noted that a former top Cuomo aide kept working from a state office after leaving the governor's staff to lead Cuomo's 2014 re-election campaign.  The aide was later convicted on unrelated corruption charges.  Teachout also cited concerns that Cuomo rushed the opening of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge's second span to score campaign points.  Safety concerns later forced it to be closed.  A poll released Monday shows Thursday's Democratic primary is a dead heat between Teachout, Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney and New York City Public Advocate Tish James, who has Cuomo's endorsement.
 
 
A New York state lawmaker is proposing new rules for the testing of lead in drinking water at schools and parks...  
 
Democratic Senator Michael Gianaris of Queens announced his proposal late last week just as students returned for fall classes.  It would require all schools and public parks to test their drinking water for lead contamination every three years.  Results would be posted online.  Under current law, schools must test every five years.  Public parks currently have no such requirement.  Gianaris says too many children are exposed to lead in places where they should be safe.  The bill will be considered by lawmakers when they reconvene in January.

WJTN News Headlines for Sept. 10, 2018

 
The remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon moved into the western Southern Tier yesterday afternoon and, some parts of the area could see up to 2.5-inches of rain by late today...  
 
That from Forecaster Tony Ensuini with the National Weather Service, who says the further east you go, the more likely there to be more potential flooding.
 
The Allegany River could have some high-water issues during the day, depending on where the most rain falls.  Ensuini says there could definately be some minor, low-level flooding in the Jamestown-area, especially this morning.  The arrival of Gordon also means some wind for the area.  Ensuini says it'll be more pronounced along the Lake Erie shoreline, with winds about 20 to 30 MPH, with gusts up to 50.  
 
 
 
The rain from tropical storm Gordon is an unwelcome arrival for farmers who are hoping to start harvesting corn silage in the next week...  
 
Dan Steward, a consultant for the Western New York Crop Management Association, says the summer heat and 'ideal rain' have created the potential for a 'super crop.'  Heavy rain just before the harvest can make it difficult to get equipment onto the fields, and could potentially damage a tall standing crop. 
 
Steward adds, there have been few pests or diseases in the fields.
For dairy farmers who continue to struggle with a low return for milk, full bins of silage allow them use the remainder of the corn for grain... instead of buying it.  Steward says it's been a good year for grass hay and small grains as well.   
 
 
 
An examination of state travel records by the New York Times finds Governor Andrew Cuomo took 195 trips in taxpayer-funded planes and helicopters in 2017...  
 
The Times reviewed records in the 10 most populous states for comparison and, found the Democrat flew more frequently on state aircraft than any other governor of states that provided records.  In California, the governor flies commercial, and in Texas, the governor pays for private charters.  Cuomo's frequent trips this election year have raised questions of whether state aircraft gives him an unfair advantage over his primary opponent, Cynthia Nixon.
 
 
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio says he won't endorse Gov. Andrew Cuomo or challenger Cynthia Nixon in the Democratic primary for governor...  
 
The mayor said in a statement Saturday evening that endorsing a candidate would be counterproductive to his advocacy of New York City interests with the next governor and lieutenant governor.  He offered praise for both candidates. Of Nixon, a close friend and early supporter of his mayoral campaign, de Blasio said: "Her presence in this primary has created real momentum for reform."  Of Cuomo, with whom he's often at odds, de Blasio said "there is more that unites us than divides us."  He credited Cuomo for marriage equality, the raised minimum wage, paid family leave and challenging President Trump.
 
 
The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce will be holding it's annual Awards Banquet next month at the State University of New York college at Fredonia...  
 
Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Tranum says a Dunkirk area company will receive the Chamber's annual Economic Development Award during the banquet set for Thursday, October 11.
 
Tranum says their Person of the Year Award will be presented to the Calimeri Family of Jamestown, which has long been involved with a lot of local businesses -- and being engaged in the local community.  Each of the six community Chambers of Commerce presents a Community Service Award during the banquet.  You can get more information about the annual event by calling the Chamber at 366-6200, 484-1101 or by going online to chautauquachamber.org.
 
 
Two Jamestown men have been arrested for allegedly smoking and trafficking marijuana from a car in the area around Jamestown Community College...  
 
City police say they were alerted to a suspicious vehicle by campus security late last week and, JCC officials say they saw the alleged car parked on Curtis Street at College Park.  Officers say they were told that multiple vehicles with other people were pulling up to it, and then leaving.  Police detained the vehicle and, arrested the two men, identified as 23 year-old Jonathan Lugo-Diaz and, 18 year-old Ezra Flores.  Officers smelled fresh marijuana smoke inside the vehicle and, found nearly 56-grams of marijuana in their possession.  Both face criminal possession and unlawful possession of marijuana charges.
 
 
A major public works project gets underway in downtown Dunkirk today...  
 
Mayor Willie Rosas says improvements are being made to Cental Avenue as part of the Central Connection project.  Rosas says that project will help improve access for city traffic to the SUNY College at Fredonia.
 
Rosas says they'll begin work on four intersections in the north county city and once the infrastructure issues are taken care of, they will begin the mill and overlay parts of the project.  He says Dunkirk received $2.5-million in Smart Growth funding from New York state that will be used as part of the Central Connection Project.  The city also received $50,000 from the state Department of Transportation to improve the intersection of Central Avenue and Lakeshore Drive.
 
 
 
Democrats on Long Island have cancelled a major political fundraiser because the event's venue plans to host a National Rifle Association fundraiser and gun auction...  
 
The Nassau County Democratic Party announced Friday that it has cancelled the organization's October 22 event at the Inn at New Hyde Park.  County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs says the organization made the decision after learning the catering hall will host an NRA event on September 27.  Several schools are located near the business, and Jacobs says it's "appalling" that the NRA would auction firearms so close to schools.  
 

News Headlines for Fri., Sept. 7, 2018

We are having some significant issues with getting stories onto the website....

 

Here are some quick headlines for Friday, Sept. 7, 2018...

 

A much-anticipated piece of the tourism picture in Chautauqua County was officially put into place Thursday afternoon, with the ribbon-cutting on the new, $40-million Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron.  The hotel was built by partner's Peter Krog and David Hart of Hart Hotels along the Chautauqua Lake shoreline.  The new upscale hotel will include 135 rooms, a 400-person conference hall, and will bring just over 100 full-time jobs to the area.

 

A Warren County, PA woman has been arrested for allegedly stealing pain-killers from the Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Warren.  The Warren Times-Observer reports that 30 year-old Kellie Gentz of Tidioute was arrested Thursday following an investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney Genera's Office.  She accused of stealing both liquid and pill-formed pain killers between late 2017 and the end of January of this year.  Gentz is jailed on $50,000 cash bail.

 

 The new, North County Water District is delivering it's first thousand gallons to customers of the new district in northern Chautauqua County.  Several local officials were at the Portland Water Tank to flip a switch, allowing water to flow from the town of Portland to the west... to the town of Sheridan to the east.

 

The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County has officially kicked-off it's 2018 Campaign with an "open house" at it's new headquarters on Pine St. in Jamestown.  Campaign Chairman Kurt Eimiller says this year's goal is $1.335-million dollars to fund about three-dozen programs in the Jamestown-area.  For more information on the campaign, call 483-1561... or go on-line to uwayscc.org.

 

The newsroom at Media One is undergoing some renovation work and we hope to have the website back in regular order on Monday.  Thanks for your patience!

WJTN Headlines for Wed., Sept. 5, 2018

Fire extensively damages vacant home on city's westside...
Flames have heavily-damaged a vacant, two-story home on Jamestown westside overnight.  City Fire Battalion Chief Matt Coon says firefighters were called to the scene at 208 West Eighth Street shortly after 11 last night.  Coon says they found flames -- and heavy black smoke -- coming mainly in the upper portions of the house.  He says they pulled two handlines to attack the blaze.  No one was inside the house, and all services were disconnected.  Coon says it took about 20-minutes to bring the flames under control... and, 30 minutes to put them out.  He says and off-duty shift of 12 firefighters and one supervisor was called in to assist.  Coon says the blaze is suspicious... but, no cause has yet been determined.  No firefighters were hurt battling the blaze.
 
 
Panama man killed in ATV crash over Labor Day Weekend...
A Panama man was killed in an all-terrain vehicle accident in the town of Harmony during the long, holiday weekend.  State Police in Jamestown say 32 year-old Brent Aldrich died after he was reportedly being thrown from his ATV on Eddy Road -- near Button Valley Road.  Troopers say the southbound ATV struck a guide rail on the east side of a bridge crossing over a small creek.  Police say Aldrich was thrown over the guide rail into the water below.  Troopers say the vehicle remained on the side of the road.  An area resident spotted the ATV in the road, and later contacted the county's 9-1-1 Center after seeing a social media post about him missing.
 
 
Two city residents arrested for drug and weapons possession...
Two Jamestown residents are jailed without bail on drug and weapon's charges following a raid and vehicle stop on the city's southside late last week.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force members obtained information that an apartment at 287 South Main St. was being used to traffic crystal methamphetime and cocaine from.   Samuelson says task force members, police and members of the JPD SWAT Team raided the home just before 2 p.m. last Friday.  He says they get much of their information from their confidential tips-line... which is 483-TIPS, that's 483-8477.  Samuelson adds they are also getting a good response to their Tips 4-1-1 app.  He says 41 year-old Henry Stovall... and, 24 year-old Alexis Hall... were each allegedly found with more than half-an-ounce of methamphetime, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of crack cocaine in their possession.  He says they also found weapons -- including two stun guns -- inside the apartment on South Main.  Stovall faces four counts of criminal possession of a weapon... and, one count each third and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Hall faces the same drug charges. 
 
 
Mitrano and Reed debate efforts to stem Opioid Epidemic -- including injection sites...
The opioid crisis that's facing the nation and New York State has become a campaign issue in the 23rd Congressional District race.  Last week, Congressman Tom Reed criticized his opponent Democrat Tracy Mitrano for supporting the use of government-sponsored open heroin injection sites as a means of cutting down on heroin overdose deaths, something he called an "extremely dangerous" proposal.  During a conference call Tuesday with area media... Mitrano said she supported such an approach, but under specific conditions... including that the site be opened lawfully, and with "wide community buy in," and with strict oversight by health care and law enforcement officials.  Congressman Reed was asked later in the day about Mitrano's approach to having open injection sites.  He says the fact she supports them speaks for itself... even though she's trying to walk-back previous comments.  Reed added that "it should be up to the people to decide" whether open injection sites are reasonable.  Mitrano pointed out that the centers are currently illegal in New York State.
 
 
State GOP complains that Democratic Gubernatorial debate evade upstate issues...
Leading Republicans in New York state are angry that a recent debate between Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo and his primary challenger Cynthia Nixon largely ignored upstate issues.  Republican Senate Leader John Flanagan noted the debate on Long Island one week ago including little talk about property taxes, clean water infrastructure, the economy or other key upstate issues.
 Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, the GOP nominate for governor, called on Nixon and Cuomo to hold a second debate upstate.  Democrats pushed back on the complaints.  Cuomo says he's made it a priority to revitalize the upstate economy. 
 
 
State Fair sets new attendance record...
Attendance at the New York State Fair has set a new record.  Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that over 1.26-million people went to the fair during its 13-day run near Syracuse.  That's up more than 8 percent from the previous record of a bit over 1.16-million.  That was set last year.  This year's fair also has repeatedly broken single-day attendance records.  Cuomo says recent improvements to the fairgrounds are helping to attract more visitors.
 
 
 

WJTN Headlines for Tues., Sept. 4, 2018

Several local schools begin classes today, including Falconer and Southwestern...
Today is the first day of school for several districts in southern Chautauqua County... including Southwestern.  Superintendent Maureen Donahue says there will be a new 'traffic light' cellphone policy taking effect in the middle and high schools.  Red is 'no phone' zone... yellow is teacher discretion... Green is okay for use.  Work at the Southwestern auditorium is expected to be complete this fall.  The new gym addition is set to open by December.  The superintendent at Falconer, Stephen Penhollow, says school opens there today for grades K through 12, as well.  At the high school, they've updated the engineering lab... and have designated specific times for STEM education in Kindergarten through 8th grade... with some arts added in.  As a first step in a building project, there's a new roof on the Falconer-Middle High School building.  Penhollow also reminds those driving to the main campus to watch for new traffic patterns... and pay attention to the new light at Main Street and East Avenue.  Several other districts open today.  Others will start school Wednesday or Thursday.    
 
 
Clymer to being school year with new Sheriff's Department Substation...
A rural Chautauqua County school district is joining a growing number of schools that will house a law enforcement substation.  County Sheriff Joe Gerace says his deputies will use their office at the Clymer Central School to do paperwork and interviews while maintaining a law enforcement presence at the school.  Gerace calls the arrangement a win-win for the district and deputies who gain a strategic location from which to work.  The school, which has about 450 students, is about 20 miles from the sheriff's office headquarters.  Law enforcement substations are growing increasingly popular around the country as authorities work to improve security in the age of school shootings.
 
 
Labor Day Festival includes local and state recognition for Ritzer Award winner...
The area's biggest labor award included some pagentry this year... as the George Ritzer Labor Award was given to a recipient for the second-time for the first-time ever last Sunday.  Retired Jamestown City Councilman George Spitale got this year's award... and, for  the first time in recent memory... the recipient was also honored by the governor's office.  Governor Cuomo's Deputy Director of Upstate Labor Affairs, Chris Borgadi, spoke during the presentation... and, offered comments from the governor and himself... calling him an "invaluable asset to your labor community, Jamestown and Western New York."  Mayor Sam Teresi also praised Spitale... who is also his cousin.  Other recognition was given by Assemblyman Andy Goodell... who was represented by Jamestown office Manager Elisabeth Rankin.  Teresi also praised the current workforce at City Hall... especially in dealing with inclement weather earlier in the day Sunday.  Teresi also proclaimed it as "Labor Appreciation Week" in the city from September 2nd through the 8th.
 
 
Cuomo to hold 15 "listening sessions" on proosals to legalize recreational marijuana...
In New York state government news... Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced 15 so-called "listening sessions" to gather public input on proposals to legalize recreational marijuana.  The 15 sessions will be held around the state beginning with one Thursday in Albany.  State officials say public comments at the sessions will be taken into account as proposals to legalize pot are drafted.  Lawmakers expect to consider the issue after they reconvene in January.  None of those will be in Chautauqua County.  Meanwhile, former Vice President Joe Biden is backing Cuomo over former "Sex and the City" star Cynthia Nixon in the September 13th Democratic primary. 
 
 
Sixth-annual Kallie's Krusade another big success...
The 6th annual "Kallie's Krusade" fund-raiser in Lakewood was another success.  Well over 100 motorcycles took off from the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club abot 10 a.m. yesterday for the annual "Krusin' for Kallie" that's part of the foundation's event.  The Krusade events are organized by Kallie's parents, Tara and Shane.  They welcomed the crowd, and spoke before the motorcycles left.  Tara says they had more motorcycles than last year... thanks to the organizer for that event... the Jamestown Police Department's Tim Jackson.  No final numbers were available Monday morning.  In addition... they had shirts with the names of children battling pediatric Cancer their foundation has been able to help on the back.  Tara Swan says they have their "Kolors for Kallie" 5 K Run Walk again this year... along with raffles, a bounce house, and chicken barbecue.  She says they also received a "Blue Buffalo" from Roswell Park in Buffalo because they were part of the Cancer institute's "Herd's of Hope" Cancer program. 
 
 
Chestnut again wins Buffalo Chicken Wing Eating Contest...
Competitive eating titan Joey "Jaws" Chestnut has downed more than 200 chicken wings in 12 minutes to notch a repeat win in an annual championship in Buffalo, New York.  The National Buffalo Wing Festival tweeted the results of Sunday's contest... saying that Chestnut ate 206 of the wings.  Geoffrey Esper of Oxford, Massachusetts, took second place by eating 194 wings.  Darron Breeden of Orange, Virginia, came in third with 182. 
 

WJTN Headlines for Mon. Sept. 3, 2018

Home near downtown Jamestown extensively damaged in Sunday morning fire...
Flames have extensively damaged a home near the immediate downtown-area of the city of Jamestown.  City Fire Battalion Chief Matt Coon says firefighters were called to the scene at 4 Forest Park about 2:30 Sunday morning... and, found heavy smoke coming from the area on arrival... especially the attic.  Coon says everyone was out of the home on arrival, and crews attacked the flames with two hose lines.  He says they rotated personnel through the building due to the smoke.  Coon says it took about 20-minutes to bring the flames under control.  He says the worst of the damage was in the attic area... although the home does not appear "unsalvageable."  Coon says fire crews were there for about four hours, and the fire investigation team was on scene until about Noon.  An off-duty shift was called in to assist, along with crews from Busti... Lakewood... Celoron... Falconer... Kiantone... and, Kennedy.  County fire police and investigators were also called in.  Three firefighters suffered minor injuries. 
 
 
City man arrested after allegedly assaulting, and holding woman against her will...
A Jamestown man faces a number of charges after allegedly assaulting a woman, and holding her against her will, early last weekend.  City police say they were called to 112 Crossman St. last Friday on a report of damaged property... and, again on Saturday on a report of the assault.  Officers say 40 year-old Telly Ortiz allegedly struck the same woman with a metal object, and blocked her attempts to leave the home.  Police say they also found that Ortiz was sought on a bench warrant in Warren County, Pennsylvania.  He was taken into custody without incident for charges including two counts of aggravated family offense... second-degree unlawful imprisonment... and, third-degree assault... and, jailed pending arraignment.
 
 
Four arrested during drug bust in Cattaraugus County...
Four people have been arrested... and, three remain jailed... following a drug raid in the Cattaraugus County city of Salamanca late last week.  Agents with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, and other police agencies, raided an apartment at 61 1/2 Elm Street late last Thursday.  Task Force members say they found 16 grams of Fentanyl... 2-grams of Methamphetime... and scales and packaging material.  Police arrested a resident of the Elm Street address, 27 year-old Lindsey Little... along with 31 year-old Christopher Dupont of Salamanca, and 23 year-old Cordell Wheeler of Randolph, on Felony charges.  Those include criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia.  Task Force members add that 45 year-old Michael Cook of Randolph was arrested for criminal contempt for allegedly violating a court order of protection.  Little, Dupont, and Cook were arraigned and sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail with bail pending.  Wheeler was issued an appearance ticket for Salamanca City Court at a later date.
 
 
George Spitale receives George Ritzer Labor Award for unprecidented second-time...
The weather cleared in plenty of time for most every scheduled event at Sunday's annual Labor Day Festival in Jamestown... including presentation of the annual George Ritzer Labor Award.  For the first-time ever... there was a second-time winner of the award.  Retired City Councilman George Spitale... who has also been involved about 50 years with the local labor movement... received the award from Central Labor Council President David Wilkenson at Bergman Park.  Mary Spitale was there with her husband for the ceremony.  George Spitale chose not to speak... but, Wilkenson presented a few comments on Spitale's behalf.  He says the main point was that since Spitale and others who were doers in the labor movement are retiring... who is going to pick up the mantel?  He says one of their battles, for health care, is continuing today.  Spitale first received the Ritzer Award in 1985... the second-year it was presented.  He was the head of the American Federation State County Municipal Employees for 22 years from 1980 to 2002.  Spitale retired from the City Council last year.
 
 
Linda Johnson recognized in retirement from UPMC Chautauqua Hospital...
A career that began just over 40 years ago concluded at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital last Friday afternoon when long-time communications and marketing manager Linda Johnson walked out the door.  Johnson began working at the former WCA Hospital as a 19 year-old... filing tests.  She has been one of hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Betsy Wright's "right-hand" people over the years... and, Wright says she'll miss Johnson "very much," and wished her "very well in her retirement."  Wright adds that Johnson will be hard to replace... and, says no replacement has been selected as yet.  Johnson says she's loved her work... and, says her heart will always be with UPMC Chautauqua -- even in retirement.  She says she'll be visiting, and taking part in fund-raisers for the hospital.  Wright says Johnson has done "incredible" work for the hospital... from internal and external communications -- and just "getting the story out." 
 
 

WJTN Headlines for Sat., Sept. 1, 2018

Sheriff Gerace urges drivers to be safe, and obey the laws during Labor Day Weekend...
The Labor Day Holiday Weekend is now underway... and, AAA is estimating that some 35-million people will travel at least 50 miles this weekend across the nation.  You can expect local law enforcement to also have a presence.  That from Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace... who coordinates the county's Stop DWI program.  Gerace says patrols will be active over the holiday weekend.  He says they urge motorists to use "good common sense, don't drink and drive, don't text and drive, and wear your seat belt."  Gerace says the Sheriff's Dept. Navigation Division will also likely have a busy weekend.  He's urging boaters practice water safety... observe the law, and have the people on your craft wearing personal floation devices.  AAA of Western and Central New York expects the heaviest traffic volume to occur Monday when people are on their way back home.   Traffic is expected to peak around 3 p.m., so the best time to head back is before noon on Monday.
 
 
AAA says Labor Day Weekend gas prices remain high, but, have "leveled off..."
As summer comes to a close, many travelers are ready to squeeze in a last minute vacation before the cooler temperatures settle in.  Triple-A adds that those heading out for a road trip ove rthe weekend will see gas prices that have "leveled-off..." though they are higher than last Labor Day Weekend.  AAA says the current national average is $2.84... which is two-cents less than a month ago.  In New York state... the price is $2.99... which is 45-cents more than last year.  In Pennsylvania... it's $3.04 a gallon... which is 42-cents more.   
 
 
Mitrano, Reed, spar over support for West Valley clean-up...
The Democratic candidate running for the 23rd Congressional District says the West Valley Nuclear Demonstration site clean-up in Cattaraugus County is not getting enough funding from the federal government.  Ithaca's Tracy Mitrano also believes that incumbent Republican Tom Reed is not doing enough to get funding for the cleanup.  The House Energy and Commerce Committee recently passed a reauthorization bill to provide $75-million dollars a year for the next eight years for the cleanup effort.  The bill, sponsored by Reed, represents $10-million more than is currently allocated... but, Mitrano says it falls short what is needed.  She says the studies she has seen say the cost will total about $6-billion to $10-billion.  Mitrano says she's not an "expert" but, adds a third-party study seems to be fairly accurate.  During this week's conference call... we asked Tom Reed about Mitrano's statement and said his political challenger is "out of touch."  Reed says they've worked with everyone involved to try and get the situation taken care of best as possible, and says he's "very proud" of the work being done at West Valley.
 
 
Former WCA Hospital is now UPMC Chautauqua Hospital...
It's a small... but, still significant step in integrating the former WCA Hospital in Jamestown into the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center family of health care faciliites.  UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital has had it's name shortened to UPMC Chautauqua.  The move took place a few weeks ago... and, Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Betsy Wight says it's part of a "system-wide" re-branding by UPMC.  Wright says they have looked at the branding of all their hospitals and facilities... and, she says they are a regional hospital, and officials want the name to reflect that.  She says WCA is one of seven specialty and health care facilities that have been renamed as part of the UPMC family.  She says it tells the community that they are now intergrated with the main Pittsburgh facility... and, she says that intergration continues to grow through investment in IT... and, network upgrades, along with employee benefits.  Wright says the integration has even continued over the past couple of weeks with the hiring of 24 new nurses who recently graduated from nursing school... along with four new, experienced nurses.  
 
 
Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon in Upstate NY this weekend...
Actress Cynthia Nixon is taking her campaign for governor upstate as the Democratic primary nears.  The longtime liberal activist and former "Sex and the City" star will make stops in Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, Schenectady and Saratoga Springs on Friday and throughout the long Labor Day weekend.  Her campaign says Nixon will meet with volunteers and voters and make a stop at the state fair in Syracuse.  She faces Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo in the September 13th primary.  Nixon's upstate trip comes after the two candidates held a debate on Long Island Wednesday that focused largely on downstate issues. 
 
 
 

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