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WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 31, 2018

It's a simple concept, but there are some challenges to getting the ride-sharing service Uber into the upstate New York region...  
 
However, there are a lot of opportunities as well.  Those are the feelings of local Congressman Tom Reed after a more than one-hour long program and discussion with an Uber official at Jamestown Community College Thursday afternoon.  Reed says there are definate transporation needs in rural areas and, people with vehicles looking for extra money.
 
Reed says ride sharing is something that "makes sense..." and, could also provide an economic boost to the region.  He says that's why they had people from the private sector, including Cummin's Engine in the town of Busti, discussing their needs.  The Corning Republican invited Patrick Lyden of Uber's Government Relations Office, who said Uber has done well during it's short time of operating in places like Buffalo.  Lyden says Uber began operating in New York shortly before July 4th of 2017.
 
 
Late U-S Senator John McCain has been praised this week for his bi-partisanship as a federal lawmaker all this week and, during yesterday's funeral service in his home state of Arizona....  
 
He was also lauded by local Congressman Tom Reed following an event in Jamestown Thursday afternoon.  Reed says McCain's incredible legacy as a member of the U-S Navy, a POW, and lawmaker earned the respect of many Republicans and Democrats.
 
Reed says he got to talk with and visit McCain on a few occasions in Washington, and says he has the upmost respect for what his federal Republican tried to do in Congress.  McCain's casket has arrived in Maryland ahead of ceremonies today at the U.S. Capitol.  His body was flown to Joint Base Andrews outside Washington after a church service Thursday in Phoenix.  Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was at the base to greet McCain's widow, Cindy, and their family. 
 
 
An unidentified man had to be flown to an Erie, Pennsylvania hospital with serious injuries after he was run over by a garbage truck in the town of Gerry late yesterday morning...  
 
Chautauqua County fire dispatchers say that emergency crews were called to the scene at 2302 Edson Road in Sinclairville just after 11:00.  Dispatchers say the truck had been parked, but, apparently went accidently into gear, and moved -- striking the man.  A landing zone was prepared for Starflight Helicopter to land and, the man was flown to UPMC Hamot Medical Center for treatment.  There is no other information available and, whether any charges will be filed.
 
 
A Cattaraugus County woman faces harrassment charges for smearing cow feces on the vehicle of a Department of Social Services Employee's vehicle... 
 
Sheriff's officers in Little Valley say 30 year-old Mary McConnell is also accused of threatening to throw cow feces in the employee's face. Deputies say McConnell turned herself in at the Department, where she was issued appearance tickets for Allegheny Town Court in October for second-degree harrassment and third-degree criminal tampering. 
 
 
A Jamestown man faces four counts of endangering the welfare of a child following a possible stabbing Wednesday afternoon....  
 
City police were called to 614 Spring Street for the incident and found 37 year-old Hector Velez-Velazquez allegedly tried to stab a male victim in front of four children.  Officers say Velazquez is also charged with second-degree menacing.  He was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for medical treatment, before being transported to the City Jail to await arraignment. 
 
 
The last major travel holiday of summer is about to get underway...  
 
AAA of Western and Central New York expects traffic to be heavy across the state, especially on Monday, Labor Day.  Lindsay Kensy of AAA says it's important for travelers to prepare for their trip before hitting the highway, including letting someone else man the GPS device, staying off cellphones, and packing up before you leave. 
 
Kensy says drivers should also avoid distractions.  And they should obey the state's "Move Over Law" that's been on the books for a few years.  She says any type of vehicle that has it's lights on and, is marked as an emergency or police vehicle, drivers must pull over for them.  Thruway traffic is expected to increase by at least 10-percent on Labor Day, compared to an average Monday.  The state is expected to suspend construction projects during the holiday weekend, but travelers are reminded to check road conditions by calling 511 or by visiting 511ny.org.
 
 
Families with students attending the Falconer Central School district's main campus are asked to take note of some new traffic patterns around the schools there....  
 
Superintendent Stephen Penhollow says they have made changes in order to keep drop off traffic separated from school buses. In addition, a new traffic light has just been installed at the intersection on Main Street and East Avenue, right next to the school.  Penhollow says full details are posted on the school's website.  The Falconer School's Facebook page has a video outlining the traffic flow at the Temple School in Kennedy.  Falconer is among the local schools that open Tuesday.  Others will be starting up Wednesday, and a few on Thursday. 
 
 
A city man has been charged with possession of child pornography after the defendant's sister found concerning pictures on his cellphone...  
 
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Moellering -- who is handling the case -- says the Jamestown Police Department received a complaint in July from a parent that her two minor children may have been sexually abused by 33 year-old Matthew Bailer.  Bailer was intially arrested on a warrant out of Missouri for a burglary case and, a search of his Nokia cellphone revealed several hundred sexually explicit pictures of pre-pubescent girls and boys.  The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by JPD along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  If convicted, Bailer faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
 
 
A local man known for his efforts to create interest in trade schools and manufacturing among area students is taking on some additional work duties at one particular school this year...    
 
Chautauqua County Education Coalition Director Justin Hanft was hired earlier this year to be the new Head Coach of the Maple Grove High School Football Team.  Hanft says he sought the post after long-time coach Curt Fischer resigned earlier this year.
 
Hanft was an offensive lineman during his career, which took him to Mount Union College for his Freshman year and, his final three years were at Alfred University in Alfred, New York.  He was also an assistant as a graduate student.  Hanft says he's blessed this year because the program is in great shape, thanks to the previous work by Fischer and, he has several returning players.  Maple Grove plays Springville tonight.  Fischer will be head coach at Chautauqua Lake this year.

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 30, 2018

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and former ``Sex and the City'' star Cynthia Nixon swapped insults and clashed over policy in their only scheduled debate before their September 13 Democratic primary...  
 
Nixon went after Cuomo early in Wednesday's televised exchange at Hofstra University, calling Cuomo corrupt and a liar and saying experience doesn't matter if a politician is bad at governing.  Cuomo responded that Nixon doesn't understand the challenges of leading the nation's fourth largest state and lives in a ``world of fiction'' while he resides in the real world.  Questions ranged from the naming of the new Tappan Zee Bridge after Cuomo's father, to taxing millionaires and billionaires in the state. 
 
 
Chautauqua County officials are looking into other options for the idled NRG Power plant in Dunkirk now that the company will not be moving ahead with it's repowering...  
 
That from County Executive George Borrello, who says the plant's future was discussed during the county Industrial Development Agency's board meeting in Westfield Tuesday.  Borrello says an application has been filed with the Appalachian Regional Commission for a feasibility study on the plant.
 
One possible option is establishing a micro-grid.  Borrello says he recently attended a meeting that was held in Kenmore, where discussion focused on a natural-gas fired facility, similar to what's at the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities.  But, Borrello says a lot would be involved and they would need NRG to be on board with the project.  The county's top-elected official says a meeting will be held in near future with NRG officials to see what they would like to do with the facility.  The plant has been "mothballed" since January 2016. 
 
 
Incumbant Southern Tier Congressman Tom Reed is also criticizing the White House's response to the passing of War Hero and long-time U-S Senator John McCain...  
 
Reed responded to criticism leveled by Democratic Challenger Tracy Mitrano that President Donald Trump's response to McCain's death was "shameful."  The Corning Republican says he disagrees with the way it was handled but, adds there was some recognition.
 
Reed says McCain leaves a "rich legacy of military commitment, and commitment to America."  Funeral services started yesterday to honor Senator McCain as he was memorialized in state at the Arizona capitol on Thursday.  His body will be flown to Washington, D-C for more events.  Yesterday would have been John McCain's 82nd birthday.  Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.
 
 
Thanks to on-going support from lawmakers -- namely State Senator Cathy Young -- the University of Buffalo's Mobile Dental Clinic is again providing 'smiles' for local youngsters, veterans and seniors... 
 
Young toured the mobile van Wednesday during it's current stay at the Mayville VFW parking lot.  The Olean Republican was able to secure an additional $372,000 in this year's state budget to keep expanded services in place to people who otherwise could not afford it.
 
Young says she's been able to secure $1.2-million over the past four years to keep the UB School of Dentistry's program in place.  Last year, those services expanded to military veterans.  The school's Rural Dentistry Project Coordinator Paula Fischer, says they had an overwhelming response to last year's visit to Mayville.  Fischer says they treated about 100 veterans last year -- and had a waiting list.  With that... they'll be at the Mayville VFW through next Thursday, September 6th.  She says the move to include seniors in the program took place this year.  For more information, call 829-2824 or go to the Dental School's webpage.
 
 
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly being found in possession of a hand-gun during a fight on the city's eastside late last weekend...  
 
City police were called to the area of Allen and Institute Streets about 9:30 p.m. Sunday on a report of a fight, and person with a gun.  Officers say they talked with several people at the scene... and, later arrested 35 year-old Donald Apperson for allegedly having the gun in his possession.  Apperson was arrested for third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and, obstruction.  The obstruction charge came after he refused to comply with officers.  Apperson was arraigned and sent to the county jail without bail.
 
 
The former administrator for the Chautauqua County Home -- and nursing homes in Cattaraugus County -- has been arrested for sexual abuse at a Salamanca concert venue...  
 
The Olean Times-Herald reports that 60 year-old Timothy Hellwig was arrested for allegedly groping three women at last Friday night's outdoor concert with Toby Keith at the Seneca Allegheny Casino.  Salamanca Police tell the newspaper that Hellwig is charged with three counts of third-degree sexual abuse and obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest.  Hellwig was the Cattaraugus County nursing homes director before resigning in February.  The resignation came after he failed to notify county officials of a New York State Attorney General's Office investigation into the injury and death of a county nursing home resident.  Hellwig was administrator of the Chautauqua County Home in Dunkirk for many years and, he still resides in Dunkirk.  He took the Cattaraugus County job in 2014.
 
 
The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is also looking for a new Communications Director...  
 
Bishop Richard Malone has announced that George Richert has decided to step down from his post effective a week from this Friday -- September 7.  Malone says "I am extremely grateful to George for his counsel during his tenure with the diocese, especially in these tumultuous times.  George was a valued member of my leadership team, respected in the community, and a gentleman of high integrity. I wish him the very best as he pursues other opportunities."  Malone says he'll announce an interim diocesan spokesperson soon as they begin a search for a new Communications Director.  Richert previously was a news anchor/reporter at WIVB-TV in Buffalo.
 
 
The dangerously high heat in the Northeastern U-S prompted emergency measures Wednesday -- including extra breaks for players wilting at the U.S. Open tennis tournament...  
 
In several states, children are being released from school early, and the elderly without air conditioning were urged to go to cooling centers.  The mercury in the Jamestown-area reached 90 in some spots Tuesday and, yesterday, the high reached 86 before dropping to about 72 during afternoon showers.  The National Weather Service says temperatures in the 90s combined with high humidity pushed heat index past 100 in some place.  Authorities on Long Island say heat appears to be a factor in the death of an 11-year-old girl found in a vehicle with the windows closed.

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 29, 2018

The Democratic challenger in the 23rd Congressional District race is blasting President Trump, and incumbant Republican Tom Reed regarding Trump's handling of the death of Senator John McCain....  
 
Tracy Mitrano says that -- as a member of a military family -- she was "deeply embarrased and ashamed" by Trump's lack of initial response, and, raising the White House Flags after briefly being at half-staff.  She says it was a "shameful" way to treat the memory of a War hero, and POW.
 
McCain, a maverick Republican from Arizona, died this past weekend after discontinuing brain cancer treatments.  Mitrano also took aim at Reed, who she says has often times provided "cover" for Trump.  She says the Corning Republican has found is more important to stand behind the president on matters such as tariffs -- than stand for the people in his district.  Mitrano made her comments during a Tuesday press call.
 
 
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Cynthia Nixon are preparing for their only scheduled debate before next month's Democratic primary...  
 
The two-term incumbent and the former "Sex and the City" star will face off tonight at Hofstra University.  The debate will be broadcast at 7 PM on CBS-2.  Nixon is expected to accuse Cuomo of doing too little to address political corruption, income inequality and New York City's aging subways.  Observers say Cuomo will tout liberal accomplishments like a higher minimum wage and same-sex marriage and argue his experience makes him more qualified to stand up to President Donald Trump.  Cuomo leads in polls and fundraising.  The winner of the September 13 primary faces Republican Marc Molinaro, independent candidate Stephanie Miner and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins in the November election.
 
 
The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities has approved an additional allocation of up to $110,000 to cover legal fees for the proposed annexation of BPU property in the village of Falconer... 
 
The board approved the change order at yesterday Monday's meeting, the third such change since the BPU initially began the action regarding the Dow Street Substation property.  Mayor Sam Teresi says all sides in the matter are now preparing for a pre-hearing conference with a three-member tribunal.
 
Teresi says the intial session with the Tribunal is to take place sometime in October.  The BPU has now allocated $270,000 in total for the process, but the mayor adds they've only had to spend about $170,000.  He also says a lot of the work has been done "in house."  The BPU initiated the process to obtain the approximately four acres of property, which is adjacent to the city line, early last year.  It has been strongly opposed by the village of Falconer, town of Ellicott, and the Falconer School District because of the potential loss of tax revenue.
 
 
City residents and local and state lawmakers had the chance to mingle and talk about the issues during an outdoor program at Jamestown's Love Elementary School last night...  
 
First-term City Councilman Andrew Liuzzo hosted the event, called "Ask Us..." to give people the chance to hear from lawmakers -- and department heads -- about local issues.  Liuzzo says he was hoping for more residents, but says -- for the first year -- the event was a success.
 
Liuzzo was especially happy about the overall elected official turn-out, which included State Senator Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andy Goodell, as well as County Executive George Borrello.  County Legislature Chairman Paul Wendel of Lakewood was also on hand and, says such events provide important "face-time" with constituents.  Several department heads, including Police Chief Harry Snellings and Public Works Director Jeff Lehman, were also on hand for the informal gathering.  Liuzzo also gathered school supplies for the district during the event.
 
 
Half a dozen former international prosecutors heard stories from some of the victims of international war crimes and atrosities during the 12th annual International Humanitarian Law Dialogs at Chautauqua Institution...  
 
The dialogs concluded Tuesday afternoon with prosecutors issuing the annual "Chautauqua Declaration..." which voiced their standing by the victims of atrocities from all corners of the globe.  Retired Syracuse University Professor David Crane is former prosecutor in Sierra Leone and, has been involved in organizing all 12 dialogs.
 
The moderator for this afternoon's program, the American Bar Association's Alberto Mora of Washington, D-C, says the dialogs are important to continuing the spirit of the Nuremburg War Crimes tribunals following WWII.  Mora says they created the principals of international criminal law and, ended impunity for international aggressors, and those violating human rights.  The late Robert H. Jackson was chief prosecutor at the Nuremburg trials.  The center that bears his name and, Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio, put on this year's program.
 
 
A Jamestown man convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of five-grams or more of methamphetamine, has been sentenced in U-S District Court in Buffalo...  
 
U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior, says 32 year-old Matthew Jones received a sentence of 100 months in prison from U-S District Court Judge Lawrence Vilardo.  Assistant U-S Attorney Laura Higgins, who is handling the case, stated Jones was arrested with his brother Beau "KC" Jones during a traffic stop on  December 1st of 2016 after Matthew received a 360-gram shipment of meth to his Colfax Street residence.  Kennedy says Beau Jones was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
 
 
A Jamestown man who was removed from the Bill's Pre-Season game last Sunday faces felony Leandra's Law charges... 
 
The Buffalo News reports 25 year-old Dylan George was behind the wheel on Southwestern Boulevard near Milestrip Road when his 24 year-old brother allegedly jumped from their moving SUV. The paper says George provided a .12 percent breath sample to Orchard Park Police. His 6 year-old child was a passenger in the vehicle, which upgraded an intial  DWI charge to felony status. He was additionally charged with marijuana possession and was released after posting bail.  George's brother was treated at Erie County Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. 
 
 
The Jamestown Jackals Basketball team is taking a big step upwards in the professional ranks for the 2019 season...  
 
The Jackels and the head of the former North American Basketball League today Tuesday announced Jamestown will be one of 12-teams in the new "The Basketball League."  Jackals Owner and General Manager Kayla Crosby announced the move today during a press conference at their home court at Jamestown Community College.
 
Crosby says while they are "moving up" to a fully-professional league, their main mission of "Integrity First" remains paramount to the organization.  David Magley, who played at the University of Kansas, and professionally with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been involved with other lower level pro leagues but, says this one will be professional all the way.  He says they'll play in upper tier venues, wear same-brand uniforms, and, play the same number of games.  Magley says their plans are to have a 32-game schedule, with 16 home games beginning early next year.  Teams will include Albany, Rochester, Raleigh, North Carolina, Kansas City, and, there will be a California franchise. 
 
 
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has given final approval to a bill that will require all school bus drivers to submit to random drug and alcohol screening...  
 
The new law will take effect in four months. The law also prohibits bus drivers from drinking alcohol eight hours prior to their shift.  It previously was six hours.  The cost for school district drug testing will be eligible for state reimbursement.  The New York Association for Pupil Transportation -- which represents the school bus industry -- praised the law's passage.

Congressman Tom Reed sat down in a barn in Westfield Monday afternoon with a dozen representatives of agriculture to talk about farm issues...   
 
Dick Kimball, President of the Chautauqua County Farm Bureau, led the meeting and told the Congressman uncertainty in trade is harming all agriculture and urged Congress to act.  Reed said he generally supports the disruptive approach to trade talks, and applauds the deal announced earlier in the day with Mexico.  He says it maintains a 'zero tariff' for dairy products going into Mexico despite a lot of gamesmanship regarding 'non-tariff barriers.'  On immigration, Reed said he understands farmers need solid reform to ensure a stable workforce.  A deal fell apart a few days before passage, he claims… and now both sides want it stalled because it's a good election issue. 
 
 
Local and state officials across New York are honoring late U-S Senator John McCain by lowering flags on government buildings to half-staff...  
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo said Sunday lowering the flags on state buildings was a "small gesture for one of America's giants."  New York City is doing the same at city-government buildings.  County Executive George Borrello says the Vietnam War veteran, and Prisoner of War, was a "hero and patriot."  Borrello says McCain was never bitter about his imprisonment and, decided to channel his efforts to public service.  The 81-year-old McCain died last Saturday in Arizona after discontinuing medical treatment for an aggressive form of brain cancer. 
 
 
Lightning apparently triggered a garage fire in the town of North Harmony Monday morning...  
 
Sheriff's Department dispatchers say Ashville fire crews were called to the scene at 2860 Open Meadows Road about 8:00.  They were joined at the scene by Panama and Lakewood firefighters.  We have no details on the blaze, but crews were there about an hour-and-a-half.  No injuries were reported.
 
 
More discussion and information is needed before Jamestown city lawmakers can fill a vacant constable's position...  
 
That from Mayor Sam Teresi after last night's Council voting session.  Earlier, the President of the Real Estate Investor's Association in the city, Harold Whitford, said he was disappointed to not see the item in the prefiled agenda after lawmakers went behind closed-doors last week to discuss three candidates.  In the meantime, Teresi says the city still has two constables available.
 
Teresi says that he did fully discuss the three candidates -- who have not been named -- and background checks done on each of them.  He says those types of conversations cannot be held in "the public arena."  Teresi says they reviewed the candidates, and are awaiting insurance information from them.  He says he's hopeful to have a candidate to vote on at next month's voting session.
 
 
For the first time ever, the annual George Ritzer Labor Award will be given to one recipient for the second-time at next Sunday's annual Labor Day Festival in Jamestown...  
 
Retired City Councilman George Spitale, who was also head of the American Federation State-and-County Municipal Employees for 22 years, will receive this year's award.  Spitale told committee members there had to be someone as deserving that hasn't received the Ritzer Award yet.  However... he tells us they wanted to recognize his many years of commitment to the local labor movement.  He'll get the award at 4 p.m. this Sunday, during the festival, at Bergman Park.
 
 
The Republican candidate for Chautauqua County Sheriff says -- he too -- opposes the current push to legalize recreational marihuana in New York state....  
 
Retired Sheriff's Lieutenant Jim Quattrone feels legalization sends too many "mixed messages" to youth about the potential dangers of smoking pot.  Quattrone says a 74-page state Health Department study does nothing to quell those concerns.
 
Quattrone also says he believes that more people will begin using marihuana if it becomes legal and, adds that the most commonly abused drug is alcohol -- which is legal.  He adds that while it can be a "gateway drug..." he's not totally convinced that marihuana is that, but adds it's a mind-altering substance.  Shortly after the announcement by Governor Cuomo to further study the issue, Incumbant Sheriff Joe Gerace said he opposed any legalization of recreational marihuaua.  Quattrone says currently, if someone is found in possession of a small amount of marihuaua, it's a violation.  He made his comments for this past weekend's "Community Spotlight" programon the five Media One Group stations.
 
 
The first full-day of the 12th annual Humanitarian Law Dialogs is wrapping up at Chautauqua Institution after the program started Sunday night at the Robert H. Jackson Center...  
 
The law dialogs are one of the biggest conferences involving international prosecutors from several international courts.  Prosecutor and retired Director of the Jackson Center, Jim Johnson, says this year's theme is "Is the Justice We Seek the Justice they Want..." and is focusing more on victims.
 
Johnson says he believes the international courts and the World Court have done that.  However, he also says it's important to take a step back and look at what impacts there are on the victims, and nations involved.  The programs concludes today and, the panel of prosecutors will issue their annual "Chautauqua Declaration" about 2:30 this afternoon.
 
 
A Jamestown teen is accused of burglarizing a vacant home on the city's westside over the weekend... 
 
City police responded to an address on West 13th Street for a fight in the area over a possible burglary in progress. On arrival, officers determined 19 year-old Ricky Myers, II had taken property from an un-occupied Washington Street home. Police located Myers and recovered the stolen items before placing him under arrest. He's being held in city jail pending arraignment. 
 
 
Jamestown residents will have a chance to meet local elected officials (including those holding county office) tonight on the city's northside...  
 
At Large Councilman Andrew Liuzzo has organized the event at Love School as a school supply drive, as well.  Liuzzo says it's an "informal venue" to meet the constituents he represents.  He adds that he's also invited state Senator Cathy Young, Assemblyman Andy Goodell, County Executive George Borello, city council members and department heads to the event, called "Ask Us."  It will run from 6-8 p.m., it will be held rain or shine.  A tent will be available in the event of rain.
 
 
A man from Hamburg taking part in the annual Grand Fondo bicycle rally in Chautauqua County escaped serious injury when his bike was struck by a car during last Saturday's event...  
 
Ellicott Town Police were called to the scene of the accident on Jackson Avenue in Celoron shortly before 11 AM.  Officers say the bike, operated by 59 year-old Michael Kirsch, was northbound at the time.  They say the driver of the car, 77 year-old David Frushone of Jamestown, had stopped at a stop sign but, apparently didn't see Kirsch in time and, hit the bike.  Kirsch was treated at the scene for apparent minor injuries.  Frushone has not been charged.
 
 
A Corry Pennsylvania man is accused of driving on suspending license with weapons and drugs in his SUV last Thursday... 
 
State Police in Warren say a traffic stop was initated on a Toyota 4-Runner traveling south on State Route 6. Troopers say while interviewing 36 year-old Ryan Groves, they saw a black and silver Smith and Wesson 9-millimeter pistol on the driver's lap. Further investigation revealed two pistol magazines and a bullet in the side-door panel, along with a piece of glass containing suspected methamphetamine in plain sight. Officers searched Groves's vehicle and allegedly found LSD, meth, paraphernalia and brass knuckles. While being interviewed in custody, Groves admitted to officers that the white powdery substance was meth and the stamps possibly contained LSD. He's being held in Warren County Jail. 
 

WJTN Newsheadlines for Aug. 27, 2018

New York is honoring late U-S Senator John McCain by lowering flags on government buildings to half-staff...    
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo said Sunday lowering the flags on state buildings was a "small gesture for one of America's giants."  New York City is doing the same at city-government buildings.  The 81-year-old McCain died Saturday in Arizona after discontinuing medical treatment for an aggressive form of brain cancer.  Cuomo, a Democrat, said the tribute to McCain, a Republican, would remain until his funeral.  McCain is expected to be honored in Arizona and Washington before being buried, likely this coming week, at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.  Cuomo called McCain "one of our nation's finest public servants" and an example of an old-fashioned statesman who "indisputably aimed to put country over party."
 
 
Progress is being made in the future of the Jamestown Brewery on the 100-block of West Third Street...  
 
Construction Manager Lori Galster -- of Galster Enterprises -- says West Third Street will be closed off to traffic between Washington and Cherry Streets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (August 29-31). Galster says a flagman will be located at Third and Cherry for local required traffic. All pedestrians can walk on the northside of the road and pedestrian traffic on the south side will be open from Cherry to Sawtooth Building. For any questions, contact Lori at 499-3815.
 
 
The Jamestown Schools 'Promise Fund' is planning a big party at the front door of Jamestown High School on Saturday, September 8 from 10 AM to 4 PM...  
 
Dr. Lilian Ney, a Promise Fund official, says they want the community to come and bring unused musical instruments as gifts.  Dr. Ney says it's come to the attention of fund officials that many families have to rent instruments long term, or deny students the opportunity to play one, because of cost.  JHS band director, Meghan Murray says once people graduate, their instruments often end up the attic.  She is ecstatic the Promise Fund has stepped up to help get throse instruments into the hands of students.  All donations will be tax deductible.  Financial contributions will also be accepted.  The Promise Fund will have a tent with balloons, music, and a fun atmosphere for the party on September 8.  Any questions can be directed to jpsinstrumentdrive@gmail.com.
 
 
A Corry Pennsylvania man is accused of driving on suspending license with weapons and drugs in his SUV last Thursday...   
 
State Police in Warren say a traffic stop was initated on a Toyota 4-Runner traveling south on State Route 6. Troopers say while interviewing 36 year-old Ryan Groves, they saw a black and silver Smith and Wesson nine-millimeter pistol on the driver's lap. Further investigation revealed two pistol magazines and a bullet in the side-door panel, along with a piece of glass containing suspected methamphetamine in plain sight. Officers searched Groves's vehicle and allegedly found LSD, meth, paraphernalia and brass knuckles. While being interviewed in custody, Groves admitted to officers that the white powdery substance was meth and the stamps possibly contained LSD. He's being held in Warren County Jail. 
 
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo says time is running out for New Yorkers who want to get around a federal cap on state and local tax deductions by donating to a charitable fund set up by the state...  
 
The Democrat says Monday is the last day for residents to contribute to the Charitable Gifts Trust Fund before new Internal Revenue Service rules take effect.  Taxpayers can earmark contributions either for health services or education.  They can get 85-percent of the donation amount back by claiming a state tax credit.  The fund was created in the state's 2019 budget after federal tax law was changed to put a $10,000 cap on deductions for state and local taxes.  The IRS hasn't ruled on whether contributions to the fund will qualify as charitable donations.
 
 
Catholic Charities of Buffalo says it will end foster care and adoption services next year over state regulations that bar discrimination against same-sex couples looking to adopt or foster children...  
 
The Catholic organization says it is phasing out the program because it cannot simultaneously comply with state regulations and conform to the teaching of the Catholic Church.  Catholic Charities services are under contract with the Erie County Department of Social Services until March 2019.  The charity is sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.
 
 
An elderly man was rescued with the help of Good Samaritans and Sheriff's deputies Friday afternoon after his sailboat overturned in Chautauqua Lake... 
 
Officers say the 77 year-old was unable to get back inside the sailboat and, had been in the water for an extended period of time with a personal floation device on. The man reportedly had become extremely fatigued and hypothermia was beginning to set in. Deputies say a Pontoon boat found the man and were able to safely get him out of the water with assistance from Navigation deputies. The operator was then transported to Midway State Park where he was checked by medics. He was not transported to the hospital.
 
 
An East Otto man faces a number of charges -- including two counts of allowing a person to drive without a boating certificate -- after a Sheriff's patrol boat allegedly found a child unable to control his watercraft near Long Point last Thursday... 
 
Deputies say the incident occurred mid-lake when the child fell off his craft, which subsquently struck the patrol vessel without damage. The 9 year-old was reportedly struggling to swim in an oversized floation device when 45 year-old Nathan Hill and a 15 year-old approached from another part of the lake on separate watercrafts. Officers say the first personal watercraft was towed to shore as it began to sink and was unregistered with an improper registration sticker. Hill was arrested and released with appearance tickets for Chautauqua Town Court at a later date. 
 
-------
 
The Sheriff's Office Navigation Division reminds citizens that they must be at least fourteen and must have successfully completed a Boating Safety Course before operating a personal watercraft.  They add Adults are also responsible for the actions of children under their supervision.
 
 
The shooting death of an Ohio man following what state police are calling a "brief encounter" with troopers in northwestern Pennsylvania has been ruled a homicide...  
 
State police in Erie County say troopers responded a report of a suspicious person in Girard Township just after 5 p.m. Thursday and encountered 36-year-old Matthew Orrenmaa of Conneaut, Ohio.  Police say one of the troopers fired, hitting Orrenmaa in the trunk and killing him.  Coroner Lyell Cook ruled the death a homicide.  Police haven't provided more details about the encounter between Orrenmaa and the troopers, who are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of probes by police and the district attorney.
 
 
In sports.... 
 
One of the locals hoping to score big in the "Mansfield Million" dirt late model race at Mansfield Motor Speedway in Ohio made the race and, had a good finish.  Centerville, Pennsylvania's Max Blair started 15th and wound up 10th in the 100-lap event, and won $6,400.  The race was won on a late pass by Jacksonville, Florida's Earl Pearson, Jr,  who won $203,000.  Illinois Bobby Pierce was second.  Several locals, including Greg Oakes, Chub Frank, and Boom Briggs did not make the big show.

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 24, 2018

Some 22 people who reportedly ate breakfast sandwiches at a Jamestown-area McDonald's Restaurant have reported multiple illnesses after eating there between August 4th and 21st...  
 
In a joint statement issued by the state Department of Health and Chautauqua County Department of Health, they say those affected have reported symptoms including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating at the 2803 North Main Street location.  County Public Health Director Christine Schuyler says they are both working "diligently" with the McDonald's officials to fully investigate the matter.  Schuyler says "there is currently no identified source of these illnesses and there is no evidence that the illness can be spread from person to person."  She says samples have been sent to the health lab in Albany for analysis.  Schulyer adds that while many tests are pending, preliminary testing has come back negative.  She says the McDonalds restaurant is "fully cooperating" and has followed all recommendations of the State and County Health Departments while the investigation continues.  No other McDonald's locations are involved.  Anyone who may have visited the North Main Street McDonalds and experienced vomiting and/or diarrhea shortly after eating there between August 4 and now can contact the Chautauqua County Health Department at 753-4483.
 
 
Authorities say a western New York man who was arrested for falsely claiming he was owed half-ownership of Facebook but then fled the country has been captured in Ecuador... 
 
Prosecutors notified a judge that Paul Ceglia (SEHG'-lee-uh) was arrested Thursday.  They say he'll appear in a court in Quito within a day.  Ceglia was arrested on fraud charges in October 2012.  While under house arrest in Wellsville in March 2015, he disappeared with his wife and two young sons and the family's dog.  Authorities say he sliced off his electronic monitoring device and created a crude contraption to make it seem he was moving around his home.  Prosecutors told U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick they would update him later on the status of extradition attempts.  Ceglia claims he gave Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg $1,000 in startup money.
 
 
A Panama woman was arrested for theft of services following an investigation into stolen electricity.... 
 
State Police out of Jamestown say they responded to a residence in the village on Tuesday for the alleged complaint and found that a wire had been connected from 37 year-old Bridgit Drake's electric box to her neighbor's electric box. Troopers say Drake was arrested after confirming with National Grid that she did not currently have service. She was released with an appearance ticket for North Harmony Court next month. 
 
 
John Lennon's killer has been denied parole for a 10th time...  
 
Mark David Chapman appeared before New York's parole board Wednesday. A denial decision obtained by The Associated Press says Chapman was told his release "would be incompatible with the welfare and safety of society."  The 63-year-old Chapman is serving 20-years-to-life in the Wende Correctional Facility in western New York.  He shot and killed the former Beatle outside Lennon's Manhattan apartment December 8th of 1980. 
 
 
For the first time in decades, there are more jobs available that workers available to fill them...  
 
That from local Congressman Tom Reed, who says he's introduced The Helping Americans Succeed by Measuring Outcomes Act to boost job training for people looking to get off Welfare and into the workforce.  Reed says there are now 6.7-million jobs available and 6.3-million looking for work.  He says the legisiation will be part of the JOBS for Success Act, which is part of the reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families -- or TANF program.
 
Reed says training is vital now because many jobs in the current labor market did not exist 30 years ago and, he says if those who need training get it -- they should be able to find a job.  The Corning Republican says it's important to ensure that people have a "fair shot" at entering the workforce with the skills they need to succeed.  He made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.
 
 
Two people were arrested after being treated for injuries stemming from a domestic dispute in Frewsburg on Monday... 
 
State Police in Jamestown responded to a residence in the hamlet and, found that 34 year-old Brian Jones allegedly pushed and choked 26 year-old Brittany Norris. Troopers say Norris allegedly threw a glass bowl at Jones, which shattered and left shards of glass in his foot. Both were treated at UPMC Chautauqua and later released with appearance tickets for Carroll Town Court later this month to answer charges. 
 
 
A destructive plant disease for tomatoes and potatoes has been found in Cattaraugus County...  
 
Cornell Cooperative Vegetable Specialist Elizabeth Buck says 'late blight' was confirmed in the southwest part of the county on Monday.  'Late blight' is a fungus like organism that blows in with rainstorms, and could be in Chautauqua County, as well.  Signs of the disease include dark colored smears at the top of the plant, and 'muddy paint brush' marks on stems.  Elizabeth Buck says there's a narrow window of time to stop the blight.  Plants can killed in a week.  Homeowners who see evidence of 'late blight' should call Cornell Cooperative Extension at 664-9502.  Commercial growers of potatoes and tomatoes should contact the Extension Vegetable Program at 585-406-3419.  The disease is particularly destructive on organic farms.  'Late blight' is best known for causing the Irish potato famine.  
 
 
The University of Buffalo says former Vice President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will speak at the school as part of a distinguished speaker series...  
 
University President Satish Tripathi says public universities like UB play a key role in addressing social issues, and the speakers will help spark informed and thoughtful dialogues. WIVB-TV reports that Biden, a Democrat, will begin the series on October 25th and Rice will be the final speaker on April 17th. Other speakers who will come to the university include author and political activist Angela Davis and journalist Ronan Farrow.  Individual tickets for each event will go on sale September 9th.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 23, 2018

A Jamestown man was arrested after smashing a car window during a dispute on Tuesday... 
 
City police responded to 505 West 7th Street for a domestic in progress. On arrival, the unidentified victim told police that 21 year-old Tyree Holland allegedly threw a rock at her vehicle, smashing the rear driver side door window. Holland was found at a nearby residence hiding in a closet and arrested for obstruction and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He's awaiting arraignment in Jamestown City Jail. 
 
 
A Jamestown man faces assault and strangulation charges for allegedly holding a person in an apartment at knifepoint on Monday... 
 
City police were called to 401 West 4th Street for a physical domestic incident at 9 a.m., and located a male and female in the doorway of an apartment. Officers report that the unidentified female victim was being held in the apartment with a knife by 53 year-old Russell Rea, who had an active stay away order of protection. Rea was taken to city jail pending arraignment, while the female was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. 
 
 
He's only been on the job a few days, but the county's new Department of Public Facilities Director is visiting all of the facilities that he oversees...  
 
Brad Bentley says there have been a lot of stops to meet some 200 workers in their facilities.
 
County Executive George Borrello introduced Bentley at last night's Chautauqua County Legislature meeting.  Bentley is succeeding outgoing DPF Director George Spanos who is retiring after over 30-years with the department. 
 
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In other county legislature news, officials approved an agreement with Bemus Point Central for a school resource officer during last night's session.  The legislature also authorized the sale of Curtis Street residential property owned by JCC. Both resolutions were approved by unanimous votes.
 
 
In a quest to provide temporary, safe and nuturing households to children in need, the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Service's Home Finding Team is hosting a Foster Parent Open House this afternoon in Cassadaga... 
 
Officials say there are 112 children in foster care right now in the county.  Deputy Commissioner of Adult, Children, and Family Services -- Leanna Luka-Conley -- says that 55-percent of this children are 5 years-old and younger. The Foster Parent Open House runs from 4-6 p.m. at the Park United Methodist Church at 25 Maple Avenue, and is free to anyone interested in attending. For more information, call 716-661-8051. You can also visit CHQhhs.com or their Facebook page, 'CC Foster Parent'.
 
 
The New York chapter of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations -- or AFL-CIO -- has announced that it's endorsing Democratic Congressional candidate Tracy Mitrano in the state's 23rd District...  
 
The announcement was made in New York City, where the state AFL-CIO was holding its 2018 Committee on Political Education Convention.  Mitrano says she's "incredibly honored to receive the backing of the AFL-CIO, an organization that advocates on behalf of so many working people in our community.  Organized labor is a critical force in our state, ensuring that all working people are treated justly."  The Ithaca resident, who is seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Tom Reed, is running on a platform that includes support for federal legislation to mandate livable wages for all, paid family and medical leave, and the compensation of public sector unions. 
 
 
New York corrections officials have released a new mug shot of Mark David Chapman as the man who killed John Lennon is up for parole for a 10th time...  
 
The 63-year-old Chapman was scheduled to go before New York's parole board this week. A decision is expected within two weeks of the hearing.  Chapman is serving 20-to-life in the Wende Correctional Facility in western New York.  He shot and killed the former Beatle outside his Manhattan apartment on December 8 of 1980.  The state Board of Parole last denied parole to Chapman two years ago.  The latest mug shot was taken this past January 31.
 
 
The JHS Red Raider Marching Band will present a preview of this year's field show at 8 p.m. tonight  behind Jamestown High School...  
 
Director Meghan Murray says the public is welcome at the performance.  This the band's 'intensive week' with the 110 members of the group working all day, everyday to put together the show.  The music is drawn from the Pachelbel Canon, a piece from around 1700, that is often heard around Christmas.  Tonight's preview is free of charge.  The band's first competitive event will be the 'Fall Festival of Bands' at Strider Field in Jamestown, on the evening of September 15.  
 
 
A charity arm of the Jamestown Firefighters union will be holding it's annual "Fill the Bus" campaign to provide school supplies for two local districts next month...  
 
Three retired firefighters who are members of the "Axemen" organization were on hand at Monday night's Jamestown City Council meeting and, discussed their outreach effort.  Spokesman Keith Ecklund says they will be collecting September 22 for two local school districts.
 
Ecklund says they have collected supplies to fill a fire truck and school bus for five-years in the Jamestown district, and two in Falconer.  He says they have several collection points in thek city, including most banks and credit unions, and several businesses including Harley-Davidson of Jamestown.  Ecklund says they'll be collecting pens, pencils, eraser, folders, zipper pouches and other supplies through September 21, then "Fill the Bus" at Friendly's on September 22.  He says supply distributions will take place the week of September 24.  For more information, call Ecklund at 664-1398.
 
 
A former Department of Public Works Director for the city of Dunkirk will become the village of Fredonia's Department of Public Works Supervisor...  
 
Village trustees approved the appointment of Tony Gugino to the position by a unanimous vote.  Gugino says he was flattered to be given the opportunity and, he feels Fredonia is a "wonderful village," and adds his family is from there.  Gugino will begin his duties on September 4 and, will receive an annual salary of $62,000.
 
 
U-S Senator Charles Schumer says the federal government has been studying the presence of a probable cancer-causing herbicide in foods such as granola bars and oatmeal for two years but hasn't released its findings...  
 
Schumer discussed the issue after an environmental group released a report showing the weed-killing chemical glyphosate in oat products.  Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the Monsanto weed killer Roundup.  A California jury recently ordered Monsanto to pay $289-million in damages to a man dying of cancer.

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 22, 2018

 
The U-S Senate is expected to vote later this week on a spending package that includes $3.7-billion in funding for the treatment and prevention of Opioid drug addiction...  
 
One of the main proponents of the funding bill, New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, says she's pleased to see the measure included in the spending plan.  She says the Opioid drug epidemic took the lives of nearly 3,500 New Yorkers last year, and has touched everyone at some point.
 
Gillibrand says the funding represents a $145-million increase over last year's levels and, she's hopeful that translates to more money for New York.  She says the state received $25-million for fiscal year 2018.  Gillibrand says the funding will go to low-income community centers, health programs in rural communities and, for programs in New York state's Tribal communities, such as the Seneca Nation.  She made her comments during an afternoon conference call with New York state media.
 
 
A Fredonia man is jailed without bail on numerous charges, including drug and weapons possession counts following a raid at his business in the town of Sheridan last weekend...  
 
The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, along with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and, state Police Special Investigation Unit, wrapped up a lengthy investigation at 3491 East Main Road late last Friday morning.  Deputies say they focused on drugs and stolen property and, arrested 55 year-old James Langendorfer during the raid.  They also found a quantity of narcotics, marijuana and other contraband. Langendorfer was arraigned on about a dozen charges and, was sent to the county lock-up.  Sheriff's officers say more charges are pending.  (**If you see narcotics or other suspicious activity, you are encouraged to call the task force at 1-800-344-8702.)
 
 
The Democratic candidate for the 23rd Congressional District is voicing her view on a number of issues as the campaign with incumbant four-term incumbant Congressman Tom Reed heats up...  
 
Ithaca's Tracy Mitrano held her first conference call with regional media Tuesday and, discussed many of the issues.  Among them is the need for a broad approach to allowing for economic development and job creation.
 
Mitrano, who grew up in the Rochester-area, says the region is in "desperate need" of economic opportunity and development.  She says she also differs with Reed on other issues including health care, adding the Corning Republican has consistantly voted against affordable health care, especially for low-income children.  Mitrano defeated four other candidates in a district-wide, Democratic Primary back in June.  She will challenge Reed, who is a Republican from Corning and, who has served in Congress since 2010.  
 
 
While students may not be excited to return to school yet, five new hires in the Jamestown School District can't wait to get started...  
 
At a regular board meeting Tuesday night, the newest members were approved to a probationary position by the district, adding to the 17 approved hires earlier this month. The five members were in attendance last night and included Jamie Berg, coordinator of humanities, Kevin Emley, physical education teacher at Fletcher Elementary School, Desaree Hannon, ELA teacher, Heather Heald, special education teacher at Persell Middle School and, Brianna Rodriguez, teacher at Love Elementary School.  Board Vice President Patrick Slagle welcomed them to the Jamestown School family, while District Superintendent Bret Apthorpe echoed the sentiment. 
 
 
Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson is joining with every other D-A in New York state in opposing Governor Andrew Cuomo's signing of a bill that creates the nation's first commission to investigate prosecutorial misconduct...  
 
Cuomo says it would establish an 11-member commission appointed by the governor, Legislature and New York's chief judge to probe misconduct claims against local D-As and their assistants.  Swanson says New York already has the Attorney Grievance Commission, which does work.
 
In fact... Swanson says the commission just recent handed out a two-year suspension to a former St. Lawrence County D-A for misconduct.  He says the D-A Association has filed a grievance of it's own... saying the Prosecutorial Misconduct Commission would be unconstitutional because it it gives more power to the judicial branch of government.  Cuomo said on Monday that the law will root out any potential abuses of power and will give New Yorkers comfort that there is a system of checks and balances in the criminal justice system. 
 
 
Jamestown lawmakers may have the name of a potential candidate to fill an open constable's position for next Monday night's City Council voting session...  
 
That from Councilman Tony Dolce, who would only say there were three candidates that Mayor Sam Teresi presented during a closed-door session Monday night.  Dolce would not identify the three candidates, but says lawmakers had a chance to review their backgrounds, and eligibility.  He says they may have a name to consider next Monday night, but that is not a certainty.
 
 
A sex offender living in Dunkirk is now facing charges after an incident regarding a suspicious man this past Sunday...  
 
Dunkirk Police say they received a complaint from a resident in the 700-block of Main Street about a suspicious male in her front yard talking with a group of younger children.  A patrol later found 71-year-old Richard Conti walking from the area.  He is a Level-3 registered sex offender.  Conti was arrested following an investigation on charges of second-degree harassment and, criminal trespass.    
 
 
More retirements in Jamestown city government has led to council members considering hiring three replacements -- two of them in the City Police Department...  
 
Two proposals to again lift the hiring freeze and hire the officers was approved by the Finance Committee Monday night and Committee Chairman Tony Dolce says they'll be acted on at next Monday night's voting session.
 
Dolce says those two hirings, along with one for a combination accountant/clerk/typist in the Treasurer's Office.  As with the two police officers that would be hired, the position is budgeted for in the 2018 spending plan.  The committee also approved making a Clerk-Two position in the police department full-time.  All items will be voted on next Monday night.
 
 
Former Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner has submitted more than 40,000 voter signatures to secure her place as a candidate for governor on the November ballot....  
 
Miner was elected to lead Syracuse as a Democrat, but she is running for governor as an independent on the Serve America Movement ballot line.  She says voters are fed up with politics as usual and that the major parties are to blame.  She submitted her ballot petitions to state election officials on Tuesday, as did Michael Volpe, who is running for lieutenant governor as an independent.  Miner will face Republican candidate Marc Molinaro, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and the winner of next month's Democratic primary between two-term incumbent Gov. Andrew Cuomo and former "Sex and the City" star Cynthia Nixon.
 
 
A new law signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo bans smoking in home-based day care centers... 
 
The law signed Monday requires facilities licensed or registered for child care services to comply with the smoking ban even when children are not present.  Operators and residents of home-based day care centers had previously been permitted to smoke outside of their hours of operation.  Cuomo said the law will "protect children from this public health hazard and the life-long misery that comes with it."          

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 21, 2018

A nearly week-long investigation into a serious stabbing incident on Jamestown's westside has led to the arrest of a suspect who is charged with Felony assault...  
 
City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says officers arrested 22 year-old Askia Faison yesterday morning after getting information from the victim in the case, who was being treated for a knife wound at UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.
 
Samuelson says the stabbing -- which occured just after 2 p.m. on August 14 -- followed an altercation.  He says the unidentified victim has now been released from the hospital and, has been cooperating with the investigation.  Samuelson says both men know each other.  Faison was arraigned on one count of first-degree assault and, sent to the county jail without bail.  Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Jamestown Police at 483-TIPS (8477) or their Tips-411 app.
 
 
A city man wanted on charges stemming from a physical domestic incident last Friday has now been arrested...  
 
Jamestown police say they were called to 131 Martin Road for a previous dispute and found 26 year-old Cain Colville allegedly punched a female victim in the face.  Cain was located at another home, and was arrested for second-degree harrassment and felony warrants out of Jamestown City Court.  He's being held pending arraignment. 
 
 
Two good quarters have put the city of Jamestown in "good position" to meet it's projected sales tax revenues for fiscal year 2018...  
 
That from City Council Finance Committee Chairman Tony Dolce, who updated lawmakers at last night's work session on where the city is for the first-half of the year.  Dolce says they brought in $1.6-million for April through June, which was an increase of just over $60,000 from last year.
 
The Finance Committee received the news from Comptroller Joe Bellitto, who says the city has now received $3,052,000 through the first half of 2018.  That means they need to get about 92-percent of what they received for the second-half of last year to make this year's budget.  Bellitto told lawmakers that the city had only received 48.4-percent of their budget for the first half of last year on way to meeting the 2017 total.  He says their third-quarter payment will be received around November 1.  Typically, city leaders say the third and fourth-quarters of the year are the best for sale tax revenues.
 
 
A local woman with a strong background in business and real estate has been named as the new Business Development Manager for the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency... 
 
IDA Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise says Linda Burns completed her first day Monday. She replaces 30 year-plus Manager Lawrie Taylor, who recently retired.  Geise says Burns is from Bemus Point but, has a lot of local and national experience.
 
Geise says Burns will provide business development help to clients throughout the county and be based at the IDA's headquarters in the BWB Center in downtown Jamestown.  For the first couple of weeks, he says Burns will be working primarily with IDA officials Carol Rasmussen and Christine Morabito on all the services they provide businesses and developers.  Geise believes that the hiring will benefit the IDA considerably and help improve their service offerings.  Burns is also involved in community service with the Jamestown YWCA and, the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.
 
 
The sun was out a little yesterday afternoon after the late weekend featured rather dim sunshine -- even with no rain in the forecast...  
 
Meteorologist Dave Thomas with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says we didn't see mostly sunny skies because of smoke from wildfires over parts of Canada.  Thomas say some of that smoke was still around yesterday morning but, not as much as Sunday.  Thomas says satellite photos captured the smoke cross the area, after it moved in from the Canadian Rockies and other parts of the country.  He says there should not be much impact from the smoke today, due to showers and thunderstorms coming into the region.
 
 
A new law signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo bans smoking in home-based day care centers...  
 
The law signed Monday requires facilities licensed or registered for child care services to comply with the smoking ban even when children are not present.  Operators and residents of home-based day care centers had previously been permitted to smoke outside of their hours of operation.  Advocates say the law will protect young children from second-hand smoke and from residual contamination from cigarette smoke that can linger on surfaces for many days.  Cuomo said the law will "protect children from this public health hazard and the life-long misery that comes with it."
 
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo's recent comments that he doesn't feel America was "that great" are still being taken to task by Republican lawmakers...  
 
Local Congressman Tom Reed says it's "disappointing" that the New York Democrat doesn't feel America was ever "that great."  Cuomo's controversial statement came during a bill signing ceremony in New York City last week.  Cuomo said "we're not going to make America great again.  It was never that great."  Reed says he believes in the "American Spirit..." but, adds we also need to strive to be better.
 
Reed says, though, that he believes Cuomo "spoke his mind" before his office walked back the comments.  A recent Rasmussen telephone and on-line survey finds that 67-percent of likely U.S. voters disagree with Cuomo's statement.  Only 17-percent agree.  In his statement, Cuomo later said "we have not reached greatness.  We will reach greatness when every American is fully engaged.  Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with area media.
 
 
A cache of emails shows a lobbyist whose cooperation helped convict two former aides to Governor Andrew Cuomo on corruption charges had access to the top levels of the governor's administration... 
 
The New York Times obtained nearly 350 pages of emails as part of a Freedom of Information request showing aide-turned-lobbyist Todd Howe corresponded with and gave suggestions to top Cuomo officials.  Howe was a key figure in federal corruption cases involving Cuomo adviser Joseph Percoco and economic development official Alain Kaloyeros.
 
 
A traveling memorial to the victims of the nation's opioid crisis is making a weeklong stop in Buffalo...  
 
The memorial called "Prescribed to Death" was unveiled at Canalside Monday.The art installation features a wall constructed of 22,000 carved pills, each representing the face of someone who fatally overdosed on a prescribed opioid in 2015.  Buffalo is the fourth stop on the memorial's nationwide tour, which launched in Chicago.  The memorial will be on display through August 26.

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 20, 2018

A Sherman man has been arrested for being found in possession of drugs after allegedly breaking into an apartment in Mayville late last week...  
 
Sheriff's officers say 31 year-old Brandon Newby was found inside the apartment at 40 Evans Street shortly after 2 p.m. last Thursday.  He was arrested on several counts, including second-degree burglary, petty larceny and, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Deputies say Newby was arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court, and sent to the County Jail without bail.
 
 
Addiction experts and recovery professionals from around New York state are gathering for their annual conference in Albany...  
 
They're hearing from Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, as health care professionals discuss best practices and challenges in the field of addiction treatment.  The two day event kicks off today, and will include remarks from Hochul and, several others.  Organizers of the event say an estimated two-million New Yorkers struggle with a substance abuse disorder.  They say the 2018 conference is dedicated to showing that recovery is possible.  At the event addiction treatment specialists and advocates will share best practices and discuss advancements in care as well as ongoing challenges in the field.
 
 
State Senator Cathy Young has secured half-a-million dollars to cover the cost of Panama Central School District's penalty payment to the state Department of Education...  
 
The Olean Republican headed up the effort with local Assemblyman Andy Goodell, who pushed the bill in that Chamber.  Young says New York penalized the school district $4.9-million in 2012 for missing final cost reports for a 2005 capital improvement project.  She has now secured $3-million since 2013 to help the district pay down the penalty and, avoid passing the burden onto taxpayers in the rural school district.  The remaining penalty balance is now $1.9 million.  She says the funding "ensures that Panama Central School District taxpayers do not have to shoulder an undue tax burden caused by circumstances beyond their control."  In addition to the strain on the district's budget, Young says the penalty payments also helped prevent a proposed merger between Panama and Clymer Central School District. 
 
 
In addition to the food, two of the major high-lights of the annual Labor Day Festival in Jamestown are the music and, fireworks that conclude the day's events...  
 
City officials are taking some additional steps this year to make sure the fireworks display is safer in the wake of last year's wind shift that forced them to stop the show 45-seconds into the program when shell debris started coming down in the viewing area, and trees.  Parks and Recreation Coordinator Julia Ciesla-Hanley says there's always a set back.
 
In addition, Ciesla-Hanley says they are beefing up their communcations with additional radios and cellphones to make a call at the last minute -- if need be.  One minor injury was reported from last year's display.  As for the music, Ciesla-Hanley says the main stage is seeing some changes, including the name of the group playing the first set at 12:30 PM.  She says the former "Bogarts" has gone through a line-up change and is now known as "Blackbird Express."  Ciesla-Hanley adds that this year, the headliner on the main stage will be the local band TPT after being Two for Flinching the past few years. 
 
 
This past Saturday-- Aug. 18-- was officially proclaimed as 'Lee Harkness Day' in Jamestown...  
 
Harkness was honored for his long-time commitment to downtown during the Cruise-In Friday night.  Through his work with the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation and later the Chamber of Commerce, Harkness has been instrumental in establishing the Cruise-In, Holiday Parade and other traditions.  And, he was a prime mover in the preservation of the Jamestown Train Station.  Harkness called the honor a "complete surprise..." adding that he was "speechless."
 
 
Authorities have identified the man who died while kite surfing on Lake Erie in western New York earlier this week...  
 
Police in the Erie County town of Hamburg on Friday identified the man as 61-year-old Jeffrey Biehler, of Hamburg.  Officials say police responded to a town beach last Wednesday afternoon following reports of a kite surfer in distress.  Police and lifeguards tried to rescue Biehler but wind gusts pushed him farther from shore.  A town water rescue unit responded and recovered his body.  Police say it's unclear whether Biehler suffered a medical emergency or if his death was related to kite surfing.
 
 
Manhattan, Kansas' Chase Junghans held off defending race champion Brandon Sheppard to win last night's 50-lap World of Outlaws Late Model feature at Eriez Speedway...  
 
Junghans ended up beating the New Berlin, Illnois diver by half-a-car length to grab his first Outlaws win in three years.  Points leader Chris Madden of South Carolina was third.  The top local finisher was Boom Briggs of Bear Lake, Pennsylvania, who was fifth.

WJTN Headlines for Sat., Aug. 18, 2018

Long-time Downtown Jamestown advocate and supporter Lee Harkness honored before Friday night Crusin'...
It was proclaimed as 'Lee Harkness Day' in Jamestown Friday night during the downtown Crusin' event.  Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce President, Todd Tranum, made the presentation to Harkness... who now heads up the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce.  Tranum says Harkness "brought leadership and energy back to the community."  Through his work with the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation... and later the Chamber of Commerce... Harkness has been instrumental in establishing the Cruise-In, Holiday Parade and other downtown traditions.  And, he was a prime mover in the preservation of the Jamestown Train Station.  He says he was "completely suprised by the honor."  Lee says there are still things he'd like to see downtown... including passenger rail excursions to a rehabilitated engine house... the building just down the tracks from the train station.
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Despite threatening weather, Friday night's Jamestown Cruise-In was deemed a great success... with around a 110 cars, and throngs of people downtown.  The Cruise-In is organized by the Jamestown Area Community Chamber of Commerce, The Jamestown Savings Bank Arena, and Der Kobblers car club.
 
 
Young, with help of Goodell, secure's another $500,000 for Panama to pay penalty to state...
State Senator Cathy Young has secured half-a-million dollars to cover the cost of Panama Central School District's penalty payment to the state Department of Education.  The Olean Republican headed up the effort with local Assemblyman Andy Goodell... who pushed the bill in that Chamber.  Young says New York penalized the school district $4.9-million in 2012 for missing final cost reports for a 2005 capital improvement project.  She has now secured $3-million total since 2013 to help the district pay down the penalty... and, avoid passing the burden onto taxpayers in the rural school district.  The remaining penalty balance is now $1.9 million.  She says the funding "ensures that Panama Central School District taxpayers do not have to shoulder an undue tax burden caused by circumstances beyond their control." 
 
 
Dunkirk man arrested for robbery after lengthy investigation...
A Dunkirk man has now been arrested following a lengthy investigation into a robbery that occurred at convenience store in the city last November.  Dunkirk Police say they took 22-year-old Andre McQuiggan into custody late Thursday on a Chautauqua County Court warrant, charging him with Felony second-degree robbery.  Police Chief Dave Ortolano says the arrest stems from an incident that occurred last November 17.  McQuiggan allegedly held up a clerk and made off with an amount of money after brandishing what appeared to be a firearm.  Ortolano says he is happy with the outcome of the investigation... which involved several officers and members of their Detective Unit.  He says the investigation is still ongoing, and there may be additional arrests in this case.
 
 
Two Jamestown residents arrested for child endangerment after overdosign on drugs...
Two city residents have been charged after they allegedly overdosed in drugs while a child was persent with them inside an  apartment on Jamestown's southside.  City police say they were called to a home on South Main Street just before 9 a.m. last Thursday on a report of an unresponsive female.  When they arrived... police say they found 45 year-old Robin Smith and 76 year-old Jose Perez intoxicated to the point of being unresponsive.  Smith and Perez were also found with used syringes inside the apartment.  Both were taken to UMPC Chautauqua Hospital... where they were revived.  Once released... they were arrested for endangering the welfare of a child... and, jailed pending arraignment.
 
 
Outgoing County DPF Director, and new one, talk transition...
The retiring director of the county's Department of Public Facilities says he will remain on the job for two more week's to help make the new director's transition a smooth one.  George Spanos is wrapping up a 31-year career with the DPF... 16 as director.  Spanos says he's very happy with the selection of Bemus Point's Brad Bentley to replace him... and, says the transition began at the Falconer shop yesterday morning.  He says they will continue introductions Monday at the Sherman shop and then Wednesday, they'll be at the Sheridan shop in the north county.  Bentley says he's happy that Spanos will be on through the end of the month to help button-up the DPF's budget proposal for next year... and, getting Summer projects wrapped up.  He says it seems to be an ideal transition time for both of them.  County Executive George Borrello says the selection of the new public facilities director was made through the help of a bi-partisan search committee.  The five member group cut the field to three... and Borrello interviewed each before making a final selection.
 
 
 

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 17, 2018

A Panama native has been named as Chautauqua County's new director of Public Facilities...  
 
During a press conference this morning at the DPF's main headquarters in Falconer, County Executive George Borrello announced that Brad Bentley will now head up the 200-person department.  Bentley has 25 years of engineering and utilities experience, and most recently has been working about the past year for the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency.  He'll be working with retiring DPF Director George Spanos the next two-weeks to ensure a smooth transition.  More today at Noon.
 
 
A western New York woman has been killed in a single-car accident in the Cattaraugus County town of Lyndon...  
 
State Police in Jamestown say 42 year-old Karen Putt of Alexander was eastbound on Abbott Road about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday when her Jeep Liberty crossed the center-line.  Troopers say her vehicle crossed over the westbound lane, went off the road, and struck a tree.  Police say the Genesee County woman was pronounced dead at the scene and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.
 
 
The "Queen of Soul" -- Aretha Franklin -- was never able to perform in Chautauqua County, but she's remembered for selling out her scheduled performance at Chautauqua Institution last year...  
 
Franklin was to give the opening performance at the institution's new Amphitheater on June 24 of last year.  The performance was sold-out month's in advance.  However, she wound up cancelling that, and other concert dates because she had fallen ill a short time before that date.  Comedian Jay Leno filled in for Franklin.  
----
 
We'll be airing an ABC Special on the life of the "Queen of Soul..." Aretha Franklin, this Sunday at 12 Noon on WJTN Radio and, it will air again Sunday night at 8 PM.
 
 
The founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition will be the featured speaker at Chautauqua Institution today...  
 
The Reverend Jesse Jackson will appear with the Reverend Joan Brown Campbell, the first woman director of religion at Chautauqua Institution.  Chautauqua Spokeswoman Vanessa Weinert says Campbell's friendship with Jackson is one reasons he will be speaking at the Institution.
 
Weinert says Reverend Jackson's appearance is taking place during the 50th anniversary year of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior.  She says they've also had an inter-faith week of lectures for the King anniversary this week.  Jackson's lecture will take place at 10:45 this morning in the Chautauqua Amphitheater.
 
 
Downtown Jamestown's annual celebration of vintage, and classic cars -- and hot rods -- will take place tonight weather permitting...  
 
The downtown "Crusin'" will be held on Third Street and some other adjacent streets and, about 300 vehicles are expected.  The event is being put on by the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce, the Northwest Arena and, Der Kobblers Car Club.  Arena director of Sponsorships and Marketing, Sherry Hutley, says they're ready to go.
 
Hutley says Der Kobblers will help direct the participant's vehicles into the downtown area from Spring Street.  She adds street closings will begin at 3:00.  In addition to the cars and music, Hutley says they'll have food and clothing vendors, and a "kid's zone" area.  In addition to the Chamber and the Arena, Five-Star Urgent Care, Lakeshore Paving, the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation and Der Kobblers are among the sponsors for the Crusin', in addition to media sponsor the Media One Group of radio stations.
 
 
A Panama man is accused of possessing various drugs during a traffic stop in Jamestown on Tuesday... 
 
State Police pulled over 38 year-old Casey Clark on Riverside Road and, smelled marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Troopers say a search revealed a smoking device with pot residue and a container with 8 methadone pills and 10 lortabs, both controlled substances Clark did not have a prescription for.  A check of his driver's license revealed six suspensions, one of which was for an alcohol related offense. Clark was released with appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in the town of Kiantone Court later in the month.
 
 
Final preparations are underway for the city's of Jamestown's yearly "end of summer" community celebration on Labor Day Weekend...  
 
The 39th annual Labor Day Festival is set for Sunday, September 2, from Noon to 9 p.m. at Bergman Park.  Festival committee members met for the last time in the park yesterday afternoon and, Parks and Recreation Coordinator Julia Ciesla-Hanley says they finalized a number of activites.
 
The Southern Tier Wrestling show -- put on by the Grey Brothers -- proved to be very popular at last year's festival.  Ciesla-Hanley says the day on September 2 will again start with the Chautauqua Striders annul Dan Feather Memorial 5-K run/walk at 9 in the morning.  Registration begins at 8:00.  Ciesla-Hanley says the arts and crafts vendors open at 11 a.m., while the food vendors and other activities begin at 12 Noon.  That includes the musical entertainment, which will again be held on two stages.  The George Ritzer Labor Award will be presented at 4 p.m. on the main stage.  More later. 
 
 
A woman and her dog have been reunited two days after they were both swept into a New York lake by flash flooding caused by torrential downpours...  
 
Rene Halligan tells The Associated Press that her dog was caught Thursday just as she arrived at a Seneca Lake campground to look her 4-year-old mixed-breed.  Halligan and the dog were swept away by Tuesday's early morning flooding.  Halligan was later rescued in Seneca Lake.
 
 
Investigation by State Police revealed 24 year-old Nicholas McAdoo allegedly attacked staff members and continued to act belligerent in front of patients while at the Hospital. McAdoo was placed under arrested and removed from the premises.  Troopers say he was issued an appearance ticket for Jamestown City Court at a later date. 
 
 
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has said America "was never that great" during remarks criticizing President Donald Trump and his slogan, "Make America Great Again"....  
 
The Democrat made the comment on Wednesday at a bill signing event in Manhattan.  Cuomo said the Republican president wants to return to an era of greater sexism, racism and intolerance toward immigrants.  He says America has made great strides toward equality, but that it can't consider itself great until there's full equality for all.  Cuomo is seeking a third term this fall and is considered a potential White House contender in 2020.  Republicans pounced on Cuomo's comments. GOP gubernatorial candidate Marc Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, said Cuomo should be ashamed and owes the nation an apology.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 16, 2018

There are some important county and state-wide primaries coming up in less than a month, but this year's vote will be on a different date than usual...  
 
That from Chautauqua County Republican Elections Commissioner Brian Abram, who says New York's primaries are typically held on the second Tuesday -- following Labor Day.  However, this year -- that date falls on the anniversary of the "9/11" attacks.  The vote will take place on Thursday, September 13.  The biggest local race is between incumbant Sheriff Joe Gerace -- a Democrat -- and, Republican challenger James Quattrone, for the Conservative line on the November ballot.  Abram adds there are local races for one particular party---  an Independence Party Primary for Portland Town Justice between Democrats Tom DeJoe, and Michelle Patterson and, Republican Daniel Thompson.  There is also Conservative and Independence Party Primaries for Ripley Town Justice.
 
 
Plans have now been unveiled for the new playground to be built a week from this Saturday at Chadakoin Park on the city of Jamestown's northside...  
 
More than 20 years ago, the current playground was opened, but officials say it gets a lot of use, and needs to be replaced.  Community leaders including City Councilwoman Vickye James, decided to begin fund-raising for a new playground.  Now, James says the Ralph Wilson, Junior Foundation and national "KaBOOM!" organization will help develop the new facility.
 
Some northside area churches are also involved with the effort.  Pastor Shaloe Smith with Blackwell Chapel says the park is a "dream come true."  James says they need about 325 volunteers to help out with the 'one-day' effort on Saturday, August 25.  She says you can get more information and ,sign up at the city's website at JamestownNY.net.  James says the Wilson Foundation and KaBOOM! will provide up to $250,000 in grant funding for the new playground equipment.  Work on the new facility will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the park.
 
 
Four people have been arrested for allegedly trafficking Heroin in Dunkirk following a drug raid in the north county city Wednesday morning...  
 
Members of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force say they, and other agency members executed a search warrant at 527 South Roberts Road shortly before 9:00.  Task Force agents say they arrested 38 year-olds Onix Lopez-Ortiz and Jann Montanez-Calderon and, 28 year-old Myra Cruz of the Roberts Road address and, 59 year-old Pedro Rivera of Glasgow Road in Fredonia.  They add the raid took place after a month-long investigation that included agents making several undercover drug buys.  Task Force members seized over a half an ounce of Heroin, Marihuana and a large quantity of cash during the raid and, all four suspects are charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a Controlled Substance.  All are being held pending arraignement.  (**If you have any information on suspicious or narcotics-related activity, call the task force at 1-800-344-8702.)
 
 
The top law enforcement official in Fredonia says the investigation into the death of a 47-year-old man who was assaulted on Water Street last month is now being treated as a homicide...  
 
Police Chief Brad Meyers gave us an update on the investigation into the death of William Hall.  Meyers says Hall died from injuries stemming from an assault that occurred during the overnight hours of July 20 and 21.
 
Hall was found unconscious in the area of 36 Water Street.  Meyers says he is beign criticized for a delay in releasing details of the assault, but there are reasons why a news release was not issued until earlier this month.  He says -- often times -- not releasing a lot of information immediately allows them to catch the person who "committed this crime."  Meyers confirms there is a suspect in the case, but an arrest has not been made.   Fredonia Police are working with the Chautauqua County District Attorney's Office as the investigation continues.
 
 
The concord grapes in the Lake Erie Grape Belt will begin to turn purple over the weekend...  
 
Verasion, as it's called, is the first step in the final ripening of the crop.  Dr. Terry Bates, director of the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Labratory believes it'll be a good year, with most vineyards producing an average to above average crop.  The vines have received just enought rain, and are healthy.  The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program's Summer Grower Conference was held at the lab in Portland yesterday.  August 15 is the date for cash market prices to be announced in New York state.  Dr. Bates hadn't seen the list yet, but expects prices to be in the range of $220 to $240 per ton, about the same as last year.  The sweet grape market has struggled in recent years with over supply, and low prices.  Chautauqua County is the state's largest grape growing county, with concords making up most of the crop here.  
 
 
Jamestown Police arrested a man for damaging three vehicles during a pursuit in the city Sunday morning.... 
 
Officers say they attempted to stop a vehicle with Connecticut plates for failing to signal near Barrett Avenue just after 11:45. The driver allegedly took off and, went up and down the streets in the area. Identified as Pedro Millan, Officers report the 46 year-old struck a street sign and a parked car on Cowden Street before striking a marked patrol car as officers attempted to block him in. Millan also drove over the curb and back across Barrett Avenue before striking another vehicle on Myers Street. Police say he then took off on foot, but were able to take him into custody a short distance away. Millan is being held in city jail pending arraignment. 
 
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo recently told a story about grabbing a feather shed by an eagle after it swooped past his family's canoe during an outing on an Adirondack lake....  
 
The New York Democrat says he still has the feather on his fireplace.  According to federal law, that's a major no-no.  A 1940 law prohibits the possession of eagle feathers by non-Native Americans, and anyone convicted of violating the law could face a fine of up to $100,000 and a year in jail.  Most American's don't know about the law, and Cuomo apparently didn't either.  He'll either return it to the lake or give it to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife repository.
 

WJTN New Headlines for Aug. 15, 2018

A second person has lost their life from  injuries sustained in a Sunday evening collision involving a farm tractor in Sugar Grove Township... 
 
The Warren Times-Observor says Bonnie Lucia, of Russell, was a passenger in a car that crossed the center line on Route 957 and struck the tractor. Lucia was intially taken to Warren General Hospital for treatment, but later flown to UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, where she later died. WJTN-News reported Tuesday morning that 78 year-old Anne Wolf of North Warren-- who was also a passenger in the car-- died as a result of the crash. State police have still yet to identify the male passenger taken to the hospital, the driver of the tractor was not injuried. 
 
 
A sweeping Grand Jury report released Tuesday names about 300 Roman Catholic Priests in the Pennsylvania Dioceses accused of molesting more than 1,000 children over the course of 70 years, including a Warren County pastor... 
 
The Times-Observor newspaper reports Reverend Salvatore Luzzi was accused by eight adolescent and adult male victims of inappropriate touching. The paper also says Luzzi faces allegations of responsibility for the suicide of one victim. In a separate article, Erie County Bishop Lawrence Persico expressed his apologies to the victims in the diocese and "will not shroud abusers in secrecy".
 
 
A lawsuit has been filed by Chautauqua Institution against the town of Ellery and state Department of Environmental Conservation from any future use of herbicides without more rigorous environmental review...  
 
Chautauqua's lawyers recently filed the suit in State Supreme Court... arguing the process of granting the permit to Ellery did not fully address concerns about herbicide use.  Vice-President for Comprehensive Planning and Operations at Chautauqua: John Shedd, says they feel several concerns and questions were not addressed.
 
The town, along with the town of Busti and others, applied the Herbicide early this Summer between 90 and 100-acres of Chautauqua Lake's southern basin to deal with the weed issue.  Shedd says scientists they've consulted with say dealing with stormwater run-off is the best way to stop the phosphorus that feeds the weed and algal blooms.  At the same time, he says they do not oppose limited use of herbicide as part of a long-range strategy.  A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for October 4th.
 
 
A Sinclairville woman was arrested for allegedly using her car to run a person over in the town of Gerry Monday...  
 
State Police in Jamestown responded to an undisclosed home in the town for a previous domestic incident.  During an argument, Troopers say 36 year-old Stephanie Frank knocked the male victim down with the open car door as she accelerated her vehicle in reverse. The victim was able to move to avoid being struck a second time.  Frank was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment.  Officers say she was additionally charged with endangering the welfare of a child because a juvenile under the age of 17 was inside the vehicle at the time.  She was issued an appearance ticket for town court.
 
 
More than a dozen potential candidates have come forward to Republican officials in the 27th Congressional District to replace Chris Collins on the ballot in November...  
 
At least a couple of possible candidates are familiar to local Congressman Tom Reed, who spoke highly of one them.  Former Erie County Sheriff and, current State Senator Patrick Gallivan, is considered a potential front-runner for the nomination.
 
Gallivan currently lives in Elma in Erie County, which is part of the 27th District.  He is not the only high-profile Republican seeking the nod of the eight county Republican chairmen.  But, Reed says no matter who is named, there will be a clear distinction between them and what appears to be a "far-left" candidate.  He says it's a strongly Republican district.  Reed wasn't as complimentary towards former gubernatorial candidate, Carl Paladino.  However, he says the controversial Buffalo-area developer has his heart in the right place for the people of western New York. 
 
 
The Chautauqua County Farmer Neighbor Dinner presented its first ever 'legacy' award Tuesday night...  
 
The honor went to 94-year-old Frank Walker, who's lived and farmed... on Sprague Hill Road in Falconer most of his life.  Walker was a progressive 20th century farmer, being the first in the county to install a field crop conservation ditch in 1945.  Former Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director, Andy Dufresne was honored as a 'friend of agriculture.'  Dufresne was instrumental in developing the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Association, and the Grape Discovery Center.  The 2018 'agricultural producer' award went to the Ormond Farm on Miller Valley Road in Kennedy.  Three generations of the Ormond family have farmed at that location.  This year's Farmer-Neighbor Dinner, the third since its inception, was held at the outdoor area of the Grandview in Ellington.  
 
 
The new president at Jamestown Community College, Dr. Daniel DeMarte, says it's the highest honor of his career to be chosen to lead JCC...  
 
Originally from Angelica in Allegany County, DeMarte has extensive expericence as an administrator... all at the community college level.  He believes two-year schools are on the cusp of major changes with technology, demographics and the political environment impacting what such institutions are capable of doing. DeMarte says he plans to spend the fall semester getting to know the people at JCC, and in the community.  In addition, he wants to see how JCC is meeting the area's needs in some key sectors including manufacturing, health and hospitality.  DeMarte comes to Jamestown from a post at Tidewater Community College in Virginia.  His wife, Desiree, is a math teacher, and will join the faculty at Jamestown High School starting in September.  
 
 
Village trustees in the north county village of Fredonia appear to be a step closer to filling two positions that would help fill the void left by last month's resignation of the village administrator...  
 
Richard St. George stepped down due to health concerns.  Mayor Athanasia Landis says lawmakers are ready to return to what their charter had originally, including a checks and balance system the way it's intended.  Mayor Landis says they have three people who have applied for treasurer and, six for village clerk.  Landis says she hopes to have the positions filled next week.
 
 
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Democratic primary challenger Cynthia Nixon are set to debate late this month after a back-and-forth over the faceoff...  
 
Both campaigns said Monday their candidates agreed to debate August 29 at Hofstra University, with WCBS-TV hosting.  The two-term incumbent governor refused to debate his Democratic primary opponent four years ago.  Nixon has urged Cuomo for months to debate her and recently said he didn't "want to have an honest debate."  He pledged months ago to debate, but declined earlier invitations that she accepted.  With only a month to go before the primary, Cuomo's campaign said last week it was still reviewing options and looked forward to "a robust debate."
 
 
The Village of Celoron has re-scheduled the concert by Rustic Ramblers for tonight...  
 
Rustic Ramblers will be performing in the Desi Arnaz Bandshell in Lucille Ball Memorial Park, in the village Celoron from 6-8PM.  The concert series is sponsored in part by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.  All are invited to attend the free concert.  Again, the Rustin Ramblers concert in the park is re-schedule for tonight beginning at 6:00.
 
 
A New York town official says most of the dozens of people reported trapped in their Finger Lakes homes when flash floods hit the area early Tuesday are now able to move about their damaged properties...  
 
Highway Superintendent Rick Jacot  in the Seneca County town of Lodi (LOH'-deye) said that local waterfront residents along Seneca Lake are safe and starting to clean up damage caused by the flooding.  Governor Andrew Cuomo had said earlier Tuesday that about 50 people were trapped in their homes because of high water and trees and other debris dislodged by the flooding.  The Jamestown-area missed those torrentional rains and flash flooding. 

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 14, 2018

An elderly Warren County, Pennsylvania woman was killed, while three others were hurt, when a car struck a tractor on Route 957 in Sugar Grove Township Sunday night.... 
 
State Police in Warren say the eastbound car, driven by 86 year-old Elizabeth Donovan of Warren, crossed the center line just after 9:30 p.m. and, struck the tractor.  The operator of the tractor, 37 year-old Travis Larson of Warren, was not hurt.  Troopers say a passenger in the car, 78 year-old Anne Wolf of North Warren, later died at Warren General Hospital, while Donovan was taken there for treatment of her injuries.  Two others in the car, a male and female from Russell, were also taken to the hospital for treatment.  The female was later flown to UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie.  The crash remains under investigation.
 
 
A man from Cherry Creek lost his life after his motorcycle was struck by a car in Cherry Creek Sunday night...  
 
Sheriff's deputies responded to the crash on Farrington Hollow Road and found 47 year-old Jassen Sherman of Falconer, failed to yield when backing out of a driveway.  Officers say his vehicle was struck by the northbound motorcycle, operated by 50 year-old Paul Diaz.  Diaz was taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital where he later died due to injuries sustained in the collision.  Sherman was cited for failure to yield to right of way when entering the roadway and is due back in court at a later date. 
 
 
The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy has begun an effort to acquire 77-acres of land in the Cassadaga area for a nature park...  
 
The Conservancy is working with the Cassadaga Lakes Association on the project that will be located near the upper lake.  CWC Director John Jablonski says they consider it an important piece of property for the Cassadaga Lakes' ecosystem.
 
The process of acquiring the property began about a year ago and, recently received support from several local governments, including the Chautauqua County Legislature.  Jablonski says they have raised about a third of the funding that's needed for the project.  He says they have about $53,000 pledged so far, while acquistion costs should be about $120,000.  The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is currently in the process of applying for a $90,000 state grant through the consolidated funding application process.  
 
 
A popular waterfront eatery in Bemus Point has broken the Guiness World Record for the most chicken wings served in 24 hours... 
 
Breaking it's own record set in 1982, Event Coordinator Steve Carlson says  the Village Casino sold 40,210 chicken wings in the one-day span.
 
Carlson says they 158 staff members -- current and former -- helping out with the event.  He tells us it was a big community effort that was "unique" with people working towards a common goal.  The profits raised will be paid forward to help the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department, Bemus Point Library, the Bemus Point Ferry and the local American Red Cross.
 
 
New York state will invest $1.5 million in additional funds in efforts to bring fresh, locally grown farm products to public schools in the coming school year....  
 
School districts can apply for grants of up to $100,000 each that can support the hiring of a program coordinator, staff training or the purchase of equipment to store, prepare or transport farm products.  Since the state's "farm-to-school" program began in 2015 the state has set aside more than $1.8 million to help programs in 164 school districts across the state.  State officials announced the funding on Thursday. Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo says the program benefits students by providing them with fresh fruits, vegetables and other products while also helping create markets for the state's farmers.
 
 
The Greater Jamestown community and World Series Committee were the real winners of last week's Babe Ruth World Series at Diethrick Park...  
 
Those are the feelings of Host President Russ Diethrick, who says except for a rain delay and a power outage at the park, the series moved like clockwork.  Russ complemented everyone on the committee and, adds that the local media did a great job in getting the word out about the host committee's needs, the what was going on.
 
A good crowd of about 1,200-1,400 people was on hand for Saturday's championship game between Charleston, Missouri and Mobile, Alabama.  He says the media helped a lot in helping the committee get enough host families for the teams that came from out-of-town for the national tournament.  Charleston defeated Mobile in Saturday's championship game, 4-1.
 
 
It's already shaping up as a challenging season for National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell as the pre-season gets underway for the league...  
 
There are new rules, with the biggest being that any player who initiates contact with his helmet is subject to ejection after an 'in-game' video review.  There was some confusion expressed last weekend over it but, Goodell -- who was in Jamestown for the opening of an exhibit about his father -- former U-S Senator Charles Goodell -- says there was no more confusion than any other rule change.  He says getting helmet hits out of the game is good.
 
The biggest controversy involved some players continuing to kneel during the National Anthem. Goodell says they are still working on a policy with the Players Association, that has them standing for the anthem, but also has them working to improve their communities.  The league and the NFLPA have yet to announce a policy for this season regarding demonstrations during the anthem.
 
 
A north county man is jailed for allegedly entering a home in Silver Creek and, damaging property while he was inside...  
 
Sheriff's officers say they were called to a home on Jaekle Avenue about 1 p.m. last Saturday on a report of criminal mischief.  Deputies found, during their investigation, that 35 year-old Travis Eaton of Silver Creek had entered the home without permission.  He was arrested and, charged with third-degree burglary, and criminal mischief.  He was arraigned in Silver Creek Village Court and, sent to the county jail on $30,000 cash bail.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 13, 2018

A motorcyclist lost his life following a two-vehicle accident in Cherry Creek yesterday evening... 
 
Sheriff's Deputies responded to the crash on Farrington Hollow Road shortly before 7 p.m., and found 47 year-old Jassen Sherman, of Falconer, field to yield when backing out of a driveway. Officers say his vehicle was struck by a motorcycle travelling north. The unidentified operator was taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Sherman was cited for failure to yield to right of way when entering the roadway and is due back in court at a later date. 
 
 
A woman from Forestville is jailed on $10,000 bail for allegedly trying to stab another person on several occasions last weekend with a sharp object...  
 
Sheriff's deputies say they were called to a location in the north county village on a report of a disorderly person and, later took 27 year-old Sharlene Downey into custody.  Officers say she also tried to physically injure the victim, and keep them from calling 911.  Downey is also accused of hitting a second person several times and, add the second victim had an active order of protection against Downey.  Downey was arrested on several charges, including third-degree criminal possession of a weapon first-degree criminal contempt and, second-degree attempted assault.  She was arraigned and sent to the county lock-up pending further court action.
 
 
1968 was a year of turmoil, upheaval and war, but there was one bright spot for the region at that time...  
 
But, it was also a controversial time for Jamestown-area Congressman Charles Goodell.  Goodell's life and legacey were examined during the opening of a new exhibit honoring the 50th anniversary of his replacing the late Robert F. Kennedy after Kennedy's assassination while running for President.  Members of Goodell's immediate and extended family were on hand at the Jackson Center for a celebration yesterday and, son Tim represented the family in thanking the center.
 
The program and reception was set so one of Goodell's brothers, Roger, could be on hand in Jamestown.  Roger Goodell -- of course -- is the commissioner of the National Football League.  He later told us he was "honored" to be back in his family's hometown and, he expressed his appreciation for the way the Jackson Center "captured" his father's career, and the impact it had.  The exhibit honoring Charlie Goodell is called "A Model of Courage: The Life of Charles Goodell..." who roundly criticized by many Republicans for his opposition to the Vietnam War.
 
 
Elected officials from all levels of government continue to hold discussions over the future use of the NRG plant in the city of Dunkirk but, what does the company have in mind?  
 
Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello says that a meeting with NRG officials is expected to take place in the near future.  Borrello says a number of options are being considered for the facility, but they want to hear from NRG, which decided last month to withdraw from the repowering project.
 
While Borrello says finding another energy company to repower the plant is one of the options, the President and Chief Executive Officer with the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce thinks another option should be considered.  Todd Tranum would like to see the plant municipally operated if possible, similar to the way the Jamestown Board of Public Utliities is operated.  Borrello says there has been some discussion about that option, although he feels it will be a "very heavy lift" and will need strong support from Governor Andrew Cuomo. 
 
 
The third annual Dragon Boat Festival on Chautauqua Lake Saturday enjoyed great weather, great crowds, and intense competition...  
 
Joe Gerace of Lakewood is one member of the group that brought dragon boat racing to Celoron. He says they had 32 boats signed up, the biggest registration number in history. 
 
Another committee member, Bill Stevenson, told our Dennis Webster the competition took a step forward this year, with a few 20-class vessels. Stevenson says it's the same boats, but with more people. The afternoon concluded with a rubber duck race to benefit the Chautauqua Lake Association.  
 
 
Local Republican Congressman Tom Reed and New York Democrat Kathleen Rice are introducing legislation prohibiting House members from serving on the boards of publicly-held companies...  
 
The measure, announced late last week, would create a House equivalent to the Senate Rule 37.6, which states that no Senator "shall serve as an officer or member of the board of any publicly-held or publicly regulated corporation, financial institution, or business entity."  The measure is in response to the decision by Buffalo-area Congressman Chris Collins being indicted on federal charges of insider trading.
 
 
Timely hitting and great defensive play late in the game propelled Charleston, Missouri to a 4-1 championship win over Mobile, Alabama in the 16-to-18 year-old Babe Ruth World Series in Jamestown...  
 
The "Fighting Squirrels" scored three runs in the fourth-inning to break a 1-1 tie, but it took a couple of outstanding plays by Charleston in the bottom of the seventh-inning to preserve the win.  Manager and Coach Mark Minner called it a big championship for the team, and their fans.
 
In that seventh-inning, Mobile had runners on first and third and no one out, but third-baseman Brevo Yarbro grabbed a high chopper and tagged out the lead runner before throwing to first for the second out.  Charleston then recorded the final out on a fine play by their shortstop for the win.  Charleston pitcher Will Pratt was rewarded with the Serie's "Most Outstanding Player" award.  It was a great finish to a fine week of baseball at Diethrick Park.  Host President -- and park namesake -- Russ Diethrick -- says you could not have scripted a better finish.

WJTN News Bulletin for Sat., Aug. 11, 2018

(**Corrected)Charleston, Missouri wins 16-to-18 year-old Babe Ruth WS in dramatic final game...
Timely hitting and great defensive play late in the game propelled Charleston, Missouri to a 4-to-1 victory over Mobile, Alabama in the 16-to-18 year-old Babe Ruth World Series in Jamestown.  The "Fighting Squirrels" scored three runs in the fourth-inning Saturday afternoon to break a 1-1 tie... but, it took an outstanding play by Charleston third-baseman Breven Yarbro (not Will Pratt who pitched the win) to help preserve the win.  With runners on first and third and no one out in the bottom of the seventh-inning... Yarbro grabbed a high chopper and tagged out the lead runner before throwing to first for the second out.  Charleston then recorded the final out for the win.  Manager and Coach Mike Minner called it a big championship for the team, and their fans.  Minner says it was a "magical week" for his team, and add's it's "pretty special" to be national champions.  Pratt was rewarded with the Serie's "Most Outstanding Player" award.  It was a great finish to a fine week of baseball at Diethrick Park.  Host President -- and park namesake -- Russ Diethrick -- says you could not have scripted a better finish with good play on both sides.  The host Southern Tier All-Stars played well in pool play... winning a game over Southeastern Champion Fairfax, Virginia.  They wound up the series 1-and-3.  Pitcher Bryce Jackson made the Tournament's All-Defensive team after two terrific pitching performances for the local team.
 

News Headlines for Sat., Aug. 11, 2018

City man and woman arrested for having illegal gun, Meth and fake $100 bills...
A Jamestown man and woman are jailed without bail for allegedly being found in possession of illegal gun, drugs and several fake $100 bills during a traffic stop late Thursday.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says 24 year-old Daniel McKay and 22 year-old Kaylyn Barlow were arrested during the stop at Strong and Fulton Streets after their car was pulled over for having a loud exhaust.  Samuelson says the found items including a loaded, .380-pistol with the serial number defaced... nearly 4-grams of Methamphetime... and, nine fake $100 bills during the Targeted Enforcement Detail.  Samuelson says the phony bills have been cropping up a lot lately at various businesses -- especially pizzerias and pizza delivery businesses.  However... he says if you're not paying attention... you can be dupped by those bills.  Samuelson says -- since they aren't considered counterfeit -- there are no charges against McKay -- who is a state Parolee -- and Barlow.  He says both were arraigned on charges including second-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, third and seventh-degree criminial possession of a controlled substance, and sent to the county jail without bail.
 
 
Cattaraugus County man arrested for having venomous snakes, reptiles...
Authorities say state wildlife officers have seized three king cobras and other venomous reptiles from a western New York home.  The Olean Times-Herald reports that Department of Environmental Conservation officers obtained a warrant Thursday morning to search a home in the Cattaraugus County town of Allegany.  Officers say inside they found three king cobras and other venomous species, along with numerous turtles, kept in enclosures throughout the home, located on East Union Street.  The snakes and other reptiles were taken to the Buffalo Zoo.  It's illegal in New York state to own venomous snakes without a DEC permit.  The man living at the house hasn't been charged.
 
 
Collins suspends campaign after Reed says it's up to Collins on what he should do...
Congressman Tom Reed says the charges of insider trading and lying to the FBI leveled against fellow Representative Chris Collins are "troublesome."  Reed made the comment during a conference call with regional media late this past week.  The Corning Republican said he would let Collins and his family handle the matter themselves and let the voters in his Western New York district decide if he should remain in office.  Reed says it's "his choice."  Collins finally decided to suspend his campaign for re-election this (Saturday) morning after consulting with family members and friends.  Reed says House members are taking the allegations seriously, and that it will take Collins time to work through this situation.  Collin's statement said he's ending his campaign in the best interest of his constituents, President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.  A spokeswoman for the New York state Republican party said no decision has been made about a possible replacement for Collins on the ballot.
 
 
Olean man accused of stealing from Cattaraugus County employer sentenced to prison time, restitution... 
A Cattaraugus County man will spend nearly three-years in federal prison after being convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion.  U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Jr. adds that 54 year-old Joseph Stevens of Olean was also ordered to pay 512-thousand dollars in restitution to the victim, and the Internal Revenue Service.  That's in addition to the 33-month sentence he received.  Prosecutors say Stevens... who was a CPA... was hired by a business owner in August of 2012 for pay vendors, taxes, and to handle employee payroll.  However... he was accused of later using a ruse that the business was not doing well financially.  He was later found to have made more than $342,000 in unauthorized withdrawls... and, forged nearly 40 checks for nearly $88,000.  Stevens also failed to file income taxes for 2015.
 
 
Audubon's new director introduced to the public Friday...
The new director of the Jamestown Audubon Nature Center says she hopes to expand the local center's outreach once she has settled into her new position.  That from Rochester native Leigh Rovegno... who was formally introduced to the public Friday afternoon as the replacement for the retiring Ruth Lundin.  Rovegno has already been on the job for about two-weeks and says she's very excited about returning to western New York, and putting ways to better connect with people in the Jamestown community to spread audubon's message.  Audubon Board Chairman Pierre Chagnon says one thing that stood out about Rovegno is that she flew here from her home in Denver, Colorado to interview for the post.  Chagnon says most of the out-of-town candidates interviewed via Skype.  Rovegno had been working in horticulture... and, organic farming in Denver the past several years.  She says her parents are originally from Salamanca.  A welcoming reception was held for Leigh Rovegno after a press conference announing her appointment Friday.
 
 
 

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 10, 2018

It's going to take boots on the ground, and trust in the community to make sure there is a complete, and accurate Census count in the city of Jamestown in 2020...  
 
That from state and U-S Census Bureau officials who joined city leaders Thursday afternoon for a kick-off meeting at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.  Mayor Sam Teresi welcomed about 20 people from various parts of the community to help with the effort.
 
Teresi says a preliminary count they received in 2008 showed the city's population between 27,000 and 28,000 people.  However, he says they used residential utility bill information to cross reference and, that prevented a 3,000 to 4,000 undercount.  Deputy Director of State Operations Richard Tobe says there are typically certain population segments that are undercounted, including people in low-income communities, and children under the age of 5.  The Census is used to determine Congressional and legislative districts, and state and federal funding.
 
 
Players with the Jamestown Jammers and member of the organization were honored with a special proclamation and the "key to the city" Thursday afternoon after winning their league championship...  
 
The Jammers won the third and deciding game of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League over Amsterdam Wednesday, 8-6.  Mayor Sam Teresi welcomed team members to his offices and, Manager and Coach Anthony Barone says it's a "perfect way" to end the season.
 
Teresi issued the proclamation and presented the key to the city to Barone, and a handful of players who were still here.  He says they have an outstanding organization, top to bottom.   It is the first championship for the Jammers since collegiate league baseball came to the city in 2015.
 
 
The expanded series of concerts at Jamestown's Goranson Band Shell this summer has been a great success.  
 
That's the report from Sandy Galati, co-President of the Allen Park Women's Club, who says the attendance has been the best that she can remember.  The women's club raises money by selling fudge and other treats at each concert.  Club Vice-President, Carol Winterburn, says they're finishing up a $10,000 project near the picnic area- a new sink, lighting and a hot water tank.  The Jamestown Municipal Band played the last of its seven Allen Park concerts Thursday night.  There's still one event at the bandshell, Shakespeare's  "As You Like It", to be performed by the Chautauqua Theater, on Wednesday, August 15.  
 
 
A Jamestown man is accused of stealing $31.00 worth of items from the Dollar General on Washington Street...  
 
City police were called to the store Wednesday afternoon for a shoplifting in progress and, made contact with the suspect who had a shower liner stuffed in the back of his pants.  When 33 year-old James Scotchmer was confronted by officers about it, he denied having anything on him.  When Scotchmer finally removed the items, he had two sports bras, a pair of shorts, ladies underwear, the shower liner and a pair of boxers.  He was charged with petty larceny for having no intent to pay for the property that he stuffed in his pants. 
 
 
The arrest of a Republican congressman from western New York is emboldening Democrats who say it could help them win a heavily Republican district...  
 
U.S. Representative Chris Collins pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges that he gave inside information about a company's failed drug trial to his son, allowing him to avoid big stock losses.  Collins served on the board of the company, Sydney, Australia-based Innate Immunotherapeutics.  His Democratic opponent, Nate McMurray, says his campaign received "tens of thousands" of dollars in new contributions following Collins' arrest.  But the arrest itself may not be enough to cost Collins his seat.  The district voted overwhelmingly for Republican President Donald Trump and backed Collins over his 2014 Democratic challenger by more than 2-1. 
 
 
The 88th annual Warren County Fair is off to fine start...  
 
Fair President, Dave Wilcox, says  the some of the traditional exhibits are a big draw.... including, agriculture... carvinal festivities and artwork. The Fair runs through Saturday. Admission is $10.  Gates open daily at 8 a.m. with the Powers and Thomas midway opening at 1:00.  Major events include a modified truck and tractor pull tonight, and stock car football, Saturday at 7p.m.,  for more information visit warrencountyfair.net.  
 
 
A coalition of immigrant, labor and environmental groups is demanding details on government plans to detain migrant families at military bases known to have toxic hazards.... 
 
On Wednesday, as the Trump administration rushes to build tent cities at two bases in Texas, the groups filed an expedited records request under the Freedom of Information Act.  According to Earth-Justice's Lisa Evans, the sites at Fort Bliss, in El Paso, and Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo are known to be contaminated from decades of use for munitions and hazardous-waste disposal, nuclear-weapons development and military firing ranges.
 
The information request seeks information about 10 polluted sites on the two bases.  The total number of migrants the government wants to detain could be well over 30,000.  Although she thinks it unlikely that tent cities would be located in northeastern states, Evans says anything is possible.  The government has ten days to state whether it will grant the request for expedited processing of the FOIA request.
 
 
The search has been on-going in Washington State for a 28-year-old woman who graduated from the SUNY College at Fredonia but, family and friends are keeping a positive attitude during the process...  
 
Samantha Sayers has now been missing for over a week after she went for a hike August 1 on Vesper Peak.  Samantha's mother, Lisa Sayers, recently gave an update on Facebook on the search, and she says they are not losing hope.
 
Lisa says the family is appreciative of the efforts put forth by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Department, who is heading up the search.  Sayers says they are "grateful" for all the rescue crews, and others, who are helping with the search to find her.  In addition, Samantha's boyfriend, Kevin Dares, is offering a $20,000 reward to anyone who finds her.  Search and rescue teams have been looking for Sayers since she went missing, and police say her car was found at the bottom of the mountain trail.  Samantha Sayers is a 2013 graduate of Fredonia State.
 
 
After holding steady for the past several weeks, gasoline prices in the Jamestown-area have begun to creep downward this week...  
 
The AAA's Gas Price Report says the price for regular unleaded has dropped just over a penny a gallon, from nearly $3.05 cents to just over $3.03 cents this week.  Nationally, the price per gallon reached it's highest level since August of 2014 at $2.87 a gallon.
 
 

WJTN News Headlines for August 9, 2018

Republican U.S. Representative Chris Collins says he will remain on the ballot running for re-election in New York as he fights charges that he used inside information about a biotechnology company to make illicit stock trades...  
 
At a press conference Wednesday night, Collins called the charges "meritless" and said he looks forward to being exonerated.  He earlier pleaded not guilty to insider-trading charges.  Prosecutors say Collins got an email while attending a picnic last year at the White House that the company's medication had failed an important medical trial.  They say Collins told his son, who then dumped his stock in the company before the trial results were announced publicly.  Due to the indictment, Collins was removed from the House Energy Committee by Speaker Paul Ryan.
 
 
The Jamestown Jammers won the Perfect Game League Championship in Amsterdam...  
 
The final score of the final game in the three game series was 8 to 6.  Coach and manager, Anthony Barone, said is was a great, comeback game. Barone says they didn't take the lead until the 7th inning when Chase King hit a three-run homer, then closer Ryan Bowyer shut the door for the win.
 
Barone spoke from the bus as the team was returning early this morning.  The Jammers had to play the entire championship in the other team's ballpark because of the commitment to the Babe Ruth World Series at Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. park, their home field, in Jamestown. Barone says while they would have liked to play  home, being on the road was a bonding experience. This is the second year the Jamestown team has made it to the final series.  It is the first championship for the Jammers since collegiate league baseball came to the city in 2015.
 
 
Democrats in the New York state Assembly say any broadband provider picked to replace Charter Communications in the state should be required to observe net neutrality....  
 
Twenty-five Democratic lawmakers proposed the idea this week.  The state recently revoked its approval of Charter's merger with Time Warner Cable and, ordered the company to find a new provider for its more than two-million New York customers.  The lawmakers say whichever company replaces Charter should be prohibited from altering web speeds or traffic to favor certain sites or apps.  The federal government repealed its net neutrality policy earlier this year.
 
 
Members of the Northwest Arena's board of directors didn't think they would make a decision so soon about a new executive director...  
 
However, when retired Jamestown Community College Athletic Director Keith Martin expressed an interest, they decided to move forward on it.  That from board co-president Dave Leathers, who says Martin's 25 years of experience in sports management and coaching was what they were looking for.  He says they were initially going to look for marketing and operations, and then in finance.
 
Leathers says they initially thought they might promote from within once the two lower management positions were filled.  He says they decided to move on an executive director's right now because of the new junior hockey team (the Jamestown Rebels) coming here to play for the first time.  He says there's also a matter of an expansion project at the arena.  Martin just recently retired from JCC.  He also stepped down from the Arena's board of directors earlier this month after expressing interest in the post. 
 
 
Cynthia Nixon's economic development plan calls for investments in green jobs, minority communities and crumbling infrastructure...  
 
The former "Sex and the City" star and Democratic candidate for New York governor also wants greater transparency and accountability in state economic development spending.  The candidate's plan was first reported Tuesday by The Associated Press.  Nixon says she wants to spread the benefits of economic development funding broadly while strengthening protections for workers.  Nixon faces two-term incumbent Governor Andrew Cuomo in next month's primary.  Cuomo has touted billions of dollars in investments in the upstate economy, but critics complained about the number of jobs created and note that two former top state officials have been convicted, along with several real estate developers, on corruption charges stemming from their involvement in Cuomo's economic development initiatives.
 
 
National Night Out is still a relatively new idea, but it's become a big part of the north county city of Dunkirk...  
 
Hundreds of people turned out for the 25th annual event in Dunkirk on Tuesday evening.  Dunkirk Police Chief Dave Ortolano, who introduced the event to the city 25 years ago, says he can't believe it's still going strong.  He adds that it continues to serve as a way for police to have positive interactions with the community.
 
Ortolano was recognized for his involvement with National Night Out and, he received commendations from Mayor Willie Rosas, County Executive George Borrello, and state Assemblyman Andy Goodell -- among others.  He also received recognition from Congressman Tom Reed and Governor Andrew Cuomo. 
 
 
Dunkirk city lawmakers have approved a new contract for a school resource officer with the Dunkirk City School District...  
 
The vote was unanimous.  Mayor Willie Rosas says the city will receive 100 percent reimbursement from the school district to pay for the new police officer.  He adds they'll be getting a more-experienced officer.  Rosas says the agreement is retroactive to August 1 and runs through July 2021. 
 
 
The Water Division of the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities is issuing alerts for water customers in two areas of their water territory today...  
 
BPU Spokeswoman Becky Robbins says a water main break near Sixth and Washington Streets in the city will be repaired, starting around 8:00 this morning.  At this time, discolored water is not expected but traffic patterns may be affected during the work.  Drivers may want to avoid the area.  In Lakewood, a valve replacement is scheduled to begin around 8 a.m. at the corner of Winchester and Terrace Avenues.  Water may be off in the vicinity while the repair takes place.  Once work is completed and the water restored, Lakewood customers and west towards BOCES will likely see discolored water for the next 12-24 hours.
 
 
Concert Announcement....
 
Last night's Jamestown Municipal Band concert at the Allen Park Bandshell was postponed due to a threat of inclement weather.  However, it's been rescheduled for tonight.  City Parks and Recreation Coordinator Julia Ciesla-Hanley says the concert will be held at 7 p.m. at Allen Park.

WJTN News Headlines Aug. 8, 2018

The investigation continues after a bomb threat was called into Chautauqua Mall, forcing evacutation procedures Tuesday evening....
 
Lakewood-Busti Police say the "Game Stop" store, received a phone call stating, "a man with a camera was coming to the store and he has a bomb," then hung up. Lakewood-Busti K-9 and Sheriff Deputies's K-9 units did a sweep inside and outside the shopping center. The Chautauqua County bomb team was also called in to assist and, further investigation found that the call came from an unidentified juvenile in Ohio. Police say the child admitted to the local police that the phone call was a joke. Ohio State Police and Tallmadge Police assisted with the incident. No charges have been announced at this time. 
 
 
Four Jamestown residents are accused of stealing property from several parked and unlocked cars in the village of Celoron late last week....  
 
Ellicott Police officers were called to a report of suspicious people going through a vehicle late last Friday and, spoke with a witness and several victims.  Police say they determined that four males had been going through the vehicles, and they were arrested on several charges.  They include 34 year-old Gregory Skinner, 17 year-old Robert Gilbert, 21 year-old Michael Johnson and, an unidentified 16 year-old face six counts each of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, and one count each of petty larceny and conspiracy.  Johnson and the teen also face minor drug charges.  All four were arraigned and, sent to the county jail with bail to be set.  Police say residents should lock their cars when they're left unattended.
 
 
A Gerry man has been arrested for allegedly being in possession and, trafficking marihuana in the area....  
 
Members of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force have formally arrested 47 year-old Jonathan Barmore in connection with an operation that began in late June.  Task Force members, Chautauqua County Sheriff's officers, and members of the department's SWAT Team, raided Barmore's home at 2638 Elwell Road and arrested the suspect.  Once inside, police say they found a marihuana growing operation, as well as a quantity of drying marihuana.  As a result, Barmore was charged with second-degree criminal possession of Marihuana, and, Unlawfully Growing Cannabis.  Barmore will answer to the charges in the Town of Gerry Court at a later date.  If you see or hear of any suspicious or narcotics related activity, you're asked to call 1-800-344-8702.
 
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo's decision to give conditional pardons to about 24-thousand convicted felons -- now on supervised parole -- is drawing outrage from Republicans -- including local Congressman Tom Reed...  
 
Reed says Cuomo is engaging in an "extremist policy" that will allow those men and women to regain their voting rights.  The Corning Republican says it's especially troubling that nearly 80 sex offenders released in his 23rd District will be allowed to vote in school elections.
 
Reed says convicted sex offender should never be allowed near a school or school setting.  He says he's drafting legislation in an effort to prevent those 24,000 from regaining voting rights.  Cuomo's conditional pardons have been controversial  but, no one moreso than the one for 70-year-old Herman Bell.  Bell was recently approved for parole after serving 40 years for murdering two New York City Police officers when he was a member of the Black Liberation Army.  Bell never expressed any remorse for the deaths.   
 
 
A public roundtable will be held in Jamestown this Thursday, August 9th, at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, beginning at 3 p.m......
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Sam Teresi have jointly announced the session to discuss the upcoming 2020 Census and steps to ensure a full count of all New Yorkers.  Officials says this will be the first in a series of Census-specific regional events to take place across the state in coming months, which will include local stakeholders and U.S. Census Bureau representatives.  The discussion, which will be led by Mayor Teresi and Cuomo's Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Tobe  is open to the public.  Teresi says that prior to the Complete Count effort in 2010, "Census Bureau estimates had the population of Jamestown in the 27,000 to 28,000 range.  When all was said and done, as the results of the Complete Count Committee's work and our enumerators here on the ground, our final 'official' count was just over 31,000."  He adds that having a strong, organized local effort is important for getting as accurate a count as possible."
 
 
City lawmakers will have a special, informal public gathering with Jamestown, Chautauqua County and state representatives taking part at Jamestown's Love Elementary School later this month....  
 
City Councilman Andrew Liuzzo has headed up the effort to bring leaders together to meet with the public outside of city hall and, their offices.  Liuzzo says he's spoken with Jamestown School Superintendent Bret Apthorpe and, has secured the building from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28.
 
Liuzzo says he has has also spoken with several department heads at city hall, and invited them to attend the "Ask Us" meeting.  He also has invited School Superintendent Apthorpe and other district officials to attend if they can.  Liuzzo says the plan is to hold the meeting outside of Love School if possible.  However, if the weather does not cooperate, it'll be held inside.
 
 
An experienced athletic's executive has been named as the new Executive Director of the Northwest Arena in downtown Jamestown....  
 
Co-President's Kristy Zabrodsky and Dave Leathers with the arena's Board of Directors have announced that former Jamestown Community College Athletic Director and Women's Basketball Coach, Keith Martin, will begin his new duties on August 13th.  Martin just recently retired as JCC's athletic director.  In a joint announcement, Zabrodsky and Leathers say they are "very happy" to reintroduce the director's position at the arena, "especially with all the growth and development occuring in the city and surrounding area."  The Jamestown Rebels will kick-off their inaugural season soon and, a building expansion is planned.  In addition... they add that long-term management employees, Craig Hinderleider and Sue Schiavone, will remain in their respective positions.  Martin has been a six-year member of the arena's board of directors.
 
 
Four people were hurt -- but not seriously -- in a two-vehicle crash in the town of Ellery late Monday afternoon....  
 
Sheriff's officers say the accident occured on Pickard Road as a 16 year-old Cherry Creek teen attempted a U-Turn, which caused a dump truck to strike the driver's side of the vehicle.  Deputies say the collision sent 4 of the 5 occupants in the Sports Utilitiy Vehicle to Westfield Memorial Hospital.  The dump truck driver was not hurt, but the teen was ticketed for moving from lane unsafely and having more than one passenger on a 'DJ' class license. 
  

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 7, 2018

Chautauqua County's top-cop says he has concerns about Governor Cuomo's recent announcement that he has appointed a workgroup to draft legislation for a regulated adult-use marijuana program...  
 
Cuomo says he wants the state legislature to consider a measure in the 2019 session.  County Sheriff Joe Gerace says he doesn't agree with the move to legalize the recreational use of pot.
 
Gerace, who is seeking another term as Sheriff, says he also disagrees with the conclusion of a study led by the State Department of Health that says the positive impacts of a regulated marijuana market outweigh the potential negative impacts.  Gerace says he says sometimes the desire for "revenue outweighs common sense."  Unfortunately, he says there are members of the public who have the attitude that it should be legalized but, he still has a problem with it.  Gerace adds he believes that marijuana may be a "gateway drug" for some users.   
 
 
Jamestown fire investigators are still investigating the cause of an early morning fire Monday that destroyed a vacant, three-story house on the city's eastside....  
 
Jamestown Fire Battalion Chief Andrew Finson says crews were called to the scene at 429 Allen Street shortly before 2 a.m. and, found the structure fully-engulfed in flames.  Finson says crews had to take a "defensive" stance due to the volume of flames and set up three lines to put out the blaze.  He says firefighters remained at the scene until 7:00.  The city's Department of Development was called in and, determined that an emergency demolition should be done.  The street was closed for a few hours while the demolition was taking place.  No electric service was hooked up to the home.  No injuries were reported. 
 
 
A Cattaraugus County teenager is being held on $5,000 bail for damaging two law enforcement vehicles early Sunday morning....  
 
Sheriff's officers in Little Valley along with Seneca Nation Marshalls, were called to Low Banks Campground in Cold Spring to investigate a large underage party.  On arrival, deputies saw several underage drinkers and began to dispurse kids from the party safely.  Officers say witnesses saw 18 year-old Nicholas Becker become upset after deputies confiscated his large amount of alcohol.  Becker allegedly smashed out the window of a Sheriff's K-9 patrol vehicle with the K-9 inside and, also the window of a Seneca Nation Marshall's vehicle.  The K-9 was not injuried but, Becker faces several charges, including two counts of felony criminal mischief. 
 
 
A federal program designed to help improve educational outcomes for elementary and middle school students were in the spotlight Monday in the Jamestown school district....  
 
Local Congressman Tom Reed was at Love Elementary School to hear more about what the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is doing for local students.   21st Century Grant Program Director Amanda Gesing says they have the program in the Love, Ring, Fletcher, and Bush Elementary Schools, and Jefferson and Washington Middle Schools.
 
Gesing says the nearly $2.9-million Jamestown gets comes mainly from the federal government but, goes to the state which then doles out the funding.  The district is receiving $579,000 each year over a five-year period.  Gesing says the program helps them provide teachers to give more "personal attention" to students who need some extra help after school or during the summer.  She says the teachers specialize in literacy intervention for students considered at-risk of falling behind.  
 
 
The 3rd annual Chautauqua County Farmer-Neighbor Dinner is a week from today (Tuesday, August 14th) at the Grandview in Ellington....  
 
The event is an opportunity for farmers and consumers to enjoy a 'farm to table' dinner of local products.  Several awards will be presented: Agricultural Producer, Friend of Agriculture and a new one, Legacy Producer.  The guest speaker will be Paul Trowbridge, a lifetime farmer from Corfu, New York, and author of the popular column 'From the Tractor Seat.'  Tickets are $20 and can be reserved by calling Deb Kelley at the Soil and Water Conservation District in Jamestown at 664-2351.  The dinner begins with a social hour at 5 p.m., dinner at 6.  The meal will be prepared by Robert Cross of Three C's Catering.  (WJTN's Dennis Webster will emcee the event.) 
 
 
The 500-plus 'I Love NY' highway signs at the center of a spat between Governor Andrew Cuomo and federal transportation officials are going nowhere fast....  
 
The Federal Highway Administration says the signs arrayed in groups along the state's highways have to be removed because they contain too much information and could be distracting.  The Cuomo administration said earlier this year that the signs would come down.  But, to date, no signs have been removed, despite the threat by the federal agency to withhold $14-million in transportation funding if they aren't gone by September 30.  Cuomo's critics say the Democrat wasted taxpayer dollars on the $8-million project.  The governor has said the signs have helped boost the state's $100-billion tourism industry.
 
 
Republican lawmakers in New York will hold hearings into recent decisions by the state parole board to release some high-profile offenders...  
 
The state Senate's GOP majority announced the move Monday.  No dates have been announced.  Lawmakers say the hearings will focus on several parole decisions, including one earlier this year to release 70-year-old Herman Bell, a former Black Liberation Army radical who killed two New York City police officers in 1971.  The hearings will also examine Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo's decision to restore voting rights of thousands of former inmates. 

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 6, 2018

A portion of Allen Street was blocked off to traffic for an emergency demolition due to a structure fire this morning on Allen Street... 
 
Jamestown Fire Battalion Chief Andrew Finson says the call came in shortly before 2 a.m. at 429 Allen Street for a fully-involved three-story property.  Finson says crews went "defensive" because of the volume of flames by setting up two blitz fire monitors and a water tower to extinguish the fire. Chief Salemme ordered the emergency demolition because of the unstability of the structure. Chief Finson says firefighters remained at the scene until 7 a.m., Allen Street has been re-opened. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported. 
 
 
A Lakewood woman is free on bail after allegedly being found to be driving while under the influence of drugs when her car struck two parked vehicles Jamestown's eastside Saturday night...  
 
City police were called to the scene in front of 1065 East Second Street about 9:40 p.m. on a report of a three-car accident.  Officers say they found that the westbound car, driven by 24 year-old Theresa Marsh, crossed two lanes of traffic before hitting two, unoccupied vehicles.  Further investigation showed that she was under the influence of drugs and, police arrested her for driving while ability impaired by drugs, refusal to submit to a chemical test and, failure to keep right.  She was arraigned, then posted bail.
 
 
A Stockton man has been arrested on burglary and drug possession charges after allegedly stealing nearly $400 worth of speakers from the Lakewood Wal-Mart SuperCenter...  
 
Lakewood-Busti Police say they found 25 year-old Jeremy Burke shortly after 9 p.m. last Friday night on Hillcrest Avenue -- in possession of the speakers.  He was also allegedly found with a small amount of an illegal drug.  Burke is accused of destroying some of the stolen property.  He was arrested on charges including third-degree burglary, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and, possession of a hypodermic instrument.  He was arraigned and posted $3,000 bail.
 
 
Three outdoor events Saturday night enjoyed perfect weather, and great crowds.... 
 
In Gerry,  parking places were scarce and the stands were full for the final performance of the 74th year of the rodeo.  Rodeo spokesman, Paul Cooley, said it was the largest crowd they'd seen in years.
 
In Ellington, Mat Pickup, President of the Ellington Town Picnic was 'ecstatic' with the crowd in the town square, saying it had been busy all weekend.  
 
At the same time, the first day of the Babe Ruth World Series was coming to a conclusion at Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park.  Host President, Russ Diethrick, was pleased with the turnout for the first games of the series, and looked forward to good crowds all week long.  The 16 to 18 year-old Babe Ruth World Series runs through Saturday.
 
 
The new National Comedy Center received it's latest artifact that will be going on display sometime in the future, but it was an emotional send-off for legendary comedian and actor Dan Aykroyd...  
 
Aykroyd road the 1971 Harley-Davidson that he road to the NBC Studios when he worked on Saturday Night Live in the 1970s to it's "New Home."  The native of Canada says the bike was also what he road back to Canada late each May after the SNL season was over.
 
Aykroyd got choked up when he said that his mom always "loved the sound" of his Harley pulling into the driveway because she knew he was home safely.  He also gave a number of SNL regulars and writters rides when he worked on the show from 1975-to-1979.  Comedy Center Director Journey Gunderson says they "very much" appreciate the donation.  She says people like Gilda Radner, and Bill Murray road the motorcycle with Aykroyd.  Gunderson says she was able to get Aykroyd to donate the bike two years ago, during a lunch they had in Santa Monica California... that featured some his his own brand of vodka called "Crystal Skull."
 
 
New York's elections board is working out the final details of a new state law requiring more information about groups paying for online political ads...  
 
Lawmakers and Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo approved the new rules earlier this year, but it's now up to election officials to issue the actual regulations.  Cuomo says he wants to see the strongest possible regulations to prevent nefarious groups from using ads and social media to influence elections.  The new law requires the state's Board of Elections to maintain a file of all political ads paid for by any individuals or groups.  It also requires Facebook and other sites to ensure ads aren't being illegally purchased by foreign entities.  The board is expected to create the final regulations this month.
 
 
You can get a replacement license plate at your local Department of Motor Vehicle's office if your's is having a problem with peeling... 
 
That from Chautauqua County Clerk Larry Barmore, who adds they'll be replaced free of charge at any of the county's three DMV offices, including the one on West Third Street in Jamestown.  Barmore says the problem has occured with both older and newer plates.
 
Barmore says the best time to change them out at the DMV is during the mid-morning or mid-afternoon times on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.  He adds that law enforcement agencies say they may ticket a motorist if their car's license plate is unreadable.  
 
 
Fredonia Police are continuing an investigation into an assault that occurred in the village last month...  
 
The victim remains in UPMC Hamot with head trauma.  Police Chief Brad Meyers says the assault occurred during the overnight hours of July 20-21 in the area of 36 Water Street.  The victim, William Hall Jr., with no permanent address, was transported by Fredonia Fire to Brooks Memorial and was later transferred to the Erie based hospital.  Anyone with information about the assault is being encouraged to call Fredonia Police at 679-1531.

WJTN Headlines for Sat., Aug. 4, 2018

Waggoner indicted for second-degree murder in shooting death of Jamestown man...
A city man is now jailed on $1-million bail ($2-million property bond) for allegedly shooting and killing another man during an argument in front of a home on Jamestown's westside.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says the Chautauqua County Grand Jury late this week handed up a second-degree murder indictment against 54 year-old David Waggoner.  Waggoner is accused of shooting 30-year-old William Michishima in the head... and, critically wounding the victim back on Tuesday, July 24.  Michishima later died at UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Waggoner was arraigned in County Court... and, sent back to the county jail.
 
 
Conewango man arrested for sexual assault now indicted for first-degree rape...
A Cattaraugus County man has now been indicted for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at a laundromat on Jamestown's southside back on July 17.  JPD Captain Bob Samuelson says the Chautauqua County Grand Jury handed up the first-degree rape indictment against 33 year-old Dennis Park of Conewango late this week.  Park was originally charged with first-degree sexual assault in connection with the incident at Robo Laundromat at 111 Marion St.  Samuelson says Park was arraigned on the new charge... and, sent to the county jail on $1-million cash bail... $2-million property bond.
 
 
Investigation into serious assault in Fredonia continues...
Fredonia Police are continuing an investigation into an assault that occurred in the village last month.  The victim remains in UPMC Hamot with head trauma.  Police Chief Brad Meyers says the assault occurred during the overnight hours of July 20-21 in the area of 36 Water Street.  The victim, William Hall Jr., with no permanent address, was transported by Fredonia Fire to Brooks Memorial and was later transferred to the Erie based hospital.  Anyone with information about the assault is being encouraged to call Fredonia Police at 679-1531.
 
 
Aykroyd donates motorcycle he road most days to work at SNL to National Comedy Center...
Comedy Legend Dan Aykroyd road his 1971 Harley-Davidson one last time up to the entrance of the National Comedy Center... which will be the motorcycle's new home.  Aykroyd got the motorcycle in his Canadian hometown... and, wound up riding it to and from the NBC Studios when he worked on Saturday Night Live from 1975 to 1979.  With people mobbed around him... he said he gave several noteworthy people rides on the bike... including the late Gilda Radner, Laraine Newman, and Singer Linda Ronstadt.  The coup was pulled off by Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson while she was visiting Aykroyd two years ago in Santa Monica, California... and, they were talking over lunch.  They were enjoying some of his own Crystal Skull Vodka, and martinis at the time.  A few hundred people were on the city's westside last night for the Aykroyd event... prior to the two huge shows by stand-up and actress Amy Schumer at the Northwest Arena.
 
 
BRWS gets underway, 10-games to be aired on WJTN...
We will be doing 10 of the Babe Ruth World Series games on the air here on 101-3 and 1240 AM... WJTN.  We begin tonight with the local Southern Tier All-Stars playing Mid-West Champion -- Charleston, Missouri at 7:30 PM.  We'll have the 7:30 game each night with the local team playing the Southeast Regional winner on Sunday... and, the New England representative on Monday night.  On Tuesday... we'll have the game between Western New York champ Onondaga, and Pacific Northwest Champion Columbia Basin, Washington.  The broadcast schedule is on-line at mediaonegroupradio.com.
 
 
BR Tournament Director says charactor and discipline are big parts of teams...
The Jamestown area is about to be introduced to some fine young men, who play excellent baseball.  That's the assessment of Eugene Reynolds.  He's come to Jamestown from Alexander City, Alabama to be the Tournament Director for the 16 to 18 year old Babe Ruth World Series.  He says "charactor" comes first when the teams are selected to begin tournament play.  Reynolds has been Tournament Director for about a dozen World Series for 16 to 18 year-olds.  He says this level of Babe Ruth can be a real springboard for talented players... with some players making the major leagues in just a few years.  Reynolds complimented the Jamestown Babe Ruth committee for its work over the last year. The series is now underway at Diethrick Park.
 
 
Five-Star Urgent Care, Aspen Dental building opens in Lakewood...
One of New York's fastest growing urgent care providers has opened a second location in the Jamestown-area... along with a new dental office.  Five-Star Urgent Care... and, Aspen Dental... are now open at there new location at 390 East Fairmount Avenue in Lakewood.  Five Star's Regional Physician Assistant Jennilee Foster, says they're excited to now be up and running.  They're open seven-days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.  She says no appiontment is needed... but, adds you can go on-line and save a spot in line.  Just Google Five-Star Urgent Care.  The 6,700 square foot building is about equally shared by Five-Star, and Aspen Dental.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 3, 2018

A Falconer man who allegedly set a dozen fires in Jamestown and Falconer in March of 2017 is now being held in the Chautauqua County Jail after being arraigned in county court on two dozen counts...  
 
Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson says the cases in Pennsylvania involving 20-year-old Jonathan Young have been resolved, allowing him to be sent back to Chautauqua County.
 
Young was serving a sentence in the Butler County Jail in western Pennsylvania.  Swanson says Young was arraigned on a 25-count indictment before County Court Judge David Foley and, was sent to the county jail on one-million dollars cash bail -- $2-million property bond.  The charges in Chautauqua County stem from more than a dozen fires in the Jamestown-area, including a major fire that damaged a half-block commercial area in the Village of Falconer.  
 
 
A Cattaraugus County man faces felony driving while under the influence charges following a traffic stop on the westside of Jamestown early Thursday morning...  
 
City police pulled over a tan Ford sedan at the intersection of Cherry and West 5th Street for multiple infractions and say the driver appeared to be under the influence of drugs.  Later identified as 44 year-old George Keech, he was arrested for driving on a suspended licesnse.  Officers determined Keech was driving while ability impaired by drug through a series of sobriety tests.  He was arrested and jailed pending arraignment. 
 
 
A Silver Creek man had to be treated with Narcan after he was found unresponsive Wednesday afternoon...  
 
Sheriff's deputies were called to 12 Jaekle Avenue in the Village for an unconscious male.  Shortly before 2 p.m., first responders gave the 35 year-old one dose of naloxone for an apparent overdose.  He was then sent to Lakeshore Hospital for further treatment. 
 
 
The Jamestown Jammers quest for a Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League championship begins tonight at Diethrick Park...  
 
However, after last night's home game, the Jammers will have to become "road-warriors" if they're going to win the title.  Last minute efforts to find a compromise with Babe Ruth Baseball over the use of Diethrick Park fell through... and, Jamestown will play game three on Saturday -- if it's needed -- at Geneva.  The city of Jamestown is the park's landlord but, Mayor Sam Teresi says it was up to the two parties to resolve the matter.
 
Teresi made his comments after this past Monday night's City Council meeting.  Since then, the Jammers have informed the league that Diethrick Park will be unavailable once the 16-to-18 year-old World Series begins at Noon Saturday.  Jammers Manager Anthony Barone tells the Jamestown Post-Journal that he thought there was a way to work around the competing schedules but, it didn't happen.  Barone says he and his top-seeded team are viewing these circumstances as a "challenge."
 
 
It came down to the final day, but every player coming to Jamestown for the 16 to 18-year-old Babe Ruth World Series will have a place to call home...  
 
World Series Host Family Chair Kathy McMaster says they got the final family they needed Thursday morning, just in front of the first teams arriving into town.  Finding enough host families was made more difficult this year because the teams in the 16 to 18 year range are allowed to bring more players than the younger divisions.  In addition, McMaster says the host family program is 'new again' since the last series in 2015, which did not use the host family program.  She says some players, this year, will be staying at Jamestown Community College.
 
All the players for the World Series should be in Jamestown by early this morning.  Events begin with a skills competition at 6 PM this evening at Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. Park.  The Babe Ruth parade starts at 9 a.m. Saturday on Third Street.  The baseball games begin at Noon Saturday at the stadium.  
 
 
New York state lawmakers from the region played a pivotal role in helping to secure funding for the new National Comedy Center, which is now open to the public....  
 
Jamestown-area Assemblyman Andy Goodell, and State Senator Cathy Young were on hand for Tuesday's ribbon cutting and, praised the effort to make the center a reality.  Goodell says it will be a "phenominal international attraction."
 
Young says that state funding totalled just over $16-million a lot of that being what's called "bridge funding" that was used to leverage private investment in the $50-million project.  Young says the state ended up being the biggest funder of the project because they "believed in the project."  Both Young and Goodell, along with others, noted the Comedy Center will be a significant employer, with some 32 full-time equivalent jobs being created, along with about 180 spin-off jobs in the area.  Governor Andrew Cuomo was on hand for Tuesday's festivities and, helped cut the ribbon on the new facility.
 
 
Volunteers from the community are an essential part of the success of the annual Lucy Comedy Festival and the ongoing work of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown...  
 
Cindy Aronson, a member of the Comedy Center board of directors, has been recruiting volunteers for seven comedy festivals.  She says 370 community residents have stepped up to help this week.
 
With the Comedy Center now open, there's a new, ongoing need for additional helpers.  Anyone interested can apply through the Comedy Center website.  The commitment is a minimum of four hours a month.  As for Wednesday's opening of the center, Cindy Aronson said "We have arrived. 'Team Jamestown' made it."
 
 
The Jamestown area is about to be introduced to some fine young men, who play excellent baseball...  
 
That's the assessment of Eugene Reynolds.  He's come to Jamestown from Alexander City, Alabama to be the Tournament Director for the 16 to 18 year old Babe Ruth World Series.
 
Reynolds has been Tournament Director for about a dozen World Series for 16 to 18 year-olds.  He says this level of Babe Ruth can be a real springboard for talented players.  Reynolds complimented the Jamestown Babe Ruth committee for its work over the last year getting ready for the games that start at noon Saturday at Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park.  
 
 
A New York judge has rejected a lawsuit brought against Fox News by the parents of a Democratic National Committee employee killed in 2016...  
 
The judge said Thursday he understood Seth Rich's parents might feel his death was exploited for political purposes.  But he says the lawsuit lacked specific instances of wrongdoing necessary to proceed to trial.  A lawyer says the parents are disappointed and will appeal.  Joel and Mary Rich claimed Fox News turned Seth's death into a "political football" by claiming he had leaked DNC emails to Wikileaks during the presidential campaign.  Rich was killed in what Washington police believe was a random robbery attempt.  U.S. District Judge George Daniels also dismissed a related suit by a private investigator.

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 2, 2018

What was little more than a "pipe dream" several years ago became reality Wednesay morning in downtown Jamestown with the official opening of the National Comedy Center....  
 
An excited Comedy Center Director Journey Gunderson greeted a full-house in the "Holigram Room" to begin the program.  Gunderson expressed several emotions she felt, from excitement to relief.
 
Gunderson says the center at 203 West Second Street began to take shape shortly after she was hired in 2011 and, says the center has gotten the reaction she and the board had hoped for from the comedians, to the general public.  Governor Cuomo took a personal interest in the Comedy Center... noting that it has the potential to be an economic "game-changer" for the region.  Cuomo adds that the comedy center fullfills the dream of the late Lucille Ball for her hometown to someday host a center that celebrates the history and art of comedy.  He also commended Journey Gunderson and Comedy Center Board Chairman Tom Benson for fullfilling Lucille Ball's dream. 
 
 
A number of elected officials from across the region and state were on hand for Wednesday morning's grand opening of the National Comedy Center, while others spoke from afar...  
 
Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi was one of Wednesday's speakers and, said he's "very proud, relieved... and, exhausted" that the long-time effort has come to fruition.  Teresi quoted a good friend who once said there's "a thousand reasons why something doesn't happen but, only one why it happens..."
 
Teresi expressed his appreciation to all the people who helped to make the Comedy Center a reality, including Director Journey Gunderson and Chairman Tom Benson and, the unwavering support of Governor Cuomo.  Local Congressman Tom Reed had business elsewhere in the 23rd District but, was represented at the ribbon-cutting.  Reed calls it a "great day" for Jamestown, and the region.  Reed says a resolution he has introduced making the National Comedy Center the official center of comedy in the United States should be acted on by the full Congress.
 
 
It's going to be a very busy 11 days in the immediate Jamestown-area with upwards of 30,000 visitors expected here for four major events of national scope taking place...  
 
The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation has developed an "Ambassador" program for businesses in the downtown area to help direct people to local venues, restaurants, and parking.  Marketing and Events Manager Zach Agatt says it augments "wayfinding" signage recently put in place.
 
The downtown area started getting busy about mid-morning Wednesday, around the opening of the Comedy Center.  The city has also put up several of the "wayfinding" signs along downtown streets to guide visitors to the comedy center, the Luci-Desi Museum, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts and, others. 
 
 
A Jamestown man was arraigned on numerous charges after leading police on a vehicle pursuit in the Town of Busti Tuesday night...  
 
Lakewood-Busti Police say officers pulled over a speeding vehicle on Hunt Road shortly before 11:30.  Upon speaking with the driver, 45 year-old Anthony Charles, officers say Charles allegedly put the car in drive and took off after drugs were found inside.  While in pursuit, police saw him throw drugs from the driver-side window, before pulling him over for a second time.  A large amount of marijuana was recovered before Charles was taken into custody.  He is being held in the county jail on $50,000 bail and will appear in Busti Town Court at a later date. 
 
 
The 74th annual Gerry Rodeo got underway last night, but if you didn't make it, you still have plenty of opportunity to see the performances...  
 
One of the high-lights is even before the rodeo begins at 8p.m.---their famous beef barbecue dinners are served starting at 5:00 at the dining hall next to the arena.  Rodeo Spokesman Paul Cooley says they barbecue about 1,100 pounds of beef each day before it's served.
 
Cooley says they serve potatoes, salad, rolls, and a beverage with each dinner and, you also get ice cream with it.  He says some of the women from the Gerry Fire Department Auxillary and others help out in cutting the potatoes, and performing other duties for that day.  The show and dinner combo packages are $24 for adults and $14 for children, while just the rodeo shows are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $9 for kids.  The rodeo runs each night through Saturday.  For more information, call 985-4847.
 
 
A Lakewood woman was arrested on false personation charges in the city of Jamestown Tuesday evening.... 
 
Jamestown police were called to Hazel Avenue around 8 p.m. for a suspicious person lying in middle of the street. On arrival, officers found 43 year-old Marla Mitchell sitting in the roadway. Mitchell is accused of lying about her true identity and giving a false name. While atttempting to place her into custody, she began to resist arrest. Mitchell was eventually taken into custody without further incident and is being held in city jail pending arraignment. 
 
 
New York state is moving to prevent health insurers from raising premiums because of the repeal of a federal requirement for most people to carry insurance or pay fines...  
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the move during a speech earlier this week at a Manhattan hospital.  The Democrat said he will direct state regulators to reject any proposed rate hikes from insurance companies that cite the repeal of the individual mandate as justification.  There's no immediate response from insurers.  The Affordable Care Act's individual mandate required most Americans to have insurance or face fines.
 
 
Authorities say they've seized 37-pounds of cocaine and more than $660,000 dollars in cash and charged three men after an investigation in western New York...  
 
The U.S. Attorney's Office says the Erie County Sheriff's Office started the investigation after stopping a tractor-trailer with Alabama plates outside Buffalo last month.  Federal prosecutors say officers observed three men involved in a drug deal five days later in West Seneca and arrested two Alabama men, ages 22 and 41, and a 41-year-old Buffalo man.  Police say they seized 17 individually packaged pressed powder bricks of cocaine and $664,000 dollars in cash in 52 shrink-wrapped and taped bundles.  Authorities say all three men are being detained.

WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 1, 2018

The opening of the new National Comedy Center is just a few hours away and, final touches were being made on the finished product Tuesday.... 
 
Thousands of hours of work has gone into the new center, which celebrates the art of comedy in all it's forms.  Comedy Center Director Journey Gunderson has recently been working with 'short-sleep' in getting ready for the opening, but adds they're ready.
 
In addition to the construction and exhibit crews, the National Comedy Center will be a job producer for Jamestown.  Gunderson says they'll have 32 Full-time equivalent permanent jobs and, should also spin-off another 183 jobs.  U-S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was in town to announce added funding for the federal Historic Preservation program in 2019.  It's a program the Comedy Center has taken advantage of.  The comedy center -- located on West Second Street -- will open to the public at 9 this morning.  For more information, go online to comedycenter.org.
 
 
The city of Jamestown is sure in for a treat as the new, National Comedy Center gears up to open it's doors to the public this morning....  
 
That from critically-acclaimed Westwood-One talk-show host Jim Bohannon of the "Jim Bohannon Show" and, "America in the Morning."  Bohannon -- who made his comments during our Dennis Webster Show Tuesday morning -- says 'it's about time' for an institution dedicated to comedy.
 
Bohannon hopes the Comedy Center will be a big draw to Jamestown, but he also hopes it will help preserve historic comedy, such as Vaudeville.  In additional to our local broadcasts and, regional coverage, the Associated Press has ranked the opening of the National Comedy Center as one of the top 10 stories receiving coverage this week.
 
 
Two people were hurt when a car collided with a truck at the four-corners in Blockville late Tuesday morning...  
 
Chautauqua County police dispatchers say the accident occured at the intersection of Route 474 and Cherry Hill Road in the town of Harmony about 11:15.  Dispatchers say the intersection was closed a short while and, traffic in that area of Route 474 was down for one-lane for a while.  Neither person was identified.  Both were taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment.
 
 
A city man is jailed for second-degree assault after allegedly stabbing a woman during a domestic incident on Jamestown's westside Monday morning...  
 
City police say they were called to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital about 9:30 a.m. on a report of a stabbing victim in the emergency room.  After talking with the victim, they went to the scene at 35 West 12th Street and, arrested 65 year-old Lonnie Fields.  Field's was arraigned, and sent to the county jail in lieu of bail.
 
 
The Jamestown City Council will learn more about the three people who have now applied to fill a vacant constables position in the city to help perform evictions for landlords next month...  
 
That from Mayor Sam Teresi near the end of Monday night's City Council voting session, where he told lawmakers he had received two more applications over the past month.  Teresi says his staff is now reviewing, and will do background checks on those three -- and any others that come to him.
 
Area resident Dan Hill had applied for the position some time ago, but Teresi said last month that they were still trying to pin down Hill's residency.  Since then, two more applications came in.  City landlord Harold Whitford, from Frewsburg, urged lawmakers to fill the vacant constable's position because the Sheriff's Department doesn't have the officers to deal with all the evictions that need to be performed.  Hill's mother currently holds one of the constable positions, but has said she would like to retire in the near future. 
 
 
A north county man was arrested for vandalizing property at a residence in Kennedy last weekend... 
 
State Police in Jamestown say an unknown victim advised Troopers that he saw the suspect allegedly punch the door to his residence, shattering the glass. Later identified as 30 year-old Steven Rice of Dunkirk, Troopers say the caller then saw him breaking and entering into his neighbor's pole barn. On arrival, Troopers placed Rice under arrest. Investigation revealed Rice threw multiple items around the barn, causing damage. He was transported to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital in Jamestown to be treated for hand injuries from striking the door. Once released, he was arraigned in Ellicott Court and sent to the County Jail. 
 
 
Food stamp recipients will be able to use their benefits at farmers' markets across New York state under an agreement the state and the Farmers Market Federation have reached with a mobile application vendor...  
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo wrote to federal officials earlier this month urging them to renew a policy allowing food stamp recipients to use their benefits at local farmers' markets.  The Democrat took the action after the federal government notified the state that food stamp benefits could no longer be used at farmers' markets because of a technology change. 

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